Various Therapies used to build Self-Esteem

There are five basic approaches therapist use to help build self-esteem in patients. The most effective approach is a combination of these five styles. The five varying approaches used are:

COGNITIVE APPROACH-This approach places the emphasis on developing positive mental attitudes, helping students to think about their feelings, and adopt healthier ways of interpreting or relating to the events that occur in their lives.

BEHAVIORAL APPROACH-This approach endeavors to develop specific functional behaviors in students so that they can display behaviors that command greater respect from others and self-esteem in themselves. Such behaviors may relate to voice control, posture, eye contact, or expression of feelings.

EXPERIENTIAL APPROACH-This approach is perhaps the most common among the programs published. It provides positive experiences for students to build up feelings of self-respect and self-esteem. Most of the activities rely on external sources of feedback and reinforcement.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT APPROACH-There are a number of programs that aim to build self-esteem by improving the functional communication skills, decision making skills, or social skills of students. They base their programs on the concept that unless students actually function at a higher level, they are unable to sustain positive feelings about themselves.

ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH-This approach is a more holistic approach that structures the environment and the activities students engage in to develop particular attitudes and skills that lead to self-esteem. It tends to address such aspects as discipline, social activities, goal setting, responsibility, and how adults interact with students.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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More ways to build Self Esteem

Make a habit to be on time for functions.

Show respect for others. The return respect will help build self-esteem.

Do not cheat, steal, or deceive, or lie to others.

Maintain proper grooming at all times.

Turn your negative thoughts to 10 positive thoughts.

Keep a clean conscience.

Take responsibility for your actions and choices.

Appreciate the good things in your life daily.

Share your knowledge about things in your life with others who wish to know.

Do what you enjoy.

Keep your word.

All of these tips change the way you will feel about yourself and how others perceive you. You can build self-esteem from within, but how others react to you also plays a role in ones self-esteem. Showing positivity brings positivity, which is a great way to build self-esteem.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Fax: 800.401.8464
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Signs you may have Low Self Esteem

You think about yourself a lot and are constantly analyzing why you are the way you are.

Your stress over adversity.

You may be alienated from parents, caregivers, and/or authority figures due to your choice or theirs.

Smiles don’t come easy for you.

You have more negative thoughts and a hopeless view of yourself and/or others around you.

You are excessively tired and it takes a lot to get you motivated to do even simple task.

You have a hard time meeting your goals.

You isolate yourself from others.

Avoid situations that are new to you or where you have to meet new people.

You have a hard time making and keeping friends.

You avoid eye contact.

You avoid intimacy and affection.

Can be needy and clingy.

Fake intimacy and affection when needy.

You do not take risks.

Create your own negativity.

Can be anti social and even violent.

Self negative talk.

Habit of lying.

Failure to keep your word.

Have a hard time forgiving yourself and others.

Lack empathy, compassion, and remorse.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
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Self Esteem Boosters

These tips are great for anyone in how to boost your self esteem.

1. Use Affirmations: A while back I posted a couple clogs about affirmations. Affirmations are statements you can repeat to yourself to help boost your self-esteem. They generally begin with the word “I”. Post affirmations throughout your home and in easily accessible areas so you can reflect on them through out your day. Repeat the affirmation(s) several times during the day, especially at night before going to bed and after getting up in the morning and allow yourself to experience the positive feeling of the statement.

2. Positive, supportive people: Who you surround yourself with will effect your outlook on life. If you are around negative people all the time, especially those who constantly put you down will without doubt, lower your self-esteem. When you are surrounded by positivity, your outlook on life will reflect that.

3. Positivity List: Make a list of things you have successfully accomplished. It doesn’t matter hoe big or little the success was, only that the success made you feel good. This list will be your own personal brag list, just for you. Review your list often and be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how big or small and pat yourself on the back.. Add to it as you continue to make successes throughout your life.

4. Don’t Compare: In life there is always going to be someone that has it better, looks better, has a better job, etc. Stop comparing yourself to these people. Some people think that by doing this it gives one motivation to do better. Not true. More time than not it just makes a person feel bad. Not everyone has the same circumstances, however we all have our own dreams and those are the only things that matter; not keeping up with the “Jones’s”. Shoot for your dreams, and be happy with who you are from the inside, not the outside.

5. Personal Put Downs: Don’t do it… under any circumstance! You can’t keep beating yourself up and expect your self-esteem to be healthy.

Give your thoughts and ideas on ways to boost self-esteem.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Fax: 800.401.8464
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The role Self Esteem plays in Addiction

Many people who have either abused drugs or have become an addict have battled at one time or another a low self esteem. But what exactly is self esteem. Some think that self-esteem merely means feeling good or having positive thoughts about oneself. Yes, that is part of it, but not all of it.

Self Esteem is the experience of being capable of meeting life’s challenges and being worthy of happiness.

The worthiness component of self-esteem is tied to whether or not a person lives up to certain basic human values, such as finding meanings that foster human growth and making commitments to them in a way that leads to a sense of integrity and satisfaction. The competence is having the conviction that one is generally capable of producing desired results, and making appropriate choices and decisions.

A close relationship has been documented between low self-esteem and such problems as violence, alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorders, school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, suicide, and low academic achievement. When a person with a low or defensive self-esteem lacks the confidence in themselves, they can often turn to drugs or alcohol to get an artificial sense of confidence. They may even frequently blame others for their shortcomings and even abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol rather than take responsibility for their actions. This is why educating and building self-esteem is a critical component of any program aimed at self-improvement or any rehabilitation program.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Fax: 800.401.8464
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Pets during Recovery

How many people in recovery have discovered that having a pet can greatly help keep them from rseelap? I am going to guess that the percentage is high. Pets love unconditionally yet they do still require a certain level of commitment from their master. They require to be fed and tended to on a regular basis, things that are great for someone in recovery.

It is a known fact that even just petting a dog or a cat can calm someone or make a person feel far less lonely. These things help reduce triggers for a person in recovery. Do you own a pet and are in recovery? How has your pet improved your recovery? What type of pet do you have? Please share your experience with owning a pet while working your recovery.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Fax: 800.401.8464
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25 Natural Mood Lifters

Poor moods can be dangerous for a person in recovery. One of the reasons many addicts began using drugs or alcohol was to elevate bad moods/feelings. When a bad mood hits you need an arsenal of ways to cheer yourself up naturally instead of relapsing. Here are 25 natural ways to lift a bad mood.

1. Post inspiring quotes and uplifting jokes around your home just for those days. 2. Call a friend. Ask them to tell you something funny or catch a cup of coffee with them somewhere.
3. Think positive thoughts. Remind yourself that nothing can be as bad as where you once were.
4. Drink two glasses of water. Dehydration can bring on poor moods.
5. Make fake smiles in the mirror until you can’t help but laugh at yourself.
6. Read an uplifting devotional or meditation.
7. Close your eyes for a few minutes.
8. Call your mom or other family member you feel close to and tell them you love them. You would be surprised by how much redirecting your thoughts off your mood and onto another person you love can help.
9. Look through old scrapbooks or personal journals.
10. Go outside. A few minutes of fresh air can do wonders for your mood.
11. Exercise; go for a very quick jog, do some jumping jacks, anything, just get up moving and get the blood pumping.
12. Keep a gratitude journal, in which you write down things that you are thankful for. This is a great way to start and end each day. For a quick "pick-me-up," write as many gratitude’s as you can in one minute. Don't think; just write.
13. Make something. Use your creative mind, and create something.
14. What is your biggest goal (or your biggest problem)? Do one thing that will contribute to its completion (or its solution.)
15. Keep a running list of things you enjoy doing. This sounds funny, but sometimes, when we're in a funk, we can't think of anything. Do something that you enjoy doing, just for the sake of doing it.
16. Fix something. If you are not real handy, make it something simple, just so you can say you accomplished it..
17. Eat something healthy and fresh. Mood swings can come upon a person due to low blood sugar so keep fresh fruit and/or veges in your frig for a quick pick me up!
18. Buy or plant some flowers.
19. Pour a cup of hot cocoa or a cup of coffee and read a favorite magazine or book for a few minutes.
20. Make a to do list. Nothing that has to be done that instant, but thiongs you would like to accomplish. More than likely you will find something on that lisyt you will want to accomplish. IN doing so it takes your mind off your funk and puts you in a better mood when you can cross it off your list.
21. Crank on the tunes! Put on some upbeat music and make yourself dance!
22. Write down what's bothering you, as quickly as you can without stopping to think about it too much as you write. You can achieve clarity from this exercise and possibly find a solution to the problem that is bring your mood down.
23. Cheer someone else up!
24. De-clutter a part of your home or office.
25. Set a new goal. Having a new direction can direct your mind away from the mood and bring on a sense of excitement.

Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. And by plenty of rest, I do not mean, sleep all day. I am meaning a regular sleep pattern where you are getting ample sleep daily. It is alright to have a bad day now and again. It is normal. But don’t let your bad day risk your recovery. Do something to regain a better mood and out look if you are feeling weak.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
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Effective Way to Overcome Negative Emotional Patterns

If you find yourself having dramatic mood shifts but are no bi polar there are ways of charting the moods to help shift the pattern. Some days you may feel cheerful and ready to tackle the world, other days you may just want to crawl under your covers and hide from the world. Sometimes even journal writing and other methods commonly used to lift ones spirits don’t work to shift your mood to a more positive one. By tracking your moods for a month, you may see an emotional pattern to your difficulties.

Use any calendar and mark your moods daily. After a month of charting your moods, look for a pattern. For example if you see that every Wednesday or 3 out of 4 Wednesday of the month you are always in a bad mood, ask yourself what happens or happened on those Wednesdays to throw you off. Maybe it is a particular work assignment you don’t do any other day of the week, staff meeting day, pressure of deadlines. Then look at the days that you are in a good mood. Ask yourself what was different on those days. On the bad mood days, change up your pattern some. Make sure to add something to your day that is enjoyable or something you can look forward to. Maybe it is making the bad day your night out to eat with friends or to catch a movie, or treat yourself to a special lunch. It can be as simple as on your typical bad days you make a point to pamper yourself with a nice relaxing bath, hair and nail day, exercise, work on a project you enjoy, etc.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
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Realistic Relationship

Relationships can be like a drug. Have you heard the term serial dater? It is a person who will date someone for a few weeks during the happy go lucky feel good time when adrenaline is at a high and then as soon as the adrenaline rush starts to dim, boom – the relationship is ended and a new one begins. They do this to get the high feeling that new relationships bring. It is a form of addiction.

Realistically relationships have their ups and downs. It is the commitment to work through the bad that makes a relationship strong. Yes, in the beginning a relationship is fun and exciting full of first and new things and feelings. However, as a relationship ages, those feelings do dim. It may go through stages of highs and lows depending on what is going on around each individual. They can be painful and they can be exhilarating. A stable relation will have highs and low, with the highest percentage of it being just even toned where each partner is happy and comfortable with the other. You will bicker over laundry duties or other insignificant things, and argue over bigger things. You will work out duty details and through disagreements. There can be many things that bring your relationship to those exhilarating moments and just as many things that can bring it to a low. As long as your relationship isn’t like a roller-coaster out of control, you probably have a fairly healthy if not healthy relationship.

However, if it is full of constant battles that repeat regardless of makeup’s you are swimming in troubled waters. One of the biggest obstacles in recovery is placing unrealistic expectations on ones self, others and relationships. It is easy to become carried away with romantic fantasy of the future with a new relationship but when they do not pan out, the hurt hits and your recovery can be in jeopardy if you do not know how to work through it or have people to talk to during the difficult time. It is true relationships can add happiness to ones life, but in order for this to happen, you already have to be happy with where your life is at. You cannot expect a relationship to take you out of a slump. It may for a minute but only because it is new. Once the newness wears off, the slump will return. Relationships remain healthy because both parties are committed to keeping it healthy and happy. It is a dual effort and work.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
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Staying in an Unhealthy Relationship in Treatment and Recovery.

Many people in treatment may find out that the person they were involved during their time of use was not healthy and will break off that relationship. That is a positive move in recovery. However, some, even knowing the relationship was not a healthy one may hang on to the relationship. Some do so because they fear they will not find another, others do thinking that after treatment the relationship will change. If the partner also used or is still currently using, they may think that their recovery will encourage the other to seek treatment and they will live happily ever after in recovery. In some cases this does happen, however, if they do not reach out while you are still in treatment for their own treatment, going back to that situation is only a huge danger zone to your recovery. It simply isn’t worth the risk. Some stay out of fear of being lonely. While in treatment, you should discuss these things with your therapist. Make sure, if you are staying in a relationship that could jeopardize your treatment that it is seriously worth the risk.

The dynamics of your relationship prior to recovery plays a huge role in what is or was a healthy relationship. Just because your partner was clean of drugs and alcohol abuse or addiction while you were the sole user doesn’t always mean it is a healthy relationship. The person is more than likely co-dependent and in the very least should see counseling to learn how to live with a person in recovery, visit their possible co-dependency, and deal with that.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
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Commitment

Think about the word commitment for a minute. What does it mean to you? For people in recovery it means committing to not use for the next minute, day, week, month, to year. It is being revisited at all times. Is it impossible to have more than one commitment in recovery? No, its not. However early in recovery it is wise to keep your serious commitment levels manageable beings your commitment to staying clean and sober will be a challenging one. Adding a new relationship commitment during the early stages of recovery could threaten your sobriety.

Relationships are tricky and when they are new, fresh, and exciting they can be the perfect motivation to stay clean. However, when the newness wears out, and the honeymoon is over, those relationships can put a serious strain on new sobriety.

So how does one know when it is safe to step into the dating arena when in recovery? Honestly, only you know when you are ready but a good rule of thumb is, if you were not already in a ongoing relationship prior to entering treatment, give yourself a good year in recovery before considering adding more to your plate.

When you do step out into the dating arena, take things slow. Be honest with your recovery and if the person cares about you at all, they will be sincere in their efforts to support you in your recovery and not expect you to enter into situations that could jeopardize it. If the person you are dating expects you to attend a function or enter into a situation that would be unhealthy for your recovery or is trigger heavy with the debate that you should be able to handle it, they are genuinely concerned about your sobriety and are only concerned about their own good time.

However, at the same time if you meet someone who you do click with, who is supportive, and you feel a strong connection with, do not be afraid to make a commitment if it gets to that level. Keep in mind, communication will be very important, to both of you. If you do not have a open communication base, or feel uncomfortable talking about your feelings and thoughts with this person, reconsider the relationship or talk to a therapist in regards to opening the lines of communication with your partner. Many who used drugs and alcohol have done so to hide feelings rather than express them. If you have difficulty with this, wait before entering any serious committed relationship until you are comfortable talking about not only the good feelings that come in a relationship, but the bad as well.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
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Leanna’s Story

This Friday I want to leave you with the life story of a young woman and her battle with addiction. This is all in her words, nothing altered, as I felt her story was a powerful one as it was, told straight from her. Thank you again Leanna for sharing your story with everyone. For you readers, if you find yourself in this story, I pray it gives you the strength to take the steps to a better tomorrow because you can beat your addiction. Do not let it beat you.

“Just a typical 21 year old going to the clubs and partying. That's how it all began. It seemed like I was always the friend who ended up drunk, making a fool of myself dancing on the bar...hooking up with strangers...losing my friends...not remembering the next morning. This was normal right?

I was introduced to GHB and I thought I went to heaven. Just a lil capful and I no longer needed to load up on drinks to get that buzz I craved. Saved money on drinks...no hangover. Just a lil more than a capful and I found myself in the alley outside the club not knowing how I got there. Or waking up in my smashed car on the middle of the highway from G'ing out.

Through some X in the mix......now I've totally lost my mind....but I feel really good. Like I'm in my body but outside my body. I thought this brought me closer to God and my senses were heightened beyond belief. What is real...what is fake?

On top of all this why not throw in some coke when the roll started to wear off....and another cap...and some nitrous. Why not. Everyone does this right?
This lasted for a few years of intense weekend partying all while I was attending professional school to get what else....a doctorate in Pharmacy of all things. I managed to achieve that goal...barely...while doing bumps in between classes to stay awake and focus.

Landed a successful job in pharmacy....here I was introduced to Vicodin......all the Vicodin I wanted at my fingertips. Recipe for disaster. At this time in my life I was using GHB 24/7. I needed a cap to wake up (the best buzz of my day)...a cap roughly each hour to ward off anxiety....an extra cap to knock myself out at night only to get about 3 hours of "sleep"...only to wake back up and start the cycle again. Tough laws were passed banning GHB...I was getting it online or finding people who were making it. They could no longer get the ingredients...and I was SOL. Had to quit cold turkey.

The hallucinations and anxiety from the withdrawal were severe. I dissociated from myself. I felt like I was going crazy and was seeing and hearing things that weren't there. So I started drinking to fight off the anxiety. I had to drink myself into a blackout to get any relief. So here is where my chronic alcoholism began.

This continued for a few years. Drinking became a 24/7 activity now. I ended up losing my license to practice pharmacy because I turned into a sloppy drunk who was writing out my own prescriptions for narcotics. I lost my marriage, my job, but worst of all my self-respect. All the things I valued so much. Gone.

Turning point came last April. I let myself go to the point of not showering, my hair was knotted to my scalp, and I gave up eating. Mind you....I'm the type of person who takes great pride in my appearance. I looked like the walking dead...all 90 pounds of me. All I did was drink...all day...til I ended up in the ICU for 2 alcoholic seizures. They said my organs were failing and asked my mom if she really wanted to see me in the condition I was brought in. This was my absolute worst bottom.

9 days later I was released and started an intensive outpatient program. I was forced to look at myself...all the traumas in my life...who was I really? What was I hiding from?.....I learned that I was using these substances because I couldn't face the person looking at me in the mirror.

I hated AA in the beginning and didn't get it at all. Why the hell are these people talking about God. I just wanna stop drinking and using!!! God doesn't care about me.....or I wouldn't be here in these rooms with these freaks. I kept going to meetings. Suit up and show up! Bring the body...the mind will follow. WTH!!!!!

A few weeks of meetings and I started to understand. A little. This program is gonna teach me how to live without using. Cool cuz I never tried that before. Once I completely surrendered and stopped half-measuring the program I started to get "it". I started getting to know people in the meetings, hangin out with them and I slowly realized....I could do this! Sweet.

God brought me to AA and AA brought me to God. I've been clean and sober for a little over a year and my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for the simplest things in life. I have learned to love myself....to recognize my defects...to forgive...to pray...and to just do the next right thing.

AA saved my life. Sure I lost all the material things and my 6 figure job.....but I've never been this at peace with myself. Miracles happen every day these days. And helping another addict lets me keep what I have. I love recovery. “


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
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Dealing with Bi-Polar

Bipolar is a long-term illness, one that cannot be cured. However, even though episodes of mania and depression naturally come and go, it is important to understand that by staying on treatment, even during well times, can help keep the disease under control and reduce the chance of having recurrent, worsening episodes. With someone who is being effectively treated for bi-polar who is in recovery, stopping treatment for the disease can lead to a relapse of the addiction.

Anyone with bipolar disorder should be under the care of a psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatric social workers, can assist in providing the person and family with additional approaches to treatment. Staying firm with your recovery and having a strong support system will also help with mania episodes and decrease the risks of relapse. It is important that those who are in your inner most support circle know of your diagnosis of bipolar so they can educate themselves to be better able to help you if you do experience any manic mood swings and encourage you to check with your doctor to see if your medications need altering.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Psychosocial Treatments for Bi-polar

As an addition to medication, psychosocial treatments –including certain forms of psychotherapy (or “talk” therapy) –are helpful in providing support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families. Studies have shown that psychosocial interventions can lead to increased mood stability, fewer hospitalizations, and improved patient functioning. It is also very effective when a person is suffering from bi-polar as well as fighting an addiction.

Psychosocial interventions commonly used for bipolar disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-education, family therapy, and a newer technique, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people with bipolar disorder learn to change inappropriate or negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the illness. Family therapy uses strategies to reduce the level of distress within the family that may either contribute to or result from the ill person’s symptoms. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy helps to improve interpersonal relationships and to regularize their daily routines.

In some situations where medication and psychosocial treatment prove ineffective or work too slowly to relieve severe symptoms, electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered. However, the potential benefits and risks should be carefully reviewed with the attending psychiatrist.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Medications for Bi-Polar

Bi-Polar can be treated effectively with medication. There are several different types of medication can be prescribed by your doctor if you have Bi-Polar. These mood stabilizing medications help control bipolar disorder. Along with medication, it is highly recommended that a person with bi-polar seek treatment with a psychiatrist as well. In a drug addiction program when dealing with a dual diagnosis, one being bi-polar, the treatment facility will enlist psychiatric care for the client as well for the best recovery.

Most bipolar patients will be prescribed antidepressants. Some individuals will need them on a regular maintenance schedule where others may only need them occasionally. This is variant upon the degree of bi-polar one has. When a person with a bi-polar diagnosis is taking an antidepressant, a psychiatrist or doctor will follow the effects closely.

Lithium, the first mood-stabilizing medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of mania, is often effective in controlling mania and preventing the recurrence of both manic and depressive episodes.
Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder generally are treated with lithium; however, researchers are evaluating the safety and efficacy of these and other psychotropic medications in children and adolescents. Anti-convulsant medications also can have mood-stabilizing effects and may be especially useful for difficult to treat bipolar episodes. Bipolar is an illness that can only be treated, not cured. Medications needed to control the mood swings may have to be altered several times throughout ones lifetime, but on proper medication a person with bi-polar can lead a fully active and normal life.

If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Most people with bipolar disorder-even those with the most severe forms-can achieve significant results with proper treatment. Mood swings and the related symptoms that accompany bipolar can be greatly stabilized. However, it is an ongoing illness, which requires long-term preventative care. The most effective strategy for treating bipolar combines medication and psychosocial treatment.

The hardest obstacle in treating people with bipolar is gaining their trust. Many people are in denial that they have a mental illness. By admitting they have bipolar disorder, many feel it makes them appear less than normal and out casted. Paranoia plays a role in this to some degree. People with bipolar have a tendency to be suspicious of people, they don’t trust people’s motives, and they feel persecuted. They may even act grandiose. They lack insight to the illness and therefore cannot tell that their personality has changed. They believe there is nothing wrong with them and the problems others have with their behaviors are not their problem.

In most cases, bipolar disorder is much better controlled if treatment is continuous than if it is on and off. But even when there are no breaks in treatment, mood changes can occur and should be reported immediately to the doctor. Working closely with the psychiatrist and communicating openly about treatment concerns and options can make all the difference in treatment effectiveness.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Mother’s Day Weekend.

Mother’s Day will be here May 9th and for those of you who are struggling with an addiction, Mother’s Day could be a great time to reach out and get the extra help or support you need to take that step towards embracing a new way of life.

Mother’s bring life into the world. Mother’s Day makes for a great sobriety anniversary. Not only would it be a tribute to your mother, but mothers everywhere who are struggling with a loved one who is battling an addiction.

There are many types of mothers in the world. Just because a woman brought you into this world doesn’t necessarily mean she was the one who nurtured you. Many people struggling with addiction find holidays such as Mother’s Day difficult, especially if there in no bond between the child and mom. Sadly, this is often the reality in many addicts life. However, think of a woman who played or tried to play an active nurturing role in your life. You may have pushed them away due to your addiction, but it doesn’t mean that their actions and feelings where not heart felt when they did reach out to help you. Sunday May 9th is that day you can touch back that person that touched you, even if it was only in passing, or if it is the woman who gave birth to you and nurtured you, and loves you, even at your worse with your addiction. Mother’s Day is a great day to seek treatment, to get a new start, like a rebirth for yourself and the loved ones in your life.

Think seriously about paying the grandest tribute you could to a mother in your life and make a call to A Better Tomorrow and begin your path of recovery.

To all you Mother's out there.. Have a beautiful, wonderful, and special Mother's Day!!


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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What Is The Course Of Bipolar Disorder?

Mania and depression episodes are generally reoccurring throughout the lifetime of a person with bipolar with symptom free spells in between. However, approximately 1/3% of people inflicted with bipolar will have some residual symptoms and even a smaller percentage, even with treatment will experience chronic, unremitting symptoms.

Manic and depressive episodes can fluctuate between multiple episodes within a single week or even within a single day to nothing for several months. When properly treated, people with bipolar disorder can lead healthy and productive lives however without treatment the natural course of bipolar disorder worsens overtime with more frequent and more severe manic and depressive episodes.

Bipolar doesn’t play favorites. Men do not fall pray to this illness more than women and visa versa. It does not favor the rich over the poor, the well educate over the high school drop out. Although family genetics and history plays a role in one becoming afflicted with bi polar, it can also strike an individual with no history. There is no rhyme or reason, but it does not need to destroy your life. It can be treated effectively. Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol is not the answers nor will it help the mood swings. Seek treatment from a mental health provider or a physician. If you have already been self-medicating and think you may have bipolar, seek help. It can be treated and you can be on the road to a better tomorrow.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Bipolar Disorder and its Connection with Drug/Alcohol Addiction

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, ad ability to function. It is different that the normal ups and downs one has in their lives. The degrees of the fluctuating swings are far more severe. People with bipolar, left untreated can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performances, and even suicide. Treated, a person with bipolar can lead a full and productive life.

Bipolar is nothing new n today’s society. Currently there are more than 2 million American adults 18 and above that have bipolar. Bipolar typically presents in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, it has been known to present in children as young as two years of age. In the early stages of bipolar, it is often misdiagnosed leaving people to suffer for years. Bipolar is a long-term illness, so if not properly diagnosed and proper treatment received, a person with bipolar may try to self medicate not even aware of what they are medicating.

Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes the desire and will to live. It is an illness that is biological in its origins, yet one that feels psychological in the experience of it; an illness that is unique in conferring advantage and pleasure, but one that brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently, suicide.

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made based off symptoms, the course of illness, and family history when available. People with bipolar disorder are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having schizophrenia, another severe mental illness.

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings-from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.

When a person with bipolar is experience a manic episode, symptoms may present as:

• Spending sprees
• Increased sexual drive
• abuse of drugs particularly cocaine alcohol and sleeping medications
• High distractibility
• Provocative and intrusive behavior
• Increased energy activity and restlessness
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts
• Unrealistic beliefs in ones ability
• Poor Judgment
• Excessively high euphoric mood
  

When a person with bipolar is experience a depressive episode, symptoms may present as:

• Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Decreased energy, heavy fatigue
• Sleeping excessively or inability to sleep
• Unintended weight loss or gain
• Chronic pain
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Difficulty concentrating

During severe episodes of mania or depression, a person may present with symptoms of psychosis. Common psychotic symptoms are hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or otherwise sensing the presence of things not actually there) and delusions (false, strongly held beliefs not influenced by logical reasoning or explained by a person’s usual cultural concepts). Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time. Bipolar disorder may appear to be a problem other than mental illness-for instance, alcohol or drug abuse, poor school or work performance, or strained interpersonal relationships.

Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal. Anyone who is thinking about committing suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from a mental health professional or a physician. Anyone who talks about suicide should be taken seriously. Risk for suicide appears to be higher earlier in the course of the illness.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Finding the Right Drug Treatment Facility

A much discussed topic is how do you know if the treatment center you enroll in will be effective. A huge part of that depends on you as well as the center. Here is a article from the Treatment Solutions Network that gives you a greta starting point when you are looking for the right treatment center for you or a loved one.

Finding the Right Drug Treatment Facility
By Jared Moré

If you or someone you love is considering treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, there are many decisions you may need to make in order to find the right facility. Below are some things to consider when choosing a facility, as well as things to expect once you get there.

First of all, it might be necessary to call a hotline to get immediate help for an addiction. This would be used when a person doesn’t know where else to go for help, or possibly someone is in immediate danger. If this is the case, the individual on the other end of the phone can give you valuable information about immediate treatment options.

Types of Facilities and Programs
If the decision is something that is thought about for a while and discussed, there are many different types of programs that might be useful. The first questions might be whether the facility offers residential, in-patient, or out-patient treatment, or a recovery house or long-term care. Some facilities are gender or age-specific, which might be particularly helpful to adolescents or females who might feel more comfortable in a setting with their peers.

It may be necessary for the treatment facility to have a detoxification program for the individual to rid their body of harmful substances while being monitored by a staff of medical professionals. After the physical dependency of the substance is addressed, the patient can begin counseling and treatment to manage the psychological dependency. Many treatment facilities have different activities to aid in this part of the recovery process. Things such as group therapy and family involvement have proven successful in treatment, as well as the 12-Steps for recovery. Some specialized facilities also provide programs such as equine therapy, recreational activities, cooking opportunities, and other things geared toward giving the mind and body something positive to focus on.

Recovery is an Ongoing Process
It is important for patients to be directed to long-term care to assist them in staying sober in the future. By learning about the risks of relapse and the skills needed to cope with stress and addiction triggers, an individual will be more likely to stay substance-free. A facility should provide follow-up services to give the recovering patient a support base when they move back into their lives. Recovery is an ongoing process. The groundwork is laid when an individual goes through treatment, but recovery continues on as the person is put back into their lives and families and has to effectively put what they learned into practice.

Entering into a treatment facility is a scary thing for most people. The unknown is hard to face. But the right facility can ease discomfort with their caring staff and positive programs. It still won’t be easy, but the goal is for the treatment to be successful. By working with counselors and staff to learn about oneself and taking accountability for the addiction, an individual can actually aid in the recovery process. So while you can expect treatment to be a challenge, it will hopefully be the best thing you’ve ever done.

Sources

T., Buddy Components of Effective Treatment Programs What Makes Alcohol Treatment Programs Work? January 22, 2008

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_rehabilitation


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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A Better Tomorrow's Intervention Service

Intervention is a technique that was originated by Vernon Johnson of the Johnson Institute in Minnesota. Mr. Johnson’s original idea was to create a “controlled crisis” for the Alcoholic who was reluctant to enter into treatment. This type of Intervention was then modified to address all crisis situations. Intervention, when conducted by a trained professional, is 96% successful in convincing a reluctant person to enter into treatment.

For many years the common thinking was that a substance abuser or chemically dependent person be it alcohol, illegal street drugs or prescription medications had to reach bottom and call out for help before anything could be done for them. Nothing could be further from the truth. In a way, an intervention is simply the raising of that bottom so that the chemically dependent don’t spiral further toward self-destruction. You might compare it to a loved one standing in the middle of the road with a truck heading right for them. Would you stand idly by and watch them being run down? Of course not! You would scream and holler at them to get out of the way. You might even dash onto the highway yourself, and push them to safety. That is the essence of an intervention.

Intervention breaks through the person’s denial by approaching several of his/her defense mechanisms all at once. Removing or short-circuiting the person’s defense mechanisms allows the family to present the truth about his/her problem in a calm, rational and loving manner.

A well-conducted intervention is objective, unequivocal, nonjudgmental and caring in the presentation of specific facts. It is empathy not to be confused with sympathy. You may express your understanding of the problem, but you most certainly don’t sympathize with the problem. The problem is the PROBLEM. The person IS NOT the problem.

Why now? The longer the delay, the longer the person will suffer and the more life threatening the disease will become. That said, it is unwise to charge into an intervention without careful preparation and the guidance of a professional interventionist.

Why you? Just the fact that you have researched the idea shows that you care. After all, isn’t it reasonable to expect loved ones and friends to care about someone who is sick?

A successful intervention has nothing to do with controlling the behavior of a person with this kind of problem. Instead, it provides you with positive steps to take. These steps help you to do all that you can do to offer a serious and effective gift of help to someone you care about.

It can be successful for you as well, because there’s one thing that we’re sure about; although each person is unique, the process of addiction is not. Furthermore, the process of recovery is a simple one, provided the patient follows a professional’s recommendation.

It should also be noted that several problems arise when a family attempts to conduct an intervention on their own. Since the family has not been trained in the proper format or even the appropriate language of an intervention, the process often breaks down into an argument and confrontation leading to a total breakdown and failure. We have witnessed it time and again, the distraught and disappointment left over when a family unsuccessfully attempts an intervention by themselves.

Normal thinking does not have any effect on the Problem. You cant argue logic with someone who is simply illogical. The Problem is a disease with four progressive stages. Once someone has reached the fourth stage, they no longer have the ability to control the Problem is controlling them. Actually, the Problem feeds off normal thinking and reactions by enticing the patient into a pattern of denial.

The Fear Factor

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself. Never were such words truer than a family faced with the prospect of an intervention. In fact, the problem/addiction counts on fear as one of its strongest allies. It uses fear to maintain the inactivity of the family unit to confront the problem/addiction. This fear is often quantified by the family members looking at all the possible negative consequences of a proposed intervention. The rational of the problem/addiction is as follows: If I can instill just enough fear in the family, then maybe they will just leave things the way they are. That way, I can continue destroying the patient. In this manner, the problem/addiction has become a parasite with the patient as its host. Again, we cannot directly control the ultimate actions of the patient. However, by conducting the intervention, we have the knowledge that we did all that we could and that we are not going to stop our own healing process from the problem. However, these are all tolls that we may be paying for a bridge we never come to.

Denial

Almost without exception, the more deeply seeded the problem becomes within the client, the less likely the client is able to realize that there is any problem at all. This is denial. The problem/addiction also uses this tool to remain active and viable within the patient. In this way, the problem/addiction can mask its insidious spiral of death and destruction. It makes the patient feel that everything is really OK. This is where the rationalization we were talking about comes into play. Through the use of denial, the problem/addiction makes the patient think that they are really just like everybody else. The denial essentially removes the patient from reality. It is probably the strongest and most finely honed defense mechanism within the arsenal of the problem/addiction.



If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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