Category Archives: recovery

addiction, Addiction treatment, How addiction affects family, recovery, testimonial, testimony

Addiction and Recovery: A 12 Year Old’s View

Addiction and Recovery: A 12 Year Old’s View

The last couple of years my oldest boy Jude has talked about things that happened in the past, and how things have changed for the better now that I accepted help for my addiction to oxys (oxycontin a narcotic pain killer). This is his recollection, testimony or testimonial of the time leading up to me going to rehab and the way things are today. These are his words (with only some grammatical errors corrected). He said it was fine for me to share with you so that people can gain the perspective of what a child experiences when their mom or dad is addicted. Although reading it brings back uncomfortable memories of what I put my family through, it is a true reflection of what Jude experienced. Thank you Jude for sharing and I love you!

addiction and family“My name is Jude I am 12 years old and 4 years ago my dad was hooked on oxys. We lived in Alberta, Canada and we were dairy farmers. I was only 8 or younger when my dad was hooked on oxys so I don’t really remember what it was like but I remember a little. Every other night my dad would go out to a town an hour away and I would go with him. We would always go to subway, sometimes go swimming and usually got home at around 9.

Continue reading Addiction and Recovery: A 12 Year Old’s View →

addiction, Addiction treatment, Dominican Republic, How addiction affects family, recovery

Procrastination and Addiction

Procrastination won’t get you results

Procrastination or putting off till tomorrow what you could tackle today is a recipe for disaster. If addiction is controlling your life, tomorrow may not be an option. Many people procrastinate too long and unfortunately end up going to the bitter ends of jails, institutions or worse death. Today through the help of the twelve steps and/or addiction treatment there are options for you or your loved ones to have a better life. There is no need to continue just existing, why not start really living life and enjoying all the blessings the world has to offer.

Call today for more info 1-829-932-0123

procrastination

As most of us like to procrastinate to a certain extent (homework, cleaning house, etc) we come to accept that putting off until tomorrow is not such a big deal. But, to an addict who is still struggling to quit using it could mean life or death. Excuses become rampant as to why they can’t quit today (a job, family, it’s not so bad yet). Procrastinate getting help long enough and it could become “never“.

Continue reading Procrastination and Addiction →

addiction, Addiction treatment, Always Hope, recovery, relapse

Jim’s Story of Addiction and Recovery

Jim’s Story of Addiction and Recovery

Hi, my name is Jim, I have the disease of addiction, I am a drug addict and alcoholic, I only separate these two because of the perception by society that alcohol is different, this means that whenever I use a mind altering substance of any kind, I cannot easily stop using it, and have no concept of the outcome of my using. After twenty years of drinking and using, my life became hopeless, and I felt helpless and useless. This disease affected me mentally (vengeful and destructive thinking along with blaming), physically (broken bones due to fights and accidents, poor health, and loss of freedom) emotionally (feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and uselessness) and spiritually (disconnected from myself, my beliefs and morals). As well, it affected everyone else around me, much to my surprise how much it did affect others, I only found this fact out after I found recovery. The disease is real, when and where I got it from is inconsequential, only what I can do about it here and now.

Continue reading Jim’s Story of Addiction and Recovery →

addiction, Addiction treatment, Always Hope, Dominican Republic, How addiction affects family, recovery, testimonial, testimony

Married to an Addict: A Wife’s Perspective

My life married to an addict…….after Rehab: The wife’s perspective.

I was petrified picking up my husband from rehab, it was Fricken scary! I was so angry at him for what he had put me and our two sons through! For what he had done to himself.
For weeks after that initial day I could not trust him, every time he went to town or anywhere, I wondered if he was going to use again? Where was he really going?

My painful past was still so fresh in my mind that it consumed me!
I wanted security and happiness back!

Continue reading Married to an Addict: A Wife’s Perspective →

addiction, Addiction treatment, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, recovery

Choosing a Rehab : Stay Nearby or go Far Away?

Choosing a Rehab: Stay Nearby or go Far Away?

There is a new fad called Medical Tourism in which many people look out of country to obtain dental, cosmetic and alternative medical treatment such as addiction treatment. There are many reasons why people choose to do this but the most common are that it can be substantially cheaper to get treatment abroad, and it can also mean better options. Individuals who are dealing with a substance abuse problem are also choosing a rehab out of country because there are many benefits to travel abroad for addiction treatment. The most common reason for this situation is that the individual feels they would do better with some type of private facility, and out of country facilities are much cheaper even after flights.

There are some definite benefits to choosing a rehab abroad:

Continue reading Choosing a Rehab : Stay Nearby or go Far Away? →

addiction, Addiction treatment, Always Hope, Dominican Republic, recovery, testimonial, testimony

Testimonial: Always Hope lived up to its Name

Testimonial: Always Hope lived up to its Name

During my four week stay at Always Hope, just this past month, I found that the facility definitely lived up to it’s name and this is my testimony or testimonial. I did not commit to this program without a good deal of thought. I had met the couple who developed the centre in the Dominican during my stay at a different treatment centre several years ago. Additionally, the excellent counsellor with whom I worked at Always Hope, had been the head counsellor at the afore mentioned centre. All of these folks had garnered my deep respect.

I arrived at a very low point in my battle with alcohol, having “slipped” once again, but I was very hopeful that these people…..these people who had been in my shoes at one time….. could help me. I was right. I was fortunate to have one on one time every day with the very knowledgeable and experienced counsellor. He helped me progress through the Twelve Step programme. I worked very hard at this, and in doing so, I was able to really assess where I’d been, what I tried to deal with on my own, what I needed to do about it and what I hoped for in my future. I came to realize that without the help of something or someone greater than myself, I would not be successful in maintaining sobriety.

With the unconditional support of everyone there, including two delightful kids, I left feeling not only confident and inspired, but rejuvenated.The facility itself is beyond compare. Each participant is made to feel welcome, and essentially becomes a part of the family. The rooms were private, each with an ensuite. Meals were communal, a private swimming pool was right outside my door, meetings could be attended every day, and activities and outings were abundant, though optional. So different from other places I’d been.

I have no reservations in recommending Always Hope to anyone who wants and needs a fresh start. They are there for you and this is my testimonial or testimony.

Call now to find out more 1-829-932-0123

Or contact us through the contact page.

addiction, Addiction treatment, How addiction affects family, recovery

Reasons Addicts Avoid Going to Rehab

Reasons Addicts Avoid Going to Rehab

lies2

When we speak with the loved ones of addicts, they are often frustrated watching the person they love continue to avoid treatment. One of their most common questions is, “Why do addicts avoid rehab?”

It can be frustrating, but there is a way you can help. By understanding the reasons addicts avoid going to an addictio treatment center, you can support and encourage your loved one to seek help:

1. Denial “I don’t have a problem!”

Some addicts are in denial. They do not believe they have a problem with drugs or alcohol, or they believe they can stop whenever they want. If this is the reason your loved one gives for avoiding rehab, lovingly ask why, if they don’t have a problem, they continue to use even though their use has negative consequences on their personal and professional life.

2. “It costs too much!”

The concern about cost is one of the most common reasons why addicts avoid treatment, and it is a valid concern. Rehab can be expensive, but that should not be the reason you or your loved one avoids treatment. At Always Hope we are a low-cost alternative to make treatment available to all financial circumstances.

Call 1-829-932-0123 to get cost options and to see if you qualify for a discount towards flight.

Addiction is also very expensive — maintaining a substance abuse habit is incredibly costly on its own. Additionally, the consequences of a continued addiction, such as medical care, therapy or divorce, can be significantly more expensive than rehab. Depending on your situation, you may also find that rehab is tax deductible.

3. “I don’t have the time!”

For many addicts, they fear they’ll lose their job if they take time off for rehab. The truth is that many are already on the path to lose there job or lost it already.

4. “Rehab doesn’t work!”

In many cases, if an addict has been to a treatment centre and relapsed after treatment, or they have a friend who has relapsed after treatment, they believe rehab doesn’t work. The truth is, many addicts who have been through treatment may relapse one or more times before they are successful in their recovery. This should not be a reason to avoid treatment, since those who complete rehab have a higher chance of recovering without relapse.

Conclusion:

With an understanding of why so many addicts avoid going, you can approach your loved one with resources in hand to help convince them to begin treatment right away. Help them sort through their concerns, work with them to arrange leave from work, straighten out their finances and/or connect them with someone who has completed rehab with great success.

If you or someone you love is avoiding getting help for addiction, now is the time to take action. Contact us at Always Hope for help and any other questions.

 

addiction, Addiction treatment, Always Hope, How addiction affects family, recovery, relapse

Caution: Warning Signs

Caution: Warning Signs

CAUTION 4

HALT-B

H – Hungry     A – Angry      L – Lonely     T – Tired      B – Bored

HALT-B is an anagram for the most common reasons for relapse.

Take caution if your hungry, this may sound silly but it has been found that the human brain, once addicted to a substance, will reach for this substance as a cure for any discomfort as it cannot discern between needs. A person will get a craving to drink, even though he/she is really just having hunger pangs and a quick healthy snack can resolve the craving to drink or drug.

• SOLUTION – HAVE A BITE TO EAT.

Continue reading Caution: Warning Signs →

addiction, Addiction treatment, How addiction affects family, recovery, testimonial, testimony

Not Like a Prison; a Testimonial

Not Like a Prison; a Testimonial

“Always Hope was the perfect recovery centre for my needs and this is my testimonial or testimony that it can work. I had been to 2 other treatment centres in the past 6 months, but I walked in the front door and out the back within a few days due to the prison like atmosphere. As Always Hope only takes a maximum of 5 clients at a time, you are privileged with plenty of 1-1 counselling with a great counsellor who has many years of experience as well as having been in my shoes in the past.

The people helping you at Always Hope have been through the same or similar struggles so they come from a perspective of experience which gave me another level of respect for the centre. There is a caring family/friendship atmosphere and not like a prison. I am a professional in my career and was able to continue to function and help with my business back home while accepting treatment and help with my addiction to alcohol.

I highly recommend Always Hope treatment centre to any individual or anyone struggling with the confinement and constraints of other centres. The tropical atmosphere is amazing, and there are 12 step meetings available 7 days a week with a great small group.”

Call today for more info 1-829-932-0123

addiction, Addiction treatment, recovery, relapse

Addiction Movies: My Favourites

Addiction Movies: My Favourites

There have been many films made that involve the abuse of drugs and or alcohol, and these are some of my personal favourites. Most of these addiction movies only show the dark side, but some share the strength and hope required to overcome as well as the hellish experiences. One of the videos is more of an educational documentary that helps explain in laymans terms the struggle with the addiction/personal choice argument. Many people affected by addiction, both the addict and the family can learn from this documentary. In no particular order my favourite addiction movies are:

addiction movies3

Pleasure Unwoven

Pleasure Unwoven is a short informational documentary that can be easily found on youtube. I found it explain addiction in an easy to understand the way drugs or alcohol react with the chemicals in the brain. The movie is narrated by Kevin McCauley, who is both a man who struggled with his own addiction and a qualified medical doctor. He focuses on the important question about addiction: “Is it really a “disease?”

28 Days

28 Days stars Sandra Bullock who has a good career, but is forced to enter rehab after she ruins her sister’s wedding; she gets drunk and crashes a car. In the beginning Gwen is against any type of help. She views rehab as being similar to a prison sentence and will not admit that she has a problem with alcohol. Gwen refuses to put any real effort into the rehab program. When she does find herself becoming involved in the lives of the other clients and starts to notices uncomfortable similarities. In the end circumstances force Gwen to take an honest look at her life. She acknowledges that life has become unmanageable, and that alcohol was a part of the problem. 28 Days is a realistic representation of how people can find a new perspective of life when they become willing to face the truth.

Basketball Diaries

Basketball Diaries is a true story based on the life of Jim Carroll and stars a Leonardo DiCaprio. It tells of how a teenager goes from being a successful basketball player to a homeless heroin addict. As his addiction worsens he completely loses any sense of self-respect as he quickly spirals downhill. It is a great depiction of how the sneaky nature of addiction has a way of ruthlessly corrupting the innocence of young high-schoolers on the look out for a good time.

Trainspotting

Trainspotting explores heroin and the devastating grip it takes on lives. The process of getting the drug, the ritual of doing the drug, and how the drug sucks you back in time after time. The movie ends with the quote “I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin’ else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you’ve got heroin?” Although this movie may glamorize drug use, it also reveals the deep grip opiates take on a persons life and soul and how many people can’t find a way to break the hellish cycle they seem trapped in.

Requiem for a Dream

Requiem for a Dream shows a harsh view of the lives of few young addicts. The movie manages to capture the essence of the insanity of addiction but without glorifying drug use. This movie will at the very least make your skin crawl, and there’s the chance that you’ll be questioning the meaning of life, too. This movie is not for the faint of heart, and doesn’t show the strength and hope required to overcome. But this is a realistic, yet cinematic portrayal of how drugs can rip apart your life.

I realize there are many addiction movies that show the good, and ugly sides of drug and alcohol use and I haven’t seen  them all. But these 5 are a short list of my favourite addiction movies at this time.

1-829-932-0123

Call us at Always Hope for info on how we can help.