Category Archives: sober vacation

addiction, Addiction treatment, How addiction affects family, international rehab, recovery, relapse, sober vacation

Daily Moderate Alcohol Consumption

While moderate alcohol consumption is often socially accepted and even supposedly linked to certain health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, the long-term effects on overall health are more complex and can be life-threatening. Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol daily, defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, can have very small positive and likely huge negative impacts. The benefits, however, are often outweighed by the subtle but significant risks, which tend to accumulate over time. For example, alcohol can provide antioxidant properties through certain beverages like red wine, but those can also be achieved through fruit juices.

Over the years, consistent moderate drinking can lead to a range of chronic health issues. The liver, tasked with processing alcohol, may begin to show signs of strain, leading to conditions such as fatty liver disease or even cirrhosis if consumption slightly exceeds moderation. Alcohol can also have a cumulative effect on the brain, potentially contributing to cognitive decline or mental health issues like anxiety and depression or early onset dementia. Furthermore, even moderate alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer, as alcohol is a known carcinogen.

Finally, the daily intake of alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can impact sleep quality, immune function, and overall well-being. Regular drinking can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycles, leading to poorer sleep quality and fatigue. Additionally, alcohol can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Over time, these effects can contribute to a diminished quality of life. The short-term pleasure of a daily drink comes at the cost of long-term health and vitality. As such, while moderate drinking may seem harmless, its cumulative effects should not be overlooked when considering one’s long-term health.

If you or a loved is struggling with alcohol or any substance, reach out for help.

1-829-932-0123 for info on how we can assist.

addiction, Addiction treatment, Always Hope, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, How addiction affects family, recovery, sober vacation

Rehab Cost and Benefits

Rehab cost is often one of the first questions asked when someone is inquiring about addiction help. I realize that $ is an important factor but there is much more to consider when deciding where to go for help such as location, individual attention, the program offered and availability.

First in reference to the cost of rehab I’ll try and put it into perspective. For example a 2 week all inclusive resort can likely cost $3000-$5000 or more so it’s a similar price but rehab will include professional counseling instead of “all you can drink”. Rehab is also a step in the right direction for recovery by helping the individual deal with underlying issues vs hoping that a 2 week break from reality might be the cure.

It is also noticeable as the years pass that an investment in your health is cheaper than most funerals. Even though I’m only mid 40’s it seems that a handful of classmates and acquaintances are dying from overdoses and suicides every year now. The financial cost of death is small in comparison to the emotional cost to friends and families.

Location, individual attention and the type of program offered can differ greatly between all rehabs. During this past month I was blessed to visit a rehab that held open meetings. It was unfortunate to see that the facility was almost full capacity (25-30 people) but it was also great to see that those individuals were seeking help. It was sad to see that some of them weren’t getting the 1-1 counseling they deserved, but it was nice to see the social connections they were making which would help keep  them from isolation in the future.

There is no “one size fits all” rehab and so Always Hope was designed to be a different option. We offer 1-1 counseling for an hour 5 days a week, the program is tailored to the individual and the cost is similar or less than most private rehabs. We allow you to determine the length of stay, any timeframe over 2 weeks is feasible. If you or a loved one is looking for a different option for addiction help we may be able to help.

Call or message 1-829-932-0123 and we will help you start on your road to recovery.

addiction, Addiction treatment, Always Hope, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, international rehab, recovery, relapse, sober vacation

Sober Vacation in Paradise

Always Hope is pleased to announce that we have added “sober vacation” or “recovery vacation”. This is an opportunity to bridge the gap for those completing their stay at rehab or for those looking for a safe and sober place to relax, unwind and get grounded in their recovery.

This sober vacation option allows individuals to share their experience, strength and hope with those that may be currently going through the treatment program with us. It is designed to allow you to put into action what you have learned and decompress while helping others see that recovery is possible.

Private rooms, pool onsite, cool outings to the beach or hiking as well as the availability of 12 step meetings if desired. Stay for a week or choose to extend your stay if you desire. With a maximum of 3 guests at one time it will be a great experience to be sober in paradise.

Call or message 1-829-932-0123 today.

1 week stay is US$2,000