Learning to Live Sober with Transformations
Learning to Live Sober with Transformations
How Addiction Starts
Recovery Process
- Free From Dependency: One of the biggest pros of living a sober life is the fact that you are free from dependency. If you’ve lived a life in addiction, you’ve lived a life that is centered around substances. Addicts become dependent on a particular substance in order to function normally or comfortably in life. Once a person is able to kick substance abuse, they can start to learn to be more independent. Becoming independent is a key aspect of growing up and becoming an adult. Once you learn how to be independent from something, you can start to get in touch with your true self.
-
Get Back In Touch With Yourself: If you have faced addiction previously or are currently battling with it, chances are you have been told, "You've changed." This can be a difficult statement to hear from a close friend or loved one, but it is likely true. Addiction can transform individuals into someone they never expected to be. Substance abuse and dependencies can lead a person to become more self-absorbed, illogical, and unkind. Regardless of your pre-addiction self, your chemically reliant self does not reflect the authentic you. Upon breaking free from substance abuse, you can reconnect with your former self before these destructive behaviors took hold. Sobriety enables individuals to recognize the path to becoming a better, happier, and more balanced individual.
-
Repair Broken Relationships: If addiction is a challenge for you, it is probable that your actions have caused distress to those in your life. Addiction frequently results in strained relationships with loved ones, including friends, family, and partners. It is typical for those close to you to experience pain when someone they care for is struggling with addiction. Individuals battling addiction may employ manipulation, deceit, or even harm against their loved ones as a result of their dependence on substances. It is crucial to understand that these behaviors are influenced by the addiction and not representative of the person's true character. Conquering addiction enables clearer thinking and reflection on past actions. This newfound clarity can facilitate the acknowledgment of past mistakes and the initiation of efforts to repair damaged relationships.
-
Financial Stability: If addiction is a challenge for you, it is probable that your actions have caused distress to those in your life. Addiction frequently results in strained relationships with loved ones, including friends, family, and partners. It is typical for those close to you to experience pain when someone they care for is struggling with addiction. Individuals battling addiction may employ manipulation, deceit, or even harm against their loved ones as a result of their dependence on substances. It is crucial to understand that these behaviors are influenced by the addiction and not representative of the person's true character. Conquering addiction enables clearer thinking and reflection on past actions. This newfound clarity can facilitate the acknowledgment of past mistakes and the initiation of efforts to repair damaged relationships.
Do You Need Drug or Alcohol Rehab in Florida?
Addiction can have a stronghold on your life. The right rehab program can be your saving grace. At Transformations by the Gulf, we aim to make treatment as easy, comfortable and effective as possible. Through a holistic approach, we help you regain your life.
Our facilities are situated near St. Pete Beach, which means your recovery takes place in a serene location that fosters a natural sense of well-being. To learn more about cannabis treatment for yourself or a loved one, reach out today.
Seeking Treatment with Transformations by the Gulf?
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help.
Transformations by the Gulf offers individualistic and holistic recovery services. We designed our inpatient and outpatient programs to treat individuals based on biological, psychological, familial and social needs.
Our residential homes and treatment facilities are near the beach and offer a comfortable setting for rehabilitation. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Transformations By The Gulf to learn more about our recovery services.
If you are ready to start planning your treatment process, give us a call. (727)498-6498
What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.
Why Transformations by the Gulf?
Substance Use Reaching Historic Highs
Marijuana and hallucinogen consumption, as well as binge drinking, have reached record levels among adults aged 35 to 50.
In 2022, adults aged 35 to 50 saw record highs in their past-year marijuana and hallucinogen use, continuing the upward trend observed in recent years. Meanwhile, individuals aged 19 to 30 experienced significant increases in marijuana and hallucinogen use, as well as marijuana and nicotine vaping, reaching historic levels for this age group. The annual Monitoring the Future (MTF) panel study, which surveys substance use behaviors and attitudes of adults between 19 and 60, revealed these findings. The study is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research in Ann Arbor.
Binge drinking among younger adults has decreased over the last decade. However, adults aged 35 to 50 in 2022 showed the highest levels of binge drinking ever recorded for this age group, indicating a notable increase over the past year, five years, and ten years.
“Substance use is not limited to teens and young adults, and these data help us understand how people use drugs across the lifespan,” said NIDA director, Nora Volkow, M.D. “Understanding these trends is a first step, and it is crucial that research continues to illuminate how substance use, and related health impacts may change over time. We want to ensure that people from the earliest to the latest stages in adulthood are equipped with up-to-date knowledge to help inform decisions related to substance use.”
The MTF study has been surveying substance use behaviors and attitudes among a nationally representative group of eighth, 10th, and 12th graders every year since 1975. Additionally, a subset of participants is part of a longitudinal panel study that includes follow-up surveys after 12th grade to monitor their drug use into adulthood. These participants are tracked every two years until they reach the age of 30, and then every five years thereafter, with some of the oldest participants now in their 60s.
The 2022 survey of adults gathered data through online and paper surveys between April and October 2022. The researchers categorized the data into two age brackets for trend analysis: 19-30 years old and 35-50 years old. Important discoveries comprise:
Marijuana Use: Among adults aged 19 to 30, the rates of past-year marijuana usage and daily marijuana consumption hit record highs in the recent study. Approximately 44% of participants surveyed in 2022 reported past-year usage, marking an increase from 35% in 2017 and 28% in 2012. Daily marijuana consumption also peaked in 2022 at 11%, surpassing the rates from 2017 (8%) and 2012 (6%).
Reports of past-year marijuana use among adults aged 35 to 50 also reached an all-time high in 2022 (28%). This had increased from the previous year (25% in 2021) and five years ago (17% in 2017), and more than doubled compared to 10 years ago (13% in 2012).
Hallucinogen Use: In the 19 to 30 age group, 8% of adults reported using hallucinogens in the past year, which is notably higher than the rates from five years ago (5% in 2017) and ten years ago (3% in 2012). Common hallucinogens mentioned by participants were LSD, MDMA, mescaline, peyote, shrooms or psilocybin, and PCP. The majority of recent hallucinogen use in 2022 among adults in this age category involved substances other than LSD (7% in 2022).
Past-year hallucinogen use reached historically high prevalence among adults 35 to 50 years old, reported by 4% in 2022. The prevalence reported in 2022 was also a substantial increase compared to the year before (2% in 2021) and five and 10 years ago (no greater than 1% in both 2017 and 2012).
Alcohol Use: In the last ten years, alcohol consumption among adults aged 19 to 30 has decreased, including past-month use, daily drinking, and binge drinking. However, there was a slight increase in past-year drinking for this age group in 2022 (84%) compared to 2017 (82%).
Alcohol use among adults aged 35 to 50 has shown a gradual increase over the past 10 years, with past-year drinking increasing from 83% in 2012 to 85% in 2022. Binge drinking in this older group reached its highest levels (29% in 2022), and increased over the past year, five years, and 10 years (26% in 2021; 25% in 2017; 23% in 2012).
The research indicated a 10-year decrease in the past-year consumption of cigarettes, sedatives, and non-medical use of opioid medications for both adult age brackets. Past-year usage of amphetamines demonstrated a 10-year decline among 19- to 30-year-olds and a 10-year rise among 35- to 50-year-olds. The report also covers drug use patterns among college and non-college young adults, demographic subgroups, and other relevant data.
“The value of surveys such as MTF is to show us how drug use trends evolve over decades and across development – from adolescence through adulthood,” said Megan Patrick, Ph.D., a research professor at the University of Michigan and principal investigator of the MTF panel study. “Behaviors and public perception of drug use can shift rapidly, based on drug availability and other factors. It’s important to track this so that public health professionals and communities can be prepared to respond.”
Results from the related 2022 MTF study of substance use behaviors and related attitudes among teens in the United States was released in December 2022, and 2023 results are upcoming in December 2023.
Do You Need Drug or Alcohol Rehab in Florida?
Addiction can have a stronghold on your life. The right rehab program can be your saving grace. At Transformations by the Gulf, we aim to make treatment as easy, comfortable and effective as possible. Through a holistic approach, we help you regain your life.
Our facilities are situated near St. Pete Beach, which means your recovery takes place in a serene location that fosters a natural sense of well-being. To learn more about cannabis treatment for yourself or a loved one, reach out today.
Seeking Treatment with Transformations by the Gulf?
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help.
Transformations by the Gulf offers individualistic and holistic recovery services. We designed our inpatient and outpatient programs to treat individuals based on biological, psychological, familial and social needs.
Our residential homes and treatment facilities are near the beach and offer a comfortable setting for rehabilitation. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Transformations By The Gulf to learn more about our recovery services.
If you are ready to start planning your treatment process, give us a call. (727)498-6498
What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.
Why Transformations by the Gulf?
First Time Seeking Drug or Alcohol Rehab?
First Time Seeking Drug or Alcohol Rehab?
Enrolling in a residential or inpatient addiction treatment program may cause some anxiety when unsure of what to anticipate. These programs offer around-the-clock care and assistance. They entail residing at the facility, necessitating a break from daily commitments to concentrate on addressing substance use disorder. The length of treatment and stay duration are determined by factors such as the seriousness of the disorder, medical requirements, and insurance provisions.
Preparing for Alcohol Rehab
There are things you should pack and have during your stay at an inpatient or residential treatment program and items you should leave at home. You want to make sure to bring your wallet with a picture ID, insurance card, and some money for spending. What sets us apart from other rehabs is that we allow cell phone use, electronic devices, vapes, and cigarettes.
We do provide breakfast, lunch. dinner and snacks but we are an executive style rehab, which means you have full access to a kitchen in your client room. This is a luxury that over 90% of rehabs in the United States cannot provide or do not. We will take you to the grocery store while you are here so you can purchase food items you would like to be able to make in your room. We also do not restrict food portions in our dining room.
When you are ready to start packing its recommended you bring comfortable close. Bring 4-7 days' worth of close. They cannot have offensive names, drug content, or alcohol content on them. We have laundry machines on site so you will be able to wash your clothes as often as you need. You can also bring laptops, mp3 players, cell phones, as well.
Self-Care items that you should bring or considering bringing:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Supplements will be checked by the nurse or clinical director upon admission.
- Mouthwash (alcohol free).
- Deodorant.
- Soap/body wash.
- Shampoo and conditioner.
- Brush/comb.
- Hair dryer/curling iron.
- NO bottled or aerosol hairspray.
When you arrive at rehab, your recovery journey commences. As part of intake, you will undergo an interview or fill out a questionnaire to help the facility understand your situation and design a personalized treatment plan based on your alcohol or drug use and any concurrent health issues. If necessary, you may proceed to detox, where a treatment team will oversee you, provide necessary interventions for your safety, and assist in managing withdrawal symptoms. Following detox, you will engage in behavioral therapy, one-on-one counseling, educational sessions, and additional activities.
Arriving at the Facility
Upon your arrival at the rehabilitation center, you will have a one-hour meeting with a member of the admissions team. This individual may have a medical background, such as a nurse or therapist, or they could be the intake director or another team member. The purpose of this initial meeting is to familiarize the staff with your situation in order to develop a personalized care plan for your rehabilitation stay. You will also complete necessary paperwork, confirm your insurance coverage, and provide detailed information about your medical history and that of your family. Additionally, a staff member will assist you in checking your belongings to ensure compliance with the facility's guidelines. Following the admissions meeting, you will undergo a medical and psychiatric assessment to further tailor your treatment plan. During this evaluation, a nursing staff member will assess your vital signs, perform an initial drug screening, and gather more details about your history and past treatment experiences.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Behavioral Therapy
Beyond detox, treatment involves individual and group therapies. Individual therapy focuses on setting recovery goals and addressing co-occurring disorders. In group therapy, individuals are encouraged to share their feelings and experiences with peers facing similar situations. Common rehab treatment methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients recognize how their thoughts and beliefs contribute to addiction, and motivational interviewing (MI) to support motivation for change and address resistance. Facilities may also offer dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to help manage emotions and improve relationships through mindfulness, distress acceptance, emotional regulation, and communication. Family therapy may also be used in some rehab facilities to mend relationships impacted by addiction.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
An aftercare program, also known as continuing care, assists in transitioning from completing a treatment program to returning to your home environment, responsibilities, and support system. It also aids in maintaining the skills acquired during rehabilitation and applying them to daily life. Aftercare varies for each individual and may involve residing in a sober living environment, participating in group therapy, support groups, or a 12-Step program, and continuing individual or family therapy. The ideal combination of aftercare measures offers numerous advantages for individuals in early recovery, such as sustaining treatment progress, preventing relapse, fostering self-confidence in recovery, connecting individuals with community resources, and repairing or strengthening relationships with others.
Do You Need Drug or Alcohol Rehab in Florida?
Addiction can have a stronghold on your life. The right rehab program can be your saving grace. At Transformations by the Gulf, we aim to make treatment as easy, comfortable and effective as possible. Through a holistic approach, we help you regain your life.
Our facilities are situated near St. Pete Beach, which means your recovery takes place in a serene location that fosters a natural sense of well-being. To learn more about cannabis treatment for yourself or a loved one, reach out today.
Seeking Treatment with Transformations by the Gulf?
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help.
Transformations by the Gulf offers individualistic and holistic recovery services. We designed our inpatient and outpatient programs to treat individuals based on biological, psychological, familial and social needs.
Our residential homes and treatment facilities are near the beach and offer a comfortable setting for rehabilitation. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Transformations By The Gulf to learn more about our recovery services.
If you are ready to start planning your treatment process, give us a call. (727)498-6498
What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.
Why Transformations by the Gulf?
Magic Mushroom Edibles Are Toxic
Magic Mushroom Edibles Are Toxic
The market for edibles, gummies and capsules containing extracts of the fungus Amanita Muscaria is raising eyebrows, though, amid concerns from the FDA and in the absence of human clinical trials and the mere fact the fungus is toxic if consumed.
Products containing mushroom extracts have appeared in shops and e-commerce platforms across several states, ranging from Florida to Minnesota and Nebraska to Pennsylvania. Companies promote a gentler psychoactive effect in comparison to psilocybin, a Schedule 1 hallucinogen that is still prohibited on a federal level, targeting individuals seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or joint discomfort.
Federal officials and experts in mycology have advised caution, leading Florida regulators to restrict sales in at least five counties. Certain applications of the mushroom and its compounds have resulted in severe side effects, such as delirium, drowsiness, and coma, as reported by Courtney Rhodes, a spokesperson from the Food and Drug Administration.
Heather Hallen-Adams, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty member who researches fungi in food, stated that the safety and effectiveness of the products have not been assessed in any human clinical trials. In December, Chillum, a hemp dispensary in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood, ceased the sale of edibles after the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services deemed A. muscaria a hazardous ingredient. The dispensary returned $30,000 worth of products to Psilo Mart; a supplier based in the Las Vegas area that claims to import the mushroom from Lithuania. Following this, the Agriculture Department, responsible for regulating shops that retail items like hemp vapes, lifted its restrictions on the dispensary.
Drew Gennuso, the president of Psilo Mart, mentioned that he is unaware of any significant issues with the edibles. Carlos Hermida, the owner of Chillum, expressed his confidence in the safety of the products. Hermida described the effects of the fungus as mild and not overpowering.
Recently, Hermida resumed selling the products within the price range of $20 to $55. To prevent another state mandate, Chillum has included labels cautioning that the products are intended for educational or spiritual purposes only, not for human consumption.
The fungus and its components have not received approval from federal authorities for sale as food additives or for the treatment of medical conditions. The Tampa incident highlights the regulatory gaps in this emerging national market, despite concerns raised by federal officials. John Michelotti, the leader of the medicinal mushrooms committee at the North American Mycological Association and the founder of Catskill Fungi, a New York-based business specializing in mushroom extracts, noted that companies are progressing faster than the available research.
The crackdown in Chillum started in October when the state Agriculture Department gathered product samples for laboratory analysis. Upon revisiting in December, the department reported findings of increased levels of harmful heavy metals in a Psilo Mart hemp joint containing A. muscaria powder, as indicated by department records.
Hermida disposed of his mushroom joint inventory and was instructed by regulators to cease the sale of other fungus products. The regulators cited a state law that defines food as “adulterated” if it “contains any poisonous or harmful substance that could cause harm to health.”
According to Hermida, the gummies infused with extracts induce a sensation of feeling “high and drunk,” while the capsules create a “tingly body feeling” and distort depth perception. While the mushroom is poisonous, it is likely not lethal and can be detoxified by boiling it in water. Hermida emphasized that consuming the raw fungus differs from using small amounts of its chemicals.
In recovery it is a dangerous line to walk when trying to find a legal high, but in most cases, you’re replacing one addiction for another. Its especially dangerous when we are taking a known poison and ingesting it without the knowledge of clinical trials.
Reach Out for More Information About Transformations by the Gulf
Our addiction treatment services include a variety of programs, designed to follow guests through the recovery process.
We offer residential treatment programs including residential inpatient program. Transformations by the Gulf treatment center also offers: a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an intensive outpatient program with community housing.
If you have any questions about our treatment options, please reach out to one of our addiction specialists at (727)498-6498 our team is available to speak with you 24/7. Because We Care.
Alcohol Shakes a Sign of Withdrawal
Alcohol Shakes a Sign of Withdrawal
Have you heard of alcohol shakes? Perhaps you've come across this term because you or a loved one is currently experiencing them and seeking answers. Alcohol shakes refer to the trembling and shaky hands that occur after abstaining from alcohol for a period. While they may be bothersome in mild cases, they can significantly disrupt daily life in more severe instances. Additionally, alcohol shakes can indicate a potential alcohol use disorder, a condition that affected over 4% of Floridians in 2019. You are not facing this challenge alone. Tranquil Shores is dedicated to reducing this statistic through a range of unique therapies tailored to individual needs. Despite each person's recovery journey being unique, individuals with alcohol use disorders can find common ground, even if it's simply through shared experiences of alcohol shakes. Today, let's delve deeper into this topic.
What Are Alcohol Shakes?
Alcohol shakes are often a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, but they may also occur following episodes of heavy drinking. They commonly manifest as trembling in the hands and fingers, potentially indicating an alcohol use disorder. While these tremors are typically mild, they have the potential to be severe and disrupt daily functioning. Alcohol-induced tremors commonly occur as a withdrawal symptom, although there is a slight possibility of them manifesting in conjunction with alcohol-induced brain damage and liver disease. Let's delve deeper into these connections. Alcohol shakes are an early sign of alcohol withdrawal. There are other alcohol withdrawal symptoms you should also look out for such as:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Headache
- High Blood Pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Insomnia
If you have recently quit drinking alcohol after using it regularly, and you are now experiencing these symptoms, your alcohol shakes are probably a withdrawal symptom. The duration of these shakes will differ from one individual to another, but they are typically most severe within 48-72 hours.
How to get through alcohol shakes?
The most effective treatment for alcohol shakes is a medically supervised alcohol detox and therapy for alcohol use disorder. Home remedies or alternative tips are unlikely to address the underlying issue of alcohol use disorder and may only offer temporary relief from alcohol shakes. It is common for individuals to revert to alcohol use as a way to manage alcohol shakes and other withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, we strongly advocate for alcohol rehabilitation as the preferred option. If you are unable to seek treatment immediately, there are alternative methods to alleviate the discomfort of alcohol shakes without resorting to alcohol consumption.
Reach Out for More Information About Transformations by the Gulf
Our addiction treatment services include a variety of programs, designed to follow guests through the recovery process.
We offer residential treatment programs including residential inpatient program. Transformations by the Gulf treatment center also offers: a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an intensive outpatient program with community housing.
If you have any questions about our treatment options, please reach out to one of our addiction specialists at (727)498-6498 our team is available to speak with you 24/7. Because We Care.
Will Insurance Pay for Addiction Treatment?
Will Insurance Pay for Addiction Treatment?
Which Insurance Providers does Transformations accept?
It's quite reasonable to wonder if your insurance is accepted when finding a treatment program for addiction you may ask yourself, "where is a Florida Addiction Rehab that accepts Aetna?", "where is a Florida Addiction Rehab that accepts Cigna?", "where is a Florida Addiction Rehab that accepts Blue Cross?", "where is a Florida Addiction Rehab that accepts United Healthcare?", "where is a Florida Addiction Rehab that accepts Harvard Pilgrim?", "where is a Florida Addiction Rehab that accepts Florida Blue?", or other insurances. We make it easy to get verified for your coverage. Simply call our addiction support specialists at (727)498-6498 and they can answer insurance questions with no pressure.
Ready For Help with Your Addiction Problem?
If you are using drugs or alcohol, you may have an addiction that requires professional help. Find out At Transformations by the Gulf How Mind-Altering Substances Work, we offer programs that let you continue on with your daily life by living at home but coming in for the treatment you need. Transformations by the Gulf provides a secure and supportive environment to address negative emotions and develop coping mechanisms essential for the recovery journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us today at (727)498-6498.
Being Supportive to an Addict After Rehab, are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Check out our page on addiction treatments.
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help. Find out more information from Psychology Today!
Connection Between Impulse Control and Addiction
Connection Between Impulse Control and Addiction
Causes of Impulse Control Disorders
Impulse Control Disorders and Substance Abuse
Help is Available
It’s important to seek the advice and counsel of mental health professionals when suffering from an impulse control disorder. Fortunately, the expert counselors and therapists at Destinations for Teens have extensive experience in dealing with disorders of all types. Our focus is on helping teens and adolescents find healing. Get in touch with our professional staff to find out the best options for successful treatment. Some of our therapeutic services include:
- Yoga therapy
- Art therapy
- Group therapy
Ready For Help with Your Addiction Problem?
If you are using drugs or alcohol, you may have an addiction that requires professional help. Find out At Transformations by the Gulf How Mind-Altering Substances Work, we offer programs that let you continue on with your daily life by living at home but coming in for the treatment you need. Transformations by the Gulf provides a secure and supportive environment to address negative emotions and develop coping mechanisms essential for the recovery journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us today at (727)498-6498.
Being Supportive to an Addict After Rehab, are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Check out our page on addiction treatments.
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help. Find out more information from Psychology Today!
What Addiction Treatment is Like
What Addiction Treatment is Like
Treatment of Addictive Disorders
- Detoxification and medical management of withdrawal symptoms, if needed;
- a comprehensive evaluation of the nature of use, and strengths and needs of the individual which results in a diagnosis;
- an individualized treatment plan which is developed with the patient and is modified as the individual progresses;
- pharmacological therapy, when appropriate;
- monitoring of continued abstinence from alcohol and/or other substances;
- vocational and educational assistance;
- cognitive and behavioral therapy;
- clinical case management;
- continuing care; and
- self-help or peer support as a complement to professional treatment
- Understand the relevant issues associated with the disease as it affects their lives and the lives of those around them;
- Understand the physical impact of chemicals and the implications of addiction on brain functioning;
- Learn and practice the mechanisms, attitudes, skills and behaviors necessary to sustain the positive effects of treatment;
- Develop the capacity or potential to practice normal life activities with responsibility;
- Recognize the personal signs, symptoms, circumstances, and triggers of relapse and know how to respond; and
- Develop and sustain a social support network that will foster and reinforce ongoing recovery.
Ready For Help With Your Addiction Problem?
If you are using drugs or alcohol, you may have an addiction that requires professional help. Find out At Transformations by the Gulf How Mind-Altering Substances Work, we offer programs that let you continue on with your daily life by living at home but coming in for the treatment you need. Transformations by the Gulf provides a secure and supportive environment to address negative emotions and develop coping mechanisms essential for the recovery journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us today at (727)498-6498.
Being Supportive to an Addict After Rehab, are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Check out our page on addiction treatments.
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help. Find out more information from Psychology Today!
Childhood Trauma Connection to Addiction
Childhood Trauma Connection to Addiction
What is Childhood Trauma?
Trauma occurs due to events that cause physical or emotional harm to a child, leaving them scared, confused, helpless, and betrayed. This can lead to a breakdown of trust in parental or authority figures. If the child lacks the ability or support to cope with such events, a trauma disorder may develop.
Childhood trauma can stem from various sources, including different forms of child abuse like physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Other causes of childhood trauma may include emotional or physical neglect, the loss of a parent or loved one, bullying, or experiencing a serious illness. Additionally, being part of or witnessing a severe accident, acts of war, domestic violence, natural disasters, community violence, or school violence can also lead to childhood trauma.
Additional experiences that cause trauma in children include:
- Having a parent who used drugs in the home.
- Having a mentally ill parent in the home.
- Having a parent in jail or prison.
- Criminal behavior in the living environment.
The Effects of Childhood Trauma on the Brain
Childhood trauma can have a major effect on the developing brain, raising the likelihood of addiction in later years. According to Brain Facts, trauma can cause physical harm to a child's brain, leading to toxic stress. This toxic stress, when intense, lasting, and frequent, can reshape and modify various parts of the brain through neuroplasticity. These modifications impact the functioning of the brain's prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and anterior cingulate cortex, influencing the individual's capacity to manage and control their emotions.
How Does Childhood Trauma Affect the Adult Brain?
There are many ways that childhood trauma affects the adult brain. Here are several of them.
- An ongoing activation of the amygdala raises the risk of developing both mental health disorders and substance use disorders simultaneously.
- Repetitive traumatic experiences can cause the amygdala to be overstimulated, resulting in a constant state of fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance for the individual.
- Childhood trauma can activate the brain's fight-or-flight reaction in the absence of a threat.
- When the fight-or-flight response is activated in non-threatening situations, the individual experiences hyperarousal, characterized by an excessive startle reaction, sleep disturbances, and increased irritability.
- Childhood trauma often leads adults to avoid places, events, things, or situations that trigger memories of the traumatic event. This can disrupt their daily functioning.
- Childhood trauma frequently leads to negative self-talk and a negative self-image, as the person holds a negative perception of themselves.
Why Does Trauma Often Lead to Addiction?
Individuals who have undergone childhood trauma frequently resort to alcohol consumption or drug use as a form of self-medication to alleviate the physical and emotional distress resulting from their traumatic experiences in childhood. However, the solace derived from substance use is transient. Persistent attempts to seek solace through substance use can rapidly lead to addiction, adversely affecting the individual's physical and mental well-being. Ultimately, substance use disorders exacerbate the impact of trauma and amplify symptoms of trauma-related disorders.
If you are using drugs or alcohol, you may have an addiction that requires professional help. Find out At Transformations by the Gulf How Mind-Altering Substances Work, we offer programs that let you continue on with your daily life by living at home but coming in for the treatment you need. Transformations by the Gulf provides a secure and supportive environment to address negative emotions and develop coping mechanisms essential for the recovery journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us today at (727)498-6498.
Being Supportive to an Addict After Rehab, are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Check out our page on addiction treatments.
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help. Find out more information from Psychology Today!
How Mind-Altering Substances Work
How Mind-Altering Substances Work
What is Chemical Dependency?
Chemical dependency is a condition marked by dependence on substances that alter mood or mind, like alcohol, illicit drugs, and specific prescription medications. It is a long-lasting, advancing, and possibly life-threatening illness. Chemical dependency can negatively impact your physical health, career, familial connections, and social relationships.
How Do Alcohol and Other Mind-Altering Drugs Work?
Alcohol and drugs are substances that alter bodily functions. When introduced into the body (typically through ingestion, inhalation, or injection), they enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. These substances can impact sensory perception, alertness levels, and pain sensitivity in the brain. The effects of drugs vary based on factors such as the type of drug, dosage, frequency of use, rate of absorption into the brain, and concurrent consumption of other substances. Additionally, individual differences in body composition and chemistry can influence the effects. Prolonged use of psychoactive substances leads to changes in brain activity, causing a dependence on these substances for normal functioning rather than just for pleasure. This reliance signifies a state of chemical dependency.
Get Help Today
If you are using drugs or alcohol, you may have an addiction that requires professional help. Find out At Transformations by the Gulf How Mind-Altering Substances Work, we offer programs that let you continue on with your daily life by living at home but coming in for the treatment you need. Transformations by the Gulf provides a secure and supportive environment to address negative emotions and develop coping mechanisms essential for the recovery journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us today at (727)498-6498.
Being Supportive to an Addict After Rehab, are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Check out our page on addiction treatments.
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help. Find out more information from Psychology Today!
