Mindful Breathing to Reduce Stress

Focusing on your breathing is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to alleviate stress. While numerous books delve into this topic, the suggestions below can serve as a helpful starting point for you. Given that breathing is a constant activity, you will have ample chances to hone this technique!

Less is More

The first and most crucial step in reducing stress is to breathe less through your nose while maintaining a regular breathing pattern. Initially, taking a deep breath or two can help you start practicing breath control. Focus on breathing regularly but at a slower pace with less air volume after these initial breaths. While you may not instantly decrease your breathing rate, with practice, it will likely decrease gradually over several breaths. Through consistent practice, you may achieve a breathing rate as slow as 6 breaths per minute (one every 10 seconds) and inhale less air in the process. Breathing in this manner can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety, making it less likely for you to feel anxious. For many individuals, this initial step leads to a noticeable and satisfactory decrease in anxiety levels.

Breathe Like a Baby

Many of us find it uncomfortable to push the diaphragm downward towards the pelvis, causing the abdomen to protrude. However, even a slight movement in this direction can greatly aid in mindful breathing. Learning this diaphragm movement can be difficult for some individuals. Techniques such as pushing against your waistband, lying down with a book on your abdomen as it rises and falls with each breath, or leaning forward while seated and focusing on diaphragmatic breathing can help with this process.

Take It Down

When practicing diaphragmatic breathing, concentrate on drawing your breath into your lower back, where the lungs reach further down. This emphasis will strengthen your diaphragmatic breathing and reduce the reliance on your chest.

Stop Breathing

Many people are accustomed to the typical breathing pattern of inhaling and exhaling. However, you may benefit from integrating a brief pause between breaths, as in the 4-square breathing technique. With this method, you inhale, pause, exhale, pause, allocating 4 to 5 seconds for each phase. One advantage of incorporating a pause between breaths is the opportunity for complete relaxation, as you do not need to hold your breath during the subsequent pause. When practicing this technique while lying down, you can achieve total relaxation of all voluntary muscles during the pause. Over time, with consistent practice, the duration of the pause can extend to several seconds, resulting in a reduction of breathing frequency to just a few breaths per minute or even less. For inspiration, consider exploring the abilities of experienced breath practitioners such as yogis or deep-sea divers who have honed the art of mindful breathing.

Breaking it Down

Breathe less air through your nose, take slower breaths, focus on using your diaphragm instead of your chest, draw your breath down to your lower back, and pause briefly after each exhale. This video effectively showcases these practices.

Breaking it Down

Even if you have mastered the mindful breathing techniques, they will not be effective unless implemented. Consider setting alarms on your phone as a reminder to practice breathing exercises. Connect your breathing routine to various activities such as reaching for your phone, transitioning between tasks throughout the day, or during moments of pause in between activities (e.g. logging in, waiting at a stoplight, or waiting for someone to answer the phone). Making small adjustments to your stress levels throughout the day can contribute to improved well-being by day's end, reducing the urge to seek alternative methods for relaxation.

Instead of solely dwelling on self-criticism, consider the circumstances surrounding your actions. Given the same scenario, personal background, and triggers, would another person have made a similar choice? Reflect on what insights you gain about yourself. Avoid black-and-white thinking. A decision that wasn't optimal likely wasn't entirely flawed. Embracing decisions, facing outcomes, and evolving through this journey shapes our growth into responsible adults. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us today at (727)498-6498.

Are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Visit Psychology Today or check out our page on addiction treatments.

by Steven Tubbs

Coping with Regret in Recovery

Regret is the feeling that arises when we believe we could have made better choices or actions. It is common to question ourselves with phrases like "why did I...?" or "why didn't I...?" Given that making mistakes is inevitable, it is likely that we will experience regret frequently. Research indicates that approximately 1/3 of our decisions may lead to feelings of regret. Instead of striving to evade regret, it is advisable to focus on managing and processing regret.

Two Types of Regret

There appear to be two primary forms of regret. One might regret failing to fulfill obligations to others. Upon recognizing the issue, it could be relatively simple to rectify one's actions or seek reconciliation. Conversely, do you exert a comparable effort when you falter in pursuing your aspirations and objectives? Lingering regret is often a result of neglecting to chase after your dreams and goals, rather than falling short on your duties. Over time, we typically regret more the things we neglected to do, rather than the actions we took.

How to Cope with Regret Now?

Can we utilize it effectively instead of getting lost in regret, guilt, and shame? Consider the following suggestions: Embrace regret instead of avoiding it. Embracing it can provide a chance for growth. Instead of dwelling on "if only," can you adopt a mindset of "this time" or "next time"? Many regrettable decisions or choices may recur in the future.

Are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Visit Psychology Today or check out our page on addiction treatments.

by Steven Tubbs

Nurses Struggling with Substance Abuse

Nurses often experience high levels of stress, work long hours, and must make critical decisions that can impact lives. It is common for many nurses to express dissatisfaction and a feeling of being undervalued in the workplace, which can hinder their job performance. The easy availability of powerful prescription medications presents a risky temptation for nurses, increasing the likelihood of substance abuse and potentially jeopardizing the safety and health of their patients.

THE PREVALENCE OF NURSE SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Nurses, like numerous other professionals, are vulnerable to stress and burnout, leading to potential substance misuse. Their responsibilities are strenuous, frequently involving extended shifts and managing critical, high-stress scenarios. Certain nurses who experience substance abuse concerns may begin to explore alcohol and drugs during their nursing education. The demanding workload and extended hours further contribute to the challenges of the nursing profession. Faced with emotional strain and physical fatigue, many nurses turn to drugs as a misguided method of self-treatment.

THE IMPACT OF NURSES UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Compassion fatigue occurs when a nurse becomes deeply involved in their patients' pain and neglects their self-care. This issue can lead to some nurses developing harmful coping mechanisms, such as alcohol and drug use. Substance abuse presents significant and unique challenges in the nursing field. Nurses who use drugs while on duty are less likely to deliver safe and competent care, putting the individuals under their care at risk. A nurse grappling with a drug problem may inadvertently harm their patients or jeopardize their well-being. A specific challenge is drug diversion, where nurses misuse medications meant for their patients. This illicit behavior not only jeopardizes the health of nurses but also deprives patients of essential drugs needed for recovery.

HIGH-FUNCTIONING ADDICTION: UNMASKING THE MYTH

When envisioning individuals facing substance abuse challenges, the common image is of someone whose life appears visibly chaotic. However, this perception is misleading. Many people struggling with addiction are able to uphold a facade of normality, maintaining demanding professions such as nursing while fulfilling their work responsibilities – a phenomenon often described as "high-functioning" addiction. Regrettably, this notion is a risky misconception. Even if a nurse appears to have everything in order outwardly, they are still grappling with a severe, life-threatening issue behind closed doors. Nurses are particularly vulnerable to the physical, psychological, and social consequences of substance abuse. The apparent sense of normality can impede the identification of the problem and discourage nurses from seeking the necessary assistance.

RECOGNIZING AND ADDRESSING NURSE SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Recognizing and intervening promptly is essential to protect patients and support nurses in their path to recovery. Creating a workplace environment that encourages nurses to seek assistance for their challenges without worrying about stigma or repercussions is vital. Addiction can have a negative impact on your self-esteem, but there are numerous healthy methods to boost your confidence and lead a happier, healthier life. Whether it's forgiving yourself for past mistakes or consistently prioritizing self-care, these simple yet effective strategies can aid you on your path to recovery. Transformations by the Gulf provides top-notch addiction treatment services in the Gulf Coast of Florida, catering to a wide range of substance use disorders. We offer tailored care to best support your recovery journey, ensuring you receive the assistance you need without fear or shame. Reach out today to discover how we can assist you in your recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us today at (727)498-6498.

Are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Visit Psychology Today or check out our page on addiction treatments.

by Steven Tubbs

‘Gas-station Heroin’ Sold as Dietary Supplement

‘Gas-station heroin’ sold as dietary supplement alarms health officials

By JAN HOFFMAN

The New York Times

‘Gas-station heroin’ sold as dietary supplement; The young father headed across the parking lot to join the other parents meeting their children’s new preschool teachers. After a few steps, he began sweating and twitching. As the sky reeled, he staggered back to the car, desperate to lie down in the back seat and breathe, hidden by tinted windows.

“Did you take something?” his wife, Anne, shouted at him while dialing 911. Eric, 26, had completed rehab earlier in the summer.

“The shot! The shot!” he groaned, just before he hit the ground and blacked out.

In the emergency room of a nearby hospital in southern New Jersey, doctors tried to revive him with a defibrillator.

“What’s he on?” they yelled at Anne.

She showed them a shot-size bottle of the cherry-flavored elixir she had fished out of the car. It was labeled Neptune’s Fix. Eric had bought it at a local smoke shop.

“What the hell is that?” a doctor asked.

Neptune’s Fix features an ingredient called tianeptine — popularly known as gas-station heroin.

Often sold as a dietary supplement and promoted by retailers as a mood booster and focus aid, tianeptine is among a growing, unregulated class of potentially addictive products available in gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops and across the internet. They typically include synthetic pharmaceuticals and plant-derived substances.

Some, such as kratom and phenibut, can be addictive and, in rare cases, fatal. They often originate in other countries, including Indonesia and Russia, where they are commonly used, even prescribed, for mood management. But the Food and Drug Administration has not approved them as medicines in the United States.

“Tianeptine is an emerging threat,” said Kaitlyn Brown, clinical managing director of America’s Poison Centers, which represents and collects data from 55 centers nationwide. “We have people who are able to get a substance that’s not well regulated, that has abuse potential and that, in high doses, can cause similar effects to opioids, leading to really harmful outcomes.”

At least nine states have banned or severely restricted tianeptine, including Florida, Michigan and Ohio. In late November, the FDA issued a nationwide alert about Neptune’s Fix specifically and tianeptine in general, telling people not to take it and warning that it had been associated with overdoses and deaths.

Tianeptine, which also appears as a concentrated powder or an ingredient in products such as Tianaa, Zaza and Pegasus, “is illegally sold with claims to improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder and other conditions,” the agency’s warning said.

There are now at least a dozen different products that are foreign drugs being openly marketed as dietary supplements right under the FDA’s eyes, without them being able to stop the sales.”
– Dr. Pieter Cohen, associate professor
at Harvard Medical School

The FDA loosely oversees dietary supplements, an expanding universe of some 50,000 products that includes minerals, vitamins and compounds like melatonin. But the agency does not evaluate supplements for safety or effectiveness; it can only forbid manufacturers to market them as medical treatments. It requires product labels making health claims to list ingredients and include boilerplate disclaimers, such as noting that the product has not been reviewed by the FDA. The agency does not review those labels before a product is released.

Because the FDA’s enforcement powers are limited by law, many products with tianeptine have long skirted labeling requirements. Although the FDA has explicitly said, for example, that tianeptine does not qualify as a dietary supplement, the labels of some brands, like Tianaa, still make that claim.

“There are now at least a dozen different products that are foreign drugs being openly marketed as dietary supplements right under the FDA’s eyes, without them being able to stop the sales,” said Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School who studies the regulation of supplements.

Tianeptine is a drug developed by French researchers in the 1960s as an antidepressant. It is approved in low doses for that use in many European, Asian and Latin American countries.

But at higher doses, it also works much as an opioid does, delivering short-lived euphoria. In the United States, many people take tianeptine under the widespread, mistaken belief that it is a safe alternative to street opioids like fentanyl or heroin, or even a way to taper off using them. On social media sites such as Reddit, its merits are hotly debated, with more than 5,000 people subscribing to a “Quitting Tianeptine” forum.

“People develop a tolerance very quickly, and so they rapidly start advancing the dosing,” said Dawn Sollee, a clinical toxicologist and director of the Poison Control Center in Jacksonville, Florida. “They will set alarms to wake themselves every two hours to take tianeptine pills so they do not go into withdrawal. And then they have to keep taking more and more just to stay functional.”

Expenses can mount swiftly, along with dangers. At a convenience store in Montclair, New Jersey, recently, 15 capsules of Tianaa Red cost $34. A bottle of Neptune’s Fix, which comes in lemon, tropical, cherry or chocolate-vanilla flavor, runs about $16. A salesperson at a roadside smoke shop farther west said customers typically purchased 12-bottle boxes. A salesperson at another roadside shop said that one customer bought 10 boxes each week — whether for resale or personal use, he did not know.

Determining the number of cases of tianeptine abuse is challenging, because hospitals do not test for it. Reports to poison-control centers are voluntary, typically made by a worried relative, so officials say the numbers represent a drastic undercount.

But case reports are increasing. In 2013, only four cases of tianeptine exposure were reported nationwide. In 2023, 391 cases were reported, according to America’s Poison Centers. New Jersey, which typically has one report a year, received 27 in 2023, with patients ranging in age from 20 to 69.

“Some people apparently think it can help with chronic pain instead of having to use an opioid, which might explain the older demographic,” said Dr. Diane Calello, medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center.

Similarly to many illicit drugs, tianeptine is often sloppily mixed with unlabeled ingredients, such as potent synthetic cannabis compounds. That is one reason overdose symptoms appear to range widely, poison-control medical directors said, including clamminess, nausea, low blood pressure and unconsciousness as well as seizures and severe stomach cramps.

Sometimes naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdoses, can be effective in reviving patients, they said — and sometimes not. At least four deaths have been associated with tianeptine.

The FDA sent warnings in 2021 and 2022 to two companies that it said were “illegally marketing tianeptine products as dietary supplements and unapproved drugs.”

But enforcement requires huge resources, in part because manufacturers and purveyors can be difficult to track down. An inquiry from The New York Times to the makers of Neptune’s Fix submitted through its website received no response. The Sheridan, Wyoming, location listed on the company’s bottles is an address for a registration agent for numerous companies.

Regulatory experts disagree about how the FDA should grapple effectively with tianeptine and other supplements. Some say the agency should establish a strict registry of approved supplements.

In interviews, some poison-center directors did not endorse a full ban of tianeptine, saying that could lead to dangerous underground trafficking. Educating emergency responders and consumers about inherent risks in such products would be a more effective course, they said.

Getting tianeptine off store shelves, they added, would be not only a staggering task but also of limited utility because customers could simply buy it from the most convenient store of all — the internet.

While Eric was recovering from tianeptine poisoning, Anne stormed over to the local smoke shop where he had bought it.

“My husband’s in the hospital because of this product and you’re still going to keep it on the shelves?” she yelled.

“Yes,” she said the owner replied, “because people want it, and we need to make money.” ‘Gas-station heroin’ sold as dietary supplement.

This story was originally published at nytimes.com. Read it here.

To learn more about addiction treatments available at Transformations by the Gulf please click here.

by Steven Tubbs

People sitting around at a 12 step meetings

12-Step AA Program Basics

In today’s culture, alcohol is marked as social substances that makes everything more fun. It’s no surprise then that it’s difficult for some people to see the difference between drinking for pleasure and a more serious problem. On top of that, there are stereotypes that make it easier for an alcoholic that doesn’t fit the mold to stay in denial.

Addiction does not discriminate between age, race, gender, social status, or education level. It affects all different types of people, which sometimes makes it harder to know if someone may have a substance use disorder.

Admitting that you have a problem with alcohol or drugs is not easy, and for many people, it is even harder to admit that they need help for their addiction.

There are recovery groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous that help people maintain their sobriety after treatment.

What is the 12-Step AA Program?

The 12-Step program, first developed and used by Alcoholics Anonymous, is a 12-step plan in order to overcome addictions and compulsions. The basic premise of this model is that people can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from substances of abuse, but that healing cannot come about unless people with addictions surrender to a higher power. This higher power doesn’t need to be a traditional Christian version of God – it can be as simple as the community of the 12-step meetings, the universe, or a different version of a higher power fit for your type of spirituality.

The 12-Step movement can be a powerful and helpful force for many people, but some people struggle with what they interpret as a strong religious element of the program. Some people need addiction treatment programs offer alternatives to or combine different types of addiction therapies to help the individual treat the mind, body and soul.

What are the 12-Steps of AA?

The 12 Steps, as outlined in the original Big Book and presented by AA are:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

How to Get Started at Transformations by the Gulf

Transformations by the Gulf is an inpatient and outpatient Florida drug and alcohol treatment rehab center focused on providing comprehensive and individualized care for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Personalized addiction treatment plans are specific to individual needs, and we take a holistic and an evidenced-based approach to recovery. Contact us online or give us a call at 727-498-6498 to discuss our addiction recovery programs.

Are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Visit Psychology Today or check out or page on addiction treatments.

by Steven Tubbs

Entering Rehab After New Year

Addiction doesn’t discriminate between race, gender, socioeconomic status, or education level. It affects people from all walks of life, which sometimes makes it harder to know if someone may have a substance use disorder.

Admitting that you have an alcohol problem isn’t easy, and for many people, it’s even harder to admit that they need help for their addiction. But not doing so could have negative – or even deadly – consequences in the future.

Thinking About Entering Rehab After New Year?

People choose to enter treatment under different situations. Some signs that may lead to the need to get help are:

1. Family and Friends Have Expressed Concerns

People tend to write of the concerns of family and friends all the time. This is a very common occurrence and sometimes we have to look back at our actions or behaviors that caused the concerns to begin with.

If you’ve noticed recently that family and/or friends are telling you that they’re worried about you or have concerns regarding your addiction, it may be a sign that you need to go to rehab.

2. You’ve Hurt Yourself or Others While Under the Influence

Have you hurt yourself or other people while under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Whether you've gotten into a fight, tripped and broke your arm after a night of drinking or using, or gotten in a car accident while intoxicated. These are all signs that you need help for your addiction.

Additionally, alcohol and drugs can increase the symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. If you’ve ever had suicidal thoughts or harmed yourself as a result of drinking, it’s critical that you seek help immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-844-584-4185 or using their instant messaging feature. No matter how hopeless you feel, you are not alone, and treatment is available.

3. Missing Important Events or Neglecting your Responsibilities

For many alcoholics and addicts, it's difficult to be present for important events that include family, friends or work. If drinking or using drugs has become the biggest priority in your life and you’re missing out on special moments and memories such as your child’s athletic games, birthday parties, holidays or other gatherings involving friends or family, it could be a sign that you need to seek treatment.

4. You are Experience Symptoms of Withdrawal When Not Drinking

If you experience symptoms when you are not drinking such as headaches, nausea, cramps, paranoia, or irritability within a few hours after your last drink or while you are working, you’re likely experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It’s these symptoms that hold many addicts back from getting the help they need, but it’s also a sign that you need treatment: Entering Rehab After New Year is a good idea.

5. You Are or You Have Dealt with Negative Consequences as a Result to Drinking or Drug Use

One of the biggest signs that you should enter treatment is facing negative consequences as a result of your addiction. Are your actions not normal behavior?

This can be anything from losing your job, getting your driver’s license suspended, not showing up to events you were committed too, being arrested for a DUI, participating in crimes like stealing or fraud, spending time in jail, or having issues in your relationships with friends, family, or loved ones.

6. You Begin Questing if you Have a Problem

At some point we begin questioning behaviors, is this normal? When you begin to question yourself, it may be time to seek help or seek out a therapist to speak about the problem with. If you stop and take an honest look at your lifestyle or habits and are worried about them, it may be time to get help.

7. You’ve Been Unable to Quit on Your Own

Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a medical disorder, and getting clean on your own is difficult. If you’ve tried to quit before but the fears of withdrawal symptoms, a lack of support or wonder if you can even live normally without having a drink or drug may be indicators that it is time to admit you have a problem and it's time to get help.

It’s not easy to admit you have a problem and ask for help, but it’s the first step in living a clean, sober life in recovery.

How to Get Started at Transformations by the Gulf

Entering Rehab After New Year is a good idea. Transformations by the Gulf is an inpatient and outpatient Florida drug and alcohol treatment rehab center focused on providing comprehensive and individualized care for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Personalized addiction treatment plans are specific to individual needs, and we take a holistic and an evidenced-based approach to recovery. Contact us online or give us a call at 727-498-6498 to discuss our addiction recovery programs.

by Steven Tubbs

KRatom, Kratom addiction, Kratom abuse, Kratom Rehab

How Addiction to Kratom Almost Ruined my Life

How Addiction to Kratom Almost Ruined my Life.

by Nichole Moninger

In my late twenties, I started having regular pain in my knees and throughout my lower body. Within just a few years, I was diagnosed with hEDS (Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by a collagen deficiency. The joints in my lower body, particularly in my knees and ankles, deteriorated over the next decade. Then in my early 40’s, I was also diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause pain and inflammation in any area of the body. Like hEDS, Lupus most commonly impacts the joints and skin. To say that I was experiencing daily chronic pain is an understatement, and I was looking for something to help manage this symptom. On a Facebook group for people with hEDS, I read about a woman who found pain management by taking Kratom.

Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa Korthals) is a tropical tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. This herbal substance is most commonly consumed as a tea made from leaves or powder, but kratom can also be found in capsules, gummies, and even beverage shots. When consuming low doses (i.e. 1-5 grams), kratom typically produces stimulant effects; high doses (5-15 g.) usually cause sedative effects. However, kratom comes in a wide variety of strains (e.g. red, white, or green vein; Bali; Indo; Maeng Da; Malay; Sumatra; Thai; etc.), and how each strain impacts an individual varies widely.

In 2016, I started taking kratom as a powder and mixing it in a water bottle. The taste was disgusting, but it offered pain relief that I was desperately seeking. Within just a few years, I discovered that I could order kratom capsules online and have them delivered to my home in no time. I kept them in an old herbal vitamin bottle in my purse so that no one would know what they really were. Before long I became totally and completely addicted to kratom. I had to find a larger bottle to carry the capsules around with me in because I was taking close to 100 grams of kratom every day. I was spending over $500 a month on kratom capsules. When I tried to cut back on my use, I experienced vicious withdrawal symptoms.

The National Institute of Health tells us that kratom contains two opioid receptor agonists, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which means that it acts like an opioid in the brain. Moderate to heavy kratom users (i.e. at least 3 doses per day) typically experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms like those of opioid cessation within 48 hours of when they try to stop using kratom. Severe adverse effects, up to and including death, have been reported with kratom doses in excess of 15 grams when taken in conjunction with opioids, benzodiazepines, modafinil, and other medications. I was taking incredibly high amounts of kratom with opioids and benzodiazepines. I was hospitalized multiple times for overdosing and am truly lucky to be alive. I nodded out behind the wheel and rear-ended cars more than a few times; I could have easily killed someone.

In February of this year, I slept for about 14 hours and woke up not knowing whether it was morning or night. It was then that I realized the seriousness of my addiction and knew that I needed help. I called Transformations by the Gulf, and they arranged for a medical Uber to pick me up right away. I checked into a medical detox center, after which I spent 45 days at Transformations by the Gulf in Residential Treatment and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and another 75 days in their Intensive Outpatient Program. I’m now almost 10 months clean and sober, and I honestly feel that I owe my life to Transformations by the Gulf. Their program and the staff changed my life in a way that I never could’ve done on my own. If you’re struggling with addiction to kratom, or addiction to any drug or alcohol, know that there is hope. If I can do it, so can you. Give Transformations by the Gulf a call today. I promise; you won’t regret it.

How to Get Started at Transformations by the Gulf

by Transformations By The Gulf

Do Rehabs Allow Cellphones?

Does Transformations by the Gulf Allow Cellphones in Rehab?

YES, Transformations by the Gulf does allow cell phones and other electronic devices in rehab. Every rehab center sets its own policy on cellphones and electronic devices. Most rehabs in fact do not allow cellphones, computers, tablets or any electronic device other than a mp3 player. With Transformations there is no need to worry. Clients are allowed to keep cell phones on them through the duration of the treatment. We understand life does not stop when you enter rehab so rather than taking it away from you like other rehabs, we work with you to ensure you feel comfortable.

Are Cell Phones Allowed in Rehab in Other Places?

Every rehab center sets its own policy on cellphones and electronic devices, so be sure to call ahead for a list of approved and prohibited items. Typically, cellphones are not allowed but there may be limited exceptions on use during specified times outside of treatment.

What If I Don’t Have My Own Cell Phone?

You may be able to use the facility phone within the facility to call your loved ones. Call ahead to confirm the rules for calling home and loved ones. Other alternatives to contacting your loved ones may be letters or virtual Skype calls as well.

Get Fast Answers to Your Questions

Should I Limit My Cell Phone Use in Rehab?

Because going to rehab and receiving treatment is a critical time that will require focus and perseverance, a call home or to a loved one may be able to help someone through rehab. Despite the seemingly positive influence of being in touch with a loved one, it may also become a distraction from the treatment program. The impact, either positive or negative, will of course depend on the individual.

How Can I Find a Cell Phone Friendly Rehab?

People find themselves asking themself do rehabs in Florida allow cellphones. Are there any rehabs that allow cellphones in Florida? Each rehab facility sets their own rules for electronics and cell phone use so call ahead to confirm the rules. Explore our rehab facilities and amenities further below. Good News Transformations by the Gulf allow cell phones in rehab.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498

The success of a person’s recovery depends on the level of personalized treatment provided. It is important to find an addiction treatment program that works. When we say our treatment is individualized, we mean that we craft a program that is tailored to address the client’s unique physical, mental and emotional needs.

In the client’s first 24 hours with us, we’ll evaluate their current state and work to understand what challenges they need to overcome. They’ll also have an initial session with our doctor and meet with one of our licensed mental health professionals.

After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:

Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
Creating a support system.
Developing healthy stress management techniques.
Eliminating Substance use.
Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Repairing damaged relationships.

Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

Admissions

What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.

What Should I Bring?

What to Expect?

Why Transformations by the Gulf?

by Steven Tubbs

15 Signs you Have a Problem with Drugs or Alcohol

Here are 15 signs you have a problem with drugs or alcohol. Trying to stop drinking or using drugs can be very difficult, especially when you do not recognize the signs that you have a problem. Identifying these signs can help you find an addiction treatment program like those at Transformations by the Gulf. If you or a loved one displays these signs, call (727)498-6498 to find help today.

Sign #1: All Social Events Involve Drugs or Alcohol

If you only feel comfortable going to events or socializing when drugs or alcohol are involved, then it may be time to get sober. You should be able to have fun and relax without using substances. There are many resources for finding this information: SAMHSA.gov (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) has all types of educational and informational resources. The public library and the internet have an enormous amount of information for education, groups, support, treatment, etc.

Sign #2: You Feel Like You Can’t Have Fun Without Drugs or Alcohol

If you feel like you need drugs or alcohol to have a good time, it’s time to get sober. This way of thinking leads to addiction and ruin.

Sign #3: You Make Excuses for Drugs and Alcohol

If you find yourself making excuses for your drug or alcohol use, then it’s time to get sober. No one is perfect, but if you’re hiding your use or making up stories about it, then it’s a problem.

Sign #4: Your Hangovers Control Your Life

If you’re missing work or important events because of hangovers, then it’s time to get sober. Hangovers are a sign that your body can’t handle the substances, and you need to take a break.

Sign #5: One Drink Isn’t an Option

If you can’t have just one drink, then it’s time to get sober. This is a sign of addiction, and it will only get worse if you don’t make a change.

Sign #6: You Use Higher Doses to Feel the Same High

If you need to use more drugs or alcohol to feel the same high, then it’s time to get sober. This increased use is a sign of tolerance and can lead to addiction. if you have insurance and just want to get information about pricing, give us a call 24/7 (727)498-6498.

Sign #7: You Drive Under the Influence

If you’ve been caught driving under the influence, then it’s time to get sober. Driving drunk or high is a sign that you’re willing to risk your life, and it’s not worth it.

Sign #8: Loved Ones Have Told You to Get Help

If your loved ones have told you that they’re concerned about your drug or alcohol use, then it’s time to get sober. They can see what you can’t and want to help you before it’s too late.

Sign #9: You’ve Harmed Others While Intoxicated

If you’ve harmed others while intoxicated, it’s time to get sober. Outbursts are a sign that you’re not in control of your use, and it’s time to get help.

Sign #10: You’ve Lost a Job of Other Opportunities

If you’ve lost a job or other opportunities because of your drug or alcohol use, then it’s time to get sober. Your addiction is costing you more than you realize, and it’s time to make a change.

Sign #11: You’ve Tried to Quit But Can’t

If you’ve tried to quit but can’t, it’s time to get sober. Being unable to stop is a sign that you need help to overcome your addiction.

Sign #12: You Lie About Drug or Alcohol Use

If you find yourself lying about your drug or alcohol use, then it’s time to get sober. Lying or hiding use is a sign that you’re not comfortable with your use, and it’s time to make a change.

Sign #13: You Want to Stop but Don’t Know How

If you want to stop using but don’t know how then it’s time to get sober. Not knowing where to start is a sign that you need help to overcome your addiction.

Sign #14: You Constantly Drink Until Blackout

You Constantly Drink Until Blackout

If you find yourself drinking until you black out, then it’s time to get sober. Blacking out signals that you’re not in control of your use, and it can lead to serious consequences.

Sign #15: You Experience Other Health Problems

If you’ve developed other health problems because of your drug or alcohol use, then it’s time to get sober. Health problems are a sign that your use is out of control, and it’s time to get help.

If you identify with any of these 15 Signs you Have a Problem with Drugs or Alcohol, give us a call 24/7 (727)498-6498.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498

After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:

Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
Creating a support system.
Developing healthy stress management techniques.
Eliminating Substance use.
Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Repairing damaged relationships.

Are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Visit Psychology Today or check out or page on addiction treatments.

Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

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Why Transformations by the Gulf?

by Steven Tubbs

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment in St Pete Beach Florida

Common Reasons People Are Afraid to Get Treatment for Addiction

There are many common reasons people are afraid to get treatment for addiction. If you have a loved one struggling with a substance, use disorder, you may feel incredibly frustrated that they won’t get help. Can they not see what drugs and alcohol are doing to them? Don’t they want to be happy? What’s important to understand is that your loved one may be miserable but they’re also afraid.

That may not be obvious since many people cope with their fear by becoming aggressive or disengaged but the fear is there. If you understand their fear, it can help you be more patient and supportive and you may ultimately have more success getting them into treatment. Here are some of the reasons people are afraid to enter addiction treatment.

They’re Afraid to Admit Having a Problem

It may be obvious to you and everyone else that your loved one has a problem with drugs and alcohol, and you may believe it’s obvious to them, but denial can be powerful. Keep in mind that there’s no clear line when addiction begins. It’s a gradual process with a lot of gray area. That is to say, it looks very different from their perspective.

There is still a lot of stigmas attached to addiction and when you admit to having a problem, you feel like you’re accepting membership in a rather dubious club. When you admit to having a problem, you also have to confront the possibility that you might need help, which leads to a bunch of new anxieties.

They’re Afraid to Give Up Control

One of those anxieties is giving up control. Often, people with substance use issues will accept that they have a problem but then insist on dealing with it on their own. They insist they are still in control, even though the most common symptoms of addiction include trying to quit but being unable to and not being able to drink or use drugs in moderation.

When you insist on doing it your own way, that’s usually an attempt to avoid the hard but inevitable aspects of recovery. They want things to change but they don’t want to be uncomfortable, which is really true of everyone. In addiction recovery, there are plenty of opportunities to be uncomfortable.

They’re Afraid to Be Alone

When people imagine entering an addiction treatment program, they often picture some remote facility, not unlike a prison, where they’ll have to spend 30 to 90 days among strangers. In other words, they feel like they’re going to have to endure this ordeal alone.

While it’s typically true that people entering treatment don’t know anyone there, the loneliness will only last a few days at the most. The staff wants you to feel welcome and you may have a roommate.

Most importantly, good treatment programs know how important it is for clients to feel connected and supported and they facilitate that connection through group activities and group therapy. People often say they met their best friends in addiction treatment because it is a place where most of the people have experienced similar struggles.

They’re Afraid to Open up

Most people know that if they enter addiction treatment, they’ll have to talk to a therapist and participate in group therapy. This can be a frightening prospect. Men appear to be especially reluctant to seek help for mental health issues and talk about their feelings, but it can be hard for anyone.

Not only does it entail revisiting painful memories and emotions, but many of these experiences have been buried deep down for years or decades. Feelings of shame or a general reluctance to open up and be vulnerable can make someone want to avoid therapy entirely.

However, a good therapist won’t push a client to talk about anything before they’re ready. That often ends up being counterproductive. Eventually, most people discover that keeping things bottled up is more trouble than it’s worth. It’s often a tremendous relief for people to discover that their deepest, darkest secrets are not that uncommon, and they no longer have to feel ashamed.

They’re Afraid of Living Without a Coping Mechanism

One of the most important things to understand about substance use disorders is that people typically start using drugs and alcohol for a reason and they continue to use them because they get something out of it. For example, at least half of people with substance use disorders have a co-occurring mental health issue, although they may not know it. Childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect are very common among people with substance use issues.

Although drugs and alcohol are a bad way to cope with emotional pain, they are the only coping mechanism many people have. When you say to someone, “You need to get sober,” they may be hearing you say that you want to deprive them of the one thing that makes life tolerable, even if it does cause other problems.

to replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with healthy--and more effective--ones. One reason therapy is such a central component of treatment is that it helps resolve many of the issues that drive substance use and teaches clients skills to cope with challenging emotions.

They’re Afraid to Disappoint You

Finally, many people resist entering treatment for addiction because they’re afraid of failure. Recovery can seem like an overwhelming challenge. They may have failed at it before, perhaps even several times. Failure is bad enough in itself but it’s even worse when other people are depending on us. What’s more, a lot of time, money, and effort goes into quality addiction treatment.

That adds up to a lot of pressure to succeed at a time when most people don’t feel equal to even the most mundane challenges. It’s important for them to know that sobriety is worth the risk of failure--even repeated failure, if necessary. Recovery never goes perfectly for anyone. There are always challenges and setbacks, but you don’t fail until you quit trying. There are tips to managing depressive symptoms in substance abuse clients during early recovery.

There is plenty to fear when beginning the journey of addiction recovery, but there’s even more to fear from not trying at all. People lose their money, their jobs, their families, and their lives to addiction, but they don’t have to. Some fears such as the fear of being uncomfortable are valid, but also an inevitable part of the process. The key to overcoming those is to realize the payoff is worth the price. Other fears, like being alone or having to live without a reliable coping mechanism are largely illusory. At Transformations, we understand that getting help for addiction is a hard decision, but we also know that quality addiction treatment changes lives.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498

After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as: