Cell Phones in Treatment

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?


drinking problem

15 Signs you Have a Problem with Drugs or Alcohol

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

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.

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.

Admissions

What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.

What Should I Bring?

What to Expect?

Why Transformations by the Gulf?


Why alcoholism occurs after gastric bypass surgery

Why Alcoholism Occurs After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Why Alcoholism Occurs After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery has helped people combat obesity, diabetes and even the risk of heart disease. While it may be helpful for many people, it can also increase the effects of alcohol use. In fact, research shows an increased risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in patients after just three years post-procedure.

Understanding the risk of addiction associated with gastric bypass can help you prevent or address this issue. Keep reading to learn about the connection between this weight loss surgery and alcohol addiction, the symptoms of AUD and ways to get help if you or a loved one is struggling.

What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric bypass is one type of surgery for weight loss. During the procedure, a medical expert alters how the stomach and small intestine work to digest food. The surgeon creates a small pocket out of the stomach, which is then connected to the patient's small intestine. Food will then enter the small pouch before moving throughout the digestive system, bypassing a large part of the stomach and the initial portion of the small intestine.

Gastric bypass surgery can aid weight loss by:

  • Limiting how much food the stomach can hold
  • Reducing the nutrients and calories the body can absorb
  • Altering gut hormones to make someone feel fuller longer

Why Is There a Connection Between Alcohol Addiction and Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Researchers aren't entirely sure why gastric bypass may lead to issues with alcohol, though there are a few possible explanations and theories:

1. Changes to Blood Alcohol Content Level

Many patients report a higher sensitivity to the effects of alcohol after gastric bypass surgery. The stomach lining contains an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase that metabolizes alcohol. When alcohol enters just a tiny stomach pouch after gastric bypass, it comes into contact with less alcohol dehydrogenase and moves to the small intestine quicker, leading to more alcohol entering the bloodstream. As a result, patients drinking alcohol after gastric bypass surgery:

  • Have higher blood alcohol content levels.
  • Get drunker faster.
  • Have alcohol in their system longer than those who have not had the surgery.

These effects may impact how the brain responds to alcohol and explain the increased potential for an alcohol use disorder. This is similar to why women are more sensitive to alcohol than men. Women have significantly less alcohol dehydrogenase in their stomach lining, making alcohol enter the bloodstream easier. One alcoholic drink can affect a woman more strongly than one drink for a man.

As a result, drinking alcohol after gastric bypass surgery can result in more alcohol consumption — patients might get drunker faster and take longer to sober up, making drinking seem more appealing to some.

2. Changes in Gut Hormones and Reward Circuitry

Another potential cause is that weight loss surgery affects your gut hormones, including dopamine. This and other hormones impact feelings of hunger and fullness, but they also influence the sense of reward we feel after eating and drinking. Essentially, drinking alcohol after gastric bypass might be related to a changed hormone balance, and the boosted reward sensation can lead to AUD.

Alcohol is, therefore, recognized differently in the brain following gastric bypass surgery. If the pathway to a reward sensation becomes more activated after drinking alcohol, it can lead to addiction.

3. Addiction Transfer

Another possible reason for the connection between gastric bypass surgery and AUD could be addiction transfer. Like addictive substances, food can trigger feel-good chemicals like dopamine. Patterns of overeating might transfer to substances like alcohol after gastric bypass.

While researchers cannot entirely dismiss this theory, it's more likely the chemical, physical and biological changes that occur as a result of gastric bypass are most responsible for causing AUD in post-surgery patients.

That said, the following are risk factors of addiction transfer to be aware of:

  • Personal or family history of substance use disorder
  • History of eating disorders
  • Past trauma, such as childhood abuse
  • Regular alcohol use before surgery
  • Lack of healthy coping mechanisms
  • Lack of social support
  • Feelings of isolation
  • Depression, mood or anxiety disorders

Who's Most at Risk for an AUD Following Gastric Bypass?

Some factors can affect the likelihood of alcohol addiction among gastric bypass patients, such as being male, being young and feeling left out or like you don't belong. Those who already struggled with alcohol use before surgery are also at a higher risk of AUD.

Overall, people at the most risk of alcohol addiction after gastric bypass include:

  • Men
  • Smokers
  • Young adults
  • Those missing a support system
  • People who use drugs recreationally
  • People who regularly consume alcohol

Factors that did not appear to influence the development of alcohol misuse post-surgery include binge eating tendencies before treatment.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder After Gastric Bypass Procedure

The signs of alcohol use disorder after gastric bypass surgery might not be noticeable at first. The following are symptoms of addiction you might notice in yourself or a loved one following the procedure:

  • Spending the majority of your time drinking or hungover
  • Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop drinking
  • Having cravings to drink
  • Drinking's interference with daily responsibilities
  • Engaging in reckless behavior while intoxicated
  • Quitting previously enjoyed activities in favor of drinking
  • Relationship issues
  • Drinking to the point of blackout or losing memory of events while drunk
  • Having to drink more to get the same effect
  • Drinking more or for longer periods than planned
  • Having withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop alcohol consumption

If you or a loved one has experienced two or more of the above symptoms, an alcohol use disorder may be developing. Luckily, there are several alcohol treatment services available that can help you overcome the cycle.

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. Why Alcoholism Occurs After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

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?

Subscribe