Seeking Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Employees

It can be frustrating to know of an employee who needs drug and alcohol treatment. As an employer, you have a range of options available, but most employers think that simply firing the employee is this the most practical and viable option. Dealing with employee drug or alcohol abuse seems troublesome, and hiring a new employee altogether seems the best choice for the company. But that choice is wrong.

Residential vs. Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs

For patients needing drug and alcohol treatment, outpatient and residential treatment programs can provide an essential level of care to achieve long-term recovery. But how do you know whether you or a loved one would best benefit from a residential or outpatient program? Both types of treatment have distinctions which make them more or less appropriate for a patient’s needs, depending on the patient’s level and length of addiction.

The Importance of Family Involvement in Substance Abuse Treatment and Addiction Therapy

For family and friends of drug and/or alcohol addicted individuals, confronting addiction is one of the most difficult steps in seeking substance abuse treatment. Often, drug and alcohol addiction has built a destructive cycle over a time to the point where daily family involvement actually enables the addicted individual.

How, When and Why Addiction Assessment is Valuable for Drug and Alcohol Treatment

When you or your loved one decide to make the important step toward seeking drug or alcohol treatment, the next critical step in the recovery process is determining the appropriate level of care via a professional addiction assessment. This is the first intake procedure in drug and alcohol therapy, as it determines what treatment a patient needs.

General Signs of Addiction

The following list of common signs of drug and alcohol addiction and abuse are not all-inclusive, but are the most frequent signs of addiction, or that someone has a problem and needs to seek help.

• Changes in personal appearance—disheveled condition, the smell of alcohol or substances on the breath or on clothes, bloodshot eyes, sometimes noticeable weight loss or weight gain.

Relapse Prevention Techniques

Completing a residential program is a monumental achievement, but the physicians and staff members at The Ridge understand that this is just the beginning of your recovery process. It is important to understand relapse prevention techniques to make sure the progress you’ve made lasts. While a patient undergoes addiction aftercare, it can sometimes be difficult to deal with cravings and avoid dangerous triggers than can cause relapse.

Healthy Eating and Physical Fitness: Your Secret Weapons in Addiction Recovery

While achieving sobriety is any addicted person’s first priority, it’s essential that they take the extra steps to regain a holistic sense of health and wellness. A healthy body feels more comfortable, energetic, and balanced, contributing to the continuance of a sober lifestyle. The Ridge is committed to achieving this level of health for our patients with a balanced program of nutrition and exercise.

Tips for Staying Sober

Staying sober is a lifelong process, and we understand that cravings can be an obstacle for patients during the recovery process. When you learn how to break addiction habits and identify cravings, you can manage and avoid the urge to relapse.
It’s important to note that experiencing cravings is not a sign of weakness – it’s a natural part of recovery, and is deeply rooted in your psychological association with drugs and alcohol.