Recovery isn’t an easy process to handle and for anyone who is going through the journey of their addiction recovery, here are five things that can help you stay consistent and accountable for your success in the long-run.

People who are overcoming substance use disorders have great hope in recovery since it is a lifetime journey. The reassuring thing in the recovery process is when people keep in mind the important elements like their progress, goals, and healthy routines, they can overcome any obstacles in their recovery.

Positive coping techniques are taught to people during the recovery process, including how to look after their bodily and mental health, how to stay sober, and how to build wholesome relationships. People can stay upbeat and on course in their journeys by being reminded of several important things.  These are the top five things to keep in mind for anyone recovering  from substance abuse:

1. Appreciating how far you’ve come

Being motivated by your progress and all that you have achieved thus far in your recovery is helpful. Reflecting on your success helps motivate you to continue working through treatment and continue sustaining your sobriety when it is ended, whether you have already made the first step in recovery or have finished your treatment program. Remind yourself of the difficulties you’ve previously overcome and how far you’ve come when recuperation feels difficult.

2. Keeping in mind your goals for recovery and in life

Remembering your objectives is

3. Finding Your System of Support

A caring network of supporters is essential to the healing process, so it’s important to keep in mind where to turn for help when you do. Your support network may consist of your loved ones, friends, therapists, counselors, recovery experts, support groups, and a sponsor. Ask for assistance when you need it and try not to isolate yourself from the people who love you.

Being aware of your support network is crucial for rehabilitation. After your treatment program is over, keep going to 12-step and group sessions to stay in touch with your support network. When recovery is going well and you are feeling good, it may be tempting to stop going to meetings or to stop getting counseling. But, remaining in touch with your support network can assist you in maintaining a positive outlook, preventing negative thinking, and recalling who to turn to when difficulties arise.

key to remind yourself how far you can go. Your recovery can be supported by reminding yourself of your life goals.

When you start treatment, your main objective can be to stop using drugs or alcohol or to develop effective coping mechanisms. As your therapy progresses, you might set goals that go beyond recovery, such as getting a job, going to college, getting back in touch with loved ones, getting more exercise, or picking up a new skill.

Your future and your recovery strategy can both benefit from keeping your life and recovery goals in mind. Create tiny daily routines that assist you in working toward your short- and long-term goals to serve as a reminder of what you want.

4. Taking Notice of Possible Triggers

If a circumstance reminds you of a time when you used drugs or alcohol, it may cause a desire for such substances. By keeping in mind your triggers, you can stay away from people, places, and activities that can make you crave certain foods. Spend some time making a list of probable triggers and coming up with a strategy to avoid them. You might need to leave harmful relationships behind and put your attention on making fresh, healthy friendships. Also, you might need to stay away from pubs or settings where you’ve previously used drugs.

5. Understanding The Process of Healing Is a Lifetime

You can take proactive measures to keep your recovery plan on track when you bear in mind that rehabilitation continues after therapy. Keep up the good behaviors and coping mechanisms you used to stay sober at the beginning of your recovery and stay involved in your recovery community by going to meetings and lending a hand when you can.

As recovery from addiction is a lifelong process, you have a lifetime of positive decisions, development, and support ahead of you. Moving on with hope is made possible by concentrating on the sober life you can create.

Are you looking for help?

Find a safe space near you so that you can freely and openly express your feelings and be guided throughout your rehabilitation journey by professionals and people who are going through the same thing. Contact R&R Recovery IOP Treatment in Huntington Beach for options, consultation, and more.

The relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use is becoming increasingly recognized by studies across the world. And many researchers discuss that there may be a connection between alcohol addiction and the symptoms of ADHD.

Despite being complicated and persistent, substance use disorder is curable. To ensure that treatment is successful, those who check into an addiction facility should address both their alcohol addiction and ADHD at the same time. In this article, we’ll go over how these disorders are related and how to obtain assistance if you or a loved one is experiencing difficulties.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both activity and attention. According to estimates, 4% of adults and 11% of children suffer from ADHD. Young children in particular share many of its characteristics, such as excessive activity levels, short attention spans, and difficulty staying quietly for extended amounts of time.

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter a person’s lifestyle and result in low self-esteem, relationship issues, and professional and academic difficulties, as well as relationship problems. The following signs and symptoms define ADHD:

Inability to focus: People with ADHD may find it challenging to concentrate on tasks such as jobs, school, or other important responsibilities. They might commit errors at work or school, forget important dates, and be unable to complete tasks demanding persistent mental effort.

Hyperactivity: A person with ADHD who experiences this symptom may fidget, tap their hands or feet, or wriggle in their seat while at work or school. Children with ADHD may run and climb in inappropriate places.

Impulsivity: It may be difficult for people with ADHD to maintain their patience. They frequently interrupt talks or make snap judgments without carefully considering the consequences.

Researchers are unsure of the exact etiology of ADHD but risk factors such as maternal drinking while pregnant or high levels of stress throughout pregnancy, can occur in the womb. ADHD was long thought to solely affect children, but new areas of research have emerged, such as the connection between ADHD and alcohol consumption in adults.

Alcohol’s effect on those with ADHD

The existence of ADHD symptoms can raise the risk of issues with alcohol use even in the absence of an ADHD diagnosis. It appears that having ADHD may make you more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol usage and ADHD are linked, according to extensive studies the results include:

Early alcohol use: A twin study found that those with severe childhood ADHD are more prone to start drinking young and drinking heavily and frequently.

Increased risk of binge drinking: A guy binges when he consumes five or more drinks in less than two hours, while a woman binges on four. Researchers have found that early-adult binge drinking is more common among those with ADHD. According to one study, 42.1% of people with ADHD admitted to binge drinking each time they ingested alcohol.

Increased risk of alcohol use disorder: Research indicates that having ADHD as a youngster increases the likelihood of later developing an alcohol use disorder. While heavy drinking might temporarily alleviate the restlessness and anxiety that are frequent signs of ADHD, it can also exacerbate these symptoms and make some ADHD treatments useless.

Alcohol consumption with ADHD

Despite the fact that alcohol is a depressive, it can have the opposite impact on people with ADHD. Alcohol use has an impact on the frontal lobe, which is in charge of rational thought and decision-making. Impulsive behavior can have negative effects on those with ADHD who indulge in it. These symptoms may worsen when they drink alcohol. Additionally, drinking alcohol might make restlessness and inattentiveness symptoms worse.

People with ADHD may experience worsened anxiety symptoms and have trouble controlling their emotions while drinking heavily for an extended period of time.

How we can assist

Let us help you by providing authorized, research-based anger management therapy for underlying sadness, anxiety, or addiction, depending on your particular needs for physical and mental health care. We can be your professional partner and safe haven on your route to recovery. Get in touch with R&R Recovery IOP Treatment in Huntington Beach for options, a consultation, and more.

There is no fixed treatment plan that can be applied to every recovering addict. Each patient is different, with a unique history of substance abuse, severity, and personal traumatic experiences. As such, rehabs use a continuum of care in which the patients are afforded a level of care that is appropriate for their condition. The levels must align with their needs for effective treatment and recovery. Additionally, they can just move through the levels as they get better. Their treatment adapts to their progress.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), there are five levels of the continuum of care for substance abuse patients. Each level indicates the intensity of the patient’s condition as well as the intensity of care that corresponds to their situation. The levels are as follows:

·         Level 0.5: Early intervention and detection

·         Level I: Outpatient

·         Level II: Intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program

·         Level III: Residential or inpatient programs·        

·         Level IV: Intensive inpatient programs with medical management

5 Levels Of Care For Addiction Treatment

Level 0.5: Early Intervention

This level is exclusively for people who have high risks of developing substance abuse disorders. This level of care aims to preemptively intervene before the addiction potentially worsens. This is applicable for patients who are predisposed to drug abuse. Part of the program is close monitoring in case the patient’s addiction develops even further.

Level I: Outpatient Treatment

Patients at level 1 are not required to be admitted or to reside in the rehab premises. They are free to live in their residential areas for as long as they are able to attend regular meetings and therapy sessions. These sessions include one-on-one consultations with therapists and counselors. Additionally, patients get access to group therapy. In this way, they can receive continuous treatment while living a relatively normal life.

Outpatient treatment is more affordable compared to residential or inpatient treatment simply because there is no need to cover the residential costs and 24/7 medical care. In this level, the services provided are as follows:

·         Evaluation of the patient’s condition to identify the addiction level

·         Treatment of the patient

·         Follow-up treatment to monitor the patient’s progress

·         Help the patient implement behavioral  changes they have learned from therapy

·         Help improve the patient’s mental health, functioning, and stability

Level I treatment can be a transitional point for patients who came from higher levels of care. It is also beneficial for patients who are not yet ready to conclude their treatment journey.

Level II: Intensive Outpatient Programs or Partial Hospitalization Programs

Level II programs, which include IOP and PHP, are designed to provide the following:

·         Consultation services

·         24/7 crisis hotline

·         Psychopharmacological care

·         Psychiatric care

·         Medical assistance and management·        

·         Support training and services such as vocational training, child care, and transportation

While the two types of treatment are categorized at the same level, there are some differences that truly matter when searching for the right treatment plan that the patient needs. IOP provides education and counseling to help the patient gain a better understanding of their mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. The patients receive referrals to the respective psychiatric and medical departments that will care for them. Take note that unstable psychological conditions and severe medical problems cannot be remedied by IOP.

For severe cases that require close medical monitoring, PHP is highly recommended. PHP provides direct access to medical professionals as well as laboratory services. The program provides a multidimensional approach for patients with co-occurring disorders with a focus on hospitalization.

Level III: Inpatient Programs or Residential Treatment

Level III provides a stable, safe, and comfortable environment that is conducive for recovery. The patients will be admitted to the rehab center wherein they are to be isolated from the rest of the world so that they will be far from temptations. In the center, they can focus on recovery by attending group meetings, individual therapy, and even holistic treatment programs.

Level 3.1: Low-intensity, clinically managed residential treatment

This level provides 24/7 care and support. This level focuses on teaching the patients the different recovery skills they need to attain sobriety. They will also be taught how to form their own relapse prevention plans while training them to have a more stable emotional status.

Level 3.3: Medium-intensity, clinically managed residential treatment

This is also known as extended or long-term care. This level focuses on slower and repetitive steps that are essential for targeting mental illnesses linked to substance abuse. This level provides ongoing case management, vocational training, self-help meetings, and transportation services.

Level IV: Medically-Managed Intensive Inpatient Program

Level IV is referred to as the most intense and comprehensive treatment plan reserved for the most severe cases. The patients are medically detained in the facility where there is professional staff on-call, 24/7. The staff is also trained with acute care skills and resources to deal with co-occurring disorders. This level of care is designed to help patients transition to lower levels of care as they recover.

Consult us at R&R Recovery today to learn more about the different levels of care as well as what will best suit you or your recovering loved one. Take your first steps towards recovery with us today.

Have you ever taken a moment to consider how you feel about alcohol? Most adults over the age of 18 have drunk alcohol at some point and most of them have at least one time questioned their relationship with alcohol-or better known now as sober curious.

Adults are advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to either refrain from drinking alcohol altogether or do so in moderation. And the rule of thumb is that two drinks a day for men is considered moderate drinking. One drink per day or fewer is the limit for ladies. However, the amount of alcohol that is advised for moderate drinking is frequently exceeded. For instance, a large number of people engage in binge drinking or heavy drinking.

So if you’ve ever had too much to drink, you’re definitely familiar with the struggle of having a hangover the next day. This can make you pause and consider how much you consume and whether you ought to modify your drinking routine.

What does Sober Curious mean?

For many people, drinking is a common pastime in both their personal and professional lives. Friends and relatives frequently get together for drinks informally or for special occasions like weddings. An open bar is frequently offered during cocktail hour after work or during professional networking events. On occasions like these, some people might find it challenging to control their intake.

The sober curious trend is for those who usually drink in a social setting but have thought about reducing their intake or cutting back. Sober individuals who are inquisitive often envision their life without alcohol and evaluate the role that alcohol plays in their lives, such as:

• How would giving up alcohol affect my social life?
• Would my pals still want to be around me if I stopped drinking?
• Would I discover more wholesome ways to deal with stressful situations?
• If I stopped drinking, might I adopt other good lifestyle choices?

A sober curious person will indulge in the occasional drink but takes the time to consider the role that alcohol plays in their lives. For a while, they might even completely abstain from alcohol to experience what it would be like to live soberly.

How did the Sober Curious begin?

In order to refrain from drinking alcohol, many people now observe Dry January. 2013 marked the first Dry January. The event was initiated by the U.K.-based nonprofit Alcohol Concern. This group is now called Alcohol Change. According to the Alcohol Change website, the Dry January public health program began with only 4,000 participants in the first year and increased to 130,000 by 2021. Participants in Dry January can be found in various nations, including the U.S., far beyond the U.K.

The sober curious movement, which includes Dry January, encourages people to put their drinking on hold and reevaluate their relationship with alcohol at any time. When Ruby Warrington first coined the phrase when she published Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Deep Connection, and Limitless Presence Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol in 2018.

Helpful tips for managing alcohol consumption

The sober curious movement may encourage people to drink less but ultimately it’s up to the person to take control of their alcohol consumption. Here are some tips for embracing this movement and managing your alcohol intake:

Set objectives for yourself: People who are pursuing a sober curious lifestyle can benefit from setting and attaining goals. Because so many other people choose to participate, dry January can be a terrific place to start. Yet you can also choose your own goals such as deciding to abstain from alcohol on particular days or weeks, for instance.

Decide where you will drink: Many people indulge in alcohol when it seems appropriate. You can restrict the places and events where you drink and you could also opt not to drink at home, for instance. Alternatively, you can decide to limit your alcohol use to particular social occasions, like a dinner date with friends.

Examine different pastimes: A lot of social activities revolve around alcohol as a way to get people to unwind and socialize. Consider finding hobbies that don’t entail drinking if you find it difficult to keep from drinking in particular social settings.

Ask for help: Subtle or overt peer pressure can make remaining getting control of your alcohol consumption difficult. Inform your close family and friends of your sober experiment and request their support.

How we can help

Depending on your specific needs for physical and mental health care, let us assist you by offering you accredited, evidence-based anger management therapy for underlying depression, anxiety, or addiction. For your road toward recovery, we can serve as your professional partner and safe haven. For choices, a consultation, and more, get in touch with R&R Recovery IOP Treatment in Huntington Beach.

If you’re unfamiliar with the repercussions of mixing alcohol with caffeine there are many good reasons why you should never attempt to combine the two. In this article, we’ll go over what happens when alcohol and caffeine are mixed and what it does to your body when consumed.

People frequently combine caffeine and alcohol when they are drinking, and once-common caffeinated alcoholic drinks (CABs) encourage this behavior even more. However, using alcohol along with energy drinks or other caffeinated drinks may have unintended repercussions. It is advised to avoid having these two beverages together because they can have the same negative effects whether coffee is consumed before or after alcohol.

The Gateway Foundation can assist if you need advice on how to stop drinking alcohol and caffeine at the same time. Learn more about the effects of drinking alcohol and caffeine on your body and how to prevent dependence from developing into a serious problem.

What Happens When Alcohol and Caffeine Are Mixed?

Contrary to popular belief, coffee does not reduce the amount of alcohol in a person’s system or aid in sobriety. When you combine alcohol and caffeine, you’re combining an agent that stimulates the central nervous system, caffeine, with one that depresses it, alcohol. Alcohol slows your responses and gives you a drowsy feeling, which affects your coordination, speech, cognitive functions, and more. Contrarily, caffeine increases alertness along with other symptoms like a faster heartbeat, irritability or anxiety, trouble sleeping, and more.

Contrary to popular belief, these antagonistic compounds do not cancel one another out when present in your body at the same time. Instead, caffeine can “disguise” the effects of alcohol and increase alertness without really increasing it.

When caffeine and alcohol are combined, there are certain known behavioral impacts that include:

An increased risk of binge drinking

This is defined as six or more drinks ingested in one episode and is present in those between the ages of 15 and 23 who combine alcohol with high-caffeine energy drinks.

Increased risky behavior

A study of 602 college students found that regular energy drink users were more than twice as likely to experience alcohol-related incidents than non-users. These scenarios include being in the company of a drunk driver, getting hurt or ill enough to require medical attention, and engaging in more bouts of drinking than usual in a given week.

The same survey mentioned above revealed that students who consumed CABs had a higher prevalence of sexual assault. Even on its own, alcohol can encourage dependence, but combining it with caffeine may raise your risk of becoming addicted. 

What It Does to Your Body

Both in the short and long run, alcohol and caffeine can have a number of negative effects on the body. Consuming these mixed beverages over an extended length of time can cause long-term health issues that have an impact on several bodily systems. These health problems are related to the fact that many people who combine alcohol and caffeine also binge drink, which has a host of health and safety dangers as well as the potential for catastrophic liver and other organ damage.

Even while not everyone who binges drinks has an alcohol use disorder, doing so raises one’s chances of becoming addicted. The more advanced your alcoholism becomes, the worse it will be for your health because it is regarded as a progressive disease with different degrees.

Are you looking for help?

Find a safe space near you so that you can freely and openly express your feelings and be guided throughout your rehabilitation journey by professionals and people who are going through the same thing. Contact R&R Recovery IOP Treatment in Huntington Beach for options, consultation, and more.

There’s always a cause for sudden behavior changes and drug abuse happens to be a common factor in changes in social behavior. Find out why frequent use of drugs can not only cause antisocial behavior but the root causes of it.

Many people who battle substance use disorder (SUD) could also act in an antisocial manner. Poor impulse control, which can lead to risky behaviors like sharing needles with others and contracting HIV or hepatitis, is a feature of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) or antisocial behavior.

This is because they feel that they are exempt from the rules, and people with ASPD may not give any thought to the potential harm that can be done to their bodies. They might try to hide their addiction, which would make their SUD worse and last longer. However, not everyone who has SUD also has ASPD, and not everyone who has ASPD also has SUD.

Antisocial Behavior: What Is It?

Antisocial activities are characterized by a lack of empathy and a disdain for other people’s rights. People with ASPD frequently see other people as a means to an end and often will manipulate them for their own gain. People who have an antisocial personality disorder typically exhibit the following kinds of symptoms:

• Brutality, impatience, or impulsive actions
• Persistent issues when it comes to completing responsibilities connected to relationships, job, or academic obligations
• Has a habit of deceitful behavior that is ongoing, such as lying, cheating, or using fictitious names
• A persistent lack of concern about the consequences of one’s conduct
• Repeatedly carrying out illegal activities

While it’s usual for people to periodically enlist the aid of others to accomplish their goals, those with ASPS do so frequently. The majority of those who have the illness exhibit the aforementioned symptoms before the age of 15, with a higher likelihood of substance usage as they age.

A personality disorder can be the cause of antisocial behavior, albeit not everyone who exhibits the signs will have all the clinical requirements for ASPD. Since antisocial personality disorder’s form of selfishness and self-centeredness is virtually always dysfunctional, many people who exhibit selfish or self-centered behavior may not genuinely have the illness. An individual with a personality disorder can only be diagnosed by qualified mental health specialists.

Causes of Antisocial Behavior

While the precise etiology of antisocial conduct is unknown, a number of factors appear to raise a person’s risk of being antisocial. Genes, for example, can make you more susceptible to ASPD, and social circumstances, such as child maltreatment, can also cause it to manifest.

Additional causes and danger factors include:

• Genetics
• Gender
• Early life experiences
• Incarceration

Researchers are skeptical of whether addiction develops before or after antisocial personality disorder because it is connected to an earlier age of onset for drug and alcohol use. Younger people’s brain chemistry can be impacted by prior alcohol or drug use, which may result in the disorder.

Regardless of whether substance abuse causes ASPD, it does considerably worsen the symptoms and complicate therapy.

The relationship between Drug Abuse and Antisocial Behavior

Drug usage and antisocial conduct are closely related. According to studies, 16% of those with ASPD and 46% of those with substance use disorders also have personality issues. According to research, by the time they were 17 years old, 53% of persons with antisocial tendencies had attempted binge drinking, and 10% had tried hard drugs.

Are you looking for help?

Find a safe space near you so that you can freely and openly express your feelings and be guided throughout your rehabilitation journey by professionals and people who are going through the same thing. Contact R&R Recovery IOP Treatment in Huntington Beach for options, consultation, and more.

Understand the effects that alcohol has on your body’s immune system and the short and long-term consequences that can happen when left unmoderated. 

Alcohol abuse such as heavy drinking has a negative effect on immunity and impairs immunological function. When most people think of drinking alcohol, they usually don’t think about the body’s immune system, but alcohol can decrease the body’s defenses against viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk of colds, bacterial infections, and severe illnesses like cancer and liver failure.

Understanding how alcohol affects the body can help you live a longer, healthier life, therefore it’s crucial to be aware of the damaging effects it can have on the immune system.

How it Affects the Immune System

Alcohol has a variety of physiological effects. Those who frequently drink or who consume a lot of alcohol may develop hangover symptoms such as nausea, headache, and dehydration. Alcohol, however, can also compromise the immune system, resulting in life-threatening illnesses, and increasing a person’s susceptibility to infections and viruses. Alcohol immunosuppression can make someone more susceptible to major illnesses like cancer or septicemia as well as ordinary colds.

Alcohol makes red blood cells harmfully connect to one another and produces inflammation throughout the body. Smaller blood arteries become blocked by abnormal red cell bonding, which reduces the body’s supply of nutrients and oxygen and prevents the immune system from getting the nutrition it needs.

Short-term Effects of Alcohol on the Immune System

You can suffer negative health effects shortly after drinking because upon consumption alcohol begins to impact your body that leaves you vulnerable to the following immediate negative consequences on the immune system:

Greater Susceptibility to Illness

Your body starts prioritizing alcohol digestion as soon as you take a sip. This indicates that the body’s metabolism changes to concentrate on breaking down alcohol while using energy away from other vital processes like disease prevention. Your body’s capacity to fight against viruses and infections is decreased when it is metabolizing alcohol, increasing your risk of getting a cold or another more serious illness.

Additionally, alcohol impairs sleep, which raises the risk of illness and shortens the time it takes to recover.

Digestive Problems

Alcohol causes stomach inflammation and kills beneficial microorganisms in the gut. As alcohol moves through the body, it first enters the gastrointestinal system, where it absorbs into the bloodstream. It modifies the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting its integrity and structure.

Microorganisms found in the intestine assist to keep the immune system strong, lower the risk of illness, and support proper digestion. Drinking alcohol destroys these bacteria, making it harder for the body to get rid of diseases. Viral and bacterial illnesses can intensify and turn into more serious problems in the absence of good gut bacteria. Additionally harming T cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, alcohol also impairs the function of the intestinal barrier.

Damage to the gut barrier might increase the body’s susceptibility to food poisoning, and epithelium.

Long-term Effects of Alcohol on the Immune System

Heavy drinking can lead to health issues that, if unchecked, can develop into catastrophic illnesses. Additionally, if alcohol consumption is continued while having negative effects on the body, those effects may become worse. The following long-term impacts can result from heavy or frequent alcohol consumption:

Liver problems

Because the liver filters alcohol, alcohol is a common cause of liver damage. A portion of the liver’s cells die after consuming alcohol, and new ones grow in their place. Heavy drinking over time might diminish a liver’s capacity for regeneration and result in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The typical progression of this alcoholic liver disease is that it begins as fatty liver disease, then advances to alcoholic hepatitis, and finally, to alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

Hepatitis B and C

Liver inflammation is a symptom of hepatitis. Hepatitis is frequently brought on by a virus, but it can also be brought on by some prescription drugs, a few medical disorders, excessive alcohol consumption, and transient infections. Alcohol can impair the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illnesses and viruses like hepatitis B and C.

Hepatitis and alcohol use disorders frequently hasten the evolution of liver disease, and alcohol usage can allow the hepatitis virus to persist as a chronic illness.

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Alcohol significantly affects the body’s organs over both the short and long term, including the liver. One of the vital functions of the liver is to aid in the breakdown of chemicals and the removal of poisons from the body. Long-term and excessive alcohol use can overwhelm the liver and impair its capacity to filter alcohol, causing irreparable damage to the liver’s cells. One of the most frequent causes of liver damage is alcohol.

Normal liver regeneration of destroyed cells is prevented by scarring brought on by the alcohol-related liver illness. Even a few days of heavy drinking can damage liver cells by causing fat to build up there. If a person who has fatty liver disease continues to use alcohol, the condition could worsen and result in

The Functions of the Liver in the Body

Under the ribs, on the upper right side of the belly, is where the liver is situated. It is a significant and intricate organ with several functions. It creates bile to aid in the digestion of meals, purges blood from toxins, and aids in the elimination of waste.

The liver also stores the sugar that the body utilizes as fuel, which aids in controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It creates proteins throughout the body, including those that aid in blood clotting, and aid in the body’s defense against sickness and infections.

Alcohol’s Effects on the Liver

The liver is strong and capable of regenerating by creating new cells. Every time a person consumes alcohol, the liver filters the alcohol, liver cells degenerate, and new liver cells are produced. However, chronic heavy drinking might impair the liver’s capacity to repair itself and cause lasting damage. While a variety of chemicals can harm the liver, alcohol is one of the most frequently implicated ones.

How Drinking Alcohol Impacts Your Liver

More alcohol consumed than the liver can handle harms the liver and can result in liver disease. Alcohol contains the caloric substance ethanol. But unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body cannot store alcohol for later use. Alcohol-related diseases like the following are likely to occur with frequent alcohol abuse:

Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease is the initial stage of liver disease brought on by alcohol. Fat accumulates in the liver as a result of alcohol-related fatty liver disease. It develops even after only a few days of heavy drinking. It happens when someone consumes a substantial amount of alcohol.

Fatty liver disease is a sign that a person is drinking too much alcohol, although it is not always apparent because it rarely manifests as a symptom. A moderate soreness in the upper right side of the abdomen brought on by an enlarged liver is one of the symptoms.

After two weeks of abstinence from alcohol, the liver should recover from fatty liver disease and return to normal. However, if you continue to drink too much when you have fatty liver disease, it could progress to other liver disease stages.

Alcoholic Hepatitis

After acquiring the fatty liver disease, drinking more can exacerbate liver damage and cause alcoholic hepatitis. Different from infectious hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis results in inflammation of the liver. Alcoholic hepatitis causes the liver to swell and the liver cells to die, frequently leaving the liver with scars. Its severity varies, thus one person may experience a moderate case while another experiences a severe one

How much Alcohol Can a Person Consume Before Liver Damage Develops?

Due to its progressive progression, liver disease has no set timetable. After consuming a large amount of alcohol, fat can start to accumulate in the liver, and continuing use might cause more harm. When a person drinks 30 to 50 grams of alcohol per day for more than five years, alcohol-related liver damage can develop. 

The onset of liver disease and the onset of symptoms, however, can be influenced by a variety of circumstances. For example, a few months of severe drinking may cause one person to acquire a liver disease, but another may not until ten or twenty years later.

Are you looking for help?

Find a safe space near you so that you can freely and openly express your feelings and be guided throughout your rehabilitation journey by professionals and people who are going through the same thing. Contact R&R Recovery IOP Treatment in Huntington Beach for options, consultation, and more.

Get the help that you need and find out what rehabilitation program suits you better between the intensive outpatient program (IOP) and the supportive outpatient program(SOP). Learn more about the two and what makes them ideal for certain patients and how this can relate to your needs.

Many rehabilitation programs have their specialties in helping patients in their recovery journey. Choosing which type of program to enroll yourself in is the first thing you need to decide to start your recovery. In this article, we’ll discuss the main differences between the intensive outpatient program (IOP) and the supportive outpatient program (SOP).

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) treat substance abuse disorders and co-occurring mental health illnesses. IOP provides lessons in life skills and group treatment for those with substance abuse problems. Due to the treatment schedule, IOP is well known to be intensive because patients will spend at least ten hours a week meeting with counselors and support groups.

Hence the term “Outpatient” refers to IOP individuals who leave each evening. This contrasts with inpatient treatment, during which you would reside in the facility. IOPs are scheduled, routine-based programs that are structured to aid in your skill development. IOP is like an after-school for people with mental illnesses and addiction issues.

Who is IOP for?

IOP programs address a variety of concerns, including addiction and mental health. You can work and go to school in addition to attending an IOP. Identifying the optimal form of treatment for a particular patient relies on their specific needs. Therefore, an IOP might be best for those needing a step-down from inpatient care. They can resume their daily life after inpatient treatment and still get a high level of care.

What is a Supportive Outpatient Program (SOP)?

Supportive outpatient programs (SOP) are similar to the intensive outpatient program although, with a less weekly time commitment. The SOP offers equivalent material to the intensive outpatient programs and is ideal for those who have finished treatment successfully in the past, have maintained sobriety for a while, and need ongoing support.

Who is SOP for?

Clients who have completed the intensive outpatient program or who might not be eligible for the intensive outpatient level of therapy may be recommended for SOP. These people typically have a fundamental understanding of the addiction and recovery processes, and they attend group and individual counseling twice a week to help them avoid relapsing.

How to know which one fits you better?

To help you better understand which of the two programs is a better fit here’s what you should remember. Although there are some parallels between the two programs, the primary distinction is that patients in outpatient treatment programs do not remain at the institution around the clock. They spend a few hours each day, several days a week, participating in various groups and therapies, but at night they go back home or to a sober living facility. Clients are more autonomous but also more responsible for the decisions they make to maintain their sobriety.

How we can help

Let us help you by providing you with certified, research-based therapy on anger management for underlying depression, anxiety, or addiction, depending on your particular needs for physical and mental health care. We can be your professional partner and provide you with a safe space for your rehabilitation journey. Contact R&R Recovery IOP Treatment in Huntington Beach for options, consultation, and more.

What most people don’t realize is that there are many issues that anger can create. Assistance with anger management can help you in a variety of surprising ways. One of the main reasons you need anger management counseling during IOP is to help you reclaim your quality of life from your toxic and negative experiences.

Many people who go into rehabilitation for substance abuse occasionally need assistance to assist with rage difficulties through anger management counseling, it may also be appropriate to seek mental health services from a counselor. Although there are books, apps, and other resources available for learning anger management techniques on one’s own, attending courses with a treatment center specialist has proven to be a more beneficial strategy during recovery.

What is counseling for anger management during IOP?

The ultimate goal of anger management counseling is to assist a person in reducing or eliminating their difficulties and issues with anger. The goal of the anger management technique is to lessen the mental and physical stress that rage can bring on.

A person can learn to control their emotions and react in a socially acceptable way with the help of anger management therapy.

How Do You Handle Anger Problems?

Investigating the causes of anger is necessary for treating anger disorders that are often associated with substance abuse. Anger management therapy often focuses on behavioral techniques and other methods of controlling anger. For rage programs and approaches to be as effective as possible, patients’ anxiety, depression, and drug and alcohol addiction must be treated concurrently.

Benefits of Anger Management Counseling During IOP

There are many benefits of anger management counseling during IOP, to name a few key benefits here are the following that most people have experienced during recovery:

Gain peace of mind

You can lose a lot of energy as a result of anger and other potent negative emotions like despair and dissatisfaction. Living with furious outbursts is challenging, both for you and for those around you that may be harmed or offended by them. You can reclaim your peace of mind and make room in your life for better things when you master efficient anger management techniques.

Boost your professional performance

Unresolved anger issues can prevent you from succeeding in school or at your job. You might be able to control your negative emotions better if you can uncover the underlying causes of your anger.

Helps your relationships

Anger management problems have a significant impact on social, familial, and intimate relationships. Your relationships with your loved ones might be harmed by aggression, violence, and negative outbursts since they can create discord and resentment. Your personal relationships have a chance to mend as your anger management counselor works to help you manage your rage and create stronger coping and processing mechanisms.

Follow your aspirations

Your personal and professional ambitions are sidetracked by your emotional state when you frequently cope with problematic amounts of rage. Due to rage triggers, you may have given up on some goals or missed chances as a result of these unresolved anger issues. Your dreams become more real as you learn to master your uncontrollable fury and become sober during recovery.

Keep your physical well-being in mind.

Your body experiences physical stress when you are angry, which increases your risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure. Additionally, difficulties with alcohol or drug usage typically coexist with anger management issues, both of which pose risks to your long-term physical health and well-being.

How we can help

Let us help you by providing you with certified, research-based therapy on anger management for underlying depression, anxiety, or addiction, depending on your particular needs for physical and mental health care. We can be your professional partner and provide you with a safe space for your rehabilitation journey. Contact R&R Recovery IOP Treatment in Huntington Beach for options, consultation, and more.