Alberta Battle for Recovery

People who are in addiction recovery often struggle with relapse because it is not easy stopping an old habit and picking up a healthy one. This is why many people in addiction recovery relapse many times before they become sober.

When you understand why you relapse, it would be easier to combat those issues. So, that if you are faced with triggers, you will have efficient coping strategies to combat them.

Here are the common reasons why people relapse:  

• Stress

When you are in addiction recovery and you begin to feel better, it is normal for you to feel like jumping right into your normal activities. This is not advised because addiction recovery is a gradual process that demands your patience.

Hence, it is best not to overwhelm yourself, but slowly reintegrate yourself into your normal activities and life generally. Doing this will help you keep stress at bay because your stress levels will not rise.

If you discover that you are drawn to your addictive habits while in recovery, then something is stressing you out and you need to stop it.

• People

In addiction recovery, people can either make or mar you, so you need to be careful of the company you keep. If you have non-sober friends, it won’t be long before they rope you into your old addictive habits. Hence, it is best to reduce the closeness and focus on getting friends or loved ones with healthy habits.

• Places

The places you visit can also make you relapse. Some places come with certain triggers that motivate you to return to your addictive habits. If you notice that some places remind you of your addiction, it is best to avoid going to such places.

• Poor healthy living

It is important to take care of your health while in addiction recovery so that relapse would not set in. You can start by getting physically active, eating a nutritious diet regularly, getting enough rest, and totally avoiding substances like drugs and alcohol.

It is rare for individuals who are addicted to open up to their loved ones, or those around them that they have an addiction problem. Only those who are observant would be able to tell that something is wrong with the individual suspected to have an addiction.

Addicted individuals do not like acknowledging their addiction because of the stigmatization that comes with it. Hence, they will prefer to keep mute and drown in their addiction, while hoping that they will break free someday.

Here are some signs that help you tell if an individual is addicted:

• Changes in the body

The side-effects that come with addiction are often noticeable in the individual’s physical appearance. For those who are addicted to substances like alcohol or drugs, you will observe bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, coloring on the face, constant itching, inability to speak properly, etc.

Others might have an obvious weight loss or weight gain. Some of them would lose the ability and interest to take care of themselves, so they will keep looking shabbily.

• Loss of interest in things around them

Someone who is addicted would not find interest in anything happening around them. For instance, someone who is interested in work, would gradually not prefer to show up to work again. This is because something else has taken top priority in their lives.

Since they are channeling their interest and energy towards their addiction, nothing will really excite them.

• Withdrawal from social circles

Addicted individuals do not like being around people because they feel uncomfortable. Some of them also know that being around people can expose their addiction lifestyle. Hence, they prefer to keep to themselves so that no one will know what is going on.

If you know someone around you who suddenly withdraws from everyone, there is a chance that they are addicted.

Someone who is addicted would most likely defend their actions because they know that when they are either receptive to yours, it can reveal their addiction. Asides from these points mentioned, other signs show that an individual is addicted.

One of the greatest threats that exists in the addiction concept is the possibility of having a relapse. When you are stressed or tensioned, you might think of going back to your former lifestyle.

You are aware that they are not suitable for you, but it is difficult for you to refuse. When an individual relapses, he or she feels like starting from the beginning.

There are unpleasant emotions that would set in, and you would have to begin another journey to achieving sobriety.

One of the importance of preventing relapse as earlier mentioned is preventing them from picking up old habits.

When they fall back to their addiction lifestyle, there is a tendency that they would pick up strife with family and friends. Their productivity at work reduces and their health is at stake once again.

So, to avoid this, it is best to join a support network. It might not necessarily be at the rehab, but you need to get yourself join a support network.

This is regarded as one of the most proficient ways to prevent addiction. Someone who is struggling with addiction tends to surround themselves with other users and dealers.

In the same vein, for someone who is recovering, it is best to surround yourself with other people who are sober. This is one way of providing support because one another will rely on the experiences of others to remain strong.

A support network is where progress is being monitored and this serves as a form of motivation to everyone.

Someone who keeps to himself or herself after recovering from addiction is playing a dangerous game.

The reason is, when you are alone, thoughts of going back to your addiction begins to creep in and you feel tempted to try out the addictive habit once again.

To wrap this piece up, it is essential to always opt for a rehab that has an aftercare program, this greatly reduces an individual from relapsing.  

There is nobody in this world that is above addiction. It is always around the corner waiting for you to embrace it unknowingly. There are two broad categories of addiction: Substance addiction and behavioral addiction.

Substance addiction involves the obsessive and compulsive use of substances like alcohol and drugs in order to achieve a particular pleasing effect.

For behavioral addiction, it occurs when an individual is addicted to a particular addiction and not being mindful of the fact that there are adverse effects attached to it.

Common types of behavioral addiction are: Internet addiction, sex addiction, gaming addiction and a host of others.

In Alberta, there are addiction cases and they can also be prevented if some measures are put in place.

One of such measures is to stand as a volunteer. During these times, the place of volunteering services are important.

It could involve you having to partner with some organizations or corporate body in the fight against addiction. Or you could decide to do it as a one-man project and involve some people along the line.

With this, it is important to educate people who stay around you. For addiction to be effectively avoided, you need to know what it involves and the consequences attached to it.

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In addition to educating those around you, it is equally important to educate those who are far away from you. One of the ways to achieve this is the social media.  

It is important that you are not afraid to give a helping hand to those who are addicted. It is best to treat them with love and care instead of prejudice.

Once an addict notices that you display hatred towards him or her, they have a way of distancing themselves. So, you have to approach them with love and explain to them the need to break free.

These days, the media world has made things easier. People can read in print concerning the ills of addiction. Media houses and Television stations should also make it a point of duty to constantly educate people on the dangers of addiction.

Whether you are considering coming to Alberta from another part of the world for your addiction recovery program or you are already located in Alberta but are looking to stay here for your addiction recovery program, you made the right choice. Read further for information on all of your alcohol rehab Alberta needs.

Of course, the program is the main aspect of your addiction recovery, so that should be your first choice.

But, the location can play a role in your experience as well.

So, what makes Alberta such a great location for a successful journey to addiction recovery?

Well, there are several things:

1. They are involved with their community.
   A great way to help yourself develop positive habits and to meet positive influences is to get involved with your community – even if you are just going to be there for a short time.Plus, giving back through volunteer work can provide you with an experience that will boost your confidence and help you feel like you have made a difference in someone else’s life. It is an overall positive experience which is beneficial for your mental health.

   In Alberta, more than 80 percent of residents do some type of volunteer work. So, you won’t be alone. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and plenty of people to meet along the way.

2. The views can’t be beaten. 
   Of course, being surrounded by beautiful scenery does make the recovery process just a little bit easier. Thanks to the beautiful outdoor space in Alberta, you have an abundance of opportunities to hike, relax outside, swim, and more.It is a great area to get some exercise and get in tune with the outdoors!

   From Banff National Park to the major ski resorts to the lakes and various mountains in the area. You will never be bored!

3. It is quickly growing. 

   In fact, Alberta is the fastest growing province in Canada. What this means is that there is an abundance of things to do, several areas for employment and the economy is booming.

   What better way to start your recovery than in a place that offers a glimmer of hope in just about every aspect of life?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO3cMfft59Q&index=4&list=PLBXgZMI_zqfQTZK7VRmmp9r9F1xAhwg3p

Of course, not everything here is perfect, Alberta – like any area – has its fair share of downsides. But, you will likely find the good outweighs the bad. The beautiful views, incredible people, and endless opportunities make Alberta a great place to hop on the road to recovery.

When it comes to addiction recovery, one of the biggest threats posed to your success is having a relapse.

When stress, tension, and triggers come into play, you might find yourself tempted to return to your old habits. Despite knowing they are bad for you, it can still be hard to say no.

And, a relapse might end up making you feel like you are starting all over…

You will experience unwanted emotions and the sobriety clock restarts.

While there is no sure-fire way to prevent relapse, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it by preparing yourself ahead of time:

1. Gather a support network.
   One of the best and most effective relapse prevention assistants is a support network.

   When someone is struggling with addiction,  they often surround themselves with dealers, other users, and enablers – which only worsens their situation.

   But, once they are working on becoming clean, they might find themselves feeling quite alone as they are unable to hang around those they used to…

   And, loneliness can lead to weakness. However, developing a strong group of people who support them and act as a positive influence in their life can make all the difference.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkWsDNbzNi0&index=7&list=PLBXgZMI_zqfQVUkBryQS6lvyJJqomW5Oi

   Don’t focus on reconnecting with those people who encourage bad habits, rather focus on surrounding yourself with people who will support you and assist you in moments of weakness.

2. Avoid temptations.
   It is highly likely that you know what tempts you. You know what situations make you feel vulnerable to your addiction. And, you can avoid those once you identify them.

   So, make a list of people and scenarios that make you feel tempted. Then, make every effort to avoid those.

   Why would you set yourself up to fail?

3. Create a healthy schedule.
   When it comes to addiction recovery, it is all about learning how to live a normal and healthy life again. And, one of the best ways to achieve this new lifestyle is to create a new schedule. This will help keep you on track and keep you busy with healthy activities.

   You might incorporate family time, therapy, meetings, and an adequate amount of sleep into this schedule.

   

   Thankfully, there are plenty of healthy and positive outdoor activities in Alberta for you to enjoy!

4. Understand relapse is not a failure.
   
   Of course, you don’t want relapse to happen. But, if it does, it is not a failure – rather just a bump in the road.

   In the event you do relapse, pick yourself right back up and get back on the road to recovery!

Like we have discussed in our most recent post, nobody and no part of the world are above addiction. It is always lurking in every crevice of our lives. Even if you don’t directly see it, it is there somewhere in Alberta – negatively affecting someone.

Just take a moment to imagine this…

What would the world be like without addiction? Can you imagine, just for one second, if nobody was addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography? These scenarios didn’t occur and everyone could live happily and healthily.

Of course, we are unable to achieve a perfect world like that, but who is to say we can’t try? Even if one more person is saved or helped along the way, wouldn’t that be worth it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR7QH6C_i_Y

Consider Who You Are Helping

By working to make a difference in your community, you are helping:

A mom, a dad, someone’s child, an aunt or uncle, someone’s sibling, and/or someone’s grandparent.

Everyone who suffers from the grasp of addiction is still a person – they are still someone’s family.

Now, think for a moment – what if that was someone in your family?

If you knew someone close to you struggling with addiction, wouldn’t you want everyone to pitch in to help them?

Of course. And, as a community, we should always have this mindset and be ready to help those in need.

The truth is – addiction knows no one person, so while it might not be your family member yet, you never know when that could change.

So, why not make an effort to make a difference in your community, especially for those who need it the most?

How You Can Help

Of course, you cannot just go around saving everyone. But, there are a few small ways to get involved that might make a difference in someone’s life:

Volunteer your time.

Sometimes, it just takes getting involved in organizations around you. There are several organizations that help those in need, help them get back on their feet, or even help keep people out of questionable situations that might lead them to addiction in the first place.

Find an area in your community where you can volunteer and help make a difference in the lives of those around you, in Alberta.

Educate those around you.

In order to effectively avoid addiction, you must be aware of what it is and what the consequences are. Make a point to educate yourself and those around you on the aspects of addiction, in hopes that it will keep some people away from it.

Don’t be afraid to lend a helping hand.

One of the worst things about addiction is its tendency and ability to lurk in the dark…

Oftentimes, people go for days, weeks, and even years, with an addiction without anyone having any idea what is going on. They might show a few signs at first, but the outsiders aren’t sure what is going on until it eventually comes to light.

It seems to be a topic that not many people like to talk about…

It is like jealousy – the ugly green monster. It is there, and people know it is there, but nobody wants to talk about it because it is a sad topic.

We often hear about addiction in other countries, in popstars, or people we don’t know. The opioid crisis in the United States right now is one that can’t seem to stay out of the news.

But, what about addiction right at home?

The solution to the problem starts by addressing it right at home, in our own area.

And, the opioid crisis is not just reserved to the United States – it has taken a toll on Canada, too.

Statistics

Recently, an article was published on the Canadian Institute for Health Information site and it detailed just exactly what addiction looks like in Canada:

“This is a major public health crisis in Canada,” says Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer. “Tragically, in 2016, there were more than 2,800 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada, which is greater than the number of Canadians who died at the height of the HIV epidemic in 1995.”

And, new data – provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) – shows that at least 602 opioid-related deaths occurred across the country just from January to March 2017. Unfortunately, this number is expected to rise.

Here are some hard facts to ponder:

• Each day in Canada, an average of 16 patients are hospitalized for an opioid poisoning. This number has increased 19 percent from the 2014-2015 hospitalization rate.
• Over the past ten years in Canada, the rate of hospitalization from opioid poisoning has increased by 53 percent. And, of this 53 percent increase, 40 percent of it has occurred just over the past 3 years.
• In Canada, the fastest-growing rate of hospitalizations due to opioid poisoning occur among the 15 to 24 age group.

As much as we don’t want to hear it, the problem affects us all. It is everywhere. So, rather than spending our time talking about how much worse others have it or labeling those struggling, spend time trying to help your community through volunteer service, education, and leading by example.

Together, we can beat this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJS0s4CbISE&t=2s

When it comes to addiction recovery, you always have to be on the lookout for new activities to engage in. You need to keep yourself busy and also teach yourself how to live a “normal life” again.

One of the best ways to celebrate your addiction recovery is actually to go try out new activities that you normally might have missed out on. You are on your way to a better life so go enjoy what you have been missing out on all this time!

The province of Alberta is a great place to be if you are recovering from an addiction. With the majestic rivers, wide-open prairies, and the rolling rivers, there is always a place to just relax and enjoy the beautiful world around you.

 

If you live in the area or even are just visiting, here are a few fun and healthy activities you should try:

1. Royal Tyrrell Museum
   The Royal Tyrell Museum comes in at one of the largest museums in the world – even housing some of the best dinosaur displays there are.Now that you have a clear mind – it is no longer fogged by drugs and alcohol – you can put it to good use learning about some of the ancient artifacts the museum boasts.
2. Banff Upper Hot SpringsThis location is open year round! At this beautiful location, you can slip right into the warm water of the Banff Upper Hot Springs and take in the beautiful views that surround it.

   This is a great must-see for those recovering from addiction because the warmth of the water is a soothing and relaxing experience you won’t soon forget.

   The crystal clear water is 100% natural mineral water which travels into the earth’s crust, is heated and pressurized, and then comes back to the surface for visitors to enjoy.

3. Red Rock CanyonThis area is a true gem in the southwestern corner of Alberta. The beautiful views of the rising peaks and the prairie grassland just cannot be beaten.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSXVWcM7mM0

   This is a great way to get some exercise (which is a great hobby for addiction recovery) and to check another Alberta must-see off your list!

4. Icefields ParkwayIf you are looking for a jaw-dropping experience, you won’t want to miss Icefields Parkway.

   The scenic stops along the way will have you completely mesmerized – from the glaciers to the wildlife to the lakes and the towering mountains.  It is quite the exhilarating drive!