Category: Sober Living Houses

Sober living houses (SLHs), also called sober homes and sober living environments, are facilities that provide safe housing and supportive, structured living conditions for people exiting drug rehabilitation programs.

Benefits of a Service Pet for Recovering Addicts

Staying sober is harder than getting sober. This statement is something that most addicts and treatment professionals agree on. Detox and quitting their drug of choice is extremely difficult and dangerous as physical withdrawals can last from days to weeks to months. Once the initial detox is over, the question then is, what next? The goal is to not relapse and to ultimately create a life that you don’t want to let go of.

To obtain long term sobriety, the addict must address and heal the mental and emotional causes of their substance abuse. Many addicts suffer from a mental illness and their substance abuse is a form of self-medication. Anxiety, social isolation, depression, loneliness, and suicidal ideation are all effects of mental illness. When not addressed during recovery, the chance of relapse multiplies. Depending on how long they have been self-medicating as a way to avoid their feelings, the addict will have no idea how to move forward and tackle emotions and fears daily.

Benefits of a Service Pet for Recovering Addicts

How can a Service Pet Help You in Recovery?

Service dogs are a proven way to help the addict recover and stay sober. Psychiatric service dogs are trained to help those with mental health disorders or disabilities and are trained specifically to meet the individual’s needs based on their mental illness as well as the severity of the disorder. If there is not a specified mental health disorder, the recovering addict can still be helped by the companionship of a service pet because they help relieve anxiety and lessen symptoms of depression. Some of the many benefits include: reducing negative emotions, coping mechanisms for stress, mood boosters, encouraging responsibility and healthy habits in daily life.

Addicts can be prone to a negative mindset, which hinders their recovery and causes anxiety, shame, guilt, and loneliness. The unconditional love of a service pet can soothe the addict and reduce their feelings of isolation. This encourages a more positive outlook on their life and environment and the addict will begin to develop healthy daily habits and hobbies. Addicts are encouraged to develop interests in healthy activities that will take them outside of their minds. As we all know, the mind can be our own worst enemy, and service dogs can help change the addict’s mindset. Taking care of a service dog requires grooming, bathing, playing with, feeding, and walking their pet. This allows the addict to think of positive ways to plan out their day because they have someone else to care for.

Get into Good Habits to Erase the Bad Ones

Caring for their service pet can also create positive reinforcement for the addict and they will see the benefits of positive daily habits. The addict will see that if they care for their pet each day, the pet stays happy and healthy. The addict, in turn, sees it is possible to take care of themselves and maintain their health and happiness, and therefore their sobriety.

Social isolation is much less of a choice when the addict has a pet to care for. Service dogs require daily walks, during which the addict might be “forced” to stop and engage in simple conversations. Having a scheduled activity that they are responsible for will, in turn, get the addict to wake up, shower, get dressed, make their bed, and put food out for their pet. In doing these little things for someone else, the addict will start developing a routine and begin caring for themselves as well. All of these are steps that can either help in pulling a person out of depression or keep it at bay.

The simple fact that the addict now has someone to love and that depends on them to stay alive can keep the addict motivated to make better choices and avoid relapse. Many addicts have low self-worth and self-esteem. They might think of themselves as unloved or unlovable. A cat that playfully runs around and paws at you or a dog that barks loudly and jumps up and down when you enter a room is unconditional love. This is a feeling that the addict has been chasing their whole lives and they will be motivated to stay sober.
Service pets can also increase an addict’s sense of trust and loyalty.

Addicts can have experiences that have caused them to become distrusting of the world. Animals are known for their loyalty and of course, they cannot be dishonest! A service pet can change this outlook for the addict and allow them to start having faith in others, but in a safe way. This is part of one of the most beneficial factors of working with a service pet – PTSD symptoms. Their calming and soothing effect on people – just the rhythm of their breathing or cuddling with their soft fur – can bring peace. The combination of this peaceful presence with the security that a dog, for example, can bring, is a great way to heal from PTSD.

Recreate Life Counseling is Here to Help

Recreate Life Counseling in Boynton Beach is an outpatient treatment center that teaches the addict how to achieve, maintains, and enjoy a new way of life in long term recovery. We offer a PHP program of Day / Night Treatment with Community Housing. We engage the addict in therapy and activities that will teach life skills and behaviors to prevent relapse. It is so important to one’s sobriety to have the ability to care for yourself and someone else, and our staff teaches the addict how to do this in a healthy and safe environment. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, please reach out and a Recreate Life Counseling staff member will be happy to help you begin your new life in recovery.

Published on: 2020-03-21
Updated on: 2024-10-28

What Does Snorting Cocaine Feel Like?

Cocaine, a potent central nervous system stimulant derived from coca leaves, has a long and tumultuous history. Originally utilized in the early 1900s for its anesthetic properties, it wasn’t long before its addictive nature became apparent. Today, despite its Schedule II classification indicating its high potential for abuse, cocaine remains a prevalent street drug, typically appearing as a white, powdery substance.

what does coke feel like

One of the most common methods of consuming cocaine is through snorting. This involves inhaling the powdered form through the nasal passages, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. For many users, the experience of snorting cocaine or substance use is intense and immediate.

So, what does it really feel like? What are its side effects? 

What Does a Cocaine High Feel Like?

Because cocaine is a local anesthetic, it causes numbness to the throat, mouth, and tongue when it is snorted. It can be described as tasting and smelling very chemically or much like gasoline, depending on what the cocaine is mixed with. Since this is an illegal street drug, the smell and taste can vary. In its pure form, it should smell sweet and somewhat floral. Snorting cocaine also tends to burn your nose when first inhaled before becoming numb and will drip down your throat from your nasal cavity long after it is initially snorted.

When you snort cocaine, it is described as a feeling of alertness, energy, and power. One of the main effects of cocaine use is that a person who snorts cocaine feels an intensely pleasurable feeling known as euphoria. This feeling of euphoria is short-term and generally only lasts for about 30 minutes. This feeling happens because cocaine stimulates the brain by affecting how it processes dopamine, which is associated with regulating pleasure responses. People will also feel hyper-stimulated, have reduced fatigue, be more talkative than usual, have an increased libido, be numb to physical and mental pain, and cannot comprehend the danger,

On the flip side, it is also possible to experience anxiety, agitation, restlessness, mood swings, and paranoia. Also, when cocaine is taken over a long period of time, the user can experience these opposite effects during a cocaine high, including sadness and isolation from other people.

Immediately after snorting cocaine, the user will have the following physical symptoms:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Nosebleeds 
  • Runny nose that might lead to sinus infections affecting the sense of smell
  • Constricted blood vessels
  • Increased heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle tension
  • High body temperature resulting in increased sweat
  • Potentially diarrhea or increased bathroom use

Health Risks of Cocaine Abuse

Repeated cocaine use or other form of stimulant drug use can cause a wide variety of health effects or health problems in the user’s body and could have long-term effects. The consequences of long-term cocaine use include:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pains
  • Hypertension
  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Weight loss
  • Impaired thinking and cerebral atrophy
  • Bizarre or aggressive behavior
  • Heart attack or stroke

Getting Clean From Cocaine

For those struggling with cocaine addiction or cocaine users, seeking treatment is crucial. Detoxification (detox) programs can help individuals safely withdraw from cocaine and manage withdrawal symptoms, while rehabilitation programs offer therapy and support to address the underlying issues driving substance abuse. Additionally, medications, medical advice, and behavioral health therapies tailored to cocaine addiction can aid in long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

In addition to powdered cocaine, crack cocaine, a crystallized form of the drug, is also widely abused. Smoking crack delivers a rapid and intense high, often leading to compulsive use and addiction. The impact on physical and mental health can be severe, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare interventions to address the complex challenges of cocaine addiction and drug abuse.

Furthermore, addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. The best and safest option to get off cocaine is using one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling, a treatment center. We provide partial care and outpatient treatment options that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one-on-one group therapy and many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs.

Addiction isn’t easy to face, and the health risks are not worth a short high. You do not have to face getting sober from cocaine on your own. Our admissions counselors and addiction professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it!

Published on: 2020-01-13
Updated on: 2025-01-19

Is Self-Reliance in Recovery Possible?

Many addicts and alcoholics have a natural instinct to survive on self-will and self- determination. However, that same strength and drive to survive only served their addictions. Recovering addicts and alcoholics remain clean and sober by accepting the fact that although they are determined, they also have a disease.

The people in recovery who make it and attain peace of mind and freedom from chemical dependency quickly realize that recovery is only possible with the help and support of others who have succeeded before them. Relying on self-will, unfortunately, does not help addicts and alcoholics let go of their substance abuse.

Self-reliance in Recovery

Overcoming Addiction will Take Strength and Mental Power

Self-reliance is what addicts and alcoholics practice to have things their ‘way.’ The addict and alcoholic ‘way’ does not point towards recovery; it only points towards using and drinking. Many individuals in early recovery often have the very best intentions and hope that they can and will remain clean and sober. Willingness is absolutely essential for anyone who desires freedom from their addiction. Having the willingness to do what others ask, even when it is difficult to accept or understand, is how the emotional and mental growth necessary for recovery occurs on the road to achieving full serenity.

You Must Understand Self-Reliance or You May Relapse

Understanding exactly what self-reliance is in terms of recovery can be confusing. Individuals who want to get sober are, in fact, initiating their recovery. However, self-reliance can take over and send a person back to the drug dealers house or bar. Let’s take two personality types and review where their self-reliance caused them to relapse. Let’s first look at a woman named Barbara.

Barbara went to a 90-day program for her alcoholism and addiction to prescription pain medication. She had been arrested three times and lost her job. She hit bottom and wanted to end her drug use. Barbara was dedicated to her recovery. After treatment, she got a sponsor and went to meetings. One day Barbara was driving home and suddenly felt compelled to drink. She went home and did not drink but decided she would take her mind off her feelings and watch a movie. Her thoughts about alcohol continued, and Barbara did not tell her sponsor, she thought her thoughts about alcohol would tell her sponsor she needed help.

After one week of these thoughts, Barbara relapsed. The point where Barbara was self-reliant and when she took matters into her own hands was when she thought she could handle her thoughts about alcohol on her own. On that very first day and moment she had thoughts about alcohol if she had not been relying on herself to fix herself, she would have, called her sponsor. Instead, she took the hard way which is the ‘I will fix it myself way.’ There is no addict or alcoholic who can get clean and sober and remain in recovery without help and reliance on others.

Examples of Relf-Reliance in Recovery

Another example of self-reliance and how it doesn’t work is about Ramon. Ramon went to outpatient rehab for six months. He had also been in recovery before but only remained clean and sober for ten months. Ramon would say it was a relationship that caused him to relapse. Ramon like Barbara, also finished his program and worked with a sponsor and went to meetings. He was also working 9 to 5 throughout the week. One day Ramon got a call from his work saying that he was under review. Ramon panicked and was very afraid that he would get fired. So, he called his sponsor and went to a meeting. However, after the meeting, Ramon could not stop thinking about what might happen.

Ramon sat awake all night in his head, playing the various situations that could happen at work over and over in his mind. His sponsor had told him if he could not stop thinking and worrying about his job to reach out and offer help to another addict. Instead, Ramon thought he could find a way to solve his dilemma at work.

The next day Ramon was so stressed out he called his job and told them that he was quitting. His job did not understand why he was quitting, and Ramon could only express that he was under a lot of stress. Fortunately, Ramon did not relapse. But he sat in his head dwelling and spinning his worries for so long he may not have acted out and relapsed, but he quit his job. Ramon’s sponsor asked him why you didn’t offer to help someone else. Ramon said that he didn’t see how that would help his situation at work.

What Ramon failed to recognize is that his self-reliance manifested in the form of mental prison. He was stuck in his mind worrying only about himself. Had Ramon stopped for one minute to help someone else, his mind would have found relief from the torment of his thoughts about his job.

The idea of self-reliance may sound powerful and invigorating. However, for recovering addicts and alcoholics, our minds and emotions often do not accurately handle situations. To begin letting go of relying on “self” to manage your recovery, all addicts and alcoholics must go to meetings, get a sponsor, work the 12 steps program or attend a drug counseling program. Most importantly, it’s crucial to follow the advice and suggestions others in recovery give. By following what other successful recovering addicts alcoholics have done, a newly recovering person is letting go of their old self-reliant persona and getting to know a new version of themselves that is sober, humble, with peace of mind, and a willingness change.

FAQ

  • Is Self-Reliance in Recovery Possible?

Published on: 2019-09-16
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Relapse Prevention: Tools for Preventing a Relapse

recreate life counseling

Relapse is a danger for anyone who has embarked on the journey of recovery from substance abuse. It is generally accepted that relapse is most likely to occur in the first 90 days of recovery, but the risk remains high for the first five years. Fortunately, there are ways to protect against and prevent relapse. Relapse prevention techniques include any tool that can be used to avoid a return to using and abusing drugs and alcohol.

Prevention at the Different Stages of Relapse

Relapse is a process. There are different stages of relapse and there are tools to prevent relapse at every stage. During the emotional stage, the individual may be struggling in recovery, but not actually thinking about using. During this stage, the best tools for relapse prevention are techniques that restore emotional equilibrium. During the mental stage of relapse, the individual is thinking about drinking or using again and the urges to use may be strong. A combination of techniques will be needed at this stage to prevent a relapse. The next stage is the relapse stage — all is not lost at this point. If the individual utilizes their relapse prevention techniques, a relapse can be prevented.

The following are a list of tools and techniques that can be utilized to prevent a return to drugs and alcohol. They can be used to maintain sobriety and enhance an individual’s recovery. In most cases, a combination of these tools is best:

  • 12 Step Program: The 12 Step fellowships are highly beneficial for many individuals looking to stay sober and lead a happy, healthy life in recovery. 12 Step meetings and working the steps provide addicts and alcoholics with support and new techniques for maintaining sobriety.
  • Therapy:Therapy can help the individual learn new tools and strategies for relapse prevention, while also helping to restore emotional equilibrium. Discussing one’s emotions and behaviors with a trained professional can help the individual figure out how to deal with life on life’s terms.
  • Group Therapy: Group therapy sessions are a great venue for support and problem solving. Discussing one’s triggers and desires to use can help the individual gain the necessary support to overcome their cravings.
  • Sponsorship: If an individual is a member of a 12-step fellowship, he/she can benefit greatly from having a sponsor. The newly sober person can benefit from the knowledge and experience of someone who has been in recovery for a longer period of time. A sponsor is a great resource to turn to when things are difficult and cravings start to occur.
  • Journaling: Journaling can be an incredibly useful tool in recovery. Problems often seem more manageable when they are written down and not just floating around in an individual’s head.
  • Hobbies: Hobbies are an important source of stress relief. It is essential that individuals in recovery explore new interests to fill the time they spent drinking or using.
  • Meditation: Meditation techniques can help with restoring emotional equilibrium in recovery. Meditation can come in the form of sitting practices, yoga, Tai Chi, etc.

Relapse prevention can be thought of as a toolbox full of different techniques for preventing a return to drugs and alcohol. The more tools that you utilize, the greater your chances are of maintaining your sobriety. Seeking support from those around you is one of the most important tools in your toolbox. That support can stem from therapy, group counseling, or 12-step fellowships — it doesn’t matter as long as you are reaching out for help.

Are you struggling with addiction, or just coming back from a relapse? If so, Recreate Life Counseling Services can help. We offer group and individual addiction counseling and support.

Published on: 2016-08-26
Updated on: 2025-01-19

Find Out How We Can Help You

At Recreate Life Counseling, we understand that the journey to recovery can be daunting without the proper support. We're here to listen, understand your challenges, and offer personalized guidance as you consider a life free from the grips of addiction and/or mental health conditions. Our admissions team is ready to assist you, whether you're looking for treatment, need advice, or simply want someone to talk to!

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