Live Rehab

  • Pricing
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Affiliates
  • Login
  • Get Started Now

Why an Interdisciplinary Approach is Valuable in Addiction Treatment

December 20, 2017 By Denise Leave a Comment

 

woman professional researching at computer

Be an Expert but Have an Open Approach too

When majoring in counseling, psychology, or social work, colleges and universities teach a wide variety of approaches.  During the time, it can seem quite overwhelming and oftentimes students are encouraged to be an expert in one thing. This is something I do agree with however, it is also important for professionals to be well versed in multiple approaches.  

Re-Evaluate Rather than Force an Approach

When treating someone who struggles with an addiction, a professional should always try an approach they are good at because if it works, there is no need to explore another approach.  But, if that approach isn’t working or it becomes exhausting because the professional and client are not jiving, it’s critical to re-evaluate rather than force a set of ideologies onto to someone who is resistant.  

Professionals Need to Check Their Own Feelings

In order to do this, the professional must be able to check their own feelings at the door.  Far too often, professionals get offended or stressed about the fact that a certain client isn’t responding to their method of treatment.  Instead, professionals need to communicate with their clients constantly and collaborate with other professionals.  There must be a respect for this type of practice across the board.  

Finding the Perfect Professional is Crucial to Your Success

If you have a professional who is not willing to adjust their style to fit your needs, first, try to communicate what you are feeling.  If that doesn’t work then finding another professional is essential to your recovery.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: addiction, alcohol, chemical dependency, counselor, planning to quit, recovery, substance abuse, substance abuse treatment, treatment plan

7 Things about Drug and Alcohol Recovery Nobody Tells You

December 19, 2017 By Denise Leave a Comment

7 Things About Recovery they Don’t Tell you

Thinking back to the early days of recovery I remember a certain sense of bewilderment and shock. Now some of that was certainly due to the fact I was no longer a chronic drinker but some of it was due to how the world would treat me now. Over time I’ve come to realise that nobody really talks about these things out loud. In fact, I’ve talked to many addicts who have been through professional rehab facilities that agree with these 7 things. So, without further adieu, here are the 7 things about recovery nobody tells you.

Your body is coming back to you like a foreign object

When you first stop drinking or smoking or snorting whatever it is you are addicted to, some changes occur in your body. Now you might be thinking – duh! Obviously. But what most people don’t realise is that the body you get back has been wrecked in ways you have no way of knowing. Your body won’t fully recover for years to come and, when it does, it’s going to be a different beast altogether.

People hate/admire what they don’t have

I’ve talked about WTF moments of sobriety before but you’ve got to prepare yourself, in advance, for the avalanche of fucked up shit you’re going to have to deal with. People are going to say the weirdest things to you. I won’t go into all of them but BE PREPARED!

Free time

Yep. You’re going to have lots more free time that you used to. It’s not all going to come back to you at one time though. For every 3 minutes you spend smoking a cigarette each day multiplied by number by day! That’s the trick though – you have to think about the time as adding up in general.

New things to fill that free time

Find some new things to fill that time. If you were a smoker for instance and took smoke breaks at work, try filling it with something else. Take a quick walk around the block. Fidget with some legos at your desk. You need to be an active participant in this stage. Find a hobby. Quick.

Extra brain power

This one is a bit weird and may not apply to everyone BUT lots of people we talk to find a surge in brain power. Now, some of this comes from not being in a fog or daze from the drugs or alcohol. But to get this affect it’s going to take a while. Some people report 6-12 months before this onset occurs. Be patient.

Your balance

Your balance is going to get a bit wibbly wobbly for a while. Alcohol affects the equilibrium and it’s not until 3-9 months before it comes back properly. You’re going to see weird things happen over time including potentially being way off balance.

You find yourself

Ok this one was cheesy. But nobody prepares you for the emotional changes you end up experiencing until it settles in for real. Then you get to see, experience and feel the best possible version of yourself.

So, now we ask you, our Live Rehab community, what things have you noticed that nobody warned you about in recovery?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: addiction, alcohol, alcoholism, chemical dependency, counselor, dependency, drug use, motivation, planning to quit, recovery, sobriety, substance abuse treatment

Why Chemical Dependency Professionals must Understand Research, Data and How it Applies

December 18, 2017 By Denise Leave a Comment

Chemical Dependency Professional Talking About Research
Chemical Dependency Professional Talking About Research

Have you been involved in a discussion with someone who claims they know better than science and data?  I think we all have.

I never wore a seat belt as a kid and I’m still alive.

My grandfather smoked and drank his whole life and lived until he was 103.

My sister beat cancer by thinking positive thoughts.  You can do the same!

Whether online or in person, there are hundreds are scenarios where people think they know better than actual scientific data and research.  When working in the field of addiction, it is critical to not fall into that same trap.  Even if a chemical dependency professional works with clients where their own unique experience helped them, it does not mean it will work for the next client.

Science and data is helpful as it gives a professional a place to start.  In order to fully implement methods into practice, the data and research must be understood.  Once understood, a professional must also be aware of the limitations of said research and be open to new information as well.

Again, as I always say, chemical dependency professionals are the ones on the front line and it is crucial to find the right balance between science and the realization that alternative methods may better suit the person who struggles with addiction.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: addiction, Addiction Professional, alcohol, Chemical Dependency Professional, counselor, drug use, planning to quit, sobriety, substance abuse treatment

Family, Social Networks, and Communities

December 14, 2017 By Denise Leave a Comment

Two grandparents holding two babies – family

Chemical Dependency Professionals must be very aware of how family, social networks, and community play a role in the recovery process.

Taking these three things into consideration when making a treatment plan is crucial to the overall success of recovery.  Not every person who is seeking a life free from addiction needs the same focus.  For example, someone who has a strong familial support but lacks community access to treatment, would need a professional to help find them community supports.  Whereas, if someone who is struggling with an addiction knows where to go and what to do but their familial support is non-existent or full of chaos, then the Chemical Dependency Professional knows they need to focus on the family unit rather than putting effort into community resources.

Of course, there’s always a spectrum and most professionals will find that their clients need a little or a lot of focus in one or more area but the important thing is for the professional to appreciate the various systems in order to provide the highest quality of care possible when treating any addiction.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: addiction, Addiction Professional, alcohol, chemical dependency, Chemical Dependency Professional, counselor, environment, family, motivation, planning to quit, recovery, rehab, sobriety, treatment plan

Effects of Psychoactive Substances

November 8, 2017 By Denise Leave a Comment

psychoactive substances

Behavioral Effects of Psychoactive Substances

Psychoactive substances affect the behavior of people using.  Different substances affect different behaviors.  For example, those who abuse alcohol may behave violently or belligerently.  Those who abuse opioids may behave neglectfully.  Not everyone behaves the same of course but it’s important for addiction professionals to understand how different psychoactive substances affect behavior.

Psychological Effects of Psychoactive Substances

The age old question: what came first?  The addiction or the mental health struggle?  This is important for addiction professionals to understand and uncover when working with clients.  For example, did smoking marijuana cause their client’s anxiety or did their client smoke marijuana to try and get rid of their anxiety?  Different substances have different psychological effects and it’s crucial for professionals to recognize this.

Physical Effects of Psychoactive Substances

Psychoactive substances have different physical effects too.  While some effects are behavior related it’s important to know what kinds of physical effects different substances can cause.  For example, opioids can cause constipation and alcohol can cause high blood pressure. Outward physical effects are more noticeable but the addiction professional should always ask the important questions and provide resources to a medical doctor if needed.    

Social Effects of Psychoactive Substances

Some psychoactive substances are more social than others but when thinking about the social effects it is important for the addiction professional to gain cultural knowledge.  For example, alcohol is often culturally accepted and when someone quits alcohol it can be shown as a sign of weakness.  Other social factors to consider would be poverty and wealth.  Addiction doesn’t just affect the poor it equally affects the rich but in different ways.  Just because someone has a ton of money and can dress and look the part, doesn’t mean they are struggling any less. Addiction professionals need to be aware of this.

Effects on Significant Others

All of these effects can affect significant others incomprehensible ways oftentimes leading to exhaustion. Also, it’s important to connect the relationship between infectious diseases such as sexually transmitted infections and substance use.  Significant others can be impacted.

Addiction professionals need to be sensitive to all of these influences and how the development of addiction progresses.  I.E. initiation, intoxication, harmful use, abuse, dependence, withdrawal, craving, relapse, and recovery.  [clickToTweet tweet=”Addiction professionals need to be interested in new research and findings so they can bring the latest developments.” quote=”Addiction professionals need to be interested in new research and findings so they can bring the latest developments to their practice ” theme=”style6″]to benefit their continuous efforts when working with clients.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Addiction Professional, alcohol, chemical dependency, counselor, dependency, motivation, planning to quit, recovery, rehab, sobriety, substance abuse, substance abuse treatment, treatment plan

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • Next Page »

Popular Posts

Empowering Your Recovery Journey: Achieve Sobriety from the Comfort of Home with Live Rehab

Alcohol or Substance Abuse in the Workplace

Living Intentionally in Addiction and Recovery

Spirituality in Recovery

Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis) and why you need treatment for your mental health and addiction at the same time

What our Students Say

“I’m very much enjoying this course. The instructor is clear, concise, motivating, and knowledgeable.”
☆☆☆☆☆
~ Marla, Udemy Student

“The instructor is highly trained to be providing this course to those who are chemically dependent. The content of the lectures is comprehensive and very informative.”
☆☆☆☆☆
~ Matt, Udemy Student

Recent Posts

How to Break the Cycle of Addiction: A Step-by-Step Guide to Long-Term Recovery

April 8, 2025 By Denise

What Does Breaking the Cycle of Addiction Really … [Read More...]

How to Start Addiction Recovery From Home – Without Expensive Rehab

March 28, 2025 By Denise

Starting addiction recovery doesn’t have to mean … [Read More...]

Breaking Free: The Best Online Addiction Recovery Course for 2025

March 11, 2025 By Denise

Finding effective addiction recovery resources can … [Read More...]

Tweets by @live_rehab

Tweets by live_rehab

Connect on Facebook

Live Rehab

Favorite Pins

Sobriety on your terms

We understand that traditional rehab may not be a realistic choice for you. If you’re feeling bad about destroying relationships, clouded decision making and being addicted, Live Rehab will guide you in helping you break free.

We’ve helped hundreds of people get sober from home.

Our students are:

– Happy
– Sober
– Clear Headed
– Free from the chains of addiction
– Motivated
– Energetic

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Product

Recovery & Sobriety Courses

Pricing

Learn

Blog

Resources

Videos

Company

About Us

Contact

Copyright © 2025 Live Rehab