Facing Addiction in Porterville, California
Porterville is situated in San Joaquin Valley, California, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This beautiful, small town with a population of 55,174, has rolling hills against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Porterville has an easy going country atmosphere and a small-town allure. Even in a town as quaint as Porterville, many struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
The disease of addiction devastates many American lives. Substance abuse causes torturous negative effects to a person mentally, physically, and spiritually. Negative consequences are varied and numerous. The damage depends on the substance of abuse, duration of use, genetics, and many other factors. Alcohol, the most commonly abused substance, can cause severe harm to such organs as the liver, brain and heart, eventually leading to irreparable damage and possibly death.
Every drug varies slightly but all substances of abuse have two outcomes in common, addiction and death. Addiction is disease that requires medical treatment to put in remission. Do not feel ashamed if you are struggling with substance abuse. The first and often most difficult step is admitting you have a problem. Remember, you are not alone and help is available.
Should I Stage an Intervention?
If you feel stuck and helpless watching a loved one abuse drugs or alcohol, you are not alone. Many people today find themselves in the same position and are at a loss about how to help the person. Staging an intervention is a great way to help nudge a person struggling with substance abuse issues in the right direction.
An intervention is a non-judgmental way of letting a person know that you love and care for them, but are concerned. The intervention is essentially a conversation that confronts the person in a constructive and helpful way about his or her using. Most often the person who is the subject of the intervention will subsequently decide to get help. However, if he or she does not seek treatment that does not mean the intervention was a failure. The very act of trying to communicate with the person introduces the idea of recovery and gets the person aimed in the right direction.
Is There Any Benefit to Travelling for Treatment?
Travelling for treatment is a rising trend for those seeking help overcoming addiction. Travelling for treatment allows people to focus on their recovery without the stressors, triggers and distractions that surround us on a day to day basis. If you decide to travel for your inpatient treatment program, one of the perks is that you can choose a vacation destination. Why not enjoy beautiful weather and sunshine while working on yourself and establishing your sobriety? There are many reasons to travel away from home. Make sure to research facilities and determine what treatment program will best suit your needs.
Once you have completed an inpatient or outpatient program, the next phase is after care. An after care plan will be drafted by you and your therapists to determine how to proceed in order to remain sober for the long haul. More often than not, professionals recommend finding and regularly attending local Twelve Step meeting. Twelve Step programs are the most effective method of treating the disease of addiction over long period of time. A sponsor will lead you through the Twelve Steps and provide guidance and constructive feedback. Get involved with a particular group; this is your home group. Attend meetings regularly and get connected with others in sobriety. Friendships made in Twelve Step programs offer support and belonging, which allows each individual to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.
