Category Archives: Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in Vancouver

Aftercare And Continuing Care Treatment Options For Drug Addiction In Vancouver, BC – Options Okanagan

Various aftercare and continuing care treatment options for drug and alcohol addiction in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating opiate and alcohol addiction and recovery.

What Is Aftercare?

When it comes to the process of treating addiction or basically any mental health issue, aftercare is a very important step. It is the process that takes a patient from primary treatments, for example residential drug addiction treatment onto maintenance treatments. There are various types of aftercare and in order to plan the best and most successful path of recovery, understanding each one is important.

Although most kinds of aftercare treatments for drug addiction are structured, there are also things that you can try on your own. For example, creating a strategy that helps to prevent relapse and adhering to it at all times, is important. You should also always have a list of emergency contact information on you. It is also helpful to keep a journal along with a gratitude list.

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

That being said, here are a few things that formal aftercare treatment for drug addiction may include:

1. Step-down Residential Care

Residential care is the first kind of aftercare. This form of treatment tends to be beneficial for individuals who have struggled with extreme drug use, do not count on much support and whose social circle revolves around the use of drugs. This type of aftercare allows addicts to have more freedom while in a rehab center, this means that they are allowed to go to work, receive more social visits as well as have control over their personal schedules.

The high level of support that is available every second of every day is where the benefits of this kind of care system stem from. That being said, the step down care programs are a bridge to greater responsibilities and, even though they are structures, more privileges are included that in residential treatment for drug addictions.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

2. Daycare aka Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Daycare is another form of aftercare. This provides individuals with access to resources, for example therapy groups, addiction counselors and doctors while their evenings and nights are spent with their families. People, who have a great support system yet feel as if they would benefit from treatment that is more intensive, are the best candidates for this type of treatment.

The great thing about outpatient drug addiction aftercare is that it provides individuals with the most amount of flexibility with a schedule for their own while offering the highest amount of benefits that a residential care facility has to offer.

Men Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

3. Halfway Houses

A recovering addict could greatly benefit from residential stays for six months and even as long as a year. This form of aftercare treatment for drug addiction happens in a privately and independently owned residence. The best way that halfway houses are managed is with the use of rules and guidelines, for example house rules, regular drug testing and curfews. When living in halfway houses, recovering drug addicts are able to get support, make new friends and live in an environment that is drug free prior to moving out on their own again.

4. Support Groups and Psychotherapy

The last type of aftercare consists of attending support groups and citing counselors on a regular basis. This form of care is generally detailed in a treatment plan and is a part of weekly regimen of treatment. Those who benefit from his kind of aftercare are individuals who are ready to handle most of their recover however still require some regular help and guidance.

What any kind of aftercare is all about is helping individuals to be able to gradually ease back into their regular lives without experiencing feelings of being out of control or turning to their destructive habits. It also provides individuals with the opportunity of working on themselves on any other issues or perhaps on a recovery that was not completed after their first treatment.

Anyone who is searching for aftercare support should know exactly what they want to get out of it and be sure of the king of care they would benefit the most from. Many times a doctor or a primary care facility can help with making this decision. By choosing the best form of treatment, those suffering from an addiction can begin their recovery from a strong point and avoid any doubt or fear which may lead to a slip up or relapse.

If you have any doubts or questions regarding drug addiction aftercare treatment, please get in touch with Options Okanagan at 1-855-335-0331. It would be our pleasure to answer your question personally and promptly.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

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Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

The Latest Drug Epidemic In Vancouver, BC: Synthetic Opioids Like Fentanyl, W-18, And Krokodil

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA: The Latest Drug Epidemic: Synthetic Opioids Like Fentanyl, W-18, And Krokodil in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating opiate and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Throughout North America, demand for opioids is troublingly high. Illicit usage is rampant, from classic heroin abuse to non-medical use of strong prescription painkillers. This problem has gotten worse over time. Years 2014 and 2015 saw all-time highs for drug overdose deaths in North America, with more than 83,000 people dying. Opioids were the drugs responsible for 64 percent of those cases. Seeking the source of the continent’s strange obsession with these drugs leads one to consider irresponsible behavior in the healthcare industry, a record high number of chronic pain cases (over 110 million), or the slippery slope leading from pharmaceutical painkillers to illicit drugs like heroin.

As though our relationship with opioids wasn’t scary enough, the latest news on the subject reveals a rising tide of brand-new synthetic opioid drugs that might well make the situation worse. Like other synthetic drugs, synthetic opioids are chemical mixtures designed to reproduce the euphoric and anesthetic effects of naturally-based opiates (e.g. morphine and codeine). One distinction to this new class of drug is that it breaks down into two sub-families: the synthetic opioids and the semi-synthetic opioids.

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

Synthetic Opioids Defined

Opiates are drugs that originally come from the resin harvested from opium poppies. It’s the plants’ natural alkaloid ingredients that give the drugs their potency. Only codeine, opium, and morphine are considered to be truly natural opiates. Drugs that have been derived from these opiates – both pharmaceuticals like Oxycodone and narcotics like heroin – are called “semi-synthetic” due to the processing required to create them.

Synthetic opioids are those drugs that owe none of their effects to compounds that originally come from poppies or the natural opiates. The particular chemicals used to imitate the effects of natural opiates vary widely; specifics can vary from drug to drug and even from chemist to chemist. It is this extreme diversity of recipes that make illicit synthetic opioids so dangerous. Without the sort of strict quality controls employed in a pharmaceutical setting, the potency of a given opioid is virtually always an unknown. Today the three most common synthetic opioids being abused are fentanyl, W-18, and krokodil.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

More On Fentanyl

Semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and heroin are dangerous enough on their own; when they’re combined with fentanyl their potency and risk increase exponentially. Fentanyl is an extremely strong prescription drug that’s usually prescribed to treat the extreme pain that comes after the completion of surgery. Healthcare professionals describe it as being 100 times as strong as morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Nonmedical usage of fentanyl is on the rise, and law enforcement personnel have seen fentanyl turn up in seized heroin and other illicit opioids. This growing problem has government agencies and experts extremely alarmed.

The issue of fentanyl abuse first came to light in the 1980s. In recent years the drug has undergone what can only be described as an explosion in popularity. The National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) tracks drug analysis requests across the nation. In 2013, state and municipal drug labs tested 950 different samples of fentanyl. In just one year, that number rose to 3,500 sample submissions in 2014.

Fentanyl is being used by illegal drug dealers to up the potency of heroin and other opioids while also decreasing the wholesale cost of the drugs. This has led to a significant number of serious medical complications when unsuspecting users dose themselves with far more potent drugs than they were expecting. This is frequently life-threatening. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a special alert to law enforcement agencies across the nation in April of 2015 regarding the rising tide of fentanyl abuse.

Men Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

W-18 And Krokodil

Krokodil is a street drug that earned its name in the grimmest possible fashion: It turns the skin of habitual users green and eventually causes it to rot.

Though fentanyl is still the most pressing synthetic opioid problem the nation is facing, krokodil and W-18 are coming right behind it. W-18 is still a very mysterious drug, and its very classification as an opioid is not entirely assured. It does have extremely potent analgesic effects, delivering an experience 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than natural morphine. This is another synthetic drug which has been around since the 1980s. It was never entered into the clinical testing process for development as a legitimate medication. So far very little W-18 has made it into the United States, but it is showing up more frequently in Canada. This proximity is making many law enforcement officials nervous.

Krokodil is formally known as desomorphine. It’s actually a semi-synthetic opioid which is created by combining adulterants with codeine. Examples of the kinds of chemicals used include iodine, paint thinner, red phosphorous, gasoline, hydrochloric acid, and lighter fluid. Krokodil got its start in Russia as a bargain-basement alternative to heroin, and today it’s come to North America.

An Industry Of Constant Change

The rogue chemists who feed the nation’s demand for illicit opioids are always busy. Law enforcement agencies are constantly scrambling to shut down specific drugs and formulas, but this does not stop the creators from inventing new mixtures and new opioid analogs.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

The Dangers of Fentanyl Laced Heroin or Cocaine In Vancouver, BC – Options Okanagan

The Dangers of Fentanyl Laced Heroin or Cocaine in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating heroin, fentanyl and alcohol addiction.

A heroin epidemic has swept across the US and Canada, faster than with any other substance the amount of North American’s abusing this drug is rapidly increasing. In the United States, the estimated amount of heroin addicts range between 350,000 to 550,000, from only five years ago, this is a 75% increase. The harsh and devastating consequences associated with heroin addiction, have affected many people from the suburban housewife to celebrities and the endless individuals in between.

Fentanyl addiction and Fentanyl abuse and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

The ‘SuperDrug’ Sudden and Catastrophic Emergence of Fentanyl in Heroin

Although there is a greater awareness about this heroin epidemic, underground there is another type of drug abuse growing, it could be far more dangerous than a heroin addiction. There is new drug mix called ‘SuperDrug’, fentanyl laced heroin which has killed quite a large amount of people in many cities across Canada and the USA, including: Toronto, Vancouver, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

What Is Fentanyl and Why Is This Drug Combination So Lethal?

Originally fentanyl was manufactured in the 1960s and in the 1990s was when it was first introduced on the consumer market for palliative reasons. The painkilling powers that this drug contains are eight to one hundred times more potent than those in morphine, in hospital settings, fentanyl is commonly used as an anesthetic, for example in operating rooms or intensive care units.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

Fentanyl is also used to manage long-term pain in chronic conditions, for example cancer. This powerful drug is opiate based and works by binding itself to the opiate receptors in the body´s brain this increases the dopamine levels and provides a feeling of euphoria and relaxation.

The “Ultimate High” With Fentanyl

When a physician gives fentanyl as a prescription drug, it is administered via various forms, for example a transdermal patch, a lozenge or an injection. However when fentanyl is used recreationally, it is generally synthesized in illegal laboratories, here they are often mixed with heroin or cocaine in a powder from.

Heroin or cocaine that is laced with fentanyl, which means the drugs are combined is a popular item that addicts search for on the black markets hoping for that “ultimate high” even though when taken together, these drugs are probably the most lethal. When combined, the dangers of fentanyl laced with heroin or cocaine can result in consequences that are deadly, for example:

a) Cardiovascular Complications
b) Drowsiness, Disorientation or Confusion that ins Increased
c) Respiratory Depression or Arrest
d) Gastrointestinal Distress
e) Disruption of Normal Mental Functions
f) Unconsciousness, Sedation or Coma
g) Death

Men Living with Fentanyl addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

A Drug That Is Unpredictable

Perhaps what makes fentanyl laced cocaine or heroin so dangerous is the it is highly unpredictable. There are no rules or regulations when it comes to illegal drug combinations which have been synthesized on the black markets. Those who actually consume these mixtures of drugs, have no real idea of what they are putting in their bodies.

On the black markets, fentanyl may also be sold as heroin, this often causes the individuals to use it to overdose. A single overdose episode could be an incident that is fatal and costs a life. Though due to the amplified euphoric effects, addicts are drawn to this combination, they could be paying the ultimate price which is their lives.

Across the United States and Canada, many health care officials are concerned that heroin abuse which is problematic and a trend seen in North America will result in epidemics of overdose as more drug abusers start to combine these dangerous substances together.

It is Critical to Seek help

If someone you love or if you are abusing fentanyl or a combination of cocaine or heroin with fentanyl, it is crucial that you immediately seek help. The intensity of this kind of addiction which could result from abusing drugs can be extremely overpowering and without professional guidance, recovery will not be possible.

If you have become addicted to heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or any combination of these drugs, you will have to safely detoxify from them, this way withdrawal complications can be avoided. This means the assistance of drug addiction specialists such as a physician, therapists and psychiatrists who can help you to address the various factors which are involved.

It Is Important To Be Aware of The Risks

Combining prescription medications with illicit street drugs, for example fentanyl, is lethal, it can cause your life to turn for the worse. Whether you, yourself are searching for it to satisfy your personal addiction or if you are being pressured by others into taking these substances, it is important to be aware of the risks that you are taking.

Although one of the most difficult task you will ever take on is the recovery from an addiction, this is the path that can help you in overcoming the dangerous addiction to fentanyl laced cocaine or heroin.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

What Is Continuing Care And Aftercare Treatment In Vancouver, BC – Options Okanagan

What is aftercare and continuing care treatment in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating opiate and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Recovering from addiction and drug abuse doesn’t stop at the end of treatment. Aftercare, at its core, should be considered as a kind of continued treatment that immediately follows a fairly shorter addiction treatment care period, like intensive outpatient treatment or inpatient rehab.

It is critical to pay very close attention to the post-treatment time interval for a patient. It is during that critical period that progress that was made during the recovery period are reinforced. Many different types of aftercare treatment options are available, which can help with preventing relapse and expanding on the coping strategies that have been learned during the rehabilitation process.

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

They including the following:

– Outpatient treatment: The person lives at home and attends treatment a couple of times a week whenever it is convenient.

– Group counseling: The individual will share and listen to experiences that relate to addiction and work on developing coping and social skills within a group setting.

– Individual therapy: The person meets with a therapist one-on-one to build on the progress that was made during the initial treatment process.

– 12-step programs: Various fellowship programs,like Narcotics Anonymous (NA)and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), provide encouragement and support for people during their recovery process.

Clinicians may prescribe various lengths of aftercare or extended care depending on what the person’s disposition and needs are after the initial treatment is completed. It is critical that the patient critically follow her or his aftercare plan, since it is estimated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse that substance relapse rates are 40 to 60 percent. Frequently, participating in a 12-step program on a continuous basis is strongly encouraged and actually required in some cases. It is also common to outpatient follow-up appointments scheduled on a regular basis at a clinic or hospital.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

Recovery is a lifelong process. Call Options Okanagan today at 1-855-335-0331 to get the support that you really need.

Aftercare and continuing care typically involves much less frequent contact with the patient’s treatment personnel compared to during the acute treatment phase. It is therefore much ore like a real-life self-sufficiency situation, where hard work and individual determination are required for maintaining one’s sobriety.

Transitioning from acute treatment into self-sufficiency, in many cases, is monitored at different time intervals each week. This provides the patient with a strong incentive for avoiding trigger situations and resisting the urge to once again use drugs. Monitoring, as part of an individual’s comprehensive aftercare plan, can also help to detect a recent or impending release which allows for re-evaluating a treatment plan, which promotes patient safety and health ultimately.

Men Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

How To Develop An Aftercare And Continuing Care Plan

A series of aftercare goals and requirements will be set by a quality inpatient rehab program for every patient, based on the specific needs of the patient and discharge evaluation. In some cases, like with some employment/work alcohol and drug assistance programs, diversion or court-ordered treatment, aftercare participation is closely monitored and is mandatory. Although in some cases it might be involuntary, aftercare and treatment are not any less effective due to it.

Some examples of components that involve and lead up to numerous aftercare plans include the following:

a) Relapse prevention strategy that is drafted and rehearsed before the initial treatment ends.

b) Prescription for participating on a consistent basis self-help or addiction support groups (often these are 12-step meetings like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous)

c) Outpatient follow-up appointments scheduled on a regular basis for continued therapy with a clinician or counselor

d) When necessary, arrangement for a post-treatment controlled living environment such as sober living, halfway house, etc.

e) Required or recommended drug testing

f) Monitoring: may be done via email or the hone or at scheduled appointments. The information age has introduced various new continued patient care methods, including text message check-ins, video appointments and various other tracking and support apps.

Recovery From Alcohol and Drug Addiction Isn’t Easy

It is essential to have a supportive environment that helps you on a continuous basis to avoid temptation. That involves support system members taking any mind-altering substances out of the avoid, avoid using any intoxicating substances in the presence of the recovering person,and encouraging the patient to fully comply with his or her aftercare plan.

It is very important to have aftercare and continuing care programs involving a sponsor or someone else who is available at all times to talk. An aftercare program often involves individual, group and family therapy as well as other protocols that are created to meet the individual needs of the recovering patient.

Recovery From Drug And Alcohol Addiction Is A Never Ending Process

The recovery process is a life-long one, and doesn’t end when therapy or rehab is completed. Find an aftercare treatment program to get the assistance you need. Give Options Okanagan a call at 1-855-335-0331 to receive the confidential guidance that you need. We have treatment admissions specialists that are available 7 days per week and 24 hours per day to give you the information you need to determine the best aftercare treatment that will meet your individual needs.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Continuing Care And Sustaining Recovery After Treatment In Vancouver, BC – Options Okanagan

Sustaining Recovery After Treatment; Aftercare and continuing care in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating opiate and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Formal treatment administered by professionals to addicts seeking to recover from drugs and alcohol can prove a great start down the path to recovery, but just a month or so of rehab shouldn’t be assumed to be a permanent solution.

If you suffer from serious drug or alcohol problems, then you need to know that in order to recover successfully, you have to invest in making substantial changes to your life over the long term. They include:

a) How you identify personally as well as your individual beliefs
b) Your social and familial relationships
c) Your day to day lifestyle

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

It boils down to things like where you physically live, how you play and work, what individuals are a part of your life and which ones are not, and how exactly you deal with daily stresses in life. Recovery isn’t just avoiding drugs and drinking; it’s about manifesting a meaningful existence that has no room for drugs or drinking. Recovering from addiction isn’t like recovering from an infection, where you lay up for a week or two and then just go back to normal. Those who treat rehab like that go back to their normal addictions. Addiction recovery is more like how sufferers of heart disease adapt to their condition or how people learn to live in peace and health with diabetes. These conditions demand constant decision and certain actions to maintain life.

Good News Regarding Continuing Care And Aftercare Following Addiction Treatment

a) Addiction treatment has positive effects, and they are notable. A full third of those that get treatment achieve sustained sobriety, with the rest seeing decreases in their use and abuse of drugs and alcohol.

b) You can boost your life expectancy and quality of life, as well as general chances of recovering permanently if you participate in aftercare support like AA.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

c) Recover support groups and professional treatment are both options for addiction recovery, but a combination of the two is the more effective than either one on its own.

d) The lifetime rates of recovery for addicts who seek treatment are over half of all individuals. Millions of people have recovered from substance abuse, even at severe levels, only to see fulfilling and productive lives.

e) There are a variety of ways and paths to pursue permanent recovery, be they secular, religious, or spiritual.

f) Recovered individuals often go on to lead lives of service and achievement within their communities.

Why Continuing Care Or Aftercare?
Sobering Statistics About What Happens To Addicts Following Rehab Treatment

1) Most individuals that complete addiction treatment programs are at a fragile balance, having an equal chance of landing in permanent sobriety or lapsing or relapsing within a year of their treatment discharge.

2) The first 90 days are the period of greatest vulnerability of lapse or relapse following treatment.

3) Up to a third of those that finish addiction treatment are going to be readmitted within the next year, and half get readmitted within five years.

4) Recovery of any individual is not considered fully stable for almost half a decade of sustained recovery. Fully stabilized recovery is defined as the point in which the risk of future relapse drops under 15 percent likelihood.

5) Sustained addiction can kill. Relapses after professional treatment can create high rates of death thanks to problems like homicide, AIDS, cancer, unintentional overdose, accidental poisoning, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and suicide.

Men Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Vancouver

Five Steps Addicts Can Take To Improve Chances Of Aftercare Recovery With Continuing Care

1) Never use drugs or alcohol under any circumstances.
2) Pick a treatment regimen that gives you a diverse spectrum of continuing care options, and then actively use them.
3) Locate a recovery support program or group, and then get involved. Meetings should be a priority, and you should find a sponsor. Establishing a sober social network and application of recovery program principles into your daily lifestyle work in great conjunction with involving your loved ones in your recovery.
4) If your current living circumstances are not conducive to your recovery, look into the budding network of available recovery homes.
5) Be an authority and expert about your individual recovery, and then own it.

Five Things Your Family And Loved Ones Can Do To Support You

Addiction strains and stresses families. There are a number of things your loved ones can do for you if you are recovering, so share these with them to see if they can help.

Authorities in the field have known for a while that addiction is a negative influence on entire families and the relationships within a family. However, recent research has also indicated that addiction recovery is also quite stressful on families right when a recovering addict could use some help as everyone adjusts to a recovery reality.

These are five things families can do speed things up:

1) Loved ones of an addict should get educated about the recovery program and process that someone is going through.
2) If you live with a recovering addict, make the environment a sober one.
3) Get support from both professionals and peers through options like Al-Anon so that you can be mindful of your own health, physically and emotionally. Support your loved one in their own meetings and support groups.
4) Help your loved one find sober housing, transportation, employment, and child care or other needs.
5) Assert yourself and intervene in any potential or actual episode of lapse or relapse.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Why Aftercare Is Crucial For Your Opiate , Drug And Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Vancouver, BC – Part 04 – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Why Aftercare is Crucial for your opiate, drug and alcohol treatment in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and other parts of British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating Opiate and Alcohol addiction and recovery.

How To Succeed

Willingness To Change, Openness, and Honesty.

Nobody can complete addiction treatment in place of the person with the addiction, and even excellent centers will not succeed if the patient is not willing to commit to their own treatment. They must be open and honest, and willing to do the work that will be needed.

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

a) It is important to do major soul searching, and face any demons in the past. Be honest with any emotions that come up, regardless of how painful they are. It is important to embrace even the unpleasant feelings, as it is a necessary part of recovery. It might be wise to make a list of the experiences that come up, so they can be discussed with a counselor. It is important to be honest and get to the root of the cause of the abuse. An objective look at the events of the past can bring insight when examined by a skilled therapist or couselor and is essential to succeed.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

b) Observe and listen to others. Others have valuable knowledge and experience that can help. Even if the topic at hand doesn’t seem relevant, for example, a person sharing their abuse of prescription medication when the individual is dealing with addiction to alcohol, there is still useful information that can be gleaned from the other’s experiences. Listening closely during meetings and group sessions is just as important as feelings and experiences that the individual experienced.

c) Share experiences, feelings, and thoughts that come up during the recovery process, even if they seem awkward or embarrassing. Some people might find relief in sharing their pain, however, others are self-conscious, and want to share as little as they can get away with. Not being willing to share honest and open observations and experiences sets a person up to fail and can even sabotage efforts at recovery. It is important to be willing to share, even if it seems uncomfortable at the time.

Men Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Next Steps In Aftercare

Recovery takes time and shouldn’t be rushed. Even with the support of a good aftercare program and transitional home, relapses can still happen, especially in the time immediately following leaving rehab. For example, in a survey of members of Alcoholics Anonymous, it was found that 4 out of 5 people had a relapse during the first year of recovery. However, once the five-year mark was reached, the chance of relapse drops to just 8 percent. This survey shows just how important it is for an individual to continue with their aftercare, even if a relapse occurs.

Relapse Does Not Mean Failure

A relapse event doesn’t necessarily mean that the aftercare program failed, it just means that treatment is not done. Sobriety is something that can only be achieved day by day. Having an aftercare program such as a transitional home can help a person stay committed and reach their goals. If an individual also suffers from other mental disorders, aftercare is a great time to address these and start a treatment program to address them in addition to the problems with addiction.

Aftercare increases the chance of success. For example, alcohol dependence rates decreased by 4 million cases in 2014. While there could be several reasons for the decrease, one is undoubtedly the increase in aftercare options within treatment programs. For unemployed individuals, a transitional home also provides a place to live, stability, and much needed support as they search for a job. From group therapy to specialized living situation, aftercare provides much-needed assistance during the vital period just after inpatient rehab. It also provides assistance in maintaining sobriety and getting help in the case of a relapse.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and BC even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Why Aftercare Is Crucial For Your Opiate And Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Vancouver, BC – Part 03 – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Why Aftercare is Crucial for your opiate, drug and alcohol treatment in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and other parts of British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating Opiate and Alcohol addiction and recovery.

When Transitional Living Is Right For Aftercare

Sometimes it is possible for a person to return home after completing their treatment program at a rehabilitation center. If they have family and friends or even neighbors and coworkers who support their recovery, there is a support network in place. They should still have access to outpatient aftercare, including group meetings, therapy, and a sponsor. Others, however, might not have a very supportive network waiting for them after they finish their inpatient program.

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

They may not have a job to go back to or enough money to cover expenses. Their home life may be negative, or they may not have a home at all. Others simply might not feel ready to return to their everyday life, feeling overwhelmed by the reality of sobriety. For these people, a transitional living situation can give them a chance to smoothly move from inpatient rehab to living independently.

Explaining Extended Care

Patients in an extended care facility usually live in an environment that is supervised, but feels home-like. If an individual feels tempted to relapse, they have access to either a counselor, therapist, or fellow recovering addict at their fingertips. A transitional living situation includes access to a house manager and counselor, and often the manager is an addiction specialist or former addict themselves.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Help Is Available Round-The-Clock

Individuals often benefit from having support available anytime they need it. Meetings are often held daily, and there are many opportunities for discussion of feelings, hopes, and fears in order to work out any problems that arise. Residents in a program also serve as a source of encouragement and support, establishing a community and sense of fellowship. While a transitional community has less structure than an inpatient treatment facility, they still have fixed rules that establish a sense of stability.

Housemates often share chore duty, taking turns cleaning and cooking. These chores not only maintain the house, they impart a sense of routine and structure that is essential for someone just out of rehab. The members of the household also must follow rules on curfew and meeting attendance.

Men Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Besides their daily chores, individuals who live in transitional housing can choose to take classes to improve life skills. These can vary from parenting classes to workshops to refine a resume. The classes will help the individual learn the skills they will need and haven’t had a chance to master on their own due to their addiction. In addition, if the person is currently unemployed, a transitional home is more affordable while providing essential stability as they search for a new job.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Why Aftercare Is Crucial For Your Drug Or Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Vancouver, BC – Part 02 – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Why Aftercare is Crucial for your drug and alcohol treatment in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and other parts of British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating Opiate and Alcohol addiction and recovery.

Benefits of Aftercare

By providing an opportunity for continued support, counseling, or transitional living, programs for aftercare give individuals another layer of accountability that stands between them and returning to their substance of choice. These programs are a safe place where individuals can connect with other recovering addicts, advice for coping with temptation and stress, motivational speakers, and a mentor or sponsor.

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Aftercare programs are also quite useful for the family and friends of those suffering from addiction issues. Many services include counseling sessions for the spouse, parents, children, or partners of the person with the addiction problem. Group therapy and educational seminars on the link between mental disorders and substance abuse can also serve as a great resource for friends and family. Family members are also welcome at various 12-step programs such as meetings of Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, who both have material tailored especially for family of the recovering addicts. These meetings serve as a place where family members can safely share their experience with addiction and gain the support of others in similar situations.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Finding The Right Program

If an aftercare program is to be effective, it must be tailored individually to the person. These types of plans usually are created as a joint effort between the individual and addiction specialist or counselor before they are discharged from their rehabilitation program. How complex the plan is will depend on what the person needs, what their home life is like, the environment they will be returning to, and their risk of relapse. The less that is left to chance, the better. Without a concrete plan, it is very easy for an individual to relapse and take up old habits. The aim of a good aftercare plan is to have nothing left to chance.

Men Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Basic Steps In Aftercare

No two aftercare plans will be identical, however, these basic steps are usually a part of the program.

1) Continuing therapy. Having therapy sessions continue beyond the period in the rehabilitation center will allow a person to continue working on any issues that they have that might have contributed to their addictions. Individuals who are new to recovery will have a greater chance of attending regular programs for recovery if they have someone to be accountable to.

2) Learning Triggers. A person needs to learn what triggers their addiction and how they can cope with them using workshops, group therapy, lectures, or individual therapy sessions. There are many different factors, psychological, social, or environmental in nature, that could trigger someone to return to their addiction. A loved one’s sudden death, losing their job, PTSD, or any sudden extreme sensation or emotion has a risk of driving someone to relapse. While initial discovery of these triggers may begin during their stay at rehab, returning to their normal life may trigger a host of new problems. This is where the importance of understanding triggers comes in during aftercare.

3) Coping with cravings and stress. After leaving rehab, a person may face a situation that they didn’t anticipate while in treatment. Even a good experience, like a new job, can cause stress and trigger a craving for their substance of choice. Aftercare programs include teaching skills on how to cope with stress and deal with cravings. Regular attendance at counseling or support groups will give additional structure to the person’s life, so when stress hits, they can reach out to their support system and reduce their chances of relapse.

4) Preventing relapse. Nobody is perfect. Even a person who is committed to recovery can suffer from a relapse, whether as small as a sip of alcohol or as large as using again. A lapse might appear to be minor, however, they can cause a very fast spiral downwards back towards relapse and substance abuse. A major part of an aftercare plan should be a plan for what to do if the person relapses. They should list 5 people who they can contact, such as a sober friend or sponsor), and 5 steps they can take to stop the abuse immediately, such as asking for a ride away from the situation or attending a support meeting. Thinking of the possible outcomes in case of relapse and having a plan in place to address any mistakes can reduce the chances that the person will seriously relapse.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Why Aftercare Is Crucial For Your Drug Addiction Treatment In Vancouver, BC – Part 01 – Options Okanagan Treatment Center

Why Aftercare is Crucial for your drug and alcohol treatment in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and other parts of British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating Opiate and Alcohol addiction and recovery.

Aftercare: A Commitment For Life

Recovering from addiction will take more than a simple 4-6 week long treatment program. It is a process that will continue for the rest of the person’s life. The steps that are taken in the early months after completing a treatment program can be crucial when it comes to whether the person stays sober for life or is destined to relapse. Once formal treatment is complete, aftercare should be the very next consideration.

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Programs Vary When It Comes To Aftercare

While the overarching goal of any aftercare program is preventing relapse, the exact nature of the program can vary greatly based on a number of factors. For some people, attending a weekly support group that is led by a qualified counselor will help provide needed support and referrals once rehab is completed. These meetings allow the members of the group to bond with each other, as well as the counselor, to form a network of support.

For others, it may be more beneficial to move into a transitional living space upon completion of a rehabilitation program. Transitional living is useful for anyone who has completed an intensive inpatient program but may not be ready to live on their own just yet. Having regular meetings with a mentor or sponsor is also crucial for good aftercare.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Who Could Benefit From Aftercare?

Over 35 million people across North America are struggling with addiction or substance abuse. However, just over 4.5 million of these individuals will attend treatment in a rehabilitation center that specializes in addiction. That is just 11 percent. While treatment for addiction is essential, the need for adequate aftercare should be just as important. Even after rehabilitation, often an individual will struggle with their issues with substance abuse.

Having a good aftercare program can make the difference when it comes to reducing the chance of a relapse. Every day 15,000 people start using a drug, and often they are under 18 years of age.

Men Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

In recent years, specialists in addiction have begun to recognize that relapse is a major symptom of an addiction problem. People who also have additional disorders are at a higher risk of relapsing and can also greatly benefit from a good aftercare program to prevent that.

a) More than 15 million people (13.7 to be exact) across North America have a mental disorder in addition to their substance abuse problem.

b) Unfortunately, less than 10 percent of these people will have both conditions treated, and half receive no treatment at all.

c) Adults who suffer from a mental illness have an increased likelihood of beginning on alcohol or report using alcohol heavily.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Why Aftercare Is Crucial In Drug Addiction Recovery In Vancouver, BC – Part 02 – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Why aftercare is crucial in opiate, drug and alcohol addiction recovery in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and other parts of British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating Opiate addiction and recovery.

Comprehending The Cross Over From Addiction Therapy To Aftercare

For men and women who have arrived at the other end of addiction treatment, the temptation exists to think they have no more obstacles to deal with. Even though acknowledging help for an addiction issue is in itself an excellent accomplishment, there is still a lot more work to be accomplished. The truth is, in actuality we could declare that it is the period of time following the primary treatment, where the challenging work really takes place. It is for this purpose that we are likely to acknowledge on the importance for a amount of aftercare, specifically for a number of years following recovery.

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Necessary Coping Strategies For The Recovery Period

A further cause of relapse is the absence of the necessary coping strategies to lead an enjoyable life during recovery. It is inevitable that life will have great moments and tough moments, it is vital that the individual knows how to cope in both scenarios. When an addict feels that life is becoming unbearable, their first thought will be to turn to substance abuse. Individuals who manage to get sober but don’t learn coping strategies face a continual uphill challenge, as well as a higher risk of relapse.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

Why Aftercare Is Vital

The chance of staying sober and enjoying a longer life is enjoyed by those who have a form of aftercare. Keeping motivation levels high and providing support when necessary is all part of aftercare. Whilst treatment facility programs provide individuals with a lot of important information and necessary skills, the bulk of the learning should happen when everyday life is resumed. New challenges call for new solutions, and the individual will learn to create them. In this way their coping strategies are developed and refined over a period of time.

For people who do have a relapse, their behavior tends to follow a specific pattern, we refer to it as the relapse process. The process starts with staying in recovery. The process will ultimately lead to a relapse, if it is not handled with the effective use of aftercare. Relapse triggers can be identified much quicker by people who have aftercare. Such individuals are also in a better position to sense alarm bells ringing if they are starting down the path to relapse.

Men Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

The Various Forms Of Aftercare

The types of aftercare vary. Some rehab facilities will provide aftercare for individuals who have successfully completed the program. Individuals themselves can organize other forms of aftercare.

* Out of all the aftercare types, Twelve Step Groups are the most common. The recommendation is for members to have lifetime regular attendance. For individuals who have recently recovered, the suggestion is to attend 90 meetings within 90 days. The lifestyle offered by Twelve Step Groups is effective for many people. Conferences, dances and conventions also provide a social side to these groups.

* Other support groups also exist, in addition to the Twelve Step Program. Since some individuals are not so comfortable with the spiritual side to the AA, other groups can prove to be a better option. From these other groups, Rational Recovery is likely the most popular.

People Living with Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Vancouver

* After rehab individuals may be offered booster sessions. Whilst many treatment facilities do not yet offer such sessions, their effectiveness is certainly becoming widespread. Such a sessions happens several months following discharge from the rehab facility. As well as a debriefing of their recent experiences, they will be taught new skills and strategies to continue coping. Since such sessions focus on boosting motivation levels, they can be very effective in lowering the chance of a relapse.

* Aftercare can also come in the form of counselling sessions. The individual will have the opportunity to explore the reasons behind their addiction, as well as discuss current challenges.

* For individuals who suffer from an additional mental health problem, dual diagnosis support is necessary. Depression and other mental conditions can often be experienced by addicts. At times such conditions are related to the addiction, or in other cases they existed before addiction. When dual diagnosis is not treated, the risk of the individual feeling dissatisfied with life, and in turn having a relapse, is higher. The type of dual diagnosis will determine the best form of support.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331