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Relapse is the process of becoming so dysfunctional in recovery that compulsive behaviors go unrecognized and addictive use seem like a good choice.
Recovery from addiction is a highly individualized process. It often appears to the addicted person as well as the observer, that "having done all the right things", success is beyond reach. This Creates feelings of hopelessness and helplessness causing a downward spiral which leads to option reduction. The chemically dependent person begins to experience feelings of insanity - compulsion to use - stress related illness and /or suicidal tendencies. For some using is no longer an option. This spiral, if unchecked, will result in defeat and death, whether there is chemical use or not.
Abstinence is a prerequisite for recovery - A person needs to make a decision to abstain before recovery can begin. Not everyone who uses chemicals after a period of abstinence from chemicals is in relapse.
The first step is acknowledgment of need and inquiring about resources. Al-Tech's specialty Services provides assessment of relapse prevention needs.
This initial assessment consist of a thorough evaluation of life history of chemical abuse, treatment experience, recovery efforts including presently experienced problems. This assessment will determine what services can specifically meet the needs of the client.
The Cost & Insurance Benefits.
The cost of the Services of Al-Tech of Rockford, Inc. will vary according to the services utilized by the client.
Assistance will be provided in determining insurance benefits. However, many insurance companies may not have benefits to cover.
Educational series for clients who are not in immediate danger of chemical usage but find themselves in compulsive behavior, emotional dysfunction or simply want to learn more about themselves. Through the identification of relapse warning signs, triggers and high risk situations which are corrosive to the recovery process, clients will begin to implement management skills, thus intervening on relapse process. Individual sessions are also available.
Individual Sessions of Education for Relapse & Support System Network.
This services is targeted for chemically dependent clients who have a history of relapse and want to identify their personal relapse process. Weekly group sessions as well as support system sessions are available for clients who may need chemical dependency treatment versus relapse prevention planning.
Individualized sessions of family, friends, and sponsors or any other identified save persons will be provided for purpose of educating this system into clients's dysfunctional behavior, thus allowing this system to intervene on his relapse process as it occurs.
The alcohol drink provides the ILLUSION of stimulation because it selectively DEPRESSES brain centers that control Inhibitions and Restraint. The result releases inhibitions and can result in unrestrained behavior. Alcohol may also permit underlying emotional disorders to evidence themselves.
Generally Speaking...
ALCOHOL USE is ...drinking that does not impair one's ability to function.
ALCOHOL ABUSE is ...drinking that does impair one's ability to function.
MAJOR SIDE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
YOUR BRAIN
Some of alcohol's most destructive effects occur to the central
nervous system. The usual progression of alcohol impairment begins
first in the brain's lobe which houses the centers for emotions
and control of behavior. As intoxication progresses, judgment, memory,
learning ability, and coordination become impaired. A drinker can become
less concerned with or aware of his/her surroundings, which can
lead to a wide variety of hazards and injuries. Alcohol use can
also alter and confuse the delicate balance of neurotransmitter
brain chemicals causing 'wrong messages to be carried to wrong organs'.
Continued 'confusion' can alter their behavior over a long period
of time. Alcohol impairs the function of all endocrine glands (including
the sex glands). Finally, if enough alcohol is in jested, the sedative
effects may lead to death by over dose.
YOUR LIVER
The liver is the principal organ involved in detoxifying alcohol.
Detoxifying means that a harmful substance is changed to a substance which
can be 'used' and thus 'eliminated' from the body. The normal liver
changes the drug alcohol ultimately to acetic acid which becomes calories and
is eliminated from the body as energy, carbon dioxide and water. The first part
of the process of changing alcohol to acetic acid requires one full hour of
full-time liver effort for each 1 ounce of whisky or 8 ounces of beer (based
on 150 pound body weight). Prolonged use of alcohol may cause the liver to
become inflamed and swollen due to the extra work load detoxification. When
the liver is 'over-worked' in this manner, cells die and are replaced
first by fat cells and finally by useless scar tissue which limits
the liver's working capacity. Cirrhosis, a term for the degeneration
of liver tissue to scar tissue, can result from excessive drinking of alcohol.
YOUR STOMACH AND INTESTINES
Once alcohol is swallowed, it begins irritating the entire digestive track
... the esophagus, stomach, and intestine. The degree of irritation and injury
will depend on how much alcohol is consumed, if food is in the stomach, and how
the drinker's stomach reacts to alcohol. Some people may vomit the first drink.
Prolonged excessive drinking frequently results in serious injuries to the stomach
and the rest of the digestive system.
TOLERANCE + DEPENDENCE + WITHDRAWAL = ALCHOLISM
