The Rehab Essentials

• A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of people who you wish to involve in your rehabilitation process. These can include friends and family, healthcare providers, sponsors, employers, etc. 
• Jewelry that you wear daily, for example, a wedding ring or a watch. It is recommended to leave the more sentimental and expensive pieces behind just to be on the safe side.
• A simple alarm clock without any extra features, such as a radio. Usually, rehab centers provide alarm clocks, so check with your center before making a purchase.
• Your current prescription medication should be contained in the original bottle with an accurate label. If you have any liquid medicines, make sure they are brand new and sealed. Moreover, bring along a list of all your medications and their appropriate dosage.
• All the necessary documents, such as ID card, passport, driver’s license, and insurance cards
• Checkbook, credit or debit cards to pay for any treatment medications
• Cash amounting to $100 or less for any trips to the store or vending machines
• A calling card (if required by the treatment center)
• A journal for writing down important notes or expressing your thoughts
• Pictures of a loved one
• A small decorative item or plant to make your room feel homey
• Books or other reading material (check with your facility to see if they have any restrictions on the content of the book)

What Clothing Items

Most addiction treatment centers in MA have a strict dress code, so be aware of any dos and don’ts before packing your suitcase. Remember that rehab rooms are usually not that spacious, so avoid overpacking. If you live in a colder environment, consider different layering options like cardigans, sweaters, and t-shirts. Ideally, take a week’s worth of clothing and reuse them after every wash. Bring comfortable, light, and weather-appropriate clothes, including:

• Shoes: Comfortable shoes for everyday use, a pair of flip-flops for the shower, slippers, and tennis shoes for any sports-related activities
• Shirts: pack casual t-shirts, cardigans, and sweaters. If you are wearing any tank tops, make sure to pair them with cardigans to follow the center’s dressing rules.
• Pants: comfortable pants for everyday use
• Shorts: make sure that the length of the shorts is appropriate as per the dress code
• Dresses: A couple of formal dresses for special events
• Socks, undergarments, and a hat for when going outdoors
• Swimsuit: Trunks for men and one-piece suits for women
• Sleepwear, such as a pair of pajamas.

Toiletries and Beauty Products

Most addiction treatment centers require all beauty products and personal hygiene items to be alcohol-free, while others only allow products that do not have alcohol in the first three ingredients. Avoid bringing aerosols. 

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Hairbrush/comb
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hair styling products that only come in pump form and not spray form
• Feminine hygiene products
• Makeup items
• Moisturizers, body lotions, and other skincare products
• Stick deodorant
• Sunscreen

Hobby Items

If you have a hobby such as knitting, photography, or painting, these activities can be perfect for helping you settle in and get used to the new environment. Check with your center to see if they allow hobby items that are specific to your needs. 

What Not to Bring to an Addiction Treatment Center?

Addiction treatment is all about healing, getting rid of old unhealthy habits, and focusing on treatment goals. Certain items can interfere with the treatment process and are therefore prohibited by rehab centers to ensure maximum safety. Prohibited items will vary depending on your choice of the addiction treatment center in MA, but some common items include:

• Cigarettes and electronic cigarettes
• Electronics such as cell phones, tablets, DVDs, and video games
• Candles or any flammable objects such as perfumes and deodorants 
• Other alcohol-containing cosmetics, toiletries, or cleaning supplies
• Drugs or alcohol
• Any medication that is not prescribed or was opened before the arrival
• Sharp objects and weapons, such as knives, scissors, blades, guns, etc.
• Synthetic nail products
• Revealing clothes, such as sleeveless shirts, tanks tops, or midriff-showing tops
• Board games or playing cards
• Pornography or risqué magazines 
• Clothes with inappropriate references to alcohol, drugs, racism, or violence 
• Food and drinks from the outside

Many of the items, such as board games and cell phones, might seem harmless, but the reason is to help you focus on your recovery journey. Your center will provide you with such items during certain times to promote recreation. Edibles from outside are forbidden since many addiction treatment centers like to monitor the sugar and caffeine environment. Food, snacks, and beverages will be provided as part of the treatment plan. If you have any special requests due to dietary needs, notify the facility before applying. 

Certain miscellaneous items are allowed by some addiction treatment centers in Massachusetts. These include shutterbug cameras, unopened vitamins, electric razors, nail cutters, and bedding items to make the room more comfortable and homey.

Before packing for drug and alcohol rehab in Massachusetts, get in touch with your facility to double-check items you are unsure of. If you arrive at the center with some important items missing, don’t panic. You can always ask a close one to deliver the items or request the center to provide you with the essentials. If you bring any prohibited items, your facility will most likely store them and return you the item once you have been discharged. The important thing is to keep a positive attitude and try to make the most out of what you are given, and you will be surprised at the experience.

Identifying Substance Use Disorder in Massachusetts 

Whether you started using substances recreationally or for medical reasons, tolerance and dependence can sometimes develop before you realize it. Some of the most noticeable signs of substance abuse are those that impact specific physiological and social processes. When the body’s tolerance to substance increases, higher quantities are required to yield the previous effects. Below is a comprehensive list of symptoms that could be potential red flags regarding substance use. 

Behavioral Symptoms:

• Bloodshot eyes or unusual pupil size
• Drastic fluctuations in weight and sleep pattern
• Changes in hygiene 
• Missing work, school, or other significant events
• Frequent legal issues include driving while drunk, getting into public fights, etc.
• Social withdrawal and isolation; becoming more secretive than before
• Unexplained financial problems or spending habits. This is typically associated with spending large sums of money on substances more than anything else.
• Changes in physical appearances, such as wearing dirty clothes and showing a lack of interest in grooming
• Lack of energy when performing any tasks 
• Poor and ashy skin tone, tired eyes, and an overall rundown appearance
• Slurred speech, tremors, or poor motor skills
• Constantly borrowing or stealing money to spend on drugs or alcohol
• Possession of items closely linked with addiction

Emotional Changes

• Constant irritability and argumentativeness; easily picking fights over small things and losing temper
• Loss of interest in old hobbies, family, and friends
• Acting childish, obnoxious, or inappropriate
• Appearing confused or lost 
• Giving poor excuses, rationalizations, and justifications for their behavior when confronted 
• Blaming others and never taking full responsibility for one’s actions
• Getting defensive when asked about substance use
• Periods of unusual hyperactivity or spells of extreme lethargy

Getting Help to Overcome Substance Use

Getting addicted to a substance is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw, and it calls for more than willpower to deal with the problem. Persistent use of drugs or alcohol can create undesirable changes in the brain, causing compulsive cravings and erratic behavior that can make sobriety seem unachievable. However, recovery is never far away, no matter how often you have failed. With the proper support and treatment plan, change is possible. 

The first and perhaps the most challenging step towards recovery is admitting to yourself and close ones that there is a problem and that it needs to be fixed. It is okay to feel unsure when thinking about getting help or quitting substance use altogether. If you are addicted to prescription medication, it is okay to feel scared about how you will find an alternative way of treating the medical condition. Choosing sobriety over addiction requires many changes, including:

• How do you deal with stress and symptoms of withdrawal
• Who do you decide to involve in the rehabilitation process
• What do you do in moments of weakness
• How do you perceive yourself and your addiction
• The prescription and OTC medicines you take
• The people you surround yourself with

Once you have decided to seek help, many different treatment options are available in Waltham, MA. While addiction treatment can differ according to the specific substance, a successful program typically includes the following components:

Detoxification: the first and most essential step of recovery is to purge the body of the substance and effectively manage the withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral therapy includes individual, family, and/or group therapy sessions to help you recognize the main cause of substance abuse. Moreover, it helps rebuild relationships, teaches essential life skills and healthy habits, and gives a new perspective on life. 

Medication: Under an addiction treatment program, you might be given certain medications to help manage any withdrawal symptoms, prevent any sudden relapses, or treat any chronic physical or mental health issues, such as nausea, anxiety, or depression. 

Aftercare and follow-up: The right aftercare and regular follow-ups are essential to prevent compulsive behavior and maintain long-term sobriety. This may include attending regular meetings on online group sessions to help keep your progress on track. 

Different addiction treatment options are available in Waltham, MA, such as residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs in MA, intensive outpatient programs in MA, and sober living communities. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to substance use since everyone’s needs are different. Whether you are addicted to alcohol, recreational drugs, or prescription medication, your addiction treatment should align with your needs. It is essential to look for an addiction treatment facility in Massachusetts that promises licensed and trained staff and overall feels right. 

Get Help with Substance Use in Waltham, MA, Today!

Northstar Recovery Center is an addiction treatment facility in MA that aims to help addiction patients recover in a high-quality, comfortable, supportive environment. As part of the program, you will be working closely with an expert who will assist you in setting better goals, tracking progress, and benefiting from the right aftercare that will prevent any relapses.

Symptoms of Substance Use

• Consuming alcohol or drugs more or for longer periods. For instance, smoking 2 joints instead of one or drinking multiple glasses of alcohol without realizing it.
• Consuming substances during odd hours, for instance, in the early morning and throughout the day. 
• Spending more money on substances as compared to other household items. Prioritizing them over necessities.
• Having more intoxicated days in a week as compared to sober days.
• Experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms for long periods. Side effects usually include nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurry vision, slurry speech, blackouts, short-term memory loss, high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and seizures.
• Changes in appetite. Either eating too much or too little.
• Fluctuations in weight due to changes in appetite and other health factors.
• Continued use of a substance despite experiencing its adverse effects. 
• Growing substance tolerance. An increase in substance tolerance can make the consumer immune to the effects of the drug. This means they will either have to consume larger quantities of the same drug to feel its desired effects or experience little to no effects while consuming the same amount.
• Becoming increasingly agitated, violent, or obnoxious. Getting into fights, throwing unnecessary tantrums, and losing their temper more frequently than before.
• Overlooking friendships, relationships, and personal hobbies due to excessive use of alcohol or narcotics.
• Having trouble doing regular activities like cooking, cleaning, and office work.
• Changes in physical appearance. This may include bloodshot and tired eyes, tremors and shakes, bad breath, or frequent bloody noses. 
• Changes in the social circle. Hanging out with people who abuse drugs and alcohol and go to various places to do it. 
• Taking prescribed medications with alcohol or other drugs.
• Experiencing consistent financial problems and needing extra money to buy drugs and alcohol. 
• Feeling paranoid, restless, hallucinating, or showing other signs of mental issues.
• Lacking proper motor skills; unable to walk properly.
• Making risky and strange decisions without paying heed to the consequences. Showing little regard for one’s safety and that of others. 

Overcoming Substance Abuse

The first step to overcoming substance abuse is to admit that there is a problem. Admitting takes a lot of courage and is best done with the support of close friends and family members. Once that is out of the way, making specific changes to daily habits is crucial. These can include:

• Surrounding yourself with the right people: One of the most important steps to staying sober is to surround yourself with supportive people and cut loose those who might affect your progress. For example, if you have a social circle that likes to indulge in substances, it is best to avoid their company to stay on track and not relapse.
• Taking up a new hobby: Staying distracted is one of the best ways to keep your mind off the substance. Plus it can prove to be an enriching experience that can help you discover new skills and a new life purpose. 
• A workout routine is an effective way to keep the mind and body healthy. As your physical health improves, you will experience the “natural high” caused by endorphins, which can drastically improve your mood. Having a good workout routine will also improve your physical appearance, which can provide a great boost of confidence.
• Eating healthy: The food you put into your body will considerably impact your overall health and well-being. Adding healthy and well-rounded food items to your daily routine will keep your mind and body in shape. When you feel good and look good, your chances of turning to drugs for enhanced mood significantly decrease. 
• Practicing mindfulness: Training your brain through different mindfulness exercises and meditation can alleviate anxiety, decrease blood pressure, and boost the body’s immunity. Meditation is especially effective as it helps you calm down and find peace within yourself.

Getting Professional Help for Substance Abuse in Dedham MA

It might be tempting to overcome substance abuse on your own, but it is essential to remember that overcoming addiction is a long and tricky process. Getting professional help for substance abuse in Dedham, MA, means you can choose from various treatment programs. Addiction counseling is essential for full recovery as it provides patients with the right tools to overcome substance use and prevents future relapses. In Dedham, MA, you can look for programs such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, evening IOP, virtual PHP, and IOP. If you or a loved one is struggling, it is best to seek help right away before hitting rock bottom. A customized program that considers the patient’s needs is the ideal way of getting addiction treatment.

Get Help with Substance Use in Dedham, MA, Today!

Northstar Recovery Center is an addiction treatment facility in MA that aims to help addiction patients recover in a high-quality, comfortable, supportive environment. It provides various substance use disorder programs closely customized to your personal needs and situation. As part of the addiction treatment program, you will work closely with a professional who will assist you in setting realistic goals, tracking progress, and providing the right after-care to prevent relapses.

What does a Family Recovery Program Do?

A family recovery program encourages close members of the patient’s family to get involved in their addiction treatment program. This not helps the patient feel more at ease but also assists family members who might be experiencing any addiction-inflicted trauma caused by their loved one.

Dealing with addiction alone is rarely successful. People who quit addiction ‘cold turkey’ can endanger their lives, especially if hard drugs are involved. A family recovery program is simply one of the ways to help individuals deal with addiction through the support of loved ones, thus drastically increasing the chances of success. The right addiction treatment program in MA will help in the following ways.

Creates a Healthy and Positive Recovery Environment

Family members might not be directly involved in substance abuse, but the actions of their loved ones still affect them negatively. For instance, a spouse might feel neglected or become a victim of domestic abuse, a parent might feel embarrassed, and a child might be unable to process the trauma that could affect them later on. Family recovery seeks to help family members understand what they are going through, express their distress and see how addiction has affected their daily life. Counselors closely work with the addict’s family members and provide them with the right tools to overcome mental distress and improve their relationship. Family members:

• Learn more about addiction and what their loved one is going through
• Process their emotions and talk to their loved ones while expressing  their worries, concerns, or questions
• Accept the need of their loved one for emotional support and professional help
• Take the right steps to identify and change unhealthy habits and behaviors.
• Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol to create a completely safe and supportive environment. 

Enhances Communication 

Proper communication is one of the fundamental elements of effective addiction treatment. Even the most well-rounded treatment methods might fail to work for a patient who is not ready to communicate openly. This is not limited to the patient and their family members, who might not be completely on board with confronting the hard truths to avoid conflicts. Family recovery programs help open communication channels so everyone can easily express their concerns. Improving communication goes a long way in creating a supportive environment that accelerates progress. 

Offers the Right Tools for Improving Relationships 

Addiction can tarnish even the most loving relationships. In some cases, families might even be indirectly encouraging the addict. They might be making the environment harder for the patient, thus pushing them further down the addiction path. Sometimes family members buy drugs or alcohol for the patient just to stay in their good books or avoid ugly confrontations. For instance, they might be providing their loved ones with money, perhaps because they cannot pay rent. Unless the money is being paid to the landlord directly, there is no way to make sure if the money is being used to pay rent or to buy alcohol or drugs. This can create a co-dependent environment between family members, quickly becoming problematic and unhealthy. 

Family recovery therapists provide the right tools and mediums to family members and patients to face the reality of addiction. One of the key aims of family recovery is to restore the structure of a healthy family, and this requires careful techniques spread over a considerable amount of time. The most fundamental tool that is provided is education and several exercises to reinforce the teachings. 

Prevent Family Risks

There is plenty of evidence showing that children who grow up with drug-addict parents are much more likely to pick up the same habits or experience mental health issues in the future. Such families might not tackle the underlying problem just to maintain the current family dynamic, which can worsen the situation. A family recovery program works to recognize any family risk factors and offers comprehensive prevention measures. These measures are specifically tailored to each family and work to uncover any past traumatic experiences that might be causing the addiction. Tackling these family risks is an important step in creating a healthy and happy family that is free of substance abuse. 

When one family member gets addiction treatment, achieves sobriety, and implements positive changes, that does not ensure that the rest of the family members will also let go of past unhealthy habits. This resistance to change can only be properly fought when the entire family becomes involved in the treatment procedure. 

Takeaway 

Family recovery programs in Massachusetts are designed to not only keep family members updated with their loved one’s progress or obstacles but also provide them with a strong support system for their own emotional needs. It is crucial for those who are trying to assist a loved one in recovery to take care of their health and well-being. This could mean joining support groups or availing the services of an addiction treatment center in MA, such as Northstar. The right family recovery program can move friends and family members away from frustration and a dysfunctional family dynamic and encourage everyone involved to work together as a team. It creates transparency, breaks down any communication barriers, and encourages accountability to prevent the addiction from spiraling out of control. Family recovery programs are essentially designed to bring families back together, prevent any sudden relapses, and lay a solid foundation for addiction recovery. 

There are, however, outward signs that can indicate when alcohol consumption has become unusually high. You may know some common signs, such as feeling distressed in the absence of alcohol, feeling guilty about how much you drink, or having difficulty controlling your drinking habits. While these are some of the more well-known symptoms of alcoholism, they are certainly not the only ones. To better answer the question “Do I have a drinking problem?” it is recommended to look out for the following behaviors:

• Drinking alcohol more or longer than what you intended. For example, if you promised to drink only a glass but ended up downing, 3. Or pouring yourself tall glasses of liquor than what is considered normal. 
• Reaching for a drink earlier in the day.
• Paying more for alcohol than any other food items.
• Having more drunk days than sober days in a week.
• Wanting a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else.
• Having severe hangovers and sick days after consuming alcohol.
• Continued drinking despite feeling depressed, sick, or losing memory.
• Having withdrawal symptoms once the effects of alcohol wear off. This can include restlessness, trouble sleeping, and focusing, consistent nausea, blackouts, memory loss, heart palpations, and seizures.
• Becoming immune to the effects of alcoholor having to drink a lot more than usual to notice the same results.
• Giving up on hobbies and activities that were once dear and close to you to drink.
• Damaging relationships with family members and friends due to temper issues.
• Experiencing hallucinations, paranoia, or other symptoms of a mental health issue.
• Becoming more aggressive, violent, or short-tempered with close ones more than usual.
• Having slowed reaction times and trouble with motor coordination.
• Having a hard time walking or talking properly after a drinking episode. 
• Taking risky and erratic decisions without paying much attention to the consequences. This could include drunk driving or indulging in dangerous stunts.

How to Recognize a Drinking Problem?

Alcohol addiction is perceived differently by different people, and alcohol addiction also varies depending on the individual. This can make it quite difficult to identify when somebody is overdoing it. Some people can drink only once a month and be considered an alcoholic, while others can drink every day but not have an alcohol addiction. The difference lies in the reasons one consumes alcohol, consumption frequency, and the impact of the consumption on their daily life. Paying attention to your drinking habits, frequency, and underlying reasons can help determine if you have a drinking problem.

• Drinking when worried. Drinking once in a while to alleviate your mood is fine. But if you grab a glass of alcohol every time you feel overwhelmed, it is probably a symptom of alcohol addiction. Make a conscious effort to deal with stress through more holistic measures, such as yoga, exercise, and meditation, rather than relying on alcohol. 
• Drinking to help with your daily responsibilities. Whether it is your career, relationships, or other daily responsibilities, you should not be dependent on alcohol to get by your day and face life. If this becomes a pattern, the consequences could be dire. 
• Using alcohol as a means to escape. Many people rely on alcohol to feel good whenever they are overwhelmed by the realities of life. They prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term negative effects because they believe that the pain caused by life is more than the harm caused by drinking. If you have a similar thought process, it is best to seek an addiction treatment program near you. 

How to Prevent Excessive Drinking?

Overcoming a drinking problem can be a long and tedious road that may sometimes feel impossible. But it is not. With the right tools, support system, and professional help, you can recover from alcohol abuse regardless of how intense the problem may be or how helpless you feel. Deciding to reduce alcohol consumption or directly quitting it is often the first step. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, talk to a healthcare professional. 

Set Goals

Once you have decided upon your goal, share it with family and members so they can offer their support and hold you accountable for your progress. Make sure to eliminate any temptations, such as alcohol, barware, or other triggers that might thwart your progress. 

Keep a Record 

Tracking your progress will allow you to see the days you failed and where you can compensate. For the first 3 to 4 weeks, write down every time you have a drink and the amount you consume. Whether you underperform or exceed your expectations, keeping a record will give you a better insight into your drinking problem and push you to do better. 

Replace Alcohol with Healthier Alternatives

If you enjoy frequent cocktails, perhaps you can replace them with non-alcoholic mocktails that trick your brain into thinking you have alcohol. Whenever you get cravings, try to distract yourself with healthier habits such as running, meditation, or eating your favorite snack. If cutting out alcohol entirely is too difficult, start by cutting down for one whole week and gradually build your way up.

See a Professional

If you are a heavy drinker or having a miserable time cutting back by yourself, it is best to seek addiction treatment from a reputable rehabilitation center. Northstar Recovery Center is an addiction treatment facility in MA that aims to help addiction patients recover in a high-quality, comfortable, supportive environment. Working closely with an expert can help you set better goals, track progress and benefit from the right after-care that will prevent any relapses.