The Benefits of Laughter Therapy in Healing

People participate in laughter therapy.

Laughter and humor are easy and effective ways to raise one’s mood. During the road to recovery, many can experience difficult times from overcoming withdrawal symptoms to resisting triggers. This can inevitably bring about stress in a recovering addict’s life. Fortunately, there are treatment options like laughter therapy that can lower feelings of stress and anxiety. Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of laughter therapy in healing below. 

Veritas Detox is a top-rated drug and alcohol detox center committed to helping patients safely overcome their addiction and lead a healthier, happier quality of life. We understand each patient’s recovery journey is different. We help patients safely overcome addiction by providing personalized treatment so they can progress along their sobriety journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction.

5 Benefits of Laughter Therapy in Healing

Laughter is a behavior that can bring about feelings of happiness, joy, and relief to individuals, regardless of what they are going through. Laughter therapy helps promote certain exercises to intentionally promote laughter and thus improve one’s overall physical and mental health and well-being for the better. Below, you’ll learn more about several benefits of laughter therapy in healing, and how it can support your overall recovery journey. 

1. Reduce Anxiety and Depression

Laughter therapy can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. The road to recovery can be difficult at times, and thus bring about some feelings of anxiety. Laughter therapy helps naturally work to minimize these feelings of anxiety so you can feel more at peace and calm. 

2. Lowers Stress Levels

Similarly, laughter therapy can help lower stress levels so you can focus more fully on your recovery progress. Stress is a normal part of life; however, sometimes individuals can struggle with constant stress and anxiety in their lives which can hurt their overall healing process. Laughter therapy helps minimize these stress levels and promote relaxation so your mind and body can feel more relaxed, and so you can give your undivided attention toward progressing along your road to recovery. 

3. Relaxes the Mind and Body

As mentioned above, another one of the benefits of laughter therapy in healing is that it helps relax both the mind and body. This is because when you laugh, you are essentially releasing “feel good” chemicals in your body, and lowering stress hormones, which ultimately help relax your mind and body. This can be helpful so your mind and body feel less overwhelmed and more able to focus completely toward overcoming your addiction and leading a healthier life. 

4. Help Foster Greater Connections with Others

Laughter therapy can also help foster greater connections with others and therefore help improve your social well-being. This is because laughter therapy facilitates laughter, and this behavior of laughing can be further used in your daily life in your relationships, which can help you connect more with others and build greater social bonds with those in your life. 

5. Improves Overall Mental Health and Well-Being

Finally, laughter therapy in healing can help improve your overall mental health and well-being for the better. This is because laughter again helps lower stress and anxiety levels, which thus helps support your overall mental health and well-being. And, improving your mental health can enhance your attention and mental clarity so you can concentrate more on learning essential coping strategies to support your road to recovery. 

Help Is Available 

As you can see, there are many benefits of laughter therapy in healing. From lowering one’s anxiety and stress levels to promoting relaxation in one’s life, laughter therapy can be a simple yet highly effective way to support your overall health and quality of life for the better. You should never feel afraid or ashamed to ask for help when it comes to leading a healthier, happier life–help is available!

At Veritas Detox, we are a luxury alcohol rehab that offers tailored addiction treatment to help patients overcome addiction. We use a personalized approach to treatment because we understand each patient’s recovery journey is unique. This is why we provide a comprehensive range of treatment options to ensure you receive the right care to safely overcome your addiction for good. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today!

Coping with Depression in Sobriety

A woman struggles with depression in sobriety.

Millions of people struggle with depression around the world. Left untreated, depression can interfere with your health, quality of life, and relationships for the worse. Not to mention, individuals struggling with both addiction and depression can impact one’s recovery journey. In this article, you’ll learn more about coping with depression in sobriety and why it’s important not to ignore your depression symptoms. 

At Veritas Detox, we are a top-rated drug and alcohol detox center committed to helping patients effectively break free from addiction for good. Using a personalized approach, we help patients safely overcome addiction so they can progress along their sobriety journey and lead a healthier, happier quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your road to recovery. 

5 Ways to Cope with Depression in Sobriety

Coping with depression in sobriety is essential. This is because, left untreated, depression runs the risk of increasing your risk of relapse. Below are several ways in which you can effectively cope with your depression symptoms. 

1. Seek Professional Mental Health Treatment

First, it’s important not to bottle up your emotions or struggles with depression. If you are struggling with signs of depression, like feelings of constant sadness, hopelessness, or unworthiness, it’s critical you discuss these symptoms with a mental health professional. A mental health professional will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and an action plan to start addressing your symptoms, rather than trying to hide or ignore your symptoms. 

2. Get Consistent, Quality Sleep

Next, it is critical to get consistent, quality sleep each night. Sleep is oftentimes an overlooked component when understanding your overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, consistently getting a lack of sleep is bad for your physical and mental health, and can be detrimental to you effectively progressing along your sobriety journey. Therefore, while it may sound simple, it is critical to examine your current sleep patterns to better understand if you can get better quality of sleep, as this can greater improve your mental health. 

3. Prioritize Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Another way of coping with depression in sobriety is prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and spending quality time with loved ones. If you are constantly engaging in negative, unhealthy habits and not spending time with your loved ones, this can increase your risk of experiencing depression symptoms and can harm your road to recovery. 

4. Journal and Reflect on Your Recovery Progress

Journaling and reflecting on your recovery progress and celebrating your progress are more ways in which you can cope with depression symptoms in sobriety. Sometimes, it can be easy to overlook all the progress you’ve made. Or, you can compare your journey to another individual’s recovery journey. Both of these situations are harmful to your overall recovery journey. Therefore, consider keeping a journal to not only get your thoughts down on paper, but also help track your progress. 

5. Practice Hobbies That Bring You Joy and Fulfillment 

Finally, when coping with depression in sobriety, it’s important to practice hobbies that can bring you joy and fulfillment. For instance, if you like to run or work out, consider joining a running club or being more active in your gym. If you find you enjoy reading, hiking, creating art, or any other healthy hobby, these are all great ways to cope with depression symptoms in a healthy way that can also support your addiction recovery journey. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about coping with depression in sobriety. Not addressing your depression during your addiction recovery journey increases your risk of relapse. This is why it’s essential to seek professional dual diagnosis treatment if you suspect you may be struggling with both a substance use disorder and mental illness. You should never feel afraid or ashamed to ask for help in leading a healthier, happier life. 

At Veritas Detox, we are a luxury alcohol rehab that provides personalized treatment to help patients safely detox and overcome addiction. No two recovery journeys are ever the same. That’s why we provide a comprehensive range of treatment options to ensure you receive the right care to safely overcome your addiction for good. Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today!

How Long Does It Take to Become Addicted to Alcohol?

A person struggles with alcohol addiction.

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex condition that can develop over time. It’s not always easy to pinpoint exactly how long it takes for someone to become addicted to alcohol, as the process varies greatly from person to person. Factors such as genetic predisposition, drinking patterns, mental health, environment, and social influences all play a significant role in the development of alcohol addiction. At Veritas Detox, we understand that addiction is a deeply personal journey, and the path to alcoholism can look different for everyone.

While there’s no specific timeline for how long it takes to become addicted to alcohol, it’s important to recognize the warning signs and the factors that contribute to addiction. By understanding these aspects, you can better protect yourself or a loved one from falling into the cycle of addiction and take action when necessary.

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction occurs when a person develops a physical or psychological dependence on alcohol. This dependence means that a person feels they need alcohol to function or cope with daily life. Over time, their tolerance to alcohol increases, requiring them to drink more to achieve the same effects. This escalating pattern of drinking can lead to a loss of control, cravings, and the inability to stop drinking, even in the face of negative consequences.

Alcohol addiction doesn’t develop overnight. It is usually the result of repeated heavy drinking over time, but it can take different amounts of time for different individuals to reach the point where their drinking becomes a dependency. For some, it might take months or years of regular drinking, while for others, addiction can develop more quickly due to factors such as genetic susceptibility, mental health conditions, or environmental influences.

Factors That Influence the Development of Alcohol Addiction

Several factors play a role in how quickly alcohol addiction can develop. These factors include:

Genetics

Research suggests that genetics can influence a person’s susceptibility to addiction. If you have a family history of alcoholism, you may be more likely to develop an addiction yourself. Studies have shown that people with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) who has struggled with alcohol addiction are at higher risk.

Drinking Patterns

The frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption are key indicators of addiction risk. Binge drinking—defined as consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short period—can accelerate the development of addiction. People who drink excessively on a regular basis are at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder faster than those who drink moderately.

Mental Health Conditions

Individuals with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related conditions may be at a greater risk for developing alcohol addiction. Many people with mental health conditions turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication, which can eventually lead to dependence.

Environment and Social Influences

Environmental factors, such as peer pressure, family dynamics, and exposure to alcohol in social settings, can contribute to the development of alcoholism. Growing up in an environment where heavy drinking is normalized or socially encouraged can increase the likelihood of developing unhealthy drinking habits.

Age of First Use

People who begin drinking at a young age are more likely to develop alcohol addiction later in life. The brain is still developing during adolescence, and early alcohol use can interfere with this development, making it more difficult for the individual to regulate alcohol consumption later on.

A person struggles with alcohol addiction.

Stages of Alcohol Addiction

The process of becoming addicted to alcohol typically progresses in stages. These stages vary in length and intensity for each person but can generally be broken down as follows:

Experimentation

At this stage, the person may casually drink alcohol without any signs of dependency. This stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to months. Most people can enjoy alcohol socially without developing an addiction during this phase.

Regular Use

As drinking becomes a regular activity, a person may start consuming alcohol more frequently. They might drink on weekends or during social events, and over time, the amount of alcohol consumed may increase. This stage can last for months or even years before problems begin to arise.

Risky Drinking

At this stage, the individual may start drinking in ways that are unsafe, such as driving under the influence or drinking alone. Tolerance to alcohol builds, and they may begin drinking larger quantities to achieve the same effects. This stage can last several months or more.

Dependence

Dependence is characterized by physical and psychological cravings for alcohol. A person may begin to drink regularly to avoid withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, tremors, or nausea. Drinking may become the primary way to cope with stress or emotions.

Addiction

Alcohol addiction occurs when the person loses control over their drinking and continues to drink despite the negative consequences. Relationships, work, and health may suffer, but the individual feels unable to stop drinking.

How Long Does It Take?

There is no definitive answer to how long it takes to become addicted to alcohol. For some people, it can take only a few months of heavy drinking before they become dependent, while for others, it may take years. However, regular and excessive drinking increases the risk of developing an addiction over time. The sooner an individual seeks help, the better the chances of preventing full-blown addiction.

Preventing Alcohol Addiction

Understanding the signs of alcohol addiction and recognizing the risks early can help prevent the progression to addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, seeking professional help is crucial. At Veritas Detox, we specialize in helping individuals who are battling alcohol addiction. Our team of experts can guide you through detox, therapy, and support systems to help you achieve lasting recovery and regain control of your life.

Veritas Detox Can Help With Treatment

The timeline for developing an addiction to alcohol is different for everyone, but it’s clear that the more frequently and heavily alcohol is consumed, the higher the risk of developing a dependency. By understanding the factors that contribute to alcohol addiction and recognizing the stages of the condition, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health and well-being. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, don’t hesitate to seek help. At Veritas Detox, we are committed to providing the support needed to achieve a successful recovery.

How to Maintain Motivation in Recovery

A person builds a support system, part of maintaining motivation in recovery.

Recovery from addiction is a journey that involves many steps, and it is often filled with challenges and obstacles. One of the most common difficulties people face during recovery is maintaining motivation. Staying committed to the process can be hard, especially when you feel discouraged, frustrated, or tempted to return to old habits. At Veritas Detox, we understand how important it is to keep your motivation strong throughout recovery, and we’re here to help you stay on track. Here are several strategies to help you maintain motivation during your recovery journey.

A person sets goals, one of the ways to maintain motivation in recovery.

Set Clear, Achievable Goals

When you’re in recovery, it’s important to set both short-term and long-term goals. These goals give you something to look forward to and provide a sense of purpose. Start by focusing on small, achievable goals, such as attending a therapy session, staying sober for a specific period of time, or practicing self-care routines. As you reach these milestones, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that will boost your motivation.

Long-term goals can be more complex, such as rebuilding relationships, advancing your career, or improving your overall well-being. These larger goals may take time to achieve, but having them in mind will provide you with direction and keep you moving forward. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, and realistic so you can track your progress and feel a sense of pride as you move closer to reaching them.

Build a Support System

In recovery, having a strong support system is crucial. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your struggles and are supportive of your goals can make all the difference. Whether it’s a family member, close friend, therapist, or a support group, these individuals can provide encouragement when you feel down and help keep you accountable.

One of the key aspects of staying motivated is having someone to turn to during moments of doubt. When you’re tempted to give up or go back to old habits, reaching out to your support system can help you regain focus and remind you of why you started the recovery journey in the first place.

Celebrate Your Progress

In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the small victories along the way. But celebrating your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem, can provide a significant boost to your motivation. Acknowledge every day, week, or month of sobriety as a victory. Reward yourself for staying committed to your recovery process and recognize the hard work you’ve put in.

Celebration doesn’t have to involve anything extravagant, either. It can be as simple as taking time to reflect on your progress, journaling your experiences, or treating yourself to something that brings you joy. Celebrating progress reinforces the idea that recovery is worth the effort and encourages you to continue on the path forward.

Practice Self-Compassion

Recovery can be a difficult and emotional process. There will be days when you feel like you’re not making enough progress, or you may slip up and relapse. In these moments, it’s important to practice self-compassion. Don’t be too hard on yourself—remember that recovery is a process, and setbacks are a natural part of that process.

Treat yourself with kindness and patience, just as you would treat a loved one who is going through a tough time. Instead of focusing on guilt or self-criticism, use those moments as opportunities for growth. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward, knowing that every day is a new opportunity to improve.

Stay Active and Engaged

Maintaining a healthy routine can help keep you motivated during recovery. Regular physical activity, for instance, can significantly improve your mood and overall well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, and staying active can help combat the negative emotions that may arise during recovery.

Along with physical activity, find hobbies or activities that you enjoy and that give you a sense of purpose. Engaging in new interests or rediscovering old passions can keep your mind occupied and help you stay positive. Whether it’s yoga, reading, painting, or volunteering, staying engaged in activities that promote well-being will help maintain motivation.

Remember Your “Why”

The most important way to stay motivated in recovery is to remember why you started. Reflect on the reasons you sought help in the first place, whether it was for your health, your relationships, or a desire to regain control of your life. Reconnecting with your core motivations and visualizing a healthier, happier future can reignite your determination to continue your journey.

Keep your “why” visible—whether through reminders like affirmations, vision boards, or journaling. When you face challenges, remembering the bigger picture will help you stay grounded and focused on your long-term success.

Veritas Detox Can Help With Treatment

Staying motivated during recovery is no easy task, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s entirely achievable. Set clear goals, build a strong support system, celebrate your progress, practice self-compassion, stay active, and always remember your “why.” At Veritas Detox, we believe in your ability to overcome obstacles and create a healthier, happier future. You’ve already made a courageous decision to seek help, and with continued determination and support, you can maintain motivation and achieve lasting recovery.

The Detox Process: What Happens When You Start Detox

A mental health professional offers support to a client during the detox process.

The first necessary step in every addict’s road to recovery is detoxification. Detoxing involves quitting and eliminating drugs from your system so you can effectively progress on your recovery journey. While the detox process plays an essential role in an individual’s recovery journey, detoxification can be difficult. Keep reading to learn more about the detox process, and what happens when you start detox process below. 

At Veritas Detox, we are a top-rated drug and alcohol detox center that offers personalized addiction treatment to help clients safely progress along their road to recovery. No two recovery journeys are ever the same. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options. Whether you are struggling with alcohol addiction or are in need of dual diagnosis treatment, we provide various treatment options to ensure you safely and effectively detox. Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today!

5 Steps You Can Expect During Detoxification

Many individuals considering recovery may wonder what happens when you start detox.

Detoxification is a necessary first step for each and every addict’s road to recovery. Detoxification can be uncomfortable as it involves overcoming withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to no longer consuming any addictive substances and getting clean. Below are some steps you can expect as you progress throughout the detoxification process.

Health Assessment

You’ll typically undergo an initial health assessment as you seek professional treatment and start the detoxification process. During this initial health assessment, you’ll be asked a series of questions to better understand your medical history, addiction, and whether you may be also struggling with any underlying mental health conditions. 

Withdrawal Symptom Management

As your body stops consuming drugs and detoxes, within typically the first 24 hours of your detox process you’ll start to experience withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, headaches, fatigue, and more are normal as you detox because your body is going from consuming an addictive substance to quitting. While these withdrawal symptoms can be quite uncomfortable, it’s important to understand that they are temporary and typically only last about 1 week. 

Support and Guidance

As you progress along the detoxification process, you’ll receive professional support and guidance as your body works through overcoming these uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the severity of your addiction and withdrawal symptoms, you may be prescribed medication-assisted treatment to help lower the severity of your withdrawal symptoms and progress along your recovery. 

Transition into Addiction Treatment

There is no single exact timeline when it comes to detoxing. There are many factors like age, severity of addiction, and health that play a role in how quick (or slow) an individual is able to detox from drugs and effectively progress along their road to recovery. Once you have effectively detoxed, you’ll then transition into receiving addiction treatment where you’ll learn healthy coping strategies to help maintain your sobriety. 

Maintaining Long-Term Recovery

Last but not least, after you’ve detoxed and received addiction treatment, you’ll then start to transition back into your everyday life. Even after you’ve completed receiving addiction treatment, it’s important to understand you can always reach out for additional help at any point in your recovery journey to help reduce your risk of relapsing. This is because addiction recovery is life-long and you can still experience cravings, triggers, and urges to abuse drugs even if you’ve successfully detoxed and been sober for a significant amount of time. 

Help Is Available at Veritas Detox

Now you know more about what happens when you start detox. The detox process can be quite uncomfortable and painful; however, it is a necessary first step for recovery. From an initial health assessment at the start of your detoxification process to overcoming withdrawal symptoms and then transitioning into addiction treatment, there are several steps involved before, during, and after the detoxification process of your road to recovery. 

At Veritas Detox, we understand how difficult it can be to fight your addiction all on your own. Our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you safely detox so you can effectively progress along your recovery journey. Detoxing is the first necessary step individuals must take on their journey to sobriety. You should never feel too afraid or ashamed to ask for help in leading a better life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your road to recovery! 

What is Holistic Recovery?

A woman practices mindfulness, one of the elements of holistic recovery.

No two recovery journeys are ever the same. Some people in recovery may benefit from popular evidence-based treatment options like cognitive behavioral therapy, while others may benefit by supplementing their recovery with holistic treatment options. In this article, you’ll learn more about holistic recovery and how holistic recovery can potentially help your own recovery journey. 

At Veritas Detox, we are a leading drug and alcohol detox center that helps clients safely overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. Addiction is a debilitating disease that hurts all areas of your life. Our holistic treatment center offers a range of treatment options so you can receive the right care for your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey. 

What is Holistic Recovery?

So, what is holistic recovery? Holistic recovery is a treatment approach that aims to heal the whole person (mind, body, and spirit). In other words, holistic recovery looks to improve the individual’s overall physical, mental, and emotional health and wellness. Holistic recovery can be an effective way to supplement your recovery journey. Not to mention, many forms of holistic recovery not only help support your addiction recovery journey, but they are also healthy habits that promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Some common forms of holistic recovery options include mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, diet, exercise, art therapy, and more. 

5 Benefits of Holistic Recovery for Overcoming Addiction

Holistic recovery can provide several benefits to improve your health and wellness, while also helping you overcome your addiction and maintain sobriety. 

Comprehensive Recovery

First, addiction is a complex condition that affects both your mind and body. Holistic recovery gives you the ability to integrate techniques that can improve your mind and body as you progress along your recovery journey. For example, mindfulness meditation is a popular type of holistic recovery that can help calm your mind and body, while also helping you become more self-aware of yourself and your recovery journey. 

Tailored Treatment

Holistic recovery encompasses a range of treatment techniques from nutrition and diet, to exercise, art therapy, mindfulness meditation, and more. Therefore, holistic recovery offers a way to tailor your treatment to best meet your unique recovery needs. For example, some patients may benefit from expressing their emotions through painting, drawing, writing, or another creative outlet. 

Improves Physical Health

Holistic recovery can also improve your overall physical health and wellness which is important in healing your body as you overcome addiction. From prioritizing eating a well-balanced diet to getting consistent exercise and focusing on improving your sleep quality, all these factors can help not only improve your physical wellness but also support your road to recovery. 

Improves Mental Well-Being

Holistic recovery also helps improve your mental health and well-being. From art therapy to music therapy, mindfulness meditation, and more, these types of holistic recovery can help you manage your emotions. The recovery process is difficult and can bring up difficult emotions. Holistic therapy options give you an outlet to calm your mind, improve your mental health, and progress along your recovery journey. 

Heals the Whole Person

Last but not least, holistic recovery heals the mind, body, and spirit so you can heal and transform your life for the better. The whole purpose of getting clean is to not only overcome addiction safely but lead a healthier, happier life. Holistic recovery aims to heal the whole person so you can heal and live a physically, mentally, and emotionally healthier life. 

Help Is Available

Now you know more about what holistic recovery is, and how holistic recovery has the potential to improve your own recovery journey. Holistic recovery looks to heal the whole person and can be effective in not just helping you overcome addiction, but also improving your overall physical and mental health and wellness. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s crucial you seek professional support to safely and effectively overcome your addiction.
At Veritas Detox, our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help guide you along your recovery journey. You should never feel afraid to ask for help! We offer various addiction treatment options so you can receive the personalized care you need to regain your health and quality of life. Ready to begin your road to recovery? Contact us today!

How Does MAT For Alcohol Use Disorder Work?

A client works with a provider to figure out a plan for MAT for alcohol use.

Nearly 29 million people ages 12 and older had AUD in 2023. Alcoholism is a debilitating disease that can destroy your health, quality of life, and relationships. This is why seeking professional support to break free of your addiction is so important. Although the road to recovery can be filled with many ups and downs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment approach that can help some individuals more effectively manage their alcohol use disorder. Keep reading to learn more about how MAT for alcohol use disorder works. 

At Veritas Detox, we are a premier drug and alcohol detox center committed to helping clients safely and effectively overcome addiction and lead a life of sobriety. Our addiction treatment center is here to help you safely and effectively detox so you can successfully progress along your road to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery.

What is MAT?

Before diving into how MAT for alcohol use disorder works, it’s important to understand what MAT is. Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based treatment approach that provides people in recovery with certain medications used to help safely and effectively overcome addiction. A common misconception about MAT is that you are just substituting one addictive substance for another; however, this is not the case. MAT treatment is a short-term approach to help people in recovery overcome withdrawal symptoms and cravings. 

How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment for AUD Work?

While medication-assisted treatment is not for everyone, it can be an effective treatment approach for some people. Below are three ways MAT for alcohol use disorder work.

1. Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings

As mentioned above, medication-assisted treatment is designed to help your body safely and effectively overcome withdrawal symptoms and cravings. During the detoxification process of your recovery journey, your body experiences significant changes, which can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. MAT helps people effectively work through these uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and triggers so they can effectively progress along their journey to long-lasting sobriety. 

It’s important to understand that medication-assisted treatment does not cure addiction or eliminate any adverse withdrawal symptoms. MAT works to balance your brain chemicals to support your sobriety journey. Therefore, medication-assisted treatment is not used in place of other recovery treatment methods like group therapy or CBT. MAT is used to help the body overcome withdrawal symptoms as it adapts to no longer consuming any alcohol (or other addictive substances). 

2. Works Alongside Other Treatments

Next, it’s important to understand that medication-assisted treatment is not a standalone treatment. MAT works alongside other treatments, like group therapy and CBT, to ensure people battling addiction can effectively progress along their road to recovery. Because MAT is short-term and used to help those in recovery effectively overcome withdrawal symptoms, it’s still important to learn healthy coping strategies during recovery so you can reduce your risk of relapse. 

3. Offers a Tailored, Short-Term Treatment Approach

Finally, medication-assisted treatment is a personalized and short-term treatment approach that can be effective for some people in recovery for alcohol use disorder. While not everyone struggling with addiction may benefit from MAT, it’s crucial to understand that individuals who do receive medication-assisted treatment are carefully supervised by a healthcare professional to ensure they are receiving the right medication at the appropriate duration of time to best support their recovery journey. 

Ready to Break Free of Addiction? 

Medication-assisted treatment offers people recovering from alcohol use disorder a safe and effective approach to overcoming withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Although MAT is not a long-term treatment option, it can be personalized to the client to ensure they receive the right care they need to safely achieve long-lasting sobriety. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support so you can lead a healthier, happier life. 

Veritas Detox is a leading drug and alcohol detox center offering detox services and luxury residential inpatient programs. Our team of compassionate addiction specialists and medical professionals are here to ensure you safely detox so you can regain control of your health and quality of life for the better. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today!

What Happens When You Stop Drinking?

A woman looks at the ocean.

Nearly 30 million people struggle with alcohol addiction in the U.S. Alcohol addiction can negatively impact all areas of your life, which is why seeking professional treatment for your addiction is so important. If you are currently struggling with alcoholism, it can be scary to wonder what life would be like in sobriety. In this article, you’ll learn more about what happens when you stop drinking so you can better understand what to expect on your sobriety journey.

At Veritas Detox, we are a top-rated drug and alcohol detox center that helps individuals safely detox so they can effectively progress along their road to recovery. Our drug and alcohol detox center is here to help guide you so you can start your recovery journey safely and lay the groundwork for lasting transformation. Ready to break free of addiction once and for all? Contact us today!

7 Things to Expect When You Stop Drinking

Addiction recovery is exciting; however, it is normal to experience some fear surrounding what life would be like when you are sober. If you’ve been wondering what happens when you stop drinking, keep reading to learn what you can expect when you start your recovery and beyond.

1. Withdrawal Symptoms

First, as soon as you quit drinking you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms typically within the first 24 hours. Although withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, they are a necessary step in your recovery journey. This is because your body needs to detox and adjust to no longer consuming alcohol. While this step can be painful, it’s necessary to understand withdrawal symptoms are temporary and oftentimes only last for 1-2 weeks. It is important to note that, depending on the severity of your alcohol dependence or addiction, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be serious, and in some cases, even life-threatening. Because of the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms, it is recommended to detox under the supervision of a medical professional.

2. Improved Mental Health

Once you’ve detoxed and are progressing along your recovery journey, you’ll begin to experience improvements in your mental health and cognitive function. This will allow you not only to focus on prioritizing healthy coping strategies in your life but also to help with rebuilding your life and relationships. Plus, you’ll likely experience improvements in your mental health and well-being. For example, you may find you are overall less irritable or impulsive now that you’ve stopped drinking. 

3. Improved Sleep Quality

Next, after you’ve detoxed and are progressing along your road to recovery, you’ll also experience improvements in the quality of your sleep. This will help you not only be more productive but will also help your body heal 

4. Increased Mental Clarity and Focus

As mentioned above, mental clarity and focus are another thing that happens when you stop drinking. This will allow you to not only prioritize your addiction recovery journey but also work on the relationships you may have fractured while you were struggling with your addiction.

5. Cravings, Urges, and Triggers Risk Chance of Relapse

While progressing along your recovery, it’s normal to experience cravings or urges that can risk jeopardizing your sobriety. It’s important to be aware of these cravings and your unique triggers so you can reduce your risk of relapsing.

6. Healthier Relationships 

Once you’re on your recovery journey, you should also start prioritizing your relationships that you may have hurt while you struggled with your alcohol addiction. As you work on healing your relationships, you’ll find that these relationships are healthier now that you have overcome addiction.

7. Regain Control of Your Health and Quality of Life

Finally, addiction recovery allows you to take back control over your health and quality of life for the better. Not only will your physical and mental health and well-being be better, but you’ll also find that your overall quality of life, from your relationships to your job and how you view yourself, will also significantly improve. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about what happens when you stop drinking. Although overcoming addiction is exciting, it can also seem overwhelming. Understanding what happens when you stop drinking helps you understand what to expect in this new chapter of your life.

At Veritas Detox, we help people begin this first step toward recovery with our alcohol rehab programs. We individuals progress through detox from alcohol and set them up for the recovery journey ahead. To learn how we can help you stop drinking, contact our team today.

The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

A therapist works with a client in a dual diagnosis treatment program.

According to the SAMHSA, around 21.5 million adults in the U.S. have a co-occurring disorder. A co-occurring disorder is when an individual is struggling with both a mental illness and substance use disorder. Left untreated, a co-occurring disorder can lead to life-threatening consequences. This is why seeking the right care to treat both conditions at the same time is essential. In this article, you’ll learn more about the benefits of dual diagnosis treatment and why it’s so critical to get the right care.

 

At Veritas Detox, we are a leading drug and alcohol detox center committed to helping patients safely and effectively overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. We understand that each patient’s recovery journey is uniquely different. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of treatments, from dual diagnosis treatment to drug and alcohol detox treatment, to support you along your road to recovery. Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today!

5 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment 

Dual diagnosis treatment is essential for individuals struggling with a co-occurring disorder. Unfortunately, sometimes co-occurring disorders can be difficult to spot. This is why seeking a professional diagnosis is important if you suspect you’re struggling with a mental illness and addiction.

If you are struggling with a co-occurring, below are several benefits of dual diagnosis treatment.

1. Treats Both Conditions at the Same Time

First, dual diagnosis treats both a mental illness and substance use disorder at the same time. This is essential to ensure individuals suffering from a co-occurring disorder get the right care that they need to best recover and lead a healthier life. Failure to treat one condition, but not the other condition can increase your risk of relapsing. This is why if you suspect you may be struggling with a co-occurring disorder you seek a treatment center that offers dual diagnosis treatment. 

2. Reduces Risk of Relapse

As mentioned above, failure to treat a co-occurring disorder effectively can increase your risk of relapse in the future. For example, if an individual is struggling with alcohol addiction and PTSD, if that individual treats their addiction and gets sober, but doesn’t address their PTSD, then their mental health disorder will increase their risk of relapsing with drugs or alcohol in the future. This is because the individual will have a difficult time coping with their PTSD symptoms because they likely turned to alcohol to relieve these symptoms. 

3. Improves Overall Mental Health and Well-Being

Next, since dual diagnosis treatment addresses both addiction and mental illness, this inevitably helps improve an individual’s mental health and well-being. Many people struggling with untreated mental health disorders may oftentimes turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to try and cope with their mental illness. However, rather than managing their mental illness symptoms, consistent drug abuse only leads to dependency and addiction. 

4. Offers a More Personalized Treatment Plan

Dual diagnosis treatment also offers tailored treatment so you can receive the best possible care to treat both conditions simultaneously. It’s crucial you receive the right care for your co-occurring disorder because, as discussed previously, a failure to treat both conditions can increase your likelihood of relapse. 

5. Improves Overall Quality of Life

Finally, dual diagnosis treatment improves your overall health and quality of life for the better long-term. If you are struggling with a co-occurring disorder, you need to treat both conditions at the same time. You cannot ignore one condition hoping that getting sober will inevitably cure your mental illness. This is why comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment that helps you overcome addiction while managing your mental illness symptoms is so important. 

Ready to Lead a Healthier, Happier Life? 

As you can see, there are several benefits of dual diagnosis treatment for those struggling with a co-occurring disorder. Failure to treat both conditions at the same time can greatly increase your risk of relapse. This is why it’s critical to not only seek treatment if you are struggling with addiction and mental illness but also seek the right treatment to effectively overcome addiction and manage your mental illness symptoms. 

At Veritas Detox, our team of compassionate addiction specialists is here to help you every step of the way along your road to recovery. We understand how debilitating a disease addiction is. That’s why we offer a wide range of treatment options and programs to ensure you receive the tailored care you need to best support your recovery journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your sobriety journey. 

The Role of Peer Support in Addiction Recovery

A man talks in a peer support group for addiction recovery.

Addiction can be a very isolating disease. Not only does it fracture relationships with loved ones, but it can also destroy your sense of self and self-confidence. Substance abuse treatment programs can help you overcome addiction by equipping you with valuable coping skills, but one of the most important tools it can provide is peer support. In an addiction treatment program, you’ll be surrounded by peers who share similar struggles and experiences as you, and their support can be crucial to helping to maintain your sobriety. Keep reading to learn more about the role of peer support in addiction recovery. 

At Veritas Detox, we are a leading drug and alcohol detox center in California that helps patients break free from the chains of addiction so they can lead a healthier, happier life. Whether you are struggling with addiction or a dual diagnosis, our drug rehab is here to help you every step of the way to regain control of your life Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery.  

Five Roles of Peer Support in Addiction Recovery

Research has found peer support groups to be promising in addiction treatment. Below are several roles peer support serves in addiction recovery. 

1. Accountability

First, peer support provides a sense of accountability and motivation to maintain your progress in your recovery journey. Many of the peers you meet in addiction recovery likely share stories, struggles, and experiences similar to your own. This makes you feel less alone in your recovery journey, and it provides a sense of accountability to not fall victim to triggers or urges to abuse drugs. 

2. Emotional Support

Next, peer support offers emotional support, which is critical along your road to recovery. Many people who struggle with addiction also may be facing other hardships, such as mental illness, family challenges, financial struggles, and more. Peer support allows you to be open and honest about your emotions with other people who can typically relate to what you are going through. For example, group therapy sessions can be a great opportunity for you to open up about your struggles, as well as listen to other peers who may be facing similar struggles.

3. Inspiration

Peer support also provides a sense of inspiration and hope that you are not alone in your fight against addiction. It can be extremely helpful to know someone who has once been in the same situation. For example, having a mentor or knowing someone who has effectively overcome addiction and maintained sobriety can be an inspiration and help give you hope and motivation that you can overcome addiction and maintain long-term sobriety, too. 

4. Meaningful Connection

Peer support also provides an opportunity to build meaningful connections with others. This is because sharing your struggles with addiction can be quite vulnerable. However, this vulnerability provides an opportunity to connect with others who understand your struggles. It allows you to build a connection founded on being open and honest about what you may be going through. 

5. Community

The role of peer support in addiction recovery is also to help you build a community you can lean on for support in recovery and beyond. Not only is it beneficial to be surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through in addiction recovery, but it’s also helpful to feel like you belong in a group or community. Unfortunately, many people in recovery may have lost relationships with loved ones because of their addiction. Peer support allows them to start rebuilding relationships while also forming new friendships with peers in recovery. 

Break Free of Addiction Once and For All

Now you know more about the role of peer support in addiction recovery. Peer support can greatly help your road to recovery. Not only does peer support create a sense of community that you are not alone in your fight against addiction, but it also provides a sense of accountability to maintain your sobriety journey.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support on your road to recovery. At Veritas Detox, we are here to help you overcome addiction and achieve life-long sobriety. Our addiction treatment center offers a range of programs, including detox services and inpatient care. Contact us today to learn how you can lead a healthier, happier life.