LIFE AFTER RECOVERY-SERENITY PLACE REHAB

Learning to live again after addiction

Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction is not a simple, short or straightforward process. Many people believe that the toughest part of recovery for an addict are the initial stages of abstinence where they may experience withdrawal symptoms that can result in severe emotional and physical turmoil. Of course this is a harrowing experience but the recovery process doesn't end after that part eases. There are many models of the stages of addiction recovery but all of them include early recovery and ongoing recovery/maintaining abstinence. Early recovery is generally categorized as the first 90 days of abstinence but once that time is up many recovering addicts may be left feeling lost. Yes, they are doing well but their life, their health and their relationships are all in need of some serious rebuilding. It is in the ongoing recovery stage that a former addict really starts to put the pieces of their life back together again which can be a very challenging and sometimes painful task – particularly when those around them may wrongly assume that the hard part is already over with. Here are some tips on how to support an addict in the later stages of their recovery.

Help build self esteem

Studies show clear links between low self esteem and drug dependency in later life. They also indicate that low self worth and a general lack of respect or consideration for one's own body and well being can be a major factor in relapse – even after the early stages of recovery. For this reason it is important to encourage a recovering addict (who's self esteem is probably at an all time low) to start to love and value themselves. Simple things like positive reinforcement, reassurance, compliments and displays of affection will help them to feel loved and if they start to believe that they are worthy of the love of others then it will enable them to love themselves too. Look out for any warning signs of low self esteem such as anxiety, withdrawal or irritability around others and constantly reassure them that your presence and support is permanent and unwavering.

Help them to get back into work

There are many benefits of helping a recovering addict to get back into work and the ongoing stages of recovery is the perfect time to start this. Not only is a set routine a positive move away from the inconsistency and chaos of an addicted lifestyle, but having a job with responsibilities and independence is another great way to boost self esteem, confidence and it will also keep them busy. On a more practical level it will enable to addict to start taking control of their finances again. One article by Forbes suggests that addiction and poverty are intrinsically linked due to the nature of addiction – a compulsion that constantly escalates meaning that the longer an addiction continues for the more of a substance the addict will need to feel satisfied. Therefore the cost will increase and in the meantime other areas of their life may begin to dilapidate leading to expensive mistakes such as job loss or criminal/legal charges. As they emerge from early recovery into ongoing recovery, a steady job will give a recovering addict the opportunity to start dealing with any creditors whilst building for the future. Certain employers are even taking part in a new scheme that offers incentives for employing recovering ex-addicts in order to give them the opportunity to move forward with their lives. Look into any such programmes in your area and encourage the addict to be confident and positive – their history will not affect their ability to be a good worker.

Be committed and considerate

Understand that if a recovering addict lives with you may have to make some lifestyle changes in order to help them through. If the addiction is related to alcohol then you should never present immediate temptation to an addict by drinking around them or even keeping alcohol in the house. Understand that recovery is a commitment that will affect the whole family and even though most addicts are reportedly unlikely to relapse after a five year period of abstinence, you need to remain cautious and considerate forever.

Help them by helping you

The most important thing to a recovering addict is a strong support network. If this is you then you need to take care of them by taking care of yourself. There are many support groups for the families of recovering addicts where you can go for advice and information on the best ways to handle such a difficult situation. Make sure that the addict is aware of you seeking help – this may make them more inclined to reach out themselves and become involved in support groups or aftercare programmes.

Alcohol and Recovery Terms

Acamprosate
Acceptance
ACOA
Acute Alcohol Poisoning
Addiction
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Alcohol
Alcoholism
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol Liver Disease
Alcoholic
Alcoholics Anonymous
Al-Anon
Anonymity
Antabuse
Big Book
Binge Drinking
Biochemical Restoration
Blood Alcohol Content
Boundaries
Cirrhosis
Codependent
Craving
Dementia
Denial
Detachment
Detoxification
Dry Drunk
Dual Diagnosis
DUI/DWI
Enabling
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Hangover
Hepatitis C
Intervention
LifeRing Recovery
MADD
Moderation Management
Nalmefene
Naltrexone
Ondansetron
Pharmacotherapy
Rational Recovery
Recovery
Relapse
Rehabilitation
Revia
Serenity
SMART Recovery
Sponsor
Treatment
Withdrawal
Women For Sobriety
ADD ANY THAT IS LEFT OUT

Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction

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Drug addiction is a complex illness characterized by intense and, at times, uncontrollable drug craving, along with compulsive drug seeking and use that persist even in the face of devastating consequences. While the path to drug addiction begins with the voluntary act of taking drugs, over time a person's ability to choose not to do so becomes compromised, and seeking and consuming the drug becomes compulsive. This behavior results largely from the effects of prolonged drug exposure on brain functioning. Addiction is a brain disease that affects multiple brain circuits, including those involved in reward and motivation, learning and memory, and inhibitory control over behavior.

Because drug abuse and addiction have so many dimensions and disrupt so many aspects of an individual's life, treatment is not simple. Effective treatment programs typically incorporate many components, each directed to a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences. Addiction treatment must help the individual stop using drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and achieve productive functioning in the family, at work, and in society. Because addiction is typically a chronic disease, people cannot simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most patients require long-term or repeated episodes of care to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence and recovery of their lives.

Principles of Effective Treatment

Scientific research since the mid–1970s shows that treatment can help patients addicted to drugs stop using, avoid relapse, and successfully recover their lives. Based on this research, key principles have emerged that should form the basis of any effective treatment programs:

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior.
No single treatment is appropriate for everyone.
Treatment needs to be readily available.
Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse.
Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical.
Counseling—individual and/or group—and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse treatment.
Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies.
An individual's treatment and services plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure that it meets his or her changing needs.
Many drug–addicted individuals also have other mental disorders.
Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long–term drug abuse.
Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.
Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously, as lapses during treatment do occur.
Treatment programs should assess patients for the presence of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases as well as provide targeted risk–reduction counseling to help patients modify or change behaviors that place them at risk of contracting or spreading infectious diseases.

Effective Treatment Approaches

Medication and behavioral therapy, especially when combined, are important elements of an overall therapeutic process that often begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Easing withdrawal symptoms can be important in the initiation of treatment; preventing relapse is necessary for maintaining its effects. And sometimes, as with other chronic conditions, episodes of relapse may require a return to prior treatment components. A continuum of care that includes a customized treatment regimen—addressing all aspects of an individual's life, including medical and mental health services—and follow–up options (e.g., community – or family-based recovery support systems) can be crucial to a person's success in achieving and maintaining a drug–free lifestyle.

Medications

Medications can be used to help with different aspects of the treatment process.

Withdrawal. Medications offer help in suppressing withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. However, medically assisted detoxification is not in itself "treatment"—it is only the first step in the treatment process. Patients who go through medically assisted withdrawal but do not receive any further treatment show drug abuse patterns similar to those who were never treated.

Treatment. Medications can be used to help reestablish normal brain function and to prevent relapse and diminish cravings. Currently, we have medications for opioids (heroin, morphine), tobacco (nicotine), and alcohol addiction and are developing others for treating stimulant (cocaine, methamphetamine) and cannabis (marijuana) addiction. Most people with severe addiction problems, however, are polydrug users (users of more than one drug) and will require treatment for all of the substances that they abuse.

Opioids: Methadone, buprenorphine and, for some individuals, naltrexone are effective medications for the treatment of opiate addiction. Acting on the same targets in the brain as heroin and morphine, methadone and buprenorphine suppress withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of heroin or other opioids at their receptor sites and should only be used in patients who have already been detoxified. Because of compliance issues, naltrexone is not as widely used as the other medications. All medications help patients disengage from drug seeking and related criminal behavior and become more receptive to behavioral treatments.

Tobacco: A variety of formulations of nicotine replacement therapies now exist—including the patch, spray, gum, and lozenges—that are available over the counter. In addition, two prescription medications have been FDA–approved for tobacco addiction: bupropion and varenicline. They have different mechanisms of action in the brain, but both help prevent relapse in people trying to quit. Each of the above medications is recommended for use in combination with behavioral treatments, including group and individual therapies, as well as telephone quitlines.

Alcohol: Three medications have been FDA–approved for treating alcohol dependence: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. A fourth, topiramate, is showing encouraging results in clinical trials. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that are involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and in the craving for alcohol. It reduces relapse to heavy drinking and is highly effective in some but not all patients—this is likely related to genetic differences. Acamprosate is thought to reduce symptoms of protracted withdrawal, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and dysphoria (an unpleasant or uncomfortable emotional state, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability). It may be more effective in patients with severe dependence. Disulfiram interferes with the degradation of alcohol, resulting in the accumulation of acetaldehyde, which, in turn, produces a very unpleasant reaction that includes flushing, nausea, and palpitations if the patient drinks alcohol. Compliance can be a problem, but among patients who are highly motivated, disulfiram can be very effective.

Behavioral Treatments

Behavioral treatments help patients engage in the treatment process, modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug abuse, and increase healthy life skills. These treatments can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help people stay in treatment longer. Treatment for drug abuse and addiction can be delivered in many different settings using a variety of behavioral approaches.

Outpatient behavioral treatment encompasses a wide variety of programs for patients who visit a clinic at regular intervals. Most of the programs involve individual or group drug counseling. Some programs also offer other forms of behavioral treatment such as—

Cognitive–behavioral therapy, which seeks to help patients recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they are most likely to abuse drugs.
Multidimensional family therapy, which was developed for adolescents with drug abuse problems—as well as their families—addresses a range of influences on their drug abuse patterns and is designed to improve overall family functioning.

Motivational interviewing, which capitalizes on the readiness of individuals to change their behavior and enter treatment.
Motivational incentives (contingency management), which uses positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from drugs.

ADDICTION TREATMENT-the serenity place rehabilitation centre,nairobi kenya

Drug Addiction

Nowadays there are all forms of drugs available with all sorts of mixtures of highs and lows for anyone seeking something different or new. This gives people we know, friends or family members an addiction to either alcohol or drugs both legal and illegal ( drug addict ). Addiction in this case being a physical dependence and an overwhelming desire for more as tolerance levels constantly increase. With this in mind it’s hardly any wonder that not everyone gets ongoing recovery simply be entering into an addiction treatment center or that knowing there will be severe consequences is still not enough to stop an addict from using his or her drug of choice addictively.

Some are fortunate and do manage to maintain active recovery straight from there first introduction to it and this does not mean that those who do not have failed in any way at all. We can never tell when any particular drug addict will get the message and all we can hope is that when they are actually ready to hear it a treatment facility somewhere has a welcoming space no matter how many drug rehabs they may have gone through previously.

Also once the residential program has been completed there is further commitment to continually working the program on self as well as connections to self-help groups and others following the same ongoing journey.
Most addicts did not become addicted over night and usually spent years thinking they where in control before realising they where using anything as well as a drug of choice against there own will. Once a drug addict realises this then it’s either time to ask for help or accept it and carry on with active drug addiction regardless, trying not to think to much about where it will end ( NA literature states Jails Institutions or death ) or the consequences that are stacking up behind them.

If a solution is sought then it can be addressed with help from trained staff that are professionals in this area and have the experience and qualifications needed to guide someone into receiving the appropriate care. Rehab centers now have a wide variety of programs available that gives many options to any addicts seeking help from all walks of life.

Treatment Centers

Very important part of the search is considering the different types of drug addiction treatment center available these days. Rehabilitation centers offer many forms of treatment to assist successful ongoing reco very for drug addicts, like outpatient or inpatient treatment, day-care programmes, residential rehabilitation ( drug rehab ), detox facilities, dry houses and sober living homes.

Detox facilities are a very early step in seeking help with a drug addiction problem and again must be staffed by qualified professionals. These will be staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week with plenty of supervision for the detoxification process to be successful.

A residential addiction treatment center is probably the most effective for addicts in need of intensive focused help with their addictions. This will give them qualified professionals to assist in any difficulties all day long with the programme.

Outpatient help can help those addicts who may not be able to enter residential and may be able to start the process of change with counselling sessions and a small amount of group work each week. A qualified professional would need to make this assessment, not the addict themself as they may believe things are not that bad when in fact they need to be in residential rehabilitation as soon as possible.

Dry houses, sober living homes or sober houses are ideal for aftercare once a residential programme is finished. Those who have been in ongoing recovery before also use these if they have relapsed. Sometimes a place in a sober house or sober living home for a few months is enough for an addict to get back on the road for ongoing recovery if the relapse has been arrested early enough.

The sober house, sober living home experience helps the addict return to being a productive member of society while receiving support evry step of the way. While residing in such a property the client is encouraged to seek voluntary work or able employment, attend regular 12 step self help meetings, engage with a sponsor and work the 12 step program. This is also an ideal time to face past consequences outstanding warrents and fines etc, again while being supported by professionals in this field as well as the peers every step of the way.

These are obviously very brief descriptions and not every facility is exactly the same and not every drug addict needs whats on offer. Do remember to ask as many questions as you need answering prior to making a decision on which sort of drug rehab is best suitable to you.
Good luck

Rehabilitation programmes, Nairobi

Epsychologists.kbo.co.ke

With so many different philosophies regarding how to best treat addiction / alcoholism and with claims of success that are hard to believe, The Serenity Place took a different approach to developing its "state of the art" addiction treatment center. The principals of Serenity place dedicated years and reviewed the philosophies and treatment services of over many drug rehabs throughout the country and came to the following conclusion; that the most effective form of addiction treatment was found to be a multi-disciplinary approach. We believe that the "whole person" need to be treated and not just presenting symptoms.  

Furthermore, we understood that through the continual abuse of alcohol and drugs, the addict's or alcoholic's brain chemistry is greatly affected. While there is years of research to support the fluctuation in brain chemistry due to drug and alcohol abuse there are practical examples of an impaired thought process such as:

·         Continuing to participate in self destructive behavior thinking each time things would be different 

·         Demonstrated difficulty with recall and concentration

·         Reported continual fluctuations in mood

·         Emotional response inappropriate to the situation  

·         There is further research to support the findings that:     

·         Treatment doesn't have to be voluntarly for it to be successful- Many patients are brought in against their wish either by force or tricked in to our facilities and later on realise the need to go on and complete sobriety programme.

Through abstinence, time and treatment, the brain can regenerate and achieve chemical balance. 

 

Lastly, The Serenity place believes that people can be genetically predisposed to addiction, alcoholism and other associated disorders. As such, the medical and clinical staff at The serenity place has combined a number of interrelated services to treat all the various components of a person's addiction and personality. We view this as treating the body, mind and spirit of the individual.

Components of Treating the "Whole Person" 

·         Medical Stabilization 

·         Psychiatric Stabilization 

·         Medication Management Issues 

·         Nutritional Balance 

·         Emotional Healing 

·         Family and Relationship Healing 

·         Relapse Prevention 

·         Spiritual Development  

·         Challenging of Belief Systems

·         Life and Career Choices 

·         Physical Health and Well Being (Yoga, Meditation, Recreational Therapy)

For additional information on our drug rehabilitation program, alcohol rehab or dual diagnosis treatment center or for admission to our addiction treatment facility, visit or call us and you will receive personalised professional attenion.  please post an enquiry at our contact page.

www.serenityplace.co.ke

What to expect in a rehab centre

Thew serenity place is set in Kahawa Sukari, an  impressive suburb off -Thika super, we have provide a secluded, safe and serene setting in which to recover from the disease of drug addiction, alcoholism or dual diagnosis. The addiction treatment facility was modified from a spacious town house in to a drug and alcohol treatment center to make recovery a success.

 Our Medical and Clinical Staff
As a substance abuse treatment program recognized throughout Kenya, we pride ourselves in providing the highest quality of individualized drug and alcohol treatment available today. With a substance abuse treatment staff with well over 10 years of combined drug and alcohol treatment experience, we remain as one of the true leaders in the field substance abuse treatment.

 A Serene Place to Recover from a Substance Abuse Problem
Ridgeways Facility was designed specifically as a drug rehab and addiction treatment program. Only twenty minutes from Nairobi.It was built with the goal of providing all of our patients with a feeling of safety, peace of mind and protection of their confidentiality.

Addiction Treatment Centre That Provides State-of-the-Art Care
The Serenity addiction treatment centre is known for its innovative, proven approach to addiction treatment care. Designed to provide state-of-the-art alcohol rehabilitation, dual diagnosis treatment and drug rehabilitation services, The Serenity place provides individualized care in an environment designed around comfort, safety and recovery.

We invite you to visit with us and experience quality recovery at our nationally acclaimed addiction treatment facility.

While recovering at our addiction treatment centre, our patients can expect the following:

• Beautifully decorated semi-private rooms
• All meals are prepared onsite, under the supervision of a licensed nutritionist
• Access to Serenity relaxation gardens
• Recreational rooms
• Patient lounges
• Group therapy rooms
• Athletic facilities

For additional information on our drug rehabilitation program, alcohol rehab or dual diagnosis treatment center or for admission to The Serenity addiction treatment facility, visit or call us and you will receive personalized professional attention.  please post an enquiry at our contact page.

 The drug rehab staff, some of whom are in recovery themselves, work closely with each patient as they recover through the various phases of addiction treatment. Ongoing support is critical as we believe that unless core issues and belief systems are addressed while in addiction treatment, relapse or a return to self destructive behavior is quite likely to erase all the gains made while in drug rehab treatment.

At Serenity Place, we understand that the process of recovery from addiction and alcoholism is a gradual one. By integrating the philosophies of the medical, psychological and twelve step communities, coupled with a family recovery plan, drug rehab patients are provided with a powerful addiction treatment experience. Post treatment, the alumni of this drug addiction treatment centre report being able to live their lives with a sense of purpose, free from the pain of the past and with dreams of a fulfilling future.

  TESTING

At The Serenity Addiction treatment centre, we offer a  5 minutes rapid drugs abuse testing services that is accompanied by psychological counseling /substance abuse education session. This service is a favorite for learning organizations and employees working in sensitive organizations requiring high level vetting.

The Smart Choice in Drug Addiction Treatment Centres.

Speak to an addiction treatment specialist on +254 0702 103 841. to explore options for treatment of the afflicted and affected family members. The Serenity Place is a special place, where we live "One Day at a time”.

The serenity place, psychologists corner

What can you expect if you decide to go to The serenity place drug and alcohol rehab center? If you have never been to a residential treatment facility, you may have some misconceptions about what does and does not take place during rehab.

The First Stop - Detox

At serenity place kahawa,we have rehab facilities have our own in-house detoxification programs, unlike other centers today which require clients to complete Detox prior to entering their facilities. In other words, you may need to get clean and sober before you can even enter rehab.

The trend at the serenity place,Nairobi, is to have you go through the withdrawal process at a facility that specializes in dealing with drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Typically, this done on a short-term, five to seven days, inpatient basis.

Counseling and Group Therapy

During your rehab, you will  receive individual counseling with our trained addictions counselors and you will  participate daily in group therapy meetings with others at the facility.

These sessions are designed to begin to teach you the skills that you will need to live life without drugs and alcohol. You will learn how to recognize situations in which you are most likely to drink or use drugs and how to avoid these circumstances if possible. You will learn new coping skills.

The group sessions are designed to teach you the value of seeking support from others who are going through the same experiences and challenges that you are. In some facilities, these group sessions may be actual 12 step meetings. In other facilities, they may be facilitated by staff members.

Aftercare Program

The serenity place drug and alcohol rehab program will last about 28 days, sometimes longer, during which you are in our structured environment where no drugs are alcohol are available. Then what? What happens when you have to leave the relative safety of the facility and go back into the real world?

The serenity place  rehab programs have a strong aftercare program plan designed to meet your individual needs. By now our counselors  knows you well and will suggest the next steps to take based on where you are on your recovery journey.
Your aftercare plan may include intensive outpatient treatment, residence at a halfway house, attendance at 12 step meetings, weekly check-ins with your counselor and other suggestions to help you avoid the situations and triggers that might cause you to relapse

serenity place and counseling psychology

The treatment and recovery centre

Rehabilitative alcohol and substance addiction treatment and recovery

Serenity was founded as a centre of hope, recovery and empowerment for people with alcohol and substance abuse dependence. Its key objective therefore is to provide a serene environment for treatment and recovery by providing aftercare and follow-up programs of empowerment to the primary sufferers and the affected population of families, the society, and nation at large. Serenity place shall Endeavour to work with the infected and affected individuals, with communities, and stake holders because addiction is a disease so that so that it becomes preventable, treatable, and manageable at all levels.

Serenity option

• Conducive and serene environment
• Rehabilitative treatment and recovery
• Qualified, dynamic, and seasoned team (work) of therapists and addiction professionals
• around the clock (24-7) care and attention
• Family therapy/ conjoint on behalf of loved ones in treatment and recovery
• Family education and empowerment program
• Period stay determined by initial diagnosis, responsiveness, needs/challenges final diagnosis and recovery environment
• Multidimensional approaches to treatment and recovery
• Utilization of research, evidence-based practices through therapeutic community and 12 principles (steps) models and experiential treatment
• Affordable and reasonable subsidized treatment costs and payment plan
• Comprehensive aftercare and follow-up program to monitor progress, prevent relapse and support social re-integration
• WHAT WE OFFER
•  

·          We do restoration of community functioning and well-being of individuals diagnosed with a mental disorder and who may be considered to have a psychiatric disability around Nairobi and other towns. Rehabilitation work is undertaken by rehabilitation counselors, licensed professional counselors, psych rehab consultants or specialists, psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists and we seek to effect changes in a person's environment and in a person's ability to deal with his/her environment, so as to facilitate improvement in symptoms or personal distress. These services often "combine pharmacologic treatment, independent living and social skills training, psychological support to clients and their families, housing, vocational rehabilitation, social support and network enhancement and access to leisure activities." We focus on challenging stigma and prejudice to enable social inclusion, on working collaboratively in order to empower clients, and sometimes on a goal of full recovery. The latter is now widely known as a recovery approach or model.

·         We also offer Psychiatric rehabilitation services in Nairobi that are collaborative, person directed and individualized. These services are an essential element of the health care and human services spectrum, and must be evidence-based. We focus on helping individuals develop skills and access resources needed to increase their capacity to be successful and satisfied in the living, working, learning, and social environments of their choice.

·         In Rehabilitation Counseling, we are   focused on helping people who have disabilities achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals through a counseling process.

·         Rehabilitation Counselors can be found in private practice, in rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, universities, schools, government agencies, insurance companies and other organizations where people are being treated for congenital or acquired disabilities. Over time, with the changes in social work being more psychotherapy-oriented, rehabilitation counselors take on more and more community engagement work, especially as it relates to special populations.

·         Telerehabilitation (online counseling) is where we   deliver rehabilitation services over telecommunication networks and the internet. Most types of services fall into two categories: clinical assessment (the patient’s functional abilities in his or her environment), and clinical therapy. Telerehabilitation also allows us to engage in a clinical consultation at a distance.