The first month of 2012 is not even over and police in Thailand have recently discovered over 3.8 million yaba tablets as well as 71 kilos of crystal methamphetamine, in one bust, on the outskirts of Bangkok. Although the government has increased its efforts to reduce the amount of drugs, specifically yaba and meth, coming in from surrounding countries like Myanmar and Laos; decreasing supply and demand is proving to be incredibly difficult.

Several numbers have been given to the public regarding the amount of drug addicts in Thailand; however, an exact number is unknown. The most recent number was put at 1.1 million; although it is likely to be much higher than this. The dramatic rise of methamphetamine and yaba use in Thailand can be partly blamed on the lack of education regarding these harmful drugs. Some Thais consider these drugs to be okay, even acceptable, because they are believed to be un-addictive. This idea has unfortunately lead a large number of people to use these drug as if they were only an energy drink. This is not to say that an energy drink is not harmful in any way because they too are addictive, but they are not as harmful or dangerous as yaba or methamphetamine.

Yaba and Methamphetamine- Is It the Same?

Some people believe that yaba and methamphetamine is the same drug; in fact, there is a slight difference. Yaba means ‘crazy medicine’ in Thai and comes in the form of a small round tablet. It is often red, but can be green, yellow, orange, or blue. Some have small logos on them while others may be grape, orange, or vanilla flavored. Yaba is a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine. It is most commonly consumed orally or smoked, but it can also be crushed and snorted or injected.

Methamphetamine is chemically made. The final result is a crystal or glass like substance which varies from white or blue. This must be crushed into a powder. From here, it is commonly smoked, snorted, or injected. In Thailand, Yaba is the preferred drug of choice, but methamphetamine use is on the rise.

Beginning in Myanmar

Although there is a substantial amount of yaba and methamphetamine produced in Thailand’s northern neighbor Laos; most of these drugs are produced in the neighbor to the west, that being Myanmar. From Myanmar, sometimes referred to as Burma, the packets of white powder and red tablets are off to the border towns, or the Golden Triangle, this location is known as the main transit point of distribution. Typically, the drugs are in large quantities when arriving at these hotspots and must be broken down into smaller amounts. Once this has been done, the yaba and methamphetamine makes its way down south to Bangkok and beyond. It is not uncommon for officials in nearby countries or even as far away as Australia and the USA to confiscate drugs that had their beginning in Myanmar.

From Taxi Drivers to Office Workers

Go back 10 years ago and the only people in Thailand who were taking yaba or meth were drivers who worked 15, even 20 hours a day and the occasional bar worker. Nowadays, most Thais know someone who at the minimum uses one of the two drugs every now and then. Taxi drivers, farmers, restaurant waiters, office workers, and anyone in between may be using this dangerous drug.

Treatment for Addicts

The most important thing that must happen in Thailand is for the public, especially children and adolescents, to become properly educated about drugs and the disastrous effects that can occur as a result from abuse and/or addiction. Furthermore, it is important that any addict and their family understands that there is no shame in getting treatment for their addiction; it is in fact the best thing that anyone can do.

Yaba and methamphetamine users in Thailand, and throughout the world for that matter, can get help. It may be difficult and will not happen overnight, but with proper treatment including therapy, education, and support, sobriety can be achieved.

The Cabin Chiang Mai is a private luxury rehab located in Chiang Mai Thailand. Due to our location, we are familiar with the devastating effects that yaba and methamphetamine has had throughout this beautiful country. We pride ourselves on being highly skilled with various techniques on how to treat yaba or methamphetamine addictions. Furthermore, we are dedicated to helping those individuals who are dependent upon these drugs.

If you or someone you love has an addiction to yaba, methamphetamine, or any other drug please contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today.

‘Doctor, how long will it be until I am better?’ This is a question that lingers in most addicts mind and nearly all of them will ask their doctor, therapist, or counselor at some point or another. The honest answer is that there is no simple answer to give. This is a complicated question, but it can be explained in a way so that addicts, as well as their families, can try to understand the treatment and recovery process.

Stage 1: Treatment for the Addiction

In order to begin the process of recovery, the addict must quit drinking alcohol or using drugs. There are many ways to do so, but the most common and effective method is through inpatient treatment at a rehab center. Sometimes the addict will go through a detoxification to help with the withdrawal and eliminate left over toxins resulting from their abuse. Whether or not a detox is appropriate will depend on the type and length of addiction. Inpatient rehabilitation treatment will allow the addict to learn about addiction, discover a variety of therapies, and implement various techniques to help aid them throughout the rest of their recovery. This is a great time for the addict to build a solid foundation to help them remain sober. When it comes to an allotted amount of time to spend at an inpatient center it will depend on the individual. Work, family, and financial responsibilities must be considered; however, the National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends spending more than 30 days at a rehab.

Stage 2: Early Recovery

Once the addict has completed their inpatient treatment at a rehabilitation center, or any other type of treatment for that matter, they have moved onto stage 2 or early recovery. This will be the most difficult time for the addict. This is because while the addict was in rehab, they had little or no daily stressors. They had one responsibility and that was to stay focused on their treatment and recovery. Now, they are at home and are faced with daily stress, job issues, family problems, cravings, and several other situations that could be considered triggers and put the addict at risk for relapsing. During this the newly recovering addict must learn how to re-live their life without drinking or using. It is likely that they must stop hanging out with most or even all of their friends. They must discover how to have fun without getting drunk or high. Even though treatment teaches the addict various ways to overcome these struggles, when put to the test, they can prove to be difficult. This is the time that their sobriety is most vulnerable; it will take a lot of strength, support, and patience to get through it, but all the happiness that sobriety will bring about is defiantly worth any problems that may occur in this early stage of recovery.

Stage 3: Nurture

Once the first 90 days have passed, the addict in recovery can move onto the third stage. During this time, reintegrating into life as a sober person has begun to really set in; it is important for the addict to continue to nurture their self as a whole. This means to focus on applying the recovery tools and techniques learned at rehab to all areas of their life. They may have to reopen books or meet with their counselor to be reminded of skills and lessons that may have not been used as of yet or may have been forgotten.

Stage 4: Advanced Recovery

It is only until about 5 years after the initial first stage that many individuals feel ‘fully recovered’. Even so, at this stage, one must continue to nurture their self because there will always be a potential for relapsing. The advanced stage of recovery is ongoing. During this time, the individual can work on improving relationships with people they may have hurt during their using times. They may also focus on other problems that they struggle with such as depression or anxiety. The addict in recovery may choose to go back to school, make new sober friends, find new hobbies, or begin a new career. This is an important part of addiction recovery and can last years, even decades, but it can also be an incredibly happy and joyful time.

So, how long will it be until an addict is better? It depends on the individual and how dedicated they are to their recovery. Some will get treatment and never touch drugs or alcohol again; others will relapse. It is ultimately up to the individual.

If you or someone you care about has an addiction, contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today. We can help you heal your addiction and take back your life.

Enabling is often perceived as helping; in fact, they are two very different actions, thus it is important for family members and friends of addicts to understand the difference between the two.

The Difference

Helping is doing something for anyone, addict or not, whom is unable to do it for themselves. Enabling is doing something for an individual, again addict or not, whom could and should be doing for it their self.

Each and every one of us has helped someone out in life; it may have been a family member, friend, or stranger. Bringing meals to an ill person who is unable to do so is helping. Driving an individual to work or the grocery store until their car is repaired is helping. These helpful actions are providing temporary help for a person until they are able to do it for themselves.

Enabling, although different, often gets confused as helping, by those who have good intentions and indeed think they are helping. It should be noted that most people associate enabling with only addicts; however, it can be attributed to raising a child to become an independent adult or not allowing a friend to live in the spare bedroom without contributing anything. In regards to addicts, enabling is very unhealthy and can only further their addiction. When people enable an addict, they are not allowing them to experience any consequences of their addiction, but additionally, one is preventing the addict from coming to terms with their addiction; therefore, depriving them from wanting or getting help.

The Problem with Enabling

Enabling is not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, not only for the addict, but for the enabler as well. The addict is prevented from experiencing consequences due to their addiction. While the enabler, who may feel like they are simply trying to help, becomes more and more upset as the addict continues their addiction. Additionally, the enabler may become emotionally controlled by the addicts’ behavior which will add, and create possibly more, problems. In the end the relationship is unhealthy for both the addict and the enabler.

Are you an Enabler?

Perhaps you are unsure as to whether or not you are helping an addict or enabling them, thus furthering their addiction. Below are 6 self assessment questions, if yes is the answer to any of them, you have at that time enabled the addict rather than helped him or her.

1: Have you ever ‘called in sick’ for the addict because they were too high or hung over to go to work or school?

2: Have you ever made up excuses for the addict’s using/drinking or behavior?

3: Have you blamed yourself for the addict’s self destructive ways?

4: Do you avoid talking to the addict about their ways because you fear their response?

5: Do you give the addict money to buy drugs or alcohol?

6: Have you repeatedly said the words, ‘one more chance’ or ‘this is your last chance’, but never follow through with them?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then hopefully you have become aware that even if you were trying to help, you were in fact enabling the addict. Unfortunately, unless the addict is forced to face the consequences of his or her own actions, they will most likely never realize just how bad the problem is.

Turning Enabling Actions into Helpful Positive Ones

As a family member or friend of an addict, it is important to learn how to redirect the efforts that are presumed to be helpful, but are actually harmful. Addicts must learn to recognize and accept responsibility and consequences of their own actions. By taking responsibility for enabling, positive change will happen and will not only make a positive impact on the addict, but on you as well. It is understandable that most enablers have a warm heart and mean no harm, but realistically, it is not healthy and it is up to you to continue down this path or put a stop to it.

If you or someone you care about has an addiction to drugs or alcohol please contact The Cabin Chiang Mai; we are here to help.

The Cabin Chiang Mai often receives phone calls with concerned family members of an addict wanting to know various ways that we can help them. Due to the high volume of requests that we receive regarding this topic, we felt that it was important to share our thoughts with all of our readers. Making the decision to help someone struggling with an addiction is not easy, but with your added compassion and support, they will have a greater chance at getting treatment and ultimately overcoming their addiction. Each and every addict is different, thus situations will be unique; however, we have determined 4 very useful ways in which you can use to help an addict.

Stop Enabling

In order to help an addict towards sobriety, the very first thing you must do is stop enabling. This is something that most concerned people innocently do. Oftentimes, as an enabler, you may believe that you are helping the addict when in fact you are allowing them, even making it easier, to carry on with their addiction. For those unfamiliar with enabling here is an example. Have you ever called the addicts work and told the manager that they were sick when they were too hung over to go in? If so, that is enabling. You can help an addict without enabling them, but you must be very clear and consistent and tell the addict that you will no longer help them to continue with their destructive ways.

Be Supportive

While explaining your honest concern to the addict, in a clear, yet concise manner it is important to remain supportive and loving. This allows the addict to understand your stance on the situation, but at the same time, feel like they have someone to turn to. Explain to the addict that they are not alone and that you, as well as family members and friends, will be with them each and every step of the way. Showing the desire to help and offering support can be a great comfort to any addict and can be an excellent way to keep them on a positive path to recovery.

Consider an Intervention

Sometimes, with all the support and advice that you have to offer the addict, it is not enough for them to decide to seek help for themselves. In these situations, an intervention may be the best option to bring an end to this destructive lifestyle. An interventionist can help the addict in getting appropriate treatment for their addiction.

Treatment at a Rehab

While the there are many methods of treatment, an inpatient rehabilitation center is the most effective way to overcome an addiction. An inpatient rehab will provide a safe and controlled environment in which the addict can focus solely on recovery. These centers implement various types of therapies and techniques incorporated into a well structured program.

It is important to note, that addiction is like a rollercoaster and getting help for an addict is not always easy. They may deny that they have any kind of problem, they may fear consequences, they may be embarrassed or feel ashamed to talk about it, they may be turning to these substances as a way of coping with underlying issues, or they may just not see anything wrong and not have any desire to change. Helping an addict can be a difficult process with bumps along the way, but it is possible. It is important to remain supportive, compassionate, patient, and determined.

Additionally, there are many other ways that you can help an addict; the above are only a few simple, yet important points.

The Cabin Chiang Mai is a leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation center located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is a private luxury rehab that is not only affordable, but has become recognized throughout the world for its effective treatment programs. If you have a loved one who is in need of help for an addiction, please contact us today.

Lunches filled with cheap beer and a large amount of drinking is the typical everyday scene for some of Thailand’s 150,000 plus expat community. Alcohol abuse in The Land of Smiles has been on the rise for over a decade now, but within the expat community of Thailand, it is more prevalent than ever. Alcohol abusers are synonymous throughout the world; oftentimes, the abuse is blamed on childhood abuse or neglect, genetics, and job loss. However, there are other situations that play a big part in alcohol abuse, especially within the expat community of Thailand.

Alcohol: The New Drinking Buddy

Oftentimes, an expat moves to Thailand because they are seeking out a better place than that of their homeland. Typically, these individuals leave their friends, family, and any kind of support they had at home and enter Thailand with no one to lean on. Alcohol, is extremely cheap throughout the country, and can quickly become the expats new drinking buddy, especially within the first few months of moving to Thailand.

New Friends

Once an expat has gotten settled in Thailand, they most likely have made a few friends. Unfortunately, one of the easiest ways to make friends is at the bars and pubs crawling throughout the country. These environments become the meeting place to hang out in, socialize, and chug more than a few cold beers. Eventually it becomes routine, with the abuse and addiction of alcohol lingering in the shadows. To make matters worse, most of these people hanging out in these establishments are doing the same thing; this makes each individual expat have a difficult time noticing their abusive behavior because ‘everyone’ is doing it.

Turning to Alcohol for Comfort

It is not uncommon for an expat living in Thailand to feel bouts of loneliness or a feeling that they are ‘out of place’. To some, the easiest way to escape these feelings it to turn to the comfort that alcohol provides – at least temporarily. Of course, in reality, the alcohol is only masking the feelings. They will oftentimes reappear worse, causing the abuser to drink an extra beer or take an extra shot of rum in their soda to ‘re-mask’ these feelings. The cycle begins and until they realize the destruction they’re doing to themselves, it will only worsen.

A Night Out

Thailand is known throughout the world for its nightlife and with that comes drinking; usually a lot of it. Walk through any major entertainment area and 2 for 1 specials are everywhere. It is not only the tourists that venture to these places; in fact, there are just as many expats visiting them. The alcohol is cheap, available, and can boost the mood of the individual. Perhaps the next morning very little can be recollected, but this may not matter; after all, for some, it has become the norm.

Something to Do

Everything aside, many of Thailand’s expats abuse alcohol because it is simply something to do. A large percentage of these individuals are retired and become bored within months of arriving. Boredom is a major cause of alcohol abuse and it affects the expat community as well. Sadly, many individuals turning to alcohol as a means to escape boredom end up heavily abusing the substance; some so hard that it eventually turns into a full blown addiction.

The Best Solution

Opportunities to escape alcohol in not only Thailand, but also most of the world, can be incredibly difficult. Unfortunately, in many instances when an expat or any individual for that matter, has begun to abuse alcohol they tend to get worse before they get better. In these situations it is vital for those close to the individual to be supportive and help them to get through this bump in the road.

Fortunately, Thailand is renowned for its outstanding health care services. The Cabin Chiang Mai is part of these world class services and offers outstanding treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and addictions.

We understand the struggles that some of Thailand’s expat community faces and as a result turns to alcohol. We are here to help not only those individuals, but also anyone throughout the rest of the world who abuses or has an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today; we can help you regain your health, put a lasting smile on your face, and ultimately take back your life.

According to -E.V. Stankowski, ‘Sobriety is a Journey’ one that will take those of you in recovery through struggles and accomplishments, through bouts of sadness, and joyous times of smiles and laughter. Recovery is like a second chance to many addicts and is a great opportunity to take a new path that was previously inconceivable. Creating and utilizing goals is something taught during cognitive behavioral therapy; they help to provide direction, bring attention to positive solutions, and can help to measure important milestones. Some people recovering from an addiction will be aware of different goals that they would like to achieve, but are unsure of how to be successful and where to start. Perhaps you have recently completed treatment and are looking ahead with a clear mind wondering how you will effectively plan your goals, put them into action, and eventually achieve them. Below are 8 steps that you can use to help you effectively plan out your addiction recovery goals.

Set Aside Time

Before you can begin to take the first steps at accomplishing an addiction recovery goal that you have set, you must make time in your daily life to plan out how you will get to your ultimate destination. Let’s call this ‘Think Time’. Locate a place that is quite and distraction free; sometimes it will be easier to be out of the house or away from any everyday environments. A library, park, or quite lounge may be a nice option; anywhere that you can get comfortable, relax, and think about what you want to achieve during your recovery.

Begin to Write

Once you have had your ‘Think Time’ or perhaps even a few sessions of ‘Think Time’ make two lists. One list will consist of short term goals while the other will consist of long term goals; both should be positive.

Re-Examine and Eliminate

Now that you have written down your addiction recovery goals, both short and long term, re-examine all of them. This is useful because sometimes the mind can wonder, causing you to write down impractical or irrelevant ideas. Keep the goals that you truly have a strong desire to achieve.

Plan Out the Steps

Now that you have determined your goals, you have become that much closer to fully effective goal planning. It’s now time to plan out each step that you will have to take in order to reach your goal. For example, if you would like to become a physical therapist, you must obtain the required knowledge and certification.

Know Why you are Seeking Your Goals

You are more likely to achieve your addiction recover goals if you know exactly why you made them. Think about what you will get out of achieving them or how they will make a positive difference in your life.

Choose a Timeframe

Choose a practical timeframe in which each step can be achieved; this will help you to remain focused and stay on track. You must include this with each goal, but remember to be practical.

Remain Motivated

Do your very best to remain motivated throughout the entire process. It is absolutely okay to post pictures of things you may want to do or achieve around your car or house. Make a copy of your list and stick it to the fridge, glove box, etc. Doing these simple things can help you to stay positive, focused, and take you one step closer to achieving your addiction recovery goals.

Don’t Give Up

Throughout your recovery, you may experience ups and downs, you may get discouraged or begin to lose hope, but this is all part of life, so don’t give up. Think positive and involve other people that may support your efforts. If you fail the first, second, third time, and so forth, keep going; you will get to the finish line!

This is Part 2 of The New Epidemic: Prescription Drug Abuse in The United States of America. We have discussed the appalling numbers associated with the abuse of prescription medications in America. These numbers are growing so rapidly that the problem has been considered an epidemic. So just what are the most abused prescription drugs in America, and what is being done about this ever growing problem?

Opioids:

It is believed by top experts that Opioids are the most abused prescription drug in America. They are given to treat pain and include a wide variety of names including, morphine (MS Contin, Roxinal), codeine (Tylenol 3, Fiorinal #3) oxycodone (OxyContine, Percondan) fentanyl (Alfenta, Sufenta) and many more. Opioids work by attaching to opioid receptors within the brain, spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract; by doing so, they are able to block the perception of pain. One of the effects that these drugs provide is a euphoric like feeling. It is this feeling that makes opioids the most popular prescription drug to abuse.

Benzodiazepines:

Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants and are given to treat anxiety, panic attacks, stress, sleep disorders, and convulsions. There are many different types, but the most common include: alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and diazepam (Valium). Benzodiazepines affect the neurotransmitter gammaaminobutyric acid, or GABA, to decrease brain activity and produce a drowsy or calming effect in the user. Although they are typically prescribed to be used for only short term, because of their calming relaxing effects, they are one of the most abused prescription drugs.

Stimulants:

Stimulants are prescribed to increase alertness, attention, and energy. They are commonly given to people, especially young adolescents and children, to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and occasionally depression. There are various types of stimulant medications although the most common include dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine and Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta). These drugs stimulate norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemicals in the brain; thus, increase dopamine activity. As they typically improve a user’s mood, relieve anxiety, and may induce a sense of euphoria, they are highly abused, especially by people in college.

Additional prescription drugs that are highly abused in America include sleeping aids; such as, zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata) and eszopiclone (Lunesta) and muscle relaxants such as orphenadrine (Norflex) and tizanidine (Zanaflex ).

Solutions

Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem that is not only causing attention in America, but throughout the world. The United States government has said they will be trying to increase awareness of the dangers of abuse, and is hoping to reduce the number of abusers and addicts by 15% by 2015. The 2011 Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan includes action in four major areas to reduce prescription drug abuse; these areas are:

Education: Educating parents, adolescents, patients, and prescribers about prescription medications, the abuse of them, as well as, treatment options available.

Monitoring: Put in place monitoring programs in every state to reduce people from going to multiple doctors for prescriptions, as well as, share information state to states.

Disposal: Implement eco friendly disposal programs to help decrease the unused supply of prescription drugs found in homes.

Enforcement: Provide law enforcement with tools to help eliminate illegal practices or those that are abusing the system.

Hopefully, with these methods, the number of people abusing prescription drugs can be significantly reduced, and the sooner the better. In the meantime, it is crucial for people to understand that treatment is available for prescription medication abuse and addiction. By getting treatment for abuse or addiction, an individual can begin to live a happier, healthier, and more productive life.

If you or someone you know abuses or has an addiction to prescription drugs, please contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today.

Each and every day, in America, there is some kind of news headline regarding prescription drug abuse. In the United States alone, prescription abuse is the fastest growing problem that medical professionals are dealing with on a continuous basis; so much so, that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that it has now became an epidemic and is not slowing down. Nearly one in two Americans are taking some kind of prescription drug; this infatuation and overmedication of individuals has created attention from around the world, leading many to wonder what is going on?

According to a recent national survey conducted, almost one third of individuals 12 and older used a prescription medication as their first time recreational drug use. In 2008, 6.2 million Americans stated that they had abused prescription medications within the past month. In 2010, this number had risen to over 7 million; while statistics for 2011 have not been released, as of now, it is probably safe to say that the number has risen.

Drug overdoses has long since been a problem in the United States, however, accidental overdoses from drugs have became the second leading killer right behind car accidents. Prescription drug overdoses, especially opioids, have surpassed illicit drug overdoses. According to the Center for Diseases Control, or CDC, 40 Americans are dying every day from prescription drug abuse.

According to an article the White House administration released, opioid prescriptions have risen by an astounding amount. From 1997 to 2007, “the milligram-per-person use of prescription opioids in the U.S. increased from 74 milligrams to 369 milligrams, an increase of 402%.“ Pharmacies handed out 174 million opioid prescriptions in 2000; in 2009, 257 million prescriptions were given, a 48% increase.

Reasons for the Rise in Abuse

What’s interesting is that there has not been a dramatic rise in accidents and injuries that would cause such an increase in prescription drug use; so what are the reasons for this substantial rise in use and abuse that it is now being called an epidemic?

State Law:

Each state has its own laws; some laws regarding prescription medications are more ‘lax’, thus causing abusers to head to these states for their prescriptions. That being said, these states have more deaths from prescription drug abuse.

Corrupt Doctors:

Unfortunately, corruption does not just exist in poor third world countries; the US has its fair share, some of which are indeed doctors. Much of this corruption began with pharmaceutical companies spending up to 18 billion dollars per year promoting their drugs to doctors. In California a study showed that 3% of doctors handed out 62% of the prescription medications for painkillers.

Advertising:

Turn on the TV and it is almost guaranteed that within 10 commercials a prescription medication advertisement will show. These well put together advertisements make these drugs seem ideal for any individual with even the most minor depression, anxiety, stress, pain, etc. In fact, the United States is one of two countries, the other being New Zealand, that allows ‘direct to consumer’ advertising with prescription drugs. This means that the average person in America is so familiar with medications that there is very little stigma attached to them.

Internet:

Although prescription medications can be rather easily obtained directly, around 5% of abusers choose to order through online pharmacies. Even though it is widely accepted these online websites can be risky not only for the importation of drugs, but also there is a high possibility of counterfeit medications that contain potentially dangerous substances.

Friends and Family:

Due to the relaxed attitude that individuals seem to have on prescription drugs, up to 70% of users and abusers are getting some of their medications directly from family or friends. Unfortunately, many of these people are unaware of the abuse until it is too late.

Legal:

Many people, especially younger adults as well as teenagers, believe that prescription drugs are safe to abuse because they are legal and prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Lack of Education:

It is apparent that there is an enormous lack of education when it comes to prescription drugs and the dangers surrounding not only their use, but also their abuse.

If you or someone you know abuses or has an addiction to prescription drugs, please contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today.

Continue to Part 2 to find out what the most abused prescription drugs in the United States are and what is being done to combat this epidemic.

It’s that time of the year; when people throughout the world decide various goals they would like to set and accomplish during the upcoming New Year. New Year’s resolutions help people to reflect on their own life and furthermore, determine various ways on which they can improve different aspects. People choose to change the way things are at this time because the New Year represents a fresh start and clean slate.

For individuals who may be struggling with an addiction or those in recovery, the New Year is a fantastic time to set goals and make new positive choices for the near future. Let’s face it; though making resolutions is one thing, sticking to them is another matter. Something so important as deciding to quit drinking or using, getting treatment, going to more recovery meetings, etc. are all great resolutions, but how does one stick by them, let’s take a look.

Specify Your Resolution

Many addicts may make their New Year’s resolution something like, “I will quit drinking” or “I will go to extra recovery meetings”. This is a great start, but making the resolution more specific will defiantly help the person achieve success. Instead of a vague statement, try “I will no longer drink beginning on January 1, 2012 and begin treatment on the 2nd” or “I will go to a recovery meeting on Mon., Wed., and Fri. from now on.”

Write Your Resolutions Down

Treatment teaches addicts to write things down; so just as someone would write down their recovery goals and achievements down, writing out New Year’s resolutions can be one step closer to a positive outcome. Begin by writing down simple steps on how to achieve each resolution. Once this has been done, place these goals in a visible spot (or multiple areas) where they can be seen every day. By planning it out, one is able to stay positive, more focused and on track.

Keep Out the Doubt

Negative feelings such as doubt, fear, anxiety is common, but keeping them off the mind are important. Turn the “I can’t” attitude into an “I can” or “I will” attitude. Any kind of negative statements will only cause self sabotage and will slow any progress that has been made so far. If and when any negative thoughts come about, take control, and turn them into positive healthy thoughts.

Find Support

Finding someone to support your New Year’s resolutions and help keep you on track, such as a friend, family member, therapist, or sponsor. Talk to this supporter about the goals often; discuss challenges that have come up and all progress that has been made.

Reward Yourself

Sometimes people find it beneficial to develop a reward system to implement when they have accomplished a resolution. A nice dinner out or an outing to the movies are both simple examples, but nice rewards that can help a person stick to their plan and stay on the right path.

Relax

Stress, anxiety, and any other overwhelming feelings can cause a person to slip. In order to avoid this delay, try putting aside a certain amount of time each and every day to look within and relax. Breathing exercises, meditation, walking, or even a hot bath are all great methods to find a still calmness that can help anyone bring themselves one step closer to achieving their New Year’s resolution.

Need Treatment? We Are Here for You

Perhaps, your New Year’s resolution is to get treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction; if so, contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today. We can help you to achieve your goal, allowing you to live a happier, healthier, and fulfilled life.

The Cabin Chiang Mai would like to wish all of our readers a very Happy New Year.

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.”

Written by Anonymous

Many people associate luxury rehab centers with celebrities, millionaires, and top executives; in fact, people from every kind of background takes advantage of the benefits that these treatment centers have to offer. A luxury rehab center is not just about the comfortable bed and superb facilities; they also have numerous extra benefits that a standard rehab simply may not be able to offer patients. Below are some of the extra benefits that these rehabilitation centers have to offer.

Benefit 1: Patient to Staff Ratio

Patient to staff ratio is very important at any rehab. Unfortunately, many standard rehabs are unable to accommodate a large amount of staff for their patients because they lack funding. A luxury rehab center will typically have more staff members on site for each patient. This truly gives the opportunity for the patient to be under the care of a knowledgeable staff member throughout their stay.

Benefit 2: Treatment

A luxury rehab often offers some of the best addiction treatment that money can buy. Counselors, therapists, and the other staff on hand may be considered some of the best in the industry. Many of them have had years upon years of experience and know exactly how to go about treating a drug or alcohol addiction. Another important benefit of a luxury rehab is that they often offer several hours of one on one therapy each week. This type of treatment is proven to be highly effective for addiction recovery.

Benefit 3: Alternative Care

Aside from the top notch counseling and therapies offered, a luxury rehab may take pride in the alternative care that is also included in their addiction programs. Fitness, meditation, yoga, biking, massage, and other healthy pursuits are all beneficial for helping a patient both physically and mentally heal their wounds; giving them strength to succeed in their recovery.

Benefit 4: Cuisine

Cuisine is a feature that is defiantly a part of a luxury rehab center. Many will have chefs that prepare outstanding food for patients throughout the day. There is typically an emphasis on nutrition as this will help to enhance the health of the patient, which is needed for a healthy recovery.

Benefit 5: Comfortability

A luxury rehab center would not be complete without the extra amenities to help patients feel more comfortable. Many centers offer incredible private rooms with quality linens, large bathrooms, and other extravagant features. This extra comfort may seem unimportant, but it has been included to help the individual feel more relaxed and at peace with themselves, thus allowing them to become more receptive to treatment.

Benefit 6: Surroundings

Rehabs that are small, in unpleasant locations, and have a ‘hospital like feel’ can cause a patient stress; therefore, causing them to be unable to fully focus on recovery. Luxury rehabs tend to choose some of the best locations in the world. They choose these astounding locations because they are able to help a patient relax and heal from their addiction in beautiful surroundings.

Benefit 7: World Class Programs

The Cabin Chiang Mai is a private luxury rehab center located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We have created a program that understands the needs of the individual. Absolutely no expense has been spared in creating this world class program to treat drug and alcohol addictions. We have some of the rehabilitation industries best counselors and staff on hand to help each patient get through their struggles.

Anyone who has an addiction to drugs or alcohol can greatly benefit from everything a luxury rehab has to offer. These treatment centers can truly uplift the mind, body, and spirit of the individual; making recovery more enjoyable.

If you or someone you care about has an addiction and would like to experience the benefits of a luxury rehab and our comprehensive treatment we have to offer, please contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today, we are here to help.