Addiction is the repetitive, compulsive use of a substance or activity despite negative consequences. Often, addiction is diagnosed using the “three C’s of addiction”—compulsion, loss of control, and consequences.
There are many signs that you may be misusing or abusing substances or gambling. If you find yourself questioning if you have a problem, you may be on the verge of developing one, or you may already be experiencing one. One great way to know for sure is to have a free, confidential evaluation. You can speak to an addictions specialist and get a good, firm foundation to find out where you are on the possible spectrum. Call Way Back Inn for a free confidential consultation: 708-345-8422.
There are many indicators and warning signs that your loved one or friend may be misusing or abusing a substance or gambling. Ultimately, if you sense that something is “off,” “wrong,” or “different” about your loved one, approach the topic with empathy and directness. It is okay to ask your loved one simply, “are you using heroin?” and to take it from there. If you would like some guidance on how to approach this topic with your loved ones and how to connect them with the appropriate resources, please contact us at 708-345-8422 ext. 1 or email [email protected].
Inpatient treatment is generally a 28-day stay at a treatment facility where clients are not permitted to leave the grounds at any time until they discharge. Long-term treatment, or Extended Residential Care (ERC), is an elongated, less-restrictive version of an inpatient program. At the ERC level, clients are able to leave the grounds – in fact, they are encouraged to do so in order to seek/obtain employment, work/volunteer, engage in 12-step peer support meetings, etc. There is a nightly curfew, and certain therapeutic activities are scheduled into the daily and weekly structure of this level.
We are here to meet you where you are in your recovery. During the initial phone screen, clinical staff will help you determine the appropriate level of care for your needs. If you begin your journey in our Extended Residential Care program, your individual counselor will help determine if you are ready to graduate from the initial stages of Extended Residential Care treatment and move into one of our Recovery Homes. Critical elements in graduating through the levels of care include continued abstinence from substances, increased coping skills, development of a relapse prevention plan, progress toward stable employment and maintaining a budget, and other areas of progress. Ultimately, you have all the tools already innately inside of you—we’re here to help you rebuild your life with them.
Research in the field of substance and gambling use disorders indicates that the longer someone remains in treatment or in recovery environments, the higher the chance they have at obtaining long-lasting sobriety. Connection is vital to sustaining recovery, especially to others with similar struggles and tools for overcoming them.