Category: Blog

Do I Have To Be An Alcoholic To Go To Rehab?

Do I have to be alcoholic to go to rehab?

Do you need to consider yourself to be an “alcoholic” before you go to rehab? The life-changing experience of getting treatment can change everything. But do you need to wait until things deteriorate to ask for help? In this article, we’ll explore, how long you should wait before asking for help, if at all, the first steps towards recovery, the dangers of waiting to ask for help, and the 7 Symptoms of Alcohol Misuse. How Long Should You Wait Before Seeking Help? If your drinking habits are affecting your life, then it’s time to evaluate whether rehab might be the best option. You don’t need to wait, asking for help sooner can put a stop to the inevitable, severe negative consequences that inevitably happen and progress as substance abuse continues and addiction develops. You don’t need to wait until your…

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Secondhand Drinking

How Alcohol Abuse Hurts People Around Us Secondhand drinking is a real issue. While most who struggle with alcohol abuse or dependence are convinced that they’re only affecting themselves, unfortunately, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.  A recent study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that around 53 million people in the US – that’s one out of every five adults – experience harm by someone else’s alcohol use. The report showed that, not unlike secondhand nicotine use related smoke, drinking “causes significant harm to those other than the drinker.”  That harm can come in the form of harassment, violence, property damage, car accidents or family and interpersonal problems. Researchers are calling for more attention to what they see as a “significant public health issue.” Alcohol’s Profound Effects On Those We Love When in…

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One of World’s Top Private Rehabs

Serenity Vista featured by The Visitor magazine as a World Top Private Rehab for alcohol & drug addiction treatment

Serenity Vista Featured as a Top Private Rehab Serenity Vista is not a typical ‘rehab’. Now in its 8th year, Serenity Vista has helped numerous people from all over the world to recover from alcoholism and other forms of addiction. The English speaking program is ideal for North American or European expats living in Central and South America, locals who are able to speak English, and any other individual worldwide that is seeking a private, discreet and extremely effective holistic addiction treatment. What makes Serenity Vista unique in the world? A maximum of 6 guests, and an individualized holistic program treating body, mind and spirit. The dedication and passion of the co-founders, John and Jane Derry, and their carefully picked ex-pat professional team of therapists and facilitators are impressive. Located in beautiful Boquete, the setting is spacious and tranquil. The…

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Sober Through Halloween Shenanigens

Sober Through Halloween

Staying Sober through Halloween Hauntings If this is your first year sober at Halloween – Congratulations! If this is your 2nd, 3rd or more Halloweens sober – Congratulations! If you aren’t sober yet, but hoping to be really soon – Congratulations! I guess this covers everybody except the non-alcoholics and the alcoholics who still consider their shenanigans fun. There, now everybody is covered. Some of you may be wondering how to get through this Haunting Holiday without the ‘trick or not-treat’ of picking up a drink or a drug. It can be a daunting haunting! (sorry, that was bad) But seriously what about staying sober through Halloween? Halloween in the Early Days Kids learn really early to love this holiday, especially the ‘addicts in waiting’. What could be more fun than dressing up in creepy clothes, or being an angel…

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When Is It Time To Go To Rehab?

Alcoholism Treatment

‘Now’ is Always The Best Time If things start to go wrong – you don’t have to go with them The Best Time to go to Rehab is Before it is REALLY bad There is a saying in the rooms of recovery that a smart person can learn from their mistakes, but a wise person can learn from other people’s mistakes. When we are talking about the life threatening disease of addiction, we would all be wise not to make the fatal mistakes. The course of alcohol, nicotine and other drug addiction has been well charted over the centuries. Right now in Anytown, Anycountry, you can see the progression of the disease in the newspapers, on the streets, or maybe even in your own bedroom. Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease; untreated it never gets better, always worse. The three places…

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9 Steps to Stay Sober and Still Have Fun

Steps to Stay Sober and Still Have Fun

Stay Sober and Have Fun Challenging as it may seem, you can still have fun sober – even when you go out to events, parties and at the weekend. It’s a matter of re-learning how to have fun without drugs or alcohol and re-creating a new fulfilling life that you truly enjoy. This can seem boring or daunting at first because so many social activities revolve around alcohol in our society. In the beginning, it’s perfectly normal to have pulls on your mind that entice you to go back to old habits. The good news is that you can have way more fun sober if you get creative and explore all of the options that life has to offer. Being sober, we can enjoy a wide variety of activities and remember everything that happened. Often people feel that they don’t…

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Treating Alcoholism

Alcoholism Treatment

Treating Alcoholism: Rehab or Spiritual Retreat? There are some options to explore if you are ready to put down the bottle for good – and change your life. If you are reading this, it may be your time for treating alcoholism. Ready For Recovery From Alcoholism Imagine the scenario: person, head down on the table, crying, confused. Maybe angry, definitely experiencing frustration. The person is drunk. Again. Yesterday there was the promise to stop drinking. But, there they are, drunk again. How did that happen? We know, yesterday they were as sincere as humanly possible – “I’m not going to drink tomorrow!” Alcohol – cunning, baffling, powerful. Why Do I Drink When I Know My Family and I Will Suffer? If people are sincere in their desire to stop drinking, why is that they keep getting drunk, over and over?…

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What Marianne Williamson’s Spiritual Message Teaches Us About Addiction Recovery and Universal Truth

Addiction is far more than just a dependence on substances. It’s an experience loaded with spiritual significance, and one that can serve as an important entry point into your journey of self-discovery and universal love. Seeing it in this context helps us understand why holistic addiction recovery is such a profoundly transformative experience – something internationally acclaimed author and presidential candidate Marianne Williamson has recently been bringing to national attention.   A Course in Miracles and Sobriety Many parallels have been drawn between Marianne Williamson’s teachings, A Course in Miracles (ACIM), and AA’s 12 Steps. “Many people in recovery who were attracted to ACIM,” Williamson explains, “first because the principles are the same; and secondly, because the eleventh step—to seek through prayer and meditation a conscious contact with God—is something ACIM helps accomplish.” While, in behavioral terms, addiction can be seen as…

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Addiction Problems – Recovery Solutions

Addiction Problems Grow and are Complex. Serenity Vista offers solutions, alcoholism, drug rehab centers

Sick & Tired Addiction Creates Many Problems Alcoholism and drug addiction problems grow as the disease progresses. Anyone struggling with addiction will readily describe a host of mounting problems in their life. Family members living with an addict will agree. There is a negative impact on all aspects of the alcoholic or addict’s life. The disease is chronic, progressive. If untreated, it is potentially fatal. This short article only briefly touches upon the extent of addiction’s negative consequences. A more comprehensive review may be found here. Addiction warps the mind, distorts life, and destroys relationships. Physical addiction itself is a major problem with a host of medical consequences. There are numerous secondary problems that are just as detrimental. Multiple Addictions Addictions often lead to and exacerbate other addictions. When the alcoholic is in the throws of a drinking binge, she…

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