What Are the Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic?

signs of a functioning alcoholic

When you think about what an alcoholic is, you more than likely paint a harsh picture. In your mind, an alcoholic’s life is falling apart, and they may be living on the margins of society. While there are people who fit that profile, there are people who struggle with alcohol abuse yet can live a normal life and can perform their work, school, and family duties with seemingly no issues. People that fall into this category are known as functioning alcoholics.

This article will further explore the high-functioning alcoholic and the signs of a functioning alcoholic. Do you feel that you are sliding further down the slippery slope of alcohol abuse? If the answer is yes, the Last House can help you. Our network of evidence-based sober living homes provides the clinical and peer support you need to stop drinking once and for all. Call us today to learn more about our Los Angeles sober living program.

What is a Functioning Alcoholic?

Also commonly known as high-functioning alcoholics, a functioning alcoholic can maintain a “normal life” by continuing to perform and succeed at their job and home. For the most part, the functioning alcoholic can maintain close family relationships and friendships. Additionally, the functioning alcoholic has avoided legal consequences. When compared to the classic definition of the alcoholic, the highly functioning alcoholic may not experience blackouts, display personality changes, or experience wide emotional swings.

What Are the Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic?

If you have read previous blogs, you know that the signs of addiction can be difficult to detect. Many addicts can hide their substance use from loved ones and can deflect concern from loved ones when questioned about their abuse of substances. With a highly functioning alcoholic, spotting trouble is even more difficult. Since a functioning alcoholic can perform at work and home and not get into trouble, it is seen they can “handle their cups”.

As we know, addiction is a slippery slope. While a functioning alcoholic can “keep it together”, it may only take an event or series of events to send them down the proverbial rabbit hole and into a full-blown addiction. Also, the amount of alcohol they consume can cause significant health issues down the road. The following are common functional alcoholic symptoms:

Can’t Have “Just One Drink”

One of the most common signs of a functioning alcoholic is they can’t have “just one drink”. Despite what they may say, they are unable to limit their alcohol intake. They may finish a drink at one bar and head to another, or they may finish other people’s drinks.

They Drink Rather Than Eat

Functioning alcoholics may replace a meal with a few drinks. While they may eat something during a meal, it may be just enough to have a “base” for the alcohol they will consume.

Having “The Hair of the Dog”

Other telltale signs of a functioning alcoholic are having a drink or two in the morning to take the sting out of a hangover. If someone needs to have a drink in the morning or at unusual times, this may be a sign of a functioning alcoholic.

Engaging in Risky Behavior

Alcohol is often called “liquid courage”, and people who consume alcohol may be prone to acting out and engaging in high-risk behavior. People who are normally quiet and mild-mannered may start engaging in drunk driving and having unprotected sex.

Unable to Curb Drinking

Functioning alcoholics may be able to go about their daily activities while drinking heavily, but they are unable to curb their intake or quit altogether. They may say they can stop whenever they want, but they are unable to follow through.

Need Help With Your Drinking? Call The Last House Today

Do you find yourself drinking more and more? Are you feeling that you are slipping away from loved ones? Do you fear that you are losing your battle against alcohol? Today is the day that you find the help you need. The Last House is Southern California’s premier sober living network. Our sober living homes feature experienced staff as well as top-notch clinical and peer support. Our sober living programs are personalized to meet your specific needs, and we will give you the tools to bring forth the transformation you desire.

Call the Last House toll-free today and begin that change.

What Are the Types of Support Groups For Families of Addicts?

What Are the Types of Support Groups For Families of Addicts?

It is often said that addiction is a family disease. While the focus of drug treatment is to help and heal the addict, the family must also be part of the recovery process. Each family member has a role in the development of a loved one’s addiction. For the addict to have a supportive environment, the families of addicts must come together and learn how to grow and heal from the ravages of substance abuse.

Support groups for families of addicts provide the tools and support needed for families to understand their role in a loved one’s addiction. This article will explain the role of drug addiction support groups of families in an addict’s recovery. If your loved one is losing their battle with addiction, call the Last House toll-free right now. Our sober living programs are specifically created to help addicts and the families of addicts move past addiction and grow stronger.

Call us today to learn more about our Los Angeles sober living program.

What Are Addiction Support Groups for Families?

In simple terms, support groups for families of addicts allow people with similar experiences with addiction to share their stories in a safe and non-judgmental environment. These groups focus on supporting families of addicts and encouraging them to be active in their loved one’s recovery. Additionally, families of addicts support groups to provide resources that help families find the help they need to heal the entire family unit. Recovery support groups for families are an essential part of an overall recovery plan during and after formal treatment has ended and as the newly recovering addicts return home and resume their normal daily activities.

What Are the Types of Support Groups for Families of Addicts?

When a family struggles with a loved one’s substance abuse, they often feel alone. Fortunately, there are many family support groups available that can provide the encouragement and support they need. Some examples of family support groups are the following:

Alanon and Alateen

Alanon is a worldwide fellowship that provides a recovery program for families and friends of people addicted to alcohol. Alanon encourages families to provide support for someone with an alcohol addiction. If the person addicted is a teenager, families of addicts can turn to Alateen.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones is a Christian-based support group that provides hope through education and support to the parents of addicted loved ones. These meetings are open to all people, regardless of faith or background.

Families Anonymous

Formed in 1971, Families Anonymous is a 12-step group for family members of loved ones addicted to drugs, alcohol, or related behavioral health conditions. Like other family self-help support groups, Families Anonymous encourages attendees to share their experiences and struggles of a family member’s addiction in a safe and supportive environment.

GRASP

GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing) is a support group for families and others who have lost loved ones due to substance abuse. GRASP was created to offer understanding, compassion, and support for those who have lost someone they love through addiction and overdose.

The Benefits of Support Groups for Families of Addicts

The benefits of family addiction support groups are numerous. As already discussed, these groups bring together families who share similar situations. In these groups, people can work through the stress and guilt associated with a loved one’s addiction together. These groups also teach families how to set healthy boundaries and eliminate the enabling behavior that allows addicts to continue using without consequences. Thirdly, family support groups help members let go of anger and resentment. Most importantly, drug addiction support groups for families give family members education and knowledge about addiction itself and how it impacts the user and those they love.

Does Your Family Need Help and Support for an Addicted Loved One?

Having a family member struggle with addiction creates heartbreak and hopelessness. While you may feel your loved one may never get the help, the help they need is just a phone call away. The Last House is Los Angeles County’s premier sober living program for men. We understand that family support is crucial to a loved one’s long-term recovery. Our sober living facilities feature family support meetings in addition to clinical and peer support. These programs and services give clients the tools they need to overcome addiction for good.

The Last House is Southern California’s premier sober living network. Our sober living homes feature experienced staff as well as top-notch clinical and peer support. Our sober living programs are personalized to meet your specific needs, and we will give you the tools to bring forth the transformation you desire.

Call the Last House toll-free today and begin that change.

How to Convince Someone to Go to Rehab?

When your loved one struggles with substance abuse, you and your family feel helpless and heartbroken. You try time and time again to get them the help they need, but they refuse your help and deny they even have a problem at all. With each attempt unsuccessful, you feel like you are banging your head against a wall. Learning how to convince someone to go to rehab is an art in itself. In this article, you will learn the finer points of convincing someone to go to rehab.

The Last House is a comprehensive sober living home in Los Angeles. Contact us today to learn more about our sober living program for men in Southern California.

Why Do Addicts Refuse Rehab?

As you are well aware, addiction is a serious medical and mental health issue. It is estimated that 21 million Americans are struggling with addiction in the United States. While there are many excellent evidence-based treatment programs available to help addicts, only 1 in 10 addicts receive help. One of the main reasons why this percentage is low is the simple fact that addicts refuse treatment. Why do so many addicts who need help refuse help?

One of the biggest reasons it is difficult to convince someone to go to rehab is the stigma surrounding addiction. While addiction is now seen as a disease, many people still feel that addiction is a moral failing. If an addict considers rehab, they think others perceive them as weak. Another reason that addicts avoid rehab is the cost. Many rehab facilities cost tens of thousands of dollars, and many addicts fear they will not be able to afford rehab even if they have insurance.

Additionally, people may not go to rehab because they have been to treatment in the past but were unsuccessful in completing treatment. Convincing someone to go to rehab when they have tried and failed is a tough sell. While there are many reasons why addicts refuse treatment, learning how to convince someone to go to rehab the right way can provide the motivation the addict needs to get into rehab and get sober.

How to Convince Someone to Go to Rehab

Learning how to convince someone to go to rehab takes time and preparation. While it takes some effort, you increase the chances your loved one or friends get the help they need to get clean. First and foremost, take the time to learn about the disease of addiction. Talk to your doctor and local addiction professionals about your loved one’s addiction. Additionally, learn about all the treatment options available and the programs and services rehabs provide.

Secondly, have an open and honest talk with your addicted loved one. It is important to have this discussion at a time when your loved one is not using substances or under the influence. Be supportive, calm, and focus on the facts. While difficult, try and keep your emotions in check and avoid piling on or ganging up on your loved one. Take the time to fully listen to your loved one or friend and be empathetic to their experience and what they are going through.

It is also important to set healthy boundaries and avoid enabling. Do not bail them out financially by paying rent or bills. It is also crucial that you hold them accountable for their actions. When you offer support, it is healthy to support the positive decisions they make in getting help for their substance abuse. If you still run into resistance, you will need to consider an intervention. If you do take the intervention route, you must bring a professional interventionist or addiction professional on board.

Has Your Loved One Accepted Treatment? The Last House Can Help!

If your loved one or friend has accepted they need help with their addiction, there are many excellent treatment options available. If your loved one is determined to get well and can benefit from a sober living environment, The Last House can help. The Last House is Los Angeles County’s premier sober housing network. We offer state-of-the-art amenities, top-notch staff, and clinical support that will help your loved one transform into the healthy and happy person they deserve to become.

Today is the day your loved one breaks free from the shackles of substance abuse. Call the Last House toll-free today and begin the healing process

What is the Importance of Family Support Addiction Recovery?

When we discuss the devastating impacts of addiction, the primary focus is on the addict. This makes perfect sense because their behaviors have long-reaching consequences on loved ones and the community. However, focusing on the addict is only half the story. For the addict to have the best chance at long-term recovery, the addict’s family must be involved in the recovery process. Family support addiction recovery improves the addict’s chance of staying in treatment and achieving long-term recovery. This article will discuss the importance of family addiction support as well as the benefits of addiction help for families.

The Last House has been offering structured sober living for men in Los Angeles for over a decade. Contact us today to learn about our LA sober living program.

Why is Addiction a Family Disease?

When discussing family support addiction recovery, it is often said that addiction is a family disease. For some families, this may be difficult to understand. In reality, the addiction of the user consumes the entire family. When a family member struggles with substance abuse, each family member takes on a role. There may be a family member or members may that enable the addict while another family member becomes obsessed with “fixing” their loved one. Additionally, there will be others that feel great resentment because the addict receives all the care and attention.

To truly help the addict become clean and sober, the family unit as a whole needs to heal. Professional help for families of addicts allows the family unit to come together, understand what part they played in a loved one’s addiction, and learn healthy coping and communication skills. Family support addiction recovery programs provide a nurturing environment for the addict to recover and become more confident in working on a program of recovery.

Does Addiction Run in Families?

Perhaps the most asked question regarding addiction is if addiction is genetic. The reality of addiction is that genetics plays a role in the formation of addiction but is not the sole cause of addiction itself. Addicts that have a family history of substance abuse may have genetic traits which make them more vulnerable to addiction. It is important to note that while people may inherit certain genetic traits that make them more likely to develop an addiction, they may never develop an addiction. The presence of other factors, such as family dysfunction, pre-existing mental illness, trauma, neglect, and lack of healthy coping skills, need to be taken into account.

What are the Benefits of Family Support Addiction Recovery?

As stated earlier, family addiction support programs are crucial for healing the entire family unit. The following are the major benefits of family support in addiction recovery:

Support

Perhaps the biggest benefit of family programs is support. Throughout the rehab process, the family learns they are not alone in dealing with a loved one’s substance abuse. Many family support addiction recovery programs include family support groups such as AA and NA and family-oriented support groups like Al-Anon and Alateen. These groups give families support and encouragement from others who are in similar situations. Ultimately, the family and the addict can be empowered to make the changes needed to create healthier relationships.

Stops Enabling Behaviors

Another benefit of family support addiction programs is that family members identify and stop enabling behaviors that hinder an addict’s path to recovery. Enabling behaviors occur when family members try to help an addict get on their feet, but these actions end up doing more harm than good. These behaviors can include paying rent and bills of the addict, giving rides to the addict, and making excuses for an addict’s behavior. These programs help families realize their role in their loved one’s addiction, and they will learn to replace those ineffective behaviors with more healthy behaviors.

Continuing Care

Ultimately, family therapy and related programs help both the addict and the family understand that the recovery process takes a lifetime. While completing a treatment program is an important milestone, ongoing therapy, and care are crucial in continuing to strengthen recovery. These aftercare options include sober living and intensive outpatient among others.

Family Involvement is the Key to Recovery

If a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it takes the help of the family to help the healing process. The Last House recognizes this fact, and our sober living programs emphasize strong family support and evidence-based clinical programs administered by experienced professionals. When your loved one enters our premier sober living facilities in Los Angeles County, you will see them transformed into the loving and healthy individuals they are meant to be.

Call the Last House today and start a new and exciting chapter in life.

How Do I Know If I Am an Alcoholic?

How Do I Know If I Am an Alcoholic?

Are you questioning your drinking habits? Do you enjoy drinking alcohol, but sense that you may be enjoying it a little too much? Alcoholism is a progressive and devastating disease that destroys the lives of users that the ones they love. Alcohol addiction is gradual in its development, and it is often difficult to sense when something isn’t right. You may be at that crossroads, and you may be asking the question of how do I know if I am an alcoholic?

If you are asking yourself that hard question, this article will give you the information you need to find definitive answers. You will learn more about the signs of alcohol abuse as well as the long-term effects of alcohol abuse. Importantly, you will learn where you can find help. If the constant question of am I an alcoholic is an everyday occurrence, call the Last House today. We provide sober living and clinical support to help you find lasting recovery.

 

What Are the Signs of Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse can range from mild, moderate, to severe based on the signs that you experience. The common signs of alcohol abuse include the following:

  • Being unable to cut back or quit drinking despite wanting to
  • Feeling ashamed by the amount of alcohol you consume
  • Spending significant time drinking, thinking about drinking, or recovering from drinking
  • Feeling urges to drink alcohol regularly
  • Continuing to drunk even when it prevents you from fulfilling obligations at work, school, or home
  • Continuing to drink even though it damages relationships
  • Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies to use alcohol
  • Developing a tolerance to alcohol, so you have to drink more to achieve the same effects

 

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Use?

If you abuse alcohol for long periods, you will experience a variety of damaging effects on your health. Long-term alcohol use interferes with the communication pathways in the brain, and you will experience problems with cognition and motor movement. Long-term drinking can also damage the heart and increase the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart arrhythmias. You can also increase your risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver and alcoholic hepatitis.

Disturbingly, chronic alcohol misuse increases the risk of developing certain forms of cancer including the following:

  • Head and neck cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer

 

How Do I Know If I Am an Alcoholic?

So comes the million dollar question:

How do I know if I am an alcoholic?

To truthfully answer that question, you must stop and take an honest look at your drinking. The following are telltale signs that you are engaging in problem drinking:

  • Constant cravings for alcohol
  • Drinking in isolation
  • Losing interest in activities you once loved
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Withdrawal
  • Prioritizing drinking over your other responsibilities
  • Drinking first thing in the morning
  • Intense and persistent feelings of guilt
  • Feeling unable to control how much alcohol you drink or to stop drinking
  • Continuing to drink despite family, financial, and health problems

You can also take an alcohol test to determine if you are an alcoholic. Tests such as the CAGE Substance Abuse Screening Tool and the AUDIT Test are helpful in enabling you see the bigger picture. If you determine that you are an alcoholic, you must seek professional help. The rehab program you choose must have evidence-based programs such as detox, therapy, life, and coping skills training, 12-step group support, and aftercare options, among others. Experienced treatment staff must be able to customize a program that meets your specific needs.

 

The Last House: Sober Living That Makes a Difference

Are you struggling with alcohol abuse but are unable to commit to an inpatient program? Are you new in recovery and need extra support as you transition back into your daily life? As one of Southern California’s premier sober living networks, The Last House provides men from all walks of life with evidence-based sober living and clinical support programs that transform your life. The tools and support from staff and peers at The Last House will give you a solid foundation to build lasting recovery.

Are you ready to live your best life? Call The Last House today.

What Happens After Rehab Ends?

Completing a drug rehab program is a major accomplishment. During your stay in treatment, you worked hard to address and overcome the underlying issues of your addiction. As you progress in treatment, you become mentally and physically strong and healthy. Knowing that you have completed treatment, and you are ready to return to your daily life with both feet. While completing drug rehab is worthy of celebration, what happens after rehab ends?

The reality is that the real work in recovery starts when treatment ends. To minimize the risk of relapse, it is highly advisable to undergo some sort of continuing care. This article focuses on the importance of relapse prevention programs and why continuing care is important to maintain long-term recovery.

Contact The Last House today to learn more about our structured sober living for men in Los Angeles.

 

What is the Continuum of Care?

In a discussion about what happens after rehab ends, we must understand that drug rehab isn’t a singular event that you experience. As a whole, drug treatment is seen as a treatment system where the appropriate level of care is matched with your specific needs. This system comprises the following evidence-based programs:

  • Medical detoxification
  • Inpatient treatment
  • Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
  • Traditional outpatient treatment
  • Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
  • Aftercare programs

When you enter treatment, experienced professionals will conduct a thorough physical and psychological examination to determine the appropriate level of care. As you progress in treatment, the level of care can change as your needs change. Having this continuum of care is critical to your long-term recovery and success—especially when formal treatment ends.

 

What Happens After Rehab Ends?

So what happens after rehab ends? Along with many newly recovering addicts, you may think you just picked up where you left off before you entered treatment. With your mental and physical health restored, you feel confident that you can stay clean and sober as you resume your daily life. While you may feel confident, addiction is a cunning and powerful adversary. The stresses and triggers of your environment can break you down over time. Without the proper support and care, the chances of relapse dramatically increase.

As stated before, the real work in recovery begins when you complete treatment. The real world is a rollercoaster, and you can easily feel overwhelmed away from the security of a rehab program. Relapse prevention programs are invaluable in providing the extra tools and support you need to stay healthy and work your individual recovery program.

 

What is the Importance of Continuing Care and Relapse Prevention?

Continuing care programs are just as important to your sobriety as intensive treatment. These essential programs give you the coping skills and tools needed to handle the stresses of everyday life. When you can understand your stressors and the triggers that can lead to relapse, you are better equipped to move forward in your recovery confidently. The following are three ways in which relapse prevention programs benefit you:

Relapse prevention programs teach you about relapse itself. These programs stress that relapse behavior starts well before you actually use drugs and alcohol. You will learn the signs of emotional and physical relapse, and you will learn to be proactive in dealing with those symptoms before they grow worse.

You learn the triggers and stressors in your environment that lead to relapse. When you experience or see these triggers and stressors, you can put an action plan in place to deal with them in a healthy manner using the right coping skills.

Relapse prevention programs give you the confidence you need to succeed in sobriety. Many newly recovering people get a false sense of security, thinking they are “cured” of addiction. In a relapse prevention program, you fully understand the complexities of addiction and the ways you become vulnerable to triggers and temptations. Knowing the warning signs and learning healthy life and coping skills make you confident in staying the course.

 

Continue Your Recovery Journey with The Last House

Recovery isn’t a singular event; it is a lifelong journey. In that journey, having continued professional and peer support is important in helping you stay sober. The Last House is a top-tier men’s sober living network whose mission is to give you the tools and confidence you need to move forward in your sobriety. Our unique program in Los Angeles combines sober living and clinical programs to help you find the health and happiness you deserve. Call The Last House today and make the commitment to the new you.

Success Story: Cole W

Recovery, let alone sobriety, can be quite the tricky topic to navigate.  Setting aside all the drastic life changes that will need to be made, figuring out how one can go about making these changes to get clean and sober is a whole other beast.  It won’t only be tough for the individual who will be trading in his life for a new one, it is challenging for all the loved ones involved; family, partners, friends.  All parties invested in this process ultimately want the same goal – for the individual to be happy, safe, self-sufficient, and truly free from the enslavement that drugs and alcohol bound over our loved ones for far too long.  But you may be asking yourself, “Where do I even start?  Is therapy the right answer?  What about a rehabilitation treatment center?  Will a 12-step program do the trick?”  These are all valid and vital questions that anyone entering recovery needs to be asking.  However, more important than the question, is the answer….

I can safely say, from my experience, that the one and only question that one needs to be asking is, what direction will provide myself (or whoever is losing their battle with addiction) the best chance for success.  When I say success. I’m not referring to business or their career, but success in life measured through happiness, healthy relationships, fulfilling work, and long-term sobriety.  My family and I are just like you and yours.  We really had no idea what to do.  In truth the only thing we knew for sure is that we could not sit back and do nothing.  My addition ran my life and was rapidly burning my life into the ground, and those closest to me were soon to be casualties that would be engulfed in the flames.  

Slightly backing up – a little background on me.  I grew up in Palos Verdes Estates – the southernmost part of Los Angeles County.  I was the oldest of two children – an 8-year gap separated my brother and I.  Up through high school, I excelled in my studies – achieving a 4.0 GPA, I played two varsity sports – baseball and soccer (one of which I captained) and was a member of the honor jazz band.  Ultimately, these things led me to getting accepted into a 4-year university – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  I don’t mention things these to pump my ego or boast, rather to show that one can have a lot of things going for them – and IT WILL NOT MATTER.  I had my fair share of “run-ins” during high school once I began partying socially during freshman year.  Well, truthfully – it started off as social, but rapidly progressed into daily alcohol and drug use.  I smoked weed, drank, popped all types of pain killers, benzos, barbs, snorted coke, etc.…which ultimately led to a couple arrests, couple suspensions and the list goes on and on.  Things only continued to get worse – in college the drug and alcohol use only progressed as did the consequences: DUI, kicked out of campus dorms, court-ordered community service, employment terminations and on and on.  My life was reduced to nothing.  I felt nothing – outside of never-ending pain, suffering, and bouts of depression that would only be temporarily alleviated by getting loaded.  Sure, I graduated college with my diploma, but I couldn’t support myself in the slightest.  Something had to give – and it sure wasn’t going to be drugs and booze….at least not yet.  I had met with therapists through the years, taken classes for DUI, but had never attended rehab or sober living and all that comes with it.  Hence, I had never experienced recovery.  This downward spiral continued on for a few more years.

Ultimately, at 25 years old with nothing to show for his life – I had reached that point, that breaking point, ‘the bottom’ that the A.A. rooms always talk about – I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  It was time for a change.  I finally asked for help, but where does one even start.  My family and I did like any directionless family might do – we turned to good old Google.  Flooded with an exceedingly high number of detoxes, rehabs, and sober livings, to say we felt overwhelmed would be an understatement.  After numerous phone calls and hours of “picture surfing” online, my family and I settled on a rehab center in West Los Angeles.  The treatment center served its purpose.  It provided me with a snapshot of what a life without drugs and alcohol would look like.  More importantly, it separated me from the lifestyle; the drugs and alcohol, the poor company I kept, and the places that I hung out.  Having been removed from those elements I was able to gain a better sense of clarity for what I needed to do.  Before entering rehab, I had the preconceived notion I would simply return to work after finishing my 30-day treatment as if my life was cured and fixed for good in just one short month.  Let me tell you — that could not have been further from the truth.  I wanted to be clean and sober.  I needed to be clean and sober.  I wanted a better life for myself.  I wanted to be able to suit up and show up for my friends and family.  Yet, if I would have elected to return to my life so soon without developing the necessary skills and resources required, it would have surely ended in disaster.  This is when I made the best decision of my life and chose to enter sober living, specifically The Last House. 

Since I was not familiar with the recovery community, whatsoever, I had never heard of The Last House until I was in treatment.  A friend of mine I made while in rehab was planning on going to The Last House upon completion of his time there.  He, along with a few others in the sober community, told me tales of rigorous structure.  I felt scared, I felt intimidated, I felt like I didn’t need to attend such a program since this was a first go-around at sobriety.  However, for that exact reason, was why I needed to go to The Last House!  I needed to go to a place that would challenge me and force me to transform into the man I always knew I could be.  Of course, it would not be easy.  In fact, it would be quite the opposite.  It would take a lot of effort and energy to see the change I wanted in my life.  But what was I to do?  I wasn’t going on a vacation.  I wasn’t going to appease some external person.  First and foremost, I was going to continue my clean and sober lifestyle, but equally important – I was going to learn how to live a mature life filled with integrity and character.  

I clearly remember my first night in the house like it was only yesterday.  The entire car ride from rehab to The Last House, my body was tense and riddled with anxiety.  The worst expectations of what was to come were racing through my head.  What I was feeling emotionally could be likened to the feeling of sitting in the back of a cop car being driven to the station after committing a crime.  However, what my deceiving mind told me and what I was to experience over the next year were total opposites.  I was finally in a safe environment.  Sure, it was also structured, but most importantly, it was safe, which really alleviated the worries my parents had experienced for ten years running.  They could finally sleep soundly at night.  

Through this journey, the person I was and the way I was living was challenged every single day.  I was pushed to be the best version of myself; to finally after 25 years of living – become a loving son, helpful brother, and caring friend.  I was pushed to grow up and mature into the man I wanted and needed to be. Was the entire time I spent at The Last House easy?  Of course not, but was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!  So, what all did The Last House do for me.  There is not enough space in this letter for me to rave about all of the benefits and positives I learned, but I can give a brief snapshot.  First off, I gained the basic, yet vital skills needed to lead a successful life.  I became punctual, thorough, honest, and accountable.  I can suit up and show up whenever I am called upon whether it be for my family or friends or for work.  I was introduced to A.A and therapy and now work a strong 12-step program daily to address my addiction and alcoholism along with heightening my emotional and mental sobriety.  I gained life-long friends whom I am still in regular contact with to this day.  Whatever twist and turn life may throw may I way – I am now able to navigate without having the need to turn to drugs and alcohol.

Upon graduating from The Last House.  I worked as a manger there for nearly two years before working as a manger over at Thrive Treatment for another two years.  Currently, I run the Supplies and Fulfillment team for a diagnostic laboratory here in Austin, Tx.  I met an incredible women in the rooms of A.A. and we are currently engaged and set to marry in March.  She has 4 years clean and sober while I eclipsed 5. Our entire apartment is clean and organized and the bills are all paid for mind you. I have a fantastic relationship with my entire family – mom, dad, and brother (who I have finally begun mentoring – which unfortunately was 26 years to late – but better late than never).  I have been able to travel both inside and out of the United States visiting numerous states in countries over these past 5 years.  I attend meetings regularly, sponsor other men in the program, and have gone through my steps a few times (currently on step 3).  At the end of the day, I am happy, self-sufficient, and ultimately alive!  My life is continuing to grow and expand, and I am fully looking forward to the future as I have some big dreams for my life – as you should as well!  None of this would have been possible without the support and guidance provided to me from The Last House. 

Success Stories: Jacob K

When I came into the last house, I was a shell of a human being. Even at three months sober I showed signs I would describe as feral and selfish tendencies. I came in, believing the world centered around me from the trauma. I experienced grandiose thinking and expectations I had of how the world should be. I came into the house terminally unique, vindictive and with a victim mentality. They were walls built up over the decades and a mask that I wore is heavy as iron. I did not see myself as worthy of a real life to which it took over three months of delusional thinking for a shift to begin. There was no white light experience, but rather a trial by fire. Slowly but surely I began to see life as a sober man was possible, and not just by abstaining from getting loaded. A thing that I never even considered, emotional sobriety. I began to embrace the concept of gratitude for what was in my life which were no longer material. As mentioned this was not an overnight procedure. Many times my thinking was challenged. Slowly but surely I began to show that I could be responsible. It was shown to me that it was no longer about me, but that I could help those around me. I noticed that it felt better to help then search out selfish actions. The world did not change, simply my views of it did  Glimpses of hope began to spring through each difficulty that was overcame. Life wasn’t happening to me, it was happening for me. The more I let go and let God everything became clear and my fears slowly subsided. A newfound confidence emerged with a moral compass that was no longer pointing to my wants emerged. Lastly, a feeling and belief I had long ago forgotten, hope.  I do not regret my past for it led me here. I have a newfound freedom in life, and for that I will always be grateful.

Success Stories: Ryan S

Before coming to the last house, I had no idea what it meant to maintain long-term sobriety. I was driven by the guilt and shame of my past, and the crippling anxiety that I would not be able to accomplish anything in my future. I had isolated myself from everything, and had no idea what the solution looked like. The Last House gave me something to believe in and slowly but surely my outlook began to change.  It taught me the importance of routine and what it actually took to have a good work ethic. The program helped me channel all of my energy to actually set and accomplish long-term goals. The entire process humbled me and brought me back to reality. I was shown how to participate in AA, how to be grateful for the little things, and what it meant to truly care for others. Last House gave me community and the right frame of mind to figure out what I want my life to look like and what is this going to take to achieve my goals.

What is Couples Rehab?

What is Couples Rehab?

In recent times, the number of couples struggling with drug or alcohol addiction has been on the increase. Married partners and cohabiting couples who share drug addiction often quarrel. They generally experience emotional distance and are emotionally disturbed in most instances.

Usually, members of such intimate relationships spend a lot of time influencing one another by taking drugs and alcohol. This results in a cycle of continuous substance use for stress relief and getting away from problems. Unfortunately, in worse instances, a couple’s drug addiction problems may go on to impact other members of the family.

The implication of being addicted to a substance and being around a partner who does the same is that dropping off the addiction can be more difficult. In addition, when couples influence their drug addictions in this manner, it becomes challenging for any of the partners to seek therapy as an individual.

Couples rehab has the means of breaking drug misuse cycles and helping struggling couples 

Contact The Last House today to learn more about our Los Angles sober living for men.

 

Can Couples Go to Rehab Together?

Therapists in couples drug rehab centers understand that couples with addictions sometimes fear not seeing their partners when treatment begins. As a result, most rehabs for couples are planned in a way that caters to the treatment of both partners simultaneously.

When rehab centers cater to the uniqueness of a couple and accommodate the needs of a relationship, partners have a feeling of not being alone. This improves the results of the recovery process as couples share more enthusiasm. Additionally, couples get to support one another and are dedicated to the recovery of their partners.

A couple’s rehab becomes the best option when both partners are committed to recovery. In addition, rehab for couples can extend into family therapy when couples have children who are impacted by drug misuse.

 

Is Couples Rehab Beneficial in Treatment?

Rehab for couples is beneficial because couples follow an addiction recovery program while strengthening their relationship. Drug recovery treatment for couples includes therapy like behavioral couple’s therapy and family therapy. These programs are geared towards abstinence as well as rebuilding relationships.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of rehab for couples:

  • Couples get to understand themselves better through the course of rehab programs
  • Couples navigate their recovery plans together while clearing assumptions and misconceptions
  • Rehab programs help couples to a sense of responsibility in maintaining their partner’s sobriety
  • When drug recovery is made with a loved one, the process becomes very stress-free
  • Recovery programs allow couples to discuss their addiction problems with other couples
  • Rehab centers usually have couples doing well in their recovery plans. This encourages newer couples
  • Couples get to improve their decision-making concerning finances, parenting, and other necessities.

When couples share recovery programs, they celebrate their successes with each sober milestone reached. Seeing progress in a partner strengthens the resolve to see through the recovery program. What better way to recover from drug addiction than to do so in the arms of a loved one who understands one best?

Couples attending rehab together must put in a great deal of work, commitment, and accountability to their partners. Yet, regardless of the couples rehab center, the goal is to ensure that couples become drug-free and return to safe and healthy lifestyles.

 

How to Find Couples Rehab Centers in Los Angeles

Having more awareness of having couples attend couples’ drug rehab centers, accessing rehab for couples is easy. Take the first step by informing your partner and planning to attend a competent rehab center for couples.

At Last House, we have an ideal setting for couples seeking therapy for drug misuse disorders. Since relationships differ, our structured sober living for men caters to the uniqueness of relationships by focusing on the underlying causes of addiction and structuring peculiar recovery plans.

Here in Los Angeles, we have two sober living homes open to help you and your partner recover. Our friendly staff teams are happy to welcome you into our couple-specific program. If you are struggling with addiction alone or with a loved one, call us. Recovery is only a step ahead. So reach out to us today for help with your addiction.