It’s hard enough to admit you have a problem. Then you have to ask for help. In 2016, 3.6 million brave souls did ask for help. 2.1 million of them received that help in a private facility. When you decide you’ve had enough and you need help, there are a lot of decisions to make. Deciding where to seek treatment is one of the most important of those decisions. Many times, a private rehab center may be the best choice for you. Here are six key benefits of making the choice to choose a private center to get the help you deserve.

1. They’ll Develop A Personalized Treatment Plan

There is no one reason why someone develops an addiction. The reasons vary from person to person depending on their life circumstances and their choices. That’s why one of the best ways to ensure a successful outcome is to develop a personalized treatment plan for each person who enters the private rehab. A personalized plan starts with diagnostic testing. Psychological assessments and physical exams are also performed. Each of the therapies offered as a part of the treatment plan is tailored based on a specific set of criteria. People have different learning styles and personal histories. Each patient’s needs will change depending on the type of substance(s) they use. How long the patient has been abusing the drug(s) of choice will also factor into the personalized plan.

2. Close Medical Supervision

A private rehab center can provide the type of close medical supervision someone recovering from substance abuse so desperately needs. Detoxifying from substances often requires medical attention. The body and mind will have different reactions when the drugs they were so dependent on to get them through the day are no longer being used. But there’s more to addiction than just physical addiction. There is always a psychological reason why the patient chose to start using drugs in the first place. In order to effectively get clean, both the physical and the addictive behaviors must be addressed and dealt with.

3. No Waiting List To Enter The Facility

Public rehab centers often have long waiting lists. When you’ve reached the point where you want to get help, time is important. The longer you have to wait, the easier it is to fall back into bad patterns and habits. It’s easy to convince yourself that you don’t really have a problem. That you can control your addictions yourself. That you’re not really sick after all. Most private rehab centers can accept you immediately. The treatment begins right away. If cost is a worry, there are plenty of ways in which a private center can help you afford the care you deserve. Whether it’s working with your insurance company and even taking a look at scholarships and government programs, it’s about getting good help straight away.

4. A Private Rehab Provides Group And Family Sessions

No one can kick addiction on their own. A support system must be built up to help you transition from a life dependent on drugs to a life without drugs. That means getting other people who are suffering as you involved. A private rehab center offers group therapy. Group therapy is a great way to rebuild relationships and trust. It also helps build up independence for yourself, while allowing other people to help you out when you need it. Group therapy also teaches you that life can be lived and enjoyed without needing drugs or alcohol. This will help you increase your motivation to continue receiving treatment. It also helps improve your self-worth. You can begin to remember that you’re worthy of love and healthy life, even when you’re not the life of the party. Family sessions are also a vital part of receiving proper treatment at a private center. No one person in a family suffers alone. When one person is sick with an addiction, the whole family is affected. With family therapy, broken bonds can now begin to heal. It’s a way for the whole family to recognize the addiction for what it truly is. It’s also a way to share the fears and expectations that each family member has been dealing with. As the family begins to have an open conversation, old wounds begin the heal. New expectations and hope begin to grow.

5. Life Skills Training

Bad habits are learned when someone is struggling with addiction. These bad habits are hard to break and are easy to revert back to after you leave the private rehab center. New skills must be learned in order to cope with the reality of the outside world without turning back to drugs and alcohol. Life skills training involves communication techniques. This includes managing stress and anger. Time management and organizational skills are also taught to help the person create positive coping techniques and new lifestyle foundations. But it’s not just about managing your time to get through the day without relying on drugs or alcohol. Life skills training also includes learning how to take care of your body properly. This means learning about how to eat nutritious meals that help heal your body. It also means incorporating a daily fitness routine into your schedule. Patients are assigned on-site responsibilities to help them learn new and healthy habits they can use after they’ve left the facility to continue the healing process.

6. Transitional Planning

While at a private rehab center, it can feel kind of easy to start using your newly learned habits. It’s leaving and dealing with the real world that makes it a challenge. There are fewer triggers in a rehab center than you’ll find on the outside. Those triggers can be hard to ignore. That’s why 40-60% of all addicts relapse. This is why transitional planning is so vitally important to your treatment. Solutions for avoiding and handling potential temptations must be found. Triggers such as environmental, social, career, and interpersonal must be assessed prior to leaving with a proactive plan for coping with those stressors. Lastly, the more support you have, the easier it is for you to get and stay sober for good. That means leaving a clinic with referrals for physicians, therapists, and 12-step programs.

We’re Here To Help

Accepting help is hard. Most people feel broken and unfixable. But recovery is possible. Our testimonials prove that others have been successful which means you can be, too. Don’t wait to get the help you so desperately need and deserve. Call us today.… Read the rest

One in four women and one in 10 men in the United States live through intimate partner violence, whether physical or emotional. And while it could be predicted that those numbers would rise during shelter-in-place measures in the midst of a pandemic, many domestic-violence organizations saw their number of hotline calls fall by more than 50 percent.

“Here in Central Florida, we’re seeing the same number of cases as we saw before,” said Michelle Sperzel, CEO of Harbor House of Central Florida. “That in itself is scary because we know that domestic violence is increasing because of isolation. The reason we’re not hearing from people, we believe, and we’ve been told by survivors who’ve been coming in, is it’s been very difficult to physically get away. Or their abuser is home all the time, so their ability to reach out and call has been difficult.”

… Read the rest

Domestic violence is a complicated issue.

The reasons a person chooses to stay in or leave an unhealthy relationship are as varied as the people who find themselves being abused by someone they care about.

Keri McGregor is program director at Harbor House, a ministry of Catholic Charities. A sign welcoming clients is behind her. (Advance photo)

Keri McGregor, program director at Harbor House, a ministry of Catholic Charities, said that is why the case managers and counselors at Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter work one-on-one with survivors. They help each person develop a safety plan and strategy just for them.

“It’s important that we are supportive and caring; there is no room for us to be judgmental in any way,” McGregor said. “Each person and case is unique, making each plan unique. In many cases, it takes the survivor seven attempts at leaving the abuser before the relationship is truly over.”

Harbor House has provided advocacy services for domestic violence for 26 years. Best known for providing emergency shelter, McGregor explained that Harbor House is much more than that. Through outreach services, including safety planning, protection order assistance, and counseling, Harbor House helps more than 8,500 people a year.

Harbor House also helps those who don’t need shelter

“Having an emergency shelter in our community for those in imminent danger is a blessing as it allows a safe place for women and children to stay so they can begin to heal, get their feet under them, and access the resources that they need to move their life forward,” McGregor said. “An even bigger blessing is that Harbor House can help thousands of other survivors who do not need a safe house, yet seek counseling, safety planning, and support through our outreach services.”

Domestic violence happens every day in our community, she said, adding that it occurs at the same rate in all socio-economic groups, races, and faiths. It is a pattern of behavior in which one relationship partner tries to control the other through violence, intimidation, or threats. The abuse can be physical, emotional, or mental.

McGregor said that seeing firsthand the physical, emotional, and mental damage that one human is capable of inflicting on another is difficult but is balanced by witnessing the courage and resolve shown by survivors. Equally challenging for her and her staff of case managers, counselors, and support staff is to see what domestic violence does to the children who witness it.

“Too many children in our communities witness domestic violence,” McGregor said, adding that this can do significant emotional and mental harm to their young lives. “Our counselors help these children work through their experiences to give them a foundation for a happy, healthy life.

“This will help break the cycle of violence that is often passed down from generation to generation,” she said.… Read the rest

Different Kinds Of Home Rehab Projects

Real estate investors looking at the fix and flip model or the buy and hold model often look for properties that have some sort of value-add feature so that they can boost their investment through price appreciation.  Houses come in different conditions and investors should understand the different type of house repairs that will be needed as part of their investment decision making process.  This article looks at the different conditions investors can expect to find in a home bought for investment purposes.

FIX AND FLIP VS BUY AND HOLD

The two main strategies are fix and flip and buy and hold.  With the fix and flip strategy investors are looking to buy a house that needs repairs, make the repairs and then sell the home for a profit.  With the buy and hold investment strategy the investor is looking to buy a house that needs repairs and then will keep that property in their portfolio as a rental property, making money from the rent and from the increase in value. Could be anything from a mobile home, to a single-family home or could be a barndominium.

As part of the buy and hold strategy or fix and flip strategy many investors will use cash or a hard money loan to make their purchase since the type of homes they are interested in usually do not qualify for a traditional mortgage loan.  Once the repairs have been completed the buy and hold investor will often times refinance the property into a traditional mortgage and take out cash at the same time to make another buy and hold purchase.

LIGHT REHAB

Houses come with different levels of rehab requirements and investment buyers need to understand the differences. With a light rehab most of the work to be done is usually cosmetic in nature.  Paint, updating cabinets with new stain and/or hardware, new carpet, refinished hardwood flooring, and an overall deep cleaning result in a home that looks better and will sell for more than if left as-is.  Generally the windows and doors are in working condition although new paint and new door hardware can improve the look and feel.  Light rehab can also include minor drywall repairs, upgrading fixtures (lights, faucets, etc.) and doing a landscaping refresh.  With a light rehab the exterior is in generally good condition with only paint or simple exterior cleanup needed to improve curb appeal.

MEDIUM REHAB

With a medium rehab, investors will be doing more than just cosmetic work as noted above.  The kitchens and bathrooms may have very old and outdated cabinets where staining/painting and new hardware simply won’t do.  Instead whole bathrooms and the whole kitchens may need to be remodeled.  That means new fixtures (plumbing and light), new tile, new tub/shower, new sinks, new paint and more.  Windows and doors may also need complete replacement due to age or functionality issues.  Generally with a light to medium rehab the investors are not usually having to redo plumbing or HVAC systems other than routine maintenance.  With a medium rehab the exterior may need some work such as new siding, gutter work, trim replacement/repair and more.

FULL REHAB

With a full rehab everything is on the table in terms of repairs/replacing things in a home.  A new HVAC install usually is needed with new ductwork as well.  Plumbing and electrical may have been stripped out of the home for the recycle value and thus needs to be entirely run again.  New roof, foundation and structural issues could also be part of the items that need to be addressed.  These types of homes will have old single pane or non-functional windows that need replacement.  Broken doors, walls that need new drywall in addition to new paint.  .

With these types of houses there may have been hoarders living in the place so there will be the need to remove any trash and excess items from the house.  With deferred maintenance like roof leaks and plumbing leaks that also means possible rotted wood and rotted floor boards that need replacing.  Outside of the frame and envelope of the house everything may need to be addressed in a home requiring a full rehab.

WHY IT MATTERS

The level of experience of the investor and the strength of their team members are key in knowing what the investor should be buying.  Most investors regardless of experience can handle a light rehab and find plenty of ready willing and able contractors to do the work if they are not wanting to do the work themselves.  If they want to do the work on their own then light rehab is easier to handle and can be done quickly enough to make sure the costs of holding the property do not eat into the profit which is especially important for those wanting to sell their property after completing the repairs.  Of course if an investor feels comfortable in taking on a larger rehab that works too but the investor should be careful they are complying with all building codes and obtaining the right permits for work.

Investors need to be coming in with a strategy of what type of property will work best for their situation and skill set.  Investors should also be working on building up a team to help with the process of buying, rehabbing and then selling or renting out the home.  Team members include a real estate agent, lender, contractors, and more.

BOTTOM LINE

Real estate investing when done right can be profitable and help build wealth over time.  Investors need to understand the different levels of rehab needed when considering a purchase so that they are only taking on what they can handle.  Potential profits can immediately disappear if a buyer gets a property needing more work that they are equipped to handle.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Upermitted Work When Buying Or Selling A Home – Homes with unpermitted work can result in all sorts of issues for both buyers and sellers who are faced with such a property.  Issues can include financial penalties, legal liabilitiesl denial of insurance and more.
• Six Flipping Mistakes To Avoid As A Real Estate Investor – Real estate investors should try an avoid these flipping mistakes in order to make sure they have a profitable and successful investment.
• How Long Does Each Part Of Your Investment Property Last – This article looks at the average life spans of common parts of a home and how to help keep them running strong.

About the author: The above article “Different Kinds Of Home Rehab Projects” was provided by Luxury Real Estate Specialist Paul Sian. Paul can be reached at paul@CinciNKYRealEstate.com or by phone at 513-560-8002. If you’re thinking of selling or buying your investment or commercial business property I would love to share my marketing knowledge and expertise to help you.  Contact me today!

I work in the following Greater Cincinnati, OH and Northern KY areas: Alexandria, Amberly, Amelia, Anderson Township, Cincinnati, Batavia, Blue Ash, Covington, Edgewood, Florence, Fort Mitchell, Fort Thomas, Hebron, Hyde Park, Indian Hill, Kenwood, Madeira, Mariemont, Milford, Montgomery, Mt. Adams, Mt. Washington, Newport, Newtown, Norwood, Taylor Mill, Terrace Park, Union Township, and Villa Hills.

… Read the rest

Harbor House offers these free and confidential comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence and their children:

• 24-hour crisis hotline
• Crisis intervention
• Emergency shelter
• Individual and group counseling
• Adult and youth counseling
• Support and assistance with the court system
• Transitional housing
• Case management
• Information and referrals
• Prevention and community presentations
• And more, depending on your unique situation

Our staff understands that each domestic violence situation is different. At Harbor House, we tailor our services to your specific needs.… Read the rest

There are many real estate exit strategies for investors to choose from. Not surprisingly, new investors are often most familiar with rehabbing a house. While this particular strategy requires the most work, the rewards are well worth it. Rehabbing houses remains to be one of the most lucrative real estate investing strategies. However, it does require time and acute attention to detail. Investors hoping to learn the intricacies of a truly profitable rehab will need to familiarize themselves with many skills.

Those who are familiar with this particular exit strategy have most likely reaped its rewards for years. In fact, rehabbing has long facilitated the largest real estate investing profits. More importantly: any investor willing to learn the process can experience similar profit margins. Please note, however, that while rehabbing does allow for sizable monetary gains, it is not a guarantee. The only way to mitigate risk and increase profitability is to study the rehab process in its entirety.

It can be difficult to decide whether or not this real estate exit strategy could be right for you. Ultimately, rehabbing can serve as a good investing strategy when:

• You do not need to be paid immediately.
• You are intent on generating brand awareness, as it is a prime marketing opportunity.
• There is a potential for large profit margins on a subject property.
• The property is a safe location.
• You have a trusted team to work with—this includes contractors, lenders, title company, etc.

What Does Rehabbing A House Mean?

The rehabbing definition is when an investor renovates a property to improve it. Rehabbing can be approached several ways but is most often purchased at a discounted price and renovated intending to resell. This process is also known as house flipping. As a real estate investing exit strategy, rehabbing can lead to high-profit margins. Rehabbing can also include property owners who renovate their homes for personal use or to increase property value.

---

[ Rental property investor, rehabber or wholesaler? Get to know which investing strategy is the best fit for YOU by attending our FREE online real estate class. ]

 

---

How To Start Rehabbing Houses

If you think rehabbing houses could be the right exit strategy for you, there are a few steps you can take to be sure. First, it is always a good idea to lay out your professional and financial goals. Ask yourself where you want to be in five, ten, or fifteen years and what type of money you need to create the lifestyle you want. Write your goals down as you go to get a clear picture of your ideal lifestyle. At the same time, try and reflect on your motivations. This can help guide your decision-making down the line.

After mapping out your goals, it’s important to understand your current strengths and weaknesses. Examine your existing skillset and take stock of your financial situation. Perhaps you excel at networking or are highly organized; these skills will help you determine where to start. Identifying your skills will also help you learn which areas to improve on.

Do not be intimidated if you feel like you have less than ideal finances as you prepare to start. There are several ways real estate investors can raise funding. For example, investors without significant funding can work with a private lender or business partner to get started. Be sure to read this article on raising capital for real estate to learn more.

Average Costs Of Rehabbing A House

The average costs of rehabbing a house range from $20,000 to $80,000, though the finished cost could be more. The biggest determining factor when pricing a rehab is the location, which impacts the cost of materials and labor. The age and size of a home will also influence the overall budget.

Certain renovation types can affect average costs as well. For example, structural changes such as foundation repairs or a new roof will be more costly. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are often in the middle range, while cosmetic fixes have a lower budget on average. Review estimates online when pricing your rehab project.

Rehabbing Properties In 7 Steps

It is important to understand that rehabbing is one of the most complex real estate exit strategies. There are so many components involved that risks may be hiding around every corner. Therefore, if you are new to the industry, you should always start with projects that require a minimal amount of work—this way, you are not immediately in unfamiliar territory that you are unable to navigate. Then, over time, as your knowledge and confidence are supplemented, you can begin to take on increasingly larger projects that ultimately prove to be more profitable.

The rehab process can be broken down into several stages, seven to be exact. We strongly advise you do the same for your rehab business, as it will help to streamline the entire campaign. It is important to have a proven system in place to save both time and money. The following provides a quick snapshot of the entire rehab strategy:

1. Scope of Work Development: Draft a step-by-step checklist that itemizes exactly what your contractor needs to do throughout the entire property.
2. Job Bidding and Contractor Selection: Let prospective contractors know you are not a retail customer by bringing in several to bid for you’ your business.
3. Contract Communication at Signing: As an investor, it is important to protect yourself. Make sure the proper paperwork is signed before you start a rehab.
4. Six Critical Documents: Make sure the following documents are signed: Independent Contractor Agreement, Scope of Work, Payment Schedule, Contractor Insurance Indemnification Form, W-9 Tax Form and the Final Unconditional Waiver of Lein.
5. Managing the Rehab Process: At this stage you will be managing your contractors through the physical rehab.
6. The Property Closeout: The property closeout must include a final walkthrough and the final payments to your contractor.
7. Preparing to Sell: Get the property cleaned up as quickly as possible and ready to sell.

Types Of Rehabbed Properties

There are often several categories within a given real estate exit strategy, and rehabbing is no different. When it comes to a rehab project, there are three main types investors should be aware of:

• Personal
• Flip
• Rental

While each rehab type may suggest its own independent exit strategy, these approaches are synonymous. The same basic principles of renovating and improving a property will still apply. However, when it comes to each type of rehab, the way profits are made will be slightly different. A good way to think about it is by considering the final goal of the renovation. Keep reading to learn about each type of property rehab.

Personal

A personal rehab is exactly what it sounds like: a property is renovated for personal use. This type of project is when a homeowner makes improvements for their own benefit. They can be related to functionality, aesthetics and even boost property value. Personal rehabs are often referred to as home renovations or home improvement projects.

Personal rehabs can serve as a good starting point for homeowners interested in flipping houses. Homeowners can learn the ropes while overseeing a renovation within their own home before moving into purchasing and renovating other houses. In addition, personal rehabs can be a great place to form a relationship with contractors, learn about a scope of work, and even project management. An added benefit is that a personal rehab can be done without time constraints or other pressures.

Flip

If you’ve ever watched HGTV, you likely already know what house flipping is. This popular rehab strategy involves purchasing a house, renovating it, and then selling it quickly for a profit. The key to a successful flip often lies in securing a good purchase price and completing the rehab quickly to minimize holding costs. When it cHowever, when to a flip, time is money. Therefore, it is imperative to complete a flip in the shortest amount of time possible to reduce the costs of owning and operating the property.

Investors interested in successful house flipping should understand their local market area and how it works. This strategy also requires a working knowledge of the industry and rehabbing process. A great place to start flipping houses can be by shadowing another investor through the process. Ask your mentor or another investor in your network if you can tag along with their next deal. This can provide a first-hand look at the importance of a good team, a quick timeline, and a healthy market.

Rental

This type of rehab project involves renovating a property to rent it out to future tenants. As you might guess, this process is very similar to a rehab and flip scenario, but instead of selling the property, you will rent it to a prospective tenant. Many investors will often start by flipping houses and then work up to adding a rental into their portfolio. This is a great way to earn a steady, passive income.

If you are unsure of whether or not to sell or rent a potential rehab property, look at the current market conditions. Pay attention to average rent, time on the market, and what inventory looks like in a given area. Additionally, before renting a rehab property, you will need to determine whether or not you want to manage the tenants yourself or work with a property manager. Ultimately, deciding between a flip and a rental will come down to your specific market area and real estate investing goals.

Working With Professionals

If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work needed to rehab a house yourself, it may be time to consult professionals. It is highly recommended to have a home inspection done before closing. If not, have an inspection done before rehabbing. A home inspection report will be an essential reference point professionals will use to determine the major areas that absolutely require rehabbing.

When rehabbing a house, professionals you can consult include architects, contractors, engineers, and interior designers. Larger projects, such as taking down walls, are usually not DIY projects, and professionals must be consulted for safety and to avoid causing major damage.

Rehab vs. Fixer-Upper

Rehab and fixer-upper are commonly used interchangeably, but they don’t capture the same level of work on a property. A rehab project generally involves a full renovation, and the help of professionals. If you need to renovate a bathroom, kitchen, or any structural elements the property is likely a rehab. In many cases, rehab projects take properties that are not up to code and make them habitable before they can be sold.

A fixer-upper refers to more casual renovation projects, and generally sticks to cosmetic fixes. Fixer-upper projects are more amateur friendly and involve lower technical knowledge to improve the property. A fixer-upper could include new paint, flooring, light fixtures, or other minor changes before being sold. Homeowners can typically live in a fixer-upper while making these changes.

Summary

Rehabbing a house is one of the most popular exit strategies in real estate investing, and rightfully so. Real estate investors of all backgrounds and starting points have come to know the benefits of real estate rehabs, and there is no reason you can’t either. To get started rehabbing houses, carefully layout your goals and identify which rehab type will best align with your situation. Learn the process before taking on your first project, and don’t be afraid to start small—there is no reason you can’t be successful rehabbing houses.… Read the rest

When looking for a quick service restaurant for lunch or dinner in the Magic Kingdom, it would be easy to completely miss The Columbia Harbour House. This Liberty Square mainstay has been quietly serving up fish and chicken since the Magic Kingdom opened way back in 1971.

The restaurant really blends into its surroundings, but that doesn’t mean that we should skip by as we rush off to the Haunted Mansion or the Hall Of Presidents. (I still rush off to the Hall Of Presidents sometimes, don’t you?).

Let’s take a look at six interesting facts about the Columbia Harbour House:

1 – MULTIPLE ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

The Columbia Harbour House sits at the border between Liberty Square and Fantasyland. If you look at the building’s façade from the Liberty Square side, it looks like it would fit in perfectly with a small New England fishing village.

However, if you look at the building from the walkway leading in from Fantasyland, it has a much more Swiss or German feel complete with window boxes for flowers. This building definitely has multiple personalities!

2 – COLONIAL AMERICAN INTERIOR

There are many great touches inside the building, and most of them help you feel like you have walked straight into Colonial America, from the simple fireplace to the pewter plates and pitchers.

3 – NAUTICAL TOUCHES

This is a “harbour” house after all, so you will see plenty of little touches that build on the seaside theme. From the model of a ship to a ship’s figurehead statue, from the hanging ship’s wheel turned light fixture to the artwork on the walls, there are great sea-faring details to uncover everywhere.

4 – HIDDEN MICKEY

Even in nautically-themed Colonial America, you can find a hidden Mickey. Check out the design of the circles in this map. Pretty cool, huh?

 

5 – HIDDEN DINING ROOM

Ok, this dining room isn’t technically hidden, but many people overlook it. There is a huge dining area on the second floor of this building. Since many people don’t know about it or don’t look for it, this can be a nice, quiet spot to enjoy your lobster roll or fried shrimp platter. There are lots of wood accents, plenty of large round tables, and windows that let you look down into both Liberty Square and Fantasyland.

6 – UNIQUE FOOD CHOICES

Many people think that the Magic Kingdom is only about burgers and fries. While that perception has been changing over time, especially with the opening of the Be Our Guest Restaurant in the new Fantasyland, the Columbia Harbour House has been serving up some unique meals for many years. Yes, you can get fried chicken strips here, but you can also get grilled salmon, a broccoli peppercorn salad, and the Anchors Away sandwich, which includes tuna, lettuce, and tomato. Vegetarians might enjoy the Lighthouse sandwich which is made from hummus, tomato, and broccoli slaw.… Read the rest

The goal of drug rehabilitation it to stop drug use and learn the tools to build a productive life. That may sound easy enough, but it can often be very challenging. For many, the most difficult part is acknowledging a need for treatment.

Entering – and Completing – a Treatment Program

Once in treatment, the challenge is usually staying in treatment long enough to not only break free of drugs but to get your life back on track. With that in mind, let’s look at five important benefits of a drug rehab program for you or a loved one.

Rehab can help you:

• Break the Addictive Cycle

People who are addicted to drugs need to be in a drug-free environment with people who will hold them accountable for their goal of getting off drugs. Drug rehab may begin with detoxification, which helps the addict rid his or her body of the drugs and treat any withdrawal symptoms. Not everyone needs to go through detox, but detox alone is not enough treatment to effectively break the addictive cycle long-term. Once detox is completed, the real work of addiction treatment begins.

• Learn About Addiction

Once you are free from drugs, you have the ability to think more clearly and can educate yourself about your addiction. Learning about your addiction means gaining insight into which people, events, sensory experiences and habits trigger cravings for drugs. Most drug rehab facilities can help you explore those triggers so that you can make deliberate efforts to avoid or manage them when you transition back into your daily life.

• Dig into the Underlying Issues

There are many reasons people get addicted to drugs, but you must gain insight into what draws you towards your substance of choice. Is it a means to cope with stress? Do drugs help numb you emotionally so you don’t have to feel emotional or physical pain? Are drugs a way to avoid responsibility, gain others’ approval or belong to a group? It’s important that you peel back the layers of your behavior to understand what is behind your drug habits.

Counselors at rehab facilities are trained to help you dig into these underlying issues, make sense of them and help you build new coping skills that don’t rely on substance use.

• Build New Habits and Practices

Most people with a history of drug use have poor discipline and self-care habits. A critical part of self-care for a person in recovery is setting and accomplishing goals. Most people, whether in recovery or not, do not know how to set goals that are likely to be achieved. They begin with sincere intentions that eventually get abandoned because they didn’t approach goal setting with the proper mindset. The repetitive cycle of wanting to change habits but continually falling short gradually weakens a person’s resolve to the point where many stops trying.

What characterizes the vast majority of people with addictions. They initially think a few tweaks of their schedule will help them stop their use of substances, but they fail to realize the compulsive nature of addictions and the strong grip it has on their life. Rehab can help you set short and long-term goals in the areas most important to a strong recovery. These areas include goals for your physical and emotional health, relationships, occupational and spiritual aspirations.

• Establish Healthy Boundaries

Substance abusers typically take too little responsibility for their life and behavior while friends and family take on too much responsibility. The relational boundary that typically helps people navigate a healthy relationship is often distorted or unclear in families where there is an addictive pattern.

What emerges from relationships with poorly defined boundaries is a survival mentality where family members assume roles to help cope with stress. Though these roles can temporarily lessen stress, they increase confusion and anxiety because the underlying issue of substance use is never directly dealt with. Rehab can help you understand where these boundaries get tangled up and show you ways to keep them healthy.… Read the rest

Pros and Cons

When a person enters substance abuse treatment, they tend to choose a local treatment center. Staying close to home provides the option of continuing to work or returning to work sooner, access to family and friends in their support system, and general familiarity with the area. However, staying close to home for treatment is not always the best choice. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, we encourage our potential guests to weigh the pros and cons of being close to home before selecting a rehab location.

Benefits of Distance

For some people, it is better to be further away from home while in treatment. The potential benefits of being in a rehab further away include:

• Fewer distractions. Even things that aren’t negative–like supportive family, friends, and colleagues–can be distracting at times. Some people in treatment find it easier to focus on their recovery when they are not juggling the obligations of everyday life.
• A chance to start over. Some people might appreciate the chance to receive treatment in a place where they are not continually reminded of past relapses or poor choices.
• The ability to choose a relaxing setting. Treatment centers are located in a variety of climates and environments. Getting away from the “hustle and bustle” of their typical surroundings may be beneficial to some people.
• More customized treatment options. Some centers are especially good at addressing alcoholism, dual diagnoses, or certain age groups or genders. Others may incorporate a spiritual component into treatment. Such specialization may be what a person needs to be most successful in their sober life. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, we strive to tailor treatment to each person’s full range of recovery needs.
• Distance from triggers, negative memories, and negative people. Not having continuous interactions with the places and people associated with poor choices may be beneficial in the early stages of recovery. Distance may also make it easier to recognize toxic relationships and determine how to address them in the future.
• It’s potentially easier to protect confidentiality. For those concerned about their confidentiality, going to rehab away from home may make it easier to prevent friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc., from knowing about the treatment.
• Harder to give up. If treatment is 1,000 miles from home, it’s harder to give up and walk out the door.
• Better quality. In some cases, the quality of treatment available in a person’s local area is poor. In rural locations, treatment options may be limited. Choosing to stay home for rehab may mean that they don’t get the best possible care.

Disadvantages of Distance

Because every recovery story is different, distance is not for everyone. Some people find that the benefits of entering treatment away from home don’t outweigh the disadvantages:

• Difficulty engaging family and friends. Distance could prevent the client’s family and friends from engaging as much in therapeutic services, which could mean that they will not be as well prepared to support their loved one after treatment.
• Time away from work. While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) does prevent a person from losing their job for entering treatment, it does not guarantee a paycheck while in rehab, and some people find they cannot afford to lose income while seeking help.
• Lack of familiarity. The idea of being in a strange place may be too triggering to allow some individuals to relax.
• Inability to connect with local resources. When a person returns home after treatment, they will not be familiar with the local resources that could support their continued recovery. It can also be more difficult for the professionals at the rehab center to set up aftercare in a town they are not familiar with.
• Wherever you go, there you are. Because the problems left behind during treatment will still be waiting at home, some people feel it is easier to do treatment near home, where they can manage their issues with the help of their treatment professionals.
• Increased costs. Insurance does not always cover out-of-state treatment. It is important, therefore, to know what insurance will and won’t cover before making a decision.
• Shady programs. It’s extremely important to screen a treatment center before deciding to go there. It can be dangerous to enter a treatment center far from home without knowing whether it’s credible. It can also be more difficult to get out of an unsavory program if it’s far from home.

If you need help determining what kind of treatment is right for you, please feel free to reach out to us at Safe Harbor Recovery Center, in Portsmouth, Virginia, where a trained counselor can help you make a choice that will fit your unique recovery needs. At Safe Harbor, we address the physical symptoms of substance abuse while helping clients build the skills necessary for a life of continued sobriety.… Read the rest

Recovery is a lifelong journey. While getting sober may require a simple detox or rehab program, living sober requires constant commitment and care. For many, returning home after treatment jeopardizes that ability to truly live sober. If a person’s home life is filled with stresses or pressures (such as old haunts or taxing relationships) it can significantly increase their risk of relapse.

Fortunately, there are options for people looking to live sober and maintain recovery. Sober living homes are a transitional housing arrangement for people in recovery who desire an independent, yet structured and sober home life. Sober living means living in a place where there are no temptations or distractions from alcohol or drugs. It also means living in a place where you can rebuild and reinforce the sober life skills learned in your treatment program.

We’ve talked about the benefits of sobriety, but what about the benefits of sober living homes specifically? As in, the benefits of really and truly living sober day-to-day, away from substances and a substance-using society. Let’s take a look.

1. Constant Guidance and Support

In a sober living home, you will be surrounded by people who support your recovery, and who will hold you accountable on a daily basis. Typically, sober living homes have on-site managers that live in the house with you and the other tenants. These managers are available 24/7 to help you with any potential issues that arise in your recovery – difficult cravings, down emotions, trouble finding a job – and are simply there to talk. In many cases, sober living homes connected to a treatment facility will be equipped with support staff and alumni who have walked in similar shoes. These people know what it is like to experience substance addiction, complete a rehab program, and live sober after treatment. They can offer you advice when you need it most.

House managers will also hold you accountable. In a sober living home, there is a set of rules in an effort to keep all residents happy, healthy, and sober. These rules may include no alcohol or drug use on-site, a set curfew each night, or regular drug tests to ensure a sober living environment. If someone continuously breaks the rules (although we recognize relapse is normal), they may not be allowed to stay any longer. This helps keep the environment (and expectations) as consistent as possible.

2. Meaningful, Sober Relationships

One of the most obvious benefits of sober living – whether in a sober housing or treatment setting – is the bonds you will form while there. You will meet and live alongside people who are also in recovery and share common ground. These people also understand what it is like to use drugs, to crave drugs, to feel distant or depressed, to lose control, and to disappoint others. Most of all, they have the desire and drive to change, and become the best possible people they can be, without drugs or alcohol.

Living in a sober house or residential treatment can also help reduce loneliness, which is an inherent part of the addiction cycle. When you were using drugs, you likely felt very alone. You may have cut ties with the good people in your life or withdrew from family members in fear of judgment and rejection. In a sober recovery setting, however, this can all change. You will not be alone – there will be people literally living beside you, with very parallel experiences. Over time, these people will start to feel more like your family, or your community, with everyone supporting and understanding one another. These are the relationships you will have for life, the people you can call on when things get tough, the people that will hold you accountable for your sobriety time and time again. They become your sober network.

3. Restored Life Skills

When a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, a lot of other obligations are tossed out the window. This might include eating healthy, exercising regularly, keeping a clean home, and maintaining good personal hygiene. One of the benefits of sober living is the structure it puts back into each resident’s life. In the treatment or a transitional home, you will re-learn how to establish a regime and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You will re-build important life skills – from something as simple as doing laundry to more difficult obligations like finding employment – and re-establish personal responsibility. Living with other residents in recovery, you will also learn and apply interpersonal skills (effectively dealing with any challenges), financial skills (paying bills and rent), and other practical skills needed to properly take care of yourself independently, without the use of drugs.

4. Independence

One of the greatest benefits of sober living is the newfound (or re-found) independence that it brings. With your sobriety underway and a positive outlook on the recovery process, you will begin to take life back into your own hands. You will have the independence to go out and find a job on your own and take the steps needed to be successful in any job you pursue. You will have the independence to make new friends and establish meaningful friendships that support your recovery. You will also have the freedom to shop for your own meals, cook your own meals, and fill life with the things that bring you joy. In summary, you will have the freedom of choice, and the ability to make responsible and healthy choices that will ultimately better your life. All the while, you will be in a safe and sober environment.

At Turnbridge – an inpatient program in Connecticut – residents works through different phases of addiction treatment. When they are deemed ready to take on more independence in their recovery journey, they move into a sober living environment and into a more independent way of life – traveling into the city for classes, work, and social activities; practicing self-care and healthy regimes on a daily basis; and attending 12-step meetings on their own. All the while, they still have access to clinical care and support through their treatment program.

5. Easier Transition Back to Mainstream Life

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of sober living homes is that they ease the transition back into everyday life. Recovery is an ongoing commitment; it does not end after rehab. That is why sober living environments are so important. They bridge the gap between treatment and mainstream society, helping a person to ease back into the buzz of the “real world” – work, school, nightlife, relationships, and more. They provide a safe and sober place to come home to each night and give residents a chance to adjust to independent living without the formal, round-the-clock care they had in a treatment setting. Sober living homes allow residents to get a sense of what real sober life is, beyond the walls of rehab.

Sober living homes are generally designed for people in early recovery, or in outpatient treatment, though many are open to people at all stages of the recovery process. Usually, the residents in these housing facilities are either going to treatment or attending meetings on a regular basis. This is an added benefit in that it will help you keep up with these obligations and stay in a sober state of mind.

6. Mitigating the Risk of Relapse

As explained in our definition of sober living homes, the goal of sober housing is to give people in recovery a safe and supportive place to heal, away from outside pressures. This separation is perhaps the greatest benefit of all. You will be given a place to live and to focus on yourself, without temptation from old drug-using friends, old hang-out spots, and other environmental relapse triggers.

You see, substance abuse and addiction make lasting changes in the brain – they alter how our brain cells work, and therefore our ability to make rational decisions or exhibit self-control. Studies show that those who relapse while in recovery have less brain tissue in the portion of the brain that regulates behavior and emotional control – and this makes sense. As you likely know, it is hard to ignore temptation or cravings, especially in the early stages of recovery.

Sober homes can help eliminate relapse triggers that may cause cravings or temptation. There is no alcohol, no drugs, and no addictive prescriptions or OTC drugs allowed in a recovery home. There is no opportunity to relapse, because everyone is held accountable for their actions, and no time to relapse because everyone has their own, busy regime to keep on a productive recovery journey.… Read the rest