Arizona Alcohol Statistics

Alcoholic beverages have always been popular due to the effect they have on the brain and nervous system. Alcohol lowers our inhibitions, anxiety levels, and dulls the senses. For these reasons, adults and young people alike enjoy drinking alcohol to alleviate the stresses of life. Statistics are beginning to show worrying trends despite the efforts that are being made by communities and lawmakers. Arizona alcohol statistics are showing a slight rise in fatalities for those 25-54 while demonstrating some good news for adolescents.

Arizona Impaired driving data

In 2017, according to Arizona alcohol statistics analyzed by the team at Responsibility.org, Arizona had 27.8% of traffic fatalities related to alcohol, and 27% of the fatalities were under the age of 21. Also, the 10-year change in fatalities related to alcohol per 100,000 people is 6.1%. The national 10-year change for this statistic is a -7.1%. This shows that the number of alcohol-related fatalities in Arizona is on the rise, while nationally it is decreasing.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the number of alcohol-related crashes has declined. In 2013 there were 5,250 crashes involving alcohol. In 2017 there were 4,854. However, there were more people killed in these accidents in 2017 versus 2013 (320 to 282). The largest age groups of drivers under the influence were 25-34 with 1,486 crashes. The age group 35-44 had 829 crashes, and ages 45-54 with 635.

Underage consumption

Binge drinking is defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as 5 or more drinks in a row for men and 4 for women. In a report by the CDC, underage binge drinking in 2017 is 18% of those surveyed in Arizona. However, the same holiday season police wrote 39% fewer underage drinking citations during the 2018 holiday season. Great news!

Alcohol is associated with having fun. While it can be, when consumed responsibly and legally, it typically leads down a road that is hard to turn back from. When drinking alcohol starts at an early age, it becomes a problem earlier on in life. While statewide programs are working, it remains up to family and friends to ensure that our loved ones and neighbors are healthy and safe. We can all do our part to lower these tragic statistics. If someone you know is addicted to alcohol or is at risk, please contact us. Our Arizona alcohol outpatient rehab facilities are committed to assisting those that are struggling with alcohol addictions.

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

Renaissance Recovery Center
459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342

3 Ways to Pay for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

While realizing that you need help with addiction is sometimes the most difficult step in recovery, the biggest obstacle is usually the cost of treatment. Time spent at a drug and alcohol treatment center can end up being quite expensive. Not everyone has the means or support to pay out of pocket. Money should never be the reason that prevents a person from getting better. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to pay down or reduce the cost of treatment.

Three Ways to Pay for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Sometimes just the thought of costly treatment or eventual medical bills can be overwhelming. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. Money does not grow on trees and those in the recovery world know that, which is why there is more than one way to pay for drug and alcohol addiction treatment. One option is utilizing your insurance benefits. If you do not have insurance, you could use private funding. If private funding is not available to you, perhaps you could take advantage of state and local government programs.

Insurance

If you have a private health plan, there is a good chance that it will cover at least a portion of substance abuse treatment. In some cases, it will cover the treatment entirely. To find out more information about your benefits, give your provider a call or visit their website. Medicare and Medicaid may also be able to help with the cost for those eligible.

Private Funding

If you are uninsured and do not have the financial means to pay for treatment yourself, it may be a good idea to look for support from loved ones. The cost depends on the type of treatment you need, as well as the length of stay at the drug and alcohol addiction treatment center. Alternatively, it may be worthwhile to try fundraising or crowdfunding. There are various websites to help facilitate these types of efforts.

State and Local Government Programs

There are federally funded and state-run programs that could provide assistance, as well. In order to be eligible to receive these benefits, you will have to meet specific requirements, including proof of citizenship and demonstrate an inability to afford other options. For more information, visit http://www.healthfinder.gov.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

The most pivotal point of recovery is asking for help. Acknowledging that there is a problem that needs to be addressed is not easy; it will be difficult for a single person to go the entire journey alone. Reach out to someone you trust and let them know you are ready to get better. If you are struggling with addiction in the Gilbert, Arizona area, do not hesitate to contact Renaissance Recovery Center. As a drug and alcohol treatment center, they promote wellness and healing and help families work through the challenges that come with recovery.

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

Renaissance Recovery Center
459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342

3 Ways to Spring Clean Your Recovery Routine

Challenges to recovery happen throughout the year, but springtime seems to be an especially vulnerable time for addicts. As the weather breaks, people are inspired to become more social and meet up with old friends. Vacations are being planned, tax refunds are coming in, some things you used to enjoy are coming into the season, and you’re generally going to be out and about which relates to more opportunities for the temptation to strike. The good news is it’s also a great time to evaluate your substance abuse treatment plan and determine ways to strengthen your sobriety.

1. Choose Activities which Promote Sobriety

It’s important to remember how some activities were fun during active addiction because they were opportunities to partake; other things the addict does is not for sheer fun other than an excuse to drink or use a drug of choice. Golf and fishing are two great examples. Each is fun when sober, great opportunities to practice skills while enjoying time with close friends, yet each is also famous as a reason to use while justifying an addiction by being around casual users. Finding activities which are fun sober without an association to active substance abuse is an important part of recovery.

2. Reevaluate the Twelve Steps

The Twelve Steps are hard. Hard enough that people who are new to recovery or even quite experienced may have skipped a step, or part of what goes into it. It’s an ongoing process and will never hurt your sobriety to reevaluate how you first viewed the Steps, and possibly repeat them as needed.

3. Consider Ongoing Treatment Plans

If you’re finding it difficult to maintain a treatment plan, there might be a need to speak with a professional who can help reevaluate the process. Relapses happen far too often simply because every addict is different but the emergence of addiction required a generic initial plan. Any reputable treatment specialist is going to be able to help you through the start of the process and also refer you to someone who might be better suited toward your needs.

The worst thing that can happen to our recovery plans is when we allow them to become old and routine. Spring cleaning is a great way to evaluate how our recovery is going and what aspects of our sobriety can be strengthened. Don’t ever forget your resources, and there are substance abuse treatment centers in Arizona available not just for detox, but also for people facing their first or tenth spring in recovery.

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith-based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

Renaissance Recovery Center
459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342

5 Reasons Detox is Crucial

The Menace that is Addiction

Alcoholism and substance abuse are the cause of many ruined relationships, broken homes, and even death. They affect individuals of all social classes without bias and lay waste the life of anyone who gives them a chance. Worrying statistics place the number of alcoholics struggling with this condition in the United States at 16.6 million, with 95 percent not seeing the need for seeking treatment for it.

Treatment for Addiction

If you or a loved one is tired of being part of the statistics and would like to turn over a new leaf, then our drug detox center in Utah is the best place to help you with this life-changing decision. The first step to recovery is detox, which is facilitated by flushing out all the drugs and alcohol from your system. In the spirit of recovery, here are a few reasons to as to why detox at our drug detox center is crucial:

• Withdrawal is Well-monitored

Some kinds of medication are hard for the body to let go of, and a self-orchestrated attempt at withdrawal might prove to be hazardous and downright life-threatening. Trained physicians have the expertise to take care of you should such an episode present itself.

• Relapse might be an issue

Trying to quit substances that your body has grown accustomed to is not a walk in the park and will prove to be a challenge when you attempt it on your own at home. With sober professionals surrounding you at all times, this difficult phase of the healing process is highly doable.

• The focus is Solely on Your Recovery

Issues of everyday living that usually require your undivided attention might come up often when you are detoxing at home. This will deter you from your goal of recovery.

• Negative Influence is Weeded Out

Our drug detox center in Utah shuts you out from people who would compromise your recovery and exposes you to wholesome therapists who will walk with you on your journey.

• Replacement of Bad Habits

Certified experts help you ditch the old habits of substance abuse and help you acquire new, wholesome ones.

Award-winning Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Utah

We at the award-winning Renaissance Recovery Centre believe that drug and alcohol addictions can be cured, and we employ a recovery program that is wholesome, rehabilitative and beneficial to you and your family in general. Call us today on 480-526-7738 for a case evaluation.

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith-based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

Renaissance Recovery Center
459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342

5 Signs You Are a High-Functioning Alcoholic

You go to work every day. You take your kids to soccer practice. Surely you can’t be an alcoholic… right? The truth is you don’t have to be passing out every night or getting in a drunken rage to be an alcoholic. In fact, many people who are alcoholics suffer from what’s called high-functioning alcoholism. The following are signs you might be a high-functioning alcoholic.

Being Defensive

If someone mentions something to you about your alcohol intake, do you get defensive and angry? You could even be in denial, not realizing that your drinking actually is a problem. High-functioning alcoholics typically don’t face tangible negative consequences, so it’s easy to pretend that there isn’t a problem. Just as the name implies, you are still able to function, however, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem.

Drinking in Secret

This is a tell-tale sign that you recognize that you have a problem, even if you aren’t able to admit it to yourself. If you feel like you must hide your drinking from your family or if you’re sneaking drinks into work, you’re probably drinking too much.

Drinking at Odd Times

Having a drink first thing in the morning or before you do a workout could signal high-functioning alcoholism. This is especially true if you always have a reason or an excuse for why you’re drinking. Drinking at odd times also often coincides with drinking in secret.

Relying on Alcohol

Do you depend on alcohol to help you feel confident or to calm your nerves? Often, high-functioning alcoholics feel that they can’t function properly at parties, events, work, etc. without a drink.

Blacking Out

Frequent episodes of blacking out or losing your memory when drinking signal that you have a problem with alcohol. If may not even have appeared to others that you were drunk at the time if you are high-functioning.

Seek Help

If any of these signs sound like you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out and seek help. No matter where you are at in your addiction or recovery journey now is the right time to contact us for alcohol addiction treatment in Arizona. We won’t judge you and we’re here to help and support you and your family as you work to overcome alcohol addiction.

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

Renaissance Recovery Center
459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342

3 Ways Your Appearance Changes When You Quit Drinking

Many people are aware of the effects of alcohol to the inside of the body, but not many people are aware of how alcohol can make them look, and the positive effects on their appearance when they quit drinking. The following are a few ways that quitting alcohol can improve your outward appearance.

Lose the Wrinkles

Becoming sober is a great way to a more youthful look. Alcohol causes your skin to become dehydrated, which in turn makes your wrinkles and open pores more obvious. As you release the toxins from your body, you will see your skin looking more moist and supple.

Clear up the Rosacea

When you drink alcohol, you are more likely to suffer from rosacea. Quitting will help clear up your skin, giving it a naturally healthy glow.

Reduce Inflammation

The second most important cause of skin aging is inflammation. Alcohol brings blood close to the tissue, causing inflammation. Inflammation can make your skin look blotchy, red, puffy, ruddy, and dehydrated. When we eat good food with a lot of nutrients, it shows. When you consume empty calories, it also shows up in a less than positive light. Excess alcohol consumption deprives your body of necessary nutrients, overtaxes the liver, messes with your hormones, spikes your insulin levels and damages your cells. All of this can lead to malnutrition, even if you might be consuming the proper amount of calories. When your body is receiving proper nutrition once again, your complexion will clear up and your hair and nails will appear strong and healthy.

Weight Loss

Alcohol packs a lot of calories because it is made of converted sugar. When you drink too much alcohol, it’s easy to pack on the pounds. Excess weight can lead to a variety of difficult physical conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and other problems. Dropping the alcohol from your diet will help you achieve weight loss and look and feel better about yourself.

Get Effective Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Arizona

Anyone who wants to be the best version of themselves knows it’s important to find a good place where they can be surrounded by experts who care about them and motivate them to do and be better. Contact Renaissance Recovery Center in Arizona to find out how you can get your health and your physical appearance back by quitting alcohol.

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

Renaissance Recovery Center
459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342

3 Ways an Attitude of Gratitude Makes Addiction Recovery More Successful

Recovery from addiction is a journey. It is important to concentrate on the positive things to be grateful for as a negative belief system only intensifies the risk of relapse. This is why we include practices that will guide you throughout your journey to becoming drug-free. Acknowledging, and appreciating the many little things in life are key factors in the addiction recovery process. Showing gratitude appears in many different forms. We encourage our patients to see an opportunity in any situation they are in the following ways:

Gratitude Journal Keeping

Get a notebook and take some time out of each day to decorate your notebooks with two things that made that day worth living. Such activity is important to our patients as it helps them be creative and enthusiastic about doing and identifying things that keep them happy. If you are having difficulty finding ideas on what to write, you can visit websites with guides on questions to ask yourself.

Good Company

You should spend time with people who positively impact your life as they will help cultivate a positive mindset. Our role is to help you identify and embrace ways to maintain happiness and optimism. Like the famous saying goes “You can’t soar with the eagles if you’re hanging with the turkeys.” The people you surround yourself should be supportive of your recovery and sober themselves.

Practice Mindfulness

We encourage our patients to learn to focus their mind on the immediate task rather than focusing on too many things. Mindfulness helps you to focus on things you are grateful for in your day- to- day life, things that give you peace of mind, and with that, you can make sound decisions.

Seek Drug Addiction Treatment in Arizona

The only sure escape plan for addiction is to speak up. Don’t shy away from seeking help. Our goal at our drug recovery in Arizona is to support you in every step to recovery through a network of professional drug addiction specialists. Enjoy your rebirth period by visiting our safe and peaceful Drug treatment in Arizona or by contacting us.

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

Renaissance Recovery Center
459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342

5 Signs You Are in a Codependent Relationship

Have you ever been in a situation where you are desperately fighting for the attention of your loved one? Well, chances are you are in a codependent relationship. Codependency is an unhealthy attachment to someone that usually leads to emotional harm. In such a case, one half of the relationship relies on the other for almost all their emotional and psychological needs as well as self-esteem. Codependency and addiction usually correlate and this would usually end with one half of the relationship tolerating and even supporting the other’s uncouth and addictive lifestyles. However, it may not always be easy to notice that you are in a codependent relationship unless you can pick out the signs. Here are 5 of the most noticeable.

Your Partner’s Moods Dictate Yours

When in a codependent relationship, making personal decisions becomes a challenge. You may feel a certain way at some point but will be afraid to vocalize your opinion lest you hurt the emotions of the other partner. On the other hand, if your partner becomes moody, you will be hesitant to show joy for fear of being lashed at.

Sacrificial Caretaking

A codependent person is a people pleaser. You always strive to make others feel happy in the hope that they will notice your efforts and praise you. However, you then notice that no matter the effort you put into this, your partner does not seem to notice or react the way you expected.

You Never Say No

Since you are always desperate for approval, coupled with the need to always please the other partner, you never say no to their indecent requests or irresponsible behaviors. At this point, the need for their happiness far supersedes your own conscience and principles. By constantly saying yes even in instances you feel you ought to have said no leads to neglect to your well being and subsequently deep resentment.

Worries of Being Left

Codependency leads to constant worry that your partner will leave you. This can be justified by the level of commitment you strive to put into the relationship.

Your Partner Often Crosses the Line

When in a codependent relationship, you may feel frequently afraid of your partner crossing the line and even getting abusive. You worry too much about the possibility of their moods changing for the worse and will do all you can to make them least reactive. We at Renaissance Recovery Center are alive to the fact that codependency and addiction often go hand in hand. In such a case, the relationship cannot heal and flourish unless the person battling with addiction gets help, but then again this cannot be forced. As such, we always advise that the best you can do as the loved one of someone battling addiction is to learn to say no.

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith-based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

Renaissance Recovery Center

459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342

3 Things NOT to do When a Loved One Returns Home from Rehab

According to an article published by the River Source Integrated Recovery Center, in the last few years, it has become easier to obtain drugs in the United States due to continuous supply from bordering countries. It has led to Arizona becoming one of the top states in the U.S. posing with this issue and raising the number of people who will use drugs: which also explains drug and alcohol rehab Arizona. Yes, there are a substantial number of rehabilitation centres in the state. Statistics show that 40-60% of recovered addicts in Arizona relapse due to lack of proper support from the society around them.
It is essential for you to be aware of how to behave around them. Here are some of the things you should not do.

 

Do not Bring up Past Mistakes

Most addicts become different people and turn their families’ lives upside down, bringing up past mistakes will not automatically cure those mistakes. Let bygones be bygones, Show them that you have moved forward and are willing to help them start over a clean slate. Always keep in mind that staying encumbered in the past is a surefire way to remain stagnant in misery.

 

Do not with Hold Your Love

Beginning a sobriety journey means they lose the friends they had as abusers. As their loved one, you should show them support and give them assurance they are not alone in their new journey of recovery. Avoid making comments that would sound judgmental; this would make them feel their efforts are not acknowledged.

 

Do not be their Problem Solver

Them being inadequate should help them learn from their shortcomings and come out stronger. Trying to solve their entire problem will make them dependent. That is, you become their enabler to irresponsibility. Drug abusers are typically stated as the problem creators and mostly lack sustainable solutions to problems arising, allowing them to come up with solutions to problems will build a sense of culpability.
Have you learned recently of a loved one in recovery? You should remember that addiction is a disease; it is not their choice to be hooked to drugs. Take action and learn of more ways to support their journey. It is never easy to overcome a huddle by oneself, especially if it’s a disease that has been eating away at your relationships’ bridges. The more the drug users are helped, the better the state will function and recuperate from the high report numbers they have been getting the last several years.

 

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

 

Renaissance Recovery Center
459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342

5 Misleading Beliefs We Have About Addiction

 

Beliefs that people have about addiction can be misleading and sometimes even hinder the treatment of recovering addicts. Drug rehab Mesa AZ attempts to help addicts and their families recover and overcome these misleading beliefs. The following are 5 misleading beliefs we have about addiction and why they are not true.

 

There is an Addiction Gene

Despite the belief that addiction is passed down generation lines, this is not so. Tendencies of addiction are mostly attributed to personal experiences and the environment. This belief has caused many people to indulge in drugs with a sense of confidence that the problem is not a result of their fault. Others refrain from seeking treatment with the notion that they cannot quit drugs and heal from addiction because it’s in the genes.

 

One Cannot Recover from Addiction

This belief places a burden on the addict both psychologically and emotionally. Although people take different periods of time to heal from addiction, they eventually do as long as they remain dedicated. Many addicts recover from drug and alcohol abuse when they are able to dedicate themselves to leading normal lives and putting the past behind them. A research by the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse showed that 75% of alcohol addicts recover without treatment.

 

Marijuana use Leads to Use of Other Drugs

Marijuana addiction is not as high as that of alcohol, and no scientific evidence shows that its use is a trigger for harder drugs. This should not serve as an encouragement to use harder drugs. However, people who use inhalant drugs and abuse prescription stimulants and opioids have higher chances of using harder drugs. Drugs such as Vicodin, Adderall, and OxyContin are easily accessible to teens and have addictive properties that can lead to the use of harder drugs.

 

Drugs Damage your Brain

This is a misleading belief that insinuates that people who have used drugs have damaged brains. It leads to discrimination of addicts even when they are trying to recover and can cause them to relapse. Although some drugs such as cocaine, inhalants, methamphetamine, and MDMA are neurotoxins, they do not damage a person’s brain when proper detox is done.

 

Addicts have to Hit Rock Bottom

Waiting for a person to reach their lowest before trying to get help may be too late. There is no evidence that shows that an addict needs to accumulate the consequences of drug addiction to improve their chances of recovery. Furthermore, rock bottoms are different for everyone, so you don’t have to reach a point of losing a home or getting arrested. It is advisable to seek help as soon as possible.

 

Renaissance Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol outpatient addiction treatment center in Arizona. We foster healing from addiction with a gospel-centered 12 step recovery program. Our treatment facilities offer a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment to help addicts and their families recover. Reach out to us today to begin your recovery from addiction.

 

Author Statement:

Steven Brown is founder of Renaissance Recovery Center, a residential substance abuse program in Gilbert, AZ. His practice has been shaped and informed by years of professional and personal experience in addiction recovery. Steven has dedicated his life to helping addicts and their families heal utilizing evidence and faith based approaches. His focus is on identifying and addressing the root psychological, emotional and spiritual issues related to addiction.

 

Renaissance Recovery Center
459 North Gilbert Road Suite B-140
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480.739.3342