Monthly Archives: September 2015

Motivational Thoughts to Get You Through Your Recovery

3If you are struggling with pain, overcoming addiction can be an incredibly tough road. The good news is there are pain management clinics in Pinellas Park that can assist you on your journey. Having the right attitude and outlook is also an extremely important part of recovery, and the following motivational thoughts can help.

Take It One Day at a Time

Just as the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, the road to recovery begins with one day. Contemplating years, months, or even just weeks without pain may seem like staring down an impossible goal. However, taking recovery one day, or even just one moment at a time is a doable. Remember, you’ll always be recovering.

Your Greatest Struggles Become Your Greatest Strengths

Muscles become stronger when you use them. Our character and personal strength are the same way. No one ever got stronger from an easy life. What you are going through now will help shape you into the stronger person you want to be.

We Are What We Think

This wisdom from Buddha applies to everyone but is particularly true if you’re battling addiction. Thoughts become action and action affects your life and those around you. If you think can’t do something, then you can’t. However, the flip side is also true that if you think you can do something, you can. Tell yourself, “I can do this!” Keep telling yourself that and it will be true.

Talk to Yourself Like You Talk to Your Best Friend

On the topic of self-talk, think about the things you tell yourself. Do you belittle and berate yourself? Now imagine your best friend is in your position. Would you say the same things to your friend that you say to yourself? Hopefully not. Become your own best friend and start being kind to yourself. It will help as you recover.


As with anything, just remember that this, too, shall pass. You will make it.

What Does Drug Addiction Look Like?

2When you think of drug addiction in St. Petersburg, what comes to mind? Back alleys and shady characters? Maybe even gang members or homeless people? It might surprise you to know that drug addiction is something that virtually anyone at any socioeconomic level can suffer from. Drug addiction doesn’t just look like what you’ve seen on TV and in movies; it looks like a soccer mom, a college student, your next door neighbor, and your best friend.

Drug addiction often hides in plain sight, because it’s the last thing you expect to see. The good news is if you know what to look for, you can spot drug addiction and get your friend or family member the help they need. Here’s what to look for:

Changes in Physical Appearance

Bloodshot eyes, pupils that are larger or smaller than usual, sudden weight loss or weight gain, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns are all warning signs. Additionally, a deterioration of grooming habits and appearance as well as unusual smells on the breath, body, or clothing are also indications that something is wrong.

Difficulties at Work or School

People struggling with addiction may be able to function at work or school for a time, but eventually their addiction will make performing at school or work difficult, if not impossible. Problems at work or school in conjunction with physical indications often point to addiction.

Money Problems

Drug addiction is expensive. Someone who develops sudden money issues for no apparent reason may be struggling to pay for their habit. If a friend or family member asks to borrow money on a regular basis that may be an indication of an addiction.

While it’s a good idea to remember that all of these indications may have explanations other than addiction, it’s also important to make sure that if you see any of the above, you help your friend or family member get the help they need.

What Does Alcohol Abuse Look Like?

1Like drug abuse, alcohol abuse is not always obvious at first. While the word, “alcoholic” generally conjures images of sloppy drunks at a bar or someone passed out at a party, many times someone dealing with alcohol addiction looks like anyone else is able to appearing functioning for a while. Eventually though you will notice something is wrong. The following are common signs of alcohol abuse and are definitely a cause for concern:

A High Tolerance for Alcohol

Over time, someone who drinks heavily will develop a “tolerance” for alcohol. In other words, it takes more alcohol for that person to feel the same level of intoxication. If you’re at a party or social event and you see someone drinking far more than anyone else, that could be an indication of high tolerance.

Someone Who Has At Least 4 or 5 Drinks a Day

A glass of wine with dinner isn’t a cause for concern but drinking every day of the week is. Five drinks in a day is considered binge drinking and a problem, as is anything over 15 drinks a week for a man and 12 drinks a week for a woman.

Neglect of Obligations, Including Parenting

Some signs of alcohol abuse are obvious, such as morning drinking and frequent blackouts. However, others are more subtle. Often an alcoholic can rationalize their problem by insisting they never drink before 5 p.m. or they never seem to feel intoxicated. However, alcohol abuse can cause people to become neglectful of their relationships and responsibilities, especially with their children. If you see a family member or loved one spending more time drinking than doing anything else, there’s definitely a problem and you should step in and help, if possible.

Keep in mind that alcohol abuse isn’t always obvious. Look for the above signs and if you think you know someone in need of help, alcohol abuse treatment in Pinellas Park is available.