At www.121rehab.com we understand exactly how prolonged drinking and drug use can develop into an addiction - because we've been there ourselves.

We see the incredibly damaging effects of addiction - because we've seen them ourselves.

Both drink and drugs can literally destroy your life, including your relationships, family, work, finances and health - because we've done the same ourselves.

We also recognise the destructive effect that alcohol and drug dependency can have on those suffering from the disease, and on those around them - because we've put our loved ones through this too.

However, we have now recovered, and would like to help you recover too!

We can help you to address your addictions to:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine/Crack Cocaine
• Amphetamines/Speed/Crystal Meth
• Heroin/Methadone/Opiates
• Prescription Drugs
• Other addictive behaviours such as Gambling or Eating Disorders

If you are addicted to drink or drugs, you will undoubtedly be aware that you have a problem. However, you may not be ready to accept that you are an addict. Similarly, alcoholics have a similar pattern of not being ready to face up to their real problems. Be aware and once you have found the courage to take the first step towards your recovery and confront your addiction we can help.

Signs of Addiction

We understand how drinking problems develop into alcoholism in the same way that drug use over a prolonged period of time more often than not will lead to dependency or addiction.

Any addiction can lead to an obsessive and compulsive desire whether this is alcohol, other substances or even a type of behaviour.

Mood swings - the individual may seem passive and withdrawn one minute, yet hostile and aggressive the next.

Changes in physical appearance such as a gain or loss of weight, deterioration in health such as frequent colds, coughing fits, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and increased fatigue, or a general worsening of their overall personal hygiene.

Increased absences from work, an inability to commit to everyday tasks, excessive tardiness and deterioration in self-discipline.

The addict/alcoholic very often manipulates situations, making excuses for his or her irrational behaviour. They will often make others feel responsible for their own actions, which means in turn others will ultimately bear the consequences of the individual's irrational behaviour.

A total change in behaviour, the individual may be overly emotional, showing signs of depression, an unusual compulsiveness and general defensive attitude. Mood shifts may occur suddenly and this could include seemingly unprovoked violent episodes. This can be frightening both to those around the addict as well as the addict themselves. It is normally followed by expressed remorse and empty promises of change.

If any of this sounds familiar simply call us to discuss your options.

Addiction is relentless, it usually requires and always benefits from professional treatment of some kind. It is highly unlikely you would be able to get through your recovery without assistance.

The right help is available, but knowing where to look is often confusing, time consuming and challenging. We can take the stress out of the research by assisting you throughout the process.

So what is an addict?

What defines you as an addict has little to do with the amount that you drink or the quantity of drugs that you use. Equally, it has nothing to do with the time that you have been using or misusing drugs or alcohol.

You can be said to be an addict:

• When you start to put your habit before everything else.
• When you crave the next drink or drug and have no control over that feeling.
• When you conceal your drink or drug supply and put the buying and scoring ahead of everything else.
• When you stop caring about others, your work, your family and life in general.
• When you start to isolate and blame others for your predicament.
• When you continue to deny that you have a problem and yet you have just lost your driving licence, your job, your relationships or your finances.

Addiction - particularly alcoholism is closely connected to depression, but most alcoholic addicts would rather describe themselves as depressed than as an alcoholic or drug addict. Many addiction specialists believe that addiction is a disease and a very serious illness that affects you both physically and mentally. The illness is progressive and insidious - an addict is unlikely to realise just how ill they have become or how abnormal or anti-social their behaviour is.

So what is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, compulsive and uncontrollable drive by a person to pursue a particular activity (or behaviour), or use a particular substance, and is often associated with a physical dependency.

Addiction to substances and/or behaviours generally develop to such an extent that it has a serious detrimental effect on the user and often their family as well. The addiction takes over their life eventually destroying everything.

Having a person in your life that has any addiction, whether it is alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex or any other obsessive addiction can be frustrating, painful and in most cases extremely destructive. The afflicted addict may themselves emotionally and neglect their responsibilities and families. While we know them to be good people, the individual is often unaware or unwilling to admit how much control the substance or behaviour has over them and becomes defensive when confronted with it. This is part of the uncontrollable nature of addiction.

However, our experience shows us that by one recovered addict or alcoholic reaching out to another and building mutual rapport and respect total recovery is possible.

Call us now and speak to a friendly voice who knows what you're going through. We have experienced the challenge firsthand and know how to help you through yours.

We're here to help.