alcohol rehab for executives

AToN Center Addiction Treatment in San
Diego, CA |alcohol rehab for executives

Addiction is Not a Moral Failing

April 19, 2018 // by Aton Center

February, 2016. I’m in a bus in the jungles of Mexico on my way to Mayan ruins in Bonampak. I’m sitting next to a delightful woman who has lived an adventurous exciting life. She has been scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands and other exotic locations. It’s clear she lives a life filled with joy. She is connected to her family and has friends all over the world. Her energy is infectious and I know we are going to be friends for a long time after this. She asks me what I do for a living, and I explain that I work at AToN Center. She gives the biggest smile and pulls out a 25 year an AA chip with “25 years” stamped on it.

My new friend is a perfect example of how there IS life after rehab and it can be spectacular! I asked her what the most helpful thing she learned in treatment and her response has stayed with me: “When I learned that I wasn’t a bad person, that this wasn’t a moral failing – that I needed to treat this like a medical condition, something changed. I realized that heart disease and diabetes aren’t moral failings and I needn’t embrace the stigma that addiction carries.”

Here at AToN Center we want you to know that there IS a wonderful life ahead of you in recovery and hope you can take this example of a type of future that can await you!

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

July 12, 2017 // by Aton Center

Nelsan Ellis, acclaimed actor on the HBO series “True Blood”, died of heart failure stemming from symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal is a dangerous condition that can occur in chronic drinkers who abruptly stop or even significantly reduce their alcohol consumption. In general, how severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms become depends on how much and for how long a person has been drinking.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can begin as early as two hours after the last drink, persist for weeks, and may include mild anxiety, shakiness, nausea, vomiting, and headache. More severe complications include fever, irregular heartbeat, seizures which usually occur in the first 48 hours, and delirium tremens (also called DTs). DTs are characterized by disorientation, confusion, severe anxiety, sweating, high blood pressure, severe tremors, racing and irregular heartbeat.

Due to the fact that alcohol withdrawal symptoms can rapidly and suddenly worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention even if symptoms are seemingly mild. Appropriate alcohol withdrawal treatments can reduce the risk of developing heart failure, withdrawal seizures or DTs.

It can be very dangerous to attempt an ‘at home’ detox. Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms are a medical emergency. Tragically, Nelsan Ellis, acclaimed actor on the HBO series “True Blood”, died of heart failure stemming from symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The actor’s family stated “Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life. His family, however, believes that in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others.” (Page Six)

In accordance with DHCS’s new supplementary Incidental Medical Services, AToN Center is at the forefront offering these life-saving medical services to the resident’s we care for. At AToN Center, the detoxification process is a multidimensional process requiring interdisciplinary coordination. We have vital signs monitored by staff every 30 minutes for first 36 hours, then 3 times daily or as needed. Residents have daily assessments for withdrawal symptoms while taking detox medications using the COWS and CIWA.

We also provide assessments by a medical practitioner for withdrawal symptoms and possible detox medications such as Valium, Librium and Suboxone. Residents can also expect to receive education about detox medications and expectations. AToN Center aids our residents in detoxing from drugs and alcohol in a safe, medically assisted environment which promotes relaxation and rehabilitation.

Kate Judd MS, CADC II
CD Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Alcohol and Health

June 25, 2017 // by Aton Center

Alcohol is a major depressant and its biggest effect is on the central nervous system. Alcohol interacts with the receptors, neurotransmitters, cell membranes, enzymes and even the genes. The breakdown of alcohol is a multi-step process, and the first step is the change to acetaldehyde. The enzyme that starts this breakdown is called alcohol dehydrogenase. In men 30% of the alcohol that is consumed is broken down in the stomach, for women it is only 15%. The rest of the alcohol goes straight into the blood stream. This is why woman tends to get drunker quicker than men.

Visible symptoms of an alcoholic may be:

Jaundice of the skin and the whites of the eyes
Very thin but with a bloated stomach
Ataxia, unsteady gait
Bruises
Swollen ankles
Shrunken testicles, enlarged breasts
Odor of alcohol
Hair loss
Swelling of the parotid glands in cheeks
Fiery red palms, liver palms
Whites of the eyes may have small blood vessels with a corkscrew shape

Digestion

Chronic consumption of alcohol stimulates the stomach’s lining, which causes secretion of hydrochloric acid with irritates and erodes the gut’s lining. This can lead to peptic ulcers, bleeding and even cancer. Acute and chronic alcohol use may cause gastritis and bleeding from the GI track. Another cause of massive and sometimes fatal bleeding may be from the esophagus, again due to thinning of the esophageal lining; known as esophageal varices. Chronic use of alcohol can lead to abnormal absorption of a variety of foods and vitamins, which can also lead to nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

Pancreatitis

Alcohol often inflames the pancreas. The pancreas makes digestive juices that break down starch, fats and protein. It also houses the (Islet of Langerhans), which secretes insulin and is needed to regulate sugar levels in the blood. With too much alcohol, the pancreas becomes inflamed and the bile and digestive juices cannot freely escape, so auto-digestion of the pancreas can then occur.

Liver

The liver breaks down alcohol other toxic substances, produces essential blood components, clotting factors, and helps regulate glucose levels. The liver is very sensitive to alcohol, and liver disease is one of the physical illnesses most commonly associated with alcoholism. Acute fatty liver occurs when 30-50% of the dietary calories are in the form of alcohol. Alcohol hepatitis can follow a severe and prolonged bout of heavy drinking, and alcoholic hepatitis is usually a forerunner to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis – means scarring and is a very serious and often irreversible disease. If a patient continues to drink after a diagnosis of cirrhosis, death will follow within 5 years. Toxic substances that are usually removed from the liver can start to create problems elsewhere in the body and particularly in the brain, which can lead to hepatic coma. Another problem that occurs with cirrhosis is “ascites”. As a result of backed upped pressure, the fluid in the tissues of the liver starts to weep directly into the abdominal cavity.

Alcohol affects red and white blood cells and platelets.

Alcohol causes problems with anemia when too few red blood cells are produced. Alcohol depletes white blood cells and lowers the immune system and therefore increases susceptibility to infections. Alcohol also decreases the number of platelets which are a major component of the blood clotting system.

Cardio Vascular System

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy occurs in 2% of all alcoholics, as does, AHMD – alcoholic heart muscle disease. AHMD is a severe condition with low-output heart failure marked by shortness of breath and dramatic enlargement of the heart. A variety of cardiac arrhythmias are also associated with alcohol abuse. Congestive heart failure can occur when an otherwise normal heart can’t keep up with the abnormally high metabolic needs of the body. High blood pressure and strokes are also of great concern.

Central Nervous System

The major effect of alcohol is on the central nervous system. The effect of alcohol on the nerve cells plays a major role with tolerance withdrawal and intoxication. Alcohol effects the production of many neurotransmitters including serotonin, GABA and norepinephrine. Alcohol also increases the level of endogenous opiate-like substance which leads to an increase in dopamine activity, especially in the part of the brain that is linked to pleasure and well-being. Impaired visual ability, impaired motor skills, and slowed reactions also affect the CNS with too much alcohol.

Kidneys

Alcohol actually affects the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. This gland secretes a hormone that regulates the amount of urine produced. When the pituitary is affected by alcohol its function is depressed. Therefore, too little of the hormone is released and the kidneys form a larger than amount of dilated urine. Hence, when we drink a lot we keep running to the bathroom. Problems with the kidneys usually occur because of other disorders going on somewhere else in the body.

Reproductive System

In women too much alcohol decreases fertility, and in men libido, impotency and sterility. When the liver is impaired the sex hormones also become affected. Decreased amounts of testosterone can cause enlargement of breasts in alcoholic men. When women drink too much alcohol during pregnancy the fetus can also be affected with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.

Respiratory System

High amounts of alcohol may cause the heart and breathing to stop; death can occur.

Endocrine System

Alcohol effects the secretions of hormones and upsets the regulation of other glands in the body. With increased and decreased levels of hormones the question arises about the potential role for cancer.

Skin

Alcohol and nutrition, or lack of, severely affects the skin. Deficiencies of Vitamin B, C, magnesium and zinc seemed to be the most affected, and the skin takes on a dirty tan like appearance when these vitamins and minerals are lacking.

Musculoskeletal System

Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium resulting in weak bones, arthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and septic arthritis. Muscles become weaker and atrophy. Pain, spasms, tenderness and polyneuropathy, which is a painful burning of the feet yet an absence of normal sensation, can also occur and may be caused by poor nutrition.

Alcohol and REM sleep

Alcohol depresses REM (dreaming) sleep. The drinker frequently wakes up many times throughout the night. It is thought that DT’s and hallucinations could be due to lack of REM sleep. REM sleep is important as it helps our brains sort out problems and helps relieves stress in our lives.

Blackouts

A black-out is an amnesia-like period that is often associated with heavy drinking. A person may appear to be acting perfect normally, yet later, the person has no memory of what has transpired. The short-term memory function is severely and selectively impaired by alcohol while the long-term memory remains intact.

So as you can see, alcohol can affect every cell in the body.

Johnina Noar, CD COunselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Alcohol and Depression

June 6, 2017 // by Aton Center

Alcohol is a depressant, it slows down the function of the Central Nervous System (CNS). When abused, alcohol can:

Cause short-term memory loss
Cause confusion
Effect coordination
Effect vision
Cause slurred speech
Cause a lack of sleep
Slow or stop the heart
Slow or stop breathing
Cause unconsciousness
Cause seizures
Result in coma or death

To function normally the brain must maintain a careful balance of chemicals call neurotransmitters. After crossing the blood-brain barrier, alcohol affects several neurotransmitters including: dopamine, endorphins, GABA, glutamate and serotonin.

Dopamine plays a role in brain regulation and movement, cognition and emotion. Alcohol increases dopamine levels by binding to the D₄ receptor in the nucleus accumbens in the brain.

Endorphins produce a state of euphoria and reduce feelings of pain. Alcohol magnifies these effects. As the brain grows used to alcohol it increases the activity of the excitatory neurotransmitters and the brain attempts to find a new normal. However, if the influence of alcohol is suddenly removed (from a long-term heavy user) their brain needs to readjust once again and this can lead to withdrawal, shakes, anxiety and depression.

GABA depresses CNS activity. By magnifying the effect of GABA, alcohol slows reaction time and may initially create a feeling of being more relaxed and less inhibited. Alcohol’s combined effect on glutamate and GABA makes it doubly effective as a depressant.

Glutamate increases nervous system activity. Canceling out some of this activity is one way alcohol is a depressant.

Serotonin enhances mood, as alcohol increase the level of serotonin, it may put the drinker in a happier mood.

Alcohol abuse is common among people battling depression. Many depressed individuals reach for alcohol as a way to lift their spirits or numb their feelings. As a result, depression and alcoholism go hand-in-hand. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reports that 1 in 3 adults struggling with alcohol or drug abuse also suffer from depression.

Whether depression triggers alcoholism or alcoholism triggers depression is an interesting question. However, when we are presented with this co-occurring disorder we need to treat each issue as the cause, and treat addiction, psychological and psychiatric disorders alongside each other to get the best possible results.

Johnina Noar, CD Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

April Is Alcohol Awareness Month

April 12, 2017 // by Aton Center

Learn some facts here about alcohol abuse disorder and the facts about the age groups that are affected by alcohol use disorder.

Click here to see the beautiful Facilities at AToN Center and call for more information about the Inpatient treatment center and the professional 24 hour staff. 888-535-1516.

Experience Addiction & Mental Health Treatment in Privacy

August 18, 2015 // by Aton Center

The best luxury rehabs are recognized for the unique ways they cater to overtaxed executives, high-profile CEOs, celebrities, and individuals desiring privacy, amenities, holistic services, and truly customized treatment. Some luxury facilities, however, are more of a glorified spa with an emphasis on “getting away from it all” rather than doing the real work of drug or alcohol addiction recovery. At AToN Center’s San Diego executive and luxury treatment center, clients get the best of both worlds.

Advantages of Luxury Rehab

Perhaps the most important and sought after feature of luxurious drug rehabs is privacy and confidentiality. For many luxury rehab clients, privacy is not just a preference; it is a safety and lifestyle requirement. Allowing participants to focus on their treatment plan while maintaining desired anonymity, clinicians and facility staff seclude clients from the media, stakeholders, and other parties. Luxury addiction treatment is a time to prioritize healing and self-care, and the best way to do this is in a safe, secluded environment among the amenities and privileges our clients have become accustomed to.

Clients also choose beautiful luxury rehabs like AToN Center because of the way we:

Guard residents from unwanted attention & treatment distractions.
Allow residents to work, hold meetings & interface with clients, agents & other support staff as needed.
Encourage participants not to label themselves in negative, self-defeating ways
Offer comfortable detox services that reduce physical withdrawal symptoms & expedite the early recovery process.
Support healing throughout all therapy phases by offering the latest holistic rehab services (energy healing, mind-body therapy, breathing techniques, Watsu massage, acupuncture, yoga, EMDR therapy & more).
Empower sobriety success by selecting the non-12-step program, SMART Recovery® program or 12-step program best suited to the client’s addiction history, personality & lifestyle.
Provide 90-minute intensive family counseling sessions along with individual & group therapy.

888-535-1516

Get Admitted to San Diego Executive Rehab

While some alcohol and recovery centers provide high-quality addiction treatment, they operate in an environment that feels overpopulated, sterile, and clinical. At AToN Center, we welcome guests to a beautiful San Diego facility where you will eat nutritional gourmet meals, enjoy a private room, and experience the amenities of a 5-star hotel while benefitting from the expertise of our industry-leading therapists and addiction specialists.

To begin the luxury rehab process for CEOs, celebrities, public figures and luminaries—or to inquire about insurance coverage and financing for your residential stay, submit a secure online inquiry. Begin the journey to freedom with a San Diego treatment center that helps you think clearly, reboot your relationships, get to the root of your addiction, and transform your life in ways that you never knew were possible.

AToN Center 888-535-1516

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