Substance Abuse in the Workplace: How an Effective HR Policy Can Help Employees who are Struggling With Addiction.

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An effective Human Resources strategy on drug and alcohol abuse must confront the fact that one in ten Americans are currently struggling with addiction. As such, the odds are that one in ten of your employees could be struggling with one form of substance abuse or another co-occurring mental health issue. Substance abuse in the workplace is common today and many organizations are working hard to reduce the negative stigma surrounding alcohol and drug abuse. This stigma, where people tend to see a person as ‘just an addict’ instead of seeing them as another human being is causing a great harm to our society. This negative stigma often discourages people from seeking help with their addiction or substance abuse problem, endangering themselves, coworkers, family members and their loved ones.

As an employer, you are in a unique position to help address the drug crisis in America.

With the drug overdose epidemic reaching record proportions in the United States, employers can find themselves in a pivotal role to help address the epidemic at a key stage in an addicts’ recovery journey.

“An estimated 23.5 million Americans are currently addicted to alcohol and/ or other drugs and need treatment and other supportive services. Unfortunately, only one in 10 of them (2.6 million) receives the treatment they need.”

 – Open Society Foundations

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Helping an employee who is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol could save their life.

With only 10 percent of Americans receiving treatment through a drug rehab program, the remaining 90 percent of our nation’s addicts go without treatment. This faces them with an increased potential for a drug overdose and, in some cases, their untimely death.

Addiction and substance abuse in the workplace costs American businesses billions of dollars each year.

The current opioid epidemic alone is estimated to have cost American business $504 billion dollars in 2015, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisors.  Workers who are struggling with addiction are also noted to miss an average of 29 days of work, compared with the overall national average of 10.5 days of work missed per year. A huge impact could be made by employers in the current drug abuse crisis, with the implementation of a few valuable, actionable substance use disorder treatment programs.

Any employer should already have a drug-free workplace program on the books, as well as a written substance abuse policy. These policies are a good start, but as an employer there is so much more that can be done. Reducing the likelihood of your employee’s substance use will help your company save money on health care costs and insurance premiums, improve worker productivity and lower the frequency of workplace injuries.

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An effective HR policy, addressing workplace substance abuse can help you save lives, while maintaining safety and productivity at your workplace.

Addiction is a treatable disease.

Many beneficial and practical solutions to these problems exist and they begin with an understanding that addiction is a treatable disease. Much like diabetes or asthma, addiction is a chronic disease that can be managed, with the right access to treatment and drug rehab programs. Identifying the problem early is also crucial in the success of treatment for a substance use disorder.

Identifying substance abuse through a workplace drug testing program is an easy way to find out if some of your personnel are experiencing problems with addiction. From there, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can administer help in resolving the drug or alcohol abuse problem. These programs can help focus attention on employees who need help with a drug or alcohol problem. They can offer your employees drug and alcohol detox, intensive outpatient treatment, residential addiction treatment and a host of aftercare services.

An educational program about substance misuse problems can also benefit employees who need help with their addictions. Many people do not seek help for their alcohol, prescription drug or illicit drug problem because they think they will be perceived negatively, especially by their employer.

Employees are more likely to seek help when it is approached as part of an existing employee health and wellness plan. This resource can be recommended to them by their immediate supervisor, or through the company’s human resources department.  Fear of losing their job, or being reprimanded for their substance abuse should not be a barrier for anyone seeking help with their addiction. Treating your employee as a person with a treatable, medical illness is the best way an employer can help with the recovery process.

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Evidence suggests that someone who enters an employer-sanctioned alcohol or drug rehabilitation program is more likely to succeed at sobriety.

A team of addiction specialists from 10 Acre Ranch can come to your work in the greater Los Angles area to help train your HR staff, and give you the resources necessary to help your employees succeed in recovery.

10 Acre Ranch is located in Riverside, California and we are industry leaders in scientific, evidence-based alcohol and drug abuse treatment. 10 Acre Ranch’s Workplace Substance Abuse Program can help train your supervisors and human resources staff to detect the warning signs of an alcohol, prescription or illicit drug abuse problem in your workplace. We can also help provide tools and resources to help your employees who are in desperate need of help.

Our programs emphasize long-term treatment on a continual basis, that will address the immediate problems of substance use, addiction and mental health. Many people self-medicate their problems and mental health issues with drugs or alcohol. Sometimes the root of the problem lies within an underlying mental health issue, such as childhood trauma, PTSD or other behavioral disorders. The thorough addiction treatment programs at 10 Acre Ranch address these issues, as we feel it is the best way to help an individual achieve a long-lasting sobriety.

Ignoring the potentially life-threatening illness of substance abuse and addiction will only further perpetuate the problems in their lives. This could someday lead to a serious workplace injury or even someone’s unfortunate death. It is in the interest of the safety of all of your employees to address these problems as they arise. Acting expediently when suspicious behavior is noticed could help your employees seek the treatment they need. This is help that could ultimately save their lives.

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You can put a stop to substance abuse in the workplace. Give your employees the chance to ask for much needed help. Reach out to us today.

Don’t let one person’s substance abuse affect the safety of your workplace.

Please call 10 Acre Ranch today. We will help you plan an appropriate, beneficial and cost-effective response to the growing problem of substance abuse in the workplace.

(877) 228-4679

Who is 10 Acre Ranch?

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For those who do not know, 10 Acre Ranch is a highly professional, and extremely qualified, drug and alcohol rehab treatment center. It is a residential treatment center for both men and women. It is located in the heart of beautiful Southern California. The town of Riverside, California is just about 60 miles outside of Los Angeles, surrounded by wonderful mountain ranges and great weather year round. Another nice thing about Riverside is that it is about an hour drive outside of pretty much everything – places like the beach, the desert, and even snowboarding are all within reach. It is an amazing place where you can practically wear a t-shirt year round, all while still being close enough to take advantage of different places and different types of weather. These factors make Riverside, California a perfect central location for anything fun you might want to do.

About the addiction treatment programs at 10 Acre Ranch.

The program, of course, is designed to help anyone who is seeking help and is willing to take treatment for their drug or alcohol addiction. People from all over the world have come to Riverside, California just to get treatment from the 10 Acre Ranch facility. As the name suggests, it is also situated on a wonderful ranch where you can play with dogs. Animals are great for therapy as well as additional companionship while learning how to be your best self.

Offering a wide range of outdoor activities, such as a backyard pool for a nice relaxing swim, so that you aren’t cooped up in a house all day while trying to begin a new life of sobriety. Not only that, but the back of the property opens up to one of the most beautiful sets of mountains and the Santa Ana River. Just in case you don’t feel like enjoying the great outdoors just yet, then don’t worry, the 10 Acre Ranch facilities also have plenty of common areas for people attending treatment. You can always kick back downstairs, watch some TV, or take advantage of the game room. The residences include three fully equipped houses with kitchens, so there is high likelihood of a spot being open should you ever need it.

During the treatment program at 10 Acre Ranch, each day typically starts out with a morning meditation before moving on to a peer processing group. These groups try to address things like self-image, addiction and disease education. You can always count on group sessions to be super interactive, but no one is ever forced to talk if they don’t feel like it. If you just want to just sit back and listen, that is always okay too! Each person will have their own unique sobriety plan involving several different techniques and therapies.

You don't have to do it alone, get help today

 

The professional addiction treatment specialists are like family.  

At 10 Acre Ranch, there is always a therapist you can talk to for additional support, not to mention other psychiatrists or doctors so that all of your needs are being met. You are always guaranteed personal one-on-one time, too! The reason why their rehabilitation programs have been so successful in treating patients, is because it truly feels like a home. Everyone at the addiction treatment facility is like a family. The staff, the clients, and even the alumni who make frequent visits to check in become a huge part of the peer support group for those who attend 10 Acre Ranch for addiction recovery.

Everyone who comes to 10 Acre Ranch is welcomed with open arms and taken in as a new member of a loving, supportive family. The staff strives to make you feel like you are not alone, because no one should ever have to go through life feeling that way, especially when taking on something as challenging as achieving a life of sobriety. Another unique quality about 10 Acre Ranch is that the majority of the staff are also people in recovery, which only helps to add to the family feel. They are not an institution, but a home to recover. Which is why the ratio of clients to staff is significantly lower than most drug and alcohol rehab facilities.

outside view of 10 acre ranch facility

 

10 Acre Ranch offers personalized addiction treatment, based on your unique, individual needs.

As you may know, not everyone who is addicted to something is the same. Just as every individual is unique, so is an addiction to different types of drugs. It is true that each person will most likely require specialized care. While 10 Acre Ranch is fully equipped to handle any and all sorts of addictions, they also specialize in a wide variety of them, including:

  • Alcohol
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Meth
  • Prescription pill addiction
  • Oxycontin
  • Percocet
  • Fentanyl

When first entering treatment at 10 Acre Ranch, it is likely they will take your vitals and get a good description of any and all drugs you may be detoxing from. They will get a full medical history and then tailor make your treatment plan, specifically for you. A complete coordination between the doctor, physician assistant, and psychologist will help to ensure that you are getting the best care possible for your recovery. That original assessment will be used to determine the best course of action for medication to make you as comfortable as possible as quickly as possible. It is their utmost desire to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable place for their clients while undergoing inpatient addiction treatment at their facility. They even have a huge cabinet of snacks purely at your disposal.

At 10 Acre Ranch, there is never a shortage of good, healthy food. Things like steaks and backyard barbeques are all part of the normal routine. Not only that, but clients are taken to the gym nearly 4 times a week and allowed to play softball every Friday where they compete for a trophy against several other rehab facilities. For those who enjoy something a little less fast paced, clients are offered yoga classes at the corporate office twice a week, along with things like bowling or movies. They teach you how to have fun without drugs or alcohol. We offer both religious and non-religious programs, and employee assistance programs for employers. If you, or a loved one, are ready to get help and you’re looking for treatment, then there is no better place to get treatment than at 10 Acre Ranch.

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Sobriety is entirely possible, with professional help, you will be more likely to succeed.

Don’t let your addiction ruin another day.

Call one of the addiction specialists from 10 Acre Ranch today!

Someone is available to take your call 24/7.

(877) 228-4679

Gambling Addictions: Is Your College Student at Risk?

photo of a young man's hand holding some playing cards at the casino

Sometimes the warning signs of addiction are obvious. If a heroin user overdoses or an alcoholic gets arrested for drunk driving, you know that they need help – and quick. Though, there are other forms of addiction, like gambling, that are just as dangerous but harder to spot.

Did you know that over six million adults currently meet the criteria for problem gambling? And, what is even more alarming is that college students represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the population who gamble online on a regular basis.

In a recent study published by the University of Connecticut, researchers found that 23 percent of college students reporting gambling online and 6.3 percent did so each week.

While placing the occasional “friendly wager” may seem innocuous at first, it can escalate into compulsive behaviors that can cause many profoundly negative psychological, physical and social repercussions.

It’s important to note that there are warning signs of a gambling addiction. If your college student is exhibiting some of all of the symptoms below of a gambling addiction, it’s important to consult an experienced addiction recovery specialist for help.

5 Telltale Signs of a Gambling Addiction:

1. Escalating financial losses and excessive credit card or personal debt. Gambling addicts often feel that the need to place bets even when they run out of money and often start to borrow money from others or fund their habit with credit cards or short-term loans. Some even resort to selling their personal property to support their gambling when their financial reserves are depleted.

2. Exhibit extreme feelings of sadness and remorse after losing. While gambling is often referred to as a “hidden illness” because there are no physical symptoms, they may talk about feeling depressed after losing money and express regret, shame and guilt over their behavior.

3. Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling. Without the help of addiction recovery professionals, gambling addicts may try, unsuccessfully, to stop on their own – creating a negative cycle of addiction and relapse.

4. Being secretive about how often and how much the person is betting. Many compulsive gamblers often lie about how much or how often they bet. Addicts may start to spend more time alone, avoiding friends and family members.

5. Stealing money from friends and family. When the gambling addiction becomes more severe, some resort to actually stealing money from their roommates, parents and co-workers in a desperate attempt to continue funding their addiction.

Left untreated, a gambling addiction can disrupt the addict’s ability to form healthy personal relationships and interfere with work and social activities. If your son is dealing with a problem gambling addiction, help him find the support he needs and consult an experienced addiction rehabilitation facility.

Getting the Help Your Child Needs
If you believe your child is struggling with addiction, getting treatment is essential. Although most college campuses have a mental health center for students, these facilities are often overburdened and understaffed. 10 Acre Ranch specializes in treating men ages 18 and older who are struggling with addiction issues and drug and alcohol abuse, offering residential rehab. Call (877) 228-4679 to get help for your college student or learn more about our men’s-only CA rehab program.

Cause and Effect: Binge Drinking and Diabetes

photo of unhappy young woman sitting on a sofa and drinking alcohol

Think the binge drinking you did in college was just good old-fashioned fun? Think again. New research is showing that binge drinking, common among partying college students for decades, may play a big role in the development of Type-2 diabetes.

More than Harmless Fun

For thousands of college students, the weekend is a time to get drunk and blow off steam. And to accomplish this as quickly as possible, many of them practice what has become known as binge drinking: for men, consuming five or more drinks in a two-hour period. Although this type of drinking has always been found on college campuses, it is also becoming common in the general population. In fact, an estimated 69 percent of binge drinking occurs in those over the age of 26. Once thought of as harmless fun with friends, we now know that binge drinking at least once a week over a period of time may cause changes in the brain that have far-reaching health implications.

New Insight from Studies with Rats

Scientists have long recognized a connection between the use of alcohol and the incidence of diabetes. Heavy drinking can lead to pancreatitis, and diabetes is a common side effect of this condition. In addition, alcohol is high in calories and may contribute to obesity which is a direct cause of Type-2 diabetes.

Now, researchers at Mt. Sinai Medical Center have discovered alcohol-induced changes in the brain which provide a direct link between binge drinking and diabetes. When rats were given alcohol in amounts equivalent to binge drinking in humans, inflammation occurred in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls metabolic functions. This, in turn, disrupted the brain signals which trigger insulin receptors to utilize glucose in the blood. In humans, this “insulin resistance” leads to chronically high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream and is a primary indicator of Type-2 diabetes.

Complications of Unchecked Diabetes

Why should you worry about diabetes? Left untreated, this condition can seriously affect your health, longevity, and quality of life. Just a few of the complications include:

  • Blindness
  • Poor circulation often resulting in amputation
  • Kidney disease leading to dialysis
  • Neuropathy or loss of feeling in hands and feet
  • Coronary disease and stroke

The good news is that with early detection, treatment of Type-2 diabetes, and treatment for binge drinking addiction, most of these complications can be successfully avoided!

Are you struggling with binge drinking or alcohol and drug dependency? It’s not too late to make a change for better health. 10 Acre Ranch is a California treatment center for men 18 and older. Call 877-228-4679 to learn about our social model program and lifestyle activities. Get started on your healthier life today!

Intervention Isn’t a 4-Letter Word

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Like detox, “intervention” is another word that puts fear in the heart of those dealing with a family member’s addiction. What’s important to remember, though, is that addiction can kill—and getting your loved one into rehab immediately should be your #1 goal. With the help of a trained, experienced interventionist, addicts can be convinced to pursue the treatment that may save their life.

Benefits of an Intervention 

Drug and alcohol interventions are designed to confront the addict in a safe, neutral environment. Prior to the meeting, family members are educated about the disease of addiction. This type of knowledge empowers the family to give up enabling, understand their loved one’s behaviors, and commit themselves to the self-care they may have been neglecting. During intervention preparation, family members also decide on the consequences of an addict’s actions should they decide not to pursue rehab.

When a drug intervention or alcohol intervention is professionally facilitated, the addicted individual should not feel personally attacked or isolated. Interventions help friends and family communicate resolve and convince their loved one to enter detox and rehab right now. 

Benefits of professionally run drug and alcohol interventions include:

  • The opportunity to express love & concern for the addicted individual. Addiction tears families apart. Chances are you have not had a recent opportunity to express your love for a child, parent, or spouse caught in the throes of chemical dependency. An intervention is the perfect place to express how much they mean to you and begin the meeting on a positive note.
  • Having an objective expert in the mix. Emotions run high when the topic of drugs and alcohol comes up. A trained interventionist is uncompromised by emotions or personal attachment. They help to prepare you for the meeting and build trust and rapport with the addicted family member.
  • Establishing healthy boundaries. Whether your family member decides to begin treatment or not, attendees should follow through on the boundaries set during an intervention. From cutting an addict off financially to removing them from the home, these are consequences that must be administered for the good of the addicted party and the good of the family unit.

To learn more about the intervention process or inquire about drug and alcohol rehab for men 18 and over, call 877.228.4679 to speak with a member of the 10 Acre Ranch team. Don’t wait another day. An intervention may save the life of someone precious to you.

Fuzzy Thinking: It’s Just a Phase in Addiction Recovery

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You’re determined to succeed at recovery. It hasn’t been easy, but you’re making progress. You have a few weeks under your belt, and you’re thinking, “This might just work!” You are doing your best to make better decisions and to use the techniques you talk about in therapy, but there’s one problem. It nags at you, filling you with fear and self-recrimination.

Your mind isn’t clear. You get easily confused and your thinking is fuzzy. You’re worried that your addiction has left you mentally impaired and you’ll never escape this “brain fog.”

The good news is that most men in recovery experience periods of fuzzy thinking, and it’s typically only temporary. Remember that addiction causes serious changes in your physical and mental condition. During recovery, your body goes through a type of reset. Your memory loss, muddled thinking, and inability to concentrate are probably the result of one or more of these intertwined causes:

  • The physical effects of withdrawal
  • Sleep disruption leading to fatigue
  • Nutritional deficiency
  • Coping with stress & fear without drugs or alcohol
  • Emotions that can be overwhelming.

Guiding You to Clarity

Fortunately, the rehab professionals at 10 Acre Ranch have the knowledge and resources to help you find your way through the fog. Nutritional meals ensure that you have adequate nourishment; exercise, recreation, and meditation practice contribute to a sense of well-being and better sleep. Disease education helps you understand the physical and mental changes you are experiencing. Recovery assignments provide valuable preparation to lessen the stress and emotions of moving beyond rehab. With these resources and a little time, most individuals successfully recover their cognitive skills.

Comprehensive Resources for Successful Recovery

As you progress through the early stages of recovery, you may encounter doubts, fear, and physical challenges. When you place your care in the capable hands of the staff at 10 Acre Ranch, you’ll have access to the resources you need for physical, emotional, and mental restoration. Don’t let the haze of alcohol and drug addiction keep you from living a full and active life. Call 1-800-266-7074 to start the admissions process and begin your journey today.