Medical and Nutritional Program Benefits at Blu By the Sea

Drug and alcohol addiction takes its toll on the body. Apart from the way it alters and breaks down mental processes, it often leads to malnutrition, reduced vision, damage to teeth and gums and overall poor physical health. Any good rehabilitation program should strive to not only treat the drug addiction, but to help recover the damage done to the physical mind and body. That's why here at Blu By the Sea, we offer a range of medical treatments, like access to local medical care, vision, dental, nutrition and psychological testing. Treating addiction is more than detoxing and mental therapy; it's treating the entire mind/body connection.

If you're looking for drug rehab centers in Florida, you'll find more options that you can count. However, few offer the support and professionalism you'll find at Blu By the Sea. With a beautiful facility, kind and quality staff with research-backed mental care, we take pride in being one of the premiere addiction treatment centers in the state.

Treatments Offered at Blu By the Sea

Local Medical

Our exceptional staff comprises Master's and Doctoral level clinicians who have an extensive working knowledge of treating substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues. Should a client find that they need extra medical care for any number of reasons (the flu, pre-existing conditions, etc.), they will have access to superb local doctors and medical facilities.

Vision

With vision specialists on staff, Blu By the Sea is capable of providing exemplary eye care and treatment. Should a client need an evaluation of their eyesight, our professional staff can assess, recommend, prescribe or treat any issue. If it's a new contact prescription or glasses that you need, we have you covered.

Dental Care

Drugs can dramatically increase tooth decay, and many clients take advantage of the dental care offered at Blu By the Sea. We provide full service dental care that can improve the quality of our clients lives by changing the way they chew, smile and talk. In addition to our rehabilitation treatment, improving the health of your teeth and gums will alter your life for the better in every way.

Nutrition

Malnutrition is a serious issue when dealing with drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Most drug abusers prioritize their addiction over healthy eating choices. Our professional, experienced staff can tailor a nutrition program to each of our clients specific nutritional needs. First, they assess the deficiencies, then develop a plan that includes a healthy diet along with supplementation. Improving your diet will naturally improve your mental focus, physique, immune response and energy levels. The first step to lasting recovery in most cases is to improve our clients’ diet and nutrition.

Psychological Testing

At Blu By the Sea, we offer a wide range of mental health treatment options. The first step in determining which type of care each client should receive is to undergo a psychological evaluation. The results of this evaluation will guide the treatment plan we develop for each person. Our clinicians also treat post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and chronic relapse.

Other Support

We're here to help our patients in every way. Besides psychological testing and treatments, we offer yoga therapy, Gold's gym memberships, counseling, meals cooked daily by a professional chef and much more. Each of our client rooms have a balcony or access to the pool deck. With a pool, jacuzzi, and saunas all accessible by clients and their loved ones, we offer an environment as free from anxieties as possible. This way, the focus is on healing, rehabilitating and strengthening our clients as individuals.

Blu By the Sea

Each Blu By the Sea client is expected to achieve a stably drug-free, ethical, one for one life – no matter the severity of their earlier life experience. We believe that each individual can get better, and our team of highly educated professionals is here to make that happen. There are many Florida drug rehab centers, but few can match the totality of wellness we offer, not to mention the quality of experienced, educated and certified medical practitioners.

Enjoying Hispanic Fest in Destin: Safety Tips and Avoiding Triggers

Hispanic Fest is a great local event held in Destin in September at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.  Hispanic Fest celebrates Hispanic food, music, dancing, and artwork. Proceeds from the event benefit the Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Needy Children’s Fiesta.  While this is a fun event for a great cause, it can pose a challenge for people in recovery from alcohol and addiction. But that does not mean people in recovery need to avoid Hispanic Fest or other celebrations all together.  Part of recovery is learning how to enjoy an active social life that does not include drugs and alcohol. Be proactive about acting safely and avoiding triggers, and enjoy a sober Hispanic Fest!

Recovery From Substance Abuse

In-patient rehab is a critical component of recovery.  If you are attending a Destin rehab, you probably feel safe inside the bubble of recovery--and that is a good thing!  During the early stages of recovery it is important to surround yourself with support and remove yourself from temptation.  In-patient rehab provides support during physical detox and recovery afterward. Therapy, such as group therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, can help addicts learn from others in recovery and retrain their brain circuitry to new, healthier behaviors.  In-patient rehab gives the patient a respite from the stress of daily life and a chance to physically recover through exercise and diet, while providing emotional healing through therapy. But eventually that recovery must extend to life outside of rehab, so it is important to plan ahead in order to avoid relapse.

What Triggers a Relapse?

Triggers are emotional or physical cues that tell the addict to relapse into substance abuse.  Many factors can trigger a relapse, and the social setting of Hispanic Fest can include many triggers.  The stress of leaving rehab for a day might be a trigger. Seeing old friends and family or being out in a festival setting where many people are drinking might be triggers.  Even the smell of beer might be a trigger. Recognizing potential triggers can help you plan in advance how to maintain your sobriety. Signs of a trigger include:

• Feeling nervous 
• Thinking about how good it would feel to use again
• Thinking back to when you used to use
• Planning how you could obtain drugs or alcohol
• Feeling like you need to use

Strategies for Staying Sober

If you are at Hispanic Fest and recognize any of these symptoms in yourself, recognize what is triggering you to relapse.  Then employ strategies to avoid relapse:

• Distract yourself: There are so many sober events at Hispanic Fest!  If you feel the urge to use, walk around the festival until you find something else to do.  Watch a dance performance, try some Hispanic food, or just walk around soaking up the culture.
• Talk It Out: Whether you are at Hispanic Fest with old friends or fellow patients in rehab, tell someone you are struggling and ask for support.
• Challenge Your Thoughts: Instead of focusing on how good it would feel to use again, remind yourself of how much damage addiction has caused in your life and how strong you are now.  Focusing on the downside of addiction can help you avoid relapse now.
• Medication: There are several medications available that can interfere with specific cravings, such as alcohol, opioids, and other drugs.  Talk to a medical professional in rehab about whether this is a good option for you.

If you are attending a Destin rehab, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy Hispanic Fest.  If you plan ahead to avoid triggers and utilize coping strategies, celebrations and social events can be a part of your new, sober lifestyle.

Destin FL Concerts in the Village: Managing Addiction Triggers During Fall Celebrations

Destin, Florida is an absolutely beautiful place to be this time of year. Between the incredible weather and picturesque beaches, you’d be hard pressed to ask for more. With the fall season coming up, there will be some fun celebrations to behold. Over at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, there will be some great concerts starting September 13th. The concerts offer folks the opportunity to listen to some music while partaking in the local restaurants and food trucks. While this all sounds idyllic for those looking to have a good time, it can be a bit tough for those working to maintain their sobriety while also visiting with family and friends. Read on for some tips on managing addiction triggers during fall celebrations.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf

With its assortment of outdoor activities, boutiques, restaurants, and nightlight, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a fun place to hang out with friends and family. The Village is located along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay and will play host to many outdoor concerts. This means there will be some alcohol sold in the area. Depending on your triggers, this may mean that the Bay is an area to avoid all together. If alcohol is not a specific trigger for you (but you are still working to maintain your sobriety), you may still have to be vigilant about about people bringing in additional substances from the outside. If attending any of these events, you will need to be aware of how you’re feeling at any given time.

How to Spot Your Triggers

A trigger is something that causes you to remember an event or trauma. Spotting these triggers is essential to staying sober. If you are struggling with substance abuse and see something that causes you to think about using, you may feel that triggers effect either physically or psychologically. In the case of something that triggers you physically, you may feel your stomach get tight or a tingling sensation in your body. In the case of something that triggers you psychologically, you may remember past experiences with substances, cravings, bartering, or a kind of rose colored view of past experiences.

Managing Addiction Triggers

Living your life is key to anyone working to stay sober. While it’s good to avoid triggers all together, it’s also good to enjoy your life as much as possible. If you have a particular set of memories from a location, it’s best to avoid it. You should also do your best to make sure you’re not hanging around any persons from back when you were using. If you’re feeling uncomfortable watching others use certain substances, remove yourself from the situation. Additionally, if you’re feeling the stress of trying to enjoy yourself, then it’s best to play it safe and go to a more comfortable location. Always remember to know your limits and to not push it.

Practicing Self-Care

Lastly, when gearing up for any fun outdoor activity, practice self-care. This means take care of yourself with rest and exercise. Yoga will help you practice and maintain your breathing skills. A massage can you help you relax when you know you’ll be in a stressful situation later. Meditation can help you center yourself before joining a large group of people. Mileage may vary depending on the user, but these are some helpful tips on how to maintain your wellbeing.

Blu By the Sea

If you or someone you know is looking for Destin rehab, contact the team at Blu By the Sea. Our team of experts can help you maintain your sobriety and manage your triggers while enjoying the fall celebrations.

Labor Day Concert Celebrations Present Relapse Risks for Those in Addiction Recovery

For those on the long road to recovery, it’s important to remember the simple pleasures we take in life. Whether it be spending time with loved ones, going to a movie, or taking a trip to the beach, it’s great to remember how precious (and fun) our lives can be. However, certain activities can be triggers for relapse. These situations can either slow down your recovery or halt it all together. With Labor Day approaching, there are a number of fun and exciting events coming up. While these Labor Day events are a great way to connect with family and friends, it’s important to remember that these are also situations where drugs and alcohol may be present. Have fun on Labor Day, but remember that the road to recovery is long and will be even longer in the event of a relapse.

Events as Triggers

Attending celebratory events with family and friends may expose you to some triggers to your past addictions. A trigger is any time an interaction or moment causes someone to use again. There are an infinite number of triggers, the three main categories being emotional, environmental, and exposure. Common triggers include:

• Exposure to substances
• Peer pressure
• Wanting to heighten positive feelings
• Wanting to lessen negative feelings
• Other substances (separate from the substance that was abused)

Labor Day Events in Destin, FL

Here are some of the events taking place during Labor Day weekend in Destin, FL. These will be fun-filled events to be sure. However, it is important to be aware of or avoid certain triggering situations.

Labor Day Celebration at Emerald Grande

• A weekend long concert event taking place at HarborWalk Village with fireworks on Sunday. HarborWalk Village has a number of fun things to do from live music, shopping, paddle boarding, and more. There will be alcohol, and it’s possible there will be some illegal drug use. This is a free event to the public, so there will be a high number of people in attendance.

Cookouts with Family and Friends

• There aren’t too many situations in life that are better than a cookout with family and friends. They’re a great way to connect with the loved ones in your life, while spending time outside and eating some tasty grub. However, it’s possible someone in your family and friend circle is a trigger. These stresses can make it difficult to remain sober. In addition, these situations may also have alcohol and other illicit substances. Be sure to know when it’s time to step away for your own health.

Avoiding Relapse

Know your limits. Try to enjoy yourself, but understand that you’ve spent a lot of time learning how to cope with certain situations. That includes knowing when to ask for help, when to say no, and how to get out of a bad scene. Here are some tips to avoiding relapse:

• Stay away from substances
• Be aware of your triggers
• Use friends, family, and sponsors to help avoid certain situations
• Stay healthy

Blu By the Sea

If you’re in the Destin, FL area and you or someone you know is struggling with sobriety, contact the team at Blu By the Sea. Whether you’ve relapsed or worried a friend may relapse, their facilities and team of professionals are here to help.

Annual Wharf Beer Festival & Craft Beer Alcoholism

The annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival is held annually in Destin, Florida during October. The event features Florida breweries such as Destin Brewery, Gulf Coast Brewery and Props Brewery, among others. Thousands of craft beer fans attend each year to get a taste of local brews. Although craft beer festivals are a great way to celebrate the coming of age and sophistication of beer in American culture, they’re also a breeding ground for unchecked drinking. Let’s look at how craft beer culture may be contributing to the epidemic of alcoholism in today’s generation.

The Craft Beer Movement

America’s beer tastes have historically leaned towards the lighter side, with lagers leading the way for the last two centuries. This trend begat American staples like Pabst Blue Ribbon and Budweiser, which still hold a market majority today. However, the craft beer movement has gained ground rapidly the last decade, with sales growing by over 20% in 2014 to just under $20 billion. The American palate is changing, especially among younger generations, as they seek out unique, high-quality craft trends. However, as the craft brew industry grows, the ABV (alcohol by volume) is growing along with it.

Reports by consumer research groups say that beers released with more than 6.5% ABV increased by 319% from 2011 to 2014. The average lager beer maintains an ABV of about 4%, but most craft beers average 5.9% ABV. The heavyweights, with ABV’s over 8%, also saw an upswing. More breweries are releasing high-alcohol beers to catch a piece of the pie. Consumers pay a premium for high-alcohol beers, often as much for a 750-mL bottle as a regular six-pack of craft beer.

Most brewers expect patrons to be responsible consumers of their beers, realizing that craft brews generally pack a weighty punch ounce for ounce. If consumers are buying a 750-mL bottle to split with a friend over dinner (like a bottle of wine) or to bring as a gift to a party, the high-alcohol content is less relevant. However, craft breweries report that many patrons consume these high-ABV beers just as fluidly as regular beers. Unfortunately, the no-neck party ethos has been carried on among the craft brew scene, especially at festivals.  Craft brew festivals contribute to the problem as patrons weigh the cost of their tickets against how many beers they find themselves standing in line for. Many seek out the highest ABV beers to get the most bang for their buck, often with consequences.

Hangovers Suck

Craft brewers are aware of the relationship between their brews and the uptick in sophisticated alcoholism among craft consumers. Consequently, brewers are pushing for change in the way patrons view and consume their beverages. Higher-alcohols give brewers flexibility and help add nuance to beers, which low-alcohol beers do not. Craft brewers have started a new social media movement termed, “hangovers suck,” to bring awareness to the epidemic of alcoholism, especially as it takes effect among craft brew consumers. They are encouraging consumers to drink slowly and responsibly by appreciating and contemplating each beer’s flavor—by spending time with it.

If you are planning on attending the Annual Wharf Beer Festival, invariably you will have a chance to try a few high-ABV brews. Gulf Coast Brewery showcases their MindBender Double IPA at 9% ABV as well as their Barrel-Aged Baltic Porter, which comes in at a whopping 12% ABV. Whatever your beverage choice, consume responsibly, knowing that craft beers are meant to be enjoyed and evaluated over time. For more information on alcoholism or alcohol addiction treatment, contact Blu By the Sea, a Destin rehab facility.

Rock the Docks in Destin, Florida: Music Festival Drug Use, Abuse and How to Stay Safe

Rock the Docks Concert Series in Destin, Florida takes places in HarborWalk Village every Saturday night throughout the summer. As a live music venue, locals and tourists alike are attracted to this unique and exciting event. Live music festivals are a great way for people to celebrate their favorite musicians. However, many of these music events are about much more than music. Music festivals have long been a popular venue for drug and alcohol abuse as well and continue to draw participants who are looking to party.

If you are planning on attending Rocks the Docks or other music venues this summer, it is important to know the various risks associated with concert drug and alcohol abuse. Festival drugs, such as MDMA and LSD, are increasingly a part of the festival experience for many people. These drugs come with considerable risks, especially when combined with alcohol. Let’s look at the potential dangers of concert drug abuse and how to stay safe. 

Common Festival Drugs
Music festivals are a great place for dancing, lights and music. However, some attendees use drugs to intensify the experience or to experiment while others just want to keep partying long after normal energy levels wear off. Some of the most commonly abused drugs at music festivals include:

- Alcohol - Lowers inhibitions and keeps people relaxed; at a music festival, alcohol may help people feel more comfortable socializing; although risks are often minimized because alcohol is not legal, high alcohol quantities can have serious consequences;
- Marijuana - Causes feelings of relaxation and euphoria; associated with memory problems, altered sense of time and difficulty problem solving; when combined with other drugs and/or alcohol, it can cause users to develop hallucinations or delusions;
- MDMA/Molly/Ecstasy - MDMA is a synthetic drug that increases energy, sensory perception and emotional balance and distorts a user’s sense of time; ecstasy is popular at festivals because of it increases a sense of connectivity to those around you; MDMA is often pressed with adulterants like ketamine, cocaine, bath salts or amphetamines, making it especially dangerous for users who may have a bad reaction;
- Cocaine/Crack - Cocaine and crack cocaine are stimulants which give users extreme bouts of energy, hypersensitivity to sensory inputs and occasional paranoia; energetic effects at festivals contribute to hours of dancing, although the crash effects of stimulants can cause users to binge or re-dose to avoid coming down with dangerous effects.

Other common drugs abused at music festivals include opioids, LSD, mushrooms, Adderall and various hallucinogens. Each of these drugs presents their own dangers, but often concert goers will ingest multiple drugs at once, increasing the individual effects of each. Emergency services reported a doubling in incidents involving MDMA and LSD along with other festival drugs at concerts in the last decade. Many of the dangerous consequences have to do with conditions at festivals. Drugs and alcohol may seem like a great way to keep energy up, but when combined with high heat and dehydration, they can be a recipe for disaster. 

Stay Safe at Rock the Docks

If you’re planning on attending Rock the Docks, know that there are many ways to stay safe. Stay hydrated and avoid taking drugs or drinking excessively, if possible. Surround yourself with people who plan to enjoy celebrations responsibly and who can look out for you. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of health issues related to drugs, dehydration and overheating. Do not be afraid to reach out for a support system either. Contact Blu By the Sea, a Destin rehab facility, to learn more about how you can stay safe and sober this summer.

Destin Tourism: Is Substance Abuse More Prevalent on Vacation?

Destin is a premier destination for tourism in Florida. The white sand beaches and beautiful weather draw tens of thousands of tourists to our beautiful city each year. Destin also hosts a number of summer festivals and outdoor music events. However, summer events are filled with celebrations and recreational activities where substance use and abuse happen. National Prevention week occurs every year in May, before summer begins, as a means of raising awareness regarding substance abuse at celebratory events.

The celebrations in Destin are no exception when it comes to substance abuse. Drugs and alcohol at music festivals and summer celebrations are notorious as local authorities report numerous hospitalizations each year for attendees. The combination of alcohol, crowds, street drugs and the Florida heat can have serious consequences. Often, the electrifying atmosphere can stimulate people to use more drugs or ingest more alcohol than they would have otherwise, with dangerous side effects. Both alcohol and street drugs, like ecstasy, can hasten dehydration. In very hot environments, like in Destin, dehydration significantly increases the risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse.

Signs and Symptoms

For those partaking in the celebrations, there are a number of signs and symptoms to be aware of which may be signaling the onset of more serious complications and even overdose. Some symptoms to be aware of include:

• Nausea
• Blurred Vision
• Fainting
• Chills
• Excessive sweating
• Dehydration
• Muscle cramping/twitching
• Shortness of breath

Combining alcohol and drugs can have serious consequences, so it’s important to be aware of the signs of intolerance or overdose. The added stressors of heat and celebration also contribute to a more dangerous environment for overdose. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should stop taking drugs and/or drinking alcohol immediately and seek help right away.

Staying Sober

For those individuals working to maintain their sobriety after drug or alcohol rehabilitation, summer celebratory events, like those in Destin, can be a difficult source of temptation. You may want to actively participate in the events, but feel worried the temptation to also partake in drugs and alcohol will be too great. There are a number of helpful things you can do to maintain your sobriety during these events.

A Plan

First, know that starting each day with a plan to fend off relapse is crucial. Stay focused on your goal of sobriety and evaluate the risk scenario of every situation. Take along a friend who doesn’t smoke, drink or take drugs to help you stay sober at social events. Recovering addicts should know their triggers to relapse and know how to manage them. Make sure you are mentally and physically prepared to ward off these triggers. If necessary, you might have to forgo events altogether if the risk of relapse seems too great.

Destin Rehab Can Help

Summer festivals and celebrations can and should be fun, but they are also a prime time for substance abuse. They also are a risky source of relapse for those in addiction recovery. During this time, it’s important to find and lean on your support system. Make time to attend extra meetings during the summer to stay on track. Stay close with your sober friends and family and those you’ve met on your recovery journey. Also, know that your friends who still abuse substance may have to celebrate without you this year.

If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addictions or to maintain your sobriety, contact Blu by the Sea today. We are a Destin rehab facility, committed to helping you on your journey to recovery from addiction.