How To Help an Alcoholic in Denial

How To Help an Alcoholic in Denial

The best way to help an alcoholic in denial is by setting and maintaining boundaries. An alcoholic in denial is not seeing the harm they are causing themselves and others. By putting in place proper boundaries, the alcoholic in denial will eventually start to see the problems their actions are causing.

At Starbridge Recovery we personalize treatment solutions to each client. Our detox and treatment programs are designed to support individuals in need and help them recover in the most effective and efficient ways possible. Contact us today to see how we can help your loved one battle addiction.

Signs Your Loved One Is an Alcoholic

While no two situations are the same, there are some large key factors you can use to identify if your loved one’s behavior is problematic to the point of addiction.

  1. Had times when they ended up drinking more, or longer, than they intended?
  2. More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
  3. Spent a lot of time drinking, or being sick from drinking or getting over other aftereffects?
  4. Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of their home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?
  5. Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with their family or friends?
  6. Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to them, or gave them pleasure, in order to drink?
  7. Continued to drink even though it was making them feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had an alcohol-related memory blackout?”

These are some big signs to look out for. If you think your loved one is struggling or in denial about their drinking, there may be things you can do to support them.

How To Help an Alcoholic in Denial

Alcoholics in denial refuse to accept that they’re drinking is causing a problem. They may believe that their drinking is not problematic or that the only person it affects is them. Often an alcoholic and denial will refuse to listen when concerns about their behavior are addressed. They may even become defensive or violent when faced with the truth. 

One of the first ways you can set boundaries is by refusing to give the alcoholic money. By cutting off financial support, they should begin to notice the problems that their addiction is causing. By making this boundary and sticking to it, you are forcing a level of responsibility on this individual to monetarily take care of themselves.

A second way to help an alcoholic in denial see that they have a problem is by refusing to take on their responsibilities. Wanting to support your loved one is not wrong, however, when you support an alcoholic in denial so that they can continue drinking or supporting them when they have a hangover, indicates that they do not need to take responsibility for their actions. When an alcoholic in denial does not take responsibility for their actions, they do not see the problems that they are causing.  

A final way you can set boundaries and help an alcoholic in denial to see that their actions have consequences is to stop making excuses for them. When you make an excuse for an alcoholic, it makes them feel like their problem isn’t as extreme as it is. This is a coping mechanism that you have put in place to support yourself and gain a level of acceptance over this problem. This can be harmful to the alcoholic in denial. When you make excuses for them, they believe that their issue is not as big as it is and that you will cover for them and help them out.

If you love an alcoholic in denial, the best way that you can support them is by setting clear and firm boundaries. After setting boundaries, find several treatment centers you believe would work for your loved one, and keep their information on hand. When your loved one starts to push back on the boundaries you have set, you can provide them with information about the rehabs you believe will be most helpful.

How Can Starbridge Recovery Help Your Loved One Today?

At Starbridge Recovery we believe you’re worth it. We have redesigned and reimagined addiction treatment to provide a holistic and client focused approach to treatment. Clients who choose our program work through recovery in a safe and luxurious environment designed to be peaceful and relaxing for the mind and body.

Contact us today to see how our extensive treatment options can support your loved one today.

Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Originally designed to support cancer and surgical patients, fentanyl is now illegally made and distributed on the streets. In 2021, the synthetic opioid fentanyl is linked to more overdose-related deaths than any other drug. Contributing to the opioid crisis, fentanyl is extremely addictive and easily accessible. 

At Starbridge Recovery, we focus on our clients. From the initial call, through detox, and into residential inpatient care, our treatment center treats our clients like family. Designed with a client-forward focus, we believe that they’re worth every alternative and unique therapy we provide. With compassionate and dedicated staff, we can support individuals struggling with alcohol, drugs, and dual-diagnosis disorders.

Contact us today to see how we can help you build a bridge to recovery.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is an opioid pain reliever. This opioid, unlike heroin and morphine, are synthetically made to be stronger and more potent. Approximately 50% stronger than heroin and 80-100% stronger than morphine, individuals who use Fentanyl are at extreme risk of addiction, even when following a doctor’s prescription.

Fentanyl can be found on the street as untagged pills and in absorption patches. According to the DEA, “Fentanyl produces effects such as relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression.” 


Fentanyl is addictive and, because of its potency, can easily cause an overdose.

Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Fentanyl’s strength makes it one of the most dangerous drugs on the street today. Already approximately 90% stronger than morphine, Fentanyl often doesn’t react to Narcan/Naloxone. This overdose reversal drug is not strong enough to counteract the overdose and individuals may need multiple doses or may not respond at all.

Fentanyl is deadly when mixed with other drugs. In fact, “speedballing” as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl with cocaine is practically a death sentence.

What To Do if Someone You Know Is Using Fentanyl

If someone you know is using fentanyl, you should be concerned about their safety. Individuals addicted to opioids have a number of tells that you may be able to identify when trying to determine whether or not your loved one is using. 

An individual addicted to fentanyl may experience lapses in time, judgment, and personal hygiene. You may notice significant changes to their weight, mood, and personality. Addiction to fentanyl can cause shifted priorities, a tolerance for the drug (needing more when using), and withdrawal symptoms when not high.

If you are noticing these signs and symptoms of drug abuse and you suspect they are using fentanyl, it is important to speak to your loved one about the dangers of fentanyl addiction and provide them with rehabilitation options.

Individuals addicted to fentanyl should go to a facility that can support them through both detox and inpatient treatment. Fentanyl withdrawal causes intense cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms. Being medically monitored through this process can ensure your loved one’s safety and health throughout the detox process. Similarly, a residential treatment center can provide structured support for your loved one in a safe and drug-free environment. 

Starbridge Recovery

At Starbridge Recovery we believe in re-defining recovery to meet your individual needs because you’re worth it.

Every client at Starbridge Recovery works with dedicated staff members to determine what are the best and most effective treatments available to support the development of healthy coping skills, self-management strategies, and a stable and reliable mental health support group. 

Our boutique facility creates a relaxed feeling of comfort through a difficult time. While rehabilitating in a safe and luxurious facility, clients can ensure their privacy in an intimate facility. With holistic treatments available to support clients through a number of diagnoses, each person is able to develop the skills necessary for successful long-term sobriety.

Contact Starbridge Recovery today to discuss a personalized treatment solution with a qualified consultant today.

Is There Residential Detox for Drugs and Alcohol in Los Angeles?

Is There Residential Detox for Drugs and Alcohol in Los Angeles?

When it comes to trying to detox from drugs and alcohol, it seems like everyone has a plan or an idea of how it should work best. But what is the best option for you? 

Depending on the drug, length of use, and frequency of use your withdrawal symptoms could be completely different from someone else. Physicians recommend that all individuals undergo detox with medical supervision. 

The best and safest way to accomplish this is through residential rehab in a Los Angeles drug and alcohol treatment center like Starbridge Recovery. Our comprehensive addiction treatment plan is designed to support you through every step of the process.

What Is Residential Detox?

Residential detox is the preferred treatment for individuals struggling with moderate to severe forms of addiction. In this style of program individuals can receive around the clock therapeutic support, medical monitoring, and recover in a safe environment.

In the first days of detoxification, therapeutic support is crucial for most individuals. Withdraw can cause the body to experience extreme changes in mood and personality. Individuals may be more anxious, depressed, irritable, or experience mood swings. Withdrawal after chronic use can even cause paranoia and hallucinations. During this process therapeutic treatment is essential to support the mental health and safety of the client.

Residential detox is also beneficial because of the medical monitoring that occurs. Physically, the body can react in a number of ways when denied a substance. When an individual undergoes detox, they can experience mild symptoms like a runny nose, nausea, and/or headaches. But the possibility for experiencing extreme symptoms like seizures and heart attack is real. When being medically monitored in a residential facility, the doctors and clinicians may also be able to prescribe a medication to support you through the process.

Finally, residential detox is essential because of its ability to provide a safe and drug free environment.  One of the most difficulty symptoms of withdraw to deal with are the cravings. Individuals who attempt to detox at home are often unsuccessful because of their ease of access to the drug. When in a residential facility, individuals are in a safe and substance free environment.

Is There Residential Detox in Los Angeles?

There is residential detox in Los Angeles. Individuals who live in SoCal know that the number of individuals suffering from addiction indicate an extreme need. 

Located right in LA, Starbridge Recovery is a residential detox and addiction treatment facility. Nestled right in a residential community away from prying eyes, our Studio City facility offers a boutique rehabilitation experience. With personalized treatment options, our clients receive supportive and engaging therapeutic treatment. In a gender-specific setting, our facility offers small individual or shared spaces, individual counseling, small group therapy, and extensive family therapy opportunities for repairing and rebuilding relationships.

What Should I Do After I Complete Residential Detox?

After completing residential detox, individuals should progress into a residential treatment facility. In residential addiction treatment, it is necessary for individuals to ensure that they are receiving the best addiction treatment. This could be the difference between sobriety and relapse.

A residential treatment center should offer multiple programs and treatment options for its clients. Through treatment, individuals should learn coping skills and self-management skills that help them to be successful in real-world situations.

Starbridge Recovery

At Starbridge Recovery our clients can easily transition from one program to the next because we support clients with everything from detox to treatment to lifetime aftercare and alumni programs. 

We are designed with you in mind. Catering to each client’s mental, physical, and emotional needs, we have developed holistic programs that support clients from start to finish. 

Contact us today at Starbridge Recovery to see how our comprehensive, luxury treatment can help you.

OCD and Drug Addiction: Can I Get Help With Both?

OCD and Drug Addiction: Can I Get Help With Both?

When individuals struggle with more than one mental health disorder at a time and they are directly or indirectly related, this is called concurrent disorders and they are treated as a “dual-diagnosis” at the same time.

Treatment centers specialize in supporting individuals with dual diagnoses by offering specific treatment programs to address certain mental health disorders in addition to addiction. 

At Starbridge Recovery, we support individuals with addiction treatment and a number of mental health disorders. Our exclusive programming and tailored treatments help us redefine addiction treatment at our luxury rehab center.

What Is OCD?

OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is a mental health disorder that is characterized as a “common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions) that they feel the urge to repeat over and over.”

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, “a person with OCD generally, 

  • Can’t control his or her thoughts or behaviors, even when those thoughts or behaviors are recognized as excessive
  • Spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors
  • Doesn’t get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but may feel brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause
  • Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors”

An individual suffering from this type of chronic and repetitive behavior may seek out prescription medication or illegal drugs to inhibit these symptoms.

What Are the Signs of Drug Addiction?

Signs of drug addiction can vary from person to person and based on the drug used. However, there are some common behavioral and physical changes that occur when an individual starts using a substance.

  • Changing friends a lot
  • Spending a lot of time alone
  • Losing interest in favorite things
  • Not taking care of themselves – for example, not taking showers, changing clothes, or brushing their teeth
  • Being really tired and sad
  • Eating more or eating less than usual
  • Being very energetic, talking fast, or saying things that don’t make sense
  • Being in a bad mood
  • Quickly changing between feeling bad and feeling good
  • Sleeping at strange hours
  • Missing important appointments
  • Having problems at work or at school
  • Having problems in personal or family relationships”

Drug use may also exacerbate other mental health symptoms, like those a person with OCD might experience.

Can I Get Help for OCD and Drug Addiction at the Same Time?

Yes! When an individual has two simultaneously occurring mental health concerns, they can receive treatment under the umbrella of “dual-diagnosis.” Dual-diagnosis treatment programs focus on treating both the mental health concern, in this case, OCD, and the addiction or substance use disorder. Treatment is designed around coping mechanisms and self-management skills, as well as contingency management for overwhelming situations. 

Starbridge Recovery – Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Plans

At Starbridge Recovery, we work to create personalized treatment solutions for each client because you’re worth it. Our detox, rehabilitation, and aftercare programs focus on you achieving your addiction treatment and mental health goals.

We use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic treatments and alternative holistic treatments to ensure that our clients have the best opportunity to heal their minds, body, and spirit.  Through dual-diagnosis treatment, we help clients identify the root cause of their addiction and address the issues it has created and how it has an impact or been caused by their other mental illnesses. 

Using group therapy, individualized counseling, and even family therapy, we teach our clients coping and self-management skills to ensure they have a solid foundation to build on before graduation.

At Starbridge Recovery we believe in personalized care and treatment. Contact us today to see how we can work to support you on your journey of recovery.