Maintaining Your Sobriety and Avoiding Holiday Relapses

If you are a recovering addict, you may be spending your holidays away from your addiction recovery support system and sober routines. This can make you more vulnerable to relapse. But there are effective ways you can prepare for this challenging season. Maybe take an online drug and alcohol course and use these top three practical tips to help you avoid relapse and stay sober during the holidays and beyond.

Have Sober Strategies in Place

Develop plans ahead of any holiday event that could potentially trigger relapse to substance abuse. This may mean attending a Twelve Step meeting before or after the event or making sure you can leave gatherings at any time and are not dependent on anyone for transportation.

Adjust Your Attitude

Talk with your sponsor, an addiction expert, or a professional counselor about the expectations you have around the holidays. An online drug and alcohol course may advise recovering addicts to do this if replaying childhood memories during this time of year.

Avoid Known Risks

If you know Aunt Camilla is going to grill you about rehab, avoid her. If Uncle Stan will try to mix you a stiff drink, stay away from him. If the office party is all about drinking, make a brief appearance, or don't attend. It is unrealistic to think you can soldier through all of these events.

 

Anger Management Tips for the Holiday Season

Many people spend the holiday season with extended family. While the holidays are meant to be a time to enjoy your family, spending time with extended family, some of whom you may not have seen for a while, can bring back past resentments and grievances, which can lead to anger. You may find that online anger management courses are an excellent resource, particularly if you struggle with anger management issues.

So how can you prepare for managing anger during this time of year so that you’re involved in the next family feud?

1.     Start with being careful with the amount of alcohol you consume. Drinking often contributes to conflict and aggression. If you’re in control, you can avoid many of your triggers.

2. Budget. Decide how much money you can afford to spend this holiday season and stick to it. Excess spending is one of the triggers taught in online anger management courses that may get you angrier.

3. Do not over-schedule yourself. Manage your time by planning and set aside specific days or times for each task to be done. Then give yourself even more extra time.

4. You may also need to adjust your expectations. Things may unfold differently from how you have planned them. You are only with your family for a short time, so try to relax.

5. Avoid being pulled into unnecessary arguments. Just don’t get involved. Who cares who opens gifts first? You don’t need to be involved in minor family spats.

The Benefits of Taking Court-ordered Classes Online on Impulse Control

Learning to control our impulses and emotions is difficult, but even more so when a juvenile in crisis has experienced past traumas. Difficult experiences can lead to outbursts and poor impulse control, and could potentially instigate a life of crime. That's why AIC. American Integrity Courses offers court-ordered classes online that are easy to follow and convenient to access.

There are many benefits to taking impulse control classes. It will teach students about critical thinking, decision making, and goal setting. Coursework includes instruction that defines how someone’s behavior can have a significant impact on their lives and the lives of their family. By being able to access court-ordered classes online, it becomes much more comfortable for students to learn continuously and be consistent with their lessons. Online courses are also much more flexible in terms of scheduling.

We want to ensure that students with court-ordered classes learn about the dire implications that daily decisions can have over their future. Our courses are available at an excellent price with a full curriculum. Contact us today to learn more about our court-ordered classes online; we are here to help kids who have broken the law to strive for a better future.

Why It’s Important for Juvenile Offenders to Take Court-ordered Classes

After committing a crime, Juvenile offenders need time to reintegrate into society and an opportunity to be re-educated in areas where they need help. That's why AIC. American Integrity Courses offers a place where these juveniles can take court-ordered classes. Online classes make it convenient to access the courses at any location with Wi-Fi.

At a young age, it's integral to present a positive outlook on life through educational opportunities. By outlining the importance of changing their behavior to mitigate the impacts of a criminal record, they can start a new path. Court-ordered classes give juveniles a better idea of what awaits them should they choose to turn their lives around as well as control their anger and violent behavior. Most importantly, these court-ordered classes are easy to complete; the courses follow approved standards to ensure quality content.

Contact AIC. American Integrity Courses for more information about our court-ordered courses. We want to be a resource for juveniles so they can turn their lives around. Working alongside the students is how we can help them integrate into society and live a more positive life.

Tips for Finding an Addiction Recovery Program

Struggling with addiction will always be considered a dark time, but admitting you need help is the first step to a brighter tomorrow. Several facilities offer assistance; however, it is critical that one chooses a facility in which they feel comfortable. What better place than in the comfort of your own home? An online drug and alcohol course could be just the thing you need to help you work towards sobriety.

Here are some tips to consider when picking an addiction recovery program:

Licensing and Credentials - Choose a reputable facility licensed by an established organization.

Customized Care Programs - Every patient’s course of treatment should be developed and administered according to their individual and unique care needs.

Family Involvement - An online drug and alcohol course doesn’t have to be a solitary effort. By involving family and friends, you will have a support group to rely on in the absence of in person sessions.

Informed Approach - Breaking the cycle of addiction and relapse often requires treating some underlying trauma that a patient may not realize he or she has.

Holistic Care - Effective treatment considers the whole person and all facets of his or her wellbeing, including psychological, social, emotional, and physical aspects.

Aftercare - A comprehensive aftercare plan decreases the chance to relapse and provides clients with valuable resources to help them succeed.

Identifying Your Anger Triggers

Rather than handling anger issues after they’ve risen to the surface, it is far better to prevent an angry outburst from happening in the first place. To circumvent anger, you have to be consciously aware of the triggers that cause it to erupt. Therefore, to cut off the anger process early, a solid understanding of your triggers is essential. If you need to take court ordered anger management classes, this work is covered in most courses, but here are some helpful tips to get started.

Triggers Are Unique to Each Person

There are many ways that our automatic defenses can be triggered; those triggers are usually different from person to person, based on individual life experiences. For example, if you were bullied during your childhood, your triggers will be intense towards someone who is controlling, abusive, or threatening.

Here are some common triggers to anger:

·         Injustice

·         Disrespect

·         Labeling, Shaming, or Blaming

·         Lying

·         Violation of Personal Space

·         Abusive Language

·         Physical Threats

·         Lack of Control

·         Relationship Disputes

Court ordered anger management classes assist with information on how to deal with the triggers, but we must realize what our triggers are in the first place. We need to become aware of what issues in our lives promote a high alert vigilance response in our brains and send us over the edge. Once we identify our triggers, it is beneficial to determine why these triggers cause such an emotionally charged response.

Things You Should Never Say to an Addict

Drug and alcohol addiction affects everyone differently, but there are some universal dangers to them: they are powerful and can lead to harmful behaviors. If you have ever attended or know someone who has attended an online drug and alcohol course, then you already recognize the challenges that addicts face. Overcoming problems related to substance abuse is hard, and this is only made worse by a callous society that stigmatizes the marginalized.

Words have force, and what people say can affect others emotionally and psychologically. This resonates especially with addicts. Here are a few things you should never say to an addict or someone who is participating in addiction therapy:

“Once an Addict, Always an Addict”

A statement like this implies that addicts are incapable of change. It is completely inaccurate, ignorant, and dismisses the circumstances and life experiences that have led the individual to the present. Saying such a phrase makes individuals feel alienated and misunderstood--and it can even trigger a relapse.

“Going Cold Turkey is the Only Solution”

To go “cold turkey” means to stop using alcohol or a controlled substance suddenly and completely. This pathway to treat addiction is very harmful. It can induce withdrawal, which can trigger both psychological and physiological responses. These responses may include anxiety, mood swings, dizziness, and even seizures. Since suddenly “quitting” a substance can be so dangerous, it is highly recommended that an addict seek pathways to quit through medical supervision or a detox program.

“Get Tough--Pull Yourself Together”

Telling someone to simply “get over” their drug or alcohol problems comes off as patronizing, which is damaging to a person’s self-esteem. While today’s cultural consciousness is biased towards bravado and sheer willpower, the bare truth is that overcoming an addiction is often complex, multifaceted, and takes more than a force of will. Most addicts know that they need help and know what they need to do--and using dismissive language does not help their situation.

If you have a friend who has a substance abuse problem and has just attended an online drug and alcohol course, the best thing you can do for them is to be supportive and empathetic. Instead of filling conversations with idle talk, make a point to listen first. Showing you care is more productive than saying things that mean you don’t.

About the Victim’s Impact Panel for Domestic Violence Intervention

Picking up the pieces after the resolution of a domestic violence case is never easy. Regardless, the next step to take is to move on and carry out the terms of sentencing. As part of your sentence, the judge may order you to attend a victim’s impact panel. This program may be part of larger, court-approved domestic violence classes. Online and in-person, these interventions are hosted to show perpetrators of abuse how their decisions and actions can negatively affect others.

Victim’s impact panels are meant to teach others. They allow victims of domestic violence, drunk driving, and other crimes to share their stories and tell others how inappropriate and criminal behavior has affected their lives. Given the scope and content of these panels, they give a voice to the hurt and may highlight avenues to healing.

While it is never easy for victims to share their experiences, these panels are nonetheless helpful and insightful tools. Another aim of the victim’s impact panel is to show abusers that their actions, behaviors, and decisions affect more than themselves. By teaching the value of self-awareness and restraint, participants of the victim’s impact panel can learn valuable lessons as they reintegrate into society.

If you have been mandated to attend a victim’s impact panel, the courts can direct you to upcoming gatherings and where you may attend them. Some states allow these panels to be hosted online. Both in-person and online panels may include a testing portion and a certificate that the attendees will use to prove their compliance. Court-approved domestic violence classes online can supplement the content of a victim’s impact panel.

Signs Your Teenager May Be Using Drugs

Teen drug use is as frightening for parents as it is dangerous to the kids themselves. If you’re worried that your child might be struggling with substance abuse, you need to know the signs as soon as possible. An online drug and alcohol course might offer in-depth information, but here are a few things to look out for in your teen’s life:

Paraphernalia - Privacy is important, and you want your children to trust you. Even so, searching their belonging for drugs or related items could save them from slipping deeper into dangerous behavior.

Major Stressors -- Often, teen drug and alcohol use is related to pressures in their lives. From the death of a loved one to a significant move, it’s always a good idea to monitor your child’s emotional state around big life changes and sources of stress.

Secrecy -- If your teen doesn’t want you to know what they’re up to, it might not mean they’re using drugs. Combined with other signs like sketchy friend groups or major behavior changes, though, it could be a good indicator. The best thing you can do is try to talk to them about it and why it’s important for you to be involved in their life.

Free Courses Available from AIC. American Integrity Courses

Moving past a legal offense is already difficult. Taking the courses you need to comply with a judge’s orders shouldn’t make it even harder. At AIC. American Integrity Courses, we give you the opportunity to complete court-ordered classes online, freeing up your schedule and letting you make positive steps forward. Best of all, some of our offerings are free, including:

• 1-Hour HIV/AIDS Awareness
• Drinking and Driving Victim’s Impact Panel
• Domestic Violence Victim’s Impact Panel

Each course covers the topic in-depth while still respecting your time and attention. No matter the reason for the court’s decision, we make sure you have an option that lets you move on with your life and focus on making improvements for the future.

What Our Courses Cover

Our HIV/AIDS awareness class breaks down important facts and statistics about these diseases and their treatment options. Knowing about transmission, symptoms, and other key elements can help you keep yourself and others safe. As for our victim’s impact panels, they fill the vital role of helping you understand the consequences of your mistakes. This is important for your own growth, but it also shows the court that you’re willing to do the reparative work necessary to avoid harsher punishments.

Have You Developed Unhealthy Anger Coping Mechanisms?

As we go about our daily lives, there certainly plenty of things to get mad about. Traffic. Children. Work. Bills. And, people do get enraged about these things and often have problems in coping with that anger. Too often, people deal with anger by not dealing with it.  Perhaps, they take it out on others, such as family members, rather than their boss. Maybe, they bury it deep inside until it just bursts forth. Or, they just pretend it doesn’t exist.

When someone doesn’t have healthy ways of coping with rage, that emotion may erupt in violence towards others. And when these situations come to the attention of law enforcement, the individual may have to enroll in court-ordered anger management classes.

Courses That Teach Coping Skills

Although you might not want to take the course, you may find yourself benefitting from insight into the issue, as well as learning coping mechanisms. To satisfy the court requirements, you do have an online option. AIC. American Integrity Courses provides convenient and affordable anger management classes in the privacy of your home. Most court systems accept our classes as meeting the required criteria. Reach out to us to sign up for your course.

How Domestic Violence Classes Can Help You

Domestic violence is a serious problem that tears families apart. The statistics are shocking. More than 10 million women and men are the victims of this crime or misdemeanor each year. That’s 20 people every minute in the United States. It is the practice when these cases come to court for a judge to order the guilty party to seek education that teaches them how to deal with the issues. You have two options -- a regular classroom or court-approved domestic violence classes online.

Take Your Court-Ordered Course Online

You can take a class in the community where you live, or you can opt for the convenience and confidentiality of an online course. An online course is ideal for busy people because they can fit it into their schedules when they have time. It also allows individuals to proceed at their own pace. An online course gives you all the benefits of sitting in a conventional classroom without having to leave your home.

When the court has ordered you to take a domestic violence class, you are required to take this course or face additional charges or jail time. And, such a course is designed to provide you with the practical advice you need to break the cycle of violence. A company that offers such online courses is AIC. American Integrity Courses. Call or email us to register for a class.

Know What Can Trigger Domestic Violence Attacks

Violent episodes between intimate partners are serious offenses--and people who are convicted of them may need to take court-approved domestic violence classes online or through an approved institution. The abuser can face criminal charges, and the victim can experience emotional trauma. To understand violence and abuse in relationships, it is important to analyze the causes of domestic violence. In this article, we will briefly talk about the possible causes of domestic violence.

For a very long time, it was assumed that alcohol and substance abuse were a leading cause of violent domestic disputes. Alcohol can impair judgment, reduce inhibitions, and increase aggression. However, there is no scientific evidence that abusing drugs is the cause of a violent attack--in many instances; it exacerbates the situation that ultimately leads to an episode.

Another approach to finding the causes had led to researchers interviewing victims and abusers, and recounting the moment before the violence happened. A common strain in these interviews is accusations of sexual infidelity, also known as “cheating,” triggered a violent outburst. The suspicion of cheating sparked arguments, which ultimately led to violence.

Human relationships are complex, and there is never a sole cause of any interaction. Researchers have also discovered that other factors have come into play when analyzing domestic violence. The subjects of violent incidents may also be going through untreated mental health issues, are suffering through drug and alcohol abuse, or have relationship histories that involve infidelity.

Domestic violence is never a comfortable topic--however, it is an important one that requires understanding, discussion, and action. Seek professional guidance if you have concerns about domestic violence.

Tips for Creating an Anger “Time-Out” Plan

Anger is a natural human emotion. However, it can get out of hand--and not keeping it in control can lead to violent outbursts that can put others in danger. Many court-ordered anger management classes provide people with the tools they need to identify and cope with their anger. Let’s go over some basic tips on how to create an effective response to anger.

First, have a plan before you find yourself in a bad situation. By knowing what to do and where to go in the event your temper gets the better of you, the better off you will be. Think of places near you that can calm you down, as well as activities or exercises you can do there to decompress.

Second, maintain a communicative outlook and let others know when you need to step out to control your anger. It is important to be clear and open about your feelings and your needs. Also, be on the lookout for your “body cues,” like rising heart rate, tension, or body heat. Being honest with yourself and recognizing anger as it happens allows you to remain in control.

When you recognize your anger, politely tell others what is going on and excuse yourself. Explain how you are feeling, own the situation, and make your intentions known. Never take an accusatory tone and mention anyone else. Instead, use “I” statements.

Finally, go to your designated place to cool down, do anger management exercises, and other coping strategies until you calm down. On your return, express gratitude to your group for their patience and understanding.

Remember: a time-out is not an escape. Make sure you return to the situation and have a mind to resolve it constructively. With planning and practice, your anger management strategies will be more effective.