Overcoming Benadryl Addiction At Nuview Treatment Center
If you currently struggling with diphenhydramine addiction and require support after detox, NuView Treatment Center can help you. At NuView Treatment Center, located in West Los Angeles, you can receive the support you need to stop your Benadryl use. NuView offers outpatient addiction treatment that is designed to give you the tools you need to recover from both dependence and addiction. The staff is trained to develop individualized treatment plans for each client and assist with addressing underlying conditions that may be motivating your drug or alcohol use. Through this, you will develop new, healthy coping mechanisms and plans for dealing with possible triggers. The compassion evidence-based therapeutic modalities used at NuView Treatment Center helps you achieve sobriety and offers you the tools to stay sober long-term.
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Find Help For Benadryl And Opiate Addiction
Individuals who become addicted to opiates and Benadryl require urgent help to prevent harmful circumstances. Such aid comes in the form of a complete rehabilitation program spanning from detoxification to intensive therapy. First, detox will rid the body of the addictive substance. Then, mind healing is implemented through counseling and treatment.
NJ Addiction Resources is committed to assisting individuals in and around New Jersey overcome such addictions. By linking these individuals to addiction treatment centers that offer rehab programs best suited to them, we help them regain sobriety. For best results, 12-step meetings and alumni recovery programs are provided at these centers. To begin your recovery journey or find out more about our processes, contact a recovery advocate today.
Is Benadryl Addictive: Data And Statistics
Regardless, systematic studies providing information about the statistics of Diphenhydramine addiction and abuse are lacking, as it is an over-the-counter drug whose sales are not controlled by the FDA. However, some regional studies performed by pharmacists found that 69% of them felt that sedating antihistamines, like Diphenhydramine, were subject to misuse by patients. Based on the aforementioned information, the possibility of Benadryl addiction can be considered as strong.
There Are Various Reasons for Benadryl Abuse:
- Its ease of accessibility as an over-the-counter drug makes it especially susceptible to overuse and abuse.
- Its potent sedative properties, which can be markedly amplified if used concomitantly with alcohol, also increase the likelihood of abuse and subsequent development of Diphenhydramine addiction for those who suffer from insomnia.
- Its short duration of action and propensity for the development of tolerance may lead patients to take increasing dosages of Benadryl at frequent intervals, which would meet the definition of Benadryl addiction.
- One other reason behind Benadryl abuse and addiction may lie behind its ability to elevate mood, and increase energy levels. Its anticholinergic properties may be combined with other drugs and increase dopaminergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system. This may yield rewarding properties and drug-seeking behavior.
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Diphenhydramine Addiction Side Effects
Diphenhydramine has its benefits, however even when it is used as directed, it can cause side effects that can be dangerous, never mind when it is being abused. The abuse of any medication, including one that is over-the-counter, will produce effects that can be minor to life-threatening, short-term to long-term. When diphenhydramine is being abused, the user can suffer from several different physical and psychological effects, as well as negative impacts on their personal and professional lives.
Signs Of Benadryl Abuse
The signs of substance abuse of any kind are not always obvious. Here is what to look out for if you suspect someone in your life may be abusing diphenhydramine.
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Confusion or difficultly processing information
- Anxiety
- Poor coordination
- Loss of appetite
Signs that are more difficult to notice include physical weakness, chest tightness, headache, or gastrointestinal distress.
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What Is The Benadryl Challenge On Tiktok
A challenge posted on TikTok, known as the Benadryl TikTok Challenge, encourages viewers to intentionally overdose on Benadryl in order to induce hallucinations. This challenge has gone so far that the manufacturer of Benadryl, Johnson & Johnson, has posted a warning about this challenge and advises against the misuse of any antihistamine. The online TikTok videos encourage people to take large doses of Benadryl to induce hallucinations, which is one of the several unsightly side effects of Benadryl.
The Risks Of Benadryl Abuse And Addiction
As a person continues to abuse Benadryl, it can begin to affect their personal as well as their professional life.
Addiction is a disease that takes over the survival part of the brain, so you begin to prioritize the substance over everything else. This can make you begin getting into arguments with friends and family members, and it can greatly affect the people you love the most, like your children.
Your abuse of this substance may also begin spilling into your professional life. If youre having trouble showing up to work or trouble while on the job because of your Benadryl abuse, it may be a sign that its time to get help.
Most importantly, this medication isnt meant to be taken for long periods of time and in excess. There are a variety of side effects that you may begin to experience if you continue abusing Benadryl on a regular basis.
Some of the side effects from the misuse of Benadryl include the following physical and psychological symptoms:
- anxiety
- memory loss
- difficulty concentrating
The more severe symptoms of having a Benadryl addiction include liver dysfunction as well as the risk of having a seizure.
As you continue abusing Benadryl, it affects the neurotransmitters in your brain, and this can lead to a wide range of issues.
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Addicted /diktd/ Adjective: Physically And Mentally Dependent On A Particular Substance And Unable To Stop Taking It Without Incurring Adverse Effects
The idea may seem a bit ridiculous, particularly when there are millions of individuals fighting much more severe addictions. Nevertheless Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, has been linked to severe mental issues when used in excess and for extended periods of time.
Benadryl is an anticholinergic drug. Some men and women use it as an over-the-counter bedtime aid, while others appreciate the sedative and euphoric effects it offers as a result of dopamine release. Nonetheless, resilience can develop in as little as few days, indicating you should take more and more to accomplish the same outcomes. Sound familiar?
Thanks to Benadryls impacts on the central nervous system, misuse and dependency ends up being feasible, though its much more prevalent in those with a background of substance mishandling.
Here Are Your Treatment Options
Substance abuse disorder is difficult to treat, especially if it is an ongoing one. If someone in your life is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, rehabilitation is critical. Healthy Life Recovery can help people dealing with Benadryl abuse to get to maintain sobriety. We have programs for adults as well as teenagers.
You can contact us to learn more about our treatment programs and see how we can help you and your loved one.
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The Risk Of Diphenhydramine For Senior Citizens
Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic. This makes it affect the parasympathetic nervous system. As a person ages, their natural cholinergic agents decline, so taking medicine that further negates cholinergic agents in the body is not recommended.
For an older person, the use of diphenhydramine can affect cognitive function and cause delirium.
Can You Give Dogs Benadryl To Sleep
Benadryl for dogs has been a popular topic for quite some time now among dog owners. Many of you may already be aware that you can use this over-the-counter medication to help dogs sleep. However, most of us are not aware that it also comes with several side effects if given in the wrong amount or at the wrong time.
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Continue Learning About Nasal Agent
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
The Risk Of Diphenhydramine And Pre
There are certain conditions and diseases that make it unsafe for a person to take diphenhydramine. Those conditions and diseases are:
- Digestive tract blockage
- Asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorder
- Chronic cough with mucus
- Thyroid disorder
- Taking potassium
Additionally, it is not known if diphenhydramine has any effect on fetuses, so doctors warn against taking it while pregnant. If you are breast-feeding, you can pass the drug onto your infant through breastmilk.
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Personal And Professional Effects Of Diphenhydramine Addiction
Whenever someone is addicted to a mind-altering substance, he or she can experience a variety of different negative effects of that addiction. In addition to the several physical and psychological side effects that one can experience when struggling with diphenhydramine addiction, there are countless personal and professional effects that can develop as a result of this type of addiction. Consider the following:
- Increased conflict with friends, family, and loved ones
- Secretive and/or dishonest behavior surrounding ones use, such as attempting to use in private or stealing money to fund the addiction
- Isolating oneself from others, resulting in the loss of close relationships
- Being demoted or terminated from a job as a result of behaviors associated with diphenhydramine addiction
- Financial problems related to spending funds on diphenhydramine or losing a job
- Increased interaction with the law as a result of poor conduct related to diphenhydramine addiction
- Inability to carry out everyday responsibilities
- Feeling unable to function as a result of being excessively drowsy or feeling ill because of heavy diphenhydramine abuse
If you or a loved one have a Diphenhydramine addiction, we can help you today.Call to get help now
Diphenhydramine Interactions And Precautions
One of the most notable side-effects of diphenhydramine is drowsiness and sedation and for that reason, special care needs to be taken. This is especially true when this drug is taken in conjunction with other substances that also cause impair the CNS or cause drowsiness, including antihistamines sleep or anxiety medicines, such as benzodiazepines muscle relaxants and opiates. Make sure to inform your doctor if you currently take any medications within these classes.
It can also interfere with people with certain conditions or diseases, such as asthma some mood disorders hyperthyroidism cardiovascular disease kidney problems glaucoma and an enlarged prostate gland. Some diphenhydramine preparations may contain sugar, aspartame, or alcohol and it is advisable for those that have liver disease, diabetes, phenylketonuria , or any other health concern to proceed with taking these substances only under the supervision of a physician.
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Added Unfavorable Impacts Associated With Benadryl Misuse Include:
- Nausea
- Excitability and rapid heart rate
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
The University of Washington and Group Health performed a study of 3,500 individuals who took these medications daily over the course of more than seven years. Their results showed that 800 subjects eventually developed dementia and/or Alzheimers disease. Other investigations came to similar determinations.
In the end, if the benefit outweighs the danger, diphenhydramine should be used in the lowest therapeutic dose feasible.
Get Professional Treatment From Granite Recovery Center
Though Benadryl addiction may start with a person innocently seeking a solution to an allergic reaction, it may quickly spiral out of control, and before he or she realizes it, he or she is a full-blown addict. Because Benadryl is readily available, many people accidentally become addicted to it. However, they may first live in denial because it may be hard to imagine that an addiction to Benadryl is possible. Denial keeps addicts stuck in an abuse cycle, which prevents them from getting the help they need. Once you realize you have an unusual dependence on the drug, seeking professional help should be a priority as ignorance may eventually cost you more. You can put an end to the addiction cycle by reaching out to Granite Recovery Centers.
Do you have questions?
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Interaction Of Benadryl With Other Drugs
Whether intentional or unintentional, pairing Benadryl with other drugs is a bad idea because it may lead to dangerous effects and can even cause loss of life. Most people pair the drug with muscle relaxants, alcohol, opiates, and benzodiazepines and experience effects like flushed skin, cramping, memory impairment, an irregular heartbeat, and constipation. Those intentionally mixing these drugs seek a euphoric high, but they could end up hooked on the drug.
Do I Have A Benadryl Addiction
If you think you may be abusing Benadryl, here are some questions you can ask yourself to assess if you are addicted:
If you believe you are struggling with diphenhydramine addiction, it is crucial to seek out help. Continuing to use diphenhydramine can be extremely dangerous and can possibly result in an overdose. Coming to terms with any form of addiction can be incredibly difficult, but recognizing you have a problem and reaching out for support is essential for your health.
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The Risk Of Diphenhydramine For Infants
Pediatricians do not recommend giving diphenhydramine to infants. The FDA warns that products that contain decongestants and antihistamines can cause potentially fatal side effects in children that are under 2 years of age like convulsions and a rapid heart rate.
Other side effects that infants are more likely to experience after ingesting diphenhydramine can include dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Since young children cannot communicate what they feel, it is often hard to tell when they are even experiencing adverse effects of the medicine.
That said, topical forms of diphenhydramine are generally safe to use on infants to relieve skin irritations and itching.
Why Is The Benadryl Challenge Dangerous
Many young teens and adults believe that over-the-counter medications like Benadryl are harmless, but this isnt the case. Benadryl is the generic name for diphenhydramine, a drug thats part of the antihistamine family. Antihistamines are used to treat allergy and cold and flu symptoms like rashes, itching, hay fever, stuffy nose, congestion, cough, and more. It can also make you sleepy, which is why people often take it to help them sleep when they arent feeling well. As an antihistamine, Benadryl works by disrupting histamines, which are chemicals released by the immune system when it senses an allergic reaction. Allergies are actually a result of the immune systems attempt to protect the body. Benadryl helps by treating these reactions.
But you dont need a prescription to get it, so can you overdose on Benadryl? Yes, you can. While this is an over-the-counter medication that can help alleviate certain uncomfortable allergic reactions, its main ingredient, diphenhydramine, can be deadly when taken in large doses. Benadryl overdose is possible, which is what makes the TikTok challenge so dangerous.
Some possible side effects of Benadryl overdose include:
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, our faith-based drug rehab offers a variety of addiction treatments for all kinds of substance abuse disorders. Call us now at for more information.
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Will My Dog Become Addicted To Benadryl After Using It Regularly
Dogs are not likely to get addicted to Benadryl. The first question to ask yourself is whether your dog really needs a sedative at all. If your dog has separation anxiety or some other serious behavioral problem that causes him to be destructive around the house when youre not there, look into training before resorting to drugs.
If your dog does need sedatives to sleep, talk to your vet about the best type of medication for your dogs age, size and breed. Older dogs should not be given Benadryl or its generic equivalents because they are more likely to have heart or liver problems that could be exacerbated by these medications.
Takeaway: Benadryl should not be given to your dog every day as a way to control his behavior because it will become ineffective over time. Its best to use it as needed when he is suffering from allergies or pain. If he starts taking it regularly though, hell lose his tolerance for it and youll need to increase the dosage.
Risks Of Diphenhydramine Abuse
Diphenhydramine is not meant to be taken over an extended period of time. It is important to realize that while some people may experience some of these symptoms with the recommended dose, those that misuse the drug run the risk of increasing the severity of these symptoms:
- Sedation
- Seizure
- Liver dysfunction
Some people may have a paradoxical reaction to diphenhydramine, meaning the drug may actually cause the opposite symptoms of whats intended.
There is also evidence to suggest that prolonged use of anticholinergics, including diphenhydramine, may increase the risk of dementia including Alzheimers disease. Dr. Shelly Gray, a study author of Cumulative Use of Strong Anticholinergic Medications and Incident Dementia stated we know that these medications may have an effect on memory, and we always assumed that these effects were reversible. We didnt think these medications were changing the brain permanently. Our study does suggest a link between the highest use and increased dementia risk.
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