First Steps On My Journey To Recovery
Fortunately, I met Ellen, my life partner for the last several years. When I met her, she didnt even own a television. This puzzled me. What does she do for entertainment, I wondered. Doesnt she get bored? How can she stand the silence? I didnt ask her those questions directly, because I didnt really care. In fact, on a deeper level, I respected and envied her for that choice.
In Ellen, I saw a person living a mindful, purposeful life that revolved around the things that matter most her health and well-being her family, friends and community and her lifes work as a Yoga Therapist. In her, I saw a potential life-partner, and an inspiring example of the kind of person I wanted to be and the type of life I wanted to live.
Hardly a day goes by that I dont thank the Universe for bringing Ellen into my life. She provided the inspiration, encouragement and support to help me see beyond the challenging circumstances of my life at the time. Besides the inspiring example of how she was living her life, I remember an article she published for her Yoga students, in which she wrote:
I remember that article, because it described my life so perfectly at the time. I had no vision for the future. I was locked in my misery, and my life had essentially come to a halt.
Get Medical Assistance If You Are Progressing Toward Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens is a serious condition that some people coping with alcohol withdrawal go through. It is characterized by severe nausea, seizures, and hallucinations. If you begin to experience DT, you need to get immediate medical attention as it can be life-threatening.
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Keep An Eye On Your Own Behaviors And Attachments That Might Reflect Codependence
Relationships become very complicated in the context of drug addiction, and codependency is a common and confusing factor. Over time, when youre caring about an addict, your view of reality and the way forward can become distorted. Says addiction specialist Alan Massey of codependency, It becomes the dysfunctional side of caring that gets people locked into being over-responsible and losing touch with their authentic selves. Codependency is wrapped up in those difficult-to-define boundaries and enabling behaviors. But speaking with professionals who know the realities and possibilities of addiction recovery can help to refresh your perspective and the better choices you make moving forward.
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Help Them Handle Stress
The main factors leading to drug addiction are stress, depression, and related mental disorders. Such individuals also find drugs an easy relief from the conditions they face during the day. As a person, it is crucial that you learn how to manage and control stress before you can help them to manage and control theirs without using drugs. If it is too much to deal with, you can consult a therapist to assist with the case. It is important to ensure that a person who has overcome addiction does not fall back into it.
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Inpatient Treatment Vs Outpatient Treatment For Heroin Addiction
When selecting a heroin treatment center, you have the option of choosing between inpatient and outpatient treatment. Individual treatment needs are naturally going to vary, and there are certain benefits to both types of treatment for heroin addiction that may inform the decision for treatment type.
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Side Effects Of Using Methadone
Even if methadone therapy is effective, it still has some risks. In the same way that most medications can cause side effects, methadone has its share of side effects as well. Most of it is felt during the first part of the therapy using methadone. Once the individual reaches a more stable phase during the treatment, some of the side effects diminish. Here are some of the methadones side effects.
- Constipatio
- Nause
- Sweatin
If at any point during the methadone therapy, you experience an increase in your heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, as well as confusion, immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance.
It is important to remember that you shouldnt take methadone along with alcohol or illicit drugs. When you take alcohol or drugs, it can affect your central nervous system. Avoid using drugs such as benzodiazepines or heroin or youll risk experiencing side effects that can be life-threatening.
If methadones effects are starting to diminish, the patients should speak to their doctor and ask about dosage adjustments. If you consume other opioids while you are on methadone treatment just to address the withdrawal symptoms, then you should be aware that it can lead to a dangerous overdose.
How To Overcome Adderall Addiction
How long does detox and treatment for Adderall dependency typically require? Treatment for a severe Adderall addiction will likely involve an inpatient treatment program for a minimum of one month. The first important step is the detox and withdrawal phase of treatment. With Adderall it is recommended that the individual be placed on a tapering schedule to help ease the withdrawal symptoms. The medical detox providers can help manage the symptoms of depression and fatigue that begin when the drug is discontinued.
After the body has been detoxified the individual will begin a treatment program. Mild to moderate addictions can be treated through an intensive outpatient program in most cases. Whether an inpatient or outpatient program, treatment for Adderall addiction involves evidence-based therapies such as contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy, both teaching the individual how to change their behavioral response to the triggers that led to the drug abuse. Group therapy and family therapy for teen addicts are also staple treatment elements for treating Adderall addiction.
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Teach Them To Take Control Over Their Life
Every drug addict must monitor two things in their life the people in your life and the things you do is important. Ask yourself, are you these people dragging you closer to drugs? Would my relationships with people be affected by these drugs? Look at the barriers to rehabilitation and why you want to overcome addiction. In your marriage, have drugs created a rift? Did drugs hinder you from advancing in your college or professional life? Questions of self-assessments like these ones can help build a sense of self-awareness. It will help propel them on to a healthier lifestyle that is drug-free!.
What Is Drug Or Alcohol Withdrawal
Drug or alcohol withdrawal involves the physical, mental, and behavioral changes that can occur after suddenly cutting back on or stopping prolonged use of substances.1, 2, 3 The character and severity of withdrawal can vary in association with different substances, but symptoms may be quite pronounced when people are attempting to quit alcohol and other substances such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and sedatives.3
Substances like opioids, alcohol, and sedatives, can carry significant risks when going through withdrawal. These withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to potentially dangerous. Medical detox can be a safe way to help manage withdrawal under the care of treatment professionals.3, 4
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How To Get Treatment For Heroin
Heroin is an opiate drug . Other opioids include codeine, opium and morphine.
If you need treatment for addiction to heroin or another opioid you can either see a GP or contact your local drug treatment service.
At your first appointment the doctor or drugs worker will ask you lots of questions including:
- how much heroin you take
- whether you’re using any other drugs or alcohol
- what your physical and mental health are like
- what your personal circumstances are for example, where you live and who you’re living with
- whether you’ve had treatment for drugs before
They’ll also ask you for a pee sample. This will be tested to confirm that you’re using heroin.
You’ll be given a key worker who will help you put together a personalised treatment plan. You’ll meet them regularly throughout your treatment.
Effects Of Methadone Addiction
In terms of the effects of methadone addiction to the human body, this drug has similar effects as morphine. However, the effects tend to be longer-lasting. It is important to note that methadone does not create the same kinds of effects as other opioids, and in fact, this drug is ideal for blocking those effects.
Although methadone does not produce intense effects similar to other drugs, it is still capable of creating feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Because of this, it is important to note that methadone can still be abused
Methadone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that it is helpful in treating medical conditions, but that it can also cause physical and psychological dependence if not used properly
If methadone is not used as prescribed, the effects can be dangerous. The following are some of the short-term and long-term effects of methadone addiction to the human body
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How To Overcome Heroin Addiction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse classifies heroin as one the most addictive and dangerous drugs. Even compared to others in the opioid family, it is known for its potency. It also has a high potential for overdose and combined with its relative ease of accessibility makes it very dangerous.
Heroin abuse directly contributes to a high risk of fatal overdose. It is also associated with other serious health problems. These include:
- increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS
- heart failure
- respiratory failure
- liver infection
If you or someone you love are using heroin, reach out for professional help immediately. The sooner you do, the greater the chance you have to overcome this deadly addiction. Recovery is possible.
How Long Will Heroin Withdrawal Last
The initial comedown of heroin withdrawal can vary in time and intensity. Typically, withdrawal symptoms will begin 6 to 12 hours after the last dose, peaking within 1 to 3 days, and gradually subsiding over 5 to 7 days. However, some users experience weeks or months of withdrawal symptoms, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome .
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The Rise Of Heroin Addiction
It’s no secret that heroin use and addiction is a rapidly growing problem in the United States. While its presence isn’t new, by any means, the number of deaths from heroin addiction has reached epidemic levels.
According to estimates from theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention , more than 70,000 Americans died from drug overdose in 2019. The majority of these deaths were attributed to heroin and other synthetic opioids .
In Florida alone, statistics show that approximately 16 residents die each day from opioid addiction and overdose. In 2019, Florida recorded698 deaths related to heroin use.
What Is The Timeline For Drug And Alcohol Withdrawal
The withdrawal timeline varies for different drugs, and some people will experience what is known as protracted withdrawal symptoms and long-term health consequences from drug addiction. Protracted symptoms may include clinical depression, anxiety, and occasional cravings. People whove been addicted to alcohol will sometimes experience memory problems and loss of hearing which are permanent. The timeline for withdrawal is not only affected by the type of drug or drugs someone has abused but also how long theyve been addicted and the persons unique chemical makeup. An individuals height, weight, age, metabolic rate, and any underlying mental or physical health problems can all affect the withdrawal timeline. In addition, people who get help with a tapering off schedule or replacement medications in a medical detox center will experience a shorter withdrawal timeline.
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What Makes Heroin Addictive
Heroin is an extremely addictive opioid that attaches to the receptors in the brain to release the chemical dopamine. It doesnt matter how you got the heroin into your body, it gets to the brain quickly. Your body sends the heroin along pathways in the brain where it enters the brain rapidly and increases the activity of the reward pathway by increasing the transmission of dopamine.
Dopamine is used by your nervous system to send messages between nerve cells. Dopamine plays a part in how we experience pleasure and pain. The user may think and walk slowly. The whole world slows down for them. Since heroin blocks your brain from getting pain messages and slows your heart rate and breathing, if you overdose, you may die.
In many cases, heroin users develop a tolerance. This means that they need more and more of the drug to get the high they used to get when they first started using. Most people who use heroin are aware of the risks but are unable to stop using it. This is what makes a professional heroin addiction treatment center so important for long-term recovery.
What Causes Heroin Withdrawal
The longer you use heroin, the more your body builds up a tolerance to the drug. That means people have to take larger amounts to produce similar effects. Taking too much heroin to chase a high can lead to an overdose. If you try to stop using heroin, your body goes into withdrawal.
Long-term heroin users may have more intense withdrawal symptoms. Theyre produced by the body trying to recover from no longer getting a steady supply of heroin. You can start experiencing withdrawal just by trying to cut back on the amount of heroin you normally take.
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Changes In Relationships And Friendships
Your relationships and friendships are likely to change as you overcome your addiction. It may take time to appreciate a new normal.
You may also be touched by the loyalty and simplicity of those who live life without chasing a high. You may find that friends and family whom you could not get along with while you were embroiled in your addiction welcome you back into their lives.
However, it can also take time and effort for trust to be re-established if you have hurt friends or family while you were actively involved in your addiction.
You may also find that you have less in common with the friends you spent the most time with during your addiction than you realized, and you might find they are intolerant to your new lifestyle.
Remember, you are a great role model and doing these friends a great service by showing them that change is possible. That said, don’t let them pull you back into the life you left behind.
The Unparalleled Cost Of Heroin Addiction
Weve all heard stories or seen them in the media. Heroin has earned its place as one of the most infamous drugs for a number of reasons. Take a look around and ask yourself what heroin addiction has cost you or your loved one. If youre like most people, the answer to this question will be everything and more.
People who suffer from heroin addiction have had their entire lives ripped apart by their use. Every area of their life has been hurt by their heroin abuse. Their health, their financial stability, their relationships, their dignity and quality of life– everything suffers from the disease of addiction. There isnt a single area of life that heroin allows users to control. Heroin rules how they feel every minute of the day.
If you’re trapped in an endless cycle of heroin withdrawal and relapse, Recovery Unplugged is waiting to help you. Were here to tell you that its possible to live a life without feeling the need to use. No more sleepless nights, no more collapsed veins, no more indignity, no more debilitating withdrawal symptoms. You can get on the right track today and start your recovery journey right. Call us now at . Get the help you need before its too late.
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Pros And Cons Of Using Medication In Heroin Treatment
There are proponents regarding the use of medications in the detox phase and beyond, and there are those who think using a drug to overcome a drug addiction is not the answer. According to Medline Plus, a person trying to come off heroin, and using medications to aid in that endeavor, could become physically dependent on the new medication, and require more and more of that drug to maintain the initial relief granted, thus forming a new addiction.
In addition, side effects can occur with any medication, but generally, the benefit of use outweighs the side effects that will generally subside over time. WebMD lists common side effects of methadone as:
- Constipation
Admit Yourself To A Cocaine Treatment Facility
Cocaine withdrawal can be hazardous and can include both physical and emotional experiences. The wide range of withdrawal symptoms includes agitation, restlessness, fatigue, and reduced activity.
These withdrawal symptoms also include suicidal thoughts and strong cravings. To get sober, it is often safest to admit yourself to a facility where a medical team can monitor and stabilize your health during the withdrawal stage.
Treatment facilities use a range of treatment options to support recovery. One of the best options for addiction treatment is a form of psychiatry treatment called cognitive-behavioral therapy.
CBT is used widely in rehab to reduce the symptoms of cocaine addiction and drug abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse stated that CBT reduced the frequency of drug use. There is a range of medical CBT treatment options to assist with cocaine withdrawal and improve mental health alongside medications.
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