3 Addictions

Helping You To Recover From Addiction

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Klonopin Addiction Treatment

What Is The Best Klonopin Addiction Treatment?

Klonopin addiction treatment typically focuses on detox and helping the affected individual learn to live without having the drug. Rehab facilities can give recovering users all they need to help sort out the hidden problems leading to their addiction.

For a user to overcome a Klonopin addiction, they will need to go through several treatments, which can help them with the physical and psychological elements of addiction. People suffering from a Klonopin addiction will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms roughly one or two days after taking the last dose of the drug. A majority of users will experience restlessness, depression, mood swings, and some degree of anxiety. Depending on the severity of Klonopin withdrawal, the symptoms experienced can be fatal for the user.

Heavy Klonopin users are strongly advised to go through medically supervised detox, during which medical professionals can help them taper off Klonopin safely to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. After detox, support groups and therapy sessions are involved for the recovering user to help them deal with any co-occurring mental disorders and drug cravings. To overcome a Klonopin addiction, the user has to deal with the underlying causes of their addiction first. This is because when you only address the Klonopin addiction without dealing with the person’s triggers, there is still a possibility that the addiction will resurface again. After all, the roots are still intact. Dealing with the user’s addiction triggers helps overcome the addiction for good.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Klonopin Addiction TreatmentThis type of therapy is used in Klonopin addiction treatment programs to help recovering users identify the things, places, and people that their minds link to drug use. Additionally, therapists can help clients closely monitor patients’ conscious and unconscious thoughts regarding their Klonopin use to help them treat the hidden causes of their addiction. After the user can determine the trigger situations that push them to use Klonopin, this can help them develop a plan of action for when they get drug cravings.

These users can beat their use patterns with time before they even surface. Even though Klonopin addiction and mental illness aren’t typically connected, some people develop addictions to self-medicate feelings of discomfort and pain. Klonopin gives the user a euphoric feeling that can seem like the perfect quick fix for anyone looking to find some semblance of joy.

Integrated treatment programs or dual diagnosis programs are developed to help people suffering from both addiction and mental health problems. Therapy in these programs helps patients understand how their co-existing conditions are linked and support each other. It can be beneficial for anyone who is used to dealing with mental illness alone without any assistance.

Therapy helps recovering users get to know effective methods to help them turn their lives around for the better. A study by the Journal of World Psychiatry determined that more than two-thirds of recovering users managed to attain improved social functioning and stable abstinence through a dual diagnosis treatment program.

Medication-Based Treatment

Klonopin Addiction TreatmentMedication therapy combined with talk therapy has benefited some recovering users. People suffering from anxiety or depression taking Klonopin might be better off with medication management treatment. They can also use advanced non-addictive anxiety treatment drugs or antidepressants.

Not everyone can take medication, and some people may be skeptical about using more drugs when that is what got them into rehab in the first place. The best option is to speak to addiction specialists or medical professionals about your concerns beforehand to ensure you make the right choices about the proper treatment approach for you at the time. Some people need medication to make the recovery process smoother and easier, while other recovering users may not need it.

Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab

After detox, some recovering users can opt to go on with Klonopin addiction treatment through outpatient or inpatient rehab. Long-term drug rehab will be a necessary part of the process to maintain long-term sobriety and lasting recovery. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) advises recovering users to go through a minimum of 90 days of continuous treatment for addiction to achieve positive, lasting results.

Even though all drug rehabilitation programs will offer various types of behavioral therapies, amenities, and treatment methods, there are other similar elements of successful Klonopin addiction treatment programs. These include:

  • Behavioral therapy
  • Life skills development
  • Relapse prevention
  • Education on chemical dependency
  • 12-step programs
  • Group therapy
  • Individual therapy

Klonopin Addiction TreatmentInpatient rehab programs require patients to stay at the treatment facility during the duration of the program. There is restricted access to the outside environment, including family and friends, but there can be arranged visits. There is also a rigid daily schedule for patients comprising personalized therapy activities, personal free time, physical activity, meal times, and group and individual therapy. Inpatient rehab offers recovering Klonopin users 24-hour medical supervision and support. Since most Klonopin users tend to use other addictive drugs, an inpatient rehab treatment approach is best equipped for treating co-occurring mental disorders and addictions.

Outpatient rehab programs are more flexible and less structured, allowing recovering users to attend to personal, family, and work responsibilities. These programs include various group meetings at a treatment facility facilitated by a medical professional or an addiction treatment specialist.

The duration of time spent in inpatient or outpatient rehab will depend on the extent of the patient’s Klonopin addiction. The longer one has been using the drug, the longer they will have to stay in rehab.

After rehab, users can opt for continued Klonopin addiction treatment programs, which include aftercare or a sober living program. Both of these programs can help recovering individuals develop a sober support network while offering them accountability and helping them sustain their recovery.

Deciding between outpatient or inpatient rehab for Klonopin addiction treatment is entirely up to you and dependent on your needs. Either way, make sure you speak to a medical professional once you decide to seek treatment to determine the best recovery plan for your requirements.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

What Is The Best Cocaine Addiction Treatment?

Cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs, and even using it once can immediately lead to misuse and eventually a cocaine addiction. This can leave you in need of support and cocaine addiction treatment. Cocaine addiction can be harmful to your life and the people around you, but you should not be ashamed. People become addicted to certain drugs for various reasons. Still, with the right professional care and treatment, you can get back control over your life, deal with your dependence, and get back to living a happy, healthy life.

The initial step to recovery is realizing and accepting that you have a problem with cocaine addiction. It is usually the hardest step, after which you can get cocaine addiction treatment to help you quit using cocaine. A medical professional can encourage you to recognize your dependency and help you sort out this issue. This includes finding new ways to cope by establishing positive attitudes and improving one’s self-esteem. When undergoing cocaine addiction treatment, you will receive treatment from qualified professionals who can provide comprehensive care best suited to your goals and needs.

Even though cocaine addiction treatment is very useful, getting the best care can be challenging. It can be overwhelming to find out if overdose treatment is required, deal with insurance coverage, and determine if you’ll need to go through other levels of care. Once you develop a substance use disorder, it can be hard to see how to treat that condition or where to go. Most of the time, cocaine addiction is successfully treated through a professional treatment program. Extensive treatment for cocaine addiction should be a versatile process specifically developed for each individual.

Even though the treatment can differ in each facility, most options for cocaine addiction treatment have several important aspects in common. These include helping the affected individual to achieve the following:

  • Cocaine Addiction TreatmentLearn alternative coping mechanisms required to keep on the recovery journey outside a rehab setting
  • Know the underlying reasons for their addiction
  • Deal with any co-occurring mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety
  • Addressing the initial withdrawal or overdose symptoms that can occur during cocaine addiction treatment

Rehabilitation care is readily available, but each option for cocaine addiction treatment will vary for each individual, and what works for someone might not work for another person. Navigating all the alternatives can be challenging, but you need to assess your options carefully and select a trustworthy treatment facility to boost your likelihood of success.

Rehab treatment facilities usually understand how complicated cocaine addiction treatment is and that it usually involves various personal, environmental, familial, social, and physical factors. This is why it is important to customize cocaine addiction treatment to suit the individual’s needs. There are usually qualified staff members who take their time to understand each patient going through care and assess their requirements from each perspective by providing evidence-based treatments in a supportive environment.

Cocaine addiction treatment programs often start with medically-managed detox after various degrees of recovery care. This depends on the individual’s needs and the intensity and duration of their addiction. The best treatment for cocaine addiction usually includes paired dual diagnosis treatment, group therapy, individual therapy, outpatient rehab, and inpatient rehab.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Treatment

Cocaine Addiction TreatmentInpatient rehab for patients suffering from cocaine addiction involves the client living at the treatment facility under the supervision of clinicians, nurses, and doctors. This allows for around-the-clock support, care, and observation by medical professionals in a supportive setting. As the patient works through their cocaine addiction treatment, they go through varying levels of care requiring gradually fewer hours of treatment every week. This includes intensive outpatient care and partial hospitalization programming.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Treatment

Cocaine Addiction TreatmentThis type of treatment might be a better option for individuals whose addiction is less severe or those who are unable to leave their families or jobs to engage in full-time inpatient treatment. Outpatient rehab is also taken as a demotion from exhaustive inpatient treatment. This level of treatment involves the individuals living in a supportive home environment or sober living. The individual will develop a part-time schedule for their treatment around their home and work responsibilities. Patients taking part in outpatient treatment as part of a continuous level of care find it offers them a chance to progress out of cocaine addiction treatment more easily.

Therapy

This involves in-person and group meetings to help with addiction treatment and mental health problems. Due to the developments in current technology, some cocaine addiction treatment facilities and programs also offer teletherapy, telehealth, and online counseling services. All these methods have proved to be quite efficient in treating mental health and substance abuse issues as long as there is a good internet connection.

Therapy makes up the foundation of a cocaine addiction treatment program. During rehab, patients usually engage in CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with the patient’s psychological dependence on cocaine. The participants also have group therapy sessions to bond with others on the same recovery journey. They also get to share personal experiences and gain an understanding of all the factors that contribute to cocaine addiction. These therapeutic methods help to encourage and empower individuals who are in recovery.

Paired Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Mental health problems and addiction frequently happen together with co-related causes. When they occur simultaneously in individuals, they are known as co-occurring disorders, which is called a dual diagnosis. Sometimes, individuals suffering from mental health problems will try using drugs to self-medicate. Substance abuse can also worsen symptoms associated with mental health diseases. This means that you have to address both conditions to increase the chances of success for cocaine addiction treatment.

A comprehensive treatment involving all these therapeutic methods makes sure that the affected individual successfully deals with all the complicated factors affecting their cocaine addiction.

Tramadol Withdrawal

How Long Does Tramadol Withdrawal Last?

The duration of Tramadol withdrawal typically differs in each individual but generally ranges from 3 days to a few weeks. The intensity, initial onset, and period of withdrawal symptoms will rely on factors including:

  • Whether the person quit cold turkey or tapered off the drug.
  • The amount of the person’s last Tramadol dosage
  • Whether the individual took Tramadol along with other substances
  • The form of the drug taken e.g., injection, powder, or pills
  • How long the individual has been taking Tramadol

Tramadol Withdrawal Timeline

As the individual gets used to a life without the drug, their cravings will go away slowly and disappear eventually. The duration taken for the cravings to go away is based on the amount of effort put into recovery. However, this period ranges from one month to more than a year depending on the user’s situation. The timeline for Tramadol withdrawal typically looks like this:

Tramadol WithdrawalThe first 6 to 12 hours: During this time after the last dose of Tramadol, the user will start experiencing minor symptoms of withdrawal which can look like the flu. This includes body aches, a runny nose, watery eyes, and sweating.

Day 1 to Day 3: This will be the most difficult period for the user as the symptoms will peak at this stage. The body is experiencing pain and discomfort as the drug reduces in the system. The user experiences the onset of the withdrawal symptoms such as Tramadol cravings, sweating, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, depression, nausea, nervousness, and generally feeling “on edge.” More flu-like symptoms experienced at this point include stomach cramping, chills, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Day 4 to Day 7: By this time most of the drug is out of the individual’s system so there will be a significant reduction in the symptoms even though there will still be some discomfort. Symptoms such as insomnia and cravings will persist aside from confusion and disorientation. The person may also experience more cravings, anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, and intestinal problems. On the other hand, the quality and quantity of sleep will have improved during this period.

Day 8 to Day 14: The withdrawal symptoms will start reducing but psychological symptoms including irrational thoughts, anxiety, and depression may continue.

Week 2 to Week 3: The individual’s sleep quality will continuously get better over the next following weeks, but they might still experience mood swings. Physical aches will have dissipated by now but again, psychological symptoms might continue.

Tapering

Tramadol WithdrawalThe physician may opt to ease the user off their physical dependence on the drug by tapering them off Tramadol. This can make Tramadol withdrawal much smoother but it can extend the timeline since it usually takes weeks or months to get over this dependence. If the medical professional tapers the user off of Tramadol properly, then the withdrawal symptoms should only last for five to seven days. However, if they do not taper properly the withdrawal symptoms might last longer and be more intense.

Any symptoms extending beyond one week are seen as post-acute withdrawal symptoms and they might comprise irritability, insomnia, mood swings, depression, anxiety, etc. Based on how serious the person’s Tramadol addiction is, the symptoms can go for 18 to 24 or more months as the harshness of the symptoms gradually reduces with time.

Factors Affecting Tramadol Withdrawal Timeline

Tramadol WithdrawalThe extent of the user’s physical dependence on the drug will determine the severity and duration of Tramadol withdrawal. This is because the brain depends on Tramadol significantly and might need some more time to get back to normal and restore its balance which was probably affected by extended, chronic Tramadol use. As such, people who have been taking particularly large doses of Tramadol for quite a while might be more dependent on it as compared to other users.

The user’s biology, genetics, and physiology also contribute to drug dependence as some people might easily become more dependent than others. Any co-existing mental or physical health conditions might also impact drug dependence while genetics are thought to influence drug dependence about 50% of the time. An individual with addiction and substance abuse in their family history might be more susceptible to Tramadol dependence compared to users lacking this risk factor.

The mode of taking the drug also influences Tramadol dependence and withdrawal. For example, users who have been taking the drug as recommended have a lower chance of being as dependent as users smoking, snorting, or injecting Tramadol.

Tramadol stays in the user’s body for 3 to 5 days after their last dose. However, long-term users might require up to one week to eliminate the drug from their bodies. The symptoms of Tramadol withdrawal usually start 2 to 3 days after the person’s last dose and will be over after approximately one week. The detox symptoms often become gradually worse from the first week after the last dose and peak when the drug is eliminated from the user’s system.

Afterward, the physiological withdrawal symptoms will quickly start to go away while psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety may stay on for a few weeks after quitting Tramadol. The recovering user might also experience Tramadol cravings for a few months. The urges will reduce gradually with time because there is a significant difference between the cravings experienced during the initial stages of sobriety and detox.

Abuse, chronic stress, neglect, and trauma may also lead to the onset of substance abuse problems. This also applies to the age at which an individual starts abusing or using drugs.

During the initial weeks of being off Tramadol, it is important to get professional help to keep the recovering individual from relapsing. This allows them to gain the relevant support necessary to handle any underlying problems and keep walking on the path towards recovery.

Meth Withdrawal

What Does Meth Withdrawal Feel Like?

Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a recreational drug that functions as a stimulant. It increases your energy level, alertness, brain activity, and talkativeness. You also get a pleasurable, euphoric “high” soon after you take the drug.

Meth has powerful effects, making the drug prone to abuse. When you have been using the drug for a time, you also become vulnerable to meth withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms are generally not fatal, but they can become sources of great discomfort.

Meth withdrawal often happens when you stop taking the drug after taking it habitually. The sudden absence of the drug makes it difficult for your brain to adjust, and this is what leads to withdrawal symptoms.

If you are wondering what meth withdrawal feels like, read on for more detailed descriptions of the symptoms.

How soon does withdrawal start and how long does it last?

Meth Withdrawal Based on research, withdrawal from meth occurs in two stages. The first stage can happen within 24 hours of your last dose of meth. The withdrawal symptoms may be at their most intense at this time. Over the course of a week, they will gradually subside.

The second stage often occurs over the next 2 to 3 weeks. Symptoms are less intense at this time.

Some users may suffer from lingering withdrawal symptoms lasting for months. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS.

What are the withdrawal symptoms?

Each user will have different withdrawal symptoms depending on how severe their case is. There are common symptoms, though, such as these.

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common symptom of meth withdrawal. Research indicates that as much as 30% of individuals withdrawing from meth suffer from anxiety disorders.

Depression

Depression is another common withdrawal symptom, and it is considered normal when you are getting off meth. In most cases, depressive symptoms die down about 3 weeks after the last dose. But in some people, depression can persist for a longer time.

Meth cravings

The sudden absence of meth in your system will trigger intense cravings for the drug. Your brain becomes stressed as it adjusts, and the discomfort you feel may strongly compel you to take meth again. Cravings are frequent symptoms for people withdrawing from this drug.

Increased appetite

When you were still using meth, you may have noticed being less hungry. This is a common effect of the drug. But when you are in withdrawal, the opposite happens — your appetite will increase. In particular, you will crave carbohydrate-rich food, especially at the beginning of the withdrawal period. These food cravings may last for 2 to 3 weeks.

Sleepiness and fatigue

When you were on meth, you would feel that your energy level is so high that you can go on without sleep. But once the drug is gone, your energy level will drastically drop, making you feel sleepy and tired most of the time. These effects are most pronounced during the first week of withdrawal. Some users may even suffer from hypersomnia, a condition characterized by sleeping for around 11 hours a day. Experiencing vivid dreams is also common.

Psychosis

Psychosis refers to a range of different psychological symptoms that make you feel detached from reality. During meth withdrawal, the usual symptoms are auditory, visual, and tactile hallucinations. In other words, you may hear, see, and feel things that are not really there. Additionally, you can have delusions, which are ideas that seem true to you, but in reality are untrue.

Why does withdrawal happen?

Meth WithdrawalMeth makes your brain release lots of dopamine and serotonin. These two molecules are involved in producing feelings of reward and satisfaction. Eventually, your brain’s supply of dopamine and serotonin will run out, and once you suddenly stop taking meth, withdrawal will kick in.

The discomfort you feel from withdrawal will continue until your brain has replenished its supply of dopamine and serotonin. This can last for a few days to weeks.

What are the best coping strategies for withdrawal?

Withdrawing from meth can be really uncomfortable. Even then, there are ways to make it more tolerable. Here are a few techniques you can use while withdrawing from this drug.

Keep yourself busy

If you can “distract” yourself with productive activities, like a creative hobby or sports, you can put your mind off any meth cravings. The cravings may be quite intense in the first few days, but they will slowly subside within about 2 weeks. The more you can keep yourself busy, the less time you will have to entertain meth cravings.

Exercise

Meth WithdrawalExercise is known to release brain molecules that put you in a good mood. Additionally, when you exercise while withdrawing from meth, it gives the added bonus of keeping yourself physically fit. In turn, your overall state of health will improve, which also helps in your recovery.

Avoid drug triggers

As much as possible, remove yourself from people and situations that encourage you to take meth. This way, you can effectively avoid the risk of relapse while withdrawing from the drug.

Eat healthy

As your appetite returns, make sure your diet is balanced and healthy. Avoid eating more than you usually do, as this may turn into a food addiction. A good state of physical health will help your recovery greatly.

Are medications necessary?

Medications are only prescribed by doctors when necessary, usually when you are going through a medically assisted detox procedure. This is the best way to quit meth, as you will be supervised by medical professionals through the entire process. They will ensure the safest and most comfortable process of withdrawal for you.

Some medications used in meth detox are:

  • Bupropion (Wellburtin)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Modafinil (Provigil)
  • Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

These medications deal with meth cravings, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and other common discomforts experienced during withdrawal.

Quit using meth safely

To ensure the best outcomes of recovering from meth withdrawal, seek professional help right now. Talk to your doctor or a recovery professional and you will know the best treatments for your needs.

Marijuana Withdrawal

How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?

Since marijuana is also an addictive substance, prolonged or heavy use can increase users’ likelihood of experiencing withdrawal when they quit. Even though marijuana withdrawal is not as severe as the withdrawal experienced from harder drugs such as heroin or cocaine, most users will still experience withdrawal if they try to stop using.

Marijuana WithdrawalMarijuana withdrawal varies among different users. Individuals who are mildly dependent on marijuana can quickly stop using the drug themselves, but chronic users with a higher tolerance may require extra assistance to kick the habit.

Marijuana withdrawal can be challenging for heavy and chronic users, but the symptoms will depend on the individual’s dependence on the drug. The duration of withdrawal is also largely dependent on how much a person smokes and how long they have been using the drug. Individuals who use larger amounts of marijuana more frequently will experience a more severe and drawn-out withdrawal. Additionally, people who typically have a lower tolerance to physical and emotional distress might find the withdrawal more challenging to go through.

Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 24 hours of an individual’s last use, and then after two to three days, they reach their peak. Even though most of the symptoms go for about two weeks, some chronic users have stated that they experienced emotional imbalance, night sweats, and insomnia for a few months after stopping.

Timeline for Marijuana Withdrawal

Day 1: Individuals typically experience insomnia, anxiety, and irritability during this time.

Day 2 – Day 3: The withdrawal symptoms will reach their peak during this period. The individual will experience intense cravings for marijuana and possible stomach pains, chills, and sweating.

Day 4- Day 14: As the days go by, the symptoms will start to improve generally, but the person’s brain chemistry will begin to change and re-adapt to normal functioning without marijuana, leading to depression. The individual will also experience marijuana cravings during this time.

Day 5 – Day 15: Most of all, the symptoms should have gone by the third week. Users who experience serious psychological addiction have experienced anxiety and depression for a few months after stopping marijuana use.

Some marijuana users also go through withdrawal symptoms for a few weeks or months, referred to as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).

Each withdrawal symptom may continue for varying periods depending on various factors.

Cravings

Marijuana WithdrawalEven though most regular weed smokers usually do not think they are addicted to it and most former users have typically experienced drug cravings in the initial stages of their abstinence journey. The cravings will vary depending on each individual but what remains constant is the strong urge to use marijuana.

Irritability

Irritability ranges from mild to aggressive, which is expected during marijuana withdrawal. However, if it lasts for longer than a week, it is advisable to get assistance from a psychologist, drug counselor, or doctor. This could be an underlying problem that was masked by marijuana use.

Anxiety

This may be a symptom of marijuana intoxication and intoxication. The anxiety may continue or become worse even after stopping. If this symptom persists after one week of stopping marijuana use, make sure you see a physician.

Depression

After taking it for years, some individuals who stop using marijuana might feel like they have wasted so much of their life on the drug. It is normal to feel like this, and this can be the driving force that helps you change your life for the better. However, these feelings of depression are supposed to lift after one or two weeks. If this doesn’t happen or affects your functioning, making any life changes feel overwhelming, then seek assistance from a drug counselor or a doctor.

Issues with Sleep

Marijuana WithdrawalA significant number of former marijuana users have reported experiencing problems with sleep during withdrawal, such as night sweats, disturbing or vivid dreams, and insomnia. Some have also stated that they frequently had dreams of using marijuana, also referred to as “using dreams.” Recovering users may experience vivid dreams often about 1 week after stopping, and they can go on for almost one month before they are off the drug completely. It is also not uncommon for former users to have such dreams years after stopping taking marijuana.

Insomnia can go for a few days or weeks after stopping using marijuana. Some individuals may experience irregular sleeplessness for several months after quitting.

Headaches

Some individuals who quit marijuana will experience intense headaches for a few days after stopping taking the drug. These headaches will typically come on 1-3 days after stopping marijuana and peak after about 2 to 6 days. The symptoms frequently go away after two weeks. However, some former users have reported experiencing the symptoms for weeks or months afterwards.

The physical withdrawal symptoms from stopping marijuana are less acute, peak sooner, and fade quickly than psychological symptoms. The amount and frequency of weed used before quitting impacts the duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Flu-like symptoms: chills, fever, tremors, shakiness, sweating, and headache
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Appetite changes
  • Stomach pain

For most users, marijuana is eliminated from the body in 30 days. The detox process is typically less painful and lasts for a maximum of three weeks or fewer. Marijuana withdrawal takes time. Even though the initial effects of taking the drug often wear off after 3 hours, people who have been abusing marijuana for a long time or heavily can still have traces of the drug in their bodies even months after use.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Medications For Alcohol Withdrawal

Drinking alcohol in moderation should not pose any serious health problems. However, regular heavy drinking may cause your body to become dependent on alcohol. Any time you try to reduce your drinking or stop it altogether, you will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These tend to be very uncomfortable, making it much harder to control your drinking habits.

What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

  • Alcohol WithdrawalInsomnia
  • Trembling
  • Mild anxiety
  • Headache
  • Stomach upset
  • Palpitations
  • Excessive sweating
  • Anorexia
  • Hallucinations (visual, auditory, or tactile)
  • Seizures
  • Tachycardia (heart rate of over 100 beats per minute)
  • High blood pressure
  • Fever
  • Agitation
  • Disorientation
  • Delirium tremens (DTs)

Mild symptoms, such as trembling, headache, and stomach upsets, generally happen within 6 to 12 hours of your last drink. Hallucinations and seizures can occur within 24 to 48 hours. The worst symptoms, such as delirium tremens (DTs) and intense hallucinations, may develop after 48 to 72 hours.

DTs constitute a medical emergency. Thus, if you or someone you know is experiencing this, call for medical help immediately. If DTs is not treated promptly, it may turn life-threatening.

What causes alcohol withdrawal?

Alcohol WithdrawalAlcohol interferes with the normal function of the brain. As a depressant, it slows down activity in the brain, promoting relaxation. If you drink frequently, your brain will soon become used to the effects of alcohol. Consequently, to keep the brain functioning, it will have to work harder to keep you alert.

Once you cut down on alcohol or stop drinking, the brain is still in that hyperactive state. Without alcohol to slow the brain down, withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, trembling, restlessness, and seizures kick in. The cause is an overactive brain.

How is alcohol withdrawal treated?

Benzodiazepines are commonly used medications to treat withdrawal symptoms like seizures, insomnia, and anxiety. These drugs, also known as “benzos”, are central nervous system depressants. In other words, they slow down the activity of the brain, effectively calming you down. You may even feel drowsy or sleepy while taking benzos.

Both benzos and alcohol are depressants, and both have addictive potential as well. Benzos also carry other side effects, including dizziness, confusion, and muscle weakness. Thus, benzos need to be taken carefully and only with medical supervision to be effective.

Three benzos are often used in alcohol withdrawal treatment. These are:

  • Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)

These drugs are tightly regulated, and you cannot get them without prescriptions. Thus, they are only used in proper treatment settings. These medications are often part of alcohol detox, which can either be inpatient or outpatient.

Inpatient rehab settings give the best results for detoxing with benzos. Here, you get 24/7 care from medical professionals, so in case you feel anything strange, uncomfortable, or painful, you can get help right away. But benzos have also seen success when prescribed in outpatient rehab programs.

Because of their potential side effects, the dosing of benzos need to be carefully monitored and controlled. Which benzo you will be given, and how much, depends on the withdrawal symptoms you have, the severity of your alcohol dependence, and whether you are in an inpatient or an outpatient rehab setting.

There are three methods mainly used when prescribing benzos for alcohol detox.

Symptom-Triggered Regimen (STR)

Alcohol WithdrawalIn STR, your benzo dosage depends on how you rate your level of pain. If your pain rating is higher, you get a bigger dose. Several other criteria are also assessed before any medication is prescribed.

For STR to work safely, you can only undergo this regimen in an inpatient rehab facility. You will need direct supervision from doctors and consistent monitoring.

The main advantages of STR is it shortens the length of treatment and lets you take less medication overall. The risk of under- or overmedication is also smaller.

Fixed Tapering Dose Regimen (FTDR)

In FTDR, your dosage is fixed regardless of the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. FTDR can be used in outpatient settings, as consistent monitoring will not always be required. Also, this regimen works best if you have mild withdrawal symptoms.

Also, as the name implies, your dose will be tapered down with time. Benzos are only temporary medications, as using them for a long time can lead to addiction.

Loading Dose Regimen (LDR)

LDR uses long-acting benzos, which stay in your body for several days. It works best in preventing seizures, and it is only done in inpatient rehab settings. Monitoring is important in LDR, so it cannot be administered in outpatient rehab programs.

Other medications

Aside from benzodiazepines, other drugs may also be used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Anticonvulsants like gabapentin and carbamazepine are also helpful, especially in preventing seizures. Additionally, some studies have shown that anticonvulsants can help with reducing alcohol cravings.

The good thing about anticonvulsants is their lack of addictive potential. With that, they are safer than benzodiazepines. However, using anticonvulsants alone may not be enough to effectively manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Thus, both kinds of medications may be used in combination.

Adrenergic drugs, like clonidine, are also used when detoxing from alcohol. These drugs lower your blood pressure and heart rate if they are high. Adrenergic drugs do not treat seizures or DTs, though.

Are medications always needed in treating alcohol withdrawal?

Medications are not always necessary. Before doctors prescribe you anything, they will assess your condition first. Not all cases of withdrawal warrant medication.

Doctors often use what is known as the CIWA-AR (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment – Alcohol Revised) scale to find out how severe your withdrawal symptoms are. If you score zero to 8 points on this scale, medications may not be necessary for you. But if you score 9 and above, you will be prescribed medications.

If you do not need medication, supportive care will be given to you for up to 36 hours. After that time, it is highly unlikely that you will develop worse withdrawal symptoms.

To ensure that withdrawal does not bother you again, it is best to stay away from alcohol. Continuing to drink will significantly increase the chances that you will experience withdrawal again in the future.

Anxiety Lead To Drug Use

Does Anxiety Lead To Drug Use?

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States. Data from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) shows that 40 million American adults (aged 18 and older) suffer from anxiety disorders every year. That’s about 18 percent of the US population.

The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Despite this, less than 40 percent of those with these conditions receive proper treatment. In some cases, individuals with anxiety disorders resort to substance use to try and relieve their symptoms.

Because of this, the ADAA estimates that around 20 percent of people with anxiety disorders are also afflicted with substance use disorders.

Why does anxiety lead to drug use? Are anxiety treatments also able to address associated substance use disorders? Let’s find out.

Why anxiety may lead to drug abuse

Anxiety and Drug UseWhen you are experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, like trembling, nervousness, difficulty speaking, irritability, and the like, you would want yourself to calm down. Drinking alcohol is a popular way to do this. After a drink, you may begin to feel more relaxed and confident.

While the occasional drink does no harm to your body, you may get used to the relaxing effects of alcohol over time. Eventually, you will no longer feel these effects after just a few drinks. Your body will need more alcohol to feel the same effects. This is called tolerance, and it can build up over time. It may then lead to heavy drinking, which in turn can become an alcohol addiction.

The same holds true if you use other addictive substances, like marijuana, to deal with anxiety symptoms. At first, you may feel yourself improving. But as you keep taking those substances over time, you will eventually develop a substance use disorder.

At the end of it, you will have been suffering from two conditions instead of just one.

How to avoid drugs when you have an anxiety disorder

AnxietyIf you often experience symptoms of anxiety, the best thing to do is to consult a mental health professional. They can help you figure out if you actually have an anxiety disorder. When you have anxiety symptoms, it doesn’t always follow that you have an anxiety disorder. You need to fulfill specific criteria first before being diagnosed with one.

If the mental health professional concludes that you do not have an anxiety disorder, he will teach you techniques to manage your anxiety. These include mindfulness, breathing exercises, and calming statements you can tell yourself each time you feel anxious. These prove helpful in relieving common symptoms of anxiety and help you calm down and think more realistically about the things around you.

On the other hand, if you do have an anxiety disorder, treatments are in order.

What kind of anxiety treatments are available?

Basically, there are two types of anxiety treatments: medications and psychotherapy. The former are prescription drugs used to relieve anxiety symptoms in some patients. Not everyone with anxiety disorders need medications, though. This would depend on the severity of your case.

Psychotherapy, on the other hand, are treatments that deal with your mind and emotions. Some mental health practitioners call them talk therapy because of the conversational nature of the treatments.

There is a wide range of talk therapies used in addressing anxiety disorders, but by far the most effective is called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. At its core, CBT aims to correct negative patterns of thoughts and behaviors that lead to anxiety.

Anxiety Lead To Drug UseDuring CBT, your therapist will train you to identify erroneous thoughts that are not grounded in reality, which in turn trigger anxiety. He will then ask you to consider more realistic and positive alternatives then have you weigh the evidence for both the negative and positive thoughts. Once you realize the positive thoughts have more basis in reality, then your patterns of thinking about anxiety-inducing situations will change.

Once you get the hang of thinking more positively about the things that cause you anxiety, you will feel less and less anxious when in those situations. Eventually, you’ll be able to approach those situations with confidence.

In addition to being highly effective, CBT also does not take long to produce results. Many patients have reported significant improvements in their anxiety symptoms after eight to ten sessions of CBT.

What if I have both an anxiety disorder and a substance use disorder?

If you have two mental health problems occurring at once, this is called a dual diagnosis. It requires special attention since both conditions must be treated side by side. If each one is treated separately, your recovery outcomes are not as good.

Dual diagnosis cases are best treated with residential rehab programs, also known as inpatient rehab. In residential rehab, you need to live inside a rehab facility for anywhere between one to three months, depending on the program you’re enrolled in.

Inside the rehab facility, you will be fully focused on your journey to recovery. You will learn to adopt a new, healthy lifestyle that does not involve addictive substances. Each day, you will attend a number of therapy sessions to help you work through the substance use disorder. Also, you can get into new hobbies in rehab if they offer recreational amenities like sports areas. If you get into a sport, for example, you will learn an entirely new way of coping with stress. Not only is it drug-free, but it keeps your body fit and healthy as well.

Dealing with both anxiety and substance abuse is tough. But when supervised by trained professionals in a residential rehab facility, your chances of recovery are much higher. It may take some time and effort, but at the end of it, you will be able to take control of your life again and live sober.

Alcohol Effects

Alcohol Effects on Testosterone

Drinking alcohol is a popular social activity for many people. However, it does have a lot of negative health effects. Alcohol can affect your liver, heart, kidneys, muscles, and even your testosterone levels.

Read on to find out more of alcohol’s effects on testosterone in detail.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone produced in the testicles. It’s a predominantly male hormone, though women also produce small amounts of it in their ovaries. Testosterone is mainly responsible for regulating sex drive and sperm production. Other effects include influencing bone and muscle mass, fat storage, and red blood cell production. It can also affect mood.

Low levels of testosterone in men can cause the following:

  • Alcohol EffectsInfertility
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Low libido
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of body hair or facial hair
  • Development of breasts
  • Loss of bone mass
  • Poor concentration
  • Hot flashes

In women, low testosterone can cause:

  • Low sex drive
  • Brittle bones

This hormone requires three glands to be made. These are the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the testes. Here is the process:

  1. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is produced by the hypothalamus.
  2. GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
  3. FSH and LH stimulate the testes (or ovaries in women) to produce testosterone.

Alcohol disrupts the function of all these glands, inhibiting the production of testosterone.

What are the short-term alcohol effects on testosterone?

AlcoholismWhen you drink, alcohol affects your pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Without GnRH, FSH, and LH, the testes cannot produce testosterone. Based on research, testosterone levels drop as quickly as 30 minutes after drinking.

In another study, healthy men were made to drink one pint of whiskey every day for 30 days. Their testosterone levels were then compared to those of men suffering from alcohol use disorder. After 30 days, the testosterone levels of the healthy men were nearly identical to those of the men with alcohol use disorder.

What are the long-term alcohol effects on testosterone?

If you drink heavily for a long time, you are more likely to have poor testicular function than people who drink moderately. In turn, your testosterone levels will be lower than theirs. Also, you will be more likely to be afflicted with erectile dysfunction and low libido.

Aside from interfering with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, alcohol can also damage the Leydig cells of the testes. These cells are responsible for producing testosterone. The damage is more pronounced when it’s a product of long-term drinking.

But if you drink only moderately, it should have no long term effects on your testosterone levels.

Does alcohol affect sperm production?

Alcohol disrupts the function of certain cells in your testes called Sertoli cells. These play a big role in sperm production, particularly in helping sperm mature. With the Sertoli cells affected, sperm cannot develop properly.

Also, testosterone and FSH have roles in sperm development. Alcohol decreases the levels of both these hormones, thus it negatively affects the growth of sperm. It may even lead to spermatogenic arrest, which is interrupted development of sperm. In turn, there will be a low concentration of sperm in the semen.

According to studies, about 50 percent of men who drink heavily were affected with spermatogenic arrest. Only 20 percent of men without alcohol problems had this issue. The studies additionally found that men who drank heavily had smaller testicles than other men.

Other studies have found out that heavy drinking may even turn the precursor molecules of testosterone into estrogen, increasing the levels of estrogen in men. Normally, this hormone is higher in females as it is responsible for maintaining the female reproductive system and controlling the menstrual cycle. If estrogen is high in men, it will affect sperm production, leading to smaller concentrations of sperm in the semen.

Additionally, high estrogen levels in men may cause these conditions.

Gynecomastia

This condition is marked by unusually large fat tissues in the breasts of men. In turn, their breasts enlarge and appear like the female counterparts.

Erectile dysfunction

Maintaining an erection requires a balance of hormones in the male body. If estrogen levels are high, this balance is disrupted, making it harder to stay erect. This condition is made worse when combined with low testosterone levels.

Stunted growth

Adolescent boys who drink alcohol are more likely to not grow tall. Increased levels of estrogen would stop them from growing in height. Also, high estrogen concentrations will cause the epiphyseal plates in their bones to close early, permanently stunting their growth.

How do I prevent these conditions when drinking alcohol?

Most studies show that moderate consumption of alcohol does not negatively affect testosterone production. That means you need to limit your alcohol intake to two drinks per day (for men) or one drink a day (for women).

Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, one standard drink is defined as:

  • Alcoholism Effects12 ounces of beer (normally at 5% alcohol)
  • 5 ounces of wine (normally at 12% alcohol)
  • 5 ounces (or one shot) of vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, or other distilled spirits (normally at 40% alcohol)

Any more than one or two of those drinks is considered heavy drinking, which raises your risk of developing testosterone-related problems.

The more you can limit your drinking, the better it will be not just for your testosterone levels, but for your overall health as well.

If you have alcohol use disorder and cannot stop drinking, get professional help right away. Talk to your primary care doctor or an alcohol addiction specialist, who will help you create a treatment plan that’s just right for your needs.

You may have to enroll in a rehab program, and if your condition is serious, you may need to live inside a rehab facility for one to three months. Recovery takes a while, but if you’re focused and committed to it, the outcomes are good. After rehab, you will be able to live a sober life once again.

Drug Addiction Treatment

Is Drug Addiction Treatment Effective?

The main aim of drug addiction treatment is to help people suffering from addiction to stop abusing drugs. When they achieve this goal, the treatment progresses into helping these people stay sober by following the necessary measures to keep from relapsing. People with substance use disorders usually experience specific challenges. Since addiction is classified as a chronic illness, this means there is no cure for it. However, drug addiction treatment has proven to be quite effective in helping these individuals conquer their addictions.

There are various treatment programs and rehab facilities that are beneficial for people who want to recover from substance addiction. The effectiveness of drug addiction treatment programs is dependent on the program and the patient, including other contributing factors.

How Is Drug Addiction Treatment Measured?

Drug Addiction TreatmentSome treatment facilities assess their effectiveness through the number of patients that successfully go through their rehab programs. Others will look at patients’ continued sobriety during the following years or months to measure their success with the programs. The criteria defining the success of a drug addiction treatment program are flexible. Some programs will use varying types of treatment, while others handle relapse in patients.

Additionally, drug rehab is not always successful for anyone who steps into the program. Some of these facilities blame the patient for their addiction, thus setting them up for failure. Most rehabilitation programs also do not check up on their patients after they complete the treatment and base their success rates only on those who stay on for the entire period.

Monitoring one’s addiction and assessing their progress involves asking them about their thoughts and feelings. There are no known standards to gauge the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program, and different facilities will use their own criteria to define their results. For example, an individual might have stopped abusing their substance of choice but still exhibited specific thought patterns and damaging behaviors after the treatment. However, the program may still classify the case as a success.

It is advisable to look for a trusted and dependable program that focuses on treating the individual as a whole and not just the addiction.

What are Criteria Used to Assess The Effectiveness of a Drug Treatment Program?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines three specific goals for an effective drug treatment program aside from stopping drug use and maintaining sobriety in individuals:

  • The person should engage with society as a whole positively
  • The individual should also contribute in the workplace
  • The person should be a productive family member

Even though each rehab facility will define success differently, other measures overview what an effective treatment should achieve.

The patient being treated for addiction should exhibit these characteristics:

  • Improved safety, i.e., fewer injuries or accidents
  • An improvement in their legal status, i.e., committing fewer crimes or abiding by probation
  • Stronger connections and relationships with loved ones, friends, and family
  • Better mental health through improved behaviors, personality traits, and moods
  • Enhanced physical health, i.e., reduced medical visits
  • An improvement in their education or employment status
  • Longer gaps between relapses and decreased frequency and amount of substance use

Most drug rehab treatment programs monitor their patients’ growth as they continue with the treatment, determining any issues and obstacles that need to be addressed. An effective program also offers alumni groups and recovery meetings even after patients complete the program.

Thus, when assessing the effectiveness of a drug treatment program, abstinence from addictive substances is not the only thing to consider. As mentioned above, we also need to consider the individual’s improved ability to function in the community, at work, at school, and home. These improvements are made possible when the individual reduces their drug use. Therefore, we need to observe the individual’s general quality of life.

Does Relapse Mean Drug Addiction Treatment Was Ineffective?

Drug AddictionThe National Institute on Drug Abuse specifies that 40%-60% of patients undergoing drug addiction treatment usually relapse. As a chronic disease, addiction symptoms can reappear even after treatment, so continuous care is necessary. Relapse back to drug use does not mean the treatment was unsuccessful. Some people need more time to improve and heal fully. They might sometimes relapse but go back to sobriety themselves due to skills learned during rehabilitation.

Drug addiction recovery is a continuous process, and patients usually need several treatment rounds. Most people also typically require aftercare once they complete their addiction treatment programs. Aftercare typically comprises support groups or substance abuse counseling to help the person stay connected with other affected individuals struggling with drug addiction.

Types of Treatment Programs and Their Effectiveness

Drug Addiction Treatment EfficacyAn individual’s success in a drug treatment program will depend on their specific circumstances and the type of program selected. Other factors also influence positive treatment results.

Good drug rehab programs are usually managed by skilled professionals who have been trained in addiction treatment. They also have clinical staff on the site to handle the patients’ physical and mental needs. Rehab programs with high success rates usually provide long-term care and personalized treatment plans with evidence-based methods.

Addiction treatment is an ongoing process that takes time. Programs that go for longer than three months are usually the most efficient. Long-term rehabilitation treatment enables the recovering patient to deal with any hidden issues connected to their drug abuse problem. It also helps them modify their way of life by learning beneficial new habits and breaking old destructive ones.

Personalized addiction treatment offers care to each individual depending on their addiction experience and circumstances. Considering different people and their individual addiction experiences helps to customize the treatment to meet their recovery needs and thus provides them with a greater chance for success.

Evidence-based methods for addiction treatment such as behavioral therapy have been studied and shown to be effective in helping individuals beat their addiction. These approaches are often conducted in family, group, or individual settings. Medication-assisted therapy is another evidence-based method used concurrently with counseling and therapy for people suffering from alcohol or opioid addiction.

The most important thing to keep in mind when considering the success of a drug addiction treatment program is that it meets the individual’s overall needs to increase the chances of maintaining lasting sobriety.

Alcoholism

Can The Brain Heal Itself From Alcohol?

Most people experiencing alcohol dependence have experienced slowed thinking and memory problems associated with drinking. As these people continue drinking, they may find it harder to remember new information such as people’s names or recall memories. They can also experience blackouts whereby they cannot recall entire events or conversations that happened when they were drinking. We know that heavy drinking can gradually lead to severe long-term brain damage.

AlcoholismAlcohol abuse has significant effects on the body and the brain, depending on how long one has been using, but it is not easy to undo the damage that has been caused to your body. The brain can start healing itself from the harmful effects of alcohol use in time and recover what it has lost. However, heavy drinking can still affect a person’s memory, attention, and cognitive abilities, which are weakened even when there is alcohol in the bloodstream. Impaired function leads to reduced focus and concentration, as well as decreased reaction times. Alcohol can cause dehydration in anyone who does not take sufficient water to compensate for this, resulting in kidney damage.

The brain does not go back to its original condition for a long time after one stops drinking. Reaction time, memory, and attention span will normalize but will not be entirely regular for some time. For example, a hangover can have severe effects on one’s work performance. Heavy drinking seriously affects people’s work and relationships because when the brain is not functioning correctly, it can affect one’s entire life.

Within 14 days of detoxification during alcoholism treatment, the brain recovers most of its lost volume while the cerebellum, responsible for motor skills and movement, responds fastest. The brain can recover partially with sustained abstinence. Different brain areas also heal at varying rates; the part of the brain responsible for thinking will need more time to recover.

Effects of Alcohol On Your Brain

Alcohol EffectsAlcohol significantly affects the brain’s complex structures. It also cuts off the chemical signals transmitted between neurons or brain cells, resulting in the typical symptoms of drunkenness such as slowed reflexes, poor memory, slurred speech, and impulsive behavior. If a person continues drinking heavily for a long time, the brain adjusts to the obstructed signals by reacting more dramatically to brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Once the alcohol has left your system, the brain keeps overstimulating these neurotransmitters, leading to painful and possibly dangerous withdrawal symptoms which can harm the brain cells. The damage is worsened by sudden withdrawal and binge-drinking periods.

The brain damage caused by alcohol can happen in several ways; first, through neurotoxicity, which occurs when the brain cells are exposed to neurotransmitters for too long, causing the neurons to burn out gradually. Neurons usually form the pathways between various brain regions, so when they start burning out, this can slow down these pathways’ reactions. Aside from pathway damage, heavy alcohol use can also damage brain matter. People suffering from alcohol dependence usually have “brain shrinkage,” which means the volume of the white matter (cell pathways) and gray matter (cell bodies) will decrease over time. Even though the differences are subtle between brain damage in women and men, the amount of alcohol consumed still causes loss of brain matter regardless of gender.

Since alcohol affects a significant area of the brain, heavy drinking can cause many types of cognitive impairment. Examples include problems with impulsivity, spatial processing, problem-solving, attention, working memory, processing speed, verbal learning, and fluency. The regions of the brain associated with memory and higher functions such as impulse control and problem-solving are more vulnerable to damage than other regions of the brain. Thus, any problems in these areas of the brain are typically worse than others. Adolescents are at a higher risk of reduced performance or permanent damage, as their most affected brain regions are still developing.

Getting Back Brain Function through Recovery

Alcohol Abuse Effects on BrainEven though alcohol abuse can be detrimental to some brain functions, sobriety can restore significant healing to the brain for most people. If you abstain from alcohol early enough, you can be able to reverse most of the physical damage resulting from heavy drinking. After the first week of quitting drinking, communication between the cerebellum and other higher-functioning regions of the brain demonstrates increased performance. This is also experienced well into the recovery period during alcoholism treatment. In the same way brain damage results in cognitive impairment, repaired brain tissue can also improve cognitive functioning. Aside from improvements caused by healed brain tissue, there can also be some cognitive improvement as the brain adjusts to the damage and develops new pathways to replace those damaged by alcohol abuse. The most significant changes in cognitive functioning will be evident after a year of quitting drinking, even though a more extended abstinence period can offer better improvements.

Anyone in recovery can be optimistic that their brains will start to process things faster and better if they quit taking alcohol. Their brains will also be better able to control their motor functioning. Alcohol use can cause significant damage to one’s cognitive performance and brain functioning, but abstinence can undo most of the damage caused if the treatment is done in time. Repaired brain functionality is essential to feel like the recovery process is worth it, especially for people who have been abusing alcohol for a long time. Recovery brings about a sense of healing and feeling like you are on a path towards something better than the place you were before.  Regardless of complicated circumstances or specific stressors, it is possible to heal your body and brain from alcohol addiction and rebuild your life.

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