Author: Best Drug Rehabilitation

Partial hospitalization programs allow addicts to live at home while receiving treatment for their addiction problems and mental health conditions. The goal of partial hospitalization programs is to treat people with substance abuse disorders that are related to another mental health condition.   Most addictions involve other disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The NIDA defines partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) as “programs that let patients undergo treatment at rehab facilities for four to six hours per day on a minimum of five days a week.” PHPs are sometimes referred to as “day treatments.”

A Step Between Outpatient and Residential Treatment

Partial hospitalization programs constitute a middle ground between residential treatment programs and regular outpatient programs in which a person receives treatment only a couple of times per week. For some people, PHPs can serve as a step down from residential treatment programs after they have detoxed and stabilized. For other people, a partial hospitalization program in and of itself might be their best choice to get the rehabilitation they need to live a life of sobriety, especially if they have mitigating circumstances such as caring for children or older adults in their households that make it difficult for them to leave home.

Strategies and Scope of Partial Hospitalization Programs

Patients in partial hospitalization programs receive much of the same types of treatment as patients in residential treatment programs.  PHPs can include individual and group counseling sessions, medical care, psychiatric medications, and Twelve Step meetings. Treatment plans in PHPs are individual plans. When it comes to recovery, one size doesn’t fit all.  But, all people with substance abuse disorders require treatment that provides stability and compassionate care.

Effectiveness of Treatment

Every effort is made by providers to ensure that patients fully avail themselves of the benefits of treatment programs. Partial hospitalization programs constitute effective rehabilitation for people with substance abuse disorders paired with a mental health condition. As a treatment option, a PHP offers an excellent balance between highly structured care and a higher degree of independence.  This ensures that patients can maintain their sobriety once the treatment program has ended.

PHPs can be an excellent choice, depending on your circumstances. You realize you need help with a substance abuse disorder.  But, you have commitments that mean you need to be at home as much as possible.  If so, you should talk with healthcare professionals to find out if a Partial Hospitalization Plan would be the best option for you.

Resources:

drugabuse.gov – Treatment Settings

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

Are prescription drugs the problem, or is human nature the cause of the recent dramatic increases in ER visits? In truth, it is a combination of both. Far too many people are overdosing on their medications after combining meds or using them with alcohol or other substances. The most commonly misused prescription drugs that led to ER visits are Xanax and Ativan, followed by prescription opioids. Prescription drug misuse is a nationwide health crisis that continues to destroy hundreds of lives daily.

According to CDC researcher, Dr. Andrew Geller:

Most of the time there may have been only one pharmaceutical involved, but there were other non-pharmaceutical substances or psychoactive drugs or alcohol involved as well. When people get into trouble with misusing medicines, they’re usually taking more than one substance.”

What is Prescription Drug Misuse?

Misuse of prescription medications is common today.  Misuse typically means someone is taking a medication that was not prescribed for them.  Or, someone doesn’t follow the dosing directions properly. However, misuse is not always intentional. Many chronic pain sufferers will often take larger doses because they aren’t getting the desired results.

The CDC reports that about 40 percent of misuse cases they reviewed involved intentional abuse:

• About 44 percent of the cases showed to clear indication of whether it was drug abuse or attempted suicide, or simple misuse.
• The remaining 16 percent of cases involved individuals taking medications for the purpose of getting high.
• Overall, more than 360,000 ER visits were attributed to misused pharmaceuticals.

The above study also shows that the primary prescription drug involved in 47 percent of cases was Benzodiazepines, and about 36 percent of cases involved OxyContin.  Other drugs involved in 85 percent of the benzo cases involved alcohol, heroin, cocaine, and other illicit or prescription drugs.

Why is Rx Drug Misuse so Dangerous?

Prescription drug misuse, especially polydrug misuse, can lead to unconsciousness, heart failure, or respiratory depression. What causes these dangerous interactions? For one thing, many of the drugs are sedative/depressants meaning they slow the body down.  Combining two or more of these types of drugs can cause enhanced effects that can be life-threatening.

Here are some of the most widely abused or misused prescription drugs and how they can interact to put a person’s life in danger:

Sedatives/Depressants:

CNS (central nervous system) depressants include tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics.  These drugs are used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety.

Side effects of sedative/depressant misused include: confusion, memory problems, impaired judgment, mood swings, drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing and heart rate, addiction, overdose, death.

Painkillers:

These drugs are usually opioids and are used to treat acute or chronic pain. They were intended for short-them use, but may patients end up taking them for years.

Side effects of opioid misuse can include nausea and vomiting, sedation, dizziness, liver damage, brain damage, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, addiction, overdose, coma, death.

Stimulants:

Prescription stimulants are used to treat depression and ADHD.  The most commonly prescribed stimulants are Ritalin and Adderall.

Illicit stimulants include cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine.

Side effects of stimulants can include, excitement, increased energy, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, aggression, panic attacks, paranoia, and suicidal ideations.

Alcohol:

Alcohol is both a stimulant and a depressant.  A person drinks a few drinks for the stimulant effect or to “loosen up”, but overdoing it on the amount consumed can cause a depressant effect (blackout, passing out).  Combining alcohol with either of the above drugs can intensify the effects.

Most commonly abused with alcohol:  opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.

Some of the less severe, but still dangerous, side effects of alcohol misuse include heart attack, stroke, internal bleeding, liver damage, brain damage, and mental health problems.

The side effects of combining alcohol with any of the above drugs include unconsciousness, coma, or death.

Accidental Prescription Drug Misuse

People accidentally misuse prescription drugs for a variety of reasons.  As mentioned earlier, some people are not aware of the dangers involved in increasing the dosage without consulting their doctor. Others have been prescribed a combination of drugs that should not have been prescribed.  For instance, some older adults are often prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines at the same time. Physicians are encouraged to avoid this procedure if possible. Older patients have lower resistance to the effects of the drug.  Combining these substances can result in oversedation, which can lead to coma or death.

People who share their prescription drugs with someone may think they are helping that person, but everyone reacts differently to the chemicals in the drug.  One person can take a drug with few side effects, while another person can have severe reactions. It’s highly advised to never share prescription drugs with anyone.

If you would like more information about prescription drug misuse, please contact us today at our toll-free number.

Resources:

drugabuse.gov – Prescription Drugs Overview

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Opioid Complications and Side Effects

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

Recovering addicts are particularly susceptible to nutrient deficiencies for a number of observable and biological reasons. Healthy eating will help correct these and certainly improve your odds of maintaining sobriety. Here, we will explain how nutrition affects recovery.

Nutrition affects recovery from addiction by giving your body and mind time to improve and heal faster. It also helps you maintain sobriety by supporting your body to consistently function properly, thus maintaining your good health. A healthy diet helps you stay sober in various ways. It improves your mental focus, helps in maintaining your mood, and reduces cravings for addictive substances and behaviors.  Inversely, nutrient deficiencies make staying sober more of a challenge by increasing your chances for depression, fatigue, and cravings.

How Nutrition Affects Recovery for Addicts

Addiction can make eating a proper diet more difficult in many ways. When you don’t absorb enough of the essential nutrients in your body, you develop a deficiency. Addiction can definitely interfere with a proper diet and nutritional food in many ways.

Some of these include:

• Decreased appetite.

If your appetite is decreased and you eat less food, you are not getting enough nutrients. Addicts tend to put their substance of choice (whether it is alcohol or drugs) ahead of eating. Drinking alcohol is simply consuming empty calories. It has no nutritional value. When drug abusers use drugs, they have no desire to eat. Hence, they may end up eating only chips or crackers which is also not a healthy diet for anyone.

• Increased cravings for unhealthy foods.

If you have sugar cravings and can’t control them, it can be extremely hard to get all of your nutrients, considering sugary foods contain hardly any essential nutrients. Eating mostly foods which contain sugar can also contribute to diabetes which is also a health issue for alcoholics because of the sugar content in alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer, and liquor.

• Reduce your motivation to eat healthy foods.

Motivation to eat a healthy diet requires assurance that eating healthy will provide great outcomes in the long run. Furthermore, it requires confidence that you will maintain a healthy diet long enough to experience these positive results. Drug abuse can make it much more difficult to keep a positive outlook and can affect your willpower and confidence. When you are addicted to drugs, you are only interested in being “high” and not in consuming good healthy food.

• Nutrient deficiencies and too few calories.

As stated above, nutrition affects recovery from addiction. Addicts often do not eat a healthy diet and hardly ever get enough nutrients or calories. Therefore, you could have nutrient deficiencies that you are unaware of which is making and maintaining sobriety much harder. Eating too few calories will also make sobriety and the recovery process much harder.

Best Results for Recovering Addicts

Recovering from addiction and eating healthy will ensure the absolute best recovery and will help with maintaining it. If you have completed an addiction treatment program, healthy eating will greatly protect and prevent you from a relapse.

Nutrition affects recovery from addiction in a number of ways. If you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, it will be much easier for you to decrease cravings and handle those cravings if they do come. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly gives you a better outlook on life as a whole. You feel better physically and emotionally when you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

A healthy diet is challenging for almost everyone and you need a set plan for how you will keep and maintain it for the rest of your life.

The following is a list of ways to achieve this:

• Avoid fast food
• Eat whole foods
• Consume lots of vegetables and fruits
• Avoid refined sugars
• Eat grass fed meat
• Eat organic foods
• Add healthy nuts and seeds to your diet

The body uses nutrients and energy for daily functions, so eating healthy requires that you get these nutrients regularly from your diet. Healthy eating requires getting enough calories for performing physical activity and keeping a steady body weight. Each person’s nutritional requirements are different because of a variety of factors.

Professional rehabilitation can help you create a personalized goal for your own unique needs. Please contact a representative today for more information on how nutrition affects recovery.

Resource:

medlineplus.gov – Substance Use Recovery and Diet

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

Barbiturates are a class of drug in the broader category of central nervous system (CNS) depressants. These drugs slow brain function and other systems of the body such as breathing and heart rate. CNS depressants include alcohol, benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin) and opiates (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine).

Abuse of Barbiturates

While barbiturates are not as widely prescribed in the United States today as in past decades, they are still circulating in society. It is valuable to understand what they are and their potential for abuse.

Barbiturates are known as sedatives or hypnotics for their sleep-inducing characteristics. Also used as analgesics and anticonvulsants, they can be highly addictive for the user. Increased usage leads to heightened tolerance, requiring more of the drug to obtain the desired effect.

This can lead to:

• Shallow breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Weakened pulse
• Coma and death

All of these symptoms are associated with CNS depressant overdose.

Barbiturates come in multicolored pill or tablet form, and in liquid form for intravenous injection. Barbiturate abuse includes crushing, snorting, dissolving in a solution and injecting.

Street names for barbiturates include:

• Downers
• Blockbusters
• Christmas trees
• Rainbows
• Goofballs
• Gorilla pills
• Reds
• Red Devils
• Redbirds
• Blue velvet
• Blue devils
• Blue heavens
• Yellowjackets
• Mexican yellows
• Nembies
• Purple hearts
• Pink ladies

Barbiturates are divided into four main categories: ultra short-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the preferred pills of abuse are short-acting and intermediate barbiturates such as Amytal (amobarbital) and Seconal (secobarbital).

Barbiturates’ Origins

For centuries, alcohol and opium were depressant drugs of choice, but by the 19th century, chemists were experimenting with various compounds to induce sleep and “calm nerves.” Barbiturates, as with many other drugs discovered by chemists, have an odd origin story.

Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Adolf von Baeyer (1835-1917) – not to be confused with Friedrich Bayer (1825-1880), founder of the Bayer pharmaceutical company – was a German chemist known for his research and synthesis of indigo dye, among other things. In 1864 he first synthesized what he would name barbituric acid, the parent compound of the barbiturate drugs. Various stories exist as to why Baeyer named his discovery “barbituric.” One version cites the Latin word Barba (meaning “beard”). Another claims its etymology is Saint Barbara, a 3rd-century Greek martyr and patron saint of artillerymen. Saint Barbara’s Day is Dec 4, the story being that Baeyer stopped into a Tavern that day in 1864 where he drank with German artillery officers.

There is a Bayer pharmaceuticals connection, however. Barbituric acid had no pharmacological use, but in 1903, scientists working at Bayer reported on the hypnotic (sleep-inducing) effects of the drug barbital (putting dogs to sleep). Barbital would become the first commercially available barbiturate, marketed under brand names Veronal (after the Italian city) and Medinal.

Some barbiturates with their brand name and generic name:

• Amytal (amobarbital)
• Butisol (butabarbital)
• Capacet, Fioricet (butalbital)
• Brevital (methohexital)
• Nembutal (pentobarbital)
• Luminal (phenobarbital)
• Mephobarbital [generic] (mephobarbital)
• Mysoline (primidone)
• Seconal (secobarbital)
• Pentothal (thiopental)
• Tuinal (amobarbital/secobarbital)

History of Abuse of Barbiturates

As has been the case with an array of drugs (such as LSD and methamphetamine), the military was used as a testing ground for barbiturates. During World War II, personnel in the Pacific were given barbiturates (nicknamed “goofballs”) to help them tolerate the extreme heat and humidity by suppressing the strain on the soldiers’ respiratory systems. Many soldiers returned with addictions requiring medical attention and rehabilitation.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the addictive nature of these drugs began getting attention in medical reports, leading doctors to cut down on prescriptions and eventually resulting in the scheduling of barbiturates as controlled substances with high potential for dependence and abuse.

Barbiturates suppress the central nervous system (CNS), slowing brain and involuntary function. With increased dosage, these functions, such as breathing and heart rate, can be adversely and severely affected. Barbiturate abuse can look like heroin abuse, especially when the drugs are injected. Injecting barbiturates requires a large needle gauge due to the thickness of the solution, resulting in abrasions to the injection sites that resemble cigarette burns.

The effects of barbiturates include:

• Inability to concentrate
• Lapse in judgment
• Confusion
• Headaches
• Impact on coordination and vision
• Slow, mumbling or incoherent speech
• Memory problems
• Slowed reflexes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breathing problems
• Chronic fatigue
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Suicide
• Coma
• Fatal overdose

Barbiturates were once commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and many types of seizure disorders. Due to their potential for abuse, in 1970, the federal government restricted their access.

Barbiturates Today

Medical uses for barbiturates often depends on how quickly they take effect and the duration of their effects, ranging from ultra short-acting to long-acting. Uses include pre-surgical induction of patients for operating room anesthesia, general sedation, control of epileptic seizures, and they’re given to the elderly as sedatives. Pentobarbital (brand name Nembutal) has been used for euthanasia of animals and humans and has been utilized as a component of lethal injection in capital punishment.

Benzodiazepines are now largely prescribed for anxiety issues. Yet, these also have a high potential for abuse and can cause deadly withdrawal symptoms. Since the restrictions on barbiturates were implemented, the number of people abusing them has declined dramatically. The abuse of barbiturates is commonly associated with other drugs. In cases of barbiturate abuse, one should also consider the likelihood of polysubstance abuse.

Seek Help for Drug Addiction

Drugs affect the body, mind, and spirit. They cover up real emotions. The temporary high they offer is invariably followed by a crash. In the cycle of dependence and abuse, it becomes harder and harder to obtain the high, and the crashes get lower and lower. But it is possible, with help, to free oneself from the vicious cycle of abuse. Drug rehabilitation addresses the whole person – body, mind, spirit.

Life is worth living, and it can be enjoyed once again without the heavy burden of substance abuse. If you are abusing barbiturates or any other drugs, reach out for help and regain your life of sobriety. Don’t keep putting your life in jeopardy. Get the help you need and deserve.

Resources:

drugabuse.gov – Benzodiazepines and Opioids

fda.gov – Sleep Disorder (Sedative-Hypnotic) Drug Information

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

Perhaps you have completed a treatment program in an addiction rehab facility and want to make sure you stay on the right track in recovery. In addition to your aftercare programs, you might want to follow some Pinterest accounts. Here, we will discuss some Pinterest accounts to follow about addiction.

 

1.) Psychology Today – Psychology Today has some very interesting information about addiction. They also report up-to-date information about different drugs of abuse. For instance, one article titled “One Month of Cannabis Abstinence May Improve Users’ Memory” was interesting as well as very informative. This article discusses how abstinence of cannabis changes cognitive function in the brains of adolescents and young adults. Psychology Today is an extremely good account to follow on Pinterest.

     2.) Drug Info/State Library – This is another Pinterest account which is very informative. In their account, they reference a book, “Quick Guide to Drugs and Alcohol” which describes all types of drugs and is easy to read and understand. You can research any drug in this book. You don’t have to purchase the book, however. This account is very good for keeping up with the latest on drugs and alcohol.

     3.) Science Alert – Science Alert is not an account referencing only addiction. However, it does have some very interesting information about drugs. One article that’s especially interesting is ‘Magic Mushroom’ Chemicals Could Be Legal Sooner Than You Think if  Scientists Have Their Way.

    4.) Everyday Health – Everyday Health has some very good articles often about addiction.   “38 Signs of Addiction You May Be Missing” is a very good read for everyone, especially parents of teens and young adults. This article lists physical signs as well as behavioral signs to look for if you suspect a loved one may be abusing drugs.

    5.) Bloomin’ Ash – Bloomin Ash is an excellent blog post site to help those in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. One article, in particular, is ‘Dear Self: Read This When You Want a Drink. There are many blog posts on this site which are very helpful for individuals who are in recovery. This will be a good resource for anyone who has struggled with addiction.

Helpful Information on Pinterest About Addiction

If you are someone who is struggling with addiction or in recovery from addiction, or if you are worried about a loved one, the above sites have very good and informative material on them.  Therefore, we hope that these Pinterest accounts will be beneficial to you and your family by educating you more about drug and alcohol addiction.

Seek Help for Addiction from an Inpatient Addiction Treatment Center

Reading about addiction online is no substitute for reaching out for professional addiction treatment. If you are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, don’t hesitate to contact a reputable addiction treatment center.

Best Drug Rehabilitation can help you find a treatment program that will fit your individual needs and preferences. Contact one of our representatives to learn more about many different programs from which to choose. They can answer any questions you may have about finding an addiction treatment facility to fit your needs.

 

 

Resources:

psychologytoday.com – One Month of Cannabis Abstinence May Improve Users’ Memory

druginfo.sl.nsw.gov – Quick Guide to Drugs and Alcohol

sciencealert.com – ‘Magic Mushroom’ Chemicals Could Be Legal Sooner Than You Think if Scientists Have Their Way

everyday health.com – 38 Signs of Addiction You May be Missing

bloominash.com – Dear Self: Read This When You Want a Drink

 

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

Our nation has always prided itself on being number one in many things such as education, health care, economy, and so forth. But, today, we have reached another claim to fame, but it’s not one to celebrate.

Researchers show that in the United States, drug overdose deaths more than tripled in the past 20 years. This sharp increase was driven mostly by the opioid epidemic.

Leading the Way in Drug Overdose Deaths:  The Long-Term Impact

As of February 2019, the US ranks four times higher than 17 other wealthy nations in terms of overdose deaths. The drug epidemic is so severe in the US that it has affected the life expectancy rates.  According to researchers at the University of Southern California’s Leonard School of Gerontology.

Americans are living 2.6 fewer years than people in other wealthy nations, putting our nation more than a decade behind life-expectancy levels in other high-income countries.”

This long-term impact of drug overdose deaths will continue to cause a ripple effect throughout society in a number of ways.

Impact on First Responders

The medical community feels the impact of the drug epidemic in dramatic ways.  An overload of 911 calls can interfere with first responders reaching other patients who need treatment for strokes, heart attacks, injuries, or other emergencies.

Impact on Hospitals and ERs

Not only are first responders affected.  For instance, emergency system resources are overloaded and drained by the increased number of patients arriving for overdose treatment.  Emergency rooms and hospitals are also overwhelmed by the additional load on their resources.  Sooner or later, the insurance costs are raised to cover this impact on medical resources.

Impact on Society

The substance abuse epidemic and resulting drug overdose deaths are having a tremendous impact on society.  It affects individuals, families, and communities in many ways.  Families are torn apart, and communities are robbed of the contributions these people could have made to the economy and well-being of the community as a whole.  The epidemic also places a huge financial burden of federal, state, and local governments.

The economic impact of the drug epidemic by the numbers:

• Economic burden of $28.9 billion dollars in increased health care.
• Health insurance and Medicare and Medicaid fund over 14% of the costs of the drug epidemic.
• State and local governments share the burden of over 25% of the economic burden.
• The economic burden reaches more than $78.5 billion every year.

These numbers are shocking, but that’s not the end of the toll drug abuse is having on our nation.  The human toll is even more distressing.

What the Statistics Reveal to Us

On any given day in the United States, here’s what happens:

• About 3,900 people start using prescription opioids for non-medical reasons.
• A whopping 650,000 opioid prescriptions are dispensed.
• At least 91 people die from drug overdose attributed to opioids.

These numbers don’t include the people who are injured or killed as a result of someone’ else’s drug-related crimes, murders, or accidents.  We also need to consider the increasing number of children who grow up in homes with addicted parents, children who are removed from the home and placed in foster care or other arrangements, and children who are abused, neglected, and permanently scarred by a family member’s addiction.

Affordable, Effective Treatment Can be Part of the Solution

Many drug overdose deaths could be prevented if individuals get treatment.  Unfortunately, most addicts believe that they can’t afford rehab.  At Best Drug Rehabilitation, we work diligently to spread awareness and prevention information that will hopefully make a difference in the statistics.  We also strive to help people find affordable, effective addiction treatment.  If you or a loved one needs help for drug abuse, please contact us today.  We will conduct a confidential assessment and recommend a treatment program that is right for your needs.

 

Resources

gero.usc.edu – American Drug Overdose Death Rates the Highest Among Wealthy Nations

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

One thing is certain.  We’ve never heard an addiction treatment professional claim that overcoming addiction is easy.  They admit that recovery from addiction takes a strong determination to succeed combined with a large measure of patience and hard work.  In fact, staying in rehab for the full duration of the program is the only way to achieve lasting recovery.  So, why do so many people leave rehab before the program ends? And, what can be done to convince them to stay?

Why Does Someone Leave Rehab Early?

What does it mean when we hear that someone has left rehab early?  Usually, it means they have abandoned treatment within 30 days or less.  Although some treatment programs are limited to 30, 60, or 90 days, studies show that the longer a person remains in rehab, the stronger they become in their ability to stay sober.

When a person enters treatment for addiction, it’s essential that they understand that it is not okay to leave whenever they want.  This doesn’t mean rehab is like jail. Patients can leave when they want, but they are at risk of relapse. The purpose of rehab is to teach a person coping skills and effective methods for avoiding relapse.  It is a process of specific evidence-based classes, activities, and training, all of which take time. Leaving the program too soon prevents a person from finding out that they actually could have succeeded in recovery.

Some of the reasons people give for leaving rehab early include the following:

• “I can’t stand being away from my family and friends.”
• “I went through detox, so I’m cured.”
• “The people don’t understand me.”
• “They make me work too hard all day.”

Unfortunately, many addicts leave rehab within the first two or three days. They make promises, beg, plead, and threaten or anything else they can think of to convince family members to come to rescue them from this bad place.  If they leave and suffer a relapse, they claim rehab doesn’t work. It’s a cycle that is repeated far too often today.

Staying in Rehab Can be a Lifesaving Endeavor

Many addicts leave rehab and wind up in the morgue.  It’s a harsh fact to face, but far too often, these individuals left treatment and overdosed within a few weeks. This is especially true for opiate or heroin addicts. In fact, more than 70,237 drug overdoses were reported last year. Staying in rehab could have prevented these needless deaths.  

So, what could have convinced those individuals to remain in treatment for the duration?  Here are a few things that would have helped:

• Personal Engagement – Family and friends should encourage their loved one and help them take personal responsibility for their success.  The addict must be convinced that leaving rehab is a self-defeating decision that could put them at risk for severe consequences.
• Facility Engagement – It may be that the program is not meeting your loved one’s needs. Talk to the counselors about making some changes, or you may need to find another facility if necessary.
• Family Involvement – Many facilities allow family members to spend time with their loved while in treatment.  They also offer family counseling which can have a significant impact on how the recovering person stays on track after leaving rehab.
• Individualized Programs – If the patient is allowed to take part in planning his or her treatment plan, they feel more motivated and involved.  Helping choose their own path to recovery inspires a person to succeed.

If a loved one calls and begs you to get them out of that place, it will be hard to say no.  But, remember, all addicts are skilled liars and manipulators. They are only thinking about how they feel at that moment.  What they need to focus on is their future. And, learning to focus on the future is something they would learn in rehab if they stay.

Finding the Right Rehab is Part of the Solution

Not all rehabs are created equal, some are great, some are terrible.  When a person finds the right rehab, one they can trust, they are more likely to remain in treatment.  It’s difficult for some addicts to realize that recovery is not a destination; it is a journey they will remain on for the rest of their lives.  That’s why it’s important to gain the skills that will prove valuable in the process.

If your loved one is having trouble staying in rehab, give us a call.  We can recommend a program that works and that your loved one will feel comfortable attending.

Resources:

drugabuse.gov – Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction

drugabuse.gov – Drugs, Brains, and Behaviors:  The Science of Addiction

cdc.gov – Drug Overdose Deaths

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

When it comes to rehabilitation programs and facilities, finding the right rehab center for yourself or a loved one can be difficult and overwhelming.  But, you don’t want to rush the process and choose a program that isn’t the best one for your needs.  

Recovery from addiction is one of the most difficult things a person can ever go through. Of course, the hardest step in overcoming addiction is the first one.  The first step is to overcome denial.  You must acknowledge that there is a problem with drugs and alcohol and that help is needed. However, not everything that follows is smooth sailing. Many obstacles must be dealt with such as: 

• Repair the physical damage caused by long-term substance abuse.
• Uncover and address the underlying causes of addictive behaviors.
• Learn how to build healthy and functioning relationships.
• Deal with re-emerging emotions.

Obviously, the path to recovery has plenty of obstacles to overcome.  But, finding the right rehab will ensure that each aspect of recovery is addressed.

First Things First:  Knowing What to Look For

This is an important, life-altering decision you must make.  This decision can have a profound impact on the success of the individual that is struggling with addiction. It is vital that we understand exactly what is available and how it will benefit their recovery.

There are so many options in treatment available to a person that deciding on a rehabilitation center can be overwhelming. Every person is different and will respond differently to any particular method of treatment. Without knowing what to look for or which questions to ask, it is entirely possible that a person may end up selecting a program or treatment center that isn’t going to fit their needs.  Finding the right rehab is vital to a person’s success or failure in overcoming addiction.

Your Path to Recovery: Exploring Treatment Options

At Best Drug Rehabilitation, we realize different methods of rehabilitation are more beneficial to some people than others.  So, rather than put each individual through the same “cookie-cutter” program, we decided to give them a choice in treatment. We find programs that offer a variety of options.  In this way, each patient can decide which path to recovery to travel.

Another problem that many people have in some rehabilitation programs is that they are rushed through the program in order to fit into a certain timeframe. At Best Drug Rehabilitation, we know that some patients will work at a faster pace, while others need more time to get through the process. This also gives the patient an opportunity to explore different treatment options to find the best one for their individual needs.

Let the Experts at BDR Help You Make the Right Choice

Sifting through the many different options in treatment programs and recovery centers can seem like a daunting task, and many are overwhelmed by the idea of it. This can lead to poor decisions being made, as some people may just think to themselves “Any program is better than no program at all”. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, if the program doesn’t fit the needs of the individual, they might believe that it is their fault – that they failed rather than the program failed them. This could lead down a path of self-doubt, where many may think that rehabilitation simply won’t work for them.

This is a dangerous way of thinking that could end up being deadly in the end. That is why it is so important to make sure that the program or facility that you choose offers what you or your loved one really needs – a path to recovery from addiction that can address the individual needs of any individual.  At Best Drug Rehabilitation, we help patients find a unique program is adaptable to the needs.  We realize the program must accommodate any individual, regardless of age, gender, race, or personal spiritual beliefs.

Finding the Right Rehab for Lasting Recovery

If you are seeking a treatment program that is right for you or a loved one, contact us today.  We can recommend a program that will get you on the path to a lifetime of freedom from addiction.  We understand that finding the right rehab is a confusing task, so let us take the guesswork out of this important decision.

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

Have you recently been out with a friend and thought he or she acted a little “off?”  If so, you might have attributed it to your friend having a bad day, or maybe an extremely good day.  But, what if there’s another reason. Would you be able to tell if your friend is high? Sometimes, it’s difficult unless you know the signs. Depending on the circumstances, your friend could be putting you and others in danger, not to mention the harm they’re causing themselves.  Is your friend high?  Here are some things to look for.  

Is Your Friend High?  Watch for These Signs

Many drug abusers excel at hiding their secret from friends and family.  When a loved one dies from an overdose, families are often caught off guard because they had no idea the person was using.  For that reason, and more, it’s good to know the signs of drug use. This knowledge could save a life.

Here are some of the most common indicators that a person is using drugs or alcohol:

• Disorientation – When someone is high or euphoric, they seem to be unaware of their surroundings.  They may find it difficult to follow conversations.

• Unusual Actions – Acting out of character is another sign of drug use.  A usually calm, quiet person can become extremely outgoing or aggressive.

• Agitation – A person can become easily agitated when drugs are in their system.  They’ll seem nervous, irritable, and appear to be jumpy or easily angered.  

• Unexplained Injuries –  Such things as a bloody nose, burn marks on the fingers and lips, or unusual bruising can all be signs of drug use.  Snorting drugs causes a bloody nose and hot glass pipes used for smoking drugs can cause burns.

• Breathing Issues – Many drugs, such as opiates, suppress the central nervous system.  This effect can cause breathing to slow dramatically and become life-threatening.  Shallow breathing is an indication of an overdose in many cases.

• Odd Smells – Does your friend smell skunky, sweet, or smoky?  These odors are often a sign of marijuana use. Many people try to mask the smells of marijuana or alcohol by burning incense, spraying air fresheners, or using strong mouthwash.

Other signs to look for include excessive sweating or chills that are inconsistent with the environment, bloodshot eyes, and a runny nose.  Is your friend high?  If he or she is continuously rubbing their nose or wearing sunglasses indoors, the answer could be yes, your friend is high or has been high recently or is getting ready to be.  

Hopefully, if your friend displays any of the above, there is another reason for the symptoms besides substance abuse. However, everyone should be aware of the signs of drug use for their own safety as well as their friend’s.

What Can Happen After Prolonged Substance Abuse and Addiction

If it turns out that your friend is using drugs or alcohol, the signs listed above can progress into severe issues over time.  Here are some of the behavioral and physical warning signs of drug abuse and addiction:

Behavioral Warning Signs of Drug Abuse

• Relationship problems
• Suspicious or secretive behaviors
• Neglecting responsibilities such as work, school, home, children.
• A new group of friends, new hangouts
• Unwanted pregnancy, STDs
• Always needing extra money, lying, stealing.
• Getting into legal trouble from drug-related fights, accidents, activities

Behavioral Warning Signs of Addiction

• Continues using to ease the withdrawal symptoms
• Using more than intended and unable to stop
• The substance becomes the most important thing in life
• Disinterest or abandonment of hobbies, sports, or socializing
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Changes in personality or attitude, sudden mood swings

Physical Signs of Drug Abuse

• Bloodshot eyes and dilated or pinpointed pupils
• Sniffling, runny nose
• Weight gain or loss
• Lack of interest in personal hygiene
• Slurred speech, tremors, poor coordination
• Strange odors on clothing or the breath

Physical Signs of Addiction

• Increased tolerance, needing more to get the desired results
• Intense cravings when the drug is withheld
• Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting
• Muscle and joint aches or pain
• Thinning, dry, brittle hair
• Sallow, wrinkled skin
• Deteriorating health, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, heart disease

It’s not hard to cross the fine line between substance abuse and addiction.  Is your friend high too often?” Resolve to help them get help before they become another statistic in the nation’s increasing drug-related death toll.  Did you know that more than 28.6 million people over the age of 12 in America use illicit drugs, according to SAMHSA?

Where to Get Answers About Helping Your Friend

If your friend or someone else you know and love has a problem with drug abuse, contact us today.  We will be happy to answer your questions and recommend a treatment program that is best for their needs.  

Resources:

ihs.gov – Warning Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction

samhsa.gov – Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

samhsa.gov – Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the US

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

Being a parent in today’s world presents challenges that were unheard of in generations past.  One of the reasons parents must be extra-vigilant today is the possibility of their teen abusing drugs or alcohol. Also, parents are conflicted about how to avoid crossing the thin line between being watchful without seeming intrusive or overprotective.  With that in mind, we offer a watchlist of signs and symptoms of teen drug use that all parents should know.

In your quest to protect your child, keep in mind that the longer you wait to intervene, the worse their drug use will become and permanent damage to their health can occur.  It’s also essential that your child knows that you will continue loving and supporting him or her during this difficult time.

Watchlist: Signs and Symptoms of Teen Drug Use

Many parents have seen some of these signs and symptoms of drug use by their child.  But, they mistakenly assume that the bad moods or secretive behavior are just part of being a teen.  Talk to your teen and find ways to help them cope with these painful emotions.  If the behavior continues, it’s possible that drugs or alcohol are involved.

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of teen drug use to watch for:

• Failing grades, tardiness, absences
• A new group of friends
• Staying out later than usual
• Isolation or secretive behavior
• Changes in clothing style
• Drug paraphernalia
• Always needing extra money
• Using air fresheners, incense, or perfume to hide odors
• Evidence of using eye drops repeatedly
• Increased use of mouthwash or breath mints
• Evidence of inhalant abuse
• Missing prescription drugs, especially painkillers

Of course, you don’t want to jump to conclusions or appear to be judgmental, but these signs are a good indication of drug use in most cases.

What Should You Do First?

If A decline that your teen is experimenting with drugs or alcohol, your first step is to consult a medical professional for a drug screening.  The test will be able to determine whether your child is using substances or having other problems such as depression. The drug-screening process can include a blood or urine test in addition to consultation between your teen and the medical professional.

What are the Dangers of Teen Drug Use?

Eventually, casual drug or alcohol use can escalate into chronic, compulsive use that will lead to addiction.  One of the most significant dangers of teen drug use is the chance of permanent damage to their undeveloped brain.  The damage can manifest in many ways such as poor memory, trouble concentrating, diminished cognitive ability, and inability to function optimally in school or at work.

More health effects that a teen can suffer from these commonly abused drugs:

• Opioids – High risk of respiratory distress and risk of death from overdose.
• Cocaine – Possibility of liver and heart failure.
• Methamphetamine – Risk of psychotic behavior.
• Marijuana – Impaired memory, learning problems, psychosis, hallucinations.
• Inhalants – Risk of damage to the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys.
• Ecstasy – Risk of dehydration, heart failure, liver damage.
• Alcohol – Binge drinking can cause blackouts, overdose, death.

In addition to the above dangers, teen drug use can include the following negative consequences:

• Dependence or addiction and increased risk of drug use later in life.
• Drug use by teens is associated with poor judgment in personal and social interactions.
• Drug abuse can increase mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.
• High risk of unsafe sex, promiscuity, STDs, and unplanned pregnancy
• Decline in academic performance, failing grades, drop-outs.
• Risk of driving while impaired, automobile accidents, injuries, death.

Unfortunately, most teens believe they can try a substance once and quit when they’re ready.  But, if they continue hanging with the same crowd of drug users, it’s not likely that they will quit.  

Finding Solutions for Your Teen’s Drug Use

When a teen is abusing drugs, several factors are involved that led the child in this direction.  Simply disposing of the drugs or keeping your teen grounded is not enough. The underlying reasons for their drug use must be addressed or they will continue seeking addictive substances.

Overall, the best approach to addressing all aspects of drug abuse or addiction is inpatient treatment.  Look for a program that offers such methodologies as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Life Skills Training, Anger Management, Moral Reconation Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Communication Skills, Nutritional Guidance, and Group and Individual Counseling.  With this approach to addiction treatment, patients learn to develop healthier, more effective methods for dealing with daily life.

If you would like more information about teen drug use, please contact us at Best Drug Rehabilitation today. This phone call is your first step in helping your teen sober up and reach their full potential in life.  We will be happy to recommend a treatment program that is right for your child’s needs.

Resources:

newsinhealth.nih.gov – Biology of Addiction

mayoclinic.org – Tween and Teen Health

View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com