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  • Alcohol and Depression

    Alcohol and Depression

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Depression and alcohol have a causal relationship, and one condition doubles that you’ll develop the other. In this article, we review the connection and treatment options.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 10 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Depression is a mood disorder.

    What Depression Is

    Depression is a disorder of the brain that affects your mood. This mental issue causes distressing symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and how can you handle daily activities.

    In the U.S. more than 20 million people can be diagnosed with depression.

    Accorind to the American Psychiatric Association, depression affects 1 in 15 adults in any given year, while 1 in 6 people will experience depression at some time in their life.[1] Depression is more than feeling ‘blue’ or ‘under the weather’. Instead, it is a constant sadnessthat just doesn’t go away.

    But, how can you get diagnosed?

    To be diagnosed with depression…. symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day at least 2 weeks.There are some common forms of depression. These include:

    1. Major depression: The symptoms of depression will last most of the day, almost every day for at least 2 weeks. These symptoms will affect your daily activities, and you will not able to enjoy life. This episode may occur once in a lifetime, but most of the people have several episodes.

    2. Persistent Depressive Disorder:The symptoms of depression can last at least 2 years. A person with this diagnose may experience episodes of major depression along with less severe symptoms.

    3. Other Forms of Depression: Still, there are other forms of depression that may develop under certain circumstances. These types of depression include:

    Perinatal Depression or Postpartum Depression:Women with this type of depression experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy and/or after giving birth. The reasons for this depression is the overwhelming of hormonal and psychical changes, and the responsibility of caring for a baby. About 10% to 15% of women experience postpartum depression after delivery.

    Psychotic Depression: The person with this diagnosis has severe depression and some form of psychosis such as delusions or hallucinations.

    Seasonal Affective Disorder: This type of depression comes and goes with seasons. The onset of SAD occurs during winter months, when there is less sunlight. Usually, it starts in the late fall or early winter, and it diminishes during spring and summer. SAD is typically accompanied by increased sleep, weight gain, and social withdrawal.

    Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: This type of depression is diagnosed in children and adolescents. Depression can also be one phase of bipolar disorder.

    The Alcohol-Depression Cycle

    There is a huge correlation between alcohol and depression. Drinking can cause depression, and depression can cause alcohol abuse. Moreover, you can get caught in a constant cycle of going back and forth. In these cases, professional help is a must to help you deal with this viscous circle of co-occurring disorders.

    What does the Alcohol-Depression Cycle look like?

    On one hand, people who suffer from depression may turn to drinking as a way of coping. About one-third of people with depression have drinking problems.They drink alcohol to ‘drown their sorrows’, and hope for better feelings. The effects of alcohol changes their sad mood into a happy one.

    On the other hand, people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may develop depression. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that depression is more likely to develop during alcoholism treatment. Some patients may even increase their drinking in order to deal with the mood swings. [2] NOTE HERE: If depression occurs as a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, it’s likely that it will vanish after you stop drinking.

    But, having undiagnosed depression in combination with alcohol consummationputs us at risk of developing a drinking problem. In fact, a study published in the medical journal BioMed Central estimated that more than 25% of people with major depression can develop a drinking problem. [3] Finally, a study called ‘Alcohol and Depression’ reports that the presence of a drinking problem doubles the risk of developing depression, and vice versa. One condition doubles the risk of the other condition. [4]

    Alcohol abuse and depression have a causal relationship. One can cause the other.

    Can Alcohol Make Depression Worse?

    YES!

    It is important to understand that drinking alcohol worsens any mental health disorder.

    Alcohol is a nervous system depressant. It blocks stress hormones, and if you are dealing with depression you may become increasingly irritable when drunk. Moreover, alcohol lowers serotonin and norepinephrine, mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. So, when you’re under the influence, the body struggles to achieve balance, which results in depressed mood.

    On top of it, if you are depressed, you may have sleep disorders. Drinking also interferes with sleep, so you may worsen your sleep disorders if you consume alcohol.Finally, drinking too much can increase your anxiety.

    In sum, drinking makes depression much worse.

    Symptoms of Depression

    Depression affects people differently. Not everyone will experience every symptom: some may experience few, while others may experience different and more symptoms. Plus, symptoms will vary depending from the stage of the illness.

    The most common signs of depression include:

    • Appetite changes
    • Anxiety
    • Decreased energy
    • Concentration problems
    • Fatigue
    • Feelings of hopelessness
    • Feelings of guilt
    • Feelings of worthlessness
    • Irritability
    • Loss of interest for hobbies and activities
    • Problems with making decisions
    • Restlessness
    • Sadness
    • Sleep disorders
    • Suicidal thoughts

    Moreover, depression is characterized with a set of physical symptoms that occur without a clear physical cause and/or they do not set up or ease even with treatment. These physical symptoms include:

    • Aches
    • Headaches
    • Cramps
    • Digestive problems

    To be diagnosed with depression, in addition to ‘blue’ mood, several persistent symptoms should be present for at least two weeks for nearly every day.

    Alcohol is NOT the answer for depression. Drinking makes things worse.

    Does Alcohol Depression Go Away?

    Many people wonder if depression will go away on its own.

    The answer is: NO.

    In this case, time won’t heal all wounds. In fact, waiting may worsen your depression. The longer you wait, the worse it may become. If you are drinking to ease your depression hoping that you will get better, you couldn’t be more wrong. Alcohol will only make your depression feel even more hopeless.

    Proper treatment for alcohol use disorder and depression is the key to getting better. Treatment is effective. So stop thinking that drinking and depression will go away. Take your destiny in your hands, and make the call: reach out for help.

    Call us to talk through depression and drinking. Our confidential hotline operators are waiting for your call.

    Alcohol Dependence, Detox, and Depression

    Alcohol dependence is a serious drinking condition that may cause serious harm to your health. The study Neurobiology of Alcohol Dependence published in the journal Alcohol Research: Current Reviews reported that,

    Alcohol dependence…is progressive and has serious detrimental health outcomes.[5]

    But, how can you know that you are alcohol dependent?

    Dependence occurs when the brain adapts to alcohol. When you are alcohol dependent and stop quitting, you go through withdrawal. But it doesn’t have to be that bad to be a problem. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) lists 11 criteria that an individual needs to have in order to be diagnosed with a drinking problem.

    If you are an alcohol dependent who has depression issues, the rehab process may be hard. But do not worry… every condition is treatable!Don’t risk it, just make the first step of treatment.

    Go to a medical detox clinic when you are alcohol dependent.

    Detox is a process of removing alcohol from the body under 24-hour medical supervision. Any good alcohol detox can help:

    • Ease withdrawal symptoms.
    • Manage any serious medical condition that may occur.
    • Prevent the development of more serious symptoms.
    • Provide the safest path for every patients to deal with their difficult period of discomfort.

    Since alcohol withdrawal can be very unpredictable and uncomfortable, and even worse for people who deal with depression, the safest way to start treatment is in inpatient setting with constant medical care. Moreover, seizures occur in about 25% of all alcohol withdrawal cases [6], and if these symptoms are not treated on time, not only they can put your general health in danger, but they also can worsen your depression.

    Don’t wait when you need to detox, reach out for help!

    Alcohol and Depression Medication

    Even though antidepressants are considered to be safe medications, it is never recommended that you drink alcohol while using them. The chances for worsening the symptoms of depression when mixing them with alcohol are enormous. Some of the negative effects when you mix these two substances include:

    • Dizziness
    • Drowsiness
    • Elevated blood pressure
    • Higher chance of overdose
    • Increased depression
    • Impaired motor functioning
    • Liver damage
    • Memory complications
    • Slowed breathing
    • Strange conduct

    Remember never to stop taking antidepressants just so you can have a drink. Sudden cessation of antidepressants may cause you to experience withdrawal symptoms. So, always consult with your doctor before stopping antidepressants.

    Depression Treatment Options

    Even the most severe depression can be treated. So, don’t lose hope! There is always a way to deal with it. The earlier you start with treatment, the better and more effective it is. Medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two are the most effective therapies for depression.

    TREATMENT OPTION 1: Medications

    Medications that are used to treat depression are called antidepressants. Antidepressants help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood. It takes time about 2 to 4 weeks for the medication to start working. There are several types of antidepressants:

    • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
    • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)
    • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)
    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)

    Moreover, there are other antidepressants such as Mirtazapine and Bupropion that don’t fall into these categories.

    TREATMENT OPTION 2: Psychotherapy

    Psychotherapy or ‘talk therapy’ helps a lot in treatment for depression. The most used psychotherapies include:

    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
    • Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)

    Moreover, there are many apps that can help you manage your situation once you completed treatment.However, if these treatments don’t help, you may consider brain stimulation therapies. Speak with a qualified medical professional to learn more. Or, call our hotline to speak with an operator about rehab.

    Get Help Now

    Drinking and depression can make you feel like you are stuck in a maze and you cannot find the way out. But, there is a way… the only thing you need to do is to reach out for help.

    Call our helpline to learn about your rehab options.

    Dual diagnosis treatment is effective! And a combination of medicine and talk therapy can get you on your way to a healthy, happy live. Learn more about how professionals treat alcohol addiction and depression together. You’ll need to address both at the same time.

    Still have questions about alcohol use and depression? Don’t hesitate to post them below. We are eager to hear from our readers. And we try to answer all real-life questions personally and promptly.

    Reference Sources:
    1. APA: What Is Depression?
    2. NIAAA: Alcoholism and Co-occurring Disorders
    3. NCBI: The prevalence and significance of substance use disorders in bipolar type I and II disorder
    4. Research Gate: Alcohol and Depression
    5. NCBI: Neurobiology of Alcohol Dependence
    6. NIAAA: Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal
    NIH: Depression: What You Need To Know

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Thailand To Review Medical Marijuana, Kratom Legalization Proposal

    Thailand To Review Medical Marijuana, Kratom Legalization Proposal

    The kratom/marijuana legalization bill has received substantial support from the National Legislative Assembly and the Thai public. 

    Lawmakers in Thailand have unanimously accepted an initiative to review a bill that would legalize the production, import and export of marijuana and the herbal supplement kratom for medical use.

    The amendment, proposed by members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), would revise the country’s Narcotics Act and allow patients to access medical marijuana and kratom for therapy and grant access to the Red Cross and medical professionals. The initiative must go before another panel of lawmakers for review, but support for legalization has already netted widespread approval among the Thai population, according to the NLA’s digital forum.

    The amendment bill, proposed by 44 members of the NLA, provides guidelines for medical use of marijuana and kratom, which under the current Narcotics Acts are listed as Category V drugs and illegal to consume, possess, produce, distribute, import and export, with imprisonment and/or substantial financial penalties levied against those convicted of such charges.

    As High Times noted, marijuana and kratom would be made available to approved patients as treatment and could be obtained from the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, the Red Cross, local administrative agencies, and medical professionals and ministries. Individuals who have a record of previous narcotics-related charges may not partake in the program, according to the Bangkok Post. Production sites and grow programs would be overseen by Thailand’s public health minister and the Office of the Narcotics Board.

    The amendment bill has to date received substantial support from the NLA and the Thai public. An initial read received 145 votes of support from NLA members while a public hearing on the NLA’s digital platform saw 99.03% of participants approve the bill’s provisions. Health care professionals and legal academics have also lobbied in support of revising the Narcotics Act in favor of providing Thai citizens with the alleged medical benefits of both substances.

    “The Narcotics Act was drafted and first enforced in 1985, so we can see it’s not only out of date, but also restricts people’s rights too much, especially considering the enormous benefits in healthcare that could come from medical cannabis and kratom,” said Paisal Limstit of Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law.  

    The NLA must now establish a 29-member panel to review the bill; the process, according to the Bangkok Post, takes approximately 60 days.

    Should the bill pass into law, the Thai government will face an uphill battle with the marijuana that is currently available in the country. Laboratory tests on marijuana seized by police revealed the presence of pesticides and heavy metals, which the Department of Medical Sciences determined was not suitable for consumption, medical or otherwise.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • How Does Recreational Marijuana Use Affect Your Sex Life?

    How Does Recreational Marijuana Use Affect Your Sex Life?

    A new report found that cannabis use can affect your sex life in a variety of unexpected ways. 

    Changes to marijuana policy are sweeping through the country, but experts say that legalizing weed could have unintended consequences where Americans least expect them: in the bedroom. 

    According to a report by The Verge, cannabis use can lead to people having more sex and using contraceptives less often, so much that legalization has increased the birth rate by about 16 births a year per 10,000 women of childbearing age. It can also change the quality of the sex people are having, although whether pot will make your experience better or worse is a toss-up. 

    “It’s not like the more, the better,” said gynecologist Melanie Bone, who prescribes medical marijuana for patients who have low libido or trouble orgasming. “Maybe some amount will relax you and make you more open to sensations and less inhibited with your body, but if you get super stoned, you’re not going to be able to concentrate.”

    Lubes infused with cannabis claim to increase pleasure, but Bone said that is open to debate. 

    “For many of the lubes, is it more hype or more true response?” she said. “The only way to know is to study it,” something that is difficult to do because of the on-going federal prohibition on pot. 

    One study found that for men, cannabis use is linked with difficulty climaxing, and another study found that it can lower sperm quality. However, another study found that marijuana use is associated with more sexual partners and that it doesn’t seem to affect sexual functioning.

    Michael Eisenberg, a urologist at Stanford University, found that women who use marijuana have 34% more sex than women who don’t smoke, and men who use pot saw their sex life expand 22%. Although people who use marijuana might just have more sex than people who don’t, researchers still found an increase tied to use.

    “The interesting thing about the study is that we also were able to look at all different demographic groups, based on race and ethnicity, marital status, and education level,” Eisenberg said. “And across all groups, you saw the same relationship, so it’s not like this association is being driven by one particular group.”

    In addition, a working paper published last month found that more and riskier sex associated with cannabis use is driving up birth rates. 

    “Our novel results reveal that birth rates increased after the passage of a [medical marijuana] law corresponding to increased frequency of sexual intercourse, decreased purchase of condoms and suggestive evidence on decreased condom use during sex,” the authors wrote. “More sex and less contraceptive use may be attributed to behavioral responses such as increased attention to the immediate hedonic effects of sexual contact, delayed discounting and ignoring costs associated with risky sex.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • In-School Services Offered To Students Impacted By Opioid Addiction

    In-School Services Offered To Students Impacted By Opioid Addiction

    More than 50 schools in Massachusetts offer in-school counseling services to students with parents who are battling opioid addiction. 

    Maddy Nadeau’s childhood was less than ideal. Her mother often could not care for her, leaving her older sister to do the job when she came home from elementary school. 

    Maddy is one of many children affected by a parent’s substance use disorder, according to NPR. 

    Luckily, her school is taking steps to help her overcome the trauma of such a childhood. In October, Congress allowed for $50 million annually for five years to be allotted to mental health services in schools for children affected by the opioid epidemic.

    The girls eventually entered a foster home, which led to an adoption. Sarah Nadeau, their adoptive mother, told NPR both girls struggled with depression and anxiety, as well as performance in school. Maddy had a hard time especially, as she was exposed to opioids while in utero.

    “That makes it very difficult for her brain to settle down enough to do more than one task at a time,” Nadeau told NPR.

    Counselors at schools such as Maddy’s are employed by Gosnold, which is a substance use disorder treatment provider in Massachusetts. According to NPR, more and more schools are starting to screen and treat students who are considered at risk for opioid use disorder, as well as offer mental health services for those who have been affected by it.

    “Schools have more kids who cannot access the learning environment,” Sharon Hoover, co-director of The National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, told NPR.


    According to Hoover, having such services in schools is proving effective.
”This is considered a preferable model of care,” she said. “The kids show up for treatment services because they’re not relying on a family member to take them somewhere in the community.”

    Though the services are new, data demonstrates counseling for at-risk students leads to fewer absences and better academic performance. Massachusetts schools using Gosnold counselors say their students are performing better academically and emotionally. Sarah Nadeau says this is the case for her girls.

    “Their day runs smoother. They can get out their anxiety while they’re in school instead of bottling it up, and then go back to class and continue learning,” she told NPR.

    Each participating school pays Gosnold for the counselors, and students’ insurance covers the individual sessions. If a student does not have insurance or it will not cover the cost, Gosnold absorbs that cost. Currently, more than 50 schools in Massachusetts offer such services. 

    “I wish that more schools offered it because the epidemic is everywhere,” says Sarah Nadeau. “For a lot of these kids, school is the only place that is stable. They get their lunch here, they get their education here, so why not give them their support while they’re here at the school?”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • "Fortnite" Addiction Is Becoming More Prominent For Kids, Teens

    "Fortnite" Addiction Is Becoming More Prominent For Kids, Teens

    One expert says games like Fortnite are similar to heroin “once you are hooked, it’s hard to get unhooked.” 

    Whether or not tech addiction exists is still up for debate, but parents around the country are saying that their kids and teens are no doubt addicted to the video game Fortnite, prompting some parents to seek professional help for their children. 

    “This game is like heroin,” Lorrine Marer, a British behavioral specialist who works with kids with game addiction, told Bloomberg. “Once you are hooked, it’s hard to get unhooked.” 

    One NPR listener from Florida called in saying that he understands how people get hooked on the games. The listener, who is in his 30s, is nationally-ranked in a similar video game, and said that the adrenaline hit he gets from playing could easily be addictive to kids and adults. 

    “A lot of these games — I mean, my worry is they get kids addicted through chemical reactions,” he said. “If you go through a 40-minute game with 100 people, and you’re one of the last five people, your heart is beating so fast, when you actually win, they crave that rush. And that’s what they’re going back for.

    Video games are part of life for many kids today, so having healthy boundaries is important, said Sarah Domoff, a clinical child psychologist and psychology professor at Central Michigan University who directs the Family Health Lab, a training clinic that promotes healthy media use in adolescents.

    “For a lot of these different mediums, we cannot completely avoid them,” Domoff said. “What’s really imperative is to set limits early on, help children learn how to regulate their use, but then really be involved, set guidelines around use. If problems appear to arise, prevent future issues by checking to see, is my child only playing video games to the exclusion of other activities?”

    Nir Eyal, an author and tech blogger who has written about producing habit-forming tech products, said that parents need to schedule time for games and introduce healthy limits for their children. 

    “I think a big mistake that parents make is having technology in kids’ rooms. They don’t need to have the technology in the room. Keep it outside in a more family-focused place,” Eyal said. “And then prevent distraction with the technology. Your iPhone today comes with a functionality called ‘Screen Time’ where you can set limits around how long kids have access to certain apps, so then it’s not you telling them to get off the device, it’s the phone.”

    If parents suspect their child is developing an unhealthy habit around tech, Eyal said that parents need to help them figure out why that’s happening. 

    “For some folks, there are underlying issues: a lack of autonomy, confidence, connectedness, and for those type of things we need to dig deeper to figure out what we’re really trying to escape with these devices,” Eyal said. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • WWE Icon Jake "The Snake" Roberts On A Sober Life Beyond The Ring

    WWE Icon Jake "The Snake" Roberts On A Sober Life Beyond The Ring

    Jake “The Snake” Roberts credits his close work with Diamond Dallas Page as a crucial factor in finally becoming sober after decades of addiction.

    The rise, fall and rise again of Jake “The Snake” Roberts has played out in live arenas and on film and television screens for the better part of the last three decades. Roberts and his trademark python were among the most popular and colorful figures in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in the late ’80s and early ’90s, but alcohol and drug dependency – showcased in the 1999 documentary Beyond the Mat – led to his dismissal and a lengthy descent that nearly ended Roberts’ life. 

    With the help of fellow wrestler turned fitness guru Diamond Dallas Page, Roberts returned to health and sobriety – as chronicled in the The Resurrection of Jake the Snake (2015) – and has embarked on a variety of ventures, including acting roles and the “Dirty Details Tour,” in which he shares the wildest stories from his WWE days with a live audience. In a conversation with the Asbury Park Press, Roberts discussed his health and sobriety as well as his desire to help others struggling with dependency.

    Roberts describes his “Dirty Details” appearances as a catalog of “the crazy stuff” that he and fellow WWE wrestlers got into while touring the WWE circuit. “Whether they happened in a hotel or it happened in a strip joint, you’re going to hear it,” he said. “They’re all true stories . . . and the best thing about it is the statute of limitations has run out on all of them, so I’m good there.” Roberts added that stories of classic WWE heels and babyfaces, from André the Giant to the Undertaker and Randy “Macho Man” Savage, will also be on the bill.

    Roberts is able to talk about the “crazy stuff” in his past because it’s no longer an active and toxic part of his existence. He credits his close work with Page as a crucial factor in finally gaining sobriety after decades of dependency. “It was totally up to me to finally (get sober) – it always is,” he said. “But I’d been to rehabs and stuff and they hadn’t worked. So moving in with Dallas was a different way of attacking the same old problem, and thank God he was able to.”

    Interacting with fans is a key element of Roberts’ appearances, and he hopes that anyone who might be undergoing dependency issues will look to him as a source of support. “I encourage anybody out there that’s suffering from any type of addiction or alcoholism: come on out to the show,” he said. “Let me know that you want to talk to me after the show, we’ll get you some place, sit down and I’ll see if I can’t help you got on the narrow path. It’s a lot more fun – it really is. You can have a good time sober.”

     

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Rob Tanchum's New Comedy Album Finds Humor In Mental Health

    Rob Tanchum's New Comedy Album Finds Humor In Mental Health

    Rob Tanchum drew from his own mental health issues to create his new rap/comedy album Disturbed, Depressed, Inadequate.

    Finding ways to cope with mental health issues can take a myriad of forms, from traditional therapy and medication to meditation, massage and yoga. Writer and comedian Rob Tanchum has found a very unique means of contending with his depression and anxiety: He used them as the basis for his comedic hip-hop concept album, Disturbed, Depressed, Inadequate.

    The New York-based Tanchum – who has written and directed work for Upright Citizens Brigade, among others – wrote and performed the album’s 11 tracks, which, according to the album’s storyline, are the inner workings of his mind after being extracted by aliens who have abducted him.

    Community creator Dan Harmon voices one of the aliens and serves as the album’s executive producer, and he is one of Tanchum’s primary inspirations in seeing the project to completion, which he describes to The Fix as “a cathartic challenge.”

    Tanchum says that he’d tried to record concept albums before Disturbed but found himself unable to see them through. “I get to a point where I’m overcome by anxiety and self-doubt,” he says. “And I want them to be perfect, and I have a pathological need for external validation.”

    As a self-described “hip-hop nerd,” he also worried about using the music form for his own project. “I don’t want to be an interloper, or defile or lessen it in any way. I constantly start and give up working on these albums because I don’t want to be that person,” notes Tanchum. 

    Disturbed got a crucial boost from Dan Harmon, whom Tanchum met after sending him an original rap song that referenced one of Harmon’s own freestyle inventions. Tanchum said that he brought pitches of song ideas as possible collaborations with Harmon but also voiced his concerns about recording a hip-hop album. “He convinced me to do it,” says Tanchum. “I wasn’t going to turn down that opportunity.”

    Once the project was set in motion, Tanchum began drawing on his own issues as the root of the material. “I’m a comedy writer, and just by virtue of who I am, my mental health always seeps in,” he says. “You write about what you know, and that’s the perspective I’m interested in. I try to uncover my neuroses and look at myself, my depression and my anxiety as character traits.”

    Despite his concerns and self-doubt, recording Disturbed proved to be a positive experience for Tanchum. “It’s been nice to hear from people who have said that it’s exactly how they feel,” he says. “And I listened to the album months after making it, and it was really helpful for me to hear it because I was at a particularly low point.”

    Tanchum also cites the NBC series Parks and Recreation as having the sort of impact he’d like to have with listeners. “There are so many characters [on the show] that are dealing with depression and feelings of failure, and getting back up after those things,” he explains. “That’s what defines you, and that’s the kind of thing I want to make – something funny but helpful.”

    Disturbed, Depressed, Inadequate is currently available via iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and TIDAL. It’s also available as a special edition cassette from Harmon’s SBI Press, which features 35 minutes of bonus material and a 10-minute improv scene.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Drug Detox Clinics in Florida

    Drug Detox Clinics in Florida

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Florida detox clinics are special because they have to follow state laws about how to operate. Learn how to find a safe and reputable detox center in Florida here.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 10 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    What is Medical Detox?

    Medical detox is a medically supervised process of removing drugs or alcohol from the body. During detox, a physician will oversee the entire withdrawal process. This way, s/he can address withdrawal symptoms as they occur. This type of medical support includes:
    • Medical supervision and intervention
    • Observation
    • Emotional support

    Typically, medical detox helps a lot. In fact, a good detox rehab center can increase your chances of successful treatment. How? A reputable center will create a personalized withdrawal plan for you. The goal is to minimize the side effects of withdrawal. This way, you can lower or eliminate the intensity of symptoms.

    Detox is the first step to addiction recovery.

    Detoxing in Florida

    If you’re ready to detox, there are a few things that you should know. In Florida, laws have been set up to make sure that the clinic is safe.* Most detox clinics are safe and comfortable. However, if you are not satisfied with an inpatient or outpatient detox center, you can submit a complaint to the SAMH website.

    The basics on Florida detox:

    1. First, a detox clinic needs to be licensed to operate in the state. You can find a list of licensed inpatient and outpatient detox centers below [1]. Or, you can check license verification with the Florida State Department of Health here: FL Health License Verification
    2. Second, the detox clinic needs to be operating using standard procedures. For example, a detox facility must have a physician on call at all times to address medical problems and to provide emergency medical services. You can find a complete list of operational standards in the 65D-30.006 Standards for Detoxification F.A.C.
    3. Third, detox clinics must maintain a patient-staff ratio. There need to be at least one nurse and one nursing support staff member in each facility that treat 1-15 patients at a time.

    Call us to talk about your detox options in Florida today.

    How Does Detox in Florida Work?

     A good detox program in Florida begins with assessment. Reputable clinics will work with you to establish levels of drug/alcohol dependence. The assessment will determine the treatment and care required. Assessment should include:
    • A drug screen, usually a urine sample
    • An intake questionnaire
    • Interviews
    • Family history
    • Medical history

    A registered nurse or other qualified nursing specialist should be present to administer an initial assessment. And a physician should be available to assess you within 24 hours of admission or sooner, if medically necessary. Then, physicians should provide onsite monitoring of care and further evaluation on a daily basis.

    A good detox clinic will create a custom plan for withdrawal.

    Once you completed assessment, the detox program should outline a treatment plan. This includes details on how long the detox will last, dosage and tapering protocols, and other medicines. The medical team will also addresses common withdrawal side effects, such as dehydration and nutrition imbalances. Nutrition support, rest, medical monitoring, psychological therapy, and drug tapering give patients a more comfortable experience as they stop using a substance.

    REMEMBER: Detox and withdrawal are different for everyone!

    For this reason, medical help and customized care is absolutely crucial.

    Inpatient Florida Detox Centers

    When should you stay in a clinic overnight? You should choose drug detox Florida inpatient care anytime you are drug or alcohol dependent. If quitting creates withdrawal symptoms, you’ll benefit from medical help.

    Inpatient detoxification provides 24-hour support for people who are going through drug or alcohol withdrawal. In Florida, clinics need to offer standard services such as:

    1. Stabilization
    2. Supportive counseling
    3. Daily activities
    4. Involuntary assessment and disposition

    The primary goal of inpatient detox is to ensure that you are medically stable. At this level of care, physicians are available 24 hours per day by telephone. A nurse will be responsible for overseeing and monitoring your progress, as well as medication administration on an hourly basis, if needed. Constant care and support is key!

    Quick intervention is possible when you are in a Florida inpatient detox. So, if symptoms become complicated, staff can act immediately. This is why inpatient clinics are staffed by nurses, physician assistants, and staff who are in contact with a supervising doctor around-the-clock. In this way, doctors can prescribe you medications to address withdrawal symptoms AND set up tapering guidelines that are supervised over time.

    However, inpatient detox is just the beginning of treatment. Once you become bio-psycho-socially stable, a good center will link you to other appropriate inpatient and outpatient services.

    Inpatient detox includes medical guidance and emotional support.

    Outpatient Florida Detox Centers

    Outpatient services for detoxification are usually provided in regularly scheduled sessions and delivered under a defined set of policies and procedures or medical protocol. This type of detoxification is considered when you meet specific conditions. These include:

    1. Your overall medical condition is good.
    2. Your overall stability and behavioral condition is good.
    3. You have a family support system who can help during the detoxification process. Your family will also monitor your compliance with the medical protocol.
    4. You understand the importance of managing withdrawal utilizing medications and will comply with the medical protocol.

    In this level of care, services aim to:

    • Achieve safe and comfortable withdrawal from mood-altering drugs.
    • Effectively facilitate your transition into treatment and recovery.
    • Treat your specific level of clinical severity.

    In Florida, outpatient detox programs require random drug screening at least once weekly. And you may be referred to inpatient detox if necessary. Plus, counseling services once weekly are also required if you choose this level of care.

    Outpatient settings include your doctor’s office, a treatment center, or even in your own home. If you attend a clinic, a physician, or an ARNP or a PA working under the supervision of a physician, must be available and on-call during operating hours. Plus an RN, (or an LPN working under the supervision of an RN) as well as a counselor must be on-site during operating hours. These members of staff may help monitor you over a period of several hours each day of service in order to provide help when neeed.

    State Sponsored Detox in Florida

    The Florida State Department of Children and Families provides treatment for substance abuse through a community-based provider system. So, people in need of medical assistance to withdraw from drugs and alcohol can get help with detoxification in many communities throughout Florida.

    The Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program is the single state authority on substance abuse and mental health as designated by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The program is governed by Chapters 394 and 397 of the Florida Statutes and is responsible for the oversight of a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders.

    The following programs offer detoxification, treatment and recovery support for adolescents and adults affected by substance misuse, abuse, or dependence: Florida State Addiction Providers

    Detox for Veterans in Florida

    Florida has the third largest veteran population in the nation. With more than 1.5 million veterans, Florida is very veteran-friendly. But if you’re facing a drug or alcohol problem…what can you do?

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide services for Veterans with substance use problems. The services depend on your specific needs. These include medically managed detoxification to stop substance use safely as well as services to get stable. To access these services, first apply for VA health care. Apply for VA health care.

    If you have never been seen in a VA hospital or clinic (or don’t have a VA primary care provider)…

    If you have a VA doctor, talk with your primary care provide about substance use. S/He can help you get screened for addiction.

    If you served in recent operations, call your local VA medical center, and ask to speak to the OEF/OIF/OND coordinator.

    If you have an immediate need, you are NOT alone! For 24-hour counseling or advice, you can call a hotline. Hotlines will connect your confidentially to emotional support and community resources, 24 hours a day.

    • Just dial: 2-1-1
    • Florida Veterans Support Line: 1-844-693-5838
    • National Veteran Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

    Help is available regardless of discharge status. When you call any of these hotlines, you will speak with someone who is trained to provide immediate emotional support. Calls are answered by a network of local, non-profit organizations throughout Florida. You’ll be referred to both VA and non-VA resources, including non-profit organizations, community programs and local government services.

    Forced Detox in Florida

    Q: Can the authorities force you in detox in Florida?
    A: Yes, you can be required to be assessed for treatment or treated involuntarily when substance abuse is reported and deemed to be a threat to yourself or others.

    The Marchman Act: Florida Statutes Ann. § 397.301 to 397.998

    Florida’s Substance Abuse Impairment Act governs the voluntary and involuntary commitment and treatment for substance abuse. The Marchman Act permits a person to be admitted for assessment or treatment for substance abuse against his or her will in various ways, according to specified procedures and criteria. Protective custody lasts up to 72 hours and can be extended once assessment or treatment begins.

    For example, a police officer can have you placed in protective custody if you exhibit a need for addiction treatment:

    1. In a public place.
    2. In a way that attracts the officer’s attention.

    Additionally, any responsible person with knowledge of a person’s substance abuse may apply to have that person admitted in an emergency if the person is likely to harm himself or herself or others or is so impaired that he or she cannot recognize the need for treatment. A spouse, relative, guardian, or three adults with knowledge of the person’s substance abuse may petition the court for involuntary treatment.

    Detox Can Save Lives

    Q: So, does detox help?

    A: Yes, detox can help a lot. It can even save your life.

    A typical detox involves tapering protocols, medications, and emotional support. And while most cases of detox are NOT life-threatening, some are. Each case is different. You cannot underestimate the possibility of complications with mood or thoughts.

    So, the safest way to get off a substance comfortably is under medical care. Whether someone is addicted to alcohol or heroin or methamphetamine (or a combination), a good clinic uses specific medical treatments to minimize the risk of complications and maximize comfort levels.

    Why attempt detox on your own? It’s just too risky.

    Instead, reach out and give us a call today. We can talk you through the process and explain what to expect. Just remember that you are not alone. One step at a time…and you can live a life without drugs or alcohol!

    Reference Sources: * The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program Office of the Florida Department of Children and Families is responsible for oversight of the licensure and regulation of all detox clinics and substance abuse providers in the state. The licensure process is governed and regulated by Chapter 397 of the Florida Statutes and Chapter 65D-30 of the Florida Administrative Code.
    [1] Department of Children and Families: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program Office: Licensed Providers by City
    Department of Children and Families: Licensure and Regulation of SAMH
    Department of Children and Families: Treatment for Substance Abuse
    The 2017 Florida Statutes, Title XXIX, Chapter 397
     Florida Administrative Code: Rule Chapter: 65D-30, SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES OFFICE
     Florida Administrative Code: 65D-30.006 Standards for Detoxification.
     OLR Research Report: FLORIDA LAW ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
    Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs
    Florida Veteran’s Support Line
    Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment, Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45.) 2 Settings, Levels of Care, and Patient Placement.

     

     

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Homeless in Sobriety

    Homeless in Sobriety

    One friend found my homeless sober alcoholic life fascinating. She wanted to know if I smelled, where I went to the bathroom, and what I did all day. Once she even asked if I had a Big Book.

    From approximately 1 p.m. on June 5th, 2018 until around 11 a.m. September 5th, 2018, my three pit bulls and I lived in my Ford Explorer. Not only was I homeless with three dogs, but I also had over eight years of sobriety.

    My car was packed. While most of my belongings were in a local storage unit, my dogs and I had to have the basic necessities. Inside my SUV were two doggy blankets, an ice cooler full of bottled water, ice, and hazelnut coffee creamer, along with a duffel bag crammed with clothing, doggy food and five gallons of water for my dogs.

    Being homeless is expensive. I gave up on storing perishable food in the ice cooler because not only did I have to purchase ice every day, but the food spoiled because the ice melted rapidly in the 99 degree daytime heat.  Every day, I went to a local campsite and filled up the gallons of water for the dogs at a fish cleaning station, and every evening I bought a dollar burrito from Taco Bell or a veggie burger meal from Burger King. Somehow I was able to afford cigarettes and I smoked like a fiend. I felt insane.

    For the first month, we lived under three trees by a lake; by the second month, we’d found a campsite by the Kern River owned by the Bureau of Land Management. While most people camped by the river, I discovered an isolated site that had several trees, boulders, a few makeshift fire pits, and a picnic table. The catch was that we could only stay there for two weeks, leave for ten days, and then return for a final two weeks. But naturally, I stretched our stay. The rangers liked me: I had my dogs on tie outs and kept the campsite clean because I had a lot of time on my hands.

    While there was a porta-potty close by, there was nowhere to bathe. Luckily I found a bathroom at another campsite that had a shower. For $1.00 in quarters, I could shower for two minutes. For seven quarters, I could shower for four minutes.

    AA and Homelessness

    Despite the sheer lunacy that was my life, I did not drink nor did I want to drink, even though I was not attending 12-step meetings. What was my excuse? The temperature was about 82 degrees during the evenings and I could not leave my dogs in a hot car while I was inside a meeting hall. Besides that, I didn’t want to go to AA meetings; while I was homeless, I realized that AA was not my cup of tea.

    And to top it off, talking with several of my AA friends made me feel worse than I already did.

    “Life is hard. Look at me. Most of the time I struggle to pay my bills,” said Dorothy, with 25 years of sobriety. “I have to take it one day at a time or I will go crazy.”

    Before I could say a word, she said, “I could be homeless, too. We are all one step away from being homeless.”

    “Dorothy, you are not homeless,” I said.

    “I know,” she said.

    And then there was Stephanie who had almost 40 years of years of sobriety. While we used to be good friends, now I felt like I was an amoeba under a microscope, a fascinating specimen. She wanted to know if I smelled, where I went to the bathroom, and what I did all day. Once she even asked if I had a Big Book. I didn’t. Before we lost our home, one of my dogs chewed it up and I threw it in the trash. I started crying (and not because of the Big Book). She said: “I am at the 8 pm. Gotta go,” and hung up. Another time she called just as I was trying to light a citronella candle because there were bugs buzzing around the cheap lantern that I had bought from the dollar store.

    “So how was your day?” she asked brightly, as if I was on vacation.

    “I can’t remember,” I said. That was a lie. I remembered every single detail of a day that felt excruciatingly long. I remembered getting up at seven a.m. because the sun was blasting through my windshield. I remembered my dogs barking because there was some guy on a dune buggy driving in circles on the trails close by. I remembered charging up my Mac on an electric socket that was behind the post office. I remembered walking my dogs for an hour, which we did every day because it kept me sane, plus it was good exercise.

    “My house is a mess,” she said.

    “Okay,” I said, half listening. I could not light the damn candle because the wick was buried deep in the wax, and the flame from the butane lighter kept blowing out.

    “The rats chewed up the cord behind the stove,” she said.

    “I’m sorry,” I said.

    “I was so depressed today. But you know what? I have a roof over my head and you don’t. It’s all about perspective.”

    After I quickly hung up, I lit the candle.

    When I realized that my support system was a bunch of sober weirdos from AA whose noses were so buried in their Big Books that they could not see the world around them, I snapped out of my misery. One night when there was a full moon, I suddenly felt that there was a God and that He was watching over me.

    Why Do Homeless People Turn to Alcohol and Drugs?

    While I had no desire to drink, I understood why many homeless people use drugs and/or alcohol. According to my friend, Tony, who actively helps the homeless in Kern County, most of them use drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms. Some smoke pot for anxiety. Others use meth. Homeless veterans often drink. “When you are homeless and have nothing to look forward to, you self-medicate. I would do something in a second to let the day go better,” he said.

    That’s the sad truth. And I learned firsthand how people judge you when you are homeless. When I was at the lake and wanted to believe that my dogs and I were invisible under those trees, people gaped at me. I encountered a woman on horseback who threatened to call animal control. Luckily, I also met some good people. Kathy, a woman who often walked her pit bull, talked to me on a frequent basis. Sometimes she would drive by and bring dog food, bottled water, and treats. We exchanged phone numbers.

    I instant messaged another old-timer friend, a fellow dog lover whom I had not talked to in years. Out of sheer desperation, I told him my situation. He told me that my life would get more comfortable if I went to meetings.

    One day, I got a call from Kathy. Apparently, her friend Faith wanted to meet my dogs and me. When Faith and I met, we hit it off, even though one of my pit bulls freaked her out because he would not stop barking. The homelessness had not only worn me out, but had also traumatized my dogs. After three months of living in my car, we moved into Faith’s large house. I have my own room here, along with a bathroom. My dogs are happy. While Faith takes medication for her sometimes debilitating seizure disorder, pot also helps her. Sometimes she drinks. The pot and alcohol do not bother me for a second. I am happy. I can plug my computer into an electric socket in a wall. I have a roof over my head. I pay rent. And finally, I have let go of my friends in AA. I suppose it doesn’t bother them because they are too busy going to meetings.

    And I am sober.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Psychiatric Directives May Be A Game Changer For Mental Health Patients

    Psychiatric Directives May Be A Game Changer For Mental Health Patients

    Psychiatric advance directives give mental health patients a way to express ahead of time, when they are in a sound state of mind, how they would like to be treated during hospitalization or treatment.

    Steve Singer, who has bipolar and borderline personality disorders, knows that he sometimes needs to go to the hospital. However, he also knows that certain treatments from staff — like getting the police involved or keeping Singer in a locked room — can make his condition much worse, not better. 

    Because of this, Singer drafted a psychiatric advance directive, a document that is entered in his medical chart and dictates his wishes, even when he is unable to express them. 

    “That psychiatric advance directive, I think is so important,” he told The New York Times. “It allows me to turn things around.”

    For mentally ill patients and their families, hospitalization and treatment can be terrifying. While people are experiencing psychosis or other symptoms of mental illness they are often desperate for support, but certain treatments or medications can exacerbate the situation rather than calm it. 

    Psychiatric advance directives allow people with mental illness agency over how they are treated by giving them a means to express ahead of time, when they are in a sound state of mind, how they would like to be treated. The documents can cover issues such as which medications should be avoided, what words can help cut through psychosis or which family member can make decisions during crisis. The directives are added to a patient’s chart and should be followed as long as the conditions within meet the patient’s best interests. 

    This type of advance directive is authorized in 27 states and can be incorporated into different types of medical directives in other states. Now, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is considering ways to encourage directives, and Medicare and Medicaid are requiring hospitals to ask if patients have a directive. As awareness grows, clinics are being held around the country to help patients draft psychiatric advance directives.

    Effective directives “would enhance people receiving appropriate treatment,” said Dr. Mark Rapaport, chairman of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University. “But this is going to be really hard to do.”

    The directives need to be notarized and given to medical professionals or be logged in the state’s system. They also need to be realistic, requesting treatment that medical professionals can provide in a crisis. 

    Dr. Marvin Swartz, a Duke psychiatry professor, said that just the act of drafting a directive can be empowering for patients and improve their interactions with their health care team. He offered 239 patients the opportunity to write a directive and found that those who did had fewer crises and involuntary hospitalizations. 

    View the original article at thefix.com