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Category: Addiction News

  • Prince William Helps Promote UK’s Crisis Text Line "Shout"

    Prince William Helps Promote UK’s Crisis Text Line "Shout"

    Crisis Text Line has already been hugely successful in the US and Canada.

    Crisis Text Line, the non-profit service that allows people in the midst of mental health crises or who just need to talk to text rather than have to speak on the phone, is taking its first step abroad by expanding to the UK as “Shout.”

    This move was made possible with a generous grant from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Duke of Cambridge, also known as Prince William, made a three-minute video promoting the service and encouraged UK residents to sign up as volunteers.

    “As texting is private and silent, it opens up a whole new way to find help. It provides instant support. You can have a conversation anywhere, at any time ― at school, at home, on the bus, anywhere,” he says in the video. “I am incredibly excited to be launching this service knowing it has the potential to reach thousands of vulnerable people every day.”

    According to a statement made by Crisis Text Line CEO Nancy Lublin, all four members of the royal family visited the Shout offices multiple times, “meeting with staff and volunteers to see firsthand how the service and platform function.”

    The service came to Canada in 2018 and has been a success there as well as in the U.S., where they recently reached their 100 millionth text milestone.

    To celebrate, Crisis Text Line created Crisis Trends―a data visualization tool that allows anyone to explore the mass amounts of data they collected from their many conversations. Users can see which subjects are most common in which U.S. state (plus Puerto Rico), what time of day and day of the week people text in for which issue, and how trends have changed over time.

    After the UK, Crisis Text Line plans to expand to Ireland, Australia and South Africa this year, followed by Latin America in 2020. Lublin’s goal for the service, grown out of her own habit of giving support and advice to people who need it, is to expand across the globe and improve mental health for all people.

    “We are proud of the work Crisis Text Line and our crisis counselors have done in the United States to ease the pain of Americans,” she said in a statement. “If other world leaders will follow the lead of Prince William, together, we can end this epidemic of emotional crisis.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Golfer Chris Kirk Announces Leave Due To Depression, Alcohol Abuse

    Golfer Chris Kirk Announces Leave Due To Depression, Alcohol Abuse

    The celebrated golfer took to Twitter to share the news with his fans. 

    Golfer Chris Kirk announced that he is on indefinite leave from the PGA Tour so that he may address depression and alcohol abuse issues.

    Like many celebrities, Kirk used social media to share the news personally with his followers. On his Twitter account, Kirk shared a brightly colored announcement with the preface, “I have already begun a new and better chapter in my life. Thank you to my friends and family for being there for me.”

    The announcement itself said, “I have dealt with alcohol abuse and depression for some time now. I thought I could control it, but after multiple relapses, I have come to realize that I can’t fix this on my own. I will be taking an indefinite leave from the PGA Tour to deal with these issues. I don’t know when I will be back, but for now I need my full focus on being the man my family deserves. Thank you for your support.”

    Kirk debuted in the PGA Tour in 2011, after playing golf at the University of Georgia.

    His career has been full of success, including four PGA Tour wins, with the most recent in May 2015 at Colonial. He won twice on the Nationwide Tour.

    After Kirk’s straightforward Twitter announcement, he was flooded with well wishes from fans and fellow golfers. Kirk’s own father replied, “Son, of all the things that you have done and achieved that made me proud of you, the courage that it took for you to take this battle public is on a different scale of proud for me. I love you, your family loves you, and we will support you forever. You got this!”

    Fellow PGA Tour golfer Brendon Todd tweeted in reply, “The hard times make the good times great. The next 34 will be better than the last 34. I’m here for you. You got this!”

    CBS golf analyst Peter Kostis tweeted his support, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle about which you know absolutely nothing…. so be kind. Best of luck and get yourself well…. you’re a good person.”

    Chris Kirk tweeted the next day in response to the positive words, “The outpouring of love and support I have received today has been more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you to everyone for taking the time out of your day to share your personal stories and words of encouragement.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Prescription Opioid Theft Spikes Among Medical Staff

    Prescription Opioid Theft Spikes Among Medical Staff

    The new report found that 67% of prescription opioid thefts are by doctors and nurses.

    A new report found a 126% increase in the theft of opioid prescriptions by doctors and other medical professionals from 2017 to 2018, according to CBS News.

    This problem has directly harmed patients who were prescribed opioid painkillers following surgery or injury, and the report’s authors are warning that their findings are merely the “tip of the iceberg.”

    Lauren Lollini told CBS News about contracting hepatitis C from syringes contaminated by a hospital technician who used them to take the opioids prescribed to Lollini. The tech then refilled the syringes with saline and left them for the patient to use.

    As a result, Lollini went home from her kidney surgery with a liver infection and 10 years later is unable to work due to chronic fatigue.

    “I really was angry at the broken system,” she said. “The hospital that hired her—unbeknownst to them that she had been let go from other jobs.”

    The technician is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence for her crimes.

    The report also found that 67% of these thefts are by doctors and nurses. Dr. Stephen Loyd of Tennessee described how he got hooked on the opioid pills that were incredibly easy for him to steal.

    “There was no requirements on what happened to those pills. They could go down the toilet or they could go in my pocket,” he said. This went on for three-and-a-half years.

    When diverted drugs could be identified, it was found that the most commonly stolen drug was oxycodone, followed by hydrocodone (Vicodin) and fentanyl. Overall, 47 million opioid doses were stolen in 2018 alone. 

    A report published in Drug Diversion Digest in September 2018 by the same analytics company found that healthcare employee theft of prescription medications in general cost healthcare organizations $162 million in the space of six months, with nearly 95% of cases involving at least one type of opioid.

    This report also expressed that their findings were only the tip of the iceberg due to the fact that they were only able to research cases where the thefts were discovered.

    Dr. Loyd, who now runs a rehab center, believes that the high rate of opioid diversion is largely due to the high stress of medical professions. That plus easy access to the drugs create a recipe for drug misuse and addiction.

    “They’ve got high stress jobs. A lot of them, like myself, have workaholism. And not only that, you have access,” Loyd explained.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Does Marijuana Use Motivate People To Exercise?

    Does Marijuana Use Motivate People To Exercise?

    A new study debunks the popular lazy stoner myth. 

    Despite the “lazy stoner” stereotype, many people who use cannabis (in states where it is legal) use it before or right after they exercise. According to a recent study, people with this habit tend to be more physically active than the average American. 

    “We found that the majority of our sample did endorse using cannabis concurrently with exercise,” study authors wrote. “We found that the majority of participants who endorsed using cannabis concurrently with exercise reported that doing so at least somewhat enhances recovery from and enjoyment of exercise, while approximately half reported that it at least somewhat increases motivation, and a minority reported that it enhances performance. These findings supported our hypothesis that co-users may be co-using because they believe it contributes to recovery after exercise.”

    In short, people who are using pot right before or right after exercise say that doing so makes them more motivated and helps them enjoy their workouts more. 

    “Given that these are recognized barriers to exercise, it is possible that cannabis might actually serve as a benefit to exercise engagement,” study authors wrote. 

    Lead study author Angela Bryan, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, said she was “pretty shocked” at the study results, according to Time. 

    “One of the barriers to physical activity is that people say, ‘I don’t like it. It’s boring. It feels bad. I don’t want to do it,’” she said. “If, for some people, cannabis is helping them to enjoy the activity more,” then that relationship needs to be studied more. 

    Bryan, who studies psychology and neuroscience, had been concerned that more prevalent marijuana use could have a negative impact on overall health by decreasing exercise. 

    “The stereotype is the kid on the couch eating Doritos, not being physically active,” she said. “If that was the impact of cannabis on physical activity, that [would be] a big problem.”

    The study found that people who used marijuana before or after exercise got, on average, 2.5 hours of exercise per week, compared with less than 2 hours for people who didn’t smoke around when they exercised. 

    Still, Bryan said that people should be careful about mixing marijuana and exercise, since there can be unintended consequences, like an elevated heart rate. 

    “I certainly am not going to tell anybody to start smoking cannabis so they’ll start exercising,” she said. However, the research challenges the common picture of cannabis users. 

    “It doesn’t seem like the lazy stoner stereotype is really entirely correct,” Bryan said. “You actually can be quite physically active and use cannabis.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Worldwide Alcohol Consumption Continues To Rise

    Worldwide Alcohol Consumption Continues To Rise

    A new study predicts that 50% of all adults will consume alcohol by the year 2030.

    Consumption of alcohol across the world is still rising each year—and it’s not expected to stop any time soon, a new study reports. 

    The study, published in the journal The Lancet, looked at the trends in alcohol consumption from 1990 to 2017.

    Researchers found that over those 27 years, there was a 70% increase in the volume of alcohol consumed across the world, increasing from 5.5 billion gallons in 1990 to 9.4 billion gallons in 2017. 

    On average, researchers state, these numbers come out to an increase of about 1.7 gallons of alcohol each year. 

    While this seems like an enormous increase, researchers note that the growth could have to do with a growing population. 

    Among the study’s discoveries was the fact that alcohol consumption is increasing mainly in low- and middle-income countries, while high-income countries haven’t changed drastically. 

    “Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the changing landscape in global alcohol exposure,” study author Jakob Manthey of the Technical University of Dresden, Germany tells USA Today. “Before 1990, most alcohol was consumed in high-income countries, with the highest use levels recorded in Europe. However, this pattern has changed substantially, with large reductions across Eastern Europe and vast increases in several middle-income countries such as China, India, and Vietnam.”

    Overall, the study found that people in North Africa and the Middle East drink the least, while individuals in Central and Eastern Europe consume the most alcohol. 

    The study predicts that by the year 2030, 50% of all adults will consume alcohol, with 23% binge drinking at least once monthly. The study examined data from 189 countries, and Manthey says that by then, Europe will likely no longer be at the top of the list consumption-wise.

    If this prediction holds true, Manthey says that reduction efforts from the World Health Organization will not be reached. 

    “Based on our data, the WHO’s aim of reducing the harmful use of alcohol by 10% by 2025 will not be reached globally,” Manthey said, according to USA Today. “Instead, alcohol use will remain one of the leading risk factors for the burden of disease for the foreseeable future, and its impact will probably increase relative to other risk factors.” 

    However, not everyone agrees that this will be the case. The Distilled Spirits Council tells USA Today that the study’s findings may not be accurate. 

    “This forecast is based on a questionable model that does not accurately reflect the long-term global reductions in alcohol abuse,” the council told USA Today via email. “In fact, the study’s findings contradict the latest data from the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2018, which showed important reductions in key global alcohol abuse indicators including alcohol related deaths and heavy episodic drinking from 2010 to 2016.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • How to Find Actiq Addiction Rehab

    How to Find Actiq Addiction Rehab

    If you or a loved one is suffering from Actiq addiction, having experienced professionals in your corner to offer guidance can help you when working to overcome your addiction.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Actiq?
    2. Understanding the Signs of Actiq Addiction
    3. Street Names and Slang for Actiq
    4. The Side Effects of Actiq
    5. Common Actiq Withdrawal Effects
    6. What May Happen During an Actiq Overdose
    7. Medical Treatment for Actiq Addiction
    8. Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient Actiq Rehab Treatment
    9. Selecting the Right Actiq Rehab Treatment Facility

    Thankfully, there are a large number of addiction rehab centers around the country that offer solutions. In order to make the right decision for your circumstances and lifestyle needs, you must be aware of all the treatment options you have available. 

    While the best rehabilitation facilities will address the symptoms of your addiction, they do more than that. These facilities offer supportive care that looks at you as a whole human being. A holistic approach is used to offer you additional strength so you can make the choices that will make substance recovery your new reality. 

    We’ll offer information on what you need to know about Actiq, including what the drug is and what effects it can have on the human body. After you have a grasp on what the drug is and how it might affect you, you’ll be provided with information about the rehab and treatment options that are available to you today.

    What is Actiq?

    People searching for information about Actiq are often curious about what it actually is and how it is typically used. While the name might not immediately tip you off that it can be a dangerous substance, that doesn’t mean this isn’t true.

    Actiq is a form of fentanyl, an extremely addictive drug that binds to the opioid receptors in the human body, which causes an increase in dopamine levels in the central nervous system. When there is increased dopamine in the body, this leads to relief of pain, a state of relaxation, a feeling of well-being, and a decreased perception of suffering.

    There are several forms of fentanyl including patches, injections, lozenges, oral sprays, and nasal sprays. This particular type of fentanyl is a lozenge attached to a plastic stick that is placed under the tongue as a lollipop would be. It is typically used for those already taking pain-relieving drugs and has applications in the military.

    This drug may be used to treat chronic pain syndromes on those who have a current tolerance to opiates. It is often used to treat breakthrough pain for cancer patients who are already receiving opioid medications. It is also used to manage people’s pain while undergoing surgery. Actiq depresses the cough reflex and the respiratory system. It also constricts the pupils.

    This is a drug that goes to work very quickly. Within minutes, it can produce sedation and relieve pain. However, it has a very short duration, lasting no longer than 90 minutes and sometimes a third of that time. However, Actiq is something that will affect each person differently. Your weight, size, state of health, the amount of the drug taken, and any other drugs you are taking will have an impact on how Actiq affects you.

    Understanding the Signs of Actiq Addiction

    As with other powerful opioids, fentanyl in the form of Actiq has a huge risk of abuse and addiction. Even those who take the drug as prescribed for a medical condition are able to develop a tolerance and even a dependence on the drug. While at a tolerance level, more of the drug has to be used to offer the same effect as it once gave. When a person is dependent on the drug, stopping use can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.

    If you are questioning whether you have an addiction to Actiq, the following signs indicate you may be:

    • You use the drug in larger amounts or more often than intended.
    • You continue to use even when it causes problems with relationships.
    • You have cravings to use the drug.
    • You are unable to cut down on use of the drug even when you wish to do so,
    • Your pattern of use is causing you physical or mental harm.
    • You have developed a tolerance to the drug.
    • Your substance abuse has made you unable to meet commitments at home, work, or school.
    • You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug.

    Only a medical professional is capable of determining if you have an addiction to Actiq. This is not something you should attempt to handle on your own. Instead, you should speak with a doctor and find help for your dependence on the medication.

    Street Names and Slang for Actiq

    Actiq goes by many slang and street names as is common with drugs that are abused. A person using the drug may not call it by the generic name or the brand name. Instead, other names are used to refer to the drug. There is a large list of slang words for Actiq, many of which are listed below:

    • Apache
    • China Girl
    • China White
    • Dance Fever
    • Drop Dead
    • Goodfella
    • Jackpot
    • Murder 8
    • Percopop
    • Serial Killer
    • Shine
    • TNT

    While these are the current known names for street fentanyl, these things can vary based on location. Some users and sellers of the drug also have their own street names to identify them.

    The Side Effects of Actiq

    Those who are using Actiq, whether in recommended amounts or more, can experience many side effects. Some of these effects are more common and others less common in users of the medication. While these side effects will not be present for every person who uses the drug, those who experience them may need medical attention. 

    Common side effects include:

    • Blurry Vision
    • Confusion
    • Convulsions
    • Dizziness
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Fainting
    • Fever
    • Irregular heartbeat
    • Lightheadedness
    • Lower side or back pain
    • Muscle cramps or pain
    • Mood changes
    • Nervousness
    • Numbness of the lips, feet, or hands
    • Pale skin
    • Rapid breathing
    • Sore throat
    • Sunken eyes
    • Tightness in the chest
    • Troubled breathing
    • Unusual bruising or bleeding
    • Wrinkled skin
    • The less common side effects of Actiq include:
    • Abdominal pain
    • Abnormal heartbeat
    • Clumsiness
    • Decreased responsiveness
    • Headache
    • Muscle jerking or twitching
    • Pounding in the ears
    • Seizures
    • Severe sleepiness
    • Shaky arms, legs, feet, or hands
    • Trembling hands or feet

    If you are experiencing any of these side effects, it’s important to alert a medical professional as soon as possible. While some side effects are more serious than others, your experience needs to be considered by a professional to ensure that continuing to take the medication is the best option.

    Common Actiq Withdrawal Effects

    When taking any sort of opiate, the person taking the medication is at risk of developing tolerance, dependency, abuse, and even addition. A person who is experiencing physical dependence will also experience the symptoms of withdrawal if they stop taking the drug abruptly. 

    The symptoms of withdrawal from Actiq can begin within 12 hours of stopping use of the drug. The symptoms can be severe and may last up to a week or even longer. Some of the withdrawal symptoms may include the following:

    • Agitation
    • Anxiety
    • Chills
    • Cold or hot flashes
    • Diarrhea
    • Dilated pupils
    • Goosebumps
    • Insomnia
    • Runny nose
    • Severe pain
    • Vomiting

    Those who use Actiq may quickly gain a tolerance to large doses, which means that taking more of the drug is required to get the wanted effect. Using the drug time and time again will often lead to addiction. This is a disease that involves drug-seeking behavior that is uncontrollable and may lead to extremely negative consequences.

    What May Happen During an Actiq Overdose

    Taking Actiq can lead to accidental overdose leading to death, sometimes the first time it is used. This is especially true when it is taken in the wrong way or is taken by someone who does not have a prescription for the medication. Some of the symptoms of an Actiq overdose include:

    • Extreme sleepiness
    • Cold and clammy skin
    • Difficulty talking or walking
    • Feeling confused, dizzy, or faint
    • Shallow or slow breathing
    • Slow heartbeat
    • Unresponsiveness

    Opioids are known for leading to overdose, which can be fatal. This is why it is so crucial for you to be sure you have help finding Actiq rehab from professionals who can assist you through the process. 

    Medical Treatment for Actiq Addiction

    When seeking Actiq rehabilitation, one of the first parts of the process will typically involve medically supervised detoxification or detox. Detoxing from an addictive substance involves stopping consumption of the drug and allowing it to leave your body. 

    Any type of opioid detoxification will create withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. This happens because your brain and body have become accustomed to the presence of Actiq. Once the drug is no longer there as expected, your brain has to get used to functioning properly without it.

    There are often two stages to withdrawal from opioid medications. The first is associated with difficulty sleeping as well as a larger output of mucus and tears. Some individuals also experience an increase in sweating and yawning, trouble with anxiety, and muscle pain. The second stage often involves gastrointestinal issues including vomiting, nausea, loose stools, and abdominal cramps. Some people also experience dilated pupils and goosebumps.

    Medical professionals will evaluate you throughout the detox process for additional disorders related to your mental or physical health. One of the largest concerns is depression, which is common among those going through opioid withdrawal. 

    Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient Actiq Rehab Treatment

    In most cases, recovery from an addiction to Actiq will occur in an outpatient or inpatient treatment program. Many professionals believe inpatient care is the best option. This is the case especially for those who are experiencing moderate or extreme withdrawal symptoms while detoxing. An inpatient program offers monitoring and care at all times of day or night. That means if something comes up, immediate help is available.

    Individuals who experience only mild symptoms of withdrawal and addiction may consider an outpatient program. This type of care involves making periodic visits to a rehabilitation facility while living the rest of your life at home. When visiting the rehab facility, doctors and specialist can monitor your progress.

    Selecting the Right Actiq Rehab Treatment Facility

    It’s important to delve deep into any addiction treatment programs that you may be considering. Any reputable program will follow established standards for care which involve medication and therapy known to help individuals break away from a serious addiction. Ensure you have a voice in your treatment and that support is provided every step of the way.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Guide to Treatment for Estazolam Addiction

    Guide to Treatment for Estazolam Addiction

    Estazolam addiction is a very serious mental health issue and therefore requires professional treatment.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Estazolam and What is it Used For?
    2. Brand and Street Names for Estazolam
    3. Estazolam Addiction Symptoms
    4. Estazolam Side Effects and Dangers of Misuse
    5. Understanding Detox for Estazolam Addiction
    6. How Long Does Estazolam Stay in your System?
    7. What are the Estazolam Withdrawal Symptoms?
    8. What are the Risks of Estazolam Withdrawal Side Effects?
    9. Estazolam Addiction Treatment – What to Expect
    10. Choosing the Right Rehab for Your Estazolam Dependence

    The symptoms of Estazolam addiction include misusing this benzodiazepine drug, being unable to control how much you use it, and continuing to use the drug in spite of negative consequences. If you or someone you care about is struggling with estazolam, look into the many rehab options you have for treatment and recovery. 

    What is Estazolam and What is it Used For?

    Estazolam is a benzodiazepine, a type of drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It slows down activity in the brain, causing relaxation, sleepiness, and lowered heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. It is prescribed to treat insomnia and is intended only for short-term use, up to about 10 days. While insomnia management is the only officially approved use for estazolam, doctors may prescribe it for other uses at their discretion.

    One reason that estazolam is not supposed to be used for longer than 10 days is that it is habit forming, or in other words can be addictive. It is classified as a schedule IV controlled substance for this reason. Long-term use or any kind of misuse of estazolam can lead to dependence and addiction. 

    Brand and Street Names for Estazolam

    Estazolam is a generic name for this particular benzodiazepine. It has been sold under the brand names ProSom and Eurodin. People may abuse estazolam because of the way it induces a sense of relaxation and calm, as well as for the feeling of euphoria. Abuse of this drug includes taking estazolam without a prescription and misusing a prescription by taking more or higher doses, or taking it for a longer period of time than recommended. Sold illicitly, estazolam pills may be called:

    • Bars
    • Benzos
    • Chill pills
    • Downers
    • Footballs
    • Ladders
    • Nerve pills
    • School bus
    • Sleeping pills
    • Totem poles
    • Tranks

    Estazolam Addiction Symptoms

    Any misuse of estazolam can lead to addiction. Even if you are only using estazolam as prescribed, there is a risk of becoming dependent on it. This is why it is never supposed to be used for longer than a week to 10 days. If you or someone you care about has been misusing this drug, there are some important symptoms of estazolam addiction you should watch for:

    • Trying and failing to stop using or to use estazolam less
    • Consistently using the drug more often or in larger doses than you meant to
    • Experiencing cravings for estazolam
    • Spending more and more time using estazolam or trying to get more of it
    • Giving up other activities because of all this time spent on the drug
    • Being unable to meet all responsibilities because of drug use
    • Using estazolam even though it is causing relationship difficulties 
    • Using estazolam in spite of physical or psychological health problems it is causing or worsening
    • Continuing to use estazolam even in situations that are risky or dangerous
    • Developing a tolerance to the drug and needing more to get the desired effects
    • Going through estazolam withdrawal effects when not using

    If you are misusing estazolam and you think you may have an addiction, it is important to get a diagnosis by a professional mental healthcare worker. This is the first step to recovery, but you first have to reach out and get help. Even if you aren’t sure you meet the criteria for estazolam addiction, get help to stop misusing this potentially dangerous drug.

    Estazolam Side Effects and Dangers of Misuse

    This drug can be useful for people struggling with insomnia, but it can also cause side effects. If you misuse estazolam, your risk of experiencing side effects is increased and they may be more intense. The most common side effects include slowed body movements, dizziness, clumsiness, and sleepiness. Less commonly you may have headaches, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. 

    Some of the potential side effects of estazolam can be very serious and dangerous: delusions, mood swings, dementia, aggression, hallucinations, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. If you are misusing this drug or combining it with similar drugs, your risk of experiencing these harmful side effects is higher. 

    Another danger of misusing estazolam is the risk of an overdose. Signs of overdose include excessive sleepiness, confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, slowed breathing, and coma. These can ultimately be fatal. The risk of overdose is increased if you combine estazolam with other benzodiazepines, any opioid drug, or alcohol. 

    Understanding Detox for Estazolam Addiction

    After reaching out for help, you will need to detox from estazolam in order to receive treatment. Detox is the process of getting the drug out of your system and it will trigger withdrawal symptoms. Unlike many other drugs, benzodiazepines like estazolam can cause a very dangerous withdrawal that can even be fatal. Never attempt to detox alone.

    How Long Does Estazolam Stay in your System?

    Detox with withdrawal symptoms will generally last as long as the drug remains in your body. How long that will be depends on several factors, including how much you have been using estazolam and for how long, the dose you last took, and individual factors related to your health. For mild cases of dependence, it may take just a few days. But if you have been using estazolam long enough to develop benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, it can take up to two weeks to get the drug out of your system.

    What are the Estazolam Withdrawal Symptoms?

    Estazolam withdrawal syndrome may result if you have developed a serious dependence on the drug. This may cause nausea, dry retching, insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks, tremors, excessive sweating, weight loss, difficulty thinking, muscle aches, headaches, and heart palpitations. The number and degree to which you experience withdrawal symptoms depends on the severity of your addiction. 

    What are the Risks of Estazolam Withdrawal Side Effects?

    More severe addiction can lead to more symptoms, more severe symptoms, and effects that can be dangerous and even fatal. You may experience psychotic symptoms, like changes in perceptions or delusions, and this can lead to a mental health crisis. Estazolam withdrawal can also cause seizures and can be fatal. You should never try to detox from estazolam alone, and experts strongly recommend you do it under medical supervision.

    Estazolam Addiction Treatment – What to Expect

    Addiction treatment for estazolam has to begin with detox. You must stop using the drug first and let it leave your system. Therapy will not be effective or useful until you have recovered from withdrawal. You may find a treatment center that includes detox, but if not, it is important that you first undergo supervised detox. 

    The process of detox from estazolam if medically supervised may include a controlled reduction of your intake. This will help minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of serious side effects and potentially deadly symptoms, like seizures. 

    Once you have gone through detox, you can begin treatment for estazolam addiction. Your first treatment decision will be outpatient or inpatient rehab. Outpatient care allows you to stay at home while you get therapy. This is an option for anyone with a safe place to stay and supportive family. It is also a good choice if you need to work while you recover. 

    Inpatient treatment is better than outpatient if you are concerned that your home environment will lead to a relapse. A residential facility provides a safe place, time to focus on treatment, a staff of experts, 24-hour care, and a wider variety of services. 

    Treatment for estazolam addiction revolves around therapy. Aside from general medical care for wellness or to manage withdrawal symptoms, there is no approved medical treatment or drug for benzodiazepine addiction. 

    Therapy comes in many different forms, but expect to benefit most from behavioral therapies. These, mostly based on cognitive behavioral therapy, will help you make practical, positive changes, learn to cope with negative feelings in healthy ways, and develop better relationships with friends and family.

    Choosing the Right Rehab for Your Estazolam Dependence

    There are so many options when it comes to seeking treatment for estazolam and ProSom addiction, including some of the best facilities in the country like Talbott Recovery in Columbus, Georgia. These and other locations are staffed by dedicated experts in addiction and recovery. One of the most important things to consider when choosing your rehab facility is the staff. The best treatment is administered by experts in the field. 

    Also consider practical factors, like a treatment program you can afford. Locations are also important to consider if you cannot travel or want to stay near family. When you have your possibilities narrowed down, make site visits and ask for tours to meet staff and to get to know the details of the programs. Some things to look for include:

    • A thorough diagnosis at intake
    • An individualized treatment plan
    • Your input in the treatment plan
    • A staff of experts in various areas of treatment, including medical, psychiatry, and therapy staff
    • Varied options for therapy 
    • Support services, like recreation, nutrition, social skills training, group support, job assistance, and alternative therapies
    • Aftercare services for a smoother transition after treatment and a focus on relapse prevention

    If you can afford it, or your insurance can cover it, a luxury rehab is a great option. This kind of facility will provide additional services to help you heal, as well as top-notch food and accommodations. Most are in beautiful settings with opportunities to spend time outdoors and for recreation.

    The most important thing you can do if you have become dependent on estazolam is to reach out and get help. Ask a friend or family member, your doctor, or anyone else you trust to help you take that first step. Rehab is available and treatments for drug addiction are effective. By choosing the right rehab for your needs and committing to therapy, you are taking your first successful steps to recovery and freedom from addiction.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Finding the Best Rehab for Onfi Addiction

    Finding the Best Rehab for Onfi Addiction

    In search of a luxury rehab for Onfi addiction? Read our helpful guide.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Onfi and What is it Used For?
    2. Other Names for Onfi
    3. How Onfi Addiction Happens
    4. Onfi Symptoms, Side Effects, and Risks
    5. Onfi Overdose Signs
    6.Onfi Addiction Symptoms and Signs
    7. How Onfi Addiction is Treated
    8. How Long Does Onfi Stay in Your System?
    9. Managing Onfi Withdrawal Symptoms Safely
    10. What to Look for in an Onfi Rehab and Treatment Program
    11. Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
    12. Onfi Rehab Should Include Aftercare
    13. Reaching out for Onfi Addiction Help

    Onfi addiction is a very serious behavioral health issue. This benzodiazepine and sedative, which is used to treat seizure disorders, is susceptible to abuse and can cause addiction, especially when misused. Onfi addiction symptoms include use of the drug that has become excessive or out of control, as well as physical side effects like developing a tolerance and going through withdrawal when not using.

    If you have developed an addiction to Onfi, or you are trying to help a loved one who has, you need to carefully consider rehabilitation options. Not all Onfi addiction treatment plans are the same or best for everyone. Know what to look for in the best rehabs, what your options are, and then make a considered choice that will help lead to recovery.

    What is Onfi and What is it Used For?

    Onfi is the generic drug clobazam, a prescription medication used to manage seizures in people with the disease known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Onfi belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These are sedatives and central nervous system depressants. Clobazam helps prevent seizures by slowing down or lowering electrical activity in the brain. Doctors may use their own discretion to prescribe Onfi for other uses.

    As a central nervous system depressant, Onfi produces relaxation and calm. Other drugs in the same class are used to manage anxiety. Other effects of Onfi are lowered heart rate, slower breathing, and sleepiness or drowsiness.

    Other Names for Onfi

    Onfi is a brand name for clobazam, which is a generic drug. Another brand name that clobazam is sold under is Sympazan. When bought, sold, and used illicitly, Onfi may go by any number of street names for benzodiazepines:

    • Bars
    • Benzos
    • Chill pills
    • Downers
    • Footballs
    • Hulk
    • Ladders
    • Nerve pills
    • Planks
    • School bus
    • Sleeping pills
    • Totem poles
    • Tranks

    How Onfi Addiction Happens

    Onfi is listed as a schedule IV controlled substance. The Drug Enforcement Administration placed Onfi in this category because it is susceptible to abuse and may become habit forming. In other words, Onfi abuse, and even just regular, guided use, can lead to an addiction.

    You may develop on Onfi dependence with normal, recommended use of the drug. Your body and brain adjust to it, and you will find that you don’t feel well without it in your system. This leads you to use again, and the cycle continues.

    Addiction can also develop when you misuse Onfi. Any kind of Onfi abuse will significantly increase the risk of addiction and dependence, as compared to using it as directed by your doctor. Misuse includes using Onfi without having a prescription for it and using it in any way that is different from what your doctor has instructed if you do have a prescription: taking it for longer than you are supposed to, taking larger doses, and using it more frequently.

    Onfi Symptoms, Side Effects, and Risks

    One of the negative consequences of misusing Onfi is the fact that doing so can increase your risk of experiencing side effects and adverse events. You may also experience side effects more intensely or those that are more severe and serious. The most common Onfi side effects are:

    • Drowsiness
    • Dizziness
    • Drooling
    • Poor coordination
    • Restlessness
    • Aggression
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Tremors
    • Fever

    There are also some more serious Onfi effects to consider. They include difficulty urinating or pain when urinating, a cough and difficulty breathing, a skin rash or mouth sores, and mood swings that may include depression, irritability, and apathy.

    One rare but very serious side effect of Onfi is suicidal thoughts. Approximately one in 500 people who used clobazam during clinical trials became suicidal. This side effect set in within a week of beginning the medication. Although this danger is not common, it can be fatal, and if you are abusing Onfi you increase the risk that you may have these feelings and troubling mood swings.

    Of course, because Onfi is a benzodiazepine that his habit-forming, addiction is a major risk of misuse. You may think that you have your use of Onfi under control, but using it in a way that is not prescribed or recommended can always lead to use that becomes out of control, and ultimately dependence.

    Onfi Overdose Signs

    Misusing and becoming addicted to Onfi puts you at serious risk of having an overdose. An overdose occurs when you take toxic levels of a drug. There is no set amount of clobazam that will necessarily trigger an overdose. The risk varies depending on how long you have been using the drug, the severity of your addiction, how much you take, and other individual health factors.

    The risk of overdose is definitely increased by taking Onfi with certain other substances. Alcohol, sedatives, opioids, and other benzodiazepines all produce similar effects to Onfi. Mixing these increases the risk and severity of side effects but also of overdose. Drugs like these, which act like depressants, can suppress brain activity to the extent that you stop breathing.

    An Onfi overdose can easily be fatal, and it should be treated as a medical emergency. Make sure you know the overdose signs so you can get help for you or someone else if necessary:

    • Excessive drowsiness and sleepiness
    • Unresponsiveness
    • Confusion
    • Low energy
    • Difficulty controlling movements and poor coordination
    • Blurred vision
    • Shallow breathing
    • Reduced urge to breathe
    • Fainting

    Onfi Addiction Symptoms and Signs

    There are many risks associated with misusing Onfi, and they include becoming addicted. Misuse does not necessarily mean you are addicted, but you may become dependent on this drug more quickly than you realize. When your use of it has gotten out of control, you may need help. The criteria used to diagnose a substance use disorder can help you understand if your behaviors, or those of someone you’re worried about, are problematic:

    • You crave Onfi at times when you are not using it.
    • You try to cut back or stop using clobazam but keep failing at it.
    • More than once you have used more than you planned.
    • A significant amount of your time is spent getting high or trying to get more Onfi.
    • This has forced you to give up some other activities you no longer have time for.
    • You also have too little time to meet your responsibilities, and they are starting to slide.
    • Your relationships are in trouble because of drug use.
    • You have developed some physical or mental health problems related to Onfi but continue to use it.
    • You have used Onfi in situations that put you at risk, such as when driving or operating equipment that could lead to an accident.
    • You have developed a tolerance and need to use more and more to get high.
    • You go through Onfi withdrawal symptoms when not using.

    A mental or behavioral health specialist could diagnose you as having a mild substance use disorder with just two or three of these criteria. Even if you aren’t sure you would be diagnosed or if you think you wouldn’t, your concern about these behaviors is valid. Don’t hesitate to reach out or call for help if you can’t stop using Onfi on your own.

    How Onfi Addiction is Treated

    Rehab facilities plan treatment programs for Onfi addiction around therapy. There is no medication approved to treat benzodiazepine dependence, but other strategies are effective. While different facilities may offer unique services and a different range of therapy options, most revolve around behavioral therapies. Some of the types used to manage this addiction and to support recovery are:

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy. Also known as CBT, this is an action-oriented therapy. CBT helps you change your negative thought and behavior patterns, set and work toward goals, plan for and practice encountering triggers, and minimize your risk of relapse.
    • Motivational interviewing. This style of therapy is focused on helping you find internal motivation for stopping drug use and adopting more positive, healthy behaviors.
    • Contingency management therapy. Specifically designed for treating addiction, this kind of therapy makes use of positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors, namely avoiding drug use. Essentially, you get rewards for abstaining.
    • Somatic experiencing therapy. Some patients being treated for addiction have traumatic experiences from their pasts that have shaped their behaviors. Trauma-focused therapies can help in the healing process. Somatic experiencing therapy uses the physical sensations of your body to process trauma.
    • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. This kind of therapy, known as EMDR, is also for processing traumatic experiences. It uses guided eye and body movements to reframe past trauma.
    • Family and relationship therapy and psychoeducation. Having a positive and informed support system is important for recovery. Therapy with family or partners can help them understand how to help you. Psychoeducation also includes learning more about drug addiction.
    • Group therapy and support. Many rehab facilities and treatment programs include some form of social support. You may engage in therapy in a group with other people struggling with Onfi and other drug use. Or you may attend support group meetings, which are less structured and not necessarily guided by a therapist.

    How Long Does Onfi Stay in Your System?

    Onfi and other benzodiazepines will last in the body for different lengths of time, depending on several factors. These include the amount you used. The greater your last dose, the longer it will take to clear your system. The time it takes to get the drug out of your body is known as detox, and it is the important first step to recovery from addiction.

    The Onfi withdrawal effects that you can expect during detox may be uncomfortable and painful, but they can also be dangerous. A condition known as benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is dangerous and can even be fatal. You should never attempt to detox alone, and you should always do it with medical supervision. Stopping use of Onfi suddenly can bring about this syndrome and put you in serious risk of becoming ill or even dying.

    The most dangerous Onfi withdrawal side effects are psychosis and seizures. These warrant immediate medical attention. The uncomfortable but less serious withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, tremors, insomnia, muscle spasms, weight loss, mood swings, sweating, vision problems, changes in perceptions, and nausea and vomiting.

    Managing Onfi Withdrawal Symptoms Safely

    Onfi detox is a necessary first step to recovery, and something you must go through in order to be ready for treatment, but it is difficult and dangerous. In addition to the particular risks of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, detox puts you at risk of relapsing. A relapse during this vulnerable time can cause you to use too much, mix substances, and potentially overdose.

    The only safe way to detox from clobazam is to do it with some kind of professional supervision. Many detox programs gradually reduce the dose of a benzodiazepine during withdrawal. This makes the entire process much safer and reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms. There are no medications or specific treatments that will make withdrawal faster or easier.

    Not all rehab facilities offer detox services, but they do generally require that you go through detox before starting a treatment program. You need supervision to do this safely, so instead of attempting to go it alone, find a service that will provide medically-directed and guided detox. A medical caregiver can keep you safe, administer treatment if something goes wrong, and generally help you feel more comfortable through the entire process.

    What to Look for in an Onfi Rehab and Treatment Program

    Onfi treatment for addiction is essential for recovery. Getting over an addiction is extremely difficult to do without professional support. You need the expertise, guidance, and push that addiction professionals can provide to prevent relapsing and to give you the tools to stay sober for the long-term. This means you need rehab and an effective treatment program. There are several factors you should consider when choosing that program.

    One of these is the staff. A good treatment program will include experts with experience working in addiction and recovery. They should be caring and compassionate and have the best interests first in mind in the work they do. A good rehab facility will be staffed by a variety of experts who can provide a range of services, from therapy and medical care to nutrition, alternative therapies, and recreation. Never choose a residential facility that does not have some kind of medical staff, such as nurses on the floor around the clock. Medical supervision is important.

    Another important factor to consider when choosing treatment and rehab is a thorough intake process. When you first enter rehab you should be given a complete evaluation that includes screening for mental illnesses. The most effective treatment for a drug addiction addresses all of your needs, and mental health conditions often co-occur with Onfi and other substance use disorders.

    The initial evaluation should be thorough and should inform an individualized treatment plan. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all drug addiction treatment. The best rehabs create a new, unique plan for each individual patient. It should be informed by your health issues, your drug addiction, your mental health, and your own preferences. Be sure that the treatment program you choose will take your input seriously and let you make decisions about your own care. Being a part of treatment will make it more effective in the long-term.

    In order to provide an individualized treatment plan, a treatment program or facility must have a wide variety of services. Avoid any rehab that has just one or two types of therapy or limited support services. You need to be able to try the different types of treatment to find what works best for your needs. For instance, you may not respond well to motivational interviewing or you may benefit from trauma-focused therapy. There should also be a range of support services, like diet and nutrition planning, exercise, and recreation.

    Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment

    Knowing what to look for in the best Onfi rehab, you now need to choose between an outpatient and inpatient program. The benefits of residential care include 24-hour supervision, a safe, temptation-free environment, a wider range of services and therapy types, and a bigger staff. Residential care also offers you the opportunity to focus on recovery without the distractions of home and provides a social support system and interactions with other residents.

    On the other hand, outpatient treatment can be helpful to your Onfi recovery if you feel more comfortable at home or with family. This may make you more receptive to treatment. It can also allow you to keep up with responsibilities, like family and work. If you feel as if you need the safety of a structured environment, though, and that you are at high risk for a relapse, seriously consider going to a residential rehab instead.

    You can find some middle ground with an intensive outpatient program. This is a treatment plan that allows you to stay home but to get more intense care than you would with just a couple of therapy sessions per week. In this kind of program you may have sessions every day, and you are likely to benefit from a greater variety of services and therapy types as well.

    Onfi Rehab Should Include Aftercare

    The best rehab facilities will have some type of aftercare services or planning. If you go to a residential rehab you will need to transition back home after receiving treatment. This can be a tough time, when many people succumb to cravings and relapse. With aftercare, which may be therapy, support groups, or other strategies, you can minimize the risk of a relapse and have a safer, better transition.

    Even if your particular rehab does not include aftercare, it should help you plan for your next steps. The staff should, at a minimum, be able to direct you to a recommended outpatient therapist or drug counselor. They can help you make a concrete plan for what you will do out of rehab, your strategies for avoiding a relapse, and for what to do if a relapse does occur.

    Aftercare is not typically necessary with outpatient treatment. You can always continue with outpatient therapy if you feel it is important. You can cut back on your sessions but still go regularly as you transition into recovery. Keeping up with therapy is helpful for long-term success, so even if you feel better and strong, stick with it.

    Reaching out for Onfi Addiction Help

    Addiction to Onfi is a very difficult problem to overcome. The importance of reaching out for help and calling rehab and treatment programs cannot be overstated. Especially if you have tried quitting and keep failing at it, get real, professional help. You may feel a little lost at this time and unsure of where to turn. Having a loved one to support you is a great help. Let a family member or friend know what you are going through and allow that person to help you figure out what to do next.

    You can also make an appointment with a trusted doctor. Your doctor cannot provide the addiction treatment you need, but he or she can point you in the right direction for getting care and offer good advice. Regardless of who you reach out to first, the important thing is that you do it. Ask for help, confide in someone, and seek the rehab and treatment that will get you sober and in recovery. Onfi addiction treatment will be a slow and sometimes frustrating process, but it can lead to successful and lasting recovery if you put in the time and effort.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • What Are the Best Options for Dilaudid Rehab?

    What Are the Best Options for Dilaudid Rehab?

    Are you trying to find treatment for Dilaudid use? We can help you find the best luxury rehab.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Dilaudid and How is it Used?
    2. Development of Dependence
    3. Development of Addiction
    4. Potential Abuse and Addiction Symptoms in Users of Dilaudid/Hydromorphone
    5. Detox Begins the Road to Recovery
    6. Follow-Up Care is Essential
    7. Types of Dilaudid Recovery Programs
    8. Appropriate Treatment Plans
    9. Choosing the Right Facility for You

    If you’re suffering from Dilaudid addiction, help from trained professionals is a must for recovery of your sobriety. The only reliable places to find these professionals are specialized, high-quality opioid rehab programs. Such programs exist across America, but you must know how to find them.

    To identify the best addiction programs, you must first understand how an addiction to Dilaudid alters your brain and body. You must also gather information about the treatments known to help you halt your substance abuse. In addition, you must learn a bit about what separates average programs from exceptional programs. With this knowledge at your fingertips, you can find the shortest possible path to a stable, substance-free lifestyle.

    What is Dilaudid and How is it Used?

    Dilaudid is the brand name for a prescription opioid medication that contains hydromorphone (hydromorphone hydrochloride) as its active ingredient. It comes in several forms, including tablets, an oral solution and an injection. Hydromorphone is also known as dihydromorphinone. The medication bears a close chemical resemblance to its parent drug, morphine.

    As an opioid, Dilaudid provides pain relief by changing the way in which your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) interprets nerve signals from your body. At the same time, the medication slows down your central nervous system, sedates you and increases your perceptions of pleasure.

    Doctors should follow certain criteria when prescribing Dilaudid for their patients. Before receiving the medication in the form of a tablet, oral solution or standard-strength injection, most patients must have tried other, non-opioid pain relief options. In addition, these options must have failed to provide sufficient relief. Your doctor may also prescribe tablets, oral solution or standard injection if your system won’t tolerate non-opioid pain relievers.

    To qualify for a high-potency injection of the medication (Dilaudid-HP), you must already be tolerant to the effects of opioid substances. This tolerance may result from previous treatment with opioid medications. It may also be the product of previous consumption of an opioid street drug.

    These precautions are in place because hydromorphone is a Schedule II opioid prescription drug. This designation means that use of hydromorphone products carries a very high risk for abuse and addiction. It also means that products in this category have a high potential to depress (i.e., slow down) your normal lung function and trigger life-threatening health consequences. Risks for breathing problems are especially high in two situations: during the first one to three days of use and whenever your doctor increases your medication dosage.

    Besides Dilaudid, the only hydromorphone-based medication currently available in the U.S. is Exalgo, an extended-release tablet. When sold and/or used illegally, Dilaudid and hydromorphone may go by street names that include:

    • Juice
    • Dillies
    • Smack
    • Footballs
    • D

    Development of Dependence

    If you’re dealing with pain that doesn’t respond to non-opioid medication, Dilaudid may prove very useful. However, continued use of hydromorphone or any other opioid can lead to the onset of something called opioid dependence. Dependence occurs when certain areas of your brain come to rely on the effects of Dilaudid. If you stop taking the prescription drug at this point, or make a significant reduction in your intake, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal.

    Opioid withdrawal runs a characteristic course. It begins with the appearance of symptoms such as altered sleep, excessive yawning, abnormally high sweat production and abnormally high output of tears and mucus. As the absence of hydromorphone continues, further possible symptoms of withdrawal include gut/abdominal discomfort, altered bowel function, widened pupils, nausea, vomiting and persistent goosebumps.

    It’s important to note that opioid dependence is not the same as opioid addiction. Many legitimate prescription holders who take opioids for a long time become dependent. However, with help from their doctors, they maintain their ability to function and avoid any destabilizing changes in their daily lives. Current evidence also shows that opioid dependence affects different areas of your brain than opioid addiction.

    Development of Addiction

    While dependence on prescription opioids is a medically manageable state, addiction presents another picture altogether. One of the hallmarks of addiction is loss of control over your substance intake. In turn, this loss of control seriously damages your ability to lead a functional day-to-day life.

    Your chances of progressing from dependence to addiction rise steeply if you take part in any form of Dilaudid abuse. People who hold prescriptions for addictive medications can cross the threshold of abuse by taking amounts that are higher than their prescribed dosages. They can cross the same threshold by taking their medication too often. If you take Dilaudid/hydromorphone without a doctor’s approval, you automatically meet the definition of prescription drug abuse, no matter how much of the medication you consume.

    In addition to loss of control over your medication intake, you may have other symptoms of hydromorphone addiction (or damaging, non-addicted abuse.) The diagnosis given to people affected by at least two abuse/addiction symptoms in a year’s time is opioid use disorder, or OUD.

    Potential Abuse and Addiction Symptoms in Users of Dilaudid/Hydromorphone

    • Recurring use of the medication in situations where you can physically harm yourself or others
    • Recurring urges to consume the medication when engaged in other activities
    • Dedication of significant parts of your day to hydromorphone-related concerns (i.e., acquiring, using or recovering from the medication)
    • Tolerance to the drug effects of any given dose of the medication
    • Turning to medication abuse as a replacement for other hobbies or interests
    • Failure to alter your medication consumption when you know it hurts you mentally or physically
    • Failure to alter your medication consumption when you know it hurts your ability to maintain key relationships
    • The appearance of withdrawal if you stop taking the medication or take it in smaller amounts

    Depending on how many of these symptoms affect you, you may have mild, moderate or severe OUD. The seriousness of your symptoms also has an impact on your diagnosis and treatment.

    Detox Begins the Road to Recovery

    Before you enter Dilaudid rehab, detoxification (detox) is an essential first step. This medically supervised process gets its name because it gives you time to purge an addictive substance and cease its immediate, toxic effects. For any person addicted to an opioid medication or street drug, detox will trigger the onset of withdrawal symptoms. The length and severity of those symptoms depend on two main factors: the duration of your addiction and the amount of hydromorphone you habitually abuse.

    If you only abuse a single opioid, the withdrawal process will probably not have life-threatening consequences. However, certain complications may occur. For example, you can develop a serious lung infection if you vomit and inhale any particles into your lungs. If your withdrawal-related vomiting and diarrhea go untreated, you can also develop a dangerous, potentially lethal form of dehydration.

    However, the number one health concern for anyone going through opioid detox is a relapse back into active medication/drug abuse. Why? Because detoxification lowers your tolerance to the effects of opioids. If you relapse and take your previous regular dose of Dilaudid, you can overwhelm your system and experience an overdose. Opioid overdoses are now one of the most common causes of death throughout the U.S.

    During detox, your doctor should also check for any other health issues that can make relapses or other problems more likely to occur. One potential problem is alcoholism. The presence of alcoholism can make safe detox more difficult. And if you relapse simultaneously with opioids and alcohol, your risks for overdose and death can skyrocket.

    Detox programs should also check for the presence of mental health issues not related to substance use. That’s true because depression, anxiety and other serious illnesses add a further layer of complication to successful treatment. Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are among those groups with the highest risks for overlapping mental health and substance problems.

    Follow-Up Care is Essential

    Once you’ve completed your stay in a detox program, your ability to establish lasting sobriety rests upon enrollment in Dilaudid rehab. There are two main reasons why rehab participation is so critical. First, when you finish detox, your opioid tolerance will be low. If you relapse at this point in your recovery, you have a very strong chance of overdosing and possibly dying. By continuing on to rehab, you can safeguard your health and make the hard work of detox count for something.

    Just as importantly, rehabilitation programs are the only place you can really come to understand your motivations for getting involved in opioid abuse. They’re also the only place where you can learn how to change those motivations and develop new, sobriety-supporting thoughts and behaviors. Opioid rehab programs are designed for people addicted to Dilaudid and similar drugs and medications. This means they provide services that fulfill your specific needs for ongoing recovery.

    Types of Dilaudid Recovery Programs

    Rehab programs for people addicted to a prescription drug can be conducted in several treatment settings. The two most common options are inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment. Inpatient programs get their name because they require you to live onsite while you go through the rehabilitation process.

    There are several benefits to this approach, beginning with round-the-clock monitoring of your health, safety and well-being. This 24/7 attention also gives inpatient programs the ability to respond to any treatment emergencies immediately. In addition, residential care makes it easier for your doctor to make changes in your treatment and maximize the usefulness of rehab.

    Your doctor will probably recommend inpatient treatment if you have moderate or severe symptoms of Dilaudid-based opioid use disorder. (The worst cases may call for temporary hospitalization.) If you have milder OUD symptoms, help in an outpatient program may be a better fit. During outpatient treatment, you maintain your normal routine while making scheduled visits to your rehabilitation facility. This approach can make opioid treatment more convenient and easier to attend. Both college students and working adults can take advantage of the added flexibility.

    However, even if you qualify for outpatient care, you may still benefit from a stay in a residential facility. That’s because inpatient care provides you with an extended period of time in which rehab treatment is your only major concern. Throughout your stay, you can avoid the stresses of daily decision-making, as well as any negative influences that can make you more likely to abuse Dilaudid. It’s also important to note that the presence of a co-existing mental illness can make outpatient treatment an unsuitable option, even if you have only mild addiction symptoms.

    Appropriate Treatment Plans

    In the 21st century, the standard of care for all people with opioid use disorder is appropriate medication combined with some type of behavioral therapy. Medication can help your rehabilitation team achieve several important objectives. First, it can help decrease the strength of your cravings for hydromorphone. The right medication can also make withdrawal more tolerable by decreasing the impact of your symptoms. Once opioids are out of your system, medication can also block the effects those drugs normally have on your brain.

    The most common medical choices for hydromorphone addiction treatment, methadone and buprenorphine, are opioid medications, just like Dilaudid. This may seem like a bad idea at first. However, both of these medications are proven to work. They do so by doing two main things. First, they provide your brain with enough of an opioid boost to stop you from going through heavy withdrawal. At the same time, methadone and buprenorphine are given in doses too small to get you “high” and help you sustain addiction.

    As your condition stabilizes, your doctor may gradually reduce the amount of buprenorphine or methadone you receive. In this approach, you will reach a point where you take no opioids at all. In contrast, opioid medication is sometimes given in low doses on a longer-term or even permanent basis.

    If your rehab program’s goal is complete cessation of opioid use, you treatment plan may also include the anti-opioid medication naltrexone. Inside your body, naltrexone acts as a kind of kill switch and stops opioids from passing from your bloodstream into your brain. By stopping you from getting high, this blocking action decreases the appeal of returning to hydromorphone abuse.

    A few types of behavioral therapy have proven benefits for effective Dilaudid rehab. One therapy option, known as community reinforcement approach (CRA) plus vouchers, uses a reward-based system to encourage active program participation. A second option, contingency management, relies on similar methods in a different format.

    One of the most popular evidence-based opioid rehab therapies is called CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT helps you understand your substance abuse motivations, then helps you modify those motivations so you can avoid future problems. A fourth type of therapy, motivational interviewing, often takes place early in treatment. It aims to help you get you beyond any internal resistance to addiction rehabilitation.

    People from all walks of life can benefit from medication and behavioral health options for hydromorphone addiction. That includes teenagers, veterans and young people enrolled in college. In some cases, treatment may be adjusted to account for your age or other factors in your personal background. Teenagers, especially, may require different types of programs than younger or older adults.

    Choosing the Right Facility for You

    To take full advantage of your stay in addiction rehab, you must enroll in a program that meets all of your treatment needs. At a bare minimum, this means that you must find a facility that upholds current standards of opioid-related care. The doctors and support staff helping you during rehabilitation should have extensive experience in the recovery field. In addition, they should treat you in a well-maintained facility that guards your health and safety at all times.

    Before any active rehab begins, programs on your list of options should conduct comprehensive mental health and physical health assessments. Such assessments are the only way to identify all the factors that can affect the choice of effective treatments.

    When making inquiries over the phone or in person, make sure to ask all relevant questions that come to mind. Reputable programs won’t mind this level of scrutiny. In fact, they’ll welcome it. At this stage, veterans and the parents of teenagers should also make sure their preferred programs offer treatments designed to fit their particular circumstances.

    No matter your background, you should also look for programs with a holistic treatment philosophy. Such programs treat you as a whole person, not just someone suffering from Dilaudid addiction. By offering additional supportive care, they increase your odds of recovering and returning to a life built upon enduring sobriety. Popular, effective options for holistic addiction care include stress management, yoga and biofeedback.

    Top programs also typically offer options for after-care. These follow-up treatments give you the chance to check in periodically, get a picture of your current health and renew your resolve to stay sober.

    The bottom line in addiction treatment is taking action. Once you identify your preferred program options, you must continue your efforts by making contact and pursuing your goals for short- and long-term sobriety. Such an engaged approach will help you find the very best program for your needs. It will also help you weather the ups and downs of treatment, make progress and keep going strong once your enrollment comes to an end.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • "Chrisley Knows Best" Star Todd Chrisley's Son Arrested on Drug Charges

    "Chrisley Knows Best" Star Todd Chrisley's Son Arrested on Drug Charges

    Kyle Chrisley was reportedly booked into Okmulgee County Jail for felony possession of methamphetamine.

    Kyle Chrisley, the eldest son of real estate businessman and reality television star Todd Chrisley, was arrested on drug possession charges in Oklahoma, where police also found that he had an open warrant for his arrest in Georgia for alleged death threats against his estranged wife, Alexus.

    Chrisley struggled with drug dependency during his appearances on the first season of his father’s series, the USA Network’s Chrisley Knows Best, in 2014, but TMZ noted that the death threat allegations stem from texts sent to Alexus in which he reportedly wrote that he would “end [her].” 

    Following the news of Kyle’s arrest, Todd Chrisley wrote on social media that he “had no room for regret.”

    According to TMZ, Kyle Chrisley was booked into Okmulgee County Jail for felony possession of methamphetamine, and was held on an open warrant for the alleged threats in Dekalb County, Georgia. TMZ was not able to confirm whether Chrisley was still in lockup in Oklahoma as of May 11, 2019.

    In regard to the threats, TMZ obtained documents that included allegations that Kyle had penned several threatening texts to Alexus. One reportedly read, “[N]ot before I end you…. I will get my s**t and take care if this problem with you because if I’m not with you nobody will be [sic].” According to a police affidavit, Alexus received texts that also showed Kyle with a weapon pointed at his head and using drugs.

    When told by Alexus via text that such statements constituted a “threat to my life,” Kyle reported responded by writing, “yes: it was. Goodbye.” A warrant issued by a judge in Georgia in January was still open as of the time of his arrest in May.

    Todd Chrisley, who required Kyle to undergo weekly drug testing during his appearance on Chrisley Knows Best, tweeted on May 11 – the same day that TMZ revealed that Kyle had been arrested – that he “had no room for regret, I won’t dim my light so someone else can shine brighter, I am a child of God and he did not build me to break, therefore I stand head held high to serve his purpose.” 

    Previous public exchanges between Chrisley and his father have been less carefully worded. When Kyle blasted Todd in a 2014 interview for the Daily Mail, in which he alleged that his father had “ruined [him] and he’s ruined the three other kids he’s had, who are spoiled,” Todd responded by tweeting that “my son Kyle is bipolar, he suffers from mental illness, he will struggle for life, Yes, the Daily mail prayed [sic] on this to sell a story…” 

    View the original article at thefix.com