Answer Addiction

Category: Addiction News

  • Mother’s Day: Recovery, Love, and Light

    Mother’s Day: Recovery, Love, and Light

    At night, tucking my kids into bed, I would make a deal with myself: hold on just a little longer until they needed me a little less and then I could go through with my suicide plan.

    Mother’s Day is Mothering Day, isn’t it? A day that honors all of us who mother our children—loving, caretaking, nurturing, offering our time and energy, setting aside more selfish pursuits and pleasures to help support our children’s journeys. Of course, we love receiving the homemade, crayoned cards, the store-bought roses or dandelion bouquets, and the pancakes delivered in bed (even with kitchen disasters). These gifts remind us of our essential role in our children’s lives. But for me? Mother’s Day is my chance to offer my gratitude that I am now a sober and stable force of love, hope, and healing for my children.

    Almost 10 years ago, I started writing my blog, Momma May Be Mad, during a complete bipolar collapse: I was anorexic, alcoholic, in and out of psychiatric hospitals and rehabs, and determined to die. But what anchored me to this world were words; more specifically, my blog, a public journal that allowed me to wrestle openly with the lies and the truths of illness and wellness, of despair and hope, of isolation and community.

    At the time, recovery seemed an impossible and cruel promise: light and hope and love would always be just out of reach and I believed it would be better for my children if I died. In the morning, I woke up too early and at night went to bed too late because of a ruminative argument that forced this point: How could I ever be a safe and loving harbor for my children when I was the storm threatening to smash us all against the rocks? I did not believe that I could get sober and stable and well enough to mother my children into their own growing, complex, miraculous lives.Rather than feeling like a mother, a source of creative nurturing power, I felt like one of the furies, a toxic destructive cyclone.

    Do you know that “mother” also refers to the thick scummy substance in liquor, the filthy dregs? This truly was how I thought of myself. At night, tucking my kids into bed, I would make a deal with myself: hold on just a little longer until they needed me a little less and then I could go through with my suicide plan.

    My first post was a manifesto to truth. For years I’d been lying about how much I drank, how often I cut myself, how little I’d eaten, and how I was planning to die. It was a way to hold myself accountable to a deliberate, intentional, and public directive: to recover my health, my balance, and most importantly my integrity. My aim was nothing less than radical transparency:

    March 1, 2010: Truth: Here I am, Self and the Blank Page, fingers nervously typing. Time to write this down, to deal with the shame and the self-loathing, and turn it around. This is the story of IT: ‘IT’ is my abstract pronoun, the catch-all for my variety of afflictions. IT inhabits capital letters, an impassive, unfeeling monolith. In contrast, ‘I,’ (or for your sake, ‘me,’) who lives in love, in forgiveness, and in the shrieks of pleasure I hear coming from my kids right now in their playroom. I am thirty-seven years old, the Momma of two, the wife of one, and I have bipolar disorder, and eating disorder. Oh yes, and the nasty habit of cutting myself. And drinking, too much. I am in therapy, on mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, and sleep meds. But what I must accept: Life on Life’s Terms. No mere 12 Step cliché, but practical truth. I’m ragged and frayed and scattered, fractured and splintered by shame. I want to be whole for my children.

    My essential sacred directive was to stay alive. Short-term goals at first. Stay alive for my son’s cookie crumb, sloppy kisses, his warm hand on my cheek, his tiny body finding mine at night, spooning up against me. He needed me in the primal way four-year-olds need their Mommas, close and tight. He is my son, and, at the time, I was his sun—the one he revolved around. When I picked him up from preschool, he would tackle me and say, “I love you Momma. Will you marry me?” A sincere proposal—live together forever.

    And to stay alive for my daughter who needed me more and differently as she navigated the intricacies of being a seven-year-old who preferred dragons, bugs, and furry creatures over Hannah Montana, the Jonas Brothers, and boyfriend-girlfriend role playing. And then there were the rapid-fire, shifting friendships that often relegated her to third-in-line best friend. My heart broke over and over as she tearfully told me that she had “a funny feeling in her belly all day long,” and wanted to move far away. “Vermont,” she said, “or Greece.”In her Mother’s Day Card from that year, she wrote that I made yummy muffins, was, contrary to fact, good at mathematics, loved when I tickled, hugged, and kissed her, and that she “relly relly relly relly relly relly relly relly relly relly relly relly” loved me.

    Twelve relly’s.

    Stay here and love us, forever: this was the sacred directive given to me by my children.

    In the years since that public declaration, I’ve done the hard work in therapy, I take my meds, respect my body (no cutting, no starving), got sober, and continue to write my way out of hell and into health. Sobriety and stability are clarifying and being a Mother in recovery means showing our children that they don’t have to stay stuck in a bad situation. By our own example one day at a time, we show them how to persevere, to stay hopeful, to recover and thrive after what seems insurmountable failure. 

    I am mostly happy these days and can hardly remember those years foundering at the bottom of the dark well, the years I believed I would never find joy again, never be the mother I wanted to be for my children again, never write another word that mattered again, never look forward to the next day and the day after that again. Now? I know that I am not (and never was) the scummy, filthy dreg at the bottom of a bottle of booze, and that while I might have been a mad Momma for a time, I have always been loved. Now? I am the safe harbor, my steady beacon blinking: Here-Here-Here-Always Here-Always Here-Always Here.

    Bipolar disorder is not curable, but it is manageable; sobriety is hard even on the easy days; and I fought to regain my life and my life with my children.

    Know this to be true: if you are where I was, please do not despair because you are worth fighting for, skinned knuckles and scraped knees, bruises and blood. Fight for your life, your joy, your own self-love. The world wants you back, the light is waiting, and your children are here.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Rob Lowe Reflects On 29 Years Of Sobriety

    Rob Lowe Reflects On 29 Years Of Sobriety

    The actor shared a message of positivity on Instagram as he celebrated the milestone.

    Actor Rob Lowe celebrated 29 years sober from drugs and alcohol in an Instagram post. In the caption of a photo of his younger self, he left some encouraging words to anyone who finds themselves on a similar path to his.

    “Today I celebrate 29 years of sobriety. Thank you to all those who have inspired me on this wonderful, challenging and life-changing journey,” he captioned the post. “If you, or someone you know, are struggling with alcohol or addiction, there CAN be a future of hope, health and happiness. And it comes one day at a time. #recovery #ItWorks.”

    His post was well-received by fans with over 82,000 likes, including support from big names like actress Demi Moore and supermodel Naomi Campbell. Lowe’s own brother, Chad, also pitched in: “Congratulations!!! Thanks for saving me a seat!!”

    Lowe’s son, Johnny, posted in support of his father. “So proud of you. Love you,” wrote Johnny.

    Lowe’s alcohol use led him to some dark places, including a 1988 sex tape of himself with a 16-year-old girl in Atlanta, where he was supposed to appear in support of Michael Dukakis at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. He says the incident helped him realize how far he had fallen.

    “It ends up being the greatest thing that ever happened to me,” he said in a 2011 interview with Oprah. “Because what it ends up doing is accelerating my alcohol [addiction] to where I finally get sober. I have been able to have the rest of my life that I’m so blessed with, which is now 20 years of sobriety.”

    The Parks and Recreation star has been open about his struggles, including how he problematically replaced his substance addictions with exercise.

    “It became an outlet for all of the tension, stresses, compulsivity,” said Lowe. “I funneled the addiction, frankly, into that.”

    Eventually Lowe was able to approach exercise with a healthier mentality, integrating it as a way to understand himself.

    “I don’t want to have the smoothie stand. I don’t want to look at beautiful women when I work out. I like the forced mental solitude of it,” said Lowe. “Inevitably, it will force you to start working through things you’re not going to if you’re listening to Jay-Z.”

    Most importantly, he was able to admit to himself that he exercised for the wrong reason—to look good.

    “Men deny having vanity—that’s the greatest vanity. Not me. I’m vain as fuck,” confessed Lowe.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • 5 Steps to an Alcohol-Free Life

    5 Steps to an Alcohol-Free Life

    Recovering from alcohol involves much more than just eliminating alcohol from your daily or weekly routine. The reason many people fail to succeed at alcohol detox is that they weren’t mentally or physically prepared for the challenges.  Living an alcohol-free life takes determination and a strong support structure.  Recovery is also dependent on having a realistic viewpoint on the emotional and behavioral aspects of life that contributed to the addiction.

    What are the Biggest Challenges in Alcohol Detox?

    The most difficult challenge, of course, is getting through withdrawals without taking a drink. To remedy this problem, a professional detox program is your best option. First of all, highly skilled detox specialists and medical staff monitor the process 24/7 to ensure that you are progressing safely and comfortably. Secondly, you are secure in an environment that allows no access to addictive substances. Therefore, your chance of success in enjoying an alcohol-free life is significantly increased.

    Other challenges include learning to enjoy daily life without alcohol present and accepting the fact that you need support and guidance from friends or loved ones that you may have hurt in some way during your addiction.

    Things You Can Do to Make the Transition Easier

    Below are five suggestions for things you can do to get through alcohol detox successfully and then maintain an alcohol-free life for the long-term:

    • Be Emotionally Prepared

    Before you begin your quest for an alcohol-free life, you must be emotionally prepared. For instance, there will be good days, and there will be bad days. Prepare yourself to face the bad days without giving in to temptation.  No one said this would be easy. But, the hard part doesn’t last forever. Recovery is a process, a journey. There is no specific deadline to reach. Allow yourself to have a bad day, but also do your best to keep on track. When the next bad day comes along, you’ll know you can get through it.  An alcohol-free life is not a destination; it is a journey you take each day.

    • Be Physically Prepared

    Alcohol takes a toll on a person’s physical well-being in many ways. As a result, the body responds by making you think it needs more alcohol to feel better. You can counteract this response by eating nutritious meals. In addition to a healthy diet, an exercise routine is a great way to increase stamina and relieve stress. These are powerful tools to use in the battle against alcoholism.

    • Don’t Go It Alone

    It takes a strong person to admit that they need help. Most of us think the opposite is true. The truth is, without help, your chance of living an alcohol-free life is questionable. A friend or loved one can be there when you have a terrible day and prevent you from taking just “one little drink.” Ultimately, without a supportive person nearby, that one little drink could result in total relapse.

    • Stay Busy and Have Fun

    Another critical point to remember about staying sober is that you need to keep busy and find new interests and hobbies. By all means, stay away from events or places that promote alcoholic beverages. Why tempt yourself before you are sure of your ability to abstain?  Take time to try new forms of entertainment.

    • Join an Aftercare Program

    In many cases, your support team consists of people who don’t drink. For this reason, they can’t completely relate to your situation and give the exact amount of support you need. An aftercare program offers recovering alcoholics a safe place to meet and discuss their experiences together. Their tips and advice can be valuable to you during this sensitive period. Because of their experiences with alcohol, these individuals understand what you’re going through. Therefore, they can more easily relate to your situation.

    An Alcohol-Free Life Can be Yours to Enjoy

    There are many more things you can do to prepare physically and emotionally for the challenges of alcohol detox.  It is essential that you keep in mind that recovery is possible. Millions of people succeed in giving up alcohol, and they now enjoy an alcohol-free life. It’s your turn. Let us help you make it happen.  Contact us soon at the toll-free number we’ve provided, and let’s get you started on your new life.

    Resources:

    helpguide.org – Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

    https://medlineplus.gov – Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

    View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

  • Beacon Health Options Behavioral Health Coverage Guide

    Beacon Health Options Behavioral Health Coverage Guide

    If you’re looking into the Beacon Health Options network for alcohol treatment, our guide can help.

    Table of Contents

    1. Pros and Cons of Beacon Health Options Health Insurance
    2. Beacon Health Options Alcohol Abuse Care
    3. Beacon Health Options Substance Abuse Coverage
    4. Beacon Health Options Mental Health Providers
    5. Using Beacon Health Options in Network Mental Health Emergency Services
    6. Behavioral Health Inpatient and Outpatient Services
    7. Does Beacon Health Options Cover Substance Abuse Treatment Aftercare?
    8. Choosing Beacon Health Options in Network Providers
    9. Types of Behavioral Health Services Beacon May Not Cover
    10. How to Find Beacon Health Options Alcohol Rehab Centers and Mental Health Services

    Beacon Health Options, which used to be known as Value Options, is a company devoted to good mental and behavioral health. The Beacon network is made up of facilities, physicians, nurses, patient advocates, and other professionals who help meet the social, behavioral, and emotional needs of individuals and employees in large companies.

    The Beacon insurance plans for mental and behavioral health include coverage for alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, rehab, and other behavioral health treatments. Because mental health issues are sometimes emergencies, the plans also cover these situations, when emergency room treatment or out-of-network providers are needed.

    Pros and Cons of Beacon Health Options Health Insurance

    One of the best things about Beacon Health is that it provides coverage for a variety of behavioral health needs. Many other insurance programs make mental illness, addiction, and behavioral conditions secondary to physical health. If you have struggled to get covered for behavioral health, this is a great company that will better meet your needs.

    Another pro of working with Beacon Health Options PPO and other coverage plans is that you get access to useful online tools and resources. These include things like educational materials about opioid addiction and overdose, depression treatment, ADHD, and suicide. You can also use Beacon’s guides for reducing alcohol consumption, identifying mental health warning signs, Beacon Health strategies for managing stress, and integrated care.

    Beacon also has a unique feature that is beneficial in a variety of situations. This is coverage for so-called surprise bills. If your Beacon Health Options substance abuse care was administered by an out-of-network provider, but you either had no choice or had not been fairly informed of the provider’s network status, you may get coverage for the surprise bill you get as a result.

    If there are any cons to using Beacon Health insurance, it is that this company focuses on behavioral, not physical, health. So you may need this plan as well as another health insurance plan to cover all your behavioral and physical health needs.

    Beacon Health Options Alcohol Abuse Care

    Beacon Health Options alcohol abuse coverage includes top-notch treatment with in-network providers. You should be able to find the right treatment plan for your needs within the network. Make sure you understand your plan’s coverage and options so that you don’t end up being responsible for more than you can afford.

    Treatment options for alcohol abuse include rehab, the traditional residential style of treatment, as well as outpatient services, intensive outpatient programs, and regular addiction counseling and therapy. Keep in mind that many of Beacon’s plans are offered to you in conjunction with other insurance companies. This can influence coverage.

    Beacon Health Options Substance Abuse Coverage

    Beacon health options drug addiction and substance abuse providers are among the best at what they do. The Beacon network includes addiction experts, rehab facilities, outpatient treatment plans and therapists, and inpatient services. Getting treatment for substance abuse and addiction is important, so don’t let questions about insurance and coverage hold you back. Contact Beacon to find out what exactly is covered with your plan and where you can go immediately for good in-network care.

    Beacon Health Options Mental Health Providers

    Behavioral health is the focus of Beacon Health insurance, and this includes the treatment of mental illnesses. For example, Beacon Health Options depression care may include prescription coverage for antidepressants, the costs of ongoing therapy, or possibly even a stay at a residential rehab facility or hospitalization in a mental health crisis. What coverage you can expect for mental and behavioral health depends on your plan.

    Using Beacon Health Options in Network Mental Health Emergency Services

    A mental illness, or a substance use disorder or behavioral condition, can cause emergency situations. You may have a mental health crisis or overdose on a drug and need emergency care to be stabilized. Beacon Health’s network providers offer 24-hour access to clinical staff that can help you right away. They can provide guidance, advice, mental health care, medical care, and can direct you to the nearest emergency room.

    Beacon defines an emergency as a situation in which you are in extreme danger, you could be severely impaired, you could have serious dysfunction of an organ, or you could be severely disfigured. Your plan should include emergency services as long as is administered by Beacon and has a provider network feature. Your cost for emergency services through an out-of-network provider should not be higher than they would be if you had been able to get to someone in the network for care.

    Behavioral Health Inpatient and Outpatient Services

    When you’re struggling with a behavioral health issue, such as addiction or a mental illness, you will need to choose between receiving inpatient and outpatient care. One important consideration should be the coverage in your Beacon Health Options plan. Read your plan carefully and call if you have questions regarding cost sharing and coverage before making this important choice.

    Generally, if you have a Beacon plan you can get coverage for inpatient rehab through an in-network facility. This kind of care may include drug detox treatment, medication or medical care if appropriate, and assessment and screening, therapy, and support services for alcohol or drug recovery.

    The same is true of outpatient services. If you choose providers from within the network, your treatment should be covered. Outpatient services allow you to stay at home while receiving treatment. Treatment may include medical care, medications, therapy, and counseling.

    Does Beacon Health Options Cover Substance Abuse Treatment Aftercare?

    If you choose an inpatient treatment facility for substance abuse, alcohol addiction, or even a severe mental illness, you should ask about aftercare. Aftercare services are any additional services that you may receive as you transition from rehab to your home. This can be a tough transition to make, and can lead to relapses if not handled well.

    Aftercare may include ongoing outpatient therapy, substance abuse counseling, group and family therapy, and other services. Check with Beacon Health to find out if your insurance plan will cover any of these important services that will help you get back on your feet.

    Choosing Beacon Health Options in Network Providers

    Beacon is comprised of more than one network of behavioral healthcare providers. Be sure that you understand your plan and know how to determine if a physician or other health professional is in your particular network. Beacon includes many great providers for treating alcohol addiction, substance abuse, and mental illnesses. You should be able to find an alcohol rehab or outpatient provider that can help you.

    If you choose a provider for care that is outside the Beacon network, you could be responsible for additional costs. This is known as cost-sharing. Your plan may cover some of the cost of that out-of-network treatment, but the rest will be up to you to pay. How much, if any, is covered depends on your particular plan and network.

    Types of Behavioral Health Services Beacon May Not Cover

    Even if you have the best level of Beacon behavioral health rehab coverage, you may find that there are some services that are not covered. Any of these services or types of treatments that you feel is important for your well-being will have to be paid for out-of-pocket. Your plan will outline what is covered and give you an idea of what is not, but the best way to know for sure before you book the treatment is to call and ask.

    Some examples of things that are not likely to be covered by Beacon Health Options are luxury rehabs. These are considered to be beyond what you truly need for good behavioral health. You may also expect to have to pay for your own private room or any luxury, or extra, services in rehab. These could be things like salon services, massage, or exercise classes. Just because they are not likely to be covered does not mean these services aren’t good for you. You can always call and find out if something you think would help falls within your plan’s coverage.

    How to Find Beacon Health Options Alcohol Rehab Centers and Mental Health Services

    To use your Beacon health insurance to your greatest advantage, know your plan. Read it thoroughly and call the company if you still have questions about what is covered and the services you can receive at no cost or with a co-pay. With that information you will be ready to make better choices about the treatment you receive for alcohol addiction, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

    Start by searching the in-network options. You should be able to access a Beacon Health Options mental health professionals list to help with your search. Decide if you want inpatient or outpatient care, and narrow down your options. Consider practical factors like any cost-sharing responsibilities you’ll have with a particular provider or service and the location. Then you can narrow your list down further by considering the exact kind of treatment you need and the providers you prefer.

    Beacon Health Options behavioral health coverage is an important tool for your overall wellness. The more you understand your plan, the better you will be able to make good choice for your mental health needs. Rely on in-network providers when possible and get the treatment you need without worrying about costs.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Luxury Rehab Guide for Xanax Addiction

    Luxury Rehab Guide for Xanax Addiction

    Use this guide to learn how to recognize a Xanax addiction and what to consider when looking for a rehab.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Xanax and How is it Used?
    2. Possible Symptoms of Xanax/Alprazolam Use
    3. Xanax Dependence
    4. Xanax Addiction
    5. Potential Symptoms of Xanax Abuse/Addiction
    6. The First Phase of Addiction Recovery
    7. Continuation in an Addiction Treatment Program
    8. Inpatient Options Vs. Outpatient Options
    9. Evidence-Based Options for Treatment and Recovery
    10. Choosing Your Destination for Addiction Rehab

    If you’re addicted to the anti-anxiety medication Xanax, help from knowledgeable recovery specialists should be number one on your list of immediate goals. However, like many people, you may find it difficult to sort through all of your rehab options and make good decisions about where to seek addiction treatment. This is a critical stage, since appropriate care lays the foundation for your ultimate success in rehabilitation.

    Fortunately, there are widely accepted standards for the effective treatment of Xanax-related problems. Any program you choose should meet those rehab standards as a bare minimum for consideration. However, to make the most of your recovery efforts, it’s best to select a program that exceeds the norm and provides a higher level of care.

    To choose a superior Xanax rehabilitation option, you must know how your substance abuse affects your health. You must also gain an understanding of the most up-to-date forms of addiction treatment. In addition, you must know how to recognize programs that truly represent the cutting edge of what’s available for successful rehab.

    What is Xanax and How is it Used?

    Xanax is a well-known, brand-name prescription drug that contains the benzodiazepine

    alprazolam as its active ingredient. Like all benzodiazepines, it falls into a larger group of medications classified as tranquilizers, sedative-hypnotics or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety treatments). Tranquilizers, sedatives and anxiolytics produce their effects by slowing down the normal pace of communication inside your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

    This slowdown is triggered because Xanax and other benzodiazepines increase your brain’s supply of a chemical known as GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid. Inside your nervous system, this chemical serves as a kind of braking mechanism to prevent overactivity. When GABA levels rise, the rate of nerve signaling inside your brain and spinal cord drops off. The end result is an increased sense of relaxation, calm or sedation (a medical term for reduced agitation or irritability).

    From the standpoint of chemical structure, all benzodiazepines look fairly similar. However, even minor details in their structure can affect how they act inside your body. One of the big differences is the speed with which specific types of these medications reach your bloodstream after you take them. Various benzodiazepines also differ in the time it takes to produce a drug effect inside your brain. In addition, these medications differ in how long it takes your body to break them down and get rid of them.

    Finally, individual benzodiazepines are used for different medical purposes. Doctors use some of these medications to treat conditions known as anxiety disorders. Other benzodiazepines are used to treat the symptoms of seizure disorders. Patients may also receive a prescription drug of this type as a treatment for severe insomnia or alcohol withdrawal.

    Like all alprazolam-based products, Xanax is prescribed for the treatment of various kinds of anxiety disorders. It’s especially indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, an anxiety-based illness marked by recurring panic attacks. You may also receive the medication as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome or clinical depression.Doctors may prescribe Xanax in the form of a standard tablet or an extended-release tablet. Both the standard and extended-relief formulas come in a range of dosage strengths.

    Xanax/alprazolam is classified as a fast-to intermediate-acting benzodiazepine. This means that it has an effect on your system relatively soon once consumed. The medication is also eliminated from your system faster than longer-acting tranquilizers and sedatives.

    Besides Xanax, there is no other brand-name medication in the U.S. with alprazolam as an active ingredient. However, generic alprazolam products are available. When sold, obtained or used illegally, Xanax and alprazolam may go by street names that include:

    • Xannies (also Zannies)
    • Bars
    • Z-bars
    • Xanbars (or Zanbars)
    • Handlebars
    • Blue Footballs
    • Totem Poles

    Xanax is one of the world’s most widely prescribed medications. Annual prescriptions in the U.S. alone consistently surpass 20 million. No other benzodiazepine approaches this level of use.

    Possible Symptoms of Xanax/Alprazolam Use

    Use of Xanax or other alprazolam products can lead to the onset of a variety of side effects. The most common symptoms include:

    • Nausea
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Fatigue
    • Painful joints
    • Unexplained changes in your weight
    • Constipation
    • Altered sexual performance or sex drive
    • Concentration problems
    • An irritable mental state
    • Headaches
    • Unusual talkativeness
    • Urination problems
    • Increased or decreased saliva output
    • Unexplained alterations in your normal appetite

    These symptoms only warrant medical attention if they become intense or persist instead of fading away.

    Other possible symptoms of Xanax use are always viewed as medically serious. Potential problems here include:

    • Loss of your normal ability to balance or coordinate your movements
    • Convulsions or seizures
    • Jaundice
    • A confused mental state
    • Unexplained alterations of your normal mood or behavior
    • A depressed mental state
    • Disrupted memory
    • Severe rashes on your skin
    • Hallucinations
    • Shortness of breath
    • Thoughts of self-harm
    • Active suicidal behavior

    Immediate attention is needed to address these symptoms.

    Xanax/alprazolam does not carry the same elevated overdose risks as longer-acting benzodiazepines, which can accumulate in your system over time. However, overdoses are still possible. Symptoms you may experience during such an episode include a confused mental state, loss of normal body coordination, sleepiness and unconsciousness. A severe Xanax overdose can kill you.

    Your risks for overdosing on Xanax rise substantially if you combine alprazolam with alcohol or an opioid drug or medication. That’s true because these substances also slow down your central nervous system. If this activity decline passes a certain point, you can stop breathing or experience other life-threatening symptoms. Xanax and other benzodiazepines play a role in close to one out of every three opioid overdoses.

    Xanax Dependence

    Even when you take Xanax/alprazolam for a short-period of time at prescribed amounts, you can become dependent on the medication. From a medical perspective, dependence occurs when your brain has accepted a given street drug or prescription drug as a normal part of its chemical makeup. If you stop taking the medication at this point, you will likely experience symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Withdrawal can also be triggered if you make significant reductions in your established alprazolam intake. Your risks for dependence generally increase if you take more than 4 mg of this prescription drug for longer than three months.

    The most serious potential symptom of Xanax/alprazolam withdrawal is seizures. Chances of developing seizures are greatest in a two- to three-day period following complete stoppage of medication intake. Other symptoms you may experience include:

    • Increased sweating
    • Insomnia
    • Muscle tremors
    • Muscle cramps or twitches
    • Unusual light or sound sensitivity
    • Vomiting
    • Loose stools
    • An altered sense of smell
    • Concentration problems
    • Headaches
    • Blurry vision
    • A depressed mental state
    • Uncharacteristic acts of aggression
    • An irritable or nervous state of mind
    • Unexplained appetite loss and weight loss
    • Abnormal nerve sensations (e.g., burning, tingling, numbness or pain) in your feet or hands

    It’s important to know that you can develop Xanax or generic alprazolam dependence and experience withdrawal without being addicted. Dependence differs from addiction because it’s a medically manageable condition. If any problems arise, your doctor can make treatment adjustments that help keep you functional and stable. Proper care will also help you avoid developing any issues with Xanax withdrawal.

    Xanax Addiction

    Unlike dependence, Xanax addiction is marked by an uncontrolled and clearly damaging pattern of alprazolam use. Some people develop addictions to the drug even when taking it according to their doctor’s orders. However, many others abuse the medication in one way or another.

    If you don’t have a prescription for Xanax or its generic equivalent, any amount of intake qualifies as a form of medication abuse. If you have a current prescription, you can abuse alprazolam by taking it in excessive amounts at the same time and/or taking it too often.

    Xanax addiction is one of many possible forms of an illness known as sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorder. Terms for the disorder also cover cases of life-disrupting alprazolam abuse that don’t involve clinical addiction.

    Potential Symptoms of Xanax Abuse/Addiction

    There are 11 possible symptoms of this form of Xanax abuse/addiction. To meet the minimal terms for making a diagnosis, at least two of these symptoms must affect you within the space of 365 days. Things that doctors and addiction specialists look for include:

    • Recurring consumption of excessive doses of Xanax/alprazolam
    • Recurring incidents of overly frequent Xanax/alprazolam intake
    • Lack of change in a pattern of prescription drug use that you know to be the source of damaging mental and/or physical alterations
    • Lack of change in a pattern of prescription drug use that you know to be the source of damaged personal or social relationships
    • A switch to Xanax abuse as a preferred form of leisure or recreation
    • The appearance of Xanax cravings while you’re engaged in other activities
    • ·Spending large chunks of your day obtaining or taking the prescription drug, or recovering from its effects
    • A habit of taking alprazolam in circumstances that put your health or the health of others at physical risk
    • Diminishing drug effects (i.e., tolerance) from any habitual dose of the prescription drug
    • A level of medication intake that leaves you unable or unwilling to fulfill important responsibilities
    • Appearance of the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal if you lower or halt your Xanax intake

    Your doctor may categorize your abuse/addiction symptoms as mild, moderate or severe. Mild cases involve no more than three of the diagnosable symptoms, while moderate cases involve four or five symptoms. The number of symptoms in severely affected people can range from six to 11.

    The First Phase of Addiction Recovery

    The first phase of successful Xanax rehab is detoxification (detox) in a medically supervised center or facility. No matter what kind of substance you abuse, detox is designed to allow you to decrease your intake in a safe manner. This gradual process has no set timeline. However, since alprazolam gets eliminated from your system at a fairly rapid pace, Xanax detox takes less time than it would with a longer-acting benzodiazepine.

    Prescription drugs are used to ease the detox-related effects of certain kinds of substance problems. However, this is not the case with alprazolam and other benzodiazepines. Instead, your addiction treatment and rehabilitation will center on the gradual reduction of your medication intake. This gradual approach to Xanax detox helps you steer clear of seizures and other possible withdrawal symptoms. While you go through detox, your doctor may also switch you from Xanax to Valium (diazepam), which is used because it has a relatively small drug effect inside your system.

    Complete drug abstinence is often the goal of treatment for problems related to addiction. This means that detox continues until the substance in question has completely left your body. However, doctors who treat alprazolam-related problems don’t always view abstinence as their goal. Instead, they may try to return their patients to a controlled, beneficial pattern of benzodiazepine use. This is true because Xanax or other benzodiazepines may still provide the best possible treatment for ongoing anxiety disorders or other health issues.

    Continuation in an Addiction Treatment Program

    The standard next step for all people who complete Xanax detox is treatment in a center for addiction rehabilitation. There are important reasons why follow-up rehab is the universal recommendation.

    First, when you enter a Xanax rehab program, you reduce the odds that you will relapse back into a pattern of excessive benzodiazepine consumption. That’s due, in part, to lack of availability of a substance quantity that supports abuse. The addiction treatment you receive in a Xanax rehabilitation center also plays a major role in reducing relapse risks. In addition, when you’re enrolled in an addiction program, you have a greater chance of staying away from situations and circumstances that make you more likely to abuse alprazolam.

    Inpatient Options Vs. Outpatient Options

    If you suffer from the worst possible effects of sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorder, treatment may begin in a hospital setting. However, most people start their active rehab in an outpatient center or an inpatient center. Outpatient treatment does not require you to live at a facility while receiving care. Instead, you can stay at home while making periodic visits to the site of your program. This option is usually reserved for people in recovery from mild Xanax addiction.

    Inpatient programs take place at a residential rehab center. Throughout the timeline of this type of active addiction treatment, you will live onsite and participate on a daily, structured basis. A residential approach to care gives doctors and support staff a round-the-clock ability to assess your condition. It also gives them the opportunity to identify any complications and provide immediate help for emergencies. In addition, participation in inpatient Xanax rehabilitation makes it easier for your doctor to fine-tune every aspect of your recovery efforts.

    Moderate and severe cases of Xanax addiction are usually best addressed through rehabilitation with the inpatient model of care. The same recommendation also applies to most people who have significant mental health issues in addition to alprazolam-related problems. Even if you only have mild abuse/addiction symptoms, you may do better in inpatient rehab treatment. Reasons for making this choice include inadequate recovery support in your home environment and a desire to avoid daily sources of stress during recovery.

    Evidence-Based Options for Treatment and Recovery

    As with benzodiazepine detox, prescription drugs do not play a prominent role in active rehabilitation and recovery from alprazolam abuse. Instead, inpatient and outpatient rehab centers rely on a mixture of basic medical support and behavioral therapy. Therapies in this category get their name because they aim to help you undo damaging behaviors and replace them with alternatives that support your health and well-being.

    Three therapy options for benzodiazepine addiction are supported by solid, research-based evidence: motivation-based treatments, psychoeducation and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Motivation-based approaches like motivational enhancement therapy help you get clear about the reasons for participating in substance rehab. They can also help you maintain your drive for a successful recovery during the inevitable ups and downs of treatment.

    In psychoeducation, you and your family members increase your understanding of how addiction and addiction rehab treatment work. This approach also gives you encouragement to act as your own advocate and vent any frustrations about what’s happening to you. In addition, psychoeducation can provide important reinforcement for other forms of rehab and therapy you receive.

    CBT is one of the most widely used therapy options for people recovering from substance problems. In its beginning stages, this form of counseling focuses on improving your understanding of how Xanax abuse/addiction became part of your life. As the therapy continues, you will learn effective tools and coping mechanisms for recognizing and avoiding reactions that contribute to you addiction-focused behaviors.

    Choosing Your Destination for Addiction Rehab

    With all this information at your disposal, you can now begin to determine which rehab centers meet your needs for recovery from Xanax addiction. When compiling your list of options, include only those programs that follow the accepted standard of care for benzodiazepine-related problems. That includes medical support and the use of evidence-based behavioral therapy. In all cases, Xanax rehab treatment should be administered by doctors and staff members with provable expertise in addiction care.

    When you ask a recovery center how treatment begins, the answer should always be a thorough assessment of your addiction symptoms and your physical and mental health. The understanding gained from such an assessment is crucial to the creation of an appropriate Xanax rehabilitation plan. Without that understanding, treatment would be little more than a guessing game.

    In addition to grounding themselves in the accepted basics of effective care, rehab programs on your list may offer other, customized treatment options. Such offerings are most common in holistically oriented centers that see you as a complete person with unique needs. By avoiding cookie-cutter solutions, they can substantially enhance the usefulness of the time you spend in recovery. Stress management and relaxation techniques often form the core of a holistic rehab approach. However, the range of options may be far greater at any given high-quality facility.

    Ultimately, you are responsible for your journey to sustainable addiction rehabilitation and recovery. No one else can take that obligation from you. However, by making the best possible choice for Xanax rehab, you lighten your load as much as possible. With so much at stake, it helps to know that you have experts in your corner every step of the way.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Demi Moore To Address Addiction In New Memoir

    Demi Moore To Address Addiction In New Memoir

    Moore’s upcoming memoir will examine the “real crisis point” that led her to enter rehab.

    Actress Demi Moore will tackle a host of issues, from her career and famous husbands and offspring to her struggle with addiction and body image issues in a new memoir, Inside Out.

    The book, which will be released by HarperCollins on September 24, 2019, promises to detail what Moore described in a 2018 speech as a “real crisis point” that sent her to rehabilitation.

    As Harper executive editor Jennifer Barth noted in a press release for Inside Out, the book is “first and foremost a woman’s story; that the woman in question happens to be one of the most celebrated actresses of our time only makes her journey of vulnerability, strength and self-acceptance all that more resonant.”

    Though Moore has yet to speak publicly about the contents of her book, People quoted a speech she gave in 2018 at an annual awards luncheon given by Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, a sober living facility in Los Angeles.

    Moore, who had been named woman of year by Friendly House, spoke about her return to sanity and sobriety from what she described as a “path of real self-destruction.”

    “No matter what successes I had, I just never felt good enough,” she said at the event. “This self-destructive path, it very quickly brought me to a real crisis point. And it wasn’t clear at the time the reason—maybe it was divine intervention—but two people who I barely knew stepped up and took a stand for me, and they presented me with an opportunity.”

    As Moore described it, the opportunity was more like an ultimatum. “Unless I was dead, I better show up,” she explained. “They gave me a chance to redirect the course of my life before I destroyed everything. And I’m so grateful because without that opportunity, without their belief in me, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

    In 2012, Moore was hospitalized after collapsing and experiencing a seizure-like reaction. Though the incident was initially written off as exhaustion, a recording of the 911 call from Moore’s home suggested that the actress had smoked something before going into convulsions. After her hospital stay, Moore entered rehabilitation at Cirque Lodge in Utah.

    Moore, who has resumed her acting career with appearances in Rough Night, Fox’s Empire series and the upcoming Corporate Animals, said that confronting her substance issues gave her the strength to address other, more deep-rooted problems.

    “In a moment of great struggle for me, I reached out to a wise teacher and expressed my fear that I wasn’t good enough,” she said at the 2018 event. “And she said, ‘You will never be good enough but you can know the value of your worth. Put down the measuring stick.’ So today, I put down the measuring stick.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Officer’s Fatal Overdose Prompts Question About Drug Screenings For Cops

    Officer’s Fatal Overdose Prompts Question About Drug Screenings For Cops

    The fatal overdose of an officer in Maine have many wondering how his drug use went undetected by the department.

    The fentanyl overdose death of a police officer in Maine has sparked inquiry into the drug testing policies of police departments across the state. How could Nicholas Meserve’s drug problem have gone undetected?

    The 34-year-old Lewiston police officer died of acute fentanyl intoxication on February 8, according to the state medical examiner.

    “I was kind of shocked,” said John Rogers, director of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. “I’d never seen that in my time here as a director, where you have an officer who dies of an overdose because he has a drug problem.”

    A report by the Portland Press Herald revealed that universal drug-testing policies are not the standard, but an exception in Maine.

    Only one town, Baileyville, does pre-employment drug testing, testing with probable cause and random testing. Only two others, Houlton Police and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office also conduct pre-employment drug screenings.

    In Portland, prospective police officers must complete a questionnaire on past drug use as part of the department’s rigorous hiring process. They must also undergo psychological testing and a polygraph exam. Any red flags raised in the process are investigated further, said acting Portland Police Chief Vern Malloch.

    Malloch gives a detailed overview of the Portland Police Department’s policy regarding officers’ behavior. Once they are hired, they are subject to performance reviews. Their patterns of behavior are monitored with data to detect any irregularities.

    And if there is a problem, officers have the option to seek help with an employee assistance program or a peer support system. Malloch says the department has helped officers get help for their depression and alcoholism.

    “The last thing we want to do is discourage employees from coming forward because (they think) it will cost them their job,” said Malloch. “We want employees to come forward so we can address it adequately and get the person well so they can return to being a productive officer.”

    Typically, alcohol abuse is the “more common” issue among police, says John Rogers. Between 2008-2016, the Maine Criminal Justice Academy board saw 25 cases of drug-involved criminal conduct or past actions by police or corrections officers, the Press Herald reported. In that same period, the board saw 69 alcohol cases, many of them for operating under the influence.

    As a result of Meserve’s untimely death, Lewiston Police Chief Brian T. O’Malley said the city is working with the police unions to establish a drug-testing policy so that another officer with a drug problem may not go undetected.

    As the Press Herald reports, Lewiston does offer an employee assistance program and peer support team for officers in need. They also track each officer’s use of force, how much sick time is used, job performance evaluations and complaints from the public.

    Meserve’s record made no indication that he was struggling with drug use, O’Malley said.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Can Artificial Intelligence Accurately Diagnose Childhood Depression?

    Can Artificial Intelligence Accurately Diagnose Childhood Depression?

    A new artificial intelligence algorithm could present an easier way to identify children who may be depressed or anxious.

    Although one in five children suffer from depression or anxiety, the conditions can be difficult to diagnose in kids, which is why researchers are excited about a new artificial intelligence algorithm that successfully detected depression and anxiety from children’s speech.

    “We need quick, objective tests to catch kids when they are suffering,” lead study author Ellen McGinnis, a clinical psychologist at the Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families, said in a news release. “The majority of kids under eight are undiagnosed.”

    The research, published in the Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, used a 90-minute interview to analyze children’s speech patterns. They found that certain patterns, including low-pitched voices, repeatable speech inflections and content, and a higher-pitched response to an unexpected noise, could be used to accurately identify depression and anxiety.

    “The algorithm was able to identify children with a diagnosis of an internalizing disorder with 80% accuracy, and in most cases that compared really well to the accuracy of the parent checklist,” said study author Ryan McGinnis.

    McGinnis said that the research could present a faster and easier way to identify children who may be depressed or anxious, when compared with the current means of screening for depression in kids.

    “This would be more feasible to deploy,” he said.

    This is especially important since early intervention can help treat children and avoid future complications, including substance use disorder.

    “Thanks to greater neuroplasticity, interventions can be very effective in this population if disorders are identified early in development,” study authors wrote. “However, the current healthcare referral process usually involves parents reporting problem behaviors to their pediatrician and, if functionally impairing, the child is then referred to a child psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnostic assessment.”

    This slow process results in many children being undiagnosed and not accessing the help they need.

    “Even if referred, current diagnostic assessments have been shown to capture only the most severely impaired preschoolers, but miss a large number of children who may go on to develop additional clinical impairments,” study authors added.

    Using artificial intelligence, coupled with information gathered from a sensor worn for a brief time, could be the future of diagnosing depression and anxiety in children, the study authors said.

    “These results point toward the future use of this approach for screening children for internalizing disorders so that interventions can be deployed when they have the highest chance for long-term success,” they wrote.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • How I Found My Mother Through Forgiveness

    How I Found My Mother Through Forgiveness

    I realized that in order to change my family’s lineage I would not only have to forgive everyone who ever hurt me, I would have to learn to forgive myself.

    It was early morning when the security guard at the cemetery came and used the weight of his shoulder to open the heavy gate. I drove in, making my way through a long tunnel of magnolias. The sun threw pillars of light through the canopy of trees while a gust of wind sent brown leaves spiraling along the roadside. Headstones and crypts were spread out like pop-tarts in rows across the lush green lawns. At the end of the road I turned left, driving all the way to the chain link fence where I parked my car.

    After I turned off the ignition, I took a deep breath. I got out and walked with my flip-flops snapping against the bottoms of my soles. When I got to the curb I counted five graves in and froze when I saw my mother’s name etched in a stone: Nancy Adamson, 1922 to 1960.

    Why is it, when you say “I will never be like my parents,” it’s almost like you’re giving the universe the exact coordinates for where you need to land?

    My mother was schizophrenic. At 38, she had a psychotic break, cut her wrists, and pulled a large shipping trunk over her in the bathtub where she drowned. I was only seven at the time.

    But, as if the universe had conspired against me, I was 38 and the mother of two young boys, 16 and 9, when I had my own drug-induced psychotic break. I shot my husband’s mistress in the arm and landed in jail on assault charges.

    I recently attended a conference on trauma and addiction where a renowned clinical psychiatrist said, “As children, our relationships with our parents are unconsciously imprinted on our psyche.” So yes, we are destined to repeat the same mistakes unless, and I’m paraphrasing here, we wake the fuck up.

    The process of waking up for me has been one eyelash at a time. It started 25 years ago when I was released from jail and went to live at a shelter for women and children. Up until then I had been extremely self-sufficient, but as I found myself leveled by the circumstances in my life, I started to ask for help. I was extremely fortunate to fall into a group of people who were kind to me when I needed it the most.

    The image of my mother drowning under a trunk stuffed with photographs of her children haunted me for years. I couldn’t even tell people what she had done, let alone write it down for the world to see as I’m doing now. I was deeply ashamed that she had chosen to leave this world and me behind. By the time I was a teenager I was filled with rage and as I turned to alcohol and drugs for relief, I turned that rage loose on myself.

    I blamed everybody for what was wrong with my life and became extremely fluent in Victimese. It was my mother’s fault, my father’s fault, and later it would be my husband’s fault. What I didn’t realize was this belief system that I had adopted was giving me the exact excuse I needed to use drugs and alcohol with abandon. All of my so-called justified resentments were the very things that were drowning me. And if I wanted to stay sober I would have to drop the rocks and swim to the surface.

    After a lot of therapy and self-reflection, I wrote down a list of the resentments I had toward all the people who I believed had harmed me. As I unspooled the jumbled thoughts from my mind onto paper, a clear pattern emerged: While I had been busy blaming everybody else, I had also been giving away my own power. I knew, instinctively, I would have to change that.

    And that’s how I found myself standing in front of my mother’s grave 45 years after she died.

    A lump formed in the back of my throat as I reached for the letter. I looked both ways to make sure no one was watching me before reading it out loud:

    Dearest Mom,

    It’s taken me a while to get here because I’ve been so angry that you left me like you did. I was resentful and those resentments defined my life, they defined who I became.

    I missed having a mother and I was profoundly sad but no one talked about you after you were gone.

    I wish you could have been there in my teenage years. I could have used some maternal guidance because dad clearly didn’t have a clue.

    I wish you could have been there at my wedding day. I wish you could have been there when I was pregnant and when I gave birth to my two boys. I wish you could have watched them grow up into the men they are today. You would be so proud of them. I certainly am.

    Every single thing in my life, large and small has echoed with the absence of not having you by my side. But I want you know Mom, I’m okay now. I want you know that I’ve finally learned how to move on with my life.

    Getting sober was the hardest, yet, the best thing that ever happened to me. It forced me to reconcile things I was holding on to, including my relationship with you. It seems if I wanted to be free I had to let you off the hook. And so, Mom, I’ve come here to say I’m not angry at you anymore and want you to know, I love you very, very much.

    Your Daughter Forever…

    A soft rush or air escaped my lips. I stuffed the letter in my jean pocket and turned to leave. I wasn’t struck by a lightning bolt, there was no burning bush or chariot in the sky, but I did realize that in order to change my family’s lineage I would not only have to forgive everyone who ever hurt me, I would have to learn to forgive myself.

    It didn’t happen overnight and it wasn’t easy. It took willingness combined with herculean effort, but over time, as I became more and more present for my boys, showing up for them through all their failures and successes, I eventually found the mother I had always wanted.

    She was inside of me.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Family Sues Juul For Allegedly Marketing E-Cigs To Underage Teens

    Family Sues Juul For Allegedly Marketing E-Cigs To Underage Teens

    The lawsuit is centered around a teen who reportedly didn’t know that the fruity Juul vape she was using contained nicotine.

    A 15-year-old girl and her family have filed a class action lawsuit against the popular vape company Juul over allegations that it used deceptive marketing tactics to purposely attract underage kids to their products.

    Juul has been accused of this repeatedly due to the fact that its products often come in brightly colored packaging and fruity flavors that some believe are naturally appealing to kids.

    Juul has consistently responded to similar allegations by insisting that its products were only ever intended for people who already smoke standard “combustible” cigarettes in order to help them transition away from traditional smoking.

    “Our product is intended to be a viable alternative for current adult smokers only,” a Juul spokesperson said to Rolling Stone. “We do not want non-nicotine users, especially youth, to ever try our product. To this end, we have launched an aggressive action plan to combat underage use as it is antithetical to our mission.”

    However, this class action lawsuit out of Sarasota, Florida claims that Juul knew that “e-cigarettes were not safe for nonsmokers, and posed a risk of aggravating addiction in those already addicted to cigarettes.”

    The lawsuit is centered on a 15-year-old girl called “A.N.” who alleges that she started using Juul vape products at age 14 because of the fruity flavors without knowing that they contained nicotine.

    Today, she is both addicted to nicotine and suffering from seizures allegedly caused by this addiction. The complaint accuses Juul of “mimicking Big Tobacco’s past marketing practices” and contributing to the rising rates of teen e-cigarette use.

    As the biggest e-cigarette company in the nation, holding nearly 75% of the market, Juul has already weathered accusations of worsening the rates of nicotine addiction in the U.S., particularly among young people.

    A 2018 Monitoring the Future survey found that the number of teens who vape either nicotine or cannabis products doubled in the space of a single year.

    Twenty percent of surveyed high school seniors reported using vape products that contained nicotine, and another 25% claimed that they just vaped the flavoring. However, as was the case for A.N., health experts fear that many teenagers who think they’re only using the fruity flavoring are actually consuming nicotine.

    “Teens are clearly attracted to the marketable technology and flavorings seen in vaping devices,” said National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow. “However, it is urgent that teens understand the possible effects of vaping on overall health; the development of the teen brain; and the potential for addiction.”

    The FDA is already cracking down on what is being called a teen vaping “epidemic” and has sent over 60 warning letters to Juul distributors about selling to underage kids. Juul has responded by removing most of its flavored vape products from stores.

    View the original article at thefix.com