Answer Addiction

Category: Addiction News

  • Can you get addicted to black and milds?

    Can you get addicted to black and milds?

    Yes. You can get addicted to the nicotine found in Black and Milds. Nicotine, a component of tobacco, is the primary reason that tobacco products like Black and Mild are addictive.

    But aren’t Black and Milds safer than other types of cigars? How does tobacco and nicotine affect you while smoking cigars? And is smoking cigars addictive?  We explore these questions here and invite you to ask your questions at the end.

    Are Black and Milds safer than other cigars?

    Sorry. No they are not safer. Black and Milds are a type of cigar called a “cigarillos”, which are typically smaller than regular cigar in terms of diameter and length. Black and Milds are a little bigger than little cigars and cigarettes and contain about 3 grams of tobacco each. But even though Black and Milds are smaller, they are just as harmful to you.

    Black and Milds deliver a wide range of chemicals which can modify behavior. Each Black and Mild you smoke contains cancerous chemicals, plus carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, ammonia, cadmium and nicotine. Even if the smoke is not inhaled, high levels of psychoactive chemicals like nicotine can still be absorbed into the body. And although nicotine is absorbed through the mucosal membranes in the lining of the mouth (or in accidental lung inhalation) and reaches peak blood levels and the brain more slowly, its effects are intoxicating. And it’s the nicotine (and possible other chemicals in tobacco) that can get you addicted.

    Black and Milds: What causes the “kick”?

    Immediately after exposure to nicotine, you experience a “kick” to your system. This kick is caused because nicotine stimulates the adrenal glands, causing a discharge of epinephrine (adrenaline). The rush of adrenaline stimulates the body and causes an increase in blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate which can be measured. And if you love this effect and smoke Black and Milds to get it, you are at risk of becoming addicted..

    How do you get addicted to Black and Milds?

    Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and abuse, even in the face of negative health consequences. Nicotine addiction occurs after chronic smoking or dosing over an extended period of time. If you smoke enough Black and Milds over enough time, you will NEED the nicotine in the cigar in order to function and prevent withdrawal.

    Just know that nicotine is the primary reason that tobacco products like Black and Mild are addictive. Nicotine is available in high enough quantities in cigarellos like Black and Mild to trigger physical dependence. But in addition, a psychological element of addiction (craving) is also present. It’s this compulsive nature of addiction, and the inability to withstand cravings which makes addiction so difficult to overcome.

    Additionally, the acute effects of nicotine wear off quickly, as do the associated feelings of reward. The “kick” effect of nicotine drive a smoker to continue dosing to maintain the drug’s pleasurable effects and prevent withdrawal. And although nicotine withdrawal time is different for every smoker, most symptoms will ease after the first few days and then be gone 2 weeks after you stop smoking. But nicotine addiction is not an easy habit to break. And you are not alone.

    Do you need help for Black and Mild use?

    If you think that you are smoking too many Black and Milds, you probably are. If you are asking yourself, “Why can’t I stop smoking?”  maybe it’s time to take a closer look. Please leave us a message below or send us an email and let us know how we can help you. If you’re looking for treatment, there are a number of options available to you. We can help you research local resources and get you connected to addiction professionals who can help. Just let us know!

    Reference sources: NIDA Research Report Series on Tobacco Addiction
    National Cancer Institute Cigar Smoking topic

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • New Law Allows Washington Students To Use Medical Marijuana On Campus

    New Law Allows Washington Students To Use Medical Marijuana On Campus

    Prior to the passing of the new law, students would have to leave campus and miss school to take their medication.

    The recent signing of a bill will allow students in the state of Washington to use medicinal marijuana at schools. 

    According to High Times, the signing of Ducky’s Bill by Gov. Jay Inslee will allow the use of medicinal marijuana in public schools, with a few provisions: it must be given in liquid form and can only be given by a parent of the student.  

    Previously, Inslee told K5 News that the goal of this bill is to keep students in school for more time rather than face losing that time because of having to be given their medication.

    “Currently children who need medical marijuana… have to leave school. They’re missing valuable time,” he said. 

    According to High Times, the bill is named after 9-year-old River “Ducky” Barclay of Aberdeen, Washington. Barclay suffers from a genetic disorder referred to as Batten disease. 

    Because of this, she suffers from seizures. However, when the girl was in second grade, her parents found that the use of cannabis oil decreased her seizure activity and also lead to her being more focused during her classes. 

    As a result, Barclay and her father, John, began advocating for the use of such medications on school property. Her father was present at the bill signing, but reportedly said his daughter was too sick to be present. 

    According to her father, Ducky can no longer speak and is now blind. She is not expected to live past the age of 14. However, John says, she seemed to understand when he told her the bill had been passed. 

    “All I could say was, ‘I have the good news.’ She reacted very happily to it,” he said.

    According to Washington state Rep. Brian Blake, who sponsored the bill, Ducky’s story has been inspiring. 

    “Like Ducky, there are other children in our state who struggle with seizures or other disorders and I am convinced that these bills will make their lives better,” Blake told KXRO. “It doesn’t have to be this way. We can help these kids so they can have the same opportunity to learn and enjoy school as any other Washington student.”

    For Ducky’s father, the chance to see the lives of other students improve due to his daughter’s action is meaningful.

    “It’s humbling and overwhelming,” he said.

    Similar bills have been passed in other states, the High Times reports, including New Jersey and Colorado.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Burger King Serves Unhappy Meals for Mental Health Awareness Month

    Burger King Serves Unhappy Meals for Mental Health Awareness Month

    The fast food chain wants to serve customers with meals for every mood with its “Real Meals.”

    Burger King is serving up Real Meals for Mental Health Awareness Month, giving customers who aren’t happy to eat something that better matches their head space. The meals are almost certainly a dig at McDonalds’ Happy Meals, which Burger King seems to believe do not accurately reflect the human condition.

    Instead, the May meal lineup includes a red Pissed meal, a sad Blue meal, a teal Salty meal, a purple YAAAS meal, and a black DGAF meal.

    “With the pervasive nature of social media, there is so much pressure to appear happy and perfect,” the company said in a press release. “With Real Meals, the Burger King brand celebrates being yourself and feeling however you want to feel.”

    Burger King is undertaking the stunt in partnership with a non-profit organization called Mental Health America.

    For those hoping that each meal reflects the mood labeled on the box, there’s bad news: they’re all the same on the inside. Each meal comes with a Whopper, fries and a drink. They also aren’t on the menu everywhere, only in Austin, Seattle, Miami, Los Angeles and New York.

    The campaign also includes television spots that feature people experiencing a range of emotions and the hashtag #FeelYourWay. At the end of the roughly two-minute advertisement, the campaign’s motto splashes across the screen: “No one is happy all the time, and that’s OK.”

    Some Twitter users found the whole campaign a bit tone-deaf, particularly in equating emotions like YAAAS to real mental health threats such as depression.

    “wow thank you for raising awareness about ‘yasss,’ it claims too many lives every year,” wrote one Twitter user.

    “Just punched a hole in my wall thinking about all the money I could have saved last year by just having Burger King instead of having to go to the psychiatric hospital,” posted another.

    Some felt that the campaign’s slogans and wrappers did not treat such a complex and harmful problem with due sensitivity.

    Burger King is no stranger to socio-political publicity stunts. When the Trump administration moved to end net neutrality, the fast food chain made a “social experiment” video that featured a Whopper “fast lane” to demonstrate the injustice of being able to pay for Internet speed.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • National Rating System For Addiction Treatment Being Tested In 5 States

    National Rating System For Addiction Treatment Being Tested In 5 States

    West Virginia is the latest state to announce its partnership with Shatterproof to test the rating system.

    According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 1 in 12 American adults—that’s 18.7 million people—had a substance use disorder. Yet only a fraction of them will get help.

    A pilot program is hoping to change that by setting a standard for quality addiction treatment.

    Five states have teamed up with the non-profit organization Shatterproof to test this new rating system—Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York and West Virginia.

    “People who need help for addiction don’t know what to look for or where to turn. Right now, there is more transparent and credible information about the quality of your next refrigerator than an addiction treatment program,” said Samantha Arsenault, Director of National Treatment Quality Initiatives at Shatterproof. “We are taking rating system best practices from healthcare and other business sectors and applying them to addiction treatment. This will not only provide critical information to individuals looking for care but also drive a long overdue transformation of the addiction treatment industry.”

    The goal of the Shatterproof Rating System is to take the currently fragmented treatment industry and make it more transparent and accessible.

    “The quality of care varies widely among addiction treatment programs, and individuals looking for care can’t identify high-quality programs,” said Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof. “It is time a standard be set across all of addiction treatment, and the entire system aligns behind evidence-based care.”

    Arsenault says that a majority of treatment programs in the U.S. do not offer evidence-based treatment like addiction medication. The Rating System seeks to bring this to light and encourage more access to drugs like buprenorphine within a comprehensive treatment program.

    “One concrete example of that is that we are in the wake of an opioid epidemic and yet 60% of the specialty addiction treatment programs in the U.S. don’t offer a single medication to treat opioid use disorder,” she told Government Technology.

    The Rating System will go live in 2020, according to Shatterproof’s website. All treatment facilities in the pilot states will be invited to participate by completing a Treatment Program Survey.

    West Virginia was the latest state to announce its partnership with Shatterproof to test the rating system.

    “The substance use epidemic continues to impact individuals and families across West Virginia,” said Cabinet Secretary Bill J. Crouch of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. “We believe the results of this pilot program will enable us to ensure effective, quality substance use disorder services are offered across the state, which in turn will benefit those who need our help to combat this problem.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Vince Vaughn Convicted Of Reckless Driving In DUI Arrest

    Vince Vaughn Convicted Of Reckless Driving In DUI Arrest

    The “Wedding Crashers” actor was arrested at a sobriety checkpoint in June 2018.

    After being pulled over for driving under the influence last year, Vince Vaughn has been convicted of reckless driving and given probation time. 

    According to People, the 49-year-old actor recently pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge he received in Manhattan Beach, California in June 2018. The actor did not appear in court, but was represented by his attorney. 

    As a result, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said in a statement, Vaughn was sentenced to three years of summary probation. 

    Additionally, the statement reads, Vaughn is required to participate in a three-month treatment program for alcohol and pay “an unspecified amount of fines.” 

    However, TMZ reported that he will pay “a $390 fine—plus various penalties which ups the payout to around $1,700.”

    People also reports that while on probation, Vaughn must agree to alcohol screening tests. He reportedly also was warned that if he were to be involved in a fatal crash while driving under the influence, the resulting charge could be murder. 

    “The defendant was ordered to complete a three-month alcohol program, pay fines, and cannot refuse a preliminary alcohol screening test while on probation if requested by law enforcement,” the official statement read. “A Watson advisement also was given that states if he drives under the influence and a person is killed, he could be charged with murder.”

    The June 2018 incident was Vaughn’s first DUI. People states that the actor was pulled over between Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach at 2:40 a.m. and apparently refused to exit his vehicle despite law enforcement officials’ requests to do so.

    Vaughn and his passenger were both taken to jail, but released after paying bail.

    At the time, Sgt. Tim Zins, a spokesman for the Manhattan Beach Police Department, told CNN that Vaughn was not “fighting with officers, but more of delaying the investigation.”

    “There was no officer use of force or anything like that,” Zins told CNN.

    According to People, Vaughn faced three misdemeanor charges at the time: driving under the influence, having a 0.08% or higher blood alcohol content and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement officials. If he had been convicted of all three, the District Attorney’s office stated, he could have had to serve up to 360 days in jail.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Goldie Hawn: Meditation Helped Me With Anxiety Attacks

    Goldie Hawn: Meditation Helped Me With Anxiety Attacks

    The actress opened up about the anxiety she’s faced since childhood and her goal of helping others conquer it.

    It’s a story that is becoming more familiar as mental health becomes a national conversation: actress Goldie Hawn might be an Academy award-winning actress, but she once struggled with anxiety.

    Hawn told her story at The Child Mind Institute‘s 5th Annual Change Maker Awards, where she won her Activist Award.

    “I lived with anxiety as a little girl,” said Hawn. “I thought the Russians were going to bomb us. I thought I could die without ever kissing a boy. I suffered anxiety every time I heard a siren.”

    Even as she spent more time in the spotlight, she would begin to have anxiety attacks. “The next thing I know I’m doing a TV show and I was having nonspecific anxiety attacks,” she explained. “I didn’t know why I was feeling anxious or what was wrong with me, when I would go into public and feeling like I could vomit. I didn’t know why I wanted to sit on a couch while I was supposedly becoming something that everyone was so excited for me.”

    Hawn soon realized she needed to take action.

    “I suffered for about a year…[then] I took charge and saw a doctor,” she told the audience. “But that was the time when I was 21 and I realized that I had a mind, that I was going to fix that mind and I was going to make sure I knew and understood everything that was happening and why it was happening.”

    Eventually, she found her key to happiness: meditation.

    “I went for meditation because it was the thing to do, and when I did, it was like I can’t ever explain to you—it was the most joyful experience I’ve ever had,” revealed Hawn. “I felt like I returned back to my deepest part, to my heart, to my joy. It just hit this seed of joy that I always had as a young girl. Because all I ever wanted to be was happy. That was my goal.”

    Hawn founded the MindUp program to help children deal with mental health issues through meditation, hopefully providing them with the tools that helped her find happiness.

    She felt concern because of the statistics that suggest suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Finding Recovery and Support for Opioid Addiction on Social Media

    Finding Recovery and Support for Opioid Addiction on Social Media

    The rules state: We support everyone’s path to recovery, including Suboxone, Subutex, Methadone, Vivitrol, cannabis and kratom. We do not allow any debate as to whether or not being on maintenance meds means you are or aren’t clean.

    Four years ago, Dorothy had no support for her opioid addiction. As a mother and stepmother, she was afraid to be open about her struggle; if her children’s father or stepchildren’s mother found out, they might question her ability to be a good parent. She thought about attending recovery meetings but was worried they would shun her for being in active addiction or, some years later, for taking Suboxone, a partial opioid agonist, to manage her chronic pain. Luckily, she discovered a private Facebook group that supported people like her with opiate addiction.

    For the sake of full disclosure, I’m also a member of this group. While I enjoy my social media fill of cats dressed in dinosaur costumes, babies getting slices of Kraft singles thrown at their heads, and I love dad jokes just as much as the next person, I value this group the most.

    Addiction Support…on Facebook?

    The group quickly became a refuge for Dorothy and me, a digital safe haven where we could share our pains and joys behind the privacy of a screen.

    “I have made friends that I’m sure I’ll have for the rest of my life. I feel supported and secure here. What I love the most is how diverse we are. We run the gamut from people who are using to people who are totally abstinent and everything in between… All we ask is that people respect each other and everyone’s path to recovery,” Dorothy said.

    After participating in another group where members were shamed for taking Suboxone or methadone to manage their opioid addiction, I found Dorothy and the group’s perspective on harm reduction refreshing. In order to join the group, members must agree that they will not bash medication-assisted treatment (MAT). According to the official group guideline: “We support everyone’s path to recovery, including Suboxone, Subutex, Methadone, Vivitrol, cannabis and kratom. We do not allow any debate as to whether or not being on maintenance meds means you are or aren’t clean.”

    Another administrator added, “If you hate the fact there are active addicts in this group, if you don’t support MAT or [you] want to be a douche canoe to everyone you meet who doesn’t live up to your standards, LEAVE.”

    After nine months of participating in this group, Dorothy became a volunteer staff member, then administrator. On an average day, she spends six hours involved in the various tasks that keep the group running. Dorothy, along with eight other administrators and nine moderators, approves each post before it hits the page, ensuring that the posts follow group guidelines. The guidelines mirror that of an in-person support group: members must maintain each other’s confidentiality and privacy, be respectful, and refrain from giving medical advice, selling or seeking drugs, asking for money, or posting links to treatment centers.

    Sarah Burbank has also been a volunteer group administrator for four years and spends four to eight hours on the group each day. Sarah considers the members of the group to be family. “The group is a touchstone and an inspiration. I have watched some group members pass away and have to announce to the group a loved one or cherished member has passed away from the disease. Those are the darkest of days. But there are little milestones that we share that make it so special. Day 1! 30 days! Years clean! Getting children back and jobs and lives back. Those are the truly beautiful things that keep me here.”

    Dorothy and Sarah are not alone. This particular Facebook group has blossomed to 22,000 members. Members are hungry to share their stories, to be supported, validated, and encouraged. Posts reveal a complex tapestry of emotions: of recovery, struggle, pain, joy, heartbreak, victory and defeat, often all in a single post.

    Using Social Media to Forge Connections in Marginalized Groups

    It may seem contradictory to turn to social media for support for addiction. According to a 2018 Fix article based on research from Penn State, social media use is correlated with increased rates of depression and loneliness. Similarly, in 2011, Researchers Daria J. Kuss and Mark D. Griffiths systematically reviewed psychological literature and found that social media can be used for connection, but also that it may negatively impact relationships, work, and academic achievement. This and other evidence suggest social media can be an addiction just like alcohol and drugs.

    While it’s important to acknowledge this research and the potential negative impacts of social media, this critique fails to recognize the power of online social networks, especially for marginalized people. Toronto-based mental health professional Krystal Kavita Jagoo says, “For some, authentic human connection may only come online. Sometimes you don’t have those options in person.” Jagoo pointed out that social media or internet forums can feel safer for people of color, queer, trans, and non-binary folks, and people of differing abilities.

    Jagoo continued, “If you’ve had a traumatic experience and are able to hear from others about things someone has struggled with, you don’t feel as alone. Sometimes it’s just knowing that others understand what you’re going through; they can offer strategies or things that have worked for them that you might be more inclined [to try] than a professional who doesn’t have lived experience.”

    Jagoo herself has found valuable support online. “I think of how healing it has been to connect with folks of color around the world with respect to surviving oppression.” In order to maintain balance in our lives and avoid social media burnout, Jagoo recommends finding a group that is anti-oppressive, accepting, and feels rewarding. Setting and maintaining boundaries is important, as is making sure that you only check notifications when you have time and energy to engage, and unfollowing or leaving groups if they are feeling more draining than helpful.

    Both Dorothy and Sarah mentioned that it is difficult to be a group administrator while balancing their work and home lives. But by far, they feel the benefits outweigh the challenges of spending hours volunteering in the group. “The online community is really important because it allows people to connect in the safety of their own homes, anonymously if they choose. It gives us the ability to reach so many more people, people that we wouldn’t have otherwise had any contact with.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Help for Ambien Withdrawal

    Help for Ambien Withdrawal

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Ambien is pretty addictive. Users can develop a dependence within just a couple of weeks of daily dosing. Withdrawal can be difficult. This article outlines what to expect during withdrawal and ways to treat symptoms medically.

    ESTIMATED READ TIME: Less than 10 minutes.

    Table of Contents:

    Ambien and the Brain

    Zolpidem is the main active ingredient in Ambien. Its chemical structure is very similar to the benzodiazepine class of drugs, but zolpidem is officially called a “hypnotic”. Benzodiazepines are prescribed for a variety of reasons and attach to neurons within our brain responsible for sensations, emotions, muscle movements, and cognition.

    Because of this, zolpidem causes its user to become sedated without experiencing the other qualities of benzodiazepines. However, after regular or daily use, you can become physically dependent on zolpidem. This makes quitting Ambien both hard and potentially dangerous.

    Is Ambien Withdrawal Hard?

    Yes, quitting Ambien isn’t going to be easy.

    To begin, you need to take the following facts about yourself into account:

    •  Dosage
    •  Metabolism
    •  Overall health state
    •  Time length and frequency of use

    In general, the long you’ve been using Ambien … the harder detox will be.  If you’ve been using it for a longer time and taking high doses, then you can expect to experience a longer withdrawal process with more possible difficulties.

    Still, it is difficult to know how long withdrawal will last or how difficult it be. Why? Because we are individuals. We each use drugs for different reasons. Likewise, use patterns and dependency differ.

    Is Ambien Withdrawal Dangerous?

    Again, people with higher levels of dependence are more likely to experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Severe seizures might occur and even be fatal. People with certain mental health issues are also at risk. For these reasons, Ambien withdrawals should always be carried out under medical supervision. 

    You should never quit cold turkey. Doctors will taper your dose, thereby your body can gradually resume normal functioning.

    A List of Withdrawal Symptoms

    Withdrawal symptoms begin within approximately 48 hours after your last Ambien dose. Some people have experienced symptoms as early as a few hours later.

    Withdrawal symptoms may include:

    •  Abdominal cramps and discomfort.
    •  Anxiety.
    •  Cravings for Ambien.
    •  Delirium.
    •  Depression.
    •  Fatigue.
    •  Flushing.
    •  Irritability.
    •  Mood swings.
    •  Nausea and/or vomiting.
    •  Panic attacks.
    •  Rapid heart rate and breathing.
    •  Rebound insomnia.
    •  Seizures.
    •  Sweating.
    •  Tremoring.
    •  Uncontrollable crying.

    The Basic Timeline

    The timeline after your last dose of Ambien can be divided into five stages.:

    1. The First 24 to 72 Hours. During this period, your symptoms begin their peak and are most uncomfortable. Usually, you can expect to feel both physical and psychological symptoms.

    Physical Withdrawal Symptoms:

    • Shaking
    • Vomiting

    Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms:

    • Anxiety
    • Confusion
    • Fearfulness
    • Hallucinations
    • Memory loss
    • Mood swings
    • Psychosis
    • Sleeping disorder

    2.Week 1. After the first week, acute withdrawal tends to resolve. Symptoms have lessened to a great extent, but not the cravings. Also, many people find themselves experiencing depression and paranoia during this period. A tendency to experience trouble sleeping, or nightmares, is still present; in particular, for those experiencing mental trauma (in general or due to the withdrawal). So, it’s important to undergo psychotherapy treatment in order to get help for coping with this situation.

    3.Week 2. Cravings, depression and paranoia are not as strong as they were the week before. During this week you might feel foggy as though you can’t think straight. For this reason, it’s possible to experience mood swings. However, your sleep begins to stabilize.

    4.Week 3. Your cravings have further decreased. You might still experience sleeping disorders.

    5.Week 4. You definitely begin feeling better, though there may be still some traces of anxiety and/or irritability. Your sleep starts becoming really stable. Your body and brain are noticeably getting back to their normal functioning.

    After the first month of Ambien withdrawal, heavier users possibly may experience post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This is when withdrawal symptoms last for a much longer period of time, about six months after cessation.

    The most common PAWS symptoms associated with Ambien are:

    •  Anxiety
    •  Cravings
    •  Depression
    •  Insomnia
    •  Nightmares

    When planning to quit Ambien, always seek medical consultation with a doctor who is experienced in tapering doses of zolpidem in order to get a customized plan. 

    Medicines that Help

    Usually doctors don’t prescribe other medications during Ambien withdrawal. Instead, they taper Ambien doses to fully resolve dependence and address insomnia simultaneously. In these cases, it can take weeks to months for a gentle taper. You can find benzo equivalent dosing schedule on Dr. Heather Ashton’s website. However, if insomnia is severe and a lack of Ambien causes it to come back, you may be prescribed a medication solely for that reason.

    To date, there are very few medications available for Ambien withdrawals. Doctors don’t want to risk further addiction, so they tend to prescribe short term therapies for the instances of anxiety and depression as mental withdrawal symptoms.

    Natural Remedies that Help

    What can you do to get a better night sleep without the drug?

    Since chronic insomnia is probably an issue for some of you, a few different natural remedies are offered below that not only help with withdrawals but also with sleep.

    Acupuncture. While this is still being researched, a more recent study found that  acupuncture had positive effects on reducing withdrawal symptoms, in particular for those dealing with great discomfort from withdrawal.

    Distractions. When you’re going through withdrawal – particularly, psychological withdrawal – you’ll want to keep your mind occupied to outwit cravings. There are a variety of ways to do this and it all depends on who you are as an individual. Some find help in the arts (such as playing music, drawing, or writing in a journal) while others find new habits to be very beneficial (such as cooking or gardening). Don’t be afraid to experiment around while you’re in treatment. You might just learn something new about yourself.

    Exercise. At most medical detox clinics, exercise is highly recommended to those going through detox because it promotes natural dopamine and endorphins. In case of Ambien withdrawal, exercise has been shown to help people get a better night’s rest. Though this isn’t true for everyone, it may just be the secret you’ve been missing out on.

    Meditation and Yoga. Withdrawal can bring a lot of stress . Meditation and yoga not only mitigate withdrawal symptoms, but also help reducing cravings. These types of alternative therapies are also beneficial for those dealing with mental illness alongside their addiction, such as anxiety and depression.

    Nutrition. While not the case for everyone, some drug users find themselves with a poor diet. However, an even bigger issue is that many drugs have the effect of absorbing much of what people eat. Drugs like Ambien can also cause loss of appetite. While in recovery, it’s vital to get your body back on track with water and healthy foods.

    All of the above have potential to promote better sleep. Of course, people with chronic insomnia might need more than a natural remedy to benefit them. If this is your case, the best thing to do is to consult your doctor. Chances are they will figure out the solution right for you.

    Where to Go for Help

    If you need help for Ambien dependence, you are not alone.In 2015, the estimated number of Ambien and other sedatives users was 446,000. So where can you start?Dr. Heather Ashton wrote the book, “The Ashton Manual” that outlined withdrawal procedure and protocols for benzodiazepines. While Ambien IS NOT A BENZO, it can be helpful to read the book and to adapt some if its principles in your own case.Where else can you look?

    You’ll also want to reach out to family and friends. As you try to quit Ambien, you’re going to be in need of a support system. The people you can always turn back to when things get difficult. Furthermore, even after treatment when recovery is still ongoing, you’ll have people there when need be. If you’re a family member or friend of someone who’s addicted to Ambien there are a variety of options for you to seek help for your loved one.

    When you do find the right treatment, you can give us a call. We’re always happy to help.

    Where to Find Local Help

    To find where you find local help during Ambien withdrawal, start with your family doctor and work your way out to other connections. Seek information from:

    While you may be concerned about anonymity, also know that Americans are increasingly destigmatizing issues with prescription medications, especially through advocacy groups like Facing Addiction. In fact, an estimated one in three American families experiences a problem with drugs or alcohol through one close family member. So, your friends and family can also be a source of help.

    Your Questions

    If you have any further questions pertaining to Ambien withdrawal, we invite you to ask them in the comments section below. If you have any advice to give for people currently withdrawing, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to provide a personal response to each comment and get back to you promptly.

    REFERENCE SOURCES:

    SAMHSA: Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

    NCBI: Five-Factor Model personality profiles of drug users

    NCBI: Zolpidem Dependency and Withdrawal Seizure: A Case Report Study

    NCBI:Zolpidem Withdrawal Delirium

    NIDA: Misuse of Prescription Drug

    DailyMed: Ambien

    NCBI: Benzodiazepines and Zolpidem for Chronic Insomnia: A Meta-Analysis of Treatment Efficacy.

    NCBI: Modest Abuse-Related Subjective Effects of Zolpidem in Drug-Naïve Volunteers

    SAMHSA: Substance Use Treatment Advisory

    NCBI: Using Medication: What Can Help When Trying to Stop Taking Sleeping Pills and Sedatives?

    NCBI: Exercise as a Potential Treatment for Drug Abuse: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

    NCBI: Exercise Effects on Sleep Physiology

    BMJ Journals: Acupuncture in Medicine: Trials of Acupuncture for Drug Dependence: A Recommendation for Hypotheses Based on the Literature

    NIDA: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction

    NIH: U.S. National Library of Medicine Substance Use Recovery and Diet

    Addiction Blog: The Ambien Withdrawal Timeline Chart

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Marijuana: Main Target in the War on Drugs?

    Marijuana: Main Target in the War on Drugs?

    Although marijuana has been legalized for recreational and medical use in nine states and is legal for medicinal use in 25 states, it makes up 43 percent of all drug arrests. To put it another way, someone got arrested for marijuana possession every 49 seconds in 2017.  Is the war on drugs unfairly targeting marijuana users?

    There are two ways to look at this. For example, a total of 643,000 people were handcuffed and arrested because of marijuana last year, according to the FBI. We can either look at it as getting drug offenders off the streets, or as unnecessarily harsh punishment for having a small amount of the drug for personal use.

    A Growing Majority Supports Legalization

    The reform group, Marijuana Majority, reports that a growing number of people support full legalization of marijuana.

    What would full legalization mean for the occasional user? It means they wouldn’t have their entire life ruined by getting caught with a joint in their possession.

    For instance, misdemeanor or criminal marijuana convictions can lead to:

    • Inability to adopt a child in 38 states.
    • Suspension of driver’s license for 6 months in 21 states.
    • Revoked professional licenses in 20 states.
    • No access to public housing for three years in 46 states.
    • No federal financial aid for a year in 28 states.

    What would legalization mean to a dealer? More customers, more profits. But, it could also mean more competition to a dealer as more people decide to get in on the profitable action.

    Who Pays the Highest Price in the War on Marijuana?

    According to a report by the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), the war on marijuana costs taxpayers $3.6 billion every year. On another note, the government rakes in billions in cash and assets that they seize from those who are arrested for marijuana sales or possession. This practice is known as “policing for profit.”

    So, who suffers most? Society as a whole suffers because the costs are usually passed along to taxpayers in one way or another. Not to mention the costs for each person who is incarcerated for possession or dealing.

    It’s somewhat ironic. On the one hand, a lot of people are making a lot of money from this little green plant. On the other hand, many people are struggling in life because they chose to experiment with marijuana.

    A Mixed Blessing and a Curse

    Marijuana is a mixed blessing in many ways. However, it is also a curse. In medical use, the benefits are surprising. However, recreational use there are some side effects that cause health problems after heavy or prolonged use.

    As with prescription drugs, proper use of marijuana can bring a wealth of healing and pain relief for millions of people. On the other hand, the results can be life altering or deadly with abuse.  These are also reasons for targeting marijuana users.

    Some of the side effects of prolonged or heavy abuse of marijuana include:

    • Decreased learning capabilities
    • A shortened attention span
    • Weakened verbal communication skills
    • Depression, suicidal thoughts
    • Anxiety, mood swings
    • Same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers
    • Dependency or addiction

    As the controversy over marijuana continues, the need for treatment for those who are dependent or addicted is a daily concern across the country.  For this reason, targeting marijuana users may be one way to bring down the number of adverse consequences of marijuana abuse.

    Benefits of Targeting Marijuana Users

    Many marijuana users need professional treatment to overcome their substance abuse.  If you or someone you know needs help for marijuana abuse, please contact us today. Remember, even though marijuana is legal in many states, it can still have serious side effects. “Legal” doesn’t necessarily mean “safe.”

    Resources:

    engage.drugpolicy.org – Drug Laws are Destroying Lives for No Reason

    ucr.fbi.gov – Crime in the United States

    View the original article at bestdrugrehabilitation.com

  • Guide to Clorazepate Addiction Treatment

    Guide to Clorazepate Addiction Treatment

    Looking for the best Clorazepate addiction treatment? Read our guide for help in finding the best one for you.

    Table of Contents

    1. What is Clorazepate and What is it Used For?
    2. Development of Clorazepate Addiction
    3. Diagnosing Clorazepate Dependency
    4. Clorazepate Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
    5. Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Options for Clorazepate Addiction
    6. Personalized Treatment Services for Clorazepate Addiction
    7. Choosing the Best Clorazepate Rehab Facility for You

    Clorazepate addiction is a serious medical disorder. Left unaddressed, it can ruin your life or the life of your loved one.

    Once it develops, you must act quickly. Men and women struggling to overcome clorazepate addiction need trained professional assistance. They need a warm and supportive, healing-oriented environment. High-quality rehab facilities can offer just this type of specialized service, as they guide their clients along a sustainable path to recovery.

    What is Clorazepate and What is it Used For?

    Clorazepate (clorazepate dipotassium) is a prescription medication from the benzodiazepine family. It is a sedative that works by suppressing activity in the central nervous system, inducing a calm and relaxed state.

    The drug is most commonly sold under the brand name Tranxene. Other brand names for clorazepate include Gen-Xene, Novo-Clopate and Tranxilium.

    Among those who misuse clorazepate and other benzodiazepines for their intoxicating effects, clorazepate is often referred to by its street names, such as:

    • Benzos
    • Candy
    • Chill pills
    • Totem polls
    • Tranks
    • Downers
    • Blues
    • Sleeping pills
    • Z bars
    • Nerve pills

    Clorazepate is most frequently prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety. It may be given to people who’ve been diagnosed with anxiety disorders, or to those struggling with anxiety in specific situations.

    The drug may also be prescribed for the treatment of seizures, since it does have anticonvulsant properties. In addition, it may be used in detox to help people experiencing alcohol withdrawal manage their symptoms.

    Clorazepate is a potent medication and is generally quite effective against the conditions it is used to treat. It can be used safely in most instances, as long patients follow the instructions of their doctors.

    The problem comes when people use too much of it or take it for too long. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive when misused, and clorazepate abuse can have significant long-term effects.

    Development of Clorazepate Addiction

    Clorazepate addiction may develop suddenly, especially if the drug is used for more than a month.

    Benzodiazepines cause relaxed states by targeting receptors in the brain that normally bind with a neurotransmitter called GABA. Binding with clorazepate, or with naturally produced GABA molecules, will reduce the intensity of your anxiety. Naturally, this is experienced as something positive and will help you cope with disabling anxiety symptoms.

    But this process remains effective only if you take clorazepate in measured doses, and for a limited period. When you take the drug continuously, tolerance will build. You’ll need to take more and more clorazepate to achieve the same effects, signifying that your GABAreceptors are becoming less sensitive to the drug’s presence. This sets up a vicious cycle of ever-escalating Tranxene usage, until clorazepate dependence develops.

    At this stage, you’ll likely experience numerous clorazepate side effects, caused by the impact of taking so much of it for so long. This is inevitable when you become addicted to benzodiazepines of any type.

    Some of the more common clorazepate addiction symptoms include:

    • Daytime drowsiness
    • Chronic fatigue
    • Stomach cramps or queasiness
    • Slurred speech
    • Blurred vision
    • Dry mouth
    • Constipation
    • Dizziness
    • Headaches
    • Unexplained rashes
    • Mental confusion

    When the abuse turns to dependence, the effects of the drug begin to lessen. Cravings for the drug intensify, even though taking more clorazepate will no longer bring relief. Anxiety and agitation will actually increase as the drug loses it calming capacities.

    At this point, you might be at risk for a clorazepate overdose. More than 11,000 people die each year in the United States from the effects of a benzodiazepine overdose. The risks are especially high for those who mix drugs like clorazepate with alcohol or other mind-altering substances.

    Diagnosing Clorazepate Dependency

    Only a trained addiction specialist or medical professional can diagnose clorazepate addiction. To do so, they will search for the telltale signs of Tranxene dependency, which could include:

    • Strong cravings for the drug
    • Withdrawal symptoms experienced when usage stops
    • An inability to stop using clorazepate for more than a few hours
    • Taking the drug for longer or in heavier amounts than originally intended
    • Spending inordinate amounts of time using clorazepate, acquiring it or recovering from overconsumption
    • Increased tolerance for clorazepate, marked by increasing usage
    • Continuing to use the drug despite its negative impact on physical or psychological disorders
    • Continuing to use the drug despite it causing relationship problems
    • Neglecting important personal, professional or family-related responsibilities because of clorazepate
    • Abandoning favorite hobbies or activities because of your drug use
    • Continuing to take clorazepate even after your drug use put you in danger

    If these behaviors sound familiar, you should seek an evaluation for clorazepate dependency right away.

    When you’ve been diagnosed with clorazepate addiction, the time to seek treatment is immediately. Failing to do so will put your health in danger.

    Clorazepate Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms

    Benzodiazepine dependence causes significant changes in brain and body chemistry. It is these changes that cause cravings for the drug. Withdrawal symptoms will develop quickly if those cravings are denied.

    It is a mistake to quit powerful pharmaceutical medications like clorazepate cold turkey. Clorazepate withdrawal symptoms will only get worse, making it very difficult to preserve a commitment to stop using the drug.

    If you stop taking clorazepate suddenly, without gradually lowering your dosages, serious withdrawal symptoms are inevitable. These unpleasant clorazepate withdrawal effects may include:

    • Agitation and nervousness
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Insomnia
    • Diarrhea
    • Memory loss
    • Disorientation
    • Uncontrollable tremors
    • Muscle aches or cramps
    • Heavy sweating
    • Seizures
    • Hallucinations
    • Delirium
    • Suicidal thoughts or actions

    These symptoms are highly unpleasant and can even be hazardous in some instances. If clorazepate addiction is complicated by the use of alcohol or other drugs, withdrawal effects may be even more intense.

    To facilitate a lasting recovery, people looking to overcome a benzodiazepine addiction should go through medical detox before they begin formal addiction treatment. This is the first step to healing, and top Tranxene rehab centers usually offer comprehensive clorazepate detox services onsite.

    During detox, you will gradually taper your doses of clorazepate. This gives your body a chance to regain its equilibrium while making sobriety much easier to sustain. Clorazepate withdrawal symptoms may still be experienced but in less severe form.

    Formal detox for prescription benzodiazepines generally lasts for up to 10 days. However, this can be extended if the addiction is severe or other medical complications arise. Detox facilities are designed to treat all existing physical or mental health conditions, in a hospital-like setting where 24-hour medical care is available.

    Clorazepate is a long-acting benzodiazepine. This means it stays in the body longer than many other drugs in its class. Consequently, its withdrawal symptoms often won’t peak until more than a week has passed. In most cases, this means the tapering process for this drug must be extended beyond the initial detox period.

    This shouldn’t delay the onset of addiction treatment, however. The purpose of detox is to help the patient safely manage the worst of their clorazepate withdrawal symptoms. Once stability has been achieved and withdrawal effects are under control, formal treatment for clorazepate addiction can begin.

    Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Options for Clorazepate Addiction

    Top drug and alcohol rehab centers feature both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Diverse offerings are necessary to meet the diverse needs of clients.

    In most instances, inpatient treatment will be recommended for men and women addicted to clorazepate. Residential treatment plans provide round-the-clock supervision and access to vital healthcare services of all types. This can be essential if comorbid mental health problems have been diagnosed, as they frequently are in people who have substance use disorders.

    Some people who abuse Tranxene also develop other substance use disorders. In addition to putting themselves at higher risk for clorazepate overdose, they may also become addicted to alcohol, opioids or any other intoxicating substances.

    In these cases, recovery can be a long and complicated affair. Inpatient treatment programs offer the kind of comprehensive services that are usually necessary to achieve full sobriety.

    Inpatient treatment is an immersion recovery experience, and that is often ideal for people struggling with benzodiazepine dependence. If your home environment is chaotic, stressful or unsupportive, staying at a treatment facility full-time can help protect you from these negative influences. It can also keep you away from people or situations that may have triggered your drug abuse in the past.

    But some people simply don’t have time available to enter inpatient rehab programs. They have career, family or personal responsibilities that cannot be easily put aside. If inpatient rehab is their only choice, they might decide to forego treatment altogether.

    To avoid this contingency, top clorazepate addiction treatment centers feature outpatient options that let clients customize their recovery schedules according to their individual needs.

    Rehab services will still be provided on a daily basis, in a supportive environment where access to addiction specialists and peer support groups is guaranteed. But only a few hours a day will be spent at the rehab facility. The rest of the day will be left free for other activities. If you choose inpatient clorazepate addiction treatment, you will be free to return to your home to eat, sleep and interact with your family.

    Standard outpatient programs may involve less than 10 hours of treatment services per week. Intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs will involve longer time commitments. However, they may be recommended if your addiction is severe. What is most important is that you have the time you need to truly heal.

    Regardless of your choice of inpatient or outpatient treatment, your time in Tranxene rehab is likely to last for one to three months. Aftercare programs will be made available and will be included in your recovery regimen as well. This is necessary to keep you focused and on track to long-term sobriety.

    Personalized Treatment Services for Clorazepate Addiction

     

    Superior treatment for clorazepate abuse will be personalized to fit your medical and personal requirements.

    Every person is different, which is why recovery plans must be customized if they are to have maximum impact. The medical professionals employed by top addiction rehab centers understand this. They always work closely with clients to make sure they offer the right types of intervention, chosen carefully and with clear goals in mind.

    Your recovery plan will include a full and comprehensive menu of rehabilitation services. It will keep you busy at all times, completely absorbed in your quest for wellness. Should you carry a dual diagnosis for clorazepate dependency and another mental or behavioral health disorder, your plan will be designed to address all disorders at the same time.

    Your addiction treatment recovery plan will likely include some combination of:

    • Individual therapy. This is the foundation of your healing regimen. Daily sessions with trained addiction specialists and psychotherapists can help you confront any underlying issues that may have contributed to your drug dependency.
    • Group therapy. Regular interactions with peers working to overcome substance use disorders can be a source of moral support and constructive feedback.
    • Family therapy. Having the unconditional love and acceptance of family members can strengthen your resolve and assist you in the recovery process. Family therapy also gives you the chance to heal important relationships damaged by your drug use.
    • Holistic healing methods. Practices like yoga, meditation, massage therapy, art and music therapy, Tai Chi, biofeedback and acupuncture can increase your energy levels, improve your mood and help you achieve a more relaxed state of mind.
    • Life skills and coping skills classes. These types of classes can help people recovering from addiction gain greater understanding and perspective on their lives. In these courses you will learn how to avoid self-destructive traps that could derail your sobriety.

    The purpose of recovery is to equip you with the insights and strategies you need to resist the temptation to take clorazepate again. Recovery from addiction is a lifelong process, and you’ll only preserve your sobriety if you are prepared to handle each and every challenge involved.

    Top Tranxene rehab centers rely on evidence-based methodologies with a proven record of success. If you are diligent about your recovery program, and participate willingly with a positive attitude, your time in treatment can be the start of a whole new life.

    Choosing the Best Clorazepate Rehab Facility for You

    Before enrolling in an addiction treatment program, you should visit several facilities first. Ideally, you should do so in the company of family members and friends who can offer their input and guidance. As you tour the facilities and speak to administrators and staff members, you should ask a lot of questions and observe everything going on around you as closely as you can.

    The best clorazepate addiction treatment centers will welcome your feedback and be glad to answer all your questions. They will be open and honest about the challenges you’ll face during your recovery. But they’ll work with you to develop a clear and sustainable plan for recovery.

    The right Tranxene rehab facility for you is the one that makes you feel most comfortable. It is the one that leaves you filled with optimism and convinced that wellness is within your grasp.

    The ultimate goal of clorazepate addiction treatment is straightforward. It is to help you find lasting sobriety, free from clorazepate and any other substances you may have been abusing.

    Rehab for clorazepate dependency can renew your hope for a brighter future. Clorazepate addiction is a life-altering medical condition that will not get better on its own. If you take the initiative to overcome it you can find success. But the time to act is now, before you sacrifice another day or another hour to a drug that once helped but is now only causing you harm.

    View the original article at thefix.com