Tag: addiction

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

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

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

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

What is Actiq?

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding the Signs of Actiq Addiction

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

If you are questioning whether you have an addiction to Actiq, the following signs indicate you may be:
- You use the drug in larger amounts or more often than intended.
- You continue to use even when it causes problems with relationships.
- You have cravings to use the drug.
- You are unable to cut down on use of the drug even when you wish to do so,
- Your pattern of use is causing you physical or mental harm.
- You have developed a tolerance to the drug.
- Your substance abuse has made you unable to meet commitments at home, work, or school.
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug.
Only a medical professional is capable of determining if you have an addiction to Actiq. This is not something you should attempt to handle on your own. Instead, you should speak with a doctor and find help for your dependence on the medication.

Street Names and Slang for Actiq

Actiq goes by many slang and street names as is common with drugs that are abused. A person using the drug may not call it by the generic name or the brand name. Instead, other names are used to refer to the drug. There is a large list of slang words for Actiq, many of which are listed below:
- Apache
- China Girl
- China White
- Dance Fever
- Drop Dead
- Goodfella
- Jackpot
- Murder 8
- Percopop
- Serial Killer
- Shine
- TNT
While these are the current known names for street fentanyl, these things can vary based on location. Some users and sellers of the drug also have their own street names to identify them.

The Side Effects of Actiq

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

Common side effects include:
- Blurry Vision
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
- Lower side or back pain
- Muscle cramps or pain
- Mood changes
- Nervousness
- Numbness of the lips, feet, or hands
- Pale skin
- Rapid breathing
- Sore throat
- Sunken eyes
- Tightness in the chest
- Troubled breathing
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Wrinkled skin
- The less common side effects of Actiq include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Clumsiness
- Decreased responsiveness
- Headache
- Muscle jerking or twitching
- Pounding in the ears
- Seizures
- Severe sleepiness
- Shaky arms, legs, feet, or hands
- Trembling hands or feet
If you are experiencing any of these side effects, it’s important to alert a medical professional as soon as possible. While some side effects are more serious than others, your experience needs to be considered by a professional to ensure that continuing to take the medication is the best option.

Common Actiq Withdrawal Effects

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

The symptoms of withdrawal from Actiq can begin within 12 hours of stopping use of the drug. The symptoms can be severe and may last up to a week or even longer. Some of the withdrawal symptoms may include the following:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Cold or hot flashes
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Severe pain
- Vomiting
Those who use Actiq may quickly gain a tolerance to large doses, which means that taking more of the drug is required to get the wanted effect. Using the drug time and time again will often lead to addiction. This is a disease that involves drug-seeking behavior that is uncontrollable and may lead to extremely negative consequences.

What May Happen During an Actiq Overdose

Taking Actiq can lead to accidental overdose leading to death, sometimes the first time it is used. This is especially true when it is taken in the wrong way or is taken by someone who does not have a prescription for the medication. Some of the symptoms of an Actiq overdose include:
- Extreme sleepiness
- Cold and clammy skin
- Difficulty talking or walking
- Feeling confused, dizzy, or faint
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Slow heartbeat
- Unresponsiveness
Opioids are known for leading to overdose, which can be fatal. This is why it is so crucial for you to be sure you have help finding Actiq rehab from professionals who can assist you through the process.

Medical Treatment for Actiq Addiction

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

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

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

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

Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient Actiq Rehab Treatment

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

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

Selecting the Right Actiq Rehab Treatment Facility

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

View the original article at thefix.com
14 May 2019
Guide to Treatment for Estazolam Addiction
Estazolam addiction is a very serious mental health issue and therefore requires professional treatment.

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

What is Estazolam and What is it Used For?

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

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

Brand and Street Names for Estazolam

Estazolam is a generic name for this particular benzodiazepine. It has been sold under the brand names ProSom and Eurodin. People may abuse estazolam because of the way it induces a sense of relaxation and calm, as well as for the feeling of euphoria. Abuse of this drug includes taking estazolam without a prescription and misusing a prescription by taking more or higher doses, or taking it for a longer period of time than recommended. Sold illicitly, estazolam pills may be called:
- Bars
- Benzos
- Chill pills
- Downers
- Footballs
- Ladders
- Nerve pills
- School bus
- Sleeping pills
- Totem poles
- Tranks
Estazolam Addiction Symptoms

Any misuse of estazolam can lead to addiction. Even if you are only using estazolam as prescribed, there is a risk of becoming dependent on it. This is why it is never supposed to be used for longer than a week to 10 days. If you or someone you care about has been misusing this drug, there are some important symptoms of estazolam addiction you should watch for:
- Trying and failing to stop using or to use estazolam less
- Consistently using the drug more often or in larger doses than you meant to
- Experiencing cravings for estazolam
- Spending more and more time using estazolam or trying to get more of it
- Giving up other activities because of all this time spent on the drug
- Being unable to meet all responsibilities because of drug use
- Using estazolam even though it is causing relationship difficulties
- Using estazolam in spite of physical or psychological health problems it is causing or worsening
- Continuing to use estazolam even in situations that are risky or dangerous
- Developing a tolerance to the drug and needing more to get the desired effects
- Going through estazolam withdrawal effects when not using
If you are misusing estazolam and you think you may have an addiction, it is important to get a diagnosis by a professional mental healthcare worker. This is the first step to recovery, but you first have to reach out and get help. Even if you aren’t sure you meet the criteria for estazolam addiction, get help to stop misusing this potentially dangerous drug.

Estazolam Side Effects and Dangers of Misuse

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

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

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

Understanding Detox for Estazolam Addiction

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

How Long Does Estazolam Stay in your System?

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

What are the Estazolam Withdrawal Symptoms?

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

What are the Risks of Estazolam Withdrawal Side Effects?

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

Estazolam Addiction Treatment – What to Expect

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing the Right Rehab for Your Estazolam Dependence

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

Also consider practical factors, like a treatment program you can afford. Locations are also important to consider if you cannot travel or want to stay near family. When you have your possibilities narrowed down, make site visits and ask for tours to meet staff and to get to know the details of the programs. Some things to look for include:
- A thorough diagnosis at intake
- An individualized treatment plan
- Your input in the treatment plan
- A staff of experts in various areas of treatment, including medical, psychiatry, and therapy staff
- Varied options for therapy
- Support services, like recreation, nutrition, social skills training, group support, job assistance, and alternative therapies
- Aftercare services for a smoother transition after treatment and a focus on relapse prevention
If you can afford it, or your insurance can cover it, a luxury rehab is a great option. This kind of facility will provide additional services to help you heal, as well as top-notch food and accommodations. Most are in beautiful settings with opportunities to spend time outdoors and for recreation.

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

View the original article at thefix.com
14 May 2019
How to Find Luxury Rehab for Diastat AcuDial Addiction
Diastat AcuDial is a prescription medication with a legitimate medical purpose, yet it’s also a controlled substance that some people abuse and become addicted to, which in turn can necessitate rehab treatment.

Table of Contents
Ongoing use of Diastat AcuDial can increase your exposure to side effects and dangers, especially if you combine it with opiates or with other medications or psychoactive substances.

If you develop an addiction to Diastat AcuDial, a treatment program can help. Behavioral health professionals are experienced with handling dependency and addiction to prescription medications like this one. Addiction symptoms are similar regardless of the type of drug, and professional detox and rehab programs can provide the approach that helps you overcome this problem. Plus, the best treatment programs customize their approach to fit the type of drug and your specific situation.

What is Diastat AcuDial?

Diastat AcuDial is the brand name for diazepam rectal gel. It’s in the benzodiazepine drug class, which is commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia on a short-term basis. In this case, Diastat AcuDial is prescribed to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. It comes in a syringe that is used to administer the medication rectally. The medication within the syringe is a gel form of the drug diazepam. This benzodiazepine works on the brain to help balance brain chemicals associated with seizures.

This medication is not intended for continuous, everyday use. Instead, it is for people who are already on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), to use when they experience prolonged breakthrough seizures. This is another way to refer to cluster seizures, serial seizures or increased seizure activity. This medication is only meant to be used for up to five seizure episodes per month and should not be used for more than one episode in a five-day period. You should not use it for regular seizure activity but should instead rely on AEDs. Also, you should not use a different amount than is prescribed.

Ongoing use has the potential consequences of:
- Worsening seizures
- Causing dependence, so you may experience symptoms of withdrawal if you try to quit
- Leading to abuse and addiction
This is a medication people aged two and up can use at home or when they’re out. It has the ability to stop a seizure and potentially keep you from needing to go to the emergency room.

Diastat AcuDial is a brand name, and other forms of diazepam go by the brand names Diastat, Diastat Pediatric, Diazepam Intensol and Valium. The various forms may be used to treat seizures, muscle spasms or anxiety. These drugs are used and distributed illegally as well as used legally according to the prescription. Some of the slang terms for diazepam and benzodiazepines include:
- Jellies
- Eggs
- Vallies
- Moggies
- Sleep always
- Drunk pills
- Old Joes
- Tranks
- Benzos
- Nerve pills
- Downers
Are There Diastat AcuDial Side Effects?

Yes, this medication can come with side effects. The main one is drowsiness. Nonetheless, there are many additional reported Diastat AcuDial side effects. These include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Diarrhea
- Euphoria
- Rash
- Pain
- Abdominal pain
- Enlarged blood vessels
- Reduced coordination
- Asthma
- Nose irritation
- Feeling nervous
- Feeling flushed
- Falls in elderly people
These are just some of the side effects associated with this medication. More severe diazepam rectal gel side effects are possible that warrant calling your doctor immediately. This is the case if you’re:
- Confused
- Hallucinating
- Hyperactive
- Agitated
- Acting or thinking differently, such as having unusual thoughts or behavior or suicidal thoughts
- Lacking fear or inhibitions
- Pale
- Feeling faint
- Hostile
- Feeling depressed
- Experiencing worsening or different seizures
This drug can potentially cause an allergic reaction. Signs include trouble breathing, hives on the skin, swelling of the face and throat, and lip and tongue swelling.

If this drug is used in combination with opioids, it’s possible to experience severe, life-threatening effects. These include sedation and respiratory depression. You could also experience severe side effects from combining it with other prescription medications or psychoactive substances. For example, it can be dangerous to combine it with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or other benzodiazepines.

Is Diastat AcuDial Overdose Possible?

On top of the long list of side effects associated with this drug, it can also potentially lead to overdose. Symptoms of diazepam overdose can include:
- Reduced coordination or balance
- Reduced reflexes
- Severe drowsiness
- Fainting
- Weak muscles
- Confusion
- Coma
If you notice these signs, contact the poison help line or find immediate medical help.

Does Diastat AcuDial Dependence Cause Diastat AcuDial Withdrawal Effects?

Even though Diastat AcuDial is a legal prescription drug, it comes with risk of dependence. It’s a habit-forming controlled substance that should be used with caution. That’s why there are warnings and guidelines for its use.

If you continue to use this drug for an extended period of time, your body can become dependent on it. This means that the body gets used to functioning with the drug in its system. When you suddenly take the drug away, your body now has to adjust to the lack of it.

What can happen is that you start taking Diastat AcuDial or another benzodiazepine legally for a legitimate medical purpose. Then, you can become dependent and continue using the drug, eventually switching to obtaining it in illegal ways. Also, you may start by using a certain type of benzodiazepine and then switch to others. Many people also combine different types of substances to get high, which comes with particular risk.

Generally, people become tolerant to the effects of the drug, needing more to feel the same effects. When this happens, you take more. Using a habit-forming drug like this in higher amounts and for longer periods of time than medically intended increases the risk of dependence, as well as addictive behaviors.

The main sign that you have become dependent is that you experience withdrawal symptoms when you quickly reduce the amount you’re taking or stop taking the drug altogether. During diazepam withdrawal, you could notice symptoms similar to those of barbiturate or alcohol withdrawal. These could include:
- Tremor
- Convulsions
- Insomnia
- Dysphoria (feeling generally dissatisfied with life)
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Muscle cramps
After taking a therapeutic amount of this medication regularly over the course of a few months, stopping could cause symptoms on the mild side of the spectrum. More severe symptoms can be seen after stopping large amounts taken over time.

Substance Use Disorder: Diastat AcuDial Abuse to Diastat AcuDial Addiction

If your use of Diastat AcuDial has turned into problem use, you could fall somewhere along a spectrum of substance use disorder. This is an official diagnosis that encompasses substance abuse and addiction. A behavioral health professional could diagnose you with a mild, moderate or severe case of substance use disorder depending on the number of criteria you meet. In a general sense, substance abuse could be a mild form of substance use disorder, while addiction could be a severe form. You will find signs and symptoms below that can help you see whether you meet criteria of this disorder.

Abuse means that you are using the drug in ways that don’t follow its official medical use. Instead of solely using this gel to treat cluster seizures from time to time, you could be using the drug to feel good. You might use higher doses than recommended. You could also use it more often than you should, such as every day, and use it for longer periods of time than a prescription states. Abuse doesn’t always lead to dependence and addiction, but it increases the risk.

When you use higher amounts or increase the frequency or length of time of psychoactive drug use, it’s likely that you’ll become physically and mentally dependent on the drug. There’s also a good chance that you will develop the thoughts and behaviors associated with addiction.

Check for Diastat AcuDial Addiction Symptoms

Signs of diazepam substance use disorder, which can encompass dependence signs, include the following criteria:
- Consistently feeling the urge to use the drug
- Putting a lot of focus on having a continual supply of diazepam
- Putting your time into using the drug and overcoming its effects
- Requiring more and more Diastat to feel the same effects
- Taking the drug in higher doses, more often and/or for longer than you planned
- Failing to meet personal, school and professional obligations
- Having money troubles because you’re spending money on diazepam
- Ignoring people and hobbies that used to fill your time
- Engaging in behaviors you did not before because of the drug use, such as stealing or doing risky things
- Having difficulty stopping the drug use
- Going through withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or cut back
- Continuing Diastat AcuDial use even though you’re aware that it’s contributing to problems in your life
If you or your loved one fits even some of the criteria on this list, it can be an indication of problem use. When you find yourself unable to stop using the drug, behavioral health professionals can support and guide you on how to move forward.

What to Do if You Notice Symptoms of Diastat AcuDial Addiction

If you notice that you show signs of abuse or addiction, the next step is to talk to a behavioral health specialist with the goal of getting a diagnosis. You could have a consultation with a mental health or addiction professional, such as a counselor, therapist or psychologist. Addiction treatment facilities offer this type of consultation, or you could look for an individual professional working in this field. One way to do this is to check the list of professionals who are covered under your health insurance plan if you have one.

Getting a proper diagnosis will help you understand how to move forward. The professional can determine if you have diazepam substance use disorder and the severity of your case. A trained professional should also assess you for co-occurring mental illness. It’s common for people to have both substance use disorder and one or more mental disorder at the same time. Treatment is not entirely effective unless professionals address the full picture. Toward this same end, it’s important to be honest about all psychoactive substances you may be using, so your treatment can specifically address polydrug abuse if necessary.

A proper diagnosis can help you make a better decision when you look into treatment programs and facilities. For example, if you know you have both a substance use disorder and depression, you can search for a program that is able to address both.

If you’re the loved one of someone who’s showing signs of addiction, you could use this information to talk to the person. When you know the symptoms, it will help you explain in an understanding way that you have noticed these signs in the person. This knowledge could also help if you decide to stage an intervention with the help of a professional.

Step One: Detox Treatment for Diastat AcuDial Withdrawal

People tend to think of rehab when they think of drug treatment, but that is the second stage of an effective treatment approach. First, you need to stop the diazepam use and wait until the drug leaves your body. If your body has become dependent on Diastat AcuDial, it’s likely that you will experience some form of withdrawal symptoms during this stage.

Because of these symptoms, detox treatment provides important support. In some cases, it’s possible for people to go through the withdrawal period on their own. However, with benzodiazepines like Diastat AcuDial, withdrawal can potentially be dangerous and even life-threatening. Relying on medical professionals to help you get through this stage makes the process safer. Professionals can monitor your vital signs and provide medications to ease symptoms.

A detox program also makes the withdrawal phase more comfortable. By taking medications to relieve symptoms and by receiving support, the withdrawal process can be easier for you. You don’t have to suffer through it on your own.

Further, when people try to detox on their own, they often go back to using the drug or another type of substance. This is because it’s hard to go through withdrawal symptoms without support. These symptoms can be so difficult that they drive you to go back to the drug to find relief. Then, you’re back where you started, stuck from moving forward with treatment. Many people also see it as a bonus of checking into a detox facility that they are separated from the drug. This separation forces you to go forward through the withdrawal process once and for all.

Therefore, a detox program can make the diazepam withdrawal period safer, easier and more effective than trying to do it on your own. Once you have completed this process, you have made it past the major hurdle of withdrawal symptoms and are able to move forward on the treatment path toward recovery.

Step Two: Rehab Treatment for Diazepam Addiction

Some people think they’re done with treatment after they have completed a detox program. But detox is only one part of an effective treatment approach. Detox helps you get the drug out of your system and get past withdrawal symptoms. It doesn’t help you deal with the thoughts, behaviors and associated problems you develop as part of addiction. This is what rehabilitation treatment is for. If you stop treatment after detox, you’ll have a higher risk of relapse, resulting in you going back to drug use. On the other hand, continuing with rehab treatment gives you a better chance of staying on the path of recovery.

Rehab treatment centers on therapy. Through individual therapy and group sessions, you can gain insight into your diazepam addiction. Therapy can help you understand what factors helped bring you down the path to addiction and what you can do to turn things around. By better understanding addiction and how it’s affecting you, you have a better chance of overcoming and managing it. With the help of qualified professionals, you can identify and learn to overcome cravings, triggers and other thought and behavior problems resulting from addiction. Learning coping skills can help you avoid relapse when you go back to living your normal, day-to-day life.

In addition, behavioral health professionals can help you deal with the problems addiction has caused in your life and how they have affected your mental well-being. Many treatment programs also provide family therapy to help you and your family work through the problems your addiction has caused within your family unit.

Therapy is the main component of a rehabilitation program, yet these treatment programs often provide additional services. The best rehab programs offer a range of holistic services to help you get a handle on the many ways addiction has affected your mind, body, spirit, family and overall life. Addiction is a complex problem, so the best programs will offer a comprehensive plan to help you deal with all the facets of this problem.

Further, the best treatment plans are customized to fit your needs. Your plan should take into account factors that could impact your recovery, such as:
- The type(s) of drug you’re using
- The extent of your use
- The severity of your substance use disorder
- Whether you have a co-occurring mental disorder
- Your state of health
You can also choose from different types of treatment programs and facilities to best fit your needs and preferences.

Consider What Diastat AcuDial Treatment Your Health Insurance Plan Covers

There are a range of rehab programs and facilities available to help you with your recovery. The next step is about finding the right one for you.

That said, it is important to consider the differing costs if budget is a concern, and keep in mind that health insurance plans tend to cover some types of rehab treatment. If you need to choose the most affordable treatment program available—or simply want to save some money—it’s a good idea to start with your insurance company. It can tell you which types of treatment it covers and which providers are included within the plan’s network. In most cases, going to an in-network provider is much more affordable than going to an out-of-network provider, and some plans do not cover out-of-network providers at all.

If you’re going to use your health insurance plan to help with the cost of rehab treatment, make sure you follow the plan’s guidelines. In many cases, the insurance company requires you to get pre-authorization before it will fully cover this type of treatment. This means that the insurance carrier wants to make sure you need rehab treatment before it agrees to cover some of the cost. You can talk to your insurance company about its policies, but pre-authorization would most likely involve you getting a substance use disorder diagnosis from a behavioral health professional.

Levels of Diastat AcuDial Treatment

Rehab treatment programs vary in how intensive the treatment is. If you have a moderate to severe substance use disorder, it’s likely that one of the most comprehensive types of treatment would help you best. Otherwise, you might not get the level of care you need to truly move forward on the path of recovery.

You might find that participating in just one type of diazepam treatment helps you move into sobriety and recovery. But many people succeed with a step-down approach that transitions them from more comprehensive care to less intensive care. This approach can start with one of the most intensive options, which include inpatient treatment, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or partial hospitalization.

Then, you could transition to a regular outpatient program, which is less intensive than an IOP. There is also the option of a halfway house or sober living residence, which some people decide to enter after an inpatient or outpatient program.

From there, you could continue your recovery by getting ongoing support through periodic office visits with a professional and/or community peer support groups, such as 12-step meetings. This guide will give more information on each type of rehab treatment as you continue reading.

Some people may want or need to go through a number of levels, but you don’t necessarily have to. The key is figuring out which path is right for you, with the goal of sticking with recovery. It takes time to become addicted, and the addiction becomes a complicated problem with many aspects. Because of this, it takes time to undo the effects and to move forward with a new way of living. Many treatment programs do not last long enough for you to be recovered completely by the time you’re finished. Instead, you use what you learn and continue with the journey. Instead of doing it on your own and potentially relapsing, it can help to transition to another type of treatment and stick to the recovery path.

Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient Treatment

The most comprehensive addiction treatment you can get is found at inpatient treatment centers and IOPs (also called intensive outpatient treatment, or IOT). Both of these options provide intensive treatment that addresses a range of your needs. They include individual therapy, often in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to support you on a private, one-to-one basis.

A large component is group therapy, which includes the other people who are going through the program with you. Group therapy provides the benefits of peer support, seeing that you’re not alone, learning from the group and gaining guidance from a professional. A good program will offer many groups, each with a different focus. These can include:
- Psychoeducational groups that teach you about addiction, how it affects your life and ways to manage it and prevent relapse. There are often introductory ones that keep things simple and then more intensive ones as you progress with treatment.
- Support groups that put you with people at the same treatment stage you’re in so you can work on similar problems together.
- Skill-development groups, which include helpful information on topics like preventing relapse, managing stress and refusing substances.
- Interpersonal groups, which could include family groups, couples groups and single-interest groups that focus on a sensitive issue affecting the group members, such as sexual abuse.
In addition to therapy and counseling, inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment options provide medication management and pharmacotherapy when needed. These services can be used for many purposes. Medication can manage withdrawal symptoms during detox, lessen cravings, act as a substitute for illicit drugs you may be using, block effects of diazepam and treat other conditions you may have.

How to Choose Between Inpatient and Outpatient Diastat AcuDial Treatment

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, is even more comprehensive than an intensive outpatient program. That’s because you’re living on site for the duration of the program. An IOP may require that you attend the program for three to five days per week for a few hours each day. This provides a consistent, ongoing option.

Yet a residential program has you focus on your recovery every day and provides around-the-clock support. You’ll get to have free time, but you’ll consistently work on your recovery on a daily basis. There will always be professionals on hand when you need support, as well as peers going through the program who can also provide support. Further, inpatient treatment programs tend to provide additional services compared to an IOP. Since you’re living on site, you’ll be eating meals on site. Quality programs create healthy meals that support and heal your brain and body through the right dietary nutrients. Many offer fitness programs and holistic health services such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, acupuncture and more.

Another factor is whether you want or need to stay near your home or whether you’re open to traveling. When you’re going to stay in a residential facility, you’re able to broaden your focus. You could enter a program that looks perfect for you yet is not located where you live. Unless you change your living situation, you’ll need to choose from local benzodiazepine outpatient programs, which could be limited depending on where you live.

Some people benefit from staying at home and being able to complete a treatment program around other responsibilities. They’re not able or willing to leave their work and family responsibilities for a time while they go through treatment. They need to find a balance. If this is the case for you, an outpatient program might be the better fit. You are able to get a better balance when you can attend the outpatient program while also having the flexibility to leave and take care of other responsibilities in between. Outpatient programs also tend to be more affordable than inpatient ones. A regular outpatient program is even more flexible than an intensive outpatient program, yet it is often not comprehensive enough to be truly effective on its own.

Other people benefit more from an inpatient program that takes them away from their everyday world. If your life is filled with stressors and triggers that encourage you to engage in substance use, it could be helpful to get away from those influences while you focus on treatment and recovery. You’ll also get away from diazepam itself, so you won’t have access or the temptation that could encourage relapse. Further, you could get away from people who may encourage drug use and not be understanding that you’re trying to quit.

By staying in a residential facility, you can put your entire focus on recovery. You’ll consistently be in programs designed to help you and surrounded by a sober environment, behavioral health professionals and supportive peers sharing a similar experience. You’ll learn better coping strategies so you’ll be better able to handle everyday life when you go back to it, helping you avoid substance use. If you have responsibilities like a family and job, it’s possible to discuss time away and make it work. Ultimately, recovering will make you a better family member and employee, and fully focusing your time could potentially help shorten your recovery time in the long run.

When you choose inpatient treatment, you have the option of entering a luxury or specialty treatment center. These facilities offer a unique and rejuvenating experience that can facilitate your transformation. You can compare luxury centers to find one that fits your preferences. You could find one located within a relaxing setting, such as on the beach. Some include a natural experience within your healing plan, such as a wilderness or equine program. Also, luxury centers generally offer on-site amenities that give you a superior experience.

Partial Hospitalization as Diastat AcuDial Rehab

This option provides an alternative to an intensive outpatient program. It’s similar but slightly different. You would get support at a hospital for a few days each week, staying for a few hours each day. This option allows you to spend most of your time at home or taking care of responsibilities, while gaining the support of medical supervision, intensive psychiatric care and medication if needed.

Outpatient Programs for Diastat AcuDial Addiction Help

There are many regular outpatient programs that are less comprehensive and consistent than an intensive outpatient program. Regular outpatient options vary greatly by the program and facility, so it’s essential for you to look into what each one in your area offers. Many provide the bare minimum with only simple support groups for you to take part in. Others may provide additional services. When considering these programs for Diastat AcuDial rehab, you can also think of which treatment stage you find yourself in. If you have already taken part in more intensive treatment, even minimal services may benefit you as a form of aftercare treatment.

Halfway Houses or Sober Living Residences for Diastat AcuDial Addiction

Both halfway houses and sober living residences provide a sober living environment and support to help you transition from rehab to everyday life, while a halfway house also tends to include counseling.

Office Visits as Diastat AcuDial Treatment

You could go to office visits with a therapist or counselor. These visits provide individual therapy to help you work on addiction and mental health concerns. Visits tend to be sporadic, making this treatment a good option if you have a mild substance use disorder or as a form of aftercare to follow more intensive treatment.

Meetings for Diastat AcuDial Addiction Support

Community support group meetings provide another option that could be beneficial for sticking with recovery and avoiding relapse. These meetings provide peer support and often follow a 12-step program. For Diastat AcuDial addiction, you could consider a Benzodiazepine Anonymous group or a group that includes any type of substance use.

Which Level of Diastat AcuDial Treatment Should You Start With?

If you’re not sure about the level or type of Diastat AcuDial treatment you should start with, a mental health or addiction professional can help point you in the right direction. You could find this kind of help by seeing if your employment offers an employee assistant program, contacting your insurance company, researching professionals in your area or getting a consultation with a rehab facility.

An inpatient or intensive outpatient program is often the best place to start rehab treatment, once you have completed a detox program. Many programs incorporate detox and rehab into one to help you get the best care and to smoothly transition from one to the next. Comprehensive treatment programs with a customized plan give you the best chance of success at getting past a Diastat AcuDial addiction and moving forward with recovery. Then, you may decide that one or more of the additional treatment types are beneficial to sticking with recovery and preventing relapse.

View the original article at thefix.com
9 May 2019
Finding the Best Treatment Options for Clonazepam Addiction
If you or your loved one have an addiction to the prescription drug clonazepam, it’s imperative that you seek treatment from a professional.

Table of Contents
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to sort through your many options and find a rehab program that meets your needs. That’s why you must have access to the information required to make an informed treatment decision.

One crucial element in your decision-making process is an understanding of how clonazepam abuse causes harm. You must also understand which rehab methods are known to produce successful results. Just as importantly, you must know how to identify recovery programs that use those methods to the greatest effect. With this information at your disposal, you can make smart choices that turn addiction rehab from a vague hope into an achievable reality.

What is Clonazepam and How is it Used?

Clonazepam is the generic name of a prescription medication that forms part of the family of substances called benzodiazepines. In the U.S., the medication is also available under the brand name Klonopin. Benzodiazepines belong to a larger group of substances known as sedative-hypnotics or tranquilizers. When you take them, they travel to your brain, where they increase levels of a chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

GABA’s main purpose in your brain is to slow down the rate of communication between your nerve cells. It does this by suppressing electrical activity. By increasing normal production of GABA, benzodiazepines trigger decreased activity throughout your central nervous system. (In addition to your brain, this system includes your spinal cord). In turn, this drop in nerve signaling produces a calming, relaxing or sedating effect throughout your body.

While all benzodiazepines share the same core structure, they can differ from each other in several ways. First, not all members of this medication family are absorbed into your bloodstream at the same speed. Benzodiazepines also vary in how long they make changes in your normal brain chemistry. Finally, benzodiazepine medications differ in how quickly they lose their impact and get eliminated from your system. Taken together, these contrasts help explain why medications of this type have their own specific uses and effects.

Clonazepam takes longer to affect your system than a lot of benzodiazepines. However, it doesn’t take as long as others. Once the medication reaches your brain, it produces its effects for a relatively extended amount of time. These properties make Klonopin and its generic equivalent suitable for the treatment of conditions that include panic attacks, convulsion (seizures), insomnia and anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe clonazepam to reverse the effects of a catatonic state or to treat certain side effects of antipsychotic medications.

Other Names for Klonopin and Clonazepam

Like many addictive substances, Klonopin and clonazepam are sometimes known by informal street names. Slang terms for Klonopin in particular include K-pin and Pin. More general street names for clonazepam and other benzodiazepines include:
- Tranks
- Downers
- Benzos
- Nerve pills
Side Effects of Clonazepam

Benzodiazepines were developed as a safer alternative to an older group of sedatives and tranquilizers called barbiturates. Nevertheless, use of these newer medication options also comes with the risk of significant side effects. Relatively mild potential side effects of clonazepam/Klonopin consumption include:
- Sleepiness
- Disruptions in normal thought and memory
- A decline in your normal ability to coordinate body movements
- Painful joints or muscles
- Blurry vision
- Lightheadedness
- Increased urination
- Altered sexual performance or sexual drive
- Increases in your normal saliva output
As a rule, these effects are only a cause for concern if they become ongoing or take a severe form.

Certain other side effects of the medication are always considered serious, and require immediate attention from a doctor whenever they occur. Examples here include:
- The development of hives or a rash
- Problems swallowing or breathing
- An unexplained hoarse voice
- Swelling that affects tissues in your throat, tongue, lips, face or eyes
Klonopin Overdose

You can potentially overdose on benzodiazepines if you take them too often and/or in excessive amounts. Overuse of longer-acting medications like clonazepam/Klonopin comes with a higher overdose risk than shorter-acting benzodiazepines. Potential symptoms of a clonazepam overdose include a confused mental state, sleepiness and the unresponsive state known as a coma.

Most people who overdose won’t die if Klonopin is the only substance in their system. However, risks for death can rise sharply if you combine the medication with alcohol, opioids or other substances that also slow down your nervous system. In fact, benzodiazepines are found in the bloodstreams of roughly one-third of all Americans who overdose on opioids. More than 100 people die from such overdoses on the average day. Public health experts believe that clonazepam and other benzodiazepines make a consideration contribution to this death toll.

How Does Clonazepam Addiction Occur?

Tolerance and dependence are not uncommon in people who take clonazepam for extended periods of time. Tolerance occurs when you no longer feel the expected effects from a given dose of the medication. Dependence occurs when your brain grows accustomed to the higher output of GABA triggered by the presence of clonazepam. Most cases of benzodiazepine tolerance appear in people who take these medications for at least half a year.

If you become dependent on Klonopin, you can develop withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication or take a significantly lower dose. Acute (short-term) withdrawal can begin in a week or so if you stop taking a short-acting benzodiazepine. However, acute symptoms may take 30 to 60 days to appear in people who take a long-acting medication like clonazepam.

If you experience Klonopin withdrawal, the most likely acute symptoms include an anxious or irritable mental state, sleeplessness, unusual changes in your muscle function, a rapid heartbeat and blurry vision. Other potential symptoms include depression and feelings of detachment from your sense of self or your surroundings.

Dependence is common in anyone who takes daily doses of Klonopin for at least two months. However, your doctor can help you manage dependence, avoid withdrawal and maintain a stable lifestyle.

If you abuse the medication, you can transition from manageable dependence to uncontrolled clonazepam addiction. If you’re a legitimate prescription holder, you can abuse that prescription by taking the medication more often or in larger amounts than indicated. You can also abuse Klonopin by taking it in any amount without a prescription.

Besides abuse, other factors can also contribute to your chances of getting addicted to clonazepam. They include having a prescription with a high dosage and simultaneously engaging in alcohol abuse or barbiturate abuse. Your addiction risks also rise if you have a condition that requires long-term use of the medication.

People who are addicted to Klonopin or other benzodiazepines may be diagnosed with something called sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorder. The same diagnosis may also apply to non-addicted users who still experience serious, medication-related disruption of their ability to function. When checking for the presence of the disorder, doctors and addiction specialists look for symptoms such as:
- Inability to limit your intake of the medication
- Devotion of much of your day to acquiring or consuming Klonopin, or recovering from its effects
- Keeping up your intake even if you understand that it causes mental or physical damage
- Keeping up your intake even if you understand that it causes your relationships to suffer
- Experiencing cravings for Klonopin when not actively using the medication
- Choosing consumption of the prescription drug over things you used to do for fun or recreation
- A pattern of use that stops you from meeting established obligations or duties
Detox as the First Step to Addiction Recovery

At the start of rehab for your Klonopin problems, you must go through a period of supervised detoxification or detox. The detox process gives you time to go through withdrawal in the safest manner possible. To maximize your comfort and help avoid relapses, your doctor will lower your intake gradually, not all at once. The length of this process is determined in large part by how long you’ve used the medication. It also depends on how long you’ve been addicted. Detoxification can last for months in people with a long history of consumption or abuse.

The course of detox may change significantly if you also abuse alcohol, opioids or other addictive substances. Your doctor will need to account for withdrawal symptoms related to these substances. Simultaneous alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be especially challenging, since benzodiazepines are often used to manage alcohol withdrawal.

Inpatient or Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Detox and enrollment in active rehab are often separate phases of addiction treatment. However, that situation can change for people addicted to Klonopin or other long-acting benzodiazepines. Since it may take months to complete the withdrawal process, rehab and detox can overlap for substantial amounts of time. In fact, rehab counseling can help addicted people keep up their efforts during the long detoxification process.

Counseling can take place in an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility. Inpatient care in a residential facility is recommended for anyone moderately or severely affected by Klonopin withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend an inpatient program if you have co-existing problems with other types of substances. In addition, you may receive an inpatient recommendation if you’ve been diagnosed with any form of serious mental illness. That’s true because the presence of a separate mental illness can complicate the course of effective addiction treatment.

Outpatient care may be suitable if you only suffer from mild benzodiazepine-related addiction. However, even in these circumstances, a residential facility offers some important benefits. A short list of these benefits includes 24/7 health monitoring, rapid assistance for any emergencies and avoidance of daily situations that make medication abuse more likely to occur.

Rehab Options

If you’re only addicted to clonazepam, medication may not play a role in your rehab treatment plan. Instead, your plan will probably center on supportive care and the use of some form of evidence-based psychotherapy. One form of therapy with known benefits for benzodiazepine rehab is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has a couple of primary goals. Its first objective is to help you understand some of the underlying reasons why you got involved in medication abuse. Next, the therapy helps you change your old behaviors, thought patterns and general expectations in stressful situations. The overall benefit is an improved ability to resist the temptation to abuse Klonopin. You may receive CBT or other therapies in a group setting or in individual sessions.

Choosing Your Addiction Rehab Destination

All high-quality rehabs for clonazepam addiction will offer basic services designed to help you recover your sobriety. They will also employ skilled addiction professionals and perform thorough assessments of your current mental and physical health. However, the best rehabs go beyond this accepted standard with supportive care that boosts your ultimate odds of treatment success. This type of care comes in many forms, and may include such options as relaxation therapy, yoga or stress management.

When selecting your preferred rehab, make sure to ask questions and get a full picture of what to expect. No matter where you go for treatment, you should be allowed to participate in an active way and state your needs and opinions. Your doctor should also verify your understanding of the benefits and challenges of the care plan created for you. At the end of the day, the best rehab option is the one that makes it possible for you to achieve and maintain long-term sobriety.

View the original article at thefix.com
9 May 2019
Best Treatment Options for Duragesic Addiction
If you or someone you know is dealing with Duragesic addiction, you must call on professional help to make your recovery.

Rehab and treatment centers around the country advertise their services in print and online. However, not all options will meet your specific needs. To support your own best interests, you must be familiar with some of the basics of Duragesic-related problems. You must also familiarize yourself with the most effective addiction treatments and identify rehab facilities with a proven track record for top-quality care.

Table of Contents
What is Duragesic and What is it Used For?

Duragesic is the trademarked name of a prescription medication that contains the powerful opioid fentanyl. It comes in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin. The patch’s fentanyl content is gradually absorbed into your bloodstream over a period of several days.

Like all opioid prescription drugs, Duragesic/fentanyl decreases your pain sensitivity by blocking normal pain signaling in your body and brain. Secondary effects of the medication include sedation and intense feelings of pleasure and happiness. These feelings help explain fentanyl’s potential as a drug of abuse. That’s true because patterns of abuse often begin as the consequence of a desire for repeated mood elevation.

Doctors should only prescribe Duragesic to people who meet certain strict criteria. First, to qualify for legitimate use, you must have pain symptoms that are chronic and severe enough to call for 24-hour treatment. In addition, you must have tried other treatment options that failed to provide you with adequate relief.

Finally, you must have a considerable, pre-existing tolerance to the effects of opioid drugs or medications. The level of intake required to meet the definition of tolerance varies from substance to substance. (Some people qualify for Duragesic use after becoming tolerant to weaker prescription opioids. Others may have a prior history of using heroin or other opioid street drugs.)

These precautions are due to Duragesic’s high fentanyl content. Fentanyl, a completely synthetic or manmade medication, is one of the world’s strongest opioids. When used improperly, it produces heightened risks for two serious problems: addiction and overdose. In fact, fentanyl and similar synthetic products are currently responsible for more deaths than any other opioid medication or drug.

The list of additional fentanyl-based prescription drugs includes Sublimaze and Actiq. When abused or sold through illegal means, fentanyl products are often known by street names such as:
- Jackpot 
- China Girl 
- Friend 
- Dance Fever 
- Tango and Cash 
- China White 
- Murder 8 
- Apache 
- Goodfellas 
Development of Duragesic or Fentanyl Dependence

Duragesic can be vital for the treatment of opioid-tolerant people coping with severe, chronic pain. However, since this prescription drug contains fentanyl, it has the clear potential to produce both dependence and addiction. In the case of opioid drugs and medications, dependence and addiction are not the same thing.

Since Duragesic is used to help people with chronic pain symptoms, its consumption often continues over extended periods of time. Long-term intake of any prescription opioid can make you dependent. In the case of Duragesic, a state of dependence occurs when your brain comes to expect regular doses of fentanyl. If those doses don’t arrive at the typical time or in typical amounts, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal.

Early symptoms of classic opioid withdrawal range from excessive tear and mucus production to increased sweating, uncontrolled yawning and disrupted sleep. If withdrawal progresses further, you may develop additional symptoms such as dilated pupils, goose bumps and abdominal and bowel problems.

Fentanyl dependence is a manageable condition. Your doctor can work with you to provide a dose of the medication that provides adequate pain treatment and steers you clear of withdrawal. Every day, people dependent on Duragesic remain functional members of society with the proper medical help and oversight.

Development of Duragesic Addiction or Fentanyl Addiction

Untreated fentanyl addiction or Duragesic addiction is something else entirely. People who pass from controlled dependence to uncontrolled addiction experience clear, damaging changes in their physical and/or mental well-being. They also typically lose their ability to maintain functional and stable lives.

It’s critical to note that you can develop an addiction to Duragesic even if you take this prescription drug exactly as intended by your doctor. However, your risks for addiction increase significantly if you engage in a pattern of misuse or abuse. Abuse of fentanyl or Duragesic can be divided into three forms or categories.

If you hold a legitimate prescription for the medication, you can fall into abuse by consuming it more often than your doctor indicated. You can also meet the standard for misuse/abuse by taking the drug in larger amounts than indicated. The third category of Duragesic abuse includes anyone who uses even a single transdermal patch without a prescription.

A doctor or addiction specialist can diagnose the presence of a fentanyl addiction by looking for the presence of certain symptoms. These symptoms form part of a condition called opioid use disorder, or OUD. Doctors and public health officials use the OUD label to describe substance disorders triggered by the use of opioid drugs or medications. The terms for opioid use disorder also include people who are not addicted, but nevertheless experience serious, opioid-related harms.

Possible Opioid Use Disorder Indicators in Duragesic Users
- Regularly using Duragesic too often or in higher-than-prescribed amounts 
- Losing your ability to gain control over your intake despite multiple efforts 
- Using the prescription drug repeatedly in dangerous situations 
- The presence of strong urges for further Duragesic abuse 
- Maintenance of a pattern of use that you know harms your physical or mental health 
- Maintenance of a pattern of use that you know interferes with important relationships 
- Rising tolerance to the painkilling or pleasure-producing effects of fentanyl 
- Establishment of Duragesic/fentanyl abuse as a major element of your daily schedule 
- Replacement of former activities or hobbies with Duragesic abuse 
- A failure to meet important life responsibilities that’s the result of your prescription drug consumption 
- The onset of withdrawal if you switch to a lower-strength patch, use Duragesic less often or completely stop use of the medication 
It’s possible to have mild, moderate or severe symptoms of opioid use disorder. Part of that determination is based on the overall number of symptoms present within a 12-month period. You may also have specific symptoms that vary in intensity or duration.

Fentanyl and Duragesic Recovery Begin with Enrollment in Detox

Effective help is available for people affected by Duragesic addiction or fentanyl addiction. The first step in the road to lasting recovery is participation in a medical detox (detoxification) program. Detox begins when your consumption of a drug or medication comes to a halt. With no more of the addictive substance flowing into your bloodstream, you will begin to go through the process of withdrawal.

Unfortunately, people with an addiction to Duragesic and other forms of fentanyl are susceptible to severe withdrawal symptoms. These severe issues can take the form of disrupted sleep, overwhelming urges for continued drug intake and a combination of diarrhea and vomiting. You may also experience problems such as involuntary movement of your legs, pain in your bones or muscles, or goose flesh accompanied by cold flashes.

No matter what type of substance you abuse, the severity of withdrawal symptoms during detox can make you want to halt your recovery efforts. This is especially true for people enrolled in detox for a Duragesic addiction or fentanyl addiction. In these cases, severe symptoms can appear just a few hours after medication intake stops.

In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved some new treatment options that may help make the process more tolerable. One option now available to anyone struggling with severe fentanyl withdrawal is the non-opioid medication lofexidine. This prescription drug widens your blood vessels and increases blood flow in your circulatory system. In turn, this increased blood flow helps ease the intensity of Duragesic detox.

Your doctor may also prescribe an electrical, nerve-stimulating device called the NSS-2 Bridge. When placed behind your ear, the NSS-2 sends periodic pulses of electricity to the cranial nerves at the bottom of your brain. These pulses alter nerve function in a way designed to help control your detox symptoms. You may receive treatment with the device for as many as five days.

The Impact of Co-Occurring Mental Disorders and Addiction

The time you spend in detox before active rehabilitation has other vital uses. For instance, it gives your doctor a chance to assess you for additional problems that may be damaging your well-being. One problem of particular importance is the presence of a serious mental health issue other than opioid use disorder. When mental health disorders appear in combination with OUD or other substance use disorders, you may qualify for something called co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis.

Co-occurring disorders are relatively common. That’s unfortunate, because their presence can make it much more difficult to provide adequate treatment. In some cases, fentanyl addiction (or other drug or alcohol problems) may appear before the onset of separate mental illness. In other cases, diagnosable symptoms of mental illness appear prior to the onset of addiction. To recover from co-occurring disorders, you must receive treatments that address mental illness as well as your prescription drug problem.

Depression is one of the most frequent mental illnesses in people affected by dual diagnosis. Other conditions known to appear in combination with substance addiction include schizophrenic disorders and anxiety disorders. Personality disorder (PD) is also on the short list of the most likely contributors to dual diagnosis.

Duragesic Rehab Is a Necessary Next Step

To make good on your recovery from fentanyl addiction, you must enter Duragesic rehab after you complete the detox process. If you fail to follow up your detox participation with a rehabilitation program, you run several major risks. First, without follow-up addiction treatment, you can quickly end up returning to a pattern of fentanyl abuse. Relapses are not uncommon in people in recovery. However, they pose a special danger for people recovering from fentanyl- or Duragesic-related problems.

Since fentanyl is one of the strongest opioids in the world, it has a tremendous potential to trigger the symptoms of opioid overdose. In recent years, the number of overdoses related to use of this powerful drug have skyrocketed. Throughout the nation, public health officials view this rise in fatalities as a major threat and challenge.

Why is this information important to people who detox from Duragesic? During the detox process, you will gradually grow less tolerant to the drug effects of fentanyl. When detoxification is complete, you’ll feel the impact of doses far below your previous, accustomed level of intake. If you try to “pick up where you left off,” you may be on a fast track to an overdose with a potentially lethal outcome. For these reasons, addiction experts view relapse and overdose as the primary dangers of detox.

There is another huge reason for entering a rehab treatment facility after detox ends. To make lasting changes in your fentanyl-related behaviors, you must develop your awareness of how addiction works. You must also develop the crucial skills that will help you avoid substance abuse in various daily situations. Duragesic rehab programs are specifically designed for people with fentanyl/opioid problems. By enrolling in them, you optimize your chances for a sustainable short- and long-term recovery.

Options for Successful Rehab and Recovery

Successful rehabilitation from prescription drug addiction can occur in one of three places. Most people receive the treatment they need in inpatient rehab facilities. Facilities in this category are residential. Throughout your enrollment, you will live onsite, rather than at home.

This residential setup gives doctors and support staff the ability to monitor your mental and physical state at all hours of the day and night. It also makes it easier to make any necessary adjustments in your current treatment plan. In addition, enrollment in inpatient rehab provides 24/7 access to emergency help if you should experience any treatment complications.

People who experience milder symptoms while going through detox may be able to meet their needs in an outpatient fentanyl rehabilitation program. If you enroll in outpatient care, you’ll remain at home during treatment. On a given number of days per week, you’ll travel to your chosen rehab center for checkups and assessments. Even if you have moderate addiction or withdrawal symptoms, you can sometimes choose outpatient care. This is especially true if you can’t make the time commitment required for inpatient addiction treatment.

The third possibility for Duragesic rehab or fentanyl rehabilitation is hospitalization. As a rule, only people with severe and/or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms qualify for this option. People who start rehab in hospitals may be transferred to inpatient or outpatient care at a later date.

Since Duragesic or fentanyl abuse can lead to severe addiction and withdrawal side effects, outpatient care is often not an option. However, unless you also abuse other substances, opioid withdrawal is not typically life-threatening. Taking these two factors into account, it’s probable that inpatient Duragesic rehabilitation is your best option for effective addiction recovery. The presence of a co-occurring disorder also increases the odds that you will need to receive addiction treatment through a residential rehabilitation program.

Duragesic Treatment Plans

The standard option for treatment of any form of opioid addiction is a combination of medication and behavior-modifying psychotherapy. The medications used during fentanyl rehab may have any one of several purposes. Like lofexidine, they may help ease the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. You may also receive medication in order to reduce the intensity of any ongoing cravings for opioid use. In addition, your treatment plan may include medication designed to stop opioids from having a drug effect in your brain and body. All three of these approaches help keep you sober and reduce your chances of relapsing back into active substance abuse.

Buprenorphine and methadone are two of the frontline medications for Duragesic addiction treatment. While it may seem unusual, both of these options also belong to the opioid family of prescription drugs. Buprenorphine is a relatively weak opioid, while methadone has a stronger effect. However, both medications are less powerful than fentanyl (which can be up to 100 times stronger than morphine, the source of all heroin.)

During fentanyl rehab, substitution of buprenorphine or methadone for Duragesic has some important benefits. First, it allows you to go through detox without going “cold turkey” and triggering severe, withdrawal-related side effects. At the same time, your dose of these prescription drugs won’t be enough to get you “high.” Instead, your controlled intake will limit your opioid cravings and make it possible to stabilize your condition. As you improve, you doctor may gradually taper your medication dosage down to nothing. However, some people continue to receive ongoing, maintenance doses of buprenorphine or methadone.

The third well-established medication for treatment of Duragesic addiction is naltrexone. This anti-opioid enters your bloodstream and blocks the pathways that normally give opioids their brain-altering powers. With naltrexone in your system, you can’t really get high. For this reason, you’ll have far less motivation for a relapse from Duragesic rehabilitation. You can only safely take naltrexone if you’ve completed opioid detox. Otherwise, the rapid shutoff of opioids’ brain access could lead to the onset of heavy withdrawal symptoms.

There are several behavioral therapy options shown to support successful Duragesic rehabilitation. One evidence-based method is called motivational interviewing. It uses counseling techniques to help you get clear about your reasons for halting your substance abuse. Another approach, called contingency management, uses a combination of a point system and prizes or vouchers to help you stay motivated and meet your stated addiction treatment goals. A third choice for therapy, called community reinforcement or CRA, relies on similar methods.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a fourth option with proven usefulness for fentanyl rehab. This form of treatment aims to help you understand your reasons for getting involved in prescription drug abuse. It also helps you change your daily behaviors and turn away from actions that make abuse more likely to occur. Possible rehabilitation therapies also include 12-step facilitation and family behavior therapy. Depending on your situation, you may receive help in the form of group therapy or individual sessions with your caregiver.

Identifying Preferred Treatment and Rehab Facilities

In today’s world, even substandard prescription drug rehab centers may produce impressive advertising for Duragesic rehabilitation. To wade through the static and find a truly effective program, you should focus on certain key areas. First, look for programs that use treatments backed by scientific evidence and recommendations from authorities in the addiction field. The doctors who administer these treatments should have extensive experience treating patients with opioid-related problems.

Whether you call a hotline or make contact in other ways, rehab programs on your preferred list should offer detailed information on their methods and practices. They should also help resolve any questions you may have about the recovery process.

No reputable fentanyl rehabilitation program will treat you without first conducting a thorough assessment during intake.This assessment is necessary to make sure your recovery takes place in an appropriate setting. It’s also necessary to help identify any factors that may affect the course of addiction treatment. That includes overlapping mental health issues such as PD, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia-related disorders and depression.

The best programs enlist you as an active participant in the rehab process. To this end, they explain each step of treatment and listen to your opinions and observations. In addition, top programs for rehabilitation from Duragesic addiction make sure you feel well-supported at all times. That means hiring well-trained secondary staff and maintaining a safe, secure facility. In a best-case scenario, it also means offering holistic services that help you feel like something more than just another addiction patient.

Only you can make the final call on which treatment program provides the best options for recovery from fentanyl addiction. With a firm understanding of the variables involved, you can choose your rehab destination with confidence. Regardless of your chosen facility, the goal remains the same: sobriety and a return to a lasting, substance-free routine.

View the original article at thefix.com
3 May 2019
Anthem Blue Cross Coverage for Drug Rehab and Behavioral Health
Anthem Blue Cross alcohol rehab centers, drug addiction rehab facilities, and behavioral health treatment centers are important providers of mental health care coverage.

Substance use disorders, alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and behavioral health issues are all important mental health conditions that can cause significant dysfunction in your life. They often occur together too, which can make symptoms worse. There is hope, though, as these are all conditions that are treatable and manageable. Anthem Blue Cross alcohol rehab centers, drug addiction rehab facilities, and behavioral health treatment centers are important providers of mental health care.

Table of Contents
Defining Substance Abuse, Alcohol Addiction, and Behavioral Health

Substance abuse is any misuse of a drug or alcohol. If you misuse drugs, you are not necessarily addicted, but you are at significant risk for it. Alcohol or drug addiction refers to a serious illness characterized by being unable to control your use of the substance. Some of the Anthem Blue Cross substance abuse criteria include:
- Intense cravings 
- Regularly using more than you intended 
- Being unable to stop using or to use less 
- Spending a lot of time on using 
- Spending less time on other activities because of substance use 
- Failing to meet your responsibilities because of substance use 
- Using a substance in spite of problems it causes with friends and family 
- Continuing to use a substance even though it causes or worsens health problems 
- Using in dangerous situations, like while driving 
- Needing more and more to get high 
- Having withdrawal when you try to stop using 
Substance abuse, addiction, and alcoholism are all considered to fall under the category of behavioral health. These are conditions related to how you react to the world and how you behave and the choices you make, such as alcohol use or drug use. You may need Anthem Blue Cross Substance abuse care if you find you can no longer control your use of alcohol or drugs.

But behavioral health also includes mental illnesses, like depression, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. These are conditions that have no known causes but plenty of risk factors, like genetics and substance abuse. Anthem Blue Cross mental health coverage is important because it will cover these mental illnesses that require treatment.

Does Anthem Blue Cross Cover Substance Abuse Treatment and Alcohol Addiction?

Most insurance companies do cover treatment for addiction and substance use disorders, although the degree of coverage depends on each individual plan. Anthem Blue Cross providers may offer detox services, medical treatment for certain types of drug addiction, treatment in rehab facilities, and outpatient therapy. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield subsidiaries offer coverage in a number of locations.

It is important that you understand your own Anthem Blue Cross substance abuse policy so that you know what to expect. There may be certain criteria you must meet, for instance, in order to be covered. You may also be facing some co-pays or a deductible, so know what these are before you enroll in treatment.

Does Anthem Blue Cross Cover Mental Health Treatment?

Yes, as with substance use disorders, most insurers do also cover treatment for all types of behavioral health, including mental illnesses. With Anthem Blue Cross mental health providers, you will have access to a great network of professionals. This includes therapists, counselors, physicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. You also have access to Anthem Blue Cross approved mental health facilities for residential treatment if necessary.

Understanding Anthem Blue Cross Substance Abuse Coverage

What your coverage includes for alcohol addiction or substance abuse depends on the plan you have. Make sure you read over the materials you have for your policy so that you can make better decisions about treatment. Consider factors like deductibles, whether you have to stick with in-network providers, if treatment in an inpatient center will be covered, the costs and coverage for prescription drugs, and more.

Understanding Anthem Blue Cross Mental Health Coverage

With mental health care, you will also need to understand your specific plan or policy before making treatment decisions. You may be required to get treatment from in-network providers or to pay a certain amount in deductible before insurance payments kick in. Read your Anthem Blue Cross mental health policy carefully before deciding on care, and call if you still have questions about coverage.

Anthem Blue Cross In-Network Providers or Out-of-Network Providers?

You may have a choice to make in your treatment services between in- and out-of-network providers. Your policy may require that you choose doctors, therapists, and facilities that are in a group of network providers. This is known as an EPO, exclusive provider organization.

Or, your policy may allow you to choose from any provider. This is a PPO, a preferred provider organization. Choosing an out-of-network facility or physician may cost you more money, so be sure you know what your policy says.

Types of Substance and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Covered by Anthem Blue Cross

When seeking treatment for a substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, you may have a lot of choices, including between Anthem Blue Cross psychiatrists, therapists, and treatment centers. The first big decision to make is between outpatient and inpatient treatment.

Inpatient care is intensive, residential treatment. You will live in a facility for a few weeks or months to get treatment on a daily basis. This type of care provides around-the-clock supervision, a safe environment, other residents to work with, and a larger team of caregivers to provide different types of therapy and support services.

Some benefits of outpatient care include being able to stay at home, being with family more, and being able to keep going to work. On the other hand, you don’t get as much time to focus on your wellness with just a few sessions of therapy per week.

The choice you make will depend on your particular needs, your Anthem Blue Cross substance abuse policy, and your preferences. Many people find they need the intensive care of a rehab facility, while others find success in outpatient therapy.

Types of Mental Health Care Covered

Treatment for mental illnesses can also be inpatient or outpatient, but it is more often provided on an outpatient basis. If your policy does not cover residential care for mental illness, you can still get effective treatment from Anthem Blue Cross therapists and other providers.

Anthem Blue Cross depression providers, for instance, offer one-on-one therapy sessions on an outpatient basis that can help patients manage their symptoms. This kind of treatment can be very effective as long as you stick with it, get good medical care, and practice healthy lifestyle habits recommended by your therapist.

Coverage for Aftercare Services

Aftercare is an important part of treatment for substance and alcohol abuse in particular. If you spend time in a residential facility, the transition back to home and work can be difficult. Your Anthem Blue Cross substance abuse care policy may include coverage for ongoing therapy on an outpatient basis. This, along with attendance at support group meetings can help you make a smoother transition and reduce the risk of relapse.

Types of Services Anthem Blue Cross May Not Cover

You may have the best policy, but there still are some mental health and addiction services that you’ll find are not covered by your insurance. For example, your Anthem Blue Cross approved alcohol abuse facilities list is not likely to include any luxury centers.

And don’t expect coverage for a private room or some extra services a facility may offer. Things like music therapy, massage, yoga and other exercise classes, or cooking instruction are useful services. However, they may not be covered by your policy.

Choosing the Best Mental and Behavioral Health Services

Your choices may be restricted to some degree by your Anthem Blue Cross substance abuse professionals list or mental health care providers. However, you will still have options, and you shouldn’t have to settle for treatment that doesn’t work for you. Narrow down your list by coverage options, location, and extra costs.

Once you have a list of facilities or treatment providers that match your needs, visit those facilities and speak with staff. Ask any questions you have about the treatment program, and speak with residents if possible in a rehab facility. Make a choice based on practical considerations, like what your policy will cover, but also what works for your personal needs and preferences.

Using Anthem Blue Cross Insurance for Behavioral Health Care

Most people will need some type of behavioral health care at some point in their lives. For you it may be alcohol addiction treatment or depression management. To get the most out of your insurance policy, make sure you understand it. Know what is covered and what is not, what extra costs you face, and which providers are in your network. Find out if you need pre-authorization or a referral.

Good mental and behavioral health care is essential for living well, but too few people actually get the treatment they need. With Anthem Blue Cross you should find that you can get treatment and that the costs will not totally come out of your pocket. Working with your insurance company is an important part of getting good care, so don’t hesitate to call if you need help understanding and using your policy.

View the original article at thefix.com
3 May 2019
Cigna Behavioral Health Rehab Coverage for Addiction and Mental Illness

Behavioral health is a term that encompasses all types of mental illness, behavioral disorders and substance use disorders, or addictions. Rehab is an important treatment option for anyone struggling with one of these types of conditions, because it provides long-term, focused and individualized care. Cigna behavioral health rehab coverage is important to consider for anyone who needs this kind of treatment.

What Counts as Behavioral Health?

Medical terms can be confusing, especially when sorting through diagnoses, treatment options and insurance coverage. Behavioral health can refer to mental illnesses, like depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia and many others. Some childhood conditions are also a part of behavioral health, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

Behavioral health most often refers to addiction. More formally known as substance use disorder, addiction is a behavioral and mental health condition that is characterized by out-of-control use of drugs or alcohol. While misusing substances is a choice, being addicted is not. Professional and medical treatment is necessary to help individuals overcome this disease and to be firmly in recovery with a lower risk of relapse.

Does Cigna Cover Substance Abuse Treatment?

The degree of coverage depends on individual plans, but yes, Cigna does cover treatment for substance use disorders. Some of the types of services covered are rehab for drugs or alcohol, detoxification and outpatient counseling.

Cigna also offers insurance holders important behavioral health and addiction resources. The free education series provides information about recognizing the signs of addiction as well as advice and helpful tips for both patients in rehabs and their families.

Patients with Cigna health insurance will need to find out if they meet the criteria to have rehab and other types of treatment for substance use covered. It is important for each individual to understand their plans, to know what the requirements are for coverage and to find out what any out-of-pocket costs might be.

Understanding Cigna Behavioral Health Rehab Coverage

The type of coverage a patient has for behavioral health and addiction depends on the plan purchased. It is important to understand coverage when making decisions about treatment. There are many factors to consider, including deductible amounts, whether or not treatment needs be with an in-network provider, whether coverage includes inpatient or outpatient services, if there is any coverage for after care services, and prescription drug costs and coverage.

Individuals should verify coverage and Cigna substance abuse policy before making a choice about treatment. There may be costs that have to be covered out of pocket, depending on individual plans and polices and the treatment chosen.

Cigna In-Network Providers vs. Out-of-Network Providers

One of the most important considerations to make when choosing treatment for addiction is between in- and out-of-network providers. Whether or not a patient needs to get treatment from an in-network provider depends on individual Cigna plans.

For instance, an EPO, or exclusive provider organization, is a type of insurance that requires patients only see treatment providers in the network. A PPO, or preferred provider organization, allows for treatment from providers outside of the network, but costs to the patient may be higher.

It is usually less expensive for the patient to choose treatment through an in-network provider. However, it is worth contacting Cigna to find out what is allowed and what extra costs would be. Sometimes an out-of-network rehab or therapist is the best option for a patient.

Types of Behavioral Health Treatment Covered by Cigna

Cigna substance abuse coverage includes two main types of treatment: inpatient and outpatient care. Outpatient treatment can be as simple as attending 12-step programs and support groups. However, for most people struggling with addiction, this is not enough.

Outpatient care provided by professionals is therapy or addiction counseling. Patients in outpatient treatment may have one or more sessions per week, but they don’t live in a rehab facility. They live at home and are generally able to continue with normal activities, like work and school, while going through treatment.

Inpatient treatment for addiction is also known as residential treatment or rehab. This type of care includes a stay for a month or a few months in a facility that provides 24-hour supervision and daily treatment. Inpatient treatment is best for people who have no safe place to live while getting treatment or who don’t feel confident in being able to stay sober while at home.

Both types of treatment offer one-on-one therapy for learning how to live without alcohol or drugs. Residential care, however, provides much more. Patients in rehab usually have access to medical care, alternative therapies, and family and group therapies. They benefit from a whole team of professionals with different types of behavioral health expertise.

Coverage for Aftercare Services

Aftercare is an important part of addiction treatment, and much of it is covered by Cigna insurance plans. For patients going through residential treatment, aftercare may include outpatient therapy sessions, support group attendance, check-ins back at the residential facility, job and vocational training and medical care.

This kind of ongoing treatment is important, because it provides patients with a smoother transition from the intensity of residential care to life back at home with little or no supervision. Aftercare helps to reduce the incidence of relapse and to minimize the need for additional inpatient treatment in the future.

Some of the types of aftercare that are likely to be at least partially covered by Cigna plans are outpatientsessions with Cigna therapists and potentially with out-of-network providers, prescription drugs and medication-assisted addiction treatment, and the costs of staying in a sober living house.

Cigna Mental Health Coverage

Mental health is typically included in coverage for behavioral health services. In fact, many patients have co-occurring mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The most effective treatment addresses all of the behavioral health needs of an individual. It is important to get a diagnosis that uncovers any substance use disorder or mental illness and to choose treatment services accordingly.

Cigna mental health criteria for coverage are having a diagnosis of a mental illness from a professional and recommended treatment plan. Patients who have been diagnosed are entitled to coverage for appropriate care. Like substance use disorders, this care may include residential treatment if necessary or outpatient therapy.

Types of Behavioral Health Services Cigna May Not Cover

Even with the highest level of Cigna behavioral health rehab coverage, there are some services that are not likely to be paid for by the insurance company. These will be out-of-pocket expense for the patients. Luxury rehab facilities, for instance, are probably not covered for any patient. A private room at a treatment center is also considered a luxury expense that is not typically covered.

The insurance plan will also not cover any medications that can be purchased over the counter. Many types of alternative or complementary services may also not be covered—things like yoga classes, music and art therapy, or massage.

Some of these services and treatments not covered can be beneficial. Patients should find out by contacting Cigna if coverage will be included before committing to them. Those who want to continue with services that are not covered must be prepared to pay the costs.

Finding the Best Behavioral Health Treatment

While Cigna behavioral health rehab coverage should not be the only consideration when choosing the best treatment, it should be an important one. Patients should start with in-network providers and look for a facility or therapist that is experienced and appropriate for the type of care needed. They can ask for references from previous patients and visit facilities to have a tour and to speak with staff before making a final choice.

The treatment a patient gets for addiction or mental illness is crucial to recovery and long-term wellness. It is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Each individual must choose the treatment that feels best and most comfortable but that also meets their needs and makes sense within a Cigna insurance plan and coverage level.

Using Cigna Insurance for Behavioral Health Care

In order to make the best use of Cigna insurance for getting needed treatment for addiction and other behavioral health issues, have a firm understanding of coverage. Patients should check with Cigna to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs. They also need to go over insurance plans with the treatment provider. These steps are important to take before committing to any treatment plan.

Most patients will not need a referral from Cigna to get treatment, but pre-authorization may be needed. Insurance holders will also need to cover any remaining deductible costs and copays associated with treatment.

Getting behavioral health treatment is so important and too often overlooked. Insurance holders have an ally with Cigna. This insurance company provides coverage options that work with most people’s needs and income levels. Working with Cigna is a crucial part of getting the best care that is also affordable.

View the original article at thefix.com

1 April 2019
Treatment Options for Youth Diagnosed with Substance Addictions
ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and experimentation and unfortunately for most teens, this means experimenting with alcohol and drugs. While some teens don’t end up addicted after their first few encounters, plenty of others do… leading to a lifelong struggle.
Here, we’ll explore just what substances teens use. Then, we look at the direct interventions that can save your teen’s life. Finally, we invite your questions at the end.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Common Substance Addictions Teens Face

1. Marijuana. Marijuana or weed remains hugely popular among teens with 45% of 12th graders reporting having used it at some point in their lives. [1] Most teens don’t consider marijuana addictive or harmful, explaining its popularity. [2]

2. Alcohol. Alcohol is perhaps the most readily available and widely consumed substance among US teens. According to the 2017 Monitor The Future survey, up to 61.5% of 12th graders and 42.2% of 10th graders have taken alcohol at least once. [3]

[banner variant=”article-1″]

3. Opioids. Prescription drugs are alarmingly easily available to teens with most obtaining them right in their home’s medicine cabinets. Common opioids abused by teens include codeine, Vicodin and OxyContin.

4. Study aid drugs. Study drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta are regularly misused by students in a bid to boost their grades. [4] These drugs sharpen focus and heighten attention spans, making it possible for teens to concentrate for longer periods. Unfortunately, they’re also highly addictive.

5. Hallucinogens. Teens usually experiment with hallucinogens for fun and to “expand the mind” but before long, they’re hooked. Hallucinogens such as LSD, Salvia and magic mushrooms like psilocybin have seen a resurgence in teen use in recent years.

Rehabs Offer the Best Treatment

The signs of drug use and addiction vary with individuals and the substances used. It’s therefore recommended that parents know what signs to watch out for in their teens since early detection of illicit drug use might improve treatment outcomes. [5]

[banner variant=”article-2″]

When it comes to treatment options, teen drug rehabilitation programs offer the best chance for teens to beat their addictions. As of 2015, there were more than 14,500 substance abuse treatment centers across the U.S. but only less than 10% of addicted teens are enrolled in these centers. This means that most of those who desperately need help aren’t receiving it.

Even among those who access rehabs, full recovery from addiction isn’t completely guaranteed and about 40-60% of addicts eventually relapse. To parents, this might seem like failure and a futile endeavor. Why take my teen to rehab if they might start using again?

[banner variant=”sidebar-1″]

However, it’s important for parents to remember that addiction causes extensive damage mentally, physically and psychologically and is a tough habit to beat, especially for teens who are still growing.

If your teen relapses that doesn’t mean that the rehab process failed. It simply means that treatment has to be reinstated with a few tweaks and adjustments. Most of all, parents should remember that taking their teens to rehab gives them a shot at regaining their lives.

[banner variant=”sidebar-3″]

Available Treatment Options

There are two main types of rehabs:

1. Outpatient rehab. This gives teens daily, part-time support so they don’t have to commit to residency. They arrive at the rehab center for appointments, therapy sessions then they’re free to return home. Outpatient rehabs are ideal for teens who don’t require constant supervision and those who don’t mind daily commutes.

2. Inpatient rehab. These rehabs have proven hugely successful in helping teens fight addiction, especially when it’s become a deeply entrenched habit that significantly affects a teen’s life. The most common types of inpatient rehabs are residential treatment centers for teens where they enroll for a period of time, receiving full support to help overcome their addiction. One of the reasons inpatient rehabs are so effective is because teens are removed from the influence of the environment that led to their addiction.

The Rehab Treatment Process

Once your teen is admitted to rehab, they undergo a complete diagnosis then receive a custom treatment plan according to their addiction. The treatment program will likely include a variation of these addiction treatment modalities:

1. Detox

Detoxification is the body’s way of flushing out drugs or alcohol so that your teen can start healing. [6] This is a natural process that takes anywhere between a few days and weeks depending on your teen’s individual situation.
Since they’re in rehab, they’ll receive full professional care and assistance to make the detox and withdrawal process as comfortable as possible.

[banner variant=”article-5″]

2. Therapy

Teens in rehab take part in different therapies depending on their addiction and situation. Common ones include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy. Usually done in individual sessions, this type of therapy seeks to uncover the thought patterns that drive a teen’s addiction and seek to reshape them. Teens learn how to develop strategies to help avoid high-risk situations as well as communication, problem-solving, coping and self-regulation skills.

Family Therapy. Families influence most of a teen’s behaviors and beliefs and play a huge role both in developing and overcoming addiction. Family therapy, therefore, brings together those who are closest to the addicted teen in a bid to help them address underlying issues that caused the addiction in the first place. Families learn constructive ways of communicating, solving problems and bonding.

Group Therapy. Participating in group therapy allows teens to share and draw strength from others who are going through similar issues. They learn more about themselves and the group can act as a support system and sounding board.

Recreational Therapy. Most teens with a substance addiction end up so focused on feeding their addictions that they miss out on a huge part of their lives. Recreational therapy helps teens engage in leisure activities including sports, games, arts and crafts, helping them rediscover an enjoyable part of their life. Additionally, they get to improve their social skills by interacting with other teens in a healthy way while building positive personal traits.

3. Medication

Getting over an addiction sometimes requires the use of medication to restore normal health, reduce cravings or treat any underlying psychiatric disorders. Given the strong nature of some of these medicines, they should only be taken under strict medical supervision to avoid creating a new addiction.

Helping Your Teen to Stay Clean

It’s normal for parents to worry about helping their teens stay clean once they come home from rehab. One of the key components of successful rehabilitation is having an aftercare plan to prevent relapse. [7] A 12-step program like the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be invaluable in providing your teen with the guidance and support they need to stay clean. Scheduling one-on-one counseling for your teen can also help them stay on course with their recovery.

It can be daunting to discover that your teen has a substance addiction but getting them the right treatment goes a long way towards helping them not only beat the addiction but also get their lives back on track.

Reference Sources: [1] Addiction Blog: Trends in Popular Drugs Among Teens
[2] NIDA: Monitoring the Future Survey: High School and Youth Trends
[3] NIDA: Monitoring the Future Study: Trends in Prevalence of Various Drugs
[4] Drug Abuse: History and Statistics of “Study Drugs”
[5] Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience: Early Detection of Illicit Drug Use in Teenager
[6] Addiction Blog: What is drug detox and how does it work?
[7] Addiction Blog: The 3 Secrets of Successful Addiction Rehabilitation

[banner variant=”article-6″]

View the original article at addictionblog.org
26 March 2019
Using Spiritual or Religious Beliefs when Fighting Addiction
ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Religious and spiritual beliefs can moderate the relationship between life stressors and quality of life. In fact, reliance on your beliefs can give you hope, strength, and provide meaning in addiction recovery.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
What does the science say?

Advocates of the 12 Steps and a spiritual way of life have been saying for decades that faith and belief are cornerstones to recovery. However, agnostics and atheists still have a hard time accepting the notion that spirituality must be a part of recovery. So, what does the science say?

The facts are quite clear. Persons with strong religious beliefs report higher levels of life satisfaction, greater happiness, and fewer negative psychosocial consequences of traumatic life events.

[banner variant=”article-1″]

In fact, scientific literature strongly supports the notion that spiritual or religious beliefs can enhance health and quality of life, also called QOL. In a review of 200 + studies, positive relationships were reported between a person’s belief and positive life outcomes. Indeed, the following positive relationships have been documented in people who actively practice religion in their lives:
- Improved coping abilities
- Greater emotional well-being
- Reduced psychopathology
- Physical and functional status
These studies show that religious and spiritual beliefs typically play a positive role in adjustment and in better health. Furthermore, spirituality was included in the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life instrument, the WHOQOL, after focus group participants worldwide reported that spirituality was an important component of their QOL.

The bottom line is: Suspended disbelief can lead to wonders.

And if so, what are we up against? First, we are fighting inner demons. Then, we have to fight the world outside.

[banner variant=”article-2″]

Common beliefs about addiction

We find that addiction recovery is an uphill struggle. Not only do we deal with the inner demons, we are also demonized by the world around us. People who are diagnosed with substance use disorders may experience stigma as a consequence of the culturally endorsed stereotypes that surround the health condition. In addition, social stigma links addictive behaviors to a range of other health conditions such as:
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C virus
- Mental illness
- Unsafe behaviors (e.g. impaired driving)
- Social problems (e.g. poverty, criminality)
The negative stereotypes around addiction guide social action, public policy and allocation of health-care expenditures. Very often people who have substance use disorders are perceived to have control over their illness.

[banner variant=”sidebar-1″]

The blame and pressure thrown at us during addiction can change the way we view ourselves.

People respond to this stigma with anger and punishment or avoidance, holding people in addiction recovery wholly responsible for their behavior. Psychological breakdown is a common occurrence during these hard emotional and/or physical attacks. So, how might we build resilience as we fight addiction? How can we fall back onto spiritual or religious practice?

[banner variant=”sidebar-3″]

Core concepts of addiction
Before we examine the ways that we can use our own beliefs in recovery, it can help to look at models and concepts. It’s helpful to know how people see addiction…so that we can begin to position ourselves in the world accordingly. This serves two purposes. First, you can start to understand how and what others believe about addiction. Second, you can strengthen your own belief.

These different concepts of addiction have been based in research but are not conclusive. Indeed, some have fallen out of professional acceptance altogether, such as the moral volitional model. Even though these outdated concepts do not accurately describe the nature of addiction, individuals may hold beliefs related to these concepts. So, although research suggests that addiction does not result from weak morals, people may believe that addicts lack moral fortitude. The most common core concepts of addiction follow.

1. The Moral or Volitional Concept.

The moral model finds people lacking in moral fortitude and suffering from addiction as a result of weakness. Proponents of this model deny that addiction is in any way an illness. Any reported “loss of control” is interpreted as evidence of weak character and depravity.

2. The Psychoanalytic Concept.

The psychoanalytic model defines addiction as the result of an underlying neurosis. Treatment consists of psychotherapy which seeks to lead to a mature lifestyle by penetrating early childhood emotions and memories. Therapy is typically a long and involved process with minimal success. The psychoanalytic model gave rise to notion of the addictive personality, which is the idea that certain negative personality traits are common to anyone diagnosed with substance use disorder.

[banner variant=”article-5″]

3. The Family Interaction Concept.

Family-interaction proponents view alcoholism or drug addiction as a role assigned to an individual family member, while the other relatives play complementary parts. Because the family members define themselves by the roles they play, removing the key actor results in the other members trying to restore him/her to an addictive state. A life of sobriety is possible with family therapy.

4. The Alcoholics Anonymous Concept.

The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) model states that alcoholism is a spiritual problem. The group identifies a need for a spiritual recovery in order to lead a life of sobriety. Participation in the meeting of AA helps the recovering alcoholic to maintain his/her relationship with a healing Higher Power. The AA model also states that untreated, alcoholism is a progressive and fatal disease, specifically a disease of the mind.

5. The Disease Concept.

The disease concept, or medical model, describes addiction as a progressive disease with its own set of symptoms. Often, the disease is hereditary and can be fatal. Most at risk are those whose body chemistry allows them to become addicted more readily than the general population. Under the medical model, addiction must be identified as a primary disorder and treated as such.

6. The Adaptive Model.

The adaptive model of addiction defines addiction as a failure to reach adult levels of integration. This failure drives the individual to find substitutes to provide meaning, social support, and organization. As a heuristic for clinical intervention and treatment, the disease concept serves a purpose. However, if its purpose is only to be an antidote for the guilt individuals feel over his/her substance use, then other models should be considered.

Can your beliefs help you recover from addiction?

Yes!

Your beliefs can help you recover from addiction. In addition to enhancing the quality of life and offering resiliency in stressful situations, spiritual and religious beliefs have been studied in association with substance use behavior.

Studies have shown that spirituality and religiosity reduced the impact of life stress on initial level of substance use and on rate of growth in substance use over time among adolescents.

Possible protective mechanisms conferred by religious involvement may include:
- Avoidance of drugs.
- Social support advocating abstinence or moderation.
- Time-occupying activities that are incompatible with drug use.
- Promotion of pro-social values by the religious affiliation that includes leading a drug-free life.
Additionally, many studies support the notion that religiousness and spirituality can increase success rates and help you attain and maintain your sobriety. Recovering individuals often report that religion and/or spirituality are critical factors in the recovery process. Research has shown that spirituality increases from pre to post-recovery and that among recovering individuals, higher levels of religious beliefs and spirituality are associated with cognitive processes which have been linked to more positive health outcomes, including:
- Higher resilience to stress
- Lower levels of anxiety
- More optimistic life orientation
- Positive & effective coping skills
In sum, there is support for the positive impact that spiritual and religious beliefs can have on minimizing substance use behavior.

Your Questions

After reading, this article, we imagine that you might want to weigh in. What’s your perspective? Or, do you still have questions that you’d like to learn the answers to? Feel free to ask us anything about this topic. We will do our best to provide you with a personal, and prompt response.

Reference Sources: Illinois Wesleyan University: Concepts of Addiction: Assessing the Beliefs of Addiction in University and Treatment Center Populations
NCBI: The Role of Social Supports, Spirituality, Religiousness, Life Meaning and Affiliation with 12-Step Fellowships in Quality of Life Satisfaction Among Individuals in Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Problems

[banner variant=”article-6″]

Tags:
addiction addiction recovery addiction recovery and spirituality recovery treatment spiritual spiritual healing spirituality
Related Articles

left

Body34

Ayahuasca : Can psychotropic drugs play a role in spiritual recovery from addiction?

Treatment center interviews

The benefits of Spiritual Psychology: INTERVIEW with The Clearing

Recovery

Sober Valentine’s Day: Date ideas for those in addiction recovery

Internet1

Finding people in addiction recovery: INTERVIEW with Sober Grid

Book reviews

Staying sober: A BOOK REVIEW to motivate your own addiction recovery

Book reviews

WASTED: An Alcoholic Therapist’s Fight for Recovery in a Flawed Treatment System (BOOK REVIEW)

Spirit3

Catholic addiction recovery: INTERVIEW with Sober Catholic

rehab

Private alcohol rehab centers: How to remain anonymous

Prescription Drug118

Vicodin half life: how long does Vicodin remain in your body?

Alcohol4

What helps you get sober?

right
Leave a Reply

I have read and agree to the conditions outlined in the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Subscribe to this post

Subscribe to Addiction Blog updates

[banner variant=”article-3″]
Banner

More Media Default
More Media

VIDEOS

INFOGRAPHICS

eBOOKS
Treatment Q&A

Costs

Financing

Insurance

Interventions

Special Populations

Identifying Addiction

Rehab

Alcohol Rehab

Drug Rehab

Outpatient Rehab

Rehab Programs

The Rehabilitation Process

Inpatient Rehab

Latest Comments

Latest Comments

FreedomNeed

I discovered a few weeks ago that my spouse has been stealing adderall from my son and me. We both …

Ann

I, too, am married to an alcoholic for 39 years now. In the beginning he was sweet, mannerly, hard…

Dan

Xanax! Taking Xanax the first day of withdrawals helps me tremendously. I usually take 0.5 mg for …

Banner
View the original article at addictionblog.org
26 March 2019
Conditions Under Addiction "Umbrella" Continue To Evolve

“Whether it’s drugs, sex, gambling or whatever, you’re looking at impulse-control disorders where people have difficulty refraining from maladaptive use,” said one expert.

Video gaming, shopping, social media use, sex—according to The Guardian, the scope of what falls into “addiction” has broadened in recent years. Rather than just including alcohol, tobacco and drugs, other substances and habits now fall under the definition.

This is because those in neuroscience have determined that the same brain chemical, dopamine, is responsible for these cravings.

“The range of what people are getting addicted to has increased,” Michael Lynskey, professor of addiction at King’s College London, told The Guardian. “For my parents’ generation, the only options were tobacco and alcohol. Now there are more drugs, including synthetics, along with commercialisation and ways – especially online – of encouraging prolonged use of different things.”

Henrietta Bowden-Jones, a consultant psychiatrist involved with the UK’s future NHS internet-addiction clinic, said many of these newer conditions are behavioral instead of physical.

“I saw [a gaming disorder patient] yesterday,” she told The Guardian, “who then went on to spending money on objects and clothes. You can somehow shift the behaviour but it’s an illness we don’t yet know enough about.”

Even so, not everyone in the field agrees that emerging disorders necessarily classify as addiction. According to The Guardian, the only two to officially make the WHO list of addictions are gambling and gaming.

However, Lynskey argued, many of these conditions do meet the standard criteria for addiction diagnosis, including the inability to stop as well as withdrawals.

“If a teenager becomes irritable when a gaming session is cut short, there’s some discussion as to whether that’s a sort of mild withdrawal,” Lynskey said.

According to the research of Terry Robinson, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Michigan, dopamine is the neurochemical behind cravings in any form.

“Whether it’s drugs, sex, gambling or whatever, you’re looking at impulse-control disorders where people have difficulty refraining from maladaptive use,” he told The Guardian. “There are certainly similarities in terms of the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms involved.”

Robinson said three factors—an environment full of craving-inducing stimuli, dosage and access—combine to increase the likelihood of problematic habits and uses.

Lynskey told The Guardian that like with anything else, there is a range when it comes to problematic behavior.

“There is a spectrum,” he said, “whether it’s alcohol or drug dependence or shopping addiction and people have become a bit happier with placing the point at which behaviour becomes problematic at a lower level of use.”

According to Bowden-Jones, there are a number of ways to treat such disorders. However, certain ones become unique because they are impossible to avoid, such as the internet.

“Younger generations will be socially cut off,” said Bowden-Jones, “and what our patients say is when they feel they’re missing out, it pushes them more toward the virtual life that they already have a problem with rather than engaging properly in their face-to-face lives.”

View the original article at thefix.com

12 January 2019