Addiction Relapse After Treatment

 

Rates of relapse after addiction treatment can be extremely high: almost three quarters. When factors which contribute to addiction are still there or new ones crop up, it is tough to stay away from an addictive substance. It is crucial that a recovering alcoholic or drug addict remember that recovery is an ongoing learning process and not succumb to self-loathing but identify factors which influenced relapse.

Addiction Relapse Factors

One major cause of relapse is stress, often a catalyst which led to substance abuse in the first place. Stress might emanate from troubles with a spouse and children, job issues, health problems, or friendships.

Peer pressure to continue drinking or doing drugs is another contributing factor in cases of relapse. When others drink around a recovering addict and encourage him to have a beer or a glass of wine with them, saying no is extremely difficult.

Restricting access to a substance is a good idea: easy access makes relapse too easy. Add either of the other two factors and an addict will be tempted to take advantage of accessible substances. Recurring relapse is also common, especially when underlying issues are not dealt with.

One must consider whether or not treatment was complete. Returning to a therapist on an intense basis for a short time or enrolling once more in a full program of outpatient treatment could be a good option and is not a sign of failure.

Recovering from Relapse

While feeling discouraged is natural, try not to dwell on a sense of failure if you relapse. Take time to think about the reasons you drink and what you can do to change your circumstances. Talk to people who provide positive encouragement: a counselor, your sponsor, or a trusted friend. Choose to be around people who do not drink and respect the effort you have been making. This is potentially a time to stop being around friends who influence you negatively. Have someone remove all the alcohol from your home. Address causes of stress by talking to the boss or whoever you are experiencing friction with. Sign up for marital counseling. Most importantly, there is no limit to how many times you can start again.

Depression With Painkiller Use May Decrease Prescription Effectiveness Of Drugs

 

One challenge that people living with back pain face is managing the chronic pain stemming from their condition. As a result, some patients may have to deal with depression or anxiety issues. The bad news for such people is that narcotic painkillers may not be the best option for easing back pain, according to a study carried out at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Narcotic Painkiller Problems

The lead researcher in the aforementioned study, Dr. Ajay Wasan, warns that narcotic painkillers are potentially dangerous because depression hampers the efficiency these drugs. Depressed back pain patients tend to take more of these medications to numb the pain, which effectively translates to painkiller abuse. Upon running out of painkillers earlier than expected, some patients turn to marijuana or cocaine in search of chronic pain relief. Additionally, some patients change doctors often to access more narcotic painkillers.

To limit misuse of painkillers, physicians could prescribe physical rehabilitation or non-narcotic drugs to manage depression or anxiety symptoms and improve the body's responsiveness to narcotic painkillers. This is particularly important because depressed participants in the study led by Dr. Wasan reported only 21% pain improvement compared to 39% for non-depressed participants. Worryingly, Dr. Wasan and his team also found that the likelihood of depressed patients abusing painkillers stood at 39% compared to just 8% for non-depressed patients.

The American Academy of Family Physicians warns that narcotics cause side effects such as confusion, fatigue, and constipation. Given such outcomes, people suffering from depression should not use narcotics to treat chronic back pain, according to Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in NY. Furthermore, Dr. Shrikhande says depression increases a patient's risk of painkiller abuse because these drugs affect the body's neurohormonal balance. Supporting Shrikhande's view is the assistant unit chief of psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, NY Dr. Scott Krakower who believes treatment of depression/anxiety separately would eventually lead to improvements in back pain relief. At the same time, Krakower supports screening of back pain patients for coexisting conditions such as depression.

Patients suffering from chronic back pain are at risk of developing depression and anxiety, causing them to abuse painkillers or narcotics such as cocaine and marijuana. Fortunately, such patients can use physical rehabilitation and non-narcotic drugs to help manage depression.

Common Addiction Treatment Medications

The medical community considers psychotherapeutic drugs one of the most effective manners to alleviate many symptoms of various mental health disorders---to include two of the most common: depression and anxiety.  Additionally, these same prescriptions are commonly administered as   Addiction Treatment Medications. While these pharmaceuticals are known to be incredibly effective, unfortunately they carry the risk of psychological or physical dependence---meaning that it is possible to become addicted to your addiction treatment medications.

If you regularly take a psychotherapeutic drug there a risk of dangerous side effects if you abruptly stop your medication. Additionally, as time goes on you may notice you require a higher dosage as your body adapts and grows accustomed to the chemicals in the medication. However, this alone doesn't mean you are experiencing symptoms of addiction.

Typically, addiction is an obsessive want to use a substance even if you recognize its negative repercussions.  If your addiction treatment medications gradually become your central focus or you begin to lose control over the amount you use you could very well be repeating addictive behavior patterns. Pay very close attention if you notice that you continue taking the prescribed medication regardless of damaging repercussions on your physical or psychological well-being as well as any close, personal relationships.  It is also important to watch out for any signs of isolation: avoiding friends, family or social situations where you may be unable to use.

Benzodiazepines (think of most medications with a "pam" at the end of their name) are typically the most addictive. Additionally, drugs containing Amphetamines that are administered for the treatment of ADHD have a high abuse potential. When you are in the care of an established treatment facility that specializes in rehabilitation, your doctors will generally select medicines that safely aide in recovery. If you suspect you may be developing an addiction to your prescriptions talk to your health care professional immediately. They are there to help, and will be more than willing to find a medical alternative that is better suited for your specific treatment plan.

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The Difference Between Dilaudid And Morphine

Despite the fact that the prescription pain medications Dilaudid and Morphine are similar, there are some differences. One difference between these two drugs that are intended to treat those in severe pain is the fact that Dilaudid is considered to be a semi-synthetic drug. In other words, it has a chemical structure that is partially different from other opiates. Although Dilaudid is derived from Morphine, Dilaudid wasn't introduced until more than 100 years after the discovery of Morphine.

Differences in side-effects

When it comes to possible side-effects, both of these mega pain medications can cause nausea, vomiting, cognitive distortion, sleepiness, dizziness, constipation, feelings of euphoria and even depression. Many believe that Dilaudid's side-effects often aren't as severe as those induced by Morphine.

Difference in strength

Due to the fact that synthetic versions of Morphine is said to be about 4 times stronger than actual Morphine, a lower milligram of Dilaudid is prescribed when choosing this narcotic over Morphine. So when it comes to switching from one drug to the other, patients need to remember that a larger dose of Morphine is equivalent to a lower milligram of Dilaudid. This is important to know when attempting to maintain constant pain relief.

What makes these drugs similar?

These two opiates actually have more similarities than they do differences. First of all, they're both popular treatment options for those suffering from acute, severe pain. Neither drug is intended from long-term use, due to their tendency to cause dependency. Both Morphine and Dilaudid come in pill, injection and liquid suspension forms.

Morphine and Dilaudid are both quite expensive, depending on the strength and the pharmacy used. These two opiates can also both cause respiratory depression in some cases.

These narcotics are both more appropriate for treating heavy duty pain, usually on a short-term basis. When pain isn't severe, it's better and safer to take less potent narcotics such as Hydrocodone, Oxycodone or Codeine, although there is a chance of patients becoming dependent on these, as well. Safer choices, of course, would be over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Ibruprofen. They don't cause dependency, but they're only intended for mild pain.

Why Severe Drug Addicts Need Interventions

 

 When you are an addict, it changes your whole life. Because of your addiction, every aspect of your life has, or will soon change. Everything from what you wear, what you eat, where you live, who you are around, when you get sick, and various other things are directly linked to your addiction. Addiction is so all-powerful, that it is often impossible for addicts to get out of their lifestyle and situation without the help of another. In this article, we will discuss all of the aspects of why severe addicts NEED interventions and subsequent addiction treatment to be able to start on the path to recovery from addiction.

Addiction Is An Addicts Life

Let me start by saying that the addict is not going to make the change themselves -- in most cases. Addiction has become their life, and in the mind of the addict, they are this way until they eventually die. They simply don't have it in them to make the change themselves, they don't want to make the change themselves, or they don't see it as being possible to make the change themselves.

They Need Others to Make The First Step

Getting help for an addiction is much like jumping out of an airplane... Everything in your guts tells you not to jump; that it is dangerous and frightening for you, so don't do it. Even with a parachute on, some need a push to actually make it out of the plane.

An Addict Needs Help to Realize That People Still Care

Most severe addicts don't like themselves too much; in fact, many addicts hate themselves for what they do and what they have become. Because of this, they often see themselves as too far gone to be saved, and that the world will be happier when they are gone. Getting an addict to realize that this is not true, and that there are still people out there that care greatly can be enough of a push to start the recovery ball rolling.

Nobody Wants To Go It Alone

This one is true with all humans; addicted or not. Difficult things are hard to start and can leave a person terrified at just the thought of doing them. It is much easier to start something that scares you and will most assuredly be difficult if others are going on the journey with you. Imagine again the airplane... While some need to be pushed from the plane, others will gladly jump if you jump hand-in-hand with them.

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How Do You Taper Off Alcohol Usage?

 

There are individuals who can just quit alcohol without experiencing considerable withdrawal symptoms.  However, there are others who may experience severe symptoms of withdrawal when they stop drinking suddenly.  Withdrawing from alcohol is potentially fatal and as such, it is extremely essential that you gradually detoxify from alcohol if you start to experience severe symptoms when attempting to quit.  Tapering off alcohol is a great way to gradually detoxify.   

Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms are typically experienced by:

• Individuals who have remained drunk for several consecutive days
• Individuals who have consumed small quantities throughout the day for 30 days or more
• Individual who are known to have alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Individuals who have become intoxicated each night for 30 days or more

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can be classified as severe, moderate and mild.

Severe

Also known as D.T.s or Delirium Tremens, severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically happen 48 hours after the decrease or cessation of alcohol consumption.  Intense sweating, rapid breathing, blood pressure spikes, agitation, irregular heartbeat and disorientation are some of the characteristics of severe withdrawal.  Left untreated, D.T.s will kill approximately 1 in 5 individuals.

Moderate

This typically happens between 24 and 36 hours after the intake of alcohol has ceased.  It is usually manifested as tremors, high blood pressure, intense anxiety, racing pulse, seizures, hallucinations and insomnia. 

Mild

Typically, mild alcohol withdrawal happens with 24 hours of having the last drink.  Insomnia, increased pulse rate, upset stomach, panic, anxiety and twitching are some of the characteristics of mild withdrawal symptoms.

Is Tapering Off Alcohol Right For Me?

After not drinking, if you start to sweat profusely, your blood pressure spikes, your hands become visibly shaky or you have irregular or rapid pulse, tapering off alcohol would be would be ideal.  Prescription medication or alcohol can be used to taper off.

Using Alcohol to Taper Off

When tapering off alcohol, it is tremendously important to replenish lost vitamins and fight dehydration.  During a medical detoxification, an IV may be used for re-hydration and vitamin shots could also be administered.  If you are self-detoxifying, ensure that you take vitamin supplements and drink lots of fluids. 

Important Note About Tapering Off Alcohol

Tapering off alcohol by yourself is not suggested for those who experience moderate or greater withdrawals. If you are experiencing any type of withdrawals from alcohol, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment from medical professionals or through addiction treatments facilities and rehab.

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Is Alcohol Really More Dangerous Than Heroin?

When discussing drug abuse, some people often claim that alcohol abuse is not as dangerous as heroin abuse. This misconception can also be blamed on the media, which normally focuses on the perils of heroin addiction. Since alcohol is legal while heroin is illegal, the myth of heroin addiction being worse than alcohol addiction may make sense to many people. The truth, however, is that alcohol addiction does more harm in society than heroin or any other drug for that matter. The question you may ask is, "Is alcohol really more dangerous than heroin?"

Why Alcohol is More Dangerous than Heroin

A recent study in the U.K. was carried out to determine the dangers of different types of drugs ranging from alcohol and heroin to tobacco and other types of drugs. Each drug was rated on a scale of 1 to 100, with the latter being the most dangerous. The results of the study revealed that alcohol was the most dangerous, with a score of 77. Heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis scored 55, 54 and 20 respectively. There are many reasons why people consider alcohol to be less harmful than heroin. They include:

• Alcohol is legal, so it is considered a recreational drug, while heroin is an illegal substance, so it is considered harmful. Possessing, manufacturing, using or distributing heroin is illegal and may land a person in jail.
• Alcohol use is usually shown in a positive light on TV commercials and programs, while heroin use is portrayed negatively, thereby influencing the opinion of the viewer.
• Alcohol manufacturers invest billions of dollars to make alcohol seem acceptable to consumers.

There are many other reasons why alcohol use may be considered acceptable and less harmful to personal health and the society in general. The truth, however, is that both drugs are harmful, but alcohol abuse is far more prevalent than heroin use. Think of the number of accidents that have been caused by DUIs, the domestic violence cases that were fueled by alcohol intoxication and the deaths caused by alcohol abuse. While the same can be said about heroin, alcohol-related cases are significantly more frequent.

What You Need To Know About Opana Drug Abuse

In the past, Oxycontin was one of the most widely-abused prescription drugs. However, more people are opting to use Opana, which is another type of opioid. Many news outlets have reported that people who abuse prescription killers are opting to use Opana.

The Rise In Prescription Drug Abuse

The Center For Disease Control And Prevention has declared prescription drug abuse an epidemic. In 2010, 1.3 million people visited the emergency room due to prescription drug abuse. That is a 115 percent increase since 2004.

There have also been a huge increase in pharmacy robberies. In fact, there was a case reported where a pharmacy was threatened to death if he  did not give the list of drugs the robber demanded. Opana was one of the drugs the robber wanted.

Why Are More People Switching To Opana?

In 2010, Oxycontin was reformulated to make it more resistant to tamper. It is now harder to dissolve and crush. If the drug is crushed, it can be injected or snorted. This can cause a person to experience an intense high. When it is harder to crush a drug, people just move on to the next one.

Deterring Opana Drug Abuse

Opana ER, or extended release has also been reformulated in order to deter obese. This drug will be preferred over Oxycontin as long it is available in its previous form. However, officers believe people will switch to another drug once the new version of Opana is available.

Law enforcement officers are predicting more people will start abusing Opana before they move on to the next drug. The number of people getting Opana prescriptions has increased by 46 percent within just a few months.

Kentucky is the state that could be seeing the worse of the Opana drug abuse. The key ingredient in Opana is Oxymorphone. Oxymorphone was involved in 23 percent of the overdose fatalities that occurred in Kentucky in 2011.

Opana drug abuse is a growing at an alarming rate, but fortunately, measures are being put in place to deter it. Follow us for more information and resources on drug abuse and treatment.

Could Medical Marijuana Be Used To Treat Opiate Addiction?

Medical marijuana is controversial to say the least, even though it is starting to gain acceptance among the general public for treatment of certain conditions. However, one treatment remains controversial--that of treating the growing problem of opiate addiction with medical marijuana.

According to clinical psychologist Shirley Stormo who works for  Gosnold on Cape Cod, an addiction treatment center in Massachusetts, medical marijuana is safer than opiates and has begun to focus her treatment efforts to prevent opiate addiction through marijuana use. Stormo has provisional approval to open a medical marijuana dispensary called Compassionate Care Clinics and hopes to help patients avoid opiates through this method if the dispensary is approved. She indicates that medical marijuana is safer than opiate use because it does not have a physically addictive component and thus no potential for overdoses or death.

Another medical professional, Thor Agustsson,a doctor with Integr8Heath, says that medical marijuana can be used as part of an exit strategy to for individuals addicted to opiates, alcohol or cocaine. Agustsson says some surveys and small sample studies show that when cannabis is taken appropriately, it can help individuals reduce the use of highly toxic substances. Although no controlled studies have yet been done, Agustsson believes medical marijuana may eventually be widely used in addiction treatment.

Other medical professionals believe that research is still preliminary. Kevin Hill, a McLean Hospital psychiatrist, believe it is risky to replace one harmful, addictive substance with another one. Hill indicates that about 9% of adults and 16% of adolescents who use it become addicted to marijuana. Additionally, Hill believes that medical marijuana will not make a difference in the rate of opiate addiction.

Others in the addiction recovery field feel that use of medical marijuana to treat opiate addiction is directly in contrast to what recovery is all about, namely abstinence and sobriety. Stormo, however, does not see a conflict in using medical marijuana to treat opiate addiction as she is interested in helping individuals with a variety of medical problems. She added that those who are fearful about the effects of medical marijuana would change their mind of they spoke to someone who has benefited from the drug.

How To Get Treated For LSD The Safe Way

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide is a substance that was originally made in the 1930s, something derived from fungus, specifically the type that grows on rye. Once it was extracted and processed, the scientists were able to create this odorless colorless substance that could be administered in gelatin, on a sugar cube, or on blotter paper. He was most effective when it was injected, causing almost instantaneous results, and although this substance is illegal, it can cause many beneficial things. It does, however, have very negative effects as well if administered in large amounts, and if you are addicted to LSD, you should get treated for it right away.

Positive Effects Of LSD Blotter

Some of the reported positive effects of this drug is that it can be used to actually help people that are suffering from alcoholism to stop. For those that suffer from pain, or that have chronic headaches, it has been shown to help people with these problems. This is contrary to what the DEA has stated officially, almost completely opposite verbatim. However, the people that have used it who have actually experienced the benefits, clearly understand that it can work in a positive way. The problem with the drug is that not only is it illegal per the United States of America, it is very dangerous if taken in excessive amounts.

Negative Effects Of LSD

When taken in large quantities, it can create what most people call an acid trip, something that can alter your awareness, your emotions, and even your memories. Your sensory perception will be greatly enhanced, but in strange ways, and depending upon how much you have taken, the sounds that you hear can take on physical form, and music can be seen. This can cause physical problems as well such as tremors, hypothermia, and elevated blood sugar. To get help for this addiction, you need to check into a treatment center as quickly as possible before you use too much and have an adverse reaction.

Oxycodone HCl And Hydrocodone Addiction Tips

If you want to stop being addicted to any type of pain medication, or even alcohol or high-level drugs, you can find places in your community where you can check into a clinic where you can get the help that you need. The problem is, you might want to not do this because it will take a considerable chunk out of your life. You can end your addiction on your own from painkillers, this is probably the better alternative. Here some tips on how to do this on your own, and also how to find a rehab center if you would like to go in this direction.

Addiction To Hydrocodone And Oxycodone HCl

Two of the most powerful opiate based drugs are oxycodone HCl and hydrocodone. They are opiate based which means they are derived from a poppyseed, and when they interact with your central nervous system, you will experience euphoria and also pain relief which is why people enjoy taking them, and why they are such a hot commodity on the street. Your addiction can only be stopped if you stop using the drugs, allowing your mu receptors to reset. Your only choices are to stop using them, go through the withdrawals on your own, or get professional help.

Professional Help For Opiate Withdrawals

You can go to a rehab center to get help for opiate withdrawals. You can usually end your addiction in about a week, longer if you have been taking them for quite some time. If you are taking strong opiates, those that are much stronger than Norco or Vicodin, several weeks may be necessary. The withdrawals will cause you to vomit on a shake, and potentially have convulsions, but when they are done, you will be absolutely 100% opiate free.

Hydrocodone And Oxymorphone Addictions And Treatments

Your treatment for pain relief may include a number of different possibilities. You could go to a pain management expert that specializes in alternative treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure, or even simple meditation. For most people, this won't work, not even hypnotism which has been proven to be effective for thousands of people nationwide. Your doctor will probably not recommend any of these because they are not scientifically based, and therefore will recommend some type of physical treatment and opiate-based medications. This article will address why hydrocodone HCl, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and meperidine are so addicting and what you can do to end your addiction quickly.

Opiates Can Be Addicting For The Following Reasons

The reasons that they are addicting have a lot to do with the way they change the way that your body interacts with certain forms of stimulation. Things that are connected to your central nervous system which include your mu receptors will cause problems when you are experiencing too much pain, and when they are overstimulated by the drugs, when you stop taking them, it can make you feel sick, nervous, and even schizophrenic when you cannot get the drugs that your body is used to. That's why when you try to quit any type of opiate-based medications, going through the withdrawals almost always requires you to find someone that can help you during this difficult time. This is what you'll need to do in order to stop your addiction completely which includes going to a treatment center that is nearby.

Getting Treatment Today

To get treated for these types of medications, a clinic is almost necessary in most cases because of the withdrawals and how difficult they can be. The more that you take them, the longer the withdrawals will last, which is why you need to be checked in to make sure that officials can help you get through this difficult time, allowing your body to reset, therefore negating the need for these drugs in your system any longer.

What Are The Most Addictive Drugs: Heroin

Drug abuse is not just a dangerous epidemic plaguing the United States, it is truly a deadly disease for those individuals who suffer from it daily. There is a vast amount of drugs, both prescription and illegal forms being used by addicts and people often wonder what are the most addictive drugs. While there are several that fit into this category, heroin is by far one of the most addictive and fastest rising substances to be used today.

Rapid Increase

The use of heroin is rapidly increasing at an almost exponential rate. While multiple reasons could be fueling this quick increase, the addiction to prescription opioids is the most significant cause.  Opioids are medications prescribed by a doctor to relieve pain such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. Recent times have seen the cost of these medications go up and there has been a substantial reduction in access to these prescriptions as well. These factors are leading addicts who are looking for that next high to turn to a comparable drug, which can be easily purchased on the street. That drug is heroin.

Facts About Heroin Use

In October of 2014, the CDC published findings from a 3 year study that brought to light several eye opening facts concerning heroin use. They discovered that overall heroin use was on the rise while the abuse of prescription pain killers was actually declining. In fact, in that 3 year period (2009-2012), it was determined that this particular type of drug use was up 79% and it correlated closely with the growing number of heroin deaths. In 2012, the annual death rates attributed to heroin use had increased more than 100% for a two year period.

Supply Chain

Another contributing factor seems to be the shift in supply chain for accessing heroin. This chain is working quicker than ever, bringing in huge amounts to the United States via Mexico. With the street price dropped and sources more accessible, addicts are turning to this cheaper alternative as opposed to opioid use.

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to the tight grip of heroin addiction or any other drug dependency , it is important to get help. 

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