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.

Follow us for more information and resources on drug abuse and treatment.

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.

Want To Know More About Addiction Intervention?
GET MORE INFO ON INTERVENTIONS BELOW:

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.

SUMMIT ESTATE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA REHAB
Can Help You Do Identify Your Problems with Alcohol and Dispense Treatment for Alcoholism in Both Their Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Facilities in Northern California:

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.