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Alcohol Withdrawal: Timeline and Symptoms

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Alcohol withdrawal is one of the hardest things that someone can go through. The physical symptoms can lead to severe impacts to a person’s health and overall well-being. The timeline associated with withdrawal can produce some severe withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous and should be professionally monitored to reduce impacts.

Undergoing this process alone can sometimes lead to returning to the substance as a means of alleviating the symptoms. Understanding the timeline and symptoms associated with withdrawal can help someone to get the proper help to overcome addiction to alcohol.

Alcohol Withdrawal Overview

Alcohol withdrawal is dangerous. It can lead to dangerous symptoms that could potentially be life-threatening and should be medically and professionally monitored in order to avoid the dangerous impacts. Alcohol abuse leads to dependence and addiction. Once a person has reached this point, it can be difficult to stop drinking, and even more difficult to cope with the withdrawal symptoms that can arise.

People who try to stop drinking “cold turkey” often begin to experience withdrawal symptoms and it can be so extremely overwhelming and uncomfortable that they return to drinking as a means of stopping the symptoms. It just starts the cycle all over again.

This is why it is highly recommended and suggested that a person who is struggling with alcohol seek professional help when trying to stop drinking.

Understanding PAWS

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS, are lingering and persistent symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. The symptoms associated with PAWS can be difficult to cope with and can sometimes lead someone to return to drinking to alleviate the symptoms they are experiencing.

PAWS recovery can take a long time, between 6 and 24 months, and symptoms of PAWS can include the inability to think clearly, memory issues, sensitivity to stress, emotional overreaction or numbness, problems sleeping, or problems with coordination.

These symptoms linger and can make early sobriety difficult to maintain. There are ways of coping with the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome and learning how to handle the symptoms in a productive way can help a person to maintain their recovery despite being uncomfortable.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

Alcohol withdrawal isn’t one size fits all. Meaning not everyone feels the same symptoms at the same time and same severity. Everybody heals differently, at different paces. A person’s age, health, mental health, and overall well-being can play a role in how a person will be impacted by withdrawal from alcohol.

With that being said, there is a general timeline of how alcohol withdrawal may affect and impact a person. Alcohol withdrawal can begin within 8 hours of the last drink. At this stage, the individual may begin experiencing some mild and uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. Sweating, clamminess, and irritability can commonly be experienced at this point.

Within the first 24 hours of the last drink, someone undergoing alcohol withdrawal may begin to experience more noticeable symptoms of withdrawal, and they can be extremely uncomfortable. Impacts to sleep, headache, and nausea usually occur within this time, making it difficult to think clearly.

In the first 72 hours from the last drink, the symptoms of withdrawal can peak and this is when the most severe withdrawal symptoms can occur. Vomiting, tremors, and potential seizures can occur during this time and can lead to severe impacts on a person’s life. 

For most people, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin to subside after the first 72 hours. However, sometimes the symptoms can linger, making it difficult to continue on the road to recovery from alcohol addiction. This is why it is highly suggested to seek professional help when trying to overcome alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. Understanding the potential dangers associated with withdrawal from alcohol can help a person understand why it is so crucial to receive proper care as they go through this process.

Prolonged alcohol abuse changes brain chemistry, and having proper care can make rewiring the brain to normal functionality a lot easier.

Symptoms associated with withdrawal from alcohol include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Agitation
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Nightmares
  • Fever
  • Increased heart rate
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

Withdrawal symptoms like fever, hallucinations, and seizures can lead to detrimental impacts in a person’s life. Having proper care while going through this process can help manage these symptoms, alleviating them and making the process more comfortable.

It can also ensure that the person trying to recover from alcohol addiction does so safely, with minimal impacts to health and wellness. Addressing these symptoms as they occur is vital to preventing severe complications. 

Fight Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal

Struggling with alcohol can be a traumatic experience. The impacts of alcohol addiction on a person’s mental health, lifestyle, and overall well-being can be severe, leading to changes that can be hard to overcome.

Alcohol withdrawal can be a dangerous undertaking for anyone. However, there is help available. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol, Enlightened Recovery can help. Our team of professionals can help as you begin a journey to recovery and healing.

Call us today and begin your journey to a new way of life. 

7 Extremely Addictive Substances

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in Uncategorized.

The most addictive substances commonly used and abused often lead to severe impacts on an individual’s life. These impacts can affect social, professional, and personal relationships as well as affect physical and mental health.

Continuing to use and abuse these substances can be devastating and lead to lifelong impacts on different areas of life. These impacts can be difficult to reverse and often lead to fatal results. Receiving the right kind of professional care to combat addiction to these substances is crucial to surviving the dangers that can occur. 

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is 1 of the most widely used and abused substances in the United States. The number of people who are struggling with alcohol addiction on a daily basis is staggering, and the number of those people struggling who receive proper care is low.

Additionally, alcohol addiction can lead to devastating results. Because this substance is 1 of the most addictive substances, ending abuse and addiction to alcohol can be extremely hard. Struggling with alcohol can lead to gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, and liver disease.

These health conditions can impact a person’s daily life and capabilities, and they can lead to further health issues and complications that can be deadly. Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely dangerous, and those looking to heal and begin a life of recovery should seek professional help to address symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that can be dangerous.

2. Meth

Meth is another of the most addictive substances. The drug is a powerful synthetic stimulant drug that comes in a powder or crystalline form. This drug can be snorted, smoked or injected and produces a euphoric high that is highly sought after in people who abuse this substance.

Meth abuse can lead to paranoia, psychosis, heart problems, skin sores, and dental problems. Getting help as soon as possible can help to limit the impacts that meth can have on someone’s life.

3. Methadone

Methadone is a drug intended to help those struggling with heroin and opioid painkiller addiction to fend off cravings and be able to avoid using those substances. However, it is highly abused illicitly on the streets. It comes as a tablet, oral solution, or liquid that can be injected to reach the desired effects.

Withdrawal from methadone can be severe, leading to muscle aches and cramps, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. These symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and painful to get through alone, and often lead to using the substance again.

4. Heroin

Another of the most addictive substances is heroin. This is 1 of the more commonly abused drugs in America, and a leading cause of overdose and overdose death. Heroin is man-made, and illicitly produced, there is no regulation for what goes into it and how much.

It is often mixed with other drugs, such as fentanyl, and this can have deadly results. Withdrawal from heroin is an extremely unpleasant and painful process, and having professional guidance and support through this process can help someone successfully find recovery from heroin addiction.

5. Benzos

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are a class of drugs prescribed in the treatment and management of sleep and seizure disorders. They slow brain activity and produce a sedated, calming effect in users. Abusing benzos can lead to severe impacts to a person’s life and overall well-being.

As a central nervous system suppressant, benzo abuse can cause respiratory distress, slowed motor function, impaired cognitive function, and memory problems. Withdrawal should be medically monitored as benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous and deadly.

6. Cocaine

As a powerful stimulant drug, cocaine can lead to dangerous effects in a person’s life. It can lead to addiction affecting personal, social, and professional relationships, and affects mental and physical health. It comes in a powder substance and can be snorted or injected to produce a euphoric high.

Cocaine also contributes to exacerbated anxieties, depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and heart issues. Addressing addiction to cocaine is crucial to survival and preventing complications.

7. Nicotine

Due to its addictive nature, nicotine is another example of an addictive substance available worldwide. Available on almost every street, and in every store, nicotine products lead to addiction in smokers that leads to deadly results. Smoking often leads to different types of cancers, heart problems, and breathing problems. Nicotine toxicity can lead to overdose and death.

When someone tries to stop smoking nicotine products, they could exhibit withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include irritability, cravings for nicotine, trouble sleeping, sweating, issues with concentration, and increases in appetite. 

Healing from Addiction

Addiction is a monster that can wreak havoc on a person’s personal, social and professional life. Thus, struggling with substances can lead to devastating results for the individual struggling as well as their loved ones. Someone getting proper professional care can help them prevent a severe impact on their life. Detox can repair any damage done.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substances like alcohol and heroin, we can help. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer comprehensive care that can address the issues caused by, and leading to using these substances as a means of coping.

Call us today and begin a journey to recovery.

hopeless

The Link Between Addiction and Suicide

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Addiction and suicide often go hand in hand. Those who are struggling with addiction can feel like there is no way out of the world they live in, and the results of such a skewed thought pattern can be devastating. The number of people who struggle with addiction that turn to suicide as a way out is staggering.

Shedding light on this topic can help loved ones to recognize the signs and encourage their struggling loved ones to get the right support and help to ensure they can grow and thrive in the future. 

Addiction and Suicide Facts

Across all age groups, suicide is a leading cause of death for people in the United States. Struggling with addiction makes the risks of suicidal tendencies higher. The connection between addiction and suicide is complex, and the number of men struggling with addiction who commit suicide is higher than the number of women in the same predicament.

Addiction to substances like drugs and alcohol often contributes to suicide due to impaired judgment and lowered inhibitions. Meaning, that the little voice that tells someone not to make a permanent decision due to temporary circumstances isn’t as effective as if substances hadn’t played a part. Having the right type of support and receiving proper care at Enlightened Recovery can make a world of difference when someone is struggling with addiction and suicide seems to be the only way out. 

Addiction and Suicide Risk Factors

There are different factors that play a part in addiction. These factors can be environmental, social, and economic. Mental health can play a big role in addiction. Things like depression, anxiety and PTSD can all play a role in addiction to substances like drugs and alcohol. In addition, easy access to substances can also play a role in addiction. When someone can easily get a hold of something, it can be detrimental for someone who is struggling to stop using drugs and alcohol.

Along with accessibility, peer pressure, life stressors, and financial stressors can also play a part in someone’s addiction. Those with a family history of addiction, or past traumas are generally at a higher risk for addiction. Risk factors for suicide include mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Other risk factors include relationship issues like divorce and breakups, rejection, bullying, financial issues, history of suicide attempts, and family history of suicide. The risk factors for addiction and suicide are similar.

Addiction can also be a risk factor for suicide. Struggling with addiction often feels hopeless, and like there is no way out. Many people struggling with drugs and alcohol feel like suicide is a better option than continuing to struggle with the substances. Getting help as soon as possible can change the outcome of these situations.

Signs Someone With Addiction Is Contemplating Suicide

There are signs someone can look out for if they believe their loved one is contemplating suicide. These signs could help to save someone’s life if they are recognized and swift action is taken.

These signs include:

  • Talking about suicide
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Talking about their life being meaningless
  • Increasing drug and alcohol use
  • Isolation
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Becoming unusually aggressive 
  • Loss of interest
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Shame and guilt

The Link Between Alcohol, Depression and Suicide

The link between alcohol addiction, depression, and suicide is prominent. Alcohol is a depressant. It can exacerbate feelings of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and uselessness. Someone who struggles with these feelings and begins drinking could end up feeling worse. When drinking alcohol, depression worsens.

This can lead to dangerous results. When feelings of depression and hopelessness are heightened as a result of alcohol use, the person feeling that way could begin to foster thoughts of suicide to alleviate the pain they are feeling. When this happens, and alcohol is involved, it could be devastating. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment. Thus, this could be dangerous for those who are struggling with depression.

Suicide Warning Signs

Being as vigilant as possible when someone believes their loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts can be life-saving. Signs someone is at risk of attempting or committing suicide include things like increased drug and alcohol use, increased anxiety and agitation, extreme mood swings, talking about feeling hopeless, wanting to die, or being a burden, and withdrawing from social and family commitments.

Recognizing these warning signs, and having a plan of action to help a loved one can be crucial to ensure their safety and survival. Anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide can reach out to the suicide prevention hotline by dialing 988 from a phone and speaking to someone who can listen and help.

Detox can be extremely beneficial to start with a clean slate, and therapy can help those struggling to find positive and helpful coping skills that can assist when thoughts of using substances or suicide begin to creep in. Having the right tools can help in these stressful situations. 

Begin a Journey of Recovery

Addiction is a challenge for anyone to go through. The impacts on a person’s life and happiness can be severe. The effects of drugs and alcohol on mental health can lead to devastating results. Those struggling with addiction often feel like there is no way out, no way to live a better life. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, Enlightened Recovery can help. We offer comprehensive care for those struggling with addiction to find hope and healing for a better life.

Reach out today to begin a journey to recovery.

Why Are Benzos So Addictive?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are so addictive because of how they change the structure of the brain. Using these drugs long-term can lead to permanent changes in the brain. Even short term, the effects of benzos can be hard to overcome.

Those struggling with benzodiazepine abuse can potentially end up having broken family relationships, loss of jobs, decline in productivity with school, and potentially fatal or non-fatal overdoses. 

Uses of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs that slow down the central nervous system (CNS) and brain activity. This is what makes them so popular when treating insomnia and mental health conditions such as anxiety. Benzos are also used as a general anesthetic that can be used before surgeries and other medical procedures.

Moreover, they have also been used to help treat those with seizure conditions. Conditions like epilepsy can be fatal if not properly treated or medicated. Because benzodiazepines slow down brain activity, it helps those with anxiety to find relief from the symptoms that can arise. They also help slow down overactivity in the brain that can contribute to seizures. 

Effects of Benzodiazepines

The effects of benzodiazepines can be short and long-term. The short-term, or immediate effects of benzos can include things like relaxation, sedation, reduction of anxiety, feelings of euphoria, extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, memory loss and slurred speech.

Benzodiazepines, like many other drugs, carry a warning label on them to avoid alcohol when using these medications. This is because the effects of benzos can be heightened by the use of alcohol. The long-term effects of benzos can include impaired memory, depression, increased anxiety, depression, dependence and addiction.

Using benzos can also lead to impaired cognitive functionality, which can make life extremely difficult for someone. The changes in brain chemistry caused by benzodiazepines can have a major impact on someone’s quality of life. Fortunately, getting Benzo detox can help.

How Someone Gets Addicted to Benzos

How are benzos so addictive? What makes people get addicted to them so easily? Understanding the effects of them on the brain and body can help create understanding as to why benzos are so addictive. The main reason that a person can become addicted to benzos is because with continued use, the body becomes dependent on the substance in order to find relief from symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, or seizure disorders. 

Continued use of this substance causes a person’s body to depend on benzos as a means of coping, and when the substance is no longer available it can cause some severely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The effects of these drugs on dopamine production is another reason benzos are so addictive. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that carries signals to different parts of the brain. 

When dopamine is released, it tells the brain that a certain activity is pleasurable, leading to seeking more release of dopamine through the activity. When someone uses benzos, the brain releases artificially produced dopamine. This causes the brain and body to become dependent on this level of dopamine production, which can cause depression and anxiety when a certain level of dopamine production is not achieved. Long-term benzodiazepine use and abuse can lead to changes in the reward center of the brain that can be extremely difficult to reverse. 

Signs of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Knowing what signs of benzo abuse to look out for in a loved one can be helpful if there are questions on whether someone is struggling or not. These signs can be indicative of a potential problem, prompting the question of whether or not someone needs help. Enlightened Recovery is available to help those struggling with benzo abuse and addiction. 

The signs of potential benzo abuse can include: 

  • Hiding or lying about usage
  • Taking larger doses than prescribed
  • Seeing multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions, or doctor shopping
  • Isolation
  • Neglecting work or school responsibilities
  • Muscle weakness
  • Headaches
  • Changes in mood and behaviors
  • Increased confusion
  • Drug seeking behaviors
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Impaired memory
  • Increased anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability and hostility
  • Mood swings
  • Withdrawal symptoms when unable to take benzos

Watching out for these signs in a loved one can help someone to identify that there potentially is a problem with benzos, and seeking help as soon as possible is highly suggested. Trying to detox and end the abuse alone can be a dangerous undertaking.

It can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that can lead to devastating results that can include seizures, severe depression and anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Having proper medical care and support through this process can make is easier on the person going through it, and allow for a more comfortable and safe beginning to recovery.

Recover From Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepines are dangerous substances. Using these drugs can lead to changes in someone’s brain, mental health, and overall well being that can be devastatingly impactful. Leading to loss of trust, broken family relationships and potentially death, benzo addiction can be an extremely difficult undertaking.

If you or a loved one are struggling, Enlightened Recovery can help. Our team of professionals is trained in helping those who are struggling to begin healing and working toward a healthier lifestyle. 

Reach out today and begin healing and recovering from benzo addiction.

The Stages of Meth Abuse

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in Uncategorized.

The stages of meth abuse can progress quickly resulting in dangerous effects. Struggling with this dangerous drug can have devastating results. It can lead to changes in a person’s mood and behaviors, lead to health issues, and cause problems with law enforcement.

The highly addictive stimulant drug has been becoming increasingly dangerous across the United States, leading to the destruction of many lives. Beginning a process of healing can result in a positive and productive life for those who struggle with this dangerous drug. 

Early Stages of Meth Abuse

In the early stages of meth abuse, the drug may not be affecting a person’s life in drastic ways yet. During initial use of this drug, the effects can be pleasurable and using meth can seem like a fun time. 

Those who use this drug experimentally though, do not take into account the dangers that are associated with even one use of the drug. The early stages of meth abuse can be visible through rapid and extreme weight loss in the user. It can cause an exaggerated sense of confidence. It can also cause suppressed appetite, increased energy, and heightened alertness. 

Recreational Meth Use

The stages of meth abuse generally progress to recreational use. This is when someone uses the drug more often. During this time, they can build tolerance to the drug and need more and more of it in order to achieve or feel the desired effects.

During this stage, a person can begin to crave the drug and feel the desire to continue using it more often. The continued use of meth can progressively get worse, leading to meth addiction. Fortunately, we at Enlightened Recovery can help.

Meth Addiction

The most severe of the stages of meth abuse is addiction. At this point a person has completely lost control of their use, and despite the consequences of using meth, they continue. The effects that this drug can have on a person’s emotional well-being can be intense.

Drugs affect a person’s mental health, and meth is no different. Using this drug can cause mental health conditions like depression and anxiety to become more prominent. A person’s behaviors have become more self-destructive at this point. They may be lying and stealing in order to get their next fix.

Physically, the drug could be causing malnutrition and other concerning health issues that medical professionals should treat. This can include changes in cognitive functionality. Meth affects the brain so intensely that it can cause a person to have memory and learning problems. This is due to the damage of brain cells over time using this drug. 

Signs of Late Meth Abuse

The stages of meth abuse can lead to addiction. When this stage has been reached there can be some severe impacts to a person’s life and overall well-being. Continued use of meth can lead to what is known as meth mouth. This term is used to describe severe deterioration in dental health.

Because the drug stunts saliva production, it results in dry mouth. This can help to promote tooth decay and gum disease. Long-term use of meth can also result in open sores from picking the skin. Often, those who are struggling with meth have hallucinations which often surround bugs crawling on and under the skin.

Meth also leads to heightened energy levels, causing a person to require less sleep. The longer a person stays awake, the more intense their behaviors can be. The body needs sleep in order to recuperate and reset itself. Thus, staying awake long-term for days on end can lead to meth psychosis.

When a person is reaching the end of a meth binge, they can experience tweaking. This means they are unable to reach the desired effects and have intense cravings for the drug, despite not feeling the desired rush or high when using it. 

Meth Withdrawal and Detox

Meth withdrawal and detox is a necessary step to beginning the healing process. Removing the toxic drug from the system is crucial to being able to adhere to a plan for recovery. Meth withdrawal symptoms can include itchy eyes, disturbances in sleep patterns, increased appetite, depression and anxiety.

Addiction to meth is an extremely dangerous thing to endure. However, there is help available. Going through meth withdrawal and detox is the first stage. Being medically supervised and having ways to alleviate the symptoms can make this process easier, and help to avoid severe health complications as a result of withdrawal.

Getting the right kind of care as a person begins this process can make a huge difference in their success. Once meth detox and withdrawal has been completed, healing can begin.

Enlightened Recovery Can Help

Struggling with meth addiction can lead to lifelong impacts on health and overall well-being. It can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and different vital organs in the body. If you or a loved one are struggling with meth, there is help available. Enlightened Recovery helps those who are struggling with meth to find a way out, and learn how to live without the toxic substance.

Reach out today and begin a journey to recovery

Warning Signs of Xanax Abuse

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Xanax abuse and addiction can be life-altering, and life-threatening. Knowing the warning signs of Xanax addiction can help identify a potential problem and lead to loved ones seeking proper help to beat the addiction. Xanax is a dangerous drug.

The effects can reach all aspects of a person’s life. It can affect health, social standing, and overall well-being. Understanding what Xanax is and how it can affect a person can help friends and family to know the depth of the problem and encourage their loved one to get help before it is too late. 

What is Xanax?

Sold under the brand name Xanax, alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug only legally obtained through a medical doctor’s prescription used mainly to treat anxiety disorders. It has an array of uses alongside helping those with anxiety disorders. It is a controlled substance due to its effects and potential for abuse.

The effects of Xanax can begin within an hour and last for 6 hours, making it extremely dangerous while the effects are in place. It can cause drowsiness, slowed motor movements, and delayed reaction times. This is why it can be extremely dangerous to drive while taking this medication. 

Xanax works by producing sedative-like effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Xanax abuse occurs when the medication is taken in a manner other than prescribed. This can mean taking more than prescribed, taking a friend’s prescription, or taking it in a way that isn’t expressly written in the prescription, for example, crushing and snorting them. 

Warning Signs of Xanax Abuse

The warning signs of Xanax abuse can be obvious to some. If there is a loved one that could potentially be struggling with Xanax, knowing what the warning signs are can be beneficial to encouraging them to seek the right help. Getting help is essential for getting better.

Some of the warning signs of Xanax abuse can include: 

  • Lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache 
  • Dry mouth
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness
  • Oversleeping
  • Impaired cognitive function
  • Isolation
  • Neglecting school or work
  • Isolation
  • Legal consequences
  • Lying about use

Xanax abuse also occurs in combination with other substances like alcohol and opioids. The dangers of Xanax abuse when mixing these substances can be severe. It can lead to respiratory distress, coma, and potentially death. These symptoms will vary from person to person, and based on usage of the substance. The warning signs of Xanax abuse can help loved ones to identify there is a problem before it is too late.

Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax withdrawal can be a dangerous process. Going through it without professional monitoring and help can lead to severe complications. Xanax withdrawal refers to symptoms that can begin to occur as a result of abruptly stopping use of this substance. The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal will vary from person to person and can include symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, tremors, and an increased heart rate.

In some, more severe, cases there may be symptoms of hallucinations, seizures and delirium. In order to manage these symptoms and prevent complications, it is crucial to seek professional help. Stopping use of this substance cold turkey can be extremely dangerous and lead to life-threatening complications. Medical supervision and guidance as this process is done is highly suggested to ensure safety and make the process more comfortable.

Going cold turkey is not suggested, a person should properly be tapered off this drug to manage withdrawal symptoms properly and prevent complications. In conjunction with supportive therapies and counseling, medically being supervised can help to ensure proper detox and a solid foundation to begin recovery from Xanax abuse and addiction.

Xanax Detox

Undergoing professionally monitored Xanax detox is highly suggested for those who are struggling with this substance. Detox from Xanax can be dangerous, and trying to do so alone can lead to life-threatening complications. Professional detox is available to help ensure not only safety but also comfort. Managing the symptoms associated with detox from Xanax can be beneficial to someone who is struggling. 

During the process of detox, a person can be medically monitored, symptoms can be addressed, and healing can begin. Therapies employed during addiction treatment are beneficial to learning positive and healthy coping skills to help live daily life without turning to this substance to cope.

Recovery from Xanax abuse and addiction is possible, and Enlightened Recovery can help. Having proper professional help can be the most beneficial thing someone could do to help along with the process. Building a solid and positive foundation is crucial to building and maintaining a life in recovery. 

Living Without Xanax

Xanax is an extremely dangerous and highly addictive drug. Those who struggle with this substance can experience some drastic changes in their life. Addiction to Xanax can be life-altering and lead to loss of family relationships, jobs, and it can affect overall health and well-being.

If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax, help is available. At Enlightened Recovery our team of trained professionals can help as you begin the journey from Xanax addiction into recovery from Xanax addiction.

Call us today and begin your journey.

Social Anxiety and Alcoholism

Written by Enlightened Recovery on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Social anxiety and alcoholism can go hand in hand. Someone struggling with social anxiety could turn to alcohol as a means of coping, and not realize there is a problem until it is too late. Struggling with social anxiety doesn’t necessarily mean someone will struggle with alcoholism.

However, there are a number of people who have begun struggling with alcohol as a result of social anxiety. There is help available, and understanding what social anxiety is as well as the signs and symptoms of alcoholism can help someone to better their life. Fortunately, Enlightened Recovery can help.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is a disorder characterized by continuous fear of being watched and judged by others. It can cause interruptions to school, work, and home life. It can make it extremely uncomfortable to go about daily life without interruption from persistent intrusive thoughts and anxious feelings. Struggling with social anxiety can be difficult. Despite this, the condition is manageable if properly treated and supported. 

Anxiety and Alcohol Abuse

Anxiety makes it extremely difficult to go about daily life. Someone may feel on edge or constantly stressed. The inner turmoil can make it difficult to leave the house, much less engage in any social situations. Oftentimes, people feel like they need a drink in order to go out and be in a group of people.

This is often due to fear of judgment from others, or feeling overwhelmed in large crowds. Alcohol is a CNS depressant and can seemingly reduce the feelings of fear and anxiousness resulting in a relaxing sensation. This makes it easier for those struggling with anxiety to complete daily tasks. Fortunately, Enlightened Recovery offers inpatient care to help.

Social Anxiety and Self Medicating With Alcohol

Because alcohol can seem to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, many people turn to it in order to lessen the symptoms. In a sense, these symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and many people feel like alcohol makes it better. When this happens, people tend to drink in order to self-medicate the symptoms of anxiety when they feel these symptoms arising.

Using alcohol to cover up, or mask the fear and nervousness can lead to drinking alcohol whenever anxiousness arises. Drinking daily can build tolerance. When tolerance occurs, the single drink that could reduce the symptoms previously no longer works. The person then drinks higher and higher levels of consumption which can result in dependence.

Consuming alcohol on a daily basis can build a dependence, or addiction, to the substance. Social anxiety and alcoholism coexisting can be a dangerous combination. Alcoholism can be fatal. Struggling with social anxiety and alcoholism does not have to continue. These conditions are manageable. 

Social Anxiety Signs

Social anxiety and alcoholism can both be identified by loved ones who are concerned about someone. Signs of someone struggling with alcohol can include an overwhelming urge to drink, and not being able to avoid drinking, drinking at inappropriate times, and risky behavior while drinking. 

Signs to look out for in a loved one who may be struggling with social anxiety can include:

  • Trouble interacting with others
  • Fear of judgment
  • Abnormal sleep patterns
  • Worrying about social events
  • Trouble with concentration
  • Avoiding social situations

These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and life-changing. Using alcohol as a means of coping can be dangerous. Social anxiety and alcoholism are manageable. With proper support and treatment, a person can live life normally once again. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

When a mental health condition coexists with substance use disorders in an individual, this is known as a dual diagnosis. Because these two conditions exist simultaneously in the same individual, it is believed the two should be treated simultaneously in order to achieve long-term recovery. Addressing the substance use alone, and leaving the mental health condition untreated will more than likely lead to a relapse.

Because these symptoms lead to using alcohol as a means of self-medication, leaving social anxiety untreated will most likely lead to the same thing occurring. This is why it is crucial to receive proper care and support for both physical addiction and mental health conditions. 

Treatment for social anxiety and alcoholism can begin with a detox program, and once the substances are removed from the system, healing can begin. Treating social anxiety and alcoholism continues with partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs.

Rehab for social anxiety and alcoholism is available. Getting help as soon as possible can ensure that life doesn’t become too out of control. It can lead to healing and gaining control of life back. Getting help for social anxiety and alcoholism is one of the best gifts that someone can give themselves. Learning new coping skills to combat social anxiety and addiction to alcohol can help someone to return to normal day-to-day living. 

Enlightened Recovery Can Help

Social anxiety can make daily life extremely difficult for those who are struggling. Social situations can lead to uneasy and uncomfortable feelings, making it hard to engage without a physical response. Those who are struggling with social anxiety and alcoholism can begin healing. The struggles can end. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer comprehensive and proven treatment methods to help those who are struggling to heal.

Call us today and begin your journey of recovery.

The Dangers of Polydrug Use

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Polydrug use is when you use more than one drug at a time or mix drugs and alcohol. People usually mix drugs to enhance their effects and to experience a more euphoric high. However, mixing drugs can compound their side effects and increase the chances of an overdose, respiratory failure, or even death.

What Are the Dangers of Polydrug Abuse?

The dangers of mixing drugs depend on the combination of drugs or alcohol that you are using. While it is possible to combine some drugs safely when following a prescription, mixing drugs without medical advice or mixing illicit drugs is extremely dangerous. Some of the possible dangers include:

  • Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
  • Liver damage and failure
  • Heart problems
  • Stomach bleeding
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Respiratory failure
  • Brain damage

Alcohol and Benzodiazepines

Mixing drugs with alcohol is one of the most common forms of polydrug abuse. In 2011, over half of all alcohol-related emergency room visits in the United States also involved illicit drugs. People often mix drugs and alcohol at parties to intensify the intoxicating effects.

Mixing benzodiazepines (benzos) with alcohol can be particularly dangerous. Both substances are central nervous system depressants that work by slowing down the brain. Taking them together compounds their effects and may lead to slow breathing, organ failure, and coma.

Alcohol and Cocaine

People often mix alcohol with cocaine to ease some of cocaine’s negative side effects like anxiety or twitching. It can also re-energize someone and make people feel less drunk.

However, using alcohol with cocaine is hazardous. It enhances the effects of cocaine, increasing its blood concentration by up to 30%. It may also increase your heart rate and cause you to behave more violently.

Combining alcohol with cocaine also produces a new chemical in the liver called cocaethylene. This drug is toxic and may lead to seizures, liver damage, and a weakened immune system.

Opioids and Benzodiazepines

Opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines are both prescription drugs that your doctor may prescribe to treat certain conditions. Combining opioids and benzos is always extremely dangerous. Both drugs are sedatives that impair thinking and suppress breathing which is the leading cause of death by overdose. A study in North Carolina found that death by overdose was ten times higher in patients combining opioids and benzos than in those just using opioids.

Worryingly, many doctors still prescribe opioids and benzos simultaneously. In 2013, 17% of people receiving opioid prescriptions in the United States were also prescribed benzos.

Heroin and Cocaine

Combining heroin and cocaine is known as ‘speedballing’. Taking heroin with cocaine enhances the effects of each drug and produces a new kind of high that you can not experience from taking either substance on its own.

Using both substances together can also reduce some of their negative side effects. While this may make the experience more pleasurable, it can cause you to think that you are soberer than you are. Speedball users may continue to take more of each substance, increasing the chance of an overdose.

The duration of cocaine is shorter than heroin, so the effects wear off earlier. Users who have taken a high dose of heroin can experience respiratory failure when the effects of cocaine subside. Repeatedly injecting drugs also increases the risk of collapsed veins and abscesses.

How Does Polydrug Use Lead to Addiction?

When you repeatedly use an addictive substance, it affects the reward pathways in your brain. Your brain recognizes the pleasurable effects of a drug and produces urges to use the substance again. If you take multiple addictive substances, this reward-seeking behavior is reinforced and intensified. It strengthens the urges to use drugs, increasing the chances of addiction.

Polydrug abuse is a serious problem in the United States that can be devastating to your short-term and long-term health. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer our clients numerous tools to move forward in a sober lifestyle. We focus on healing the whole person alongside addiction. Our treatment program is rooted in the 12-step philosophy and offers each client an individualized recovery plan.

We offer a range of treatment modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family constellation therapy, art and music therapy, yoga and meditation, acupuncture and chiropractic work, and equine-assisted therapy. Our treatment facilities are on the south shores of New Jersey and provide optimal healing and relaxation. If you seek relief from addiction, or if someone close to you does, please call us at (833) 801-5483 for more information about our treatment options.

Is It Safe to Go to Rehab During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

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If you or someone you know is contemplating treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, you may be wondering if it’s safe to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The answer is yes, treatment facilities are taking numerous precautions to ensure the safety of their patients and staff members. In fact, it may be a really good time to seek treatment.

A Booming Business

According to experts, more people are turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with the stresses brought about by COVID-19. People are planning quarantine cocktail parties and Zoom Happy  Hours. Friends have raised a glass to each other via FaceTime. According to a piece that ran on Morning Edition on National Public Radio (NPR) on September 11, 2020, alcohol sales have been an economic bright spot during the pandemic. Alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants are up 24 percent over this time last year, and restaurants have been allowed to sell alcohol with take-out food orders. Drizly, an app-based alcohol home delivery service, raised $50 million in August to expand its operations, and a company spokesperson said that sales are up 350 percent over this time last year.

This boom in alcohol sales worries Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, who is a researcher with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Leggio says that because alcohol is more socially acceptable than other drugs, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol seems less risky to people than street drugs (although the use of opioids, meth, and cocaine has also increased). Another point of concern is that, according to Leggio, alcohol-related illnesses kill 88,000 Americans per year, which is more than all drug overdoses combined for the same time period. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol have an increased risk of respiratory infections and an increased risk of complications from those infections. Additionally, there is concern that after the pandemic ends, that pattern of excess drinking may continue.

What Precautions Are Treatment Facilities Taking?

Drug and alcohol treatment centers are considered essential services and so have not been required to shut down during the pandemic. In fact, as more people turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism during the pandemic, treatment centers are more needed than ever as people struggle with addiction and other mental health issues.

At many treatment facilities, health precautions begin before a patient is even admitted. Perspective clients are screened for risk factors, frequently through a questionnaire that asks if they have traveled outside the United States recently; if they have passed through an airport; if they have had a cough, fever, or shortness of breath in the past seven days; if they have experienced a loss of taste or smell; and if they have been in contact with anyone who is or may be COVID-19 positive. Many treatment centers check the temperature with a forehead thermometer of anyone entering the facility. If their temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees, they will not be allowed to enter. 

Disinfectant wipes, masks, and gloves are available for everyone in the facilities, staff, and patients alike. Cleaning and disinfecting routines have been heightened, with high-touch surfaces being disinfected frequently throughout the day. Masks must be worn when in common areas. Social distancing is enforced, and handshakes, hugs, and the like are not allowed. Many facilities are prohibiting visitors and visits off-site have been scaled back.

Treatment facilities have also developed protocols to follow if a patient should become ill with COVID-19 while in treatment. Clients in an out-patient program would need to return home and participate in their various therapies via Telehealth services or a Zoom meeting or some other remote access modality. They would be required to contact their primary care physician or go to urgent care. They would need to be free of a fever for 72 hours and be cleared by their doctor before returning to the program. Clients in a residential program who become ill with COVID-19 may be quarantined in their residence, sent home and offered Telehealth services, or taken to a local hospital if their medical situation warrants that level of care.

As in many other organizations, many staff members at treatment centers can work remotely and are doing so. Whenever possible, group and individual therapy sessions are being conducted through telemedicine. If groups meet in person, social distancing guidelines are being observed. Some treatment centers that offer residential care are limiting off-site visits for clients to medical appointments.

Treatment Facilities May Offer More Precautions from COVID-19 than “Civilian” Life

Some experts feel that, for a person addicted to drugs or alcohol, a treatment facility may provide more protection from COVID-19 than they would have in their day-to-day life because they will be in a controlled environment. People struggling with addiction won’t be abusing drugs or alcohol and engaging in risky behaviors that frequently coincide with substance abuse. If you are or someone you love is considering entering a treatment program, don’t let COVID-19 deter you.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more people are turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with the stress as the world grapples with this illness. Alcohol sales, excluding bars and restaurants, are up 24% when compared with the same time period in the previous year. Some experts worry that people are drinking to excess to ease the stress and boredom from the pandemic. While not all of this excess will result in addiction, some will. There is concern that when the pandemic ends, the excessive alcohol consumption will continue. At the same time, there is concern about whether or not it is safe to enter a treatment program during the pandemic. Rest assured that treatment facilities like Enlightened Recovery, located on the New Jersey shore, are monitoring the pandemic closely and taking precautions to safeguard the health of clients, staff members, families, and the greater community. If you or a loved one is concerned about drug or alcohol use, call (833) 801-5483.

 

Can Animals Be Therapists?

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It is said that man’s best friend is a dog. Can a dog also be man’s best therapist?

Anyone who loves animals knows how nice it is to come home to a dog who’s glad to see you, particularly after a bad day: to stroke a cat’s fur and listen to the kitty purr; to cuddle a nice, soft bunny; to saddle up a horse and go for a ride, or even to watch fish swimming placidly in their aquarium. All of these actions contribute to a sense of calm and well-being.

While a beloved pet will never take the place of a trained therapist, spending time with an animal provides both physical and mental health benefits that can aid in recovery.

Benefits of Having a Pet or Spending Time With Animals

According to an article that was published on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website, owning a pet can decrease stress, improve a person’s overall cardiovascular health, and can decrease the levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) circulating in a person’s system and increase the levels of oxytocin. Decreasing the levels of cortisol can lower blood pressure, prevent weight gain, boost energy levels, improve brain function, and strengthen the immune system. Increased levels of oxytocin contribute to the ability to form connections. A study conducted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale suggests that children who have pets in their homes develop stronger immune systems than do children in homes without pets.

An article in Psychology Today says that spending time with animals can be beneficial to people diagnosed with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorder. Spending time with animals can contribute to feelings of calmness, comfort, and safety, and forming a bond with an animal can help people develop better self-esteem, improve their ability to trust and form connections, and improve socialization and communication skills. A study of adolescents with type 1 diabetes demonstrated that taking care of fish correlated to the teens better managing their diabetes.

Having a pet also lowers your cholesterol level, decreases triglycerides (fats carried in the blood), decreases feelings of loneliness, increases your opportunities to get exercise and spend time outdoors, and makes it easier to form connections with other people. If you have a tendency to isolate because of depression or feelings of shame surrounding addiction, having a dog can be a great way to get out of your head, get out of the house, and meet some other people.

If pet ownership isn’t a possibility, perhaps because you rent in a place that doesn’t allow animals, you are in college and live in a dorm, or you or someone in your household is allergic to animals, you can still have some of the benefits of being around animals. Go to a pet store and spend some time watching the animals there. If your area has an aquarium, zoo, or living museum, pay them a visit. Volunteer at an animal shelter or an animal rescue society. Find work as a dog walker or take care of people’s pets when they travel. 

Animals in Medical and Other Settings

Because of the mental and health benefits that spending time with animals brings to people, animals are used in more formal settings as well. This idea is not new. An article on animal-assisted therapy (AAT) published on the Alliance of Therapy Dogs website says that the ancient Greeks used companion animals to help people with physical and mental illnesses. Hippocrates, the Greek doctor considered to be the founder of medicine, thought that there was great therapeutic value in horseback riding. In the 1960s, child psychologist Boris Levinson is considered to be the father of AAT. Levinson began bringing his dog, Jingles, to work with him and found that when he did so that the children’s therapy sessions were more productive. Children were more at ease and communicative when Jingles was in the session. 

Now therapy dogs (typically well-trained pets) make the rounds at some selected hospitals, nursing homes, hospice facilities, addiction treatment centers, and prisons. According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, the use of therapy dogs can “significantly reduce pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in people with a range of health problems.” These health problems include children undergoing dental procedures, cancer patients receiving treatment, patients with dementia, and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prisons use therapy dogs to “reduce violence and anti-social behaviors, cases of suicide, and drug addiction.”

Some airports now use therapy dogs as well, which was implemented after 9/11. According to Vane Airport Media, Inc., as of 2018, 58 airports in the United States had some sort of therapy dog program. For example, the Wag Brigade has been a tail-wagging presence at the San Francisco International Airport since 2013. The Wag Brigade now has 22 therapy dogs and one Juliana -breed pig, who enjoys playing her toy piano. The therapy animals all wear vests that say “Pet Me.” The Wag Brigade is a partnership between the airport and the San Francisco SPCA.

Animal-Assisted Therapy in Addiction Recovery

Because of the mental and physical health benefits associated with being around animals, many treatment facilities incorporate some type of animal-assisted therapy into their programs. Activities will vary depending on the facility and the client, but can include grooming and feeding the horses, taking care of the tack, and cleaning out stables. Many programs also incorporate riding. Equine therapy lends itself well to recovery programs because working around horses can help people to identify and process their feelings. 

The ancient Greeks were right: animals are good for people. Don’t fire your therapist, but do find a friendly animal to be part of your life.

Spending time with animals is good for your physical and mental health. Because of this, Enlightened Recovery includes equine therapy as part of the holistic treatment modalities that they offer to patients working to overcome addiction or mental health issues. Equine therapy has demonstrated success in helping people to identify their feelings, which is part of the healing process. Located on the New Jersey shore, Enlightened Recovery offers alternative therapies to complement the one-on-one and group counseling that they provide. Other alternative therapies that they offer include art and music therapy, Family Constellation Therapy, horticultural therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and chiropractic work. Every patient has a treatment program custom-tailored for him or her based on their individual needs. If you or a loved one are seeking treatment for a substance abuse disorder or a mental health issue, consider Enlightened Recovery. The facility offers treatment in a compassionate and supportive environment. For more information call (833) 801-5483.