Wellness gurus often toss around the idea that the liver needs detoxing, and a clean liver sounds like a good thing. After all, the liver is the body’s largest solid organ and a serious multitasker. As Columbia University Irving Medical Center indicates, it is involved in hundreds of essential functions, including regulating blood clotting, maintaining blood sugar levels, aiding digestion, and cleansing the blood of troublesome toxins.

However, doctors urge anyone considering helping this hardworking organ with a detox to beware. Many popular liver detox practices, even the ones that promise that they are backed by science, can have serious side effects.

Learning a Little About Your Liver

Before you explore the pros and cons of liver detoxes, it helps to know a bit about your liver. For starters, the liver is a cleaning expert, according to UW Medicine. It does not just clean the blood; it also cleans itself.

Exploring the Promises of Liver Detoxes

Liver detox products and practices vary slightly. However, proponents of liver detoxes tend to advertise the same types of benefits. They suggest that their products or methods will help you be healthier by supporting your liver’s efforts to clear away toxins, especially if you’ve overdone it with alcohol, food, or other indulgences. Many hint that the products can also help you heal or safeguard your health. The idea that you might lose weight is also common.

Discovering Common Types of Liver Detoxes

What is involved in a liver detox? According to Medical News Today, most popular liver detoxes ask participants to do one or more of the following things:

• Use enemas to clean out the colon and gut.
• Follow a restricted diet that contains “liver-friendly” foods.
• Complete a juice fast.
• Take supplements.

Discussing a Medical Professional’s Perspective on Liver Detoxes

Dr. Paul Kwo tells WebMD that people often feel safe trying a liver detox without mentioning it to their doctors because the products are marketed as natural. They mistakenly assume that natural equals safe. “As I tell every patient in clinic, a great white shark is natural, a scorpion is natural, and so is a hurricane,” says Kwo. “So just because they’re natural doesn’t mean they’re safe.”

Doctors say that anyone considering trying a liver detox should speak with their provider first. After all, everyone’s health situation is unique. You can make a better decision when you know what the potential risks and benefits are for your situation.

Evaluating the Potential Side Effects of Liver Detoxes

Being aware of the potential side effects of liver detoxes can help you evaluate these practices. The possibilities vary depending on what type of detox you choose.

Enemas

Enemas are used to prepare for surgery and various medical procedures. They can also deliver medicine and treat constipation. However, there’s no evidence that they are useful in cleansing the body of toxins, and the procedure is not without risks. As Cleveland Clinic explains, risks include pain, infection, colon punctures, rectal tears, and electrolyte imbalances.

Restrictive Diet

With any restrictive diet, there is a chance that you will miss out on necessary nutrients, according to Medical News Today. The danger increases when someone is limiting their diet without input from a nutritionist.

Juice Fasting

As WebMD indicates, not all products sold for liver detox juice fasts are safe. Unpasteurized juices can endanger your health, and extended use can lead to issues with malnutrition. For some, fasting may cause problems like weakness, dehydration, and headaches.

Supplements

Amazon’s 10 top-selling liver supplements bring in roughly $2.5 million each month, according to WebMD. Not one contains ingredients that liver specialists in the U.S. or Europe recommend. The supplements, like all supplements, are also unregulated. This means buyers have no way to be truly sure that they’re getting what they think they are.

Some supplements could offer the right candidates a potential benefit if they are taken in the proper amount. Which ones? Forbes reports these ingredients might support liver health:

• Milk thistle: Silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A review indicated that patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease treated with it had improved liver enzyme levels.
• N-acetylcysteine: NAC has been studied as a treatment for liver toxicity. A 2022 study demonstrated that it may reduce damage and improve survival rates after an acetaminophen overdose.
• Turmeric: This bright orange spice is often touted for its anti-inflammatory powers. Research suggests the liver may benefit from reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. Another review showed that patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease had better enzyme levels after being treated with the substance.
• Vitamin E: While a high dose is known to be risky, research suggests vitamin E might improve liver function.

Reviewing Who Needs to Pay Special Attention

It’s always wise to approach liver detox products and practices with caution. However, certain people should pay special attention. If you already have liver or kidney disease, it is especially important that you speak with your doctor first. These conditions can impact the way your body processes medications, including herbs and supplements. People with diabetes or other metabolic conditions should also speak with their doctors before altering their diets.

Determining Alternate Ways to Keep Your Liver Healthy

If you want to support your liver’s ability to clean itself, there are alternatives to a liver detox. As Johns Hopkins Medicine explains, there are several ways to help keep your liver healthy:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Do not consume excess alcohol.
• Avoid risky behaviors like unprotected sex or illicit drug use.
• Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and screening for liver disease.

The liver is a vital organ, so taking care of it is crucial. While over-the-counter liver detox products may seem like a way to do that, the chance for harm is very real. If you have concerns about your liver health, talking with a medical professional is vital. At Long Island Interventions, we know that getting healthy is a journey, and we’re ready to help you with the steps that you need to take. Reach out to us for assistance today.

References:

• “Beware of Popular Online Liver Supplements, Doctors Say” by WebMD
• “Can a Detox or Cleanse Help Your Liver?” by WebMD
• “Detoxing Your Liver: Fact Versus Fiction” by Johns Hopkins Medicine
• “Do Liver Cleanses Work? Evidence and Risks” by Medical News Today
• “Enema” by My Cleveland Clinic
• “Liver Cleanse: Separating Fact from Fiction” by Healthline
• “Liver Detox Supplements: Benefits, Risks and Recommendations” by Forbes Health
• “The Liver and Its Functions” by Columbia University Irving Medical Center
• “What Is a Liver Cleanse?” by Medical News Today
• “What to Know Before Trying a Liver Detox” by Right as Rain by UW Medicine

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Published on: 2024-01-30
Updated on: 2024-03-15

Pill identification is a critical aspect of harm reduction, so every prescription medication is imprinted with a specific code that provides information on the drug, dosage and manufacturer. For instance, the code “M367” indicates a generic 10 mg hydrocodone tablet produced by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. However, this still leaves many vital questions unanswered. Whether you’ve found these tablets in your home or received them from the pharmacy, understanding the uses, risks and safety considerations of M367 hydrocodone can help you make safer, more informed decisions.

What Is M367 Hydrocodone?

M367 pills are easily identified as white, capsule-shaped tablets with “M367” imprinted on one side. Each pill contains a mixture of 10 mg hydrocodone bitartrate and 325 mg acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a synthetic opioid pain reliever derived from codeine, a naturally occurring alkaloid from the opium poppy. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or APAP, is the active ingredient found in Tylenol and similar over-the-counter medications.

In combination with acetaminophen, hydrocodone is the most commonly prescribed opioid medication in the United States for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, it’s also the most widely abused. While M367 hydrocodone is a generic drug, it’s frequently referred to by well-known brand names like Vicodin, Norco and Lortab. Other manufacturers produce equivalent generic versions of this drug bearing their own unique imprints, including:

• Amneal Pharmaceuticals: IP 110
• Watson Pharmaceuticals: WATSON 853
• Rhodes Pharmaceuticals: R P H10/325
• Qualitest Pharmaceuticals: V 36 01
• Novel Laboratories: n 358 10

With 10 mg of the primary active ingredient, M367 tablets are among the most potent hydrocodone formulations on the market. Hydrocodone tablets are also available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 7.5 mg strengths, many of which include acetaminophen dosages ranging from 300 mg to 750 mg. These pills often appear very similar, so it’s important to double-check the imprint code to verify the exact strength.

Dosage and Administration

Because M367 pills contain a relatively high concentration of hydrocodone, they should always be taken exactly as directed. Never self-medicate with hydrocodone or take more than prescribed without first consulting a physician. In general, the recommended dosage is one tablet every four to six hours by mouth. Your doctor may increase the dose as needed, but the total dosage typically shouldn’t exceed six tablets per day.

Unless directed otherwise, swallow each tablet whole with plenty of water. M367 hydrocodone may cause nausea when taken on an upset stomach, so it’s best to eat a meal or snack before each dose. If you continue to feel ill, it can be helpful to lie down and keep your head still until the feeling subsides.

Indications and Effectiveness

As perhaps the most well-known and widely used opioid analgesic, hydrocodone has been a staple of pain management for decades. The combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen found in M367 tablets is more potent than either drug alone, providing analgesia nearly equivalent to morphine. This makes it a reliable and effective therapeutic tool for controlling moderate or severe pain that can’t be adequately managed by over-the-counter drugs. In particular, it’s frequently prescribed for patients with traumatic injuries, postoperative pain and chronic illnesses like cancer.

Hydrocodone primarily works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, disrupting pain signals within the central nervous system. While this may not eliminate pain entirely, it can substantially reduce the perception of painful stimuli. As with other opioids, this mechanism of action also produces feelings of euphoria and sedation. These effects usually begin within 20 to 30 minutes and wear off within four to six hours.

Legal Status of M367 Hydrocodone

Like other prescription drugs, M367 hydrocodone is regulated under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Though originally labeled as a Schedule III substance, federal authorities reclassified it as Schedule II in 2014 in response to the growing opioid crisis. Schedule II substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse and a risk of severe psychological or physical dependence. As such, hydrocodone prescriptions cannot be refilled and are limited to a maximum 30-day supply.

Depending on the quantities involved, possessing M367 tablets without a valid prescription may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. Even if you have a prescription, selling hydrocodone under any circumstances is a felony that could lead to a significant prison sentence. Likewise, writing or obtaining a hydrocodone prescription under false pretenses is also a crime that may be subject to felony charges.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Although M367 hydrocodone is generally safe and well-tolerated in therapeutic doses, it’s not without risks. The most commonly reported side effects are typically mild and short-lived, including:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Itching

In rare cases, hydrocodone can cause more serious and potentially life-threatening adverse reactions. Seek medical attention right away if you or someone you know is experiencing:

• Slow, shallow or labored breathing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Acute upper right abdominal pain
• Confusion or loss of motor control

Taking more hydrocodone than prescribed increases the likelihood of serious complications, as does combining it with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. It’s also important to avoid products containing acetaminophen while taking this medication, which can be toxic to the liver in large doses.

Dependency and Addiction Potential

While severe side effects are unusual with M367 pills, dependency and addiction are not. Like many related opioids, hydrocodone hijacks the reward pathways that are naturally activated in the brain when you engage in various positive or beneficial activities. This produces strong feelings of pleasure and euphoria, causing the brain to seek out these rewards again and again. Over time, however, progressively larger and more frequent doses are needed to achieve the same effects.

As the brain gradually adapts to the effects of prolonged hydrocodone use, it becomes unable to function properly without it. This physical dependence triggers unpleasant withdrawal symptoms whenever the user stops taking opioids, compelling them to do whatever is necessary to continue using. The resulting condition, known clinically as substance use disorder (SUD), may render the person unable to stop using or engaging in drug-seeking behaviors regardless of the possible consequences.

Opioid addiction, like other substance use disorders, is a complex condition that manifests in many different ways. This can make it difficult to recognize the problem, especially when it’s affecting someone you love. Some of the most common signs to watch for include:

• Unusual changes in mood or appearance
• Missing money or medications
• Unexplained loss of appetite
• Disconnected, non-responsive behavior
• Growing problems at work or school
• Increased isolation or apathy
• Careless or reckless decision-making

Safe Use and Alternatives

Despite the risk of overdose and addiction, M367 hydrocodone remains a valid and essential option for pain relief. The key to safe and effective hydrocodone use lies primarily in working with a trusted healthcare provider. In addition to strictly following your prescribed dosage, it’s important to be honest about both your pain management needs and any history of drug abuse or addictive behavior.

Whenever possible, hydrocodone should only be used for as long as necessary and only at the lowest dose that offers adequate relief. Consider asking your doctor about alternative pain management treatments like non-opioid medications, topical analgesics, physical therapy and other interventions. If you have remaining pills that you no longer need, contact your nearest drug take-back facility to find out how to dispose of them safely.

Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction

Regardless of age, gender or background, the sad truth is that anyone can fall victim to substance abuse. It’s an insidious disease that wrecks lives and imposes an immense burden on everyone involved. If you or a loved one are struggling with hydrocodone addiction, you don’t have to carry that burden alone. Real and lasting recovery is possible, but it starts with the right treatment plan.

Seeking the help of qualified professionals is the critical first step in your rehabilitation journey. The road may be filled with unpredictable twists and turns and bumps along the way, but drug rehab specialists can offer the resources and support you need to ensure you reach your destination. There are many evidence-based tools and programs available to aid in breaking the cycle of hydrocodone addiction, including intervention, opioid detox, counseling, residential treatment, sober coaches and more.

Conclusion

For those suffering from chronic and severe pain, the potent analgesic properties of M367 hydrocodone can offer profound relief and a restored quality of life. Given the very real dangers of overdose, dependence and addiction, however, it demands thoughtful consideration and a firm understanding of how to mitigate the potential risks.

Once hydrocodone has tightened its grip, it can feel almost impossible to escape. At Long Island Interventions, we’re here to show you that it’s not. If you or someone you love is battling opioid addiction, give us a call today to see how you can get the help you need to break free and start navigating the road to recovery.

References and Further Reading

• Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen (Oral Route) Before Using | Mayo Clinic
• Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen – Statpearls | NCBI Bookshelf
• How to tell if a loved one is abusing opioids | Mayo Clinic
• Drug Disposal: Drug Take-Back Locations | FDA
• Recovery Resources | DEA.gov
• DEA To Publish Final Rule Rescheduling Hydrocodone Combination Products | DEA.gov
• Hydrocodone Addiction: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention | Healthline

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Published on: 2024-01-30
Updated on: 2024-03-15

Methamphetamine use can have a number of serious health effects that might take months or years to recover from. Furthermore, it may be harder to get a job, retain custody of your kids or otherwise lead a normal life if you cannot pass a drug test. Therefore, it’s important to understand why meth is a stimulant drug, how to get it out of your system and what you can do in an effort to get past your substance abuse.

What Makes Meth Addiction Hard to Get Past?

Meth is one of the most addictive drugs that you can take because it significantly effects your central nervous system, increasing the dopamine levels in your brain. Dopamine is what is responsible for causing you to feel good after a workout, getting a promotion at work or some other pleasurable experience in your life. However, you will get so much of this chemical after taking meth that you can’t possibly recreate how you feel with normal everyday experiences.

Therefore, you feel resigned to using again, however, as with any other drug, your body builds up a tolerance for long term use. This means that you have to resort to snorting more each time to get the same high, and after too long, it can be difficult to function without at least some meth in your system.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Body?

You’ll generally notice the effects of meth use wearing off about seven to eight hours after you ingest it. Its half-life ranges from 10-12 hours. However, it will remain in your bloodstream for up to a week after you take it. The exact amount of time it takes to clear your system depends on a number of factors such as how much you ingested, the quality of the product you used and your overall health.

Meth is filtered out of the body through the liver, which means that it may take longer for it to exit if yours is damaged in any way. There is also circumstantial evidence to support the notion that meth takes longer to leave your system as you age. Finally, your eating, drinking and exercise habits may also play a role in how long meth takes to leave your system.

Tips for Getting Meth Out of Your System Faster

There are a number of steps that you can take to help get meth out of your system in less than the seven days it typically stays inside of you. For instance, drinking extra water helps the body get rid of waste in a more efficient manner. Exercising may allow you to sweat out the toxins associated with crystal meth, which could make them harder to detect on a drug test. Eating a balanced diet can also be useful as it can promote digestion and other processes needed to return your body to a healthier state.

The Benefits of Getting Meth Out of Your System

You will likely see a drastic improvement to both your physical and mental health after going through meth detox. This is because your brain will begin to unwind the changes it went through after you started using it. If you can refrain from using meth for several months, it may be possible for your brain to fully unwind all the changes it made during your period of dependency.

In other words, it would almost be like you never used it in the first place. Of course, you will still have to deal with the meth withdrawal symptoms, such as teeth rot, meth mouth, weight loss, or increased blood pressure. However, with the proper medical detox, it may be possible to overcome those issues as well, which can increase your confidence and make it easier to function in society.

The ability to remain mentally alert may make it easier to find and retain a job in your chosen field. You may also find that you are allowed to receive security clearances or otherwise make yourself a distinguished member of your company or profession in general.

While on amphetamines, or during meth withdrawal, it can be extremely difficult to maintain a relationship with your kids. This is because you may be unable to do anything other than search for your next fix instead of focusing on the needs of your kids. However, getting off of drugs means that you may be allowed to have supervised visitation that could escalate to unsupervised visits or formal custody.

You Don’t Need to Overcome Dependency by Yourself

It’s important to understand that you don’t need to overcome a dependency on meth by yourself — many treatment options are available. If you need to start detoxing today, there are inpatient programs that you can enroll in to start the process in a safe and controlled manner. During your stay, you will be monitored by medical professionals who can provide mental and physical health resources such as therapy or medication.

Therapy and medication may be able to help you work through the short and long-term ramification of detox such as heightened anxiety or hallucinations. Instead of hurting yourself or others, your addiction treatment will be in an environment where you’ll get the help that you need to get past a manic episode, withdrawal symptoms, and detoxification challenges.

Outpatient programs are also available if you just need help staying sober once you’ve cleared your system. These types of programs feature group and individual therapy sessions at churches, rec centers and other locations within the community. You may also be able to obtain assistance taking medications to manage tremors, nausea or other side effects of your quest to get sober.

Generally speaking, you can enroll in a rehab program or get addiction treatment without fear of losing your job. Typically, employers are required to hold your job open or offer you a similar position upon your return. However, there is no guarantee that you’ll be paid while you are away or that your employer will pay for your rehab. It’s possible that your health insurance policy will cover some or all of the costs associated with seeking help.

How to Minimize Your Risk of a Relapse

Enrolling in an outpatient program is one of the ways in which you may minimize your risk of a relapse. It’s not uncommon for those who are in recovery to attend meetings for the rest of their lives. This is because doing so helps them to remain accountable for their actions as well as remember that they are never truly in control of their addiction.

Therapy may also help you identify the cause or the triggers associated with your dependency and drug use. Understanding your triggers may help you avoid them or cope with the stress that they may bring. For instance, if you know that stress is a trigger, you should look into changing jobs, exercising more often or taking other proactive steps to reduce or manage your stress.

You may also be able to minimize your risk of relapse by choosing something more important than yourself to live for. If you have kids, you may decide that being in their lives is more important than a drug addiction that destroys your physical and mental health. Alternatively, you may decide that you want to be around long enough to see the birth of a grandchild or to travel the world.

Whatever you choose to live for, having a goal can give you purpose and something to focus on that isn’t using meth. Over time, you may start to realize that you don’t even think about using meth or have trouble avoiding the people or places that enabled your previous lifestyle.

If you are ready to stop using meth or other drugs for good, the accredited team at Long Island Interventions is here to help. We can also assist family members of those who are dependent on meth or other substances learn how to get their loved ones the help that they need. You can get in touch with our treatment center by phone or online right now to learn more about our services or how to start a treatment program today.

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Published on: 2024-01-30
Updated on: 2024-03-14

Ketamine is a therapeutic medication that has been used since its discovery in Belgium during the 1960s as an anesthetic. It is also a recreational drug with a highly addictive nature and increased potential for abuse.

Recently, however, Ketamine infusion has been used therapeutically for chronic pain and depression that’s proven resistant to other treatments. Interest in it for this purpose has grown in recent years, although it is important to remember that, like most medications, ketamine treatment does have side effects.

Understanding Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is a synthetic compound derived from phenylcyclohexyl piperidine, more commonly known as PCP, as the severe hallucinations caused by PCP make it undesirable as an anesthetic. For mental health purposes, ketamine therapy has recently been used to treat chronic pain or treatment-resistant depression.

Glutamate is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that regulates mood and is absorbed by the brain’s NMDA receptors. However, in some people’s brains (particularly those with depression), those receptors either aren’t working as well as they should or in some cases not at all.

With those patients, ketamine therapy can “re-wire” the brain by fixing those receptors that help regulate moods and can help the patient overcome their depression. The treatments do wear off after time but additional doses of ketamine can be administered as needed for maintenance.

It has multiple routes of distribution, including intranasal (through the nose), oral (through the mouth), and intravenous. The intranasal form is, strictly speaking, a related compound called S-ketamine or esketamine. The most common nasal spray brand is called Spravato and, unlike injections for ketamine, is FDA-approved to treat depression and mood disorders.

Common Side Effects of Ketamine Therapy

Therapeutic ketamine users may experience certain physical side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, headaches, heart palpitations, bladder pain, and excessive sweating, among others.

It also includes psychological side effects, like aural or visual hallucinations and dissociation. These can be particularly powerful and lead to an experience where the user feels their consciousness separate from their physical body. Recreational users refer to this feeling as “the K-Hole” and for them, it is less of a side effect and more of the intended result, although they generally require much higher doses than the standard therapeutic amount.

These unintended effects can begin during the treatments or shortly after they’ve concluded. They can vary in intensity depending on various factors and may last up to two hours after treatment is administered.

Long-Term Side Effects and Risks

As ketamine has existed for less than 60 years and used therapeutically for an even shorter amount of time, the full extent of its long-term effects is not well-known or understood at present.

However, it is known that long-term use (or abuse) can decrease cognitive function and lead to memory loss, as well as potentially damage the liver or kidneys. As ketamine infusion “reshapes” the brain by reactivating potentially damaged neural pathways, there is always the possibility that it can also eventually change other parts – and not always for the better.

Due to the nature of the drug, there is a heightened risk for dependency and abuse. Users who receive therapeutic low doses may also have the out-of-body experiences that recreational users find appealing and seek out higher doses on the street to have a more intense “trip”.

Managing Side Effects

Some of the mild or moderate side effects experienced during ketamine infusion therapy can be managed or mitigated, especially the physical ones. The good news is that, unlike some treatments or medications that “build up” side effects over time, there is no evidence that ketamine therapy will lead to more severe adverse effects as the number of sessions increases.

Before the first session begins, patients should seek the medical advice of their doctors to make sure that they don’t have any risk factors for certain side effects, list all medications and supplements they’re currently taking, and ask for guidance.

A health care professional may also prescribe medication to preemptively stop side effects before they start. For example, a patient who already suffers from mild bladder pain could end up with significantly higher levels of pain after treatment as bladder pain is a possible side effect. The doctor could then prescribe medication designed to treat bladder pain before the therapy session begins, which would prevent the patient’s pre-existing condition from worsening.

After treatment, the doctor may similarly prescribe additional medication or painkillers in case side effects arise. Some of the psychological side effects, like anxiety or a feeling of emotional emptiness, are less common but are still a possibility. Having a friend, relative, or therapist to speak to may not prevent these feelings from occurring but can help manage them before they spiral into something worse.

Patient Selection and Contraindications

Suitable candidates for ketamine therapy include those with chronic pain or major depression that hasn’t responded to anti-depressants or other medications. Many ketamine clinics require that the patient not only take antidepressants before therapy begins but that they continue taking the medication afterward.

However, it is contradicted in some situations and may not be advisable for patients with heart problems, specific angina, substance use disorders, or those who have previously experienced psychosis, as ketamine can exacerbate these conditions.

Prospective ketamine therapy patients must undergo a thorough medical evaluation before their treatment begins. This can help prevent complications or more severe side effects by identifying patients more susceptible to them.

Comparative Analysis with Traditional Treatments

The side effects of traditional antidepressant medications or medical treatments generally include increased suicidal thoughts, erectile dysfunction or other sexual issues, nausea, weight gain, trouble sleeping, tremors, and others.

By comparison, ketamine therapy’s side effects are relatively mild or moderate in most cases, although both treatments can have life-threatening or life-altering side effects under certain circumstances.

Patients and their health care providers should consider a risk-benefit analysis before choosing ketamine therapy. If potential side effects could pose a serious risk, if treatment may not be effective for a patient’s particular situation, or if other short-term issues are present, it’s important to identify them before treatment begins.

Patient Experiences and Perspectives

Ketamine therapy has famously been used by celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Lamar Odom, and Elon Musk, among others. Sharon Osbourne told The Times of London that she used it to treat her depression and, as a result, she was finally able to “relax” despite her depression and personal issues. Many others have echoed these claims and stated that they believe ketamine therapy should be more common.

A clinical trial conducted at Yale University in 2018 revealed no long-term effects suffered by the sample group. However, the study does note that those effects may simply not have presented within the timeframe and there’s always the possibility that long-term effects may eventually appear in ketamine therapy patients.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Legally speaking, ketamine is considered a Schedule III drug on the federal level and is only to be administered by a qualified physician. It is legal for therapy purposes in all 50 states and is an approved drug by the FDA, although it is not specifically approved to treat depression, making any use of this sort “off-label”.

For this reason, many insurance companies won’t cover the use of ketamine therapy for depression or chronic pain, which can lead some people who suffer from these conditions to seek it out illegally. However, medications containing the derivative S-ketamine like Spravato are FDA-approved and are billable through insurance. These prescriptions can also be more difficult to obtain, as they require a specific treatment and risk-management plan before the drug can be administered.

However, regardless of its legal status, there are certain ethical considerations to be taken into account as well. Because of its high potential for abuse, patients with a history of substance use disorders may become addicted more easily and begin using it recreationally, which can present a major problem that physicians must weigh before any treatment begins.

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy is a relatively new style of treatment for chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression, among other conditions. However, it can be dangerous for some patients due to its high potential for abuse.

It should only be taken with proper medical supervision and with the full informed consent of the patient. If they understand the risks, are medically cleared to begin receiving therapy, and make an informed decision about beginning treatment, it can provide fantastic results where other medications fail.

However, it can also become quite addictive and result in the patient being in a worse spot than they were before treatment began.

If you or someone you know has used ketamine therapeutically or as a street drug and you think you may have become addicted, Long Island Interventions may be able to help. Their experts can help you choose the right course of action to help you overcome this problem. Call or visit their website to set up an appointment today.

References:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30063304/
• https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/what-does-ketamine-do-your-brain
• https://www.webmd.com/depression/side-effects-antidepressants
• https://www.healthline.com/health/k-hole
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34363603/
• https://www.spravato.com/#important-safety-information
• https://www.natlawreview.com/article/key-legal-considerations-relating-to-ketamine-behavioral-health-platforms
• https://pagesix.com/2022/04/25/sharon-osbourne-underwent-ketamine-therapy-after-the-talk-exit/
• https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/ketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression-what-you-need-to-know/

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Published on: 2024-01-30
Updated on: 2024-04-07

Many people believe that speed and meth are the same drugs. However, there are some clear differences between the two. Both types of drugs are stimulants, which can be used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), narcolepsy, and other disorders. Methamphetamine is an illicit type of amphetamine. To more effectively compare speed and meth, you should first understand how amphetamines and methamphetamines differ.

What Are Amphetamines?

Amphetamines are stimulants that include prescription drugs and illegal substances. The main form of amphetamine that’s illegal is methamphetamine. While standard amphetamines are meant to be prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD or similar disorders, they are often taken by college students to boost their alertness when studying. It’s also common for students to take these drugs because of their ability to suppress appetite and sleep.

If you receive a prescription for amphetamines, it will come in the form of a pill. When people misuse an amphetamine, they might inject, smoke, or snort it, which ensures it has a more potent effect. While prescription amphetamines can be abused, these drugs are different from meth.

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that’s classified as an amphetamine. It’s a drug that can’t be obtained via a prescription because of its extremely high potential for substance abuse. Between 1930-1971, meth could be obtained with a prescription. It was used to treat everything from ADHD and obesity to asthma.

Once the U.S. banned the drug from being available through prescription in 1971, it became a highly popular street drug. When taken, meth produces a strong stimulation within your central nervous system. The side effects people often experience when using meth include the following:

• Lower appetite leading to weight loss
• Hallucinations
• Increased excitement and alertness
• More energy
• Elevated blood pressure and body temperature
• Euphoria
• Increased breathing rate and heart rate

Methamphetamine works by increasing concentrations of serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Each chemical can have a potent effect. Dopamine is directly involved with helping people feel more motivated and satisfied. When the brain contains a higher level of dopamine, these feelings increase.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are responsible for a person’s fight-or-flight response. When there’s a higher concentration of these chemicals in the brain, you might feel more alert. However, maintaining elevated levels of these chemicals for an extended period can cause more stress.

As for serotonin, it impacts a person’s mood. When your serotonin levels are high, you’ll feel good. It’s believed that people who suffer from depression have lower serotonin levels.

Methamphetamine Types

There are two specific forms of methamphetamine, which include l-methamphetamine and d-methamphetamine. While both drugs are comprised of the same chemicals, the arrangement differs. Keep in mind that L-meth existed first, which is why it’s considerably less potent than D-meth. It’s estimated that D-meth is two times as strong as L-meth. The production method is also much simpler.

The majority of methamphetamines are available in the form of crystal meth. When the drug is in powdered form, people will resort to dissolving or snorting it. When meth is in powdered form, it’s often referred to as speed. While crystal meth has a potency of 80%, the potency of the speed version of meth is just 20%. Keep in mind, however, that the more traditional type of speed isn’t meth.

How Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Differ

While methamphetamine is a type of amphetamine, not every amphetamine is meth. These drugs are much different regarding, potency, overdose risk, and duration.

Addictive Properties

Because meth is a stronger version of amphetamine, it’s more likely to be abused by people who take even a small dose. A single use of this drug can make your body dependent on it. In comparison, the addictive properties of prescription amphetamines aren’t as strong. If you follow the dosage instructions on your prescription amphetamine, it’s unlikely that you’ll become dependent on it.

While prescription amphetamines aren’t as addictive, you can become dependent on them if you take the drugs without a prescription. People who receive a prescription may become addicted if they take a higher dose than prescribed.

Potency

The primary difference between meth and standard amphetamines involves potency. Meth is much stronger. If you take the same dose of these two drugs, the effects would be four times stronger with meth. Even though both drugs increase neurotransmitter levels, meth boosts dopamine levels around five times more than Adderall or a similar amphetamine.

Potential for Overdose

Since methamphetamine has a higher potency than amphetamine, the risk of an overdose is higher as well. Keep in mind that overdosing on the drug is more likely after you’ve detoxed from it. Let’s say that your body became dependent on meth, which pushed you to receive treatment. During treatment, people go through detox to ensure the drug is out of their system before they proceed to therapy. If you try to take the same amount of meth after detox, the results could be fatal.

The risk of an overdose is also higher because of how it’s manufactured. Meth is made by criminals and is often cut with other harmful drugs. By mixing other compounds with meth, drug dealers are able to increase the potency and reduce their costs. In comparison, prescription amphetamines are produced by pharmaceutical companies.

Duration of Effects

Because of how strong meth is, it usually lasts longer than the majority of prescription amphetamines. If you take a prescribed dose of amphetamines, the effects will likely only last for around four to six hours. While some extended-release amphetamines can last for up to 10 hours, meth usually lasts for longer.

The amount of time meth produces effects depends on how the person takes it. When someone snorts or ingests a normal amount of meth, the effects may last for around six to eight hours. However, taking a high dose of the drug might cause it to remain in your body for around 24 hours. The same is true if you smoke or inject meth into your body.

Is Speed the Same as Methamphetamine?

Meth isn’t speed. While some types of meth are called speed, this term is most often used as a representation of all types of amphetamines. Since speed can refer to prescription amphetamines, it’s considered less potent than meth.

As touched upon previously, the people that mention “speed” as a type of meth are referring to the powdered form of the drug. Meth is snorted, which is a route of administration that makes the drug weaker than crystal meth.

The term “speed” was first coined because of the stimulating effects that occur in a person’s body and brain. People who take prescription amphetamines or meth feel more alert and display a higher level of physical activity.

Identifying Withdrawal Symptoms

Whenever you stop taking any drug that you’ve been misusing, you’re likely to encounter withdrawal symptoms. The types of withdrawal symptoms that commonly occur with meth and various prescription amphetamines include:

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Body chills
• Memory issues
• Vivid nightmares or dreams
• Agitation or anxiety
• Jittery feelings
• Depression
• Increased appetite
• Dehydration
• Insomnia
• Lower heart rate

During the withdrawal phase, you’ll likely experience intense cravings for the drug. In this scenario, you’re at a higher risk of relapsing. People who go through withdrawal from speed or meth often have thoughts of suicide. However, the severity of the symptoms you encounter depends on how much and how long you’ve used the drug. Misusing uppers like meth for a lengthy amount of time can result in a more intense withdrawal process. This process usually lasts for anywhere from two to seven days.

Possible Treatment Options

Several different types of addiction treatments are administered to people who are addicted to speed or meth. The most effective treatment programs use a combination of detox and therapy. If you go through detox at a medical or inpatient facility, you’ll be able to get the drug out of your body in a safe and structured manner. Before the detox program begins, you’ll take part in a medical assessment to determine the severity of your withdrawal and how much of the substance is still in your system.

While some people attempt to quit cold turkey, this isn’t a good idea. Stopping usage of the drug immediately increases the likelihood that you’ll have severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include everything from seizures and psychosis to cardiovascular arrest.

Once the drug is out of your body, you can progress to treatment. Substance use treatment helps patients learn how to manage their addiction and avoid relapsing. Treatment can be provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Speed and meth are two drugs that have a lot in common. However, while speed can be prescribed in the form of Adderall or a similar medication, meth is too potent to be used safely or legally. If you’re suffering from a substance use disorder, call Long Island Interventions today to take the first step on the road to a long-term recovery.

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Published on: 2024-01-17
Updated on: 2024-03-19

Huffing and chroming are different terms for the same concept. While people, especially young people today, used to refer to this action as huffing, it is now known as chroming. No matter what you call it, this activity involves inhaling hydrocarbons and dangerous chemicals. In addition to destroying the mind, chroming can have long-term effects on your body as well due to its toxic chemical that could harm your body. So, in this article, we will talk about the effects of chroming, particularly on someone’s mental health,  central nervous system, physical conditions, and different volatile substances that are prone to inhalant abuse.

How Huffing and Chroming Work

When someone or adolescents engages in chroming, they are basically inhaling gas vapors to get high. This may be done through sniffing, bagging, or huffing. While sniffing involves inhaling vapors straight from the container, bagging is when someone sprays the chemical into a bag. Then, they inhale the fumes from the plastic bag or paper. With huffing, the individual soaks a fabric in gasoline or another fluid before they inhale the fumes.

Unfortunately, chroming can be done with many different products. Air freshener spray, spray paint, hairspray, deodorant,  nail polish remover, lighter fluid, chrome-based paint, paint thinners, aerosol cans, and gasoline are all popular choices. Because all of these fumes are more concentrated when they are in a bag or fabric, huffing and bagging can cause a higher level of intoxication than other administration techniques.

Why Do People Try Chroming?

From 2007 to 2017, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that more than 1.8 million people over the age of 12 abused inhalants. Out of this number, 700,000 inhalant users were between the ages of 12 and 17. Right now, there are a number of factors contributing to the popularity of this dangerous trend.

Huffing has been common among teenagers for years, but social media has caused it to become increasingly popular. On TikTok, a new chroming challenge has taken off, and it is incredibly dangerous. In March 2023, a 13-year-old girl in Australia died from chroming.

While TikTok made this trend famous, its popularity may also be attributed to a misperception about inhalants. Because many of these products are available over the counter, some teenagers wrongly think that they are safer than street drugs. Unlike street drugs and prescription drugs, it is easy to buy inhalants. There are no age restrictions or regulations involved, which makes these products extra appealing to some users.

The Short-Term Side Effects of Huffing and Chroming

Inhalants can cause a range of effects. You may experience different effects based on the type of inhalant or the amount you use. However, almost all solvents can cause loss of sensation and unconsciousness if you inhale a sufficient quantity of them.

The following symptoms are commonly associated with chroming and huffing.

• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Disinhibition
• Agitation
• Excitation
• Vomiting and nausea
• Belligerence
• Apathy
• Impaired judgment
• Muscle weakness
• Slurred speech
• Headache
• Depressed reflexes
• Lethargy

The initial effects feel like drinking alcohol. You may become excited at first and then feel drowsy after a little while. High doses can lead to confusion and delirium. Because inhaled nitrates can dilate your blood vessels, they can also cause a sensation of heat and a higher heart rate. You may also feel flushed or dizzy.

The Long-Term Side Effects of Huffing and Chroming

When someone uses inhalants over an extended period of time, they are more likely to experience mild withdrawal symptoms when they stop using these drugs. In the long run, some people will develop kidney damage, limb spasms, and liver damage. Often, individuals will suffer from coordination issues and delayed behavioral development.

One of the biggest issues with using inhalants is that you can overdose at any moment. If this happens, you may experience a seizure. Your heart can also stop beating from inhalant use. In both of these cases, the result can be deadly.

When someone is chronically exposed to inhalants, it has an incredibly toxic effect on their body. It causes long-term damage to the nervous system and brain. In fact, toluene and similar drugs can harm the sheath around your nerve fibers in the same way that multiple sclerosis does.

Over time, inhalants can damage your brain in a variety of ways. This can cause negative changes to your vision, hearing, and cognition. If you have been huffing for an extended time period, it can even cause severe dementia.

Sudden Sniffing Death

There is a specific syndrome that can happen with inhalant use that is called sudden sniffing death. Even a single session can lead to death in a healthy individual. While this syndrome can occur with any type of inhalant, it is especially common with propane, butane, and aerosols.

There are a few complications that can lead to sudden sniffing death. Asphyxiation, coma, fatal injuries, seizures, and suffocation can occur because of huffing. For instance, seizures can happen because of abnormal electrical pulses in the brain. Meanwhile, suffocation can occur if someone tries to inhale fumes from a bag that has been placed above their head.

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

If your loved one is using inhalants, there are some common symptoms you may notice. Often, they will have an unusual amount of inhalant material nearby. For example, they may have extra paint cans and compressed air dusters.

In general, chroming won’t make someone hyper. Instead, its effect will be similar to alcohol. The individual may seem disinhibited or drowsy.
Unlike some drugs, inhalants act incredibly fast. The effects can appear quickly, so it is important to be wary of sudden episodes of unconsciousness. In some cases, these episodes could be a sign of an overdose.

If you notice some of the following symptoms, your loved one may be suffering from an inhalant addiction.

• Slurred speech
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Paint stains on their hands, face, and clothes
• Empty solvent and paint containers
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Inattentiveness
• Disoriented appearance
• Coordination issues
• Irritability

Prevention Options

One of the best ways to prevent inhalant use is by talking to your kids about chroming. Education can teach vulnerable groups that inhalants are not a safe alternative to drug use. Instead, chroming can be dangerous and addictive.

You can also prevent this issue by ensuring that huffing materials are locked away. If you don’t need paint anymore, you should make sure it is thrown away properly. In addition, you should voice your concerns if you notice signs of huffing abuse, like metallic paint on someone’s hands.

Some studies also show that life skills training can prevent huffing. This kind of training helps to boost the child’s communication abilities and self-esteem. In addition, life skills training can help students enjoy less anxiety and better personal relationships.

Treatment and Recovery

If you or a loved one has an addiction to inhalants, you don’t have to deal with this problem alone. There are many treatment programs available that can help you manage a substance use disorder. Before taking part in a treatment program, you should talk to a medical specialist about which treatments are best for your unique situation.

Family Counseling

Addictions tend to affect the entire family, so it is important to treat the family holistically. Family therapy can help boost communication and improve relationships. It can also help you understand how family dynamics and behaviors impact your substance abuse disorder.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

With CBT, you can learn how to manage stressful situations. CBT teaches you how to spot the emotions and feelings that trigger different behaviors. Then, you can stop unwanted behaviors before they happen.

Support Groups

Support groups and 12-step programs are popular options for treating substance use disorders. These programs allow you to get feedback from people who are going through the same issues. In addition to helping you prevent a relapse, these programs can be a source of moral support during your long-term recovery.

Motivational Interviews

When someone is ready to make a change, motivational interviewing can help. This technique utilizes open questions that help the individual understand their thoughts and feelings. Through this process, they can gain a better understanding of why they want to make a change.

Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment

At the start of your treatment program, you will likely be offered a choice between inpatient and outpatient treatment. While inpatient programs require you to live and sleep at the treatment center, an outpatient program may only take a few hours each day. Because of this, inpatient rehab is often recommended for severe, long-lasting addictions.

Get the Help You Need for a Substance Use Disorder

Long Island Interventions is known for being able to help a variety of substance use disorders. In addition to our intensive outpatient programs, we also offer evening programs, residential treatment, and partial hospitalization. Clients can enjoy getting customized help through our sober coaches. Additionally, we offer group therapy, individual therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

No matter what kind of treatment you need, we can help you begin your sobriety journey. You don’t have to suffer from a substance use disorder forever. To learn more about how Long Island Interventions can help, talk to one of our team members today.

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Published on: 2023-12-29
Updated on: 2024-03-08

With chronic use of drugs and alcohol, the brain changes. It programs itself to make getting and using your number one priority. You don’t have to think about it; the behavior is automatic.

If you are just beginning your recovery journey, you might be wondering how long it will take for the brain to be rewired and if you’ll ever feel comfortable in your own skin.

When you stop ingesting substances and start getting help, you are launching a new program in the brain, one that is diametrically opposed to the program you were running while using.

It’s natural to find this process uncomfortable and even unpleasant at times, especially if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. You might feel like you don’t know what you’re doing or even who you are anymore.

As the brain rewires itself, a new program of recovery develops, and it slowly becomes a habit. In the best of worlds, the brain is rewiring itself to make recovery your number one priority.

The time required to rewire the brain and implement a new cognitive program can vary substantially among individuals. According to studies performed by Phillippa Lally, a health psychology researcher at University College London, it takes between 18 and 254 days for a new behavior to become automatic. The average length of time is 66 days.

Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity

Neurogenesis is the creation of new brain cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroplasticity, on the other hand, is the ability of the brain to customize the baby brain cells as they grow in response to new demands from within the body and from the environment.

Neuroplasticity is what allows the brain to rewire itself as new information is introduced, new learning takes place, or in response to an injury, disease or trauma. It can improve cognitive functioning, help the brain adapt to new conditions and assist the CNS in developing new habits and behaviors.

The evidence supporting this claim is limited but promising. Researchers have learned that brain cells can regrow. Thanks to neuroplasticity, the new cells can restore functions that appear to be lost.

Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity in Brain Rewiring After Addiction

Scientists at the NIH have demonstrated that addiction is a brain disease that’s long-lasting, difficult to treat and highly complex. Fortunately, neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire itself after detoxing from a damaging substance.

Because of the brain’s inherent ability to change, adapt and heal, existing treatments for addiction can help recovering people to reduce cravings and sidestep relapse.

Until recently, scientists believed that humans got all of their brain cells at birth. Any brain cells that die along the way are lost forever. However, recent evidence suggests that we can grow new brain cells as adults. These fresh cells make brain rewiring possible regardless of the damage caused by drugs and alcohol.

If brain rewiring in recovery is possible, and new brain cells are being born, than it would make sense to feel like you don’t know who you are or what you’re doing. It suggests that the rewiring process is underway.

Encouraging Neurogenesis

Researchers now believe that not only can you grow new brain cells and rewire your brain for recovery, but you can also partake in activities that stimulate new cellular growth.

The activities discussed below are thought to not only fuel the birth of new brain cells, but also to protect existing cells that have remained undamaged.

Daily workouts

Exercise is the most effective way jump start the growth of new cells that aid in rewiring the recovering brain. It’s especially healing for those recovering from opioid and opiate addiction. Regular workouts are good medicine, whether they’re aerobic or muscle building. Here are just a few of the many benefits that working out regularly has to offer:

• Reduces the incidence of chronic disease
• Lowers anxiety levels
• Decreases symptoms of anxiety like breathlessness, palpitations and sweating
• Mitigates the effects of mental health issues
• Promotes cardiovascular health
• Improves quality of life
• Increases ability to manage stress
• Helps with depression
• Reduces cravings
• Improves active coping ability
• Helps to regulate emotions

In animal studies, University of Chicago researchers found that exercise increased cell production in the brain as well as the amount genetic information encoded. Brain function improved, and the cells were better equipped to store information for learning and memory.

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania found that aerobic exercise increased the size of the brain by two percent while reversing age-related cell loss by one to two years.

The brain benefits from mental exercise as well. Seeking out stimulating new environments and doing at least one new thing every day helps to maintain optimal brain function regardless of age.

Stress management

Both chronic and acute stress reduce neurogenesis in adult brains. Although chronic stress cannot kill you, it can wear you down so much that new problems take hold. Chronic stress can cause structural changes in the brain that reduce the brain’s ability to function optimally while overwhelming the immune system in the bargain.

A 2021 literature review revealed that mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, fatigue and pain correlate strongly with chronic stress. Physical conditions associated with stress include digestive disorders, memory disorders, diabetes, heart disease, heart attack and cancer, especially in the breast.

Protein molecules that are tasked with helping brain cells to grow and develop decrease when exposed to chronic stress and restrict neurogenesis in adults. Healthy coping strategies like meditation, physical exercise, spending time with loved ones, adequate sleep, a positive attitude and having fun can all reduce stress levels and make you feel better.

Getting plenty of sleep is especially important while the brain is in rewiring mode. Sleep is restorative. It supports health, strength and a feeling of well-being. Sleep is also when the brain releases toxins so they don’t build up and negatively impact the rewiring.

Balanced nutrition

Rewiring the brain after it has been damaged by addiction can be mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally exhausting. A healing brain needs the best nutrition it can get. Here are some foods that have restorative properties and can help with healing an injured brain:

• Avocados
• Tuna and other oily fish
• Dark chocolate
• Eggs (organic are best)
• Coffee
• Olive oil
• Green leafy vegetables
• Berries, especially blueberries
• Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts

Brain Dysfunction Caused by Alcohol and Drugs

People who are recovering from addiction have decreased frontal cortex activity, according to Dr. Nora Volkow, director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse. A compromised frontal cortex can keep you from getting help, even if the consequences of not doing so are life-threatening.

Dr. George Koob, director of NIH’s National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, adds that “The brain actually changes with addiction, and it takes a good deal of work to get it back to its normal state. The more drugs or alcohol you’ve taken, the more disruptive it is to the brain.”

Researchers now believe that addiction hijacks key areas of the brain. It takes over the prefrontal cortex, which is designed to preserve survival by making life-affirming decisions, and starts making death-affirming decisions instead.

As an addiction progresses, it takes over the pleasure and reward circuits by flooding them with chemicals until your only source of satisfaction becomes the drug. Choices made under the influence of substances are all about feeding the beast.

Regardless of an individual’s drug of choice, the addictive process is always the same. When satisfaction levels drop, the withdrawal symptoms will keep you coming back for more. If you’re lucky enough to find what you want, you’ll get a few hours of peace and quiet before the beast is hungry again.

When Does Dopamine Production Resume After a Brain Injury?

It’s different for everyone. A little more than two months is average. Some people recover faster than others. The best way to get dopamine production back on line is with behaviors that support neuroplasticity and by participating in the recovery process. If it takes longer to feel the effects of dopamine, don’t despair. Healing will come as long as you don’t give up.

Are Endorphins the Same As Dopamine?

Dopamine and endorphins are both neurotransmitters, and although they are related, they have somewhat different functions. High dopamine levels activate feelings of joy, love, empathy and fulfillment. Dopamine boosts motivation, and it stimulates the reward centers in the brain.

Endorphins also generate positive feelings, and high endorphin levels stimulate dopamine production. But endorphins provide pain relief too, and they reduce the effects of stress.

They are released during exercise and pleasurable activities like eating your favorite ice cream or having sex. Additionally, endorphins can strengthen the immune system, increase feelings of self-esteem, relieve pain, banish depression and anxiety, sharpen memory and maintain cognitive health.

People recovering from an opiate and opioid addiction may be especially sensitive to the effects of low endorphin levels while the brain is in the rewiring process. Low energy levels can be especially debilitating.

Exercise may be the most effective way to increase endorphin levels, especially aerobic exercise such as running, walking and dancing. Laughing can raise endorphin levels and have other welcome effects on the body.

Recovery can be uncomfortable in the early stages when you don’t know which way is up. Nevertheless, as long as you stay on track, neurogenesis and neuroplasticity will be working in your favor. The more energy you invest in the recovery process, the more peace of mind you will enjoy.

You can recover from any addiction, and we can help you do it. Just one phone call can open the door to a miracle.

References

• https://psychcentral.com/health/what-is-neuroplasticity
• https://newsinheahttps://www.verywellmind.com/adult-neurogenesis-can-we-grow-new-brain-cells-2794885lth.nih.gov/2015/10/biology-addiction
• https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/10/biology-addiction
• https://www.verywellmind.com/adult-neurogenesis-can-we-grow-new-brain-cells-2794885
• https://jamesclear.com/new-habit
• https://study.com/academy/lesson/neurogenesis-definition-research.html
• https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain-basics/brain-physiology/what-neurogenesis
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4631114/
• https://psychcentral.com/stress/is-stress-the-number-one-killer
• https://www.castlecraig.co.uk/addiction-resources/rewiring-your-brain-after-addiction/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/
• https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-endorphins-5025072
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320839
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320839#low-endorphins

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Published on: 2023-12-29
Updated on: 2024-03-08

If you or your loved one is convicted of a drug crime, you could face serious penalties such as jail or prison time, a fine, or probation. However, there is also a chance that the judge in your case will allow you to go to rehab in lieu of those penalties. In fact, if you successfully complete a court-ordered rehab program, you may have the charge dropped. Let’s take a closer look at why the law may allow alternative sentences, the types of programs such as treatment programs available, and your odds of success before, during, and after forced rehab.

The Link Between Addiction and Crime

Addiction may cause you to engage in many criminal behaviors, such as prostitution or larceny. You may also engage in illegal gambling or other activities in an effort to make money quickly so that you can buy more drugs. In some cases, you may choose to traffic or otherwise carry large quantities of drugs on you in exchange for easy or cheap access to your substance of choice.

While under the influence of drugs, you may take illegal actions, or that could lead to additional consequences. For example, driving while under the influence is a dangerous activity that could result in bodily injury or death. If your kids see you while you’re impaired, that might be grounds to lose parental rights. You may also be charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Why the Law Allows for Alternative Sentences

The law recognizes that its goal after a conviction is to rehabilitate an offender so that she can become a productive member of society. The law also recognizes that not all offenses are the same, which means that punishments must be tailored based on the threat a person poses to society.

Typically, drug court is available to those who don’t have a prior criminal record and who have committed nonviolent offenses. For instance, if you were caught with a small amount of marijuana, a judge may decide that rehab is a better use of resources than jail or prison.

Drug court is also used to prevent overcrowding in prisons as well as the backlog in cases that judges and prosecutors must deal with. Allowing a defendant to seek treatment means that this person is sleeping in a rehab facility or at home instead of in a jail that is above capacity. It also means that the state won’t have to spend money on food, clothing, and shelter for an inmate who could potentially be in custody for months if that inmate’s case went to trial.

The Types of Programs That Might Be Available

There are a number of rehab programs that a judge might make available to you. If you committed a nonviolent drug-related offense, such as possession of a drug for personal use, it may be possible to meet your obligation by taking part in an outpatient program. Outpatient programs typically involve group counseling or individual therapy sessions in a relaxed setting such as at a church, local community service center, or treatment center. The court might order you to attend one or two meetings a week, but you can attend as many as you think you need to facilitate your recovery.

Inpatient programs may be more appropriate if you have been using for a long time and need a safe place for detoxification or detox. They may also be an ideal option if you need time away from people or places that might trigger your desire to use drugs or alcohol abuse. Finally, such a program may be ideal because you’ll be surrounded by people who can relate to your situation and want to see you get better.

A medical assistance program may be appropriate if you need medications to help calm cravings or to deal with physical or mental health care issues caused by drug use or drug abuse. These programs may have components of both inpatient and outpatient programs. For instance, you may stay at a treatment facility for a few days to detox or so that you can be evaluated in a controlled environment. However, from there, you will typically only come in to receive medication that you aren’t allowed to take on your own.

What Are Your Odds of Success?

The odds that you will be successful in a court-ordered rehab program depend largely on how seriously you take it. For many people, the possibility of having a drug charge dropped isn’t necessarily enough to get them to commit to rehab. This is because an addict typically needs to be ready to change and push sober living before any sort of drug treatment plan becomes a viable one.

Of course, it’s possible that the chance to avoid jail time may be enough to get you to stay clean for however long it takes for the court to drop your case. However, it doesn’t mean that you will have truly changed or that you have set yourself up for a successful recovery.

Instead, there is a good chance that you will either re-offend or simply be more careful as to when or how you use it. Although this may help you avoid the legal consequences of your actions, an addiction may still result in difficulty holding a job or maintaining relationships with family members.

In some cases, the court may actually help you pay for rehab treatment services, which means that not taking it seriously could be a missed opportunity to get help without going into financial ruin. Unless you have insurance, you must typically pay ahead of time, which can be difficult if you don’t have friends or family who can pay your way.

Many People Need Multiple Stints in Rehab

It is important to point out that even if you’re ready to seek help, you may need multiple trips to the rehab center before you manage to stay on the road to sobriety. Therefore, you shouldn’t consider going back to rehab a failure on your part, whether you are ordered to go back or do so of your volition.

This is especially true if your substance abuse disorder was caused by past trauma or was caused by some other undiagnosed condition. For instance, if you started using drugs to numb the negative feelings associated with a toxic relationship, you generally won’t succeed in recovery until you deal with those feelings.

If you started using because you have ADHD or some other mental health issue, you likely won’t succeed in your recovery until you get help for it. Treatment options may include medication, regular therapy sessions, or other methods of recognizing and dealing with triggers.

Communication Is Critical

While you’re in rehab, it’s important to keep in communication with your attorney and with the court. If you are struggling to comply with the terms of a court order, your attorney may work with the judge to find something that is better suited to your needs. For example, you may be allowed to leave an inpatient program early in favor of an outpatient treatment or program offering.

However, if you decide to leave rehab on your own, as the court-mandated, you could be found in contempt of court or otherwise have your original sentence reinstated. It’s important to note that you do have the right to leave a rehab program at any time, even if ordered to be there by the court. While staff may make an effort to keep you there, they are not obligated to ensure that you comply with your obligations.

The court may also impose other limitations during your rehab period, such as not having contact with certain friends or colleagues. You may also be prohibited from staying out after a certain hour or from partaking in other actions that may cause you to offend or harm others. Any violation of those terms may result in an extension of your rehab program or the possibility of being sent to jail or prison.

For many, entering the criminal justice system is the wake-up call needed to reexamine their relationship with drug use. Although, as a disclaimer, you may not get sober right away, court-ordered treatment may present you with an opportunity to start on the road to a clean lifestyle and out from drug-related crime, DUI, and dependency on drug use. The folks at Long Island Interventions, a substance abuse treatment provider that offers aftercare for substance use disorder, are willing to meet you where you happen to be on your journey and will provide the tools and resources needed to make your stay as productive as possible.

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Published on: 2023-12-29
Updated on: 2024-03-08

Doctors, lawyers, and other professionals often work long hours in demanding environments. Although they are usually paid a significant amount of money each year, this is because there is a lot expected of them. A single mistake could be enough to ruin a professional career, leave a person vulnerable to legal liability, or both. Therefore, it should be no surprise that highly trained and educated people will develop substance use disorders, drug addiction, and alcohol abuse despite their intelligence and level of professional achievement–which could be useless if this continues and is left untreated. 

In order to overcome these situations, these professionals should undergo detoxification (detox) and addiction treatment with the right evidence-based treatment programs tailored for them by the treatment center. Enrolling in an accredited healthcare provider like a recovery center will not only help them improve their well-being and relapse prevention but also diagnose (dual diagnosis) any other health conditions that might have been triggered due to alcohol addiction, drug abuse, or drug use.

You May Have Lost Yourself in the Culture

In addition to the stress that can come with your job, you might also be vulnerable to being someone you are not to impress those around you. For instance, you might not have had an alcohol use disorder before starting your job at the investment bank that required you to take clients out on a regular basis. Alternatively, you may not have been dependent on marijuana, pills, or other substances before starting work with a company that has a culture of working and playing hard.

The silver lining in such a scenario is that it might actually be easier to put down the bottle or put down the pills. This is because you don’t actually need them to live a decent quality of life, and you may actually be looking forward to stepping out of the fast lane and simply getting back to being yourself again.

What Professionals Typically Need from Rehab

As a banker, lawyer, or other type of professional, you likely have different needs and desires when attending rehab programs. For example, you probably have plenty of money to pay for a lengthy stay in a luxury facility without having to buy insurance. You may also have a strong network of friends, family members, and others who are willing to support you during your time of need.

Therefore, it’s probably a given that you’re only going to a rehab center that has the best therapists or clinicians and a variety of alcohol rehab programs or drug rehab treatment plans and recovery programs to help you get clean. However, it’s not a given that a treatment facility will take steps to protect your confidentiality. While all facilities are required to protect your patient files, they aren’t required to keep the paparazzi from hanging around the front gate.

Ultimately, you can’t be sure that someone won’t take a photo of you checking in or somehow get word that you are inside. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that there is adequate security to ensure that your privacy is the highest priority. Although you shouldn’t feel shame over getting the help that you need, if word were to get out, it could hamper your career prospects or create drama where there doesn’t need to be any.

Check Your Ego

It’s not uncommon for doctors, lawyers, or others who work in a specialized field to think that they have the answer to any problem that comes their way. However, it’s critical to understand that you have little to no control over your addiction. Even if you are able to find your way back to sobriety, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to do it alone.

The same is true if you built a business or took other actions that led to wealth and respect among your peers. In fact, you may be more vulnerable to addiction or its effects if you believe that you are too important or talented to succumb to addiction or to the mental and physical health problems it can cause.

Helping Yourself Might Help Others

You may feel like everyone is going to judge you for going to rehab. The truth is that most people who truly care about you are going to applaud your decision and stick with you throughout your experience. In addition, there are likely going to be friends, colleagues, or admirers from afar who decide to get help themselves because they see you doing so.

You can also be a good example for your kids of what it looks like to acknowledge a problem and take care of it instead of ignoring it. They will learn an important lesson that no one is too good to get help and that there is no shame in doing so. Even if your kids don’t learn this lesson today, it may help them in the future if they struggle with substance abuse stemming from anxiety or other causes.

You Can Work During Rehab

During the first few days of rehab, you’ll likely be kept in a room or in a building that restricts access to phones or computers. However, after your body gets the drugs or alcohol out of its system, you can begin to reintegrate yourself into society and get back to your normal routine.

Therefore, if you are concerned that getting help means that you’ll lose your company, you might not have much to worry about. This is especially true if your company is structured in a manner that gives you majority voting rights or other special protections.

If you work for a major company, it’s unlikely that you will be fired or forced to stay away for long. In fact, your employer would probably prefer that you get back to work as soon as you can do so in a safe and responsible manner. Ultimately, you won’t have to worry about losing the sense of control that you might feel while managing your employees.

Although this may help to provide a beacon of familiarity during a chaotic period, don’t go back to work simply because you’re restless. There are a number of other ways to pass the time, including reading, painting, or reconnecting with your family.

Rehab Could Be a Networking Opportunity

It’s likely that there are a number of individuals in your field and others who are going through struggles with substance abuse. This means that instead of being shamed for your addiction, you might be able to use recovery as a method of meeting other people who can relate to your struggle.

In fact, you may be able to build a personal support network while also building a professional one as well. Ultimately, you can come out of rehab feeling confident about yourself and what you are doing to improve.

The people who you meet during outpatient rehab may also help to make you a better boss and person. This is because you’ll typically spend time with working class individuals and others who you might not necessarily see on the golf course or in the boardroom.

Of course, many of these people may be your employees or people who you manage on a regular basis. Getting a sense of how they live and how they see the world can be refreshing and provide important context into how you live and work.

Work Through Trauma or Undiagnosed Health Issues

It’s not uncommon for people to dedicate themselves to their work after a traumatic event such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. It’s also not uncommon for people to dedicate themselves to their career as a way of filling time that might otherwise be spent thinking about an assault or other forms of abuse.

Spending time in rehab can help you identify why you might have been so dedicated to your career and the pitfalls of that commitment. You may also learn that you have ADHD, autism, or other mental health issues that cause you to hyperfocus or take risks that others typically avoid.

By understanding why you are who you are, it can become easier to calibrate your emotions. For instance, you may demand that your hotel room is spotless because you’re afraid of germs. You may be afraid of germs because you got sick as a kid, and no one believed that you were ill until you had to go to the hospital.

Through time in therapy, you’ll see that what happened to you wasn’t your fault and isn’t likely to happen again. Although germs may still trigger you to a degree, you won’t react to them by berating hotel staff or otherwise getting unnecessarily agitated in public.

If you are struggling with drug or alcohol dependency, it’s critical that you seek help as soon as possible. Although you may feel as if seeking help is shameful or weak, the truth is that working with a team of professionals is the only way to regain any sort of normalcy in your life. The team at Long Island Interventions is here to help and would love to start working with you today.

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Published on: 2023-12-27
Updated on: 2024-03-26

Cocaine has many adverse side effects (which may also cause long-term effects on your health), one of which is a perforated nose! Even if it’s sporadic, people who snort cocaine are at risk of nasal problems, including infection, collapse, and a perforated septum.

The most drastic way to heal a perforated septum is through reconstructive surgery. However, if the issue doesn’t affect normal respiratory functions, you might just apply topical treatments to promote healthy healing.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about perforated septums and how to heal a hole in the nose from coke.

What Is Cocaine Nose?

A cocaine nose hole is nose damage caused by a low blood supply to the tissue located in the septum, which is the part that separates the nostrils.

Unfortunately, one of the most common side effects of abusing cocaine is a puncture inside the nasal cavity and sinus infections, otherwise known as nasal septal perforation and nasal septum.

Snorting, in particular, can result in numerous nasal issues. Not only does the powdered cocaine come into close contact with the nasal tissue, but this tissue is highly vascular.

This means that snorting even a tiny bit of cocaine and other substance use will likely damage the inner lining of the nose, which may also affect you or your loved one’s sense of smell and causes other serious problem.

How Cocaine Use Affects the Nose

The reason cocaine causes septal perforation is that it cuts off the blood supply to the nasal tissue because it’s a potent vasoconstrictor. So, your nose goes from having a high blood supply from all the small vessels surrounding it to almost none.

Hence, nose tissue will weaken and be more susceptible to injuries due to reduced circulation. Moreover, this insufficient supply of blood might lead to the death of some parts of the nasal tissue.

Over time, the dead tissue will open up, causing a hole. In addition, the septum might even collapse and deviate to one side, plugging one of the nostrils.

How to Heal Cocaine Nose

Unfortunately, a hole in the nose won’t heal on its own. After all, there likely isn’t any healthy tissue to recover in the first place. Also, if the damage covers a large area. There’s no way to treat cocaine nose without a graft.

On the other hand, if the hole is small, it’s less likely to cause functional problems. So, you’ll only need to try any of the topical treatments mentioned below to prevent further damage.

It’s worth mentioning that if you leave cocaine nose untreated, it might result in the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pain
• Foul smell
• Increased risk of infection
• Chronic rhinosinusitis

For this reason, it’s crucial to heal the perforated septum by using any of the following methods:

Topical Treatment

A topical treatment is the first step in healing a hole in the nose. While these superficial measures won’t completely treat cocaine nose, they’ll prevent its progression and reduce the risk of other infections.

Even if you get surgery to treat the perforated septum, you’ll still need to regularly clean your nose and apply ointments to your nose to promote healing.

The topical treatments include the following:

Sinus Flush

A sinus flush can be uncomfortable. However, it can significantly improve the cocaine nose due to drug abuse or other substance abuse.

That’s because flushing removes any excess cocaine that might be left after snorting. It’s also a sure way to remove dirt, dust, pathogens, and any dead tissue from the perforated area.

You can simply do a sinus flush at home by following these steps:

1. First, get an over-the-counter saline solution from your local pharmacy.
2. You can also make your own solution at home by mixing warm, sterile water and salt.
3. Next, stand over the sink and tilt your head to one side.
4. Use a syringe or a squeeze bottle to pour the saline solution up one nostril.
5. Hold the saline solution for five seconds while breathing through your mouth.
6. Then, allow the solution to pour out of the other nostril into the drain.
7. Repeat the steps once or twice, alternating nostrils.
8. Lastly, gently blow your nose to clear out any mucus.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly, or Vaseline, is an ideal topical treatment. It locks in moisture and protects the skin from further injury.

Moreover, petroleum jelly can significantly soothe a perforated septum. This reduces inflammation and pain while promoting healthy healing of the hole.

That said, this ointment has been linked to certain types of pneumonia. That’s why you should be careful when applying petroleum jelly to your nose.

Using the tip of your finger, lightly apply a small amount of Vaseline just outside your nose. You might also apply a small amount just inside your nose. However, avoid going deeper or applying the ointment directly to the septum.

Vitamin E

If you don’t have petroleum jelly on hand, vitamin E might be the next best thing. This vitamin is rich in antioxidants which are vital for healthy skin and reducing inflammations.

The reason is that they prevent cellular degeneration and damage from free radicals. Simply put, antioxidants can significantly slow down the death of the nasal tissue!

Several studies show that vitamin E can boost wound healing and protect against resistant strains of bacteria.

Antibiotic Ointments

Antibiotics are a must when it comes to treating cocaine nose. That’s because an infection can reduce healing and might even further damage the nasal tissue.

Then, as the blood supply decreases, so does the ability to fight pathogens. Naturally, you’ll need to apply an antibiotic to fight and reduce the buildup of bacteria in the nasal passage.

In this case, Neosporin would be ideal, as it’s a broad-spectrum topical antibiotic that can treat cuts in the nose. You can also apply it after nasal surgery.

Surgical Intervention

If the hole in the nose causes major obstruction, the most effective course of action would be reconstructive surgery to close the hole by rearranging the nasal tissue.

In severe cases, a skin graft might be used to close the hole. Then, after one to two months, the nasal septal perforation will have healed completely.

Conclusion

So, how to heal a hole in the nose from coke use?

One of the effects of cocaine (cocaine abuse) is it severely limits the blood flow to the nasal tissue, leading to cell death and even holes. Hence, a perforated septum is one of the most common adverse effects of snorting coke.

If the hole is small enough, doing sinus flushes and applying healing ointments should be sufficient to contain the damage to the coke nose.

However, if the perforated septum obstructs breathing and airflow results in a nasal or saddle nose deformity or collapse of the nose, healthcare should be prioritized, a treatment option like surgical intervention might be necessary to avoid further damage. In this case, nasal reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery can close the hole.

FAQ

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Published on: 2023-03-07
Updated on: 2024-03-27

Xanax is a popular anxiety medication known for its ability to induce feelings of calm and tranquility, sometimes even drowsiness if taken in large enough doses.

It’s also used to treat panic and anxiety disorders by stabilizing the heart rate. This might lead some to wonder: Does Xanax lower blood pressure?

The quick answer is yes. Xanax significantly slows down brain activity, allowing you to feel less stressed. Since your brain controls the rest of your body, your blood pressure will also drop!

In today’s article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how Xanax works and how it affects blood pressure. We also have some essential tips you need to consider before taking the medication.

Let’s jump in.

Does Xanax Lower Blood Pressure?

Xanax is an anxiolytic and a mild tranquilizer. Additionally, it lowers blood pressure!

It’s true that anxiety and stress don’t result in long-term hypertension. However, severe stress might cause your heart to beat faster, resulting in a sudden rise in blood pressure.

Additionally, when you panic, your brain activates its fight or flight response, causing blood pressure levels to spike. Even low levels of stress that last for prolonged periods might contribute to increased blood pressure.

So, it’s no surprise that Xanax might be considered a mild antihypertensive.

How Does Xanax Lower Blood Pressure

The active substance in Xanax is alprazolam. This chemical is a GABA receptor agonist. In simpler terms, it enhances brain receptors, allowing you to feel more relaxed.

Then, once your nervous system slows down, so will the rest of your body. The fight-or-flight response that occurs when you’re anxious or stressed disappears, and your blood pressure and heart rate return to normal.

In large doses, Xanax might cause blood pressure levels to drop significantly. Yet, this only lasts for a short time.

Xanax might also cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure levels when you stand up suddenly. Consequently, older people, or anyone at risk of falling, are advised not to take Xanax without supervision.

Can Xanax Help Treat Hypertension?

While Xanax can lower your blood pressure for a short period, it won’t completely treat hypertension.

In fact, Xanax doesn’t even act on the blood vessels or the heart. So, it’s not considered the go-to treatment for those suffering from chronic hypertension.

Additionally, the FDA only indicates that Xanax is for treating anxiety and panic disorders. However, there’s no approval for Xanax as an antihypertensive medication.

Having said that, stress episodes can greatly increase the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Thus, Xanax might be an excellent option for managing stress for people with pre-existing heart conditions.

What You Should Know Before Taking Xanax

Xanax is a controlled medication, which means you can’t take it without a doctor’s prescription. So, it’s important to educate yourself about this controlled drug and what to expect when taking it.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, Xanax has a number of side effects. Since this medication acts on the brain, the adverse effects might be difficult to describe and intense.

It’s important to understand that side effects can change according to the dose. Additionally, different people can have different reactions to this medication. So, you might experience distinct effects depending on your age, sex, and other medications you’re taking.

Here are some side effects of Xanax:

• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor coordination
• Changes in appetite

Dependency

Xanax is a highly addictive drug that makes people feel calm and relaxed, which is why they keep taking it. Another reason is that your brain can get hooked on Xanax in as little as three to six weeks!

As if that wasn’t enough, Xanax gives its desired effect rapidly, but the effect goes away just as fast. So, the chances of experiencing unpleasant side effects increase, especially for people who take high doses.

As a result, many individuals find themselves abusing Xanax to experience its calming effects. Some may even take it to alleviate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

These symptoms can begin after only 24 hours of taking the last dose and can last for weeks. They include the following:

• Panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Sleeping problems
• Sweating
• Seizures
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors
• Muscle spasms

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some questions you might have about Xanax and blood pressure:

Conclusion

Does Xanax lower blood pressure?

Yes, but only in certain cases. Xanax is an anxiety medication that can cause the entire body to relax, slowing down your circulation in the process.

Additionally, doctors only prescribe it for anxiety and panic disorders. So, if your anxiety significantly impacts your blood pressure, it might help.

However, this controlled substance has no significant impact when it comes to the treatment of high blood pressure. Its numerous side effects and withdrawal symptoms also prevent it from being used in treating this long-term condition.

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Published on: 2023-03-07
Updated on: 2024-04-10

Is your doctor prescribing stimulants rather than sedatives for a calming effect? This can be a little confusing, as you’d think that stimulants will only lead to more hyperactivity.

So, you might find yourself wondering, why do stimulants calm me down?

Stimulants are perfect for calming down people who have ADHD! If you have ADHD or other attention-deficit disorders, stimulants are the first-line treatment. They increase your ability to concentrate and might help you stay calm.

Keep on reading to find out exactly how stimulants work and how they affect ADHD brains!

Why Do Stimulants Calm Me Down?

Stimulants can calm you down if you have ADHD. While these excitatory drugs can arouse most brains, they have a paradoxical effect when it comes to ADHD.

Stimulants actually excite your brain cells if you have ADHD. You may think this would lead to even more hyperactivity and loss of focus. However, in this case, stimulants lead to enhanced brain function and help you relax.

What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that results in impulsivity, short attention span, and difficulty regulating emotions. The most common drugs that help regulate ADHD are stimulants.

Before understanding how stimulants can calm you down, you should know how your brain works.

Neurons (brain cells) communicate with each other in an incredibly complex way. The neurons aren’t connected to each other. Instead, there’s a junction between them called the synapse.

For the nervous system to properly function, each neuron releases chemicals into the synapse, interacting with the following neurons. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters.

While scientists have yet to discover the exact cause of ADHD, the two main chemicals that affect people with ADHD are norepinephrine and dopamine.

You probably know these two neurotransmitters are the fight-or-flight and happiness hormones. ADHD brains don’t produce enough hormones or lack the genes allowing them to respond to dopamine.

In other words, the neurons of people with ADHD are constantly under-stimulated, which is why they respond well to stimulants!

Stimulants and ADHD

Now that you know why stimulants calm you down, you might want to learn how they do so!

There are two main types of stimulant drugs used in managing ADHD: methylphenidate and amphetamine. They help improve your attention span and reduce any behavioral problems associated with ADHD. Each one might affect you differently, depending on the severity of your ADHD.

Here’s how each of them works:

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It restricts the reuptake process of the hormones by the neurons.

In simple terms, this stimulant suppresses nerve cells’ ability to absorb the hormones after they’re released. This way, both chemicals remain in the nerve junction for longer. Then, they’ll continue arousing the under-stimulated neurons.

Typically, methylphenidate is available under the trade names Ritalin and Concerta. The chemical is milder than amphetamine, so it’s the first-line choice for ADHD in children.

Some side effects of taking methylphenidate include:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Increased blood pressure
• Sweating
• Tingling
• Frequent tics

Amphetamine

Amphetamine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It also works by increasing the duration of norepinephrine and dopamine in the nerve synapse.

Yet, amphetamine does this by preventing the degradation of the hormones. For this reason, it’s a much more potent drug and should be used carefully.

Since amphetamine is highly efficient and fast-acting, Adderall, which contains amphetamine, is one of the most popular stimulants for ADHD on the market.

It does come with some side effects, though, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Blurred Vision
• Hallucinations

What You Should Know Before Taking Stimulants

Even though stimulants are excellent for controlling ADHD, you must only use them under your doctor’s supervision. Additionally, a combination of both medication and therapy is the best option for treating ADHD.

Before taking stimulants, it’s important to realize that they can have severe side effects. For example, Adderall might cause minor growth suppression in children.

In some extreme cases, stimulants might significantly impact your health.

Dependence

Stimulant dependence is a pretty common problem. After all, these ADHD medications enhance dopamine levels, causing euphoria and addiction.

In addition, taking stimulants for a long time might cause tolerance. The brain basically adapts to the extra hormones. This means that for the drugs to work again, increasing the dosage would be necessary.

This vicious cycle results in many people misusing and depending on stimulants. Some people can even go as far as taking stimulants just to study and improve their concentration.

That’s why it’s crucial to monitor how the stimulants affect you. You should also report any change in symptoms you might experience while on ADHD drugs to your doctor.

Serotonin Syndrome

Stimulants, particularly Adderall, might result in serotonin syndrome. The reason is that amphetamines don’t just reduce the metabolism and degradation of dopamine, but they also impact other chemicals, such as serotonin.

You might think serotonin is just another happiness hormone. Yet, this chemical plays an important role in regulating muscles, blood pressure, and memory.

Serotonin syndrome can happen if you overdose on Adderall or take other antidepressants. You should consult your doctor immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Tremors and twitching of muscles
• Loss of coordination
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Irregular heartbeat

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Generally, stimulants are safe if prescribed by a doctor. Still, studies show that children taking Adderall should be carefully monitored for any cardiac event.

That’s only natural, as Adderall interferes with hormones other than dopamine and norepinephrine. In fact, even an increase in norepinephrine can raise heart rate and blood pressure.

So, doctors usually modify the dose of Adderall in children and avoid using the extended-release formulation.

Conclusion

Why do stimulants calm me down?

Stimulants might be ideal for calming you down if you have ADHD. This seemingly paradoxical effect is due to the ADHD brain being constantly under-stimulated!

Particularly, people with ADHD lack the excitatory effect of dopamine and norepinephrine. That’s why stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall), can balance the brain’s chemicals, leading to relaxation and enhanced concentration.

All medications have side effects. Unfortunately, the side effects of stimulants can be extreme. Stimulants should only be taken under the supervision of a professional to reduce the risk of dependence, serotonin syndrome, and cardiac arrest.

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Published on: 2023-03-06
Updated on: 2024-04-14

Mixing gabapentin and tramadol in one prescription can be a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, the combination would be an effective way of managing intense chronic pain. Yet, the main drawback is that this co-prescription comes with a high mortality risk.

Read on to learn about the dangers of using opioids like tramadol with gabapentinoids.

Why Would Someone Take Gabapentin and Tramadol Together?

Before we dive into how dangerous this combination can be, let’s first consider why someone might take tramadol and gabapentin at the same time.

It’s not always due to drug abuse; they could be legitimately co-prescribed together.

Tramadol’s Action

Tramadol is often prescribed as a post-op or postoperative pain management medication. In these cases, it’s a short-term solution but could also be used to manage chronic pain. That’s because it blocks the opioid receptors on nerve cells, successfully reducing the ache sensation or nerve pain. Also, this drug has been used as an antidepressant. 

Gabapentin’s Action

Meanwhile, most of us know gabapentin as an anticonvulsant (antiepileptic drug). Generally, it has been used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain by modulating certain neurotransmitters in the brain. So, people use it to help with neuralgia and restless legs syndrome.

Co-Prescriptions

Together, gabapentin and tramadol might be prescribed for patients with severe pain that doesn’t respond to safer alternatives, like NSAIDs.

After all, studies show that the combination has higher analgesic effects than tramadol alone.

Why Is Mixing Gabapentin With Tramadol Dangerous?

Both drugs have a wide range of unwanted effects, and you can expect anything from double vision to tremors. However, none of the common side effects are the reason why this combination is considered so dangerous.

Instead, the top two concerns are how the co-prescription affects breathing and how easy it is to get addicted to the mix.

Let’s take a closer look at each of those concerns.

They Can Lead to Fatal Respiratory Depression

Respiratory depression is a common risk with opioids, in general. Unfortunately, when gabapentin is added to the mix, side effects of gabapentin will cause a bigger problem.

One study looked at this aspect. Interestingly, the results point out that combining the drugs makes patients 49% more likely to die from opioid-related complications compared to using tramadol alone. That’s all based on “exposure” doses, too.

When you are about to have high doses of these medications, from mere exposure to moderate or high, the risk jumps to 60%.

Why is that? There are two angles to consider here: additive effects and pharmacokinetic interactions.

For one, both drugs have a respiratory depressing effect, meaning that they slow down the breathing rate. Of course, lower breathing rates mean less gas exchange. Ultimately, carbon dioxide will build up inside the body, which can be fatal.

Together, gabapentin and tramadol create what health professionals call “additive respiratory depression.”

The second factor that could explain this increased mortality rate is a pharmacokinetic interaction. Without digging deep into scientific jargon, let’s just say that your body actually absorbs more of the gabapentin dose when you take it with tramadol.

Aside from respiratory depression, one of the effects of tramadol and gabapentin is it can also cause central nervous system (CNS) depression, which can be life-threatening. Both drug interactions highlight the importance of using these drugs only as prescribed and under the supervision or drug administration of a healthcare professional to minimize the risk of severe complications. If you have concerns or experience adverse effects, seek immediate medical attention or medical advice.

They Increase the Patient’s Potential for Addiction

Addiction is yet another concern that makes the gabapentin-tramadol co-prescription drugs dangerous.

Although tramadol isn’t as potent as morphine, it can still be addictive.

When someone misuses tramadol, their body builds up a degree of tolerance. Soon, they have to consider high doses, which puts them at risk of seizures and comas, among other side effects.

On the other side of the co-prescription, we have gabapentin. Technically, it isn’t a narcotic or a scheduled substance, unlike its sister drug, pregabalin, which is a Schedule V controlled substance. Yet, some people abuse gabapentin to induce euphoria.

The situation is even worse when the two drugs are mixed together; the person becomes even more likely to overuse gabapentin!

This effect isn’t just limited to the gabapentin-tramadol combination. Pretty much any opioid and gabapentin would lead to similar results but with varying intensities.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone who takes gabapentin and tramadol at the same time is at risk of respiratory depression and addiction. That’s why doctors tend to avoid prescribing those two drugs together unless there’s absolutely no other option.

That said, some people can be considered more susceptible, such as:

• Older people
• People who suffer from chronic lung diseases
• Renal insufficiency patients

So, age, metabolism, and lung performance are the main factors that affect the respiratory depressant effect, but what about the addiction risk?

Well, if someone already has a history of polydrug abuse, they’ll be more likely to get addicted to the pain-killing combination.

Of course, doses of gabapentin and tramadol also plays a role in how far the concomitant use which can affect a person’s well-being.

How Can You Reduce the Risks?

Doctors won’t always be able to avoid prescribing gabapentin and tramadol together. However, the FDA did release an announcement regarding the interaction.

So, physicians already know that the guideline is to start at the lowest possible doses and keep an eye on the potential side effects.

If you’re wondering what you can do on your side of the equation, consider the following safety tips:

• Never use opioids or anticonvulsants without consulting your physician.
• Stick to the prescribed dose and ask the physician about gradual tapering as soon as possible.
• Avoid drinking alcohol with all drugs that have a CNS depressant effect.
• Let your physician know about any other medications you’re on.
• Consider alternative co-prescriptions if you have a history of chronic lung diseases.
• Watch out for the warning signs (difficulty breathing, disorientation, blueish skin, etc.)
• Don’t try to operate any heavy machinery after taking your doses.

Final Words

In some cases of severe chronic pain, using gabapentin and tramadol concomitantly is unavoidable.

Still, patients and healthcare providers are often not-so-eager to use the combination as a painkiller. After all, both gabapentin and tramadol can cause shallow, slow breathing that can lead to death if not caught early. That’s one serious side effect!

Plus, there’s also the substance abuse addiction aspect to worry about, which may affect your mental health, leading you to undergo treatment options and other programs to help you handle your withdrawal symptoms. Mixing opioids with gabapentinoids is a common and potentially fatal form of polydrug misuse. Unfortunately, the gabapentin-tramadol combination is no exception to the rule.

All in all, you’ll need to have a prolonged discussion with the prescribing physician about the best way to handle these risks and taper off the drugs with as few side effects as possible.

FAQ

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Published on: 2023-03-06
Updated on: 2024-03-08

Drug interactions of both cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and ibuprofen are valid options for muscle pain management, but would it be wise to combine them?

Before mixing over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers with skeletal muscle relaxants, you need to evaluate whether this combination yields better results with fewer side effects than a single drug.

As it happens, the cyclobenzaprine-ibuprofen mix is, more often than not, a fruitless combination.In this post, we’ll go over why you might want to avoid mixing the two drugs. Then, we’ll see what alternatives are there to consider.

Co-Prescribing Cyclobenzaprine With Ibuprofen

Generally speaking, a co-prescription of cyclobenzaprine and ibuprofen is common in medical condition cases of neck and acute low back pain interventions. That’s because the former is a relaxant that eases muscle spasms, sprains, and pain, and the latter is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works as a general analgesic.

Plus, there are no reports of major interactions between them.

Of course, we can’t say there’s a 100% safe drug (or combination therapy) out there. However, the gist here is that these two are considered generally safe to be taken together.

So, it’s not unheard of for an orthopedic doctor to co-prescribe both drugs in an attempt to give the patient short-term pain relief. However, the combination doesn’t always work as planned.

Downsides of Using Cyclobenzaprine and Ibuprofen Together

Just because the cyclobenzaprine-ibuprofen combination isn’t dangerous doesn’t mean that it should be the first step in treating neck and back pain.

A couple of drawbacks keep physicians from prescribing the two drugs together.

It’s Often a Fruitless Combination

Although it would be nice to have a painkilling co-prescription that gives the patient better results than single-drug therapies, research proves that isn’t always the case with cyclobenzaprine and ibuprofen.

For one, a randomized trial proved that cyclobenzaprine alone calms neck and back spasms just as well as a cyclobenzaprine-ibuprofen combination.

Interestingly, those results were based on a low muscle relaxant dose (5 mg) three times daily with 400–800 mg of the NSAID, also three times per day.

That’s not to say that ibuprofen is the weak link in this situation.

In fact, a Cambridge University Press trial proved there’s no point in adding cyclobenzaprine to ibuprofen, either. That’s not all. A review by NEJM Journal Watch confirms the same results; the NSAID works fine without the added help.

So, it’s less about which drug is more potent and more about the fact that mixing them is just not rewarding enough in many cases.

That said, it’s always possible that your treating physician will have a different perspective on the matter. So, don’t be shocked if they ask you to take ibuprofen and cyclobenzaprine. Every patient is a unique case, after all!

It Can Magnify Side Effects

Not only is the combination not very fruitful, but it can also come with some unpleasant effects.

Although ibuprofen acts peripherally to reduce inflammation, it also acts inside the brain to provide pain relief.

As you might have suspected, cyclobenzaprine’s muscle-relaxing effects start in the central nervous system (CNS).

So, you can only expect some side effects on the central nervous system, like drowsiness. However, the combination makes these side effects even more common somehow.

Don’t just take our word for it; one randomized, double-blind clinical trial found that 42% of patients taking cyclobenzaprine with ibuprofen reported CNS side effects within 24 hours.

That’s a huge gap when you consider that this percentage was only 18% in patients on ibuprofen alone!

Alternatives to the Co-Prescription

There are some alternative combinations to try rather than the cyclobenzaprine-ibuprofen mix.

Just remember to talk to your physician or seek medical advice from a healthcare provider before you stop the current prescription and move on to a different treatment plan.

Cyclobenzaprine With Physical Therapy

It’s pretty much common practice to recommend rest and physical therapy for patients on cyclobenzaprine. This should help control the pain without the need for NSAIDs, but it’s not clear how much it helps (in percentages).

However, physical therapy can also help reduce the risk of tolerance to cyclobenzaprine. After all, the muscle relaxant is supposed to be taken short-term only.

All in all, you’ll want to stop cyclobenzaprine in 2–3 weeks and rely on physical therapy sessions to control the pain in the long term.

Ibuprofen With Caffeine

A cup of coffee, on its own, won’t do you much good if you’re looking for painkilling effects.

However, caffeine’s power shines when it’s taken with other drugs since it’s known to boost the painkilling action of other analgesics. That includes ibuprofen.

Plus, in this case, you can use lower doses of the NSAID—which is always good—without compromising the net analgesic effect.

The main drawback here is that large amounts of caffeine can do a number on your stomach, but you probably already know that if you’re an avid coffee drinker.

Considering that ibuprofen and all NSAIDs eat away at the stomach lining and form ulcers, you might be adding insult to injury if you overdo the doses.

Drugs to Avoid With Cyclobenzaprine or Ibuprofen

Although there are no serious interactions between cyclobenzaprine and ibuprofen, that doesn’t mean that the same applies to any co-prescription that has one of the two drugs.

If you’re on cyclobenzaprine, you’ll want to avoid the following medications or take them with caution:

• Cetirizine
• Diphenhydramine
• Hydrocodone
• Duloxetine

Meanwhile, any of the following drugs can be considered risky for patients using ibuprofen:

• Aspirin
• Drugs with gingko biloba
• Escitalopram
• Duloxetine

Note that while both cyclobenzaprine and ibuprofen interact with duloxetine, it’s for a different reason in each case.

With the muscle relaxant, duloxetine can lead to what healthcare professionals refer to as “serotonin syndrome.”

That’s not the same concern people have about mixing ibuprofen and duloxetine. Instead, we’d be more worried about the bleeding risk.

Final Thoughts

Many patients won’t benefit from adding cyclobenzaprine to their ibuprofen prescription (or vice versa). Additionally, the combination can increase the patient’s odds of showing CNS adverse effects.

Overall, we’d recommend that you avoid mixing OTC analgesics and muscle relaxants without discussing the potential benefits and risks with your physician first.

FAQ

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Published on: 2023-03-06
Updated on: 2024-03-26

According to a study published by the Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Adderall is misused by at least 10% of adolescents and young adults with a prescription. This makes it one of the most addictive prescription drugs on the market.

People who abuse Adderall may take numerous doses in a specific time frame to maintain the stimulant effects of the drug before a crash happens. When they fail to take the drug within the designated time, they may experience a “crash.” The crash follows unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, difficulty sleeping, sluggishness, and others.

Here’s what you should know when taking a 3-day Adderall break and what you can do to feel better. 

What Is the Adderall Comedown and Why Does It Happen?

A “comedown” is a term used to describe unwanted withdrawal symptoms after a user stops taking a stimulant—in this case, Adderall.

The reason behind the crash is simple. Stimulants like Adderall trigger the release of feel-good neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, which not only boosts energy but also increases feelings of euphoria, sharpens attention, and reduces the need for sleep.

But when the drug wears off, the opposite happens. The brain won’t release as many neurotransmitters, causing you to feel fatigued, depressed, and unable to concentrate. This can induce a rebound effect, forcing you to take more of the drug to recapture the effects you experienced after taking the drug.

When a person regularly takes certain drugs, their brain may begin to adjust to the presence of these substances. As the brain gets used to the substance, it’ll start to depend on it to function and feel “normal.”

In people who develop significant levels of dependence, a crash is often inevitable. Withdrawal symptoms may develop if the person quits “cold turkey” or substantially reduces how much they’re using.

During withdrawal, the body attempts to reach a new state of normal as it tries to get rid of the lingering effects of the substance in question. This can result in temporary disruptions in brain chemistry, which are often accompanied by mental and physical health repercussions.

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

Adderall’s effect lasts no more than a few hours, but it lingers in the system for days and sometimes even months after the last use.

Adderall has a half-life of 9 to 14 hours. To the uninitiated, “half-life” refers to the amount of time it takes for half the amount of a drug to be eliminated from the body.

In the case of Adderall, a 20 mg dose taken at 10 am will reach its half-life at around midnight, leaving 10 mg of Adderall in the body. At 2 am the next day, 5 mg will remain in the body. This means that the drug will leave the body completely after around five half-cycles or three to four days.

Adderall can be detected in the urine for 48 to 72 hours after last use, saliva for 20 to 50 hours, blood for up to 46 hours, and hair for up to three months. The period of detection is influenced by several factors, including frequency of use, urine pH, dose, last use, metabolism, and weight.

The drug is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and either eliminated in the urine or deactivated by the liver. Approximately 25% of it is converted to metabolites like benzoic and hippuric acids.

How Long Do the Effects of Adderall Last?

The effects of Adderall last between 4 to 12 hours.

Immediate-release Adderall is distributed in the bloodstream within three hours, with effects that last between four to seven hours. Extended-release Adderall like Adderall XR is distributed within seven hours, with effects that last up to 12 hours.

Some medications affect how quickly or slowly Adderall is released into the body. Vitamin C supplements and medications that increase the acidity of stomach contents like guanethidine and reserpine can decrease the length of time it lasts in the body.

On the other hand, gastrointestinal alkalinizing agents like sodium bicarbonate, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like linezolid and isocarboxazid, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like as omeprazole or pantoprazole can increase the absorption of Adderall.

Some doctors recommend taking Adderall before breakfast as food which can affect how long it takes for Adderall to reach maximum blood levels. Taking Adderall with food will extend the drug’s efficacy by one to two hours, but its onset may take longer and feel weaker.  

Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Comedown

Adderall remains in the body for up to three days, but a crash can occur within hours of the last dose.

When the body has become physically dependent on Adderall, it’ll experience symptoms of drug withdrawal. These symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to severe and painful, depending on the dosage, how long the person was abusing the drug before deciding to stop, genetics, metabolism, and several other factors.

Physical symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include:

• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Severe dehydration
• Temperature regulation issues, i.e., chills
• Irregular heartbeat
• Irregular breathing
• Changes in blood pressure
• Difficulty sleeping

Psychological symptoms include:

• Intense craving for Adderall
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety or panic
• Feelings of depression
• Feelings of worthlessness or despair
• Irritability or frustration
• Increased/decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Vivid and unpleasant dreams 

Adderall withdrawal can last anywhere from days to weeks. In cases of severe addiction, it may linger for months.

3 Stages of Adderall Withdrawal

Adderall withdrawal usually falls into three-stage categories:   

Stage 1: Acute Withdrawal Period

During this period, symptoms are at their most intense. They can last anywhere from a couple of days to a week.

Withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as six hours after the last dose.

In the first three days of withdrawal, the patient may find themselves feeling depressed, fatigued, and unable to sleep. These symptoms peak after three to five days, with intensity ranging from mild to severe depending on the factors mentioned above.

Symptoms felt during this period include irritability, anxiousness, and restlessness, as well as insomnia, headaches, increased appetite, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating.

Stage 2: Symptoms Decline in Intensity

Most physical symptoms subside after the first week of withdrawal. However, psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as moodiness, craving, and depression, may linger. This period may last anywhere between a week to several months.

Stage 3: Post-Acute Withdrawal Period

The post-acute withdrawal period, also known as the protracted withdrawal period, may appear weeks or months into recovery.

During this time, patients may experience symptoms similar to those found in mood and anxiety disorders, including insomnia, mood swings, and increased levels of anxiety even without external stimuli.

Around 90% of recovering opioid users experience the symptoms brought about by the post-acute withdrawal period. Patients in this stage should practice self-care and seek help to reduce the chance of relapse.

How to Cope With Adderall Comedown

Withdrawal is one of the toughest aspects of addiction recovery. If you’re experiencing Adderall comedown, here are some ways to help you cope:

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Withdrawal can cause people to sweat, vomit, and have diarrhea, which can trigger dehydration. Thus, it’s crucial to keep yourself hydrated during a comedown.

Water not only replenishes lost fluid in your body but also helps you flush out the toxins from your system. In this way, it acts as a means of hydration and detoxification.

You can also take Gatorade and other sports drinks, but be mindful of their salt content. Don’t drink more than one bottle of sports drink a day.

Consume a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet

Even if you don’t feel like eating, it’s important to consume at least two to three meals a day during and after the recovery period.

Avoid heavy and/or rich foods with lots of salt, as well as sugary, spicy, and acidic foods, as they can irritate your stomach and bowels. Instead, consume simple light foods like soups, fruits, vegetables, and meat.

If your stomach can’t handle solid foods, use meal replacement/supplement shakes. They’re palatable and easy to digest but shouldn’t replace solid foods completely.

Manage Stress

Withdrawal heightens feelings of stress and anxiety, so try to avoid places and situations that may worsen them.

Indulge in relaxing activities to help you unwind, such as taking warm baths and massages, doing yoga, reading a good book, and other activities you find rejuvenating.

Treat yourself with kindness and understanding; don’t be too harsh on yourself when you fail to clean the house or complete a task. 

Exercise

Exercise and physical activity boost the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine, which can help ease some of the symptoms associated with Adderall withdrawal. Exercise also allows you to get some much-needed fresh air and Vitamin D, improving your mood even further.

Cut Back on Other Stimulants

Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and other stimulants can worsen your withdrawal symptoms. They can likewise promote stress and anxiety. Thus, they’re best avoided during recovery.

If you can’t cut out caffeine from your diet, alternate between decaf and regular, then gradually taper off regular coffee. 

Fix Your Sleep Schedule

Insomnia is a common symptom of Adderall withdrawal. Combat insomnia by proactively taking steps to improve your sleep quality.

Here are some tips to help with sleep:

• When in bed, try not to watch TV or use your smartphone as it can stimulate your brain for several hours 
• Try not to nap during the day. If you must, keep it for 30 minutes or less and not too close to bedtime 
• Turn on “do not disturb” mode on your phone before going to bed
• Keep your room dark and comfortable cool
• Let yourself wind down for 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed
• Practice yoga and meditation during the evening

Remember Why

Withdrawals can sometimes feel all-encompassing. During times of helplessness, it’s important to remind yourself why you’ve cut back on Adderall in the first place. Keep those reasons close and never let go.

While you’re at it, remind yourself of how far you’ve come and how capable you are of continuing. Your symptoms are temporary; the longer you stay away from the drug, the less potent your symptoms will become. 

Get Treatment

Treatment is especially crucial for long-term Adderall users. Without the help of treatment programs and therapy, there’s a high chance of relapse.

Treatment programs can help you manage and push through withdrawal symptoms. Plus, it might give you some comfort knowing that you’re not alone. Seeing other people experience the same challenges may encourage you to do your best. 

addiction is a chronic condition, and like other chronic conditions, treatment is necessary. Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process. It’ll help you cope with cravings and establish a supportive recovery network.

Furthermore, therapy can help you explore and tackle triggers, motives, and warning signs for substance abuse that you may not have been aware of.

Types of addiction therapy include:

• Behavioral (cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy)
• NAD therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Experiential therapy (art therapy, music therapy, animal therapy, etc.)
• Biofeedback and EMDR therapy

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice and Prescriptions

Follow your physician’s instructions and treatment plan in the letter. Doctors want the best for their patients, so following their advice can lead to the best possible recovery.

Patients who struggle with withdrawal may be given certain prescription medications to alleviate symptoms. Some of these include Provigil for lethargy, Topamax and Neurontin for cravings, and Baclofen for stress and anxiety. 

Final Thoughts

As with some other medications, Adderall may change the brain chemistry over time as the brain becomes used to it. Although it may help with ADHD, it is prone to misuse. This can lead to addiction.

Those who have developed a dependence on Adderall feel tired and mentally foggy without it. The symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, insomnia, and anxiety among others.

If you’re suffering from Adderall addiction, remind yourself that you don’t have to do this on your own. Your friends and family can help you push through the tough moments of your withdrawal. 

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Published on: 2023-03-06
Updated on: 2024-04-14

If you’re like millions of other Americans, you may have sleeping difficulties or insomnia, to which your doctor may prescribe Trazodone or Ambien. While these two medications are FDA-approved and they’ve been used to treat insomnia for some time, it’s okay to be skeptical about what you’re taking.

In this guide, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about Trazodone and Ambien including what they are, how they work, and their side effects. We’ll also uncover their similarities and differences and help you decide which one suits you better.

Trazodone: What It Is and How It Works

Trazodone is a generic term for Desyrel and Oleptro, a drug blend that was primarily used to treat depression as it boosts the serotonin in the body. While it’s been FDA-approved as an antidepressant, you can still use it off-label at lower doses to treat insomnia.

The reason why Trazodone doubles as an effective sleep loss medication lies in the amounts of serotonin that it promotes in the brain. Besides being one of the “happy hormones,” serotonin also helps you get better sleep.

Recommended Dosage

Usually, the right dosage of Trazodone as a sleep booster is 50 to 100mg before going to bed. However, that amount may be slightly higher or lower, varying from one case to another. So, it’s best to consult your doctor about the best way to take Trazodone to reap all of its benefits.

In most cases, the effects of Trazodone kick in an hour after swallowing its pill. Still, it may take you anywhere from one to six weeks until you notice an impactful change in your sleeping patterns.

Keep in mind that going beyond the recommended amount may have unsavory side effects like an upset stomach.

Ambien: What It Is and How It Works

Despite being also used as a treatment for insomnia, Ambien works differently than Trazodone.

First off, you should know that its scientific name is zolpidem, which has been developed specifically to help individuals overcome sleeping difficulties.

Second of all, Ambien promotes better sleep by slowing down brain activity. It’s a non-barbiturate hypnotic that impacts the receptors in the brain, gradually helping it calm down and relax enough for you to fall asleep.

Recommended Dosage

Ambien should be taken as a 5mg or 10mg tablet before going to bed, making sure you allow around eight hours for the medication to do its work efficiently.

However, the thing about Ambien is that you shouldn’t take it as a long-term solution for insomnia. It’s only designed as a short-term treatment, so it’s not recommended to exceed ten days of use to avoid troublesome side effects.

Prolonged use of Ambien may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and even diarrhea.

Trazodone and Ambien: Similarities

Trazodone and Ambien share two similarities.

The first one is that they’re both pretty effective in treating insomnia, no matter how different they do their work. Trazodone is an antidepressant with a sedative side effect, while Ambien is a trusted sleep aid.

The second point that they both have in common is that they do their job efficiently at small doses. This goes for Trazodone because its sedative side effects are so potent that only a little amount of it does wonders to help you sleep faster and better.

Similarly, Ambien is formulated in a way that allows the smallest doses of it to travel fast through the body, thus working in a very short amount of time.

Trazodone and Ambien: Differences

Unlike their two similarities, Trazodone and Ambien have many more differences. Their most important one is how they work.

Trazodone has sedative effects, while Ambien is a downright sedative. As we previously mentioned, Trazodone helps people sleep by boosting serotonin levels in the body. On the other hand, Ambien slows the activity of the brain’s neurons to calm it down.

Another major difference is that Trazodone doesn’t have as many side effects as Ambien since it isn’t a sedative. As a result, you can use it for a longer period of time, not to mention that it may be more suitable for elderly people.

Lastly, Trazodone is somewhat more affordable than the generic version of Ambien. Still, since both are taken in very small doses, the difference in price tends to be minuscule.

Trazodone and Ambien: Drawbacks to Consider

Just like all drugs you decide to take, Trazodone and Ambien have their fair share of negative points that you must take into account before consumption. Of course, they’re primarily safe, but they may not be in certain situations, as we’ll highlight right below.

Trazodone Downsides

Despite being effective as a sleeping aid in many cases, Trazodone may not work for everyone. It might simply be too weak for some people, which will lead them to take a higher dosage, resulting in a higher probability of side effects.

Plus, if you take Trazodone as a depression treatment, its sedative side effects will be more powerful since it must be taken in higher doses. Again, that may not work well for people who need to stay active after waking up.

In addition to that, people who rely on Trazodone for a long time may be prone to erectile dysfunction and suicidal thoughts. Just like most antidepressants, Trazodone must be used with care with adolescents and young adults, as it can affect mood and cause negative thoughts.

Trazodone might also develop other side effects, which we’ll discuss shortly in the next section.

Ambien Downsides

The thing with Ambien is that people who get used to its soothing effects may easily become dependent on the medication. This might cause them to take higher doses as they develop a high tolerance to Ambien quite fast.

What this means is more side effects like drowsiness, parasomnias, and even addiction the longer they keep increasing their doses.

Also, keep in mind that Ambien isn’t suitable for people with a history of the following diseases, as it might make their symptoms worse:

• Depression
• Kidney problems
• Liver conditions
• Respiratory diseases

Trazodone and Ambien: Side Effects

Because of their antidepressant and sedative nature, respectively, Trazodone and Ambien have a range of side effects that every user must know about before taking either.

Trazodone Side Effects

• What’s known as the “Trazodone Hangover”—dizziness, headaches, and fatigue
• Blurred or unclear vision
• Diarrhea
• Stomach issues
• Dry mouth
• An increased risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other medications that boost serotonin levels in the body
• Low blood pressure, especially when standing up suddenly
• A painful, prolonged erection
• May affect thinking and motor skills
• Withdrawal symptoms if you don’t gradually decrease your intake until you stop

Ambien Side Effects

• Complex sleep behavior (sleep-walking, sleep-eating, sleep-driving, etc.)
• Drowsiness, decreased level of consciousness, or blurry vision
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reactions like vomiting, swelling of the tongue or throat, and shortness of breath (rare)
• Behavioral changes like aggressiveness and agitation
• Hallucinations
• May cause suicidal thoughts or higher depression levels in people who already have depression
• Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly

Trazodone and Ambien: Which One Is Right for You?

Generally, Ambien is the better choice in terms of effectiveness.

In a study conducted on people with insomnia, participants tolerated both drugs with very few side effects. They were able to sleep peacefully throughout the first week of taking both medications.

However, in the second week, only Ambien had a significant impact on the quality of their sleep, which led scientists to believe it was a more effective sleeping aid. As a result, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine released the following guidelines regarding the use of Trazodone and Ambien:

• Ambien: “We suggest that clinicians use zolpidem as a treatment for sleep onset and sleep maintenance insomnia (versus no treatment) in adults.”
• Trazodone: “We suggest that clinicians not use trazodone as a treatment for sleep onset or sleep maintenance insomnia (versus no treatment) in adults.”

Still, since these two statements aren’t backed up with deep research or studies, they’re classified as weak. They require further research to prove their accuracy.

Our piece of advice to you as a person who’s suffering from insomnia is to always go to a doctor first. Sometimes, an underlying health issue may be causing your sleeping problems. So, getting the right diagnosis and treatment could alleviate your insomnia in this situation without needing sleeping aids.

If that isn’t the case, your doctor will still be able to recommend the best drug to take for your insomnia, whether it’s Ambien or Trazodone. After checking your medical history, they’ll match you with the right fit with minimal side effects.

Trazodone and Ambien: Signs of Misuse and Abuse

Unfortunately, both medications can be abused if taken for a prolonged time, as they both develop some sort of tolerance and even dependency.

It’s important to note any changes in your behavior—or whoever is taking these drugs—to act immediately if you suspect there’s drug misuse going on.

Signs of Trazodone Drug Misuse and Abuse

In adolescents:

• Lack of interest in hobbies or sports that a teenager normally practices and enjoys
• Low personal hygiene (disheveled hair, untrimmed facial hair, undesirable body odor, dirty clothes, etc.)
• Problems with friends or family members
• Skipping school
• A decrease in performance at school

In adults:

• Missing work or being constantly late
• Problems with coworkers, family members, and friends (especially when asking for money over and over)
• Loss of interest in hobbies, recreational activities, etc.
• Being secretive about daily habits and whereabouts

These symptoms are surely troublesome, but they’re usually the result of short-term Trazodone misuse. If there’s long-term drug abuse, you’ll have to watch out for the following signs instead:

• Instances of memory loss and blackouts
• Foggy brain
• Severe emotional and behavioral shifts
• Difficulty speaking or talking very slowly
• Involuntary movements in the eyes
• Overdosing on Trazodone

Signs of Ambien Drug Misuse and Abuse

Sadly, Ambien is a lot more likely to develop an addiction straight away if a person misuses it or overdoses on it, as is the case with most sedatives.

Therefore, in this case, you must be looking for signs of addiction from the get-go, which we’ll approach below.

Trazodone and Ambien: Signs of Addiction

Continuing to misuse either drug might inevitably cause addiction, especially Ambien. On the other hand, it’s a bit harder to become addicted to Trazodone, but individuals who overdose on it to achieve a certain “high” are more prone to end up addicted to this drug.

Signs of Trazodone Addiction

• Trying to buy Trazodone using illegal routes or without a prescription
• Taking higher doses of Trazodone to get high instead of to treat depression or insomnia
• Persuading different doctors or clinics to prescribe Trazodone
• Combining the drug with other medications or even alcohol to reach a higher sensation
• Neglecting responsibilities in a person’s life such as work, school, hobbies, etc.
• Increased tolerance for Trazodone
• Suffering from serious withdrawal symptoms as soon as a person stops taking Trazodone

Signs of Ambien Addiction

• No way to sleep without taking Ambien
• The inability to cut down or stop Ambien intake
• Displaying strange or risky behavior as a result of misusing Ambien (like sleep-driving or sleep-cooking)
• Still using Ambien anyway despite the dangerous effects it has on a person’s behavior
• Spending a lot of money trying to acquire Ambien
• Severe withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop taking the drug
• The negative effects of Ambien interfering with life, work, relationships, etc.

Treating Trazodone or Ambien Addiction

If you notice the previous symptoms in someone you care about, it’s time to take the first step in the treatment path and get in touch with a recovery health center.

The journey will start with an addiction treatment specialist assessing the case to determine the best treatment plan to suit the person’s needs. Then, the patient will have to go through three more steps, which are detoxification, treatment, and aftercare.

Final Words

Trazodone and Ambien are both great options for people suffering from insomnia, and they’re generally safe if you stick to the recommended dosage.

However, you should keep in mind that drug abuse and even addiction are still possible. So, you should be responsible when taking either medication.

If you notice any troublesome symptoms or side effects, seek professional help at once.

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Published on: 2023-02-26
Updated on: 2024-03-08

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 42 out of every 100 New Yorkers in 2016 had a prescription for opioid medication. During the same year, 2,316 New Yorkers died by opioid overdose. That gave New York one of the highest opioid-related death rates in the country.

The increase in substance use disorder (SUD) in New York State is consistent with increases seen in other parts of the country. In 2010, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) reported that about 12% of New York State residents age 12 and older experience an SUD every year.

An SUD usually presents as a primary addiction that may or may not include secondary addictions and a concurrent mental health disorder. For example, problem gambling is thought to affect five percent of adults. Twenty-five percent of those individuals also report a substance abuse problem.

The National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS) reported in 2014 that 9% of NYC residents had a problem with addiction between 2012 and 2014.

Primary Drugs Used by Those With SUDs

In 2015, the most popular addictive substances were alcohol, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, prescription opioid painkillers, and marijuana. In NYC, roughly one in 12 of those who got help for an SUD reported cocaine and crack as their go-to substances.

The most sought-after drug in New York was heroin. Marijuana was a close second. Efforts to curtail opioid prescription drug abuse have merely increased the misuse of heroin and fentanyl.

History of Heroin Use in NYC

Heroin was already in use as the 1900s began. Soon, NYC was considered the “heroin capital” of the United States. By the 1920s, the typical heroin user was a poor white male living in a low-income area. That continues to be true.

However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported increased heroin use among women, individuals with private health insurance coverage, and those with higher incomes.

When the hippie scene emerged in the 1960s, intravenous drug use increased. “Shooting galleries” appeared in Harlem and on the Upper West Side. Law enforcement tried to shut things down during the 1980s. However, the drug trade relocated to the lower east side, where it commenced to do business as usual.

These days, technology has made it almost as easy to order some heroin as it is to order a pizza.

NYC was the birthplace of the methadone maintenance program. Methadone is used to treat heroin addiction. One dose in the morning can prevent the dreaded withdrawal symptoms for up to 24 hours.

People in methadone maintenance programs can go about their daily lives without the constant discomfort generated by an unsatisfied and hungry habit.

According to some studies, methadone maintenance can reduce heroin overdose mortality rates by up to 700% for those with active heroin addiction.

What Causes Most Overdose Deaths?

Of the total drug overdose deaths in NYC in 2016, heroin was implicated in 55% of them. Fentanyl was implicated in 44%. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid painkiller, is the most potent opioid, and it’s easy to manufacture in underground labs. More than 75% of all drug overdose deaths involve fentanyl.

Fentanyl can be laced into cocaine, benzodiazepines, illicit prescription painkillers, and heroin to make those drugs more potent. In most cases, no one is the wiser.

Eighty percent of all 2016 drug overdose deaths in NYC involved opioid drugs. Seventy-five percent of those deaths were due to heroin or fentanyl. Ninety-three percent of the deaths involved multiple substances.

Heroin and prescription overdose deaths almost doubled between 2009 and 2016. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids were 10 times more frequent.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the 2016 NYC drug overdose death rates were two percent higher than the general population.

More than 700 NYC pharmacies currently dispense naloxone, a blocking agent that can reverse the effects of opioids and head off an overdose.

Facts About Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

• Men are more likely to seek help than women. Of those who enter drug rehab, 73% are men and 27% are women.
  
• Of 10,623 drivers involved in New York automobile wrecks, 7,465 had been drinking.
  
• In 2016, NYC saw an increase of 50% in drug overdose deaths.
  
• Forty-two percent of people in jail have an SUD.
  
• Thirty-three percent of those in jail have a mental health disorder and a co-occurring SUD.
  
• New Yorkers are more likely to die of a drug overdose than murder, suicide, and car crashes combined.
  
• According to the New York State Department of Correctional Services, 83% of individuals in jail or prison need treatment for an SUD.
  
• Almost 20% of NYC residents in 2019 indulged in binge drinking during the previous month.
  
• According to NIDA, drug abuse is most prevalent among young adults between 18 and 25.
  
• In 2012, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported that between 2004 and 2011, ER visits increased by 36 percent for people using cocaine.
  
• Women in the military are more likely than men to use illicit drugs. Twenty percent of female veterans develop PTSD attributable to military sexual trauma.
  
• Fifteen percent of NYC women and 22% of men reported excessive drinking in 2019.
  
• Nearly 75% of adults with an SUD in 2017 had an alcohol use disorder.
  
• Almost 40% of adults with an SUD in 2017 reported an illicit drug disorder.
  
• One out of every eight adults with an SUD reported having both an alcohol use disorder and a drug use disorder.
  
• Individuals with an SUD can have a co-occurring mental health disorder.

How Do You Get a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

Several markers can put you at greater risk for a drug or alcohol habit. An abusive home life and your personal genetic makeup will determine about 50% of your SUD risk.

Parents who are in active addiction, ongoing peer pressure, poor academic performance, and a desire to fit in somewhere can all play a role in whether you develop an addiction.

Teenagers and those with preexisting mental health issues are more likely to develop SUDs and addictions.

Drug Availability

Prescription painkillers are a problem in most of the United States, and New York State is no exception. The problem is attributed to overuse and misuse of pain medication.

In the New York State 2009 ONDCP report, 1,797 persons had drug-related deaths. That’s almost 500 more people than those who died in car crashes over the same time period.

New York City is considered a worldwide hub for illicit drugs. Law enforcement officials call it a national hot spot for the illegal drug trade.

Opioid drugs prescribed by a doctor can provide powerful and effective short-term pain relief. However, prescription painkillers are not an effective, long-term solution for chronic pain.

Drugs like heroin and morphine are highly addictive. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself with a habit you didn’t know you had. That’s when many people turn to illicit street drugs like heroin to keep from going into withdrawal.

According to “The New York Times,” it is now possible to visit the McDonald’s restaurant just off Times Square and get a side order of drugs to go with your burger and fries. The police have been called more than 200 times to no avail.

The fast food joint is conveniently located in close proximity to methadone clinics and needle exchange programs.

Recent Relapse Research

According to the most recent relapse statistics, almost 90% of people with SUD revert to using within one year after treatment.

Researchers believe nearly 70% of people recovering from an SUD will relapse within weeks or months. Roughly 50% of people with an SUD relapse within 12 months.

Many individuals in recovery see relapse as part of the natural healing process. Countless successful and long-term recoveries are built on the lessons learned during a relapse.

Although it can happen anytime, the odds of relapsing continue to decrease the longer you are sober.

The longer you remain abstinent, the easier it will be for your brain to overcome the lingering toxic effects of harmful substances and active addiction.

Sixty percent of people who enter recovery remain clean and sober after two years. Upon reaching five years, the probability of relapse is only 15%.

A recent study published in the journal Addiction revealed that people in recovery who did not receive help with their SUDs were less likely to remain abstinent after three years.

Additional factors that predicted relapse at three years included a lack of belief in oneself and using avoidance as a coping mechanism.

Sobriety can be a rough ride. Most of us need all the help we can get. If you want someone to talk to, don’t wait. Call us day or night at Long Island Interventions for information, answered questions and how to get help.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/terms.html
https://for-ny.org/addiction-recovery-in-nys-history/
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statistics
https://drugabuse.com/addiction/relapse/
https://www.truhealingcenters.com/what-are-the-relapse-statistics/
https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/mental_health_and_substance_abuse/substance_abuse.htm
https://www.recoveryconnection.com/substance-abuse-statistics-by-state/new-york/
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/local-rehab-resources/new-york/
https://longislandinterventions.com/
https://serenityatsummit.com/new-york/manhattan/
https://www.lakeviewhealth.com/addiction-resources/addiction-treatment-for-professionals/workers-compensation-information/

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Published on: 2022-10-28
Updated on: 2024-03-08

In the past several years, the use of kratom has become more common. However, it is still a fairly new term to many people. Because of the effects it produces, people often use to self-treat pain, anxiety, depression or fatigue. Because it is not regulated and its risks are still being researched, statistics may underrepresent its prevalence. According to research of nearly 3.34 million adults in 2020, the lifetime use prevalence of kratom was 1.3%.[1] Although some users praise the substance and recommend it to others, there are potential dangers. A major danger is people substituting it for addiction treatment. Kratom cannot cure addiction.

What Is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa is the proper name for kratom, a tree in the same family as coffee.[2] It is cultivated in Africa and Southeast Asia. The plant has mu opioid partial agonists.[1] Kratom affects the brain’s natural opioid receptors to produce effects. Low doses of the substance make people feel more alert, and higher doses tend to produce feelings of pleasure, pain relief and sedation.[2] Historically, in regions where the plant comes from, people have used it for medicinal and religious ceremonial purposes.

Due to full effects still needing more research and the growing popularity of kratom, the Drug Enforcement Agency considers it a substance of concern.[1] Since it is unregulated now, the substance is marketed as safe. People often assume it is safe because it comes from a plant and is not produced through chemical processes. However, any substance that affects the brain must be treated with care. Heroin, oxycodone and other opioids people misuse often dangerously slow breathing and cause other serious risks.[3] It is unknown yet if kratom frequently has this effect on some or what other negative effects it may cause that may go unreported. Despite a gap in official research, the substance does have some reported potential side effects that enough people have experienced to be of concern.

Potential Side Effects of Kratom

Short-term use of kratom may come with some effects that subside when people stop taking it.[2] These are some potential kratom side effects:

• Altered mental state
• Constipation
• Tongue numbness or dry mouth
• Nausea or vomiting
• Aggression, irritability and anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Itching
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Insomnia

Also, kratom use or misuse could be linked to high blood pressure, heart attack or abnormal heart rhythm. Some people who have taken kratom have also experienced seizures.[2] Others have experienced liver problems and hypothyroidism that may be linked to kratom use.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Despite kratom being marketed as safe and not addictive, it can be addictive. This is especially true when people use it as a way to try to avoid addiction treatment. Because of how it affects the brain, it has addiction and abuse potential.[4] Kratom withdrawal can be unpleasant and comes with many potential symptoms.[5] These are some examples of possible kratom withdrawal symptoms:

• Blood pressure or heart rate changes
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Muscle aches and jerky movement
• Abdominal cramping
• Blurred vision or dilated pupils
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Fever, sweats and hot flashes
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting or nausea
• Watery eyes and runny nose
• Irritability and agitation
• Depression or anxiety
• Restless legs or tremors

Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal from kratom is not considered as dangerous as it is with prescription or illegal opioids.[6] In many cases, it feels like a bad cold. While some people may be told to detox and go through withdrawal at home, they should still be supervised by an addiction specialist. Withdrawing from any substance can come with cravings that lead a person to seek more of the substance or a different and more dangerous one. This is a key reason why supervision is important during the withdrawal timeline.

The kratom withdrawal timeline depends on a few factors. It depends on when the last dose was and how much was taken. Additionally, how long withdrawal lasts and how fast it starts depends on how long a person uses kratom and how much is typically used. Withdrawal symptoms normally start within 12 to 24 hours of the last dose. They could last between a few days and 10 days.

Kratom Detox and Tapering

Tapering involves taking fewer and smaller doses over a certain time.[6] This can be a more effective way to detox from kratom for many people. When a person tapers off kratom instead of stopping it suddenly, the side effects and withdrawal symptoms may be very mild. To taper off safely and effectively, it is important to talk to an addiction specialist who can recommend a schedule. Also, a doctor may be able to provide some supportive medications to ease unpleasant side effects for people who decide to stop taking it without tapering.

Detoxing From Kratom: Home or Facility?

Is it safe to detox at home? There is no specific answer that applies to all people. Some people may be able to detox or taper off kratom at home with only mild effects. However, others with a long addiction history may be better off in a facility. Only a doctor can determine whether a person should be supervised 24/7 in a facility or may safely detox at home. Health care providers consider addiction history, dosing, a person’s other health conditions and relapse risks.

Whether it takes place in a facility or at home, any detox plan should be supervised by a qualified health care provider. For example, with a home detox plan, doctor may simply require a person to schedule a few in-person or virtual visits to check in on how detox is going at home.

Benefits of Medical Detoxification for Kratom

These are the key benefits of working with a medical professional to detox at home or in a facility:

• Customized treatment plan
• Treatment addresses multiple needs
• Professional support
• Reduced relapse risks
• Access to supportive medications
• Assistance in long-term recovery planning

After finishing medical detox, the professionals who supervise patients can help them develop a strategy to stay in recovery. This may involve counseling, group meetings and other treatments. They can also suggest holistic or supportive treatments to help people develop healthier habits and meet friends who are also focused on staying in recovery.

Kratom Withdrawal Medications

There are several medications people may be prescribed during kratom detox at home or in a facility. Some may be less common and recommended for people with special health needs. For example, someone who is prone to seizures or experienced seizures after taking kratom may be prescribed a medication that others would not typically receive. Because the effects of withdrawal can be uncomfortable, medications are usually prescribed to offset the symptoms that cause discomfort.[6] These are some examples of medications that may help with kratom withdrawal:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Antidiarrheals
• Sleep aids

People who develop anxiety or depression may be prescribed different types of medications to treat those disorders. Also, some reports have been of people being treated for kratom withdrawal using buprenorphine-naloxone.[7] People with a long history of addiction to opioids before using kratom or chronic pain may need other supportive medications to get through withdrawal and work to overcome addiction.

Long-Term Outlook of Kratom Withdrawal

People who use kratom on a long-term basis can develop tremors, psychosis, more pigmentation in cheeks, weight loss and a loss of appetite.[2] As noted in the earlier section about side effects of kratom use, some of those side effects may linger after withdrawal. Also, some may be permanent. For instance, high blood pressure, kidney or liver damage, cardiac issues, and other physical effects may last a long time or be permanent.[2]

Is Kratom Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Kratom treatment may be covered by insurance. Every insurance plan differs in coverage and the extent of what it covers. However, all marketplace insurance plans are required by law to provide some coverage for addiction treatment that medical professionals deem necessary.[8] A treatment center can look up and discuss any specific insurance plan and its addiction treatment coverage provisions.

Learn More About Treatment for Kratom Withdrawal

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we are here to connect you with resources. We can give you information about interventions, detox and treatment options in the area. Please contact Long Island Interventions to learn more about kratom addiction treatment.

References
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32285981/
[2] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-kratom/
[3] https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-are-opioids-and-why-are-they-dangerous/
[4] https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/myths-about-kratom
[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/kratom-withdrawal#symptoms
[6] https://www.verywellmind.com/kratom-withdrawal-4586322
[7] https://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/Abstract/2021/04000/Treatment_of_Kratom_Withdrawal_and_Dependence_With.15.aspx
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5308192/

FAQ

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Published on: 2022-08-30
Updated on: 2024-03-08

Drug addiction costs a person many things. From valued relationships to actual cash, it’s hard to rack up the total value lost on a drug habit. However, we’re going to take a dive into determining the actual cash that an addict may spend on particular drugs to support their habit.

Prescription vs. Street Prices

Drug addiction can vary in cost depending on whether the addict is getting drugs through a medical prescription or on the street. The price of prescription drugs is set by the pharmaceutical companies. When it comes to purchasing drugs on the street, their price is determined by a number of different factors. These include:

• Current supply level
• General income of the area
• How lethal the drug is
• How difficult the drug is to obtain

In general, street prices for drugs will be higher in more affluent regions than in poverty-stricken areas. Drugs like cocaine that offer a more lethal effect on the body are going to be more expensive than drugs like marijuana. When it comes to determining a drug’s value, it’s vital that you be mindful of whether it was purchased in a legal manner or on the street.

Five of the Most Common Drug Addictions

Most rehabilitation facilities will focus on treating addictions for all five of the most common drugs utilized throughout the United States. These drugs include opioids, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and meth. These facilities also treat a number of other drug addictions.

Opioids

One of the most addictive drug types out there today is opioids. This general term covers a variety of substances that are grouped into painkillers. Most addicts who use opioids obtain them from a medical professional via a legal prescription. Some of the most common opioids used by individuals include Oxycodone, OxyContin, Fentanyl, Tramadol, and Norco.

Zeroing in on Oxycodone, a user can expect to pay about $0.33 per pill. When it comes to OxyContin, users pay about $6.52 per pill without insurance coverage. While many people start out by taking the average painkiller one to three times per day, their usage will increase over time.

This is because the endorphins that the brain releases when it receives an opioid can start to have reduced effects the longer the drug is taken. While prescription drug prices may not be overwhelming, many users will turn to buying opioids on the street due to an inability to get more pills via a prescription. The street value of opioids is estimated to be over four times that of their prescription cost.

Heroin

Heroin is a very addictive and deadly drug that has continued to sweep through the nation in recent years. While it doesn’t take a lot of heroin to reach a high, it can be expensive to buy. A single gram of heroin was estimated to cost about $152 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2016.

Most grams are sectioned off into baggies that cost anywhere between $5 and $20 to purchase. As one uses heroin, one can become highly addicted to it. And, their tolerance level increases, which requires them to take even more of the substance to feel the high.

Persons with severe heroin addictions have admitted to using between 10 and 15 bags of heroin in a day. That quickly adds up to just over $1,000 per week. Over a single year, a severe heroin user will spend an average of $52,000 to support their drug habit.

Cocaine

Cocaine is reported by the World Drug Report to cost between $25 and $200 per gram, depending on its purity level. This drug is well-known to have damaging effects on multiple organs of the body, including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, nose, throat, and heart.

Those with a consistent cocaine addiction will consume up to five grams per day on average. At a median cost of about $112 per gram, that adds up to $560 per day. In annual figures, a consistent cocaine addiction can cost up to $204,000 per year. Cocaine is noted to be one of the most expensive drug habits to possess.

Those who are looking for a cheaper addiction and a quicker high can turn to crack cocaine. This is technically a crystalized version of cocaine. Crack cocaine is inhaled through smoking, which allows it to reach the brain much quicker than traditional cocaine usage.

The price of crack ranges widely from a low of $18 to a high of $200 per gram. The average price reported by Vice is $60 per gram. With a five gram a day habit of crack cocaine, that can cost just over $109,000 per year.

Marijuana

It’s referred to by many names like Mary Jane, weed, pot, and grass. Marijuana has reached legalization in various states. However, its psychological dependency remains a big factor in addiction. Users will pay anywhere between $200 and $400 per ounce of marijuana with a medical card. Street prices are a bit higher, ranging from $200 to $425 per ounce.

The average addict will go through about one ounce of weed or more per day. That can add up very quickly to around $2,800 a week. In a year’s time, a marijuana addict can spend just under $150,000 a year on their drug habit.

Meth

Known formally as Methamphetamine, meth is a powerful stimulant that can quickly change the body and mind. It’s well-known for reducing a person’s coordination and impairing their visual learning ability. This is a very addictive drug where the user will create a tolerance over time. This will lead many users to increase their usage. Some even report using up to 1.75 grams per day.

The average price of meth can range greatly. The average price reported per gram goes from a low of $20 to a high of $60. With severe users, that totals up to around $105 per day. Over a year, that can end up costing a severe meth user over $38,000 to support their drug habit.

Drug Addiction Can Be Very Costly

With just a quick look at these five popular drugs that people get addicted to, it becomes overly clear just how costly a drug addiction can be. There are literally thousands of drugs that users can get addicted to. A great resource for finding out the street cost of any drug in a particular area of the country is StreetRx.com.

Those who suffer from addiction are likely to face other associated costs with their addiction. These include fees like incinerations, legal fees, loss of job expenses, and so forth. Drugs are just the very start of the financial burden that is addiction.

Not only can addiction be a large financial burden, but it can also affect an individual in many negative ways. From damaging their health to ruining relationships with loved ones, addiction can be very costly for anyone. Curbing addiction early on is one of the best ways to reduce its impact on a person’s financial life.

The Cost of Addiction Treatment Wins in the Long Run

It’s not uncommon for individuals to be wary about the price associated with drug addiction treatment. Just like any other medical treatment, addiction recovery requires professional medical experts that are paid for their knowledge and care of patients.

All it takes is looking at the financial cost of addiction from a long-term standpoint to see that addiction treatment is much cheaper. Instead of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on addiction, one can spend much less on recovery to stop the source of the spending. Even just looking at the cost of severe addiction over a five-year period can be astounding for many.

Apart from the financial benefit of seeking addiction help, one can gain lifelong coping skills for handling future addiction circumstances. Those who go through drug addiction recovery find that they gain their self-confidence along the way and better understand their motivations and behaviors. Professional recovery allows them to identify common stressors and develop great social skills without the need for substance use.

Drug Abuse Costs Everyone Money

While understanding how drug addiction affects the financial life of your loved one is important, it’s also crucial to look at drug abuse’s impact on society. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has stated that for every dollar that is invested in drug addiction treatment, it reduces drug-related crime, theft, and criminal justice costs by up to $7. That’s an amazing return on just a simple investment in addiction recovery.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse states that it’s much cheaper to provide successful addiction recovery treatment than the alternative of incarceration. They back up this statement with a total estimate of one year of meth treatment costing an average of $4,700 compared to one year in prison costing $24,000. That’s almost six times more expensive to have an addict end up in prison as opposed to sending them to a drug rehabilitation facility.

If you or a family member are experiencing addiction, it’s time to contact Long Island Interventions today for addiction help!

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Published on: 2022-07-29
Updated on: 2024-03-19

Are you worried about developing a drug or alcohol addiction? The truth is that there have been more than 700,000 overdose deaths since 2000, and 19.4 percent of the United States population has tried illicit substances at least once in their lives. When alcohol and tobacco are included in the addictive substances statistics, more than 60 percent of Americans are addicted, according to NCDAS. The good news is that you can learn how to avoid drug addiction with these tips.

1. Know Your Family History

If you want to take steps and learn how to avoid drug addiction, pay attention to your family history. The truth is that substance abuse has a bad habit of running in families. While your family may not speak of it, you can pay attention. Does Aunt Jane always have a cigarette in her mouth? Does Uncle Joe always have a beer in his hand? Does your cousin talk about this miracle substance that helps her get the house cleaning done super fast? The truth is that these individuals may all be addicts. Aunt Jane’s probably addicted to nicotine. Uncle Joe may be a high-functioning alcoholic. The cousin may be addicted to meth or cocaine. If you see signs of this or hear your immediate family members talk about another family member’s addiction, you can assume that addiction runs in your family, and you are predisposed to become addicted yourself.

2. Seek Mental Health Help if You Need It

Do mental health issues run in your family? Individuals who have family members with mental health issues are more likely to develop issues themselves. If you feel depressed, anxious or mentally out of control, seek the services of a licensed mental health provider. Many people with substance use disorder started by accident but kept using in order to self-medicate underlying mental health issues. If you want to avoid addiction, it’s best to seek treatment for any mental health issues you may have.

3. Just Say No to Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a big factor when it comes to trying new things. After all, if all your friends are into yoga, Pilates or long-distance biking, you’re more likely to try those things yourself. Of course, trying a new hobby or exercise routine isn’t a bad thing, but if those same friends are pressuring you into having a drink, trying vaping or taking this little pill that will help you avoid sleeping so you can study longer for your finals, you just need to say no and walk away.

If you become addicted to a substance, one of the things you’ll learn is how to avoid your triggers, and one of those triggers can be all those friends you hung out with to get high. It’s much easier to find new friends now than to beat an addiction and still have to find new sober friends.

4. Take Prescribed and OTC Meds as Directed

It goes without saying that you should only take medications that are prescribed to you by your doctor. Never take medications that are prescribed for someone else, and don’t accept or take mysterious pills from a friend or acquaintance that’s positive it’ll help you because it helps them. Only your doctor knows your medical history, and any medications prescribed to you are in the right dosages for the right times. If you are taking your medication correctly and it doesn’t seem to be working as intended, always talk to your doctor. They can prescribe a different medication or a different dosage or recommend another treatment option. Taking your prescribed medications in higher quantities can result in addiction to the substance.

5. Learning How to Avoid Drug Addiction Means Educating Yourself

One of the best ways to avoid addiction is to learn about it. In fact, it’s one of the first things individuals who enter substance abuse treatment learn. Take the time to learn how various substances affect the body and the mind, and how addiction changes the way the brain’s reward system works. You’ll also learn the signs of additions and some of the statistics.

6. Take Care of Your Physical Health

If your goal is figuring out how to avoid drug addiction, take care of your physical health by getting plenty of physical activity and the right amount of macro and micro-nutrients in your diet. Exercise can help you control your weight. It can help prevent or control certain chronic conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. It can help improve your mood. It helps dissipate stress, and it boosts energy. You may also find yourself sleeping better. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can also help prevent or control certain chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. It can also improve your mood and your energy levels. It can help your memory and brain health, and eating a balanced diet can even help you sleep better, which helps you feel refreshed in the morning. The truth is that if you already feel good, you’ll be less likely to take a substance that artificially improves your mood and causes you to feel less stressed.

7. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental condition, it’s a good idea to monitor your stress levels and moods and take appropriate action when you do not feel mentally well. Everyone feels unhappy, angry, frustrated, depressed, stressed, anxious, overworked and underappreciated at some point in their lives. The trick is to recognize when you feel this way and take steps to lower your stress. This can mean going for a walk, taking a mental health day from work or seeking the services of a counselor to help you work through some immediate issues in your life so that you can move forward in a positive, healthy manner.

8. Take Me Time and Don’t Feel Ashamed

Learning how to avoid drug addiction means putting yourself first. If you’re always caring for other people or putting your work life and family’s life ahead of your own, you may be more stressed than you need to be. Remember to take time for yourself. This can mean going on a walk or a hike, participating in a hobby or going to the spa. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you take the time you need to rest, relax and recharge. When you’re taking care of yourself, you’ll be better able to take care of those around you.

9. Develop Good Coping Skills

It’s important to understand that life has daily stressors and learning how to avoid drug addiction means learning coping skills. The dog poo’d on the carpet. The coffee shop was out of your favorite flavor. Your boss doesn’t understand practical time frames, and that one obnoxious coworker is on your last nerve. For individuals with substance use disorder, their answer to dealing with daily life stressors is to have a drink, eat a pill or take a hit. While taking a substance may ensure you don’t care about what happened, it doesn’t deal with the cause. If the dog poo’d on the carpet, clean it up and put the dog outside if you have a fenced backyard. If the coffee shop is out of your favorite flavor, choose your second favorite. If work is being too demanding, research solutions and makes your case to your boss. If your coworker is on your last nerve, find a professional way to tell him or her to silence themselves. In addition to handling stressful situations at the moment, you can also find someone to talk to. Having a listening ear can help you process what just happened and help you develop solutions. You can also start exercising, practice meditation or yoga, and you can write down your thoughts and your feelings about a situation to help you process and learn from it.

10. Do Your Best to Avoid High-Stress Situations

Figuring out how to avoid drug addiction in your life means controlling the number of stressful situations you encounter. Take some time to do some internal reflection on the things that stress you out or provoke the worst stress responses. If you don’t like noise or crowds, do your best to avoid both. If you have a particular friend or family member that adds to your stress, limit your contact with them. It’s also helpful to know what you can and cannot handle. If you can’t handle another task or social obligation, say no and set boundaries. If you’re not sure, you can start a stress journal. In the journal, write down what stressed you and your reaction. Then, brainstorm possible solutions if you ever encounter that situation again. If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, reframe the problem, look at the big picture and adjust your standards.

By learning these tips on how to avoid drug addiction, you are taking control of your life, handling your stress and dealing with problems at the moment instead of letting them bottle up and boil over. If you find yourself needing help for substance use disorder so that you can take back control of your life, Long Island Interventions can help. Call us today so that you can start living a healthy, productive life!

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Published on: 2022-05-26
Updated on: 2024-03-08