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Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Murfreesboro TN

Why Is Alcohol Relapse So Common?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Relapse, Support.

When you take the first steps to recovery to get help for your alcohol use disorder (AUD), it is only natural to feel good about the progress you make as you complete detox and your initial partial hospitalization (PHP) or intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment. However, one question on most people’s minds when recovering from AUD is, “Why is alcohol relapse so common?” 

What Is Alcohol Relapse?

Alcohol relapse is when you stop following your aftercare treatment, which could include attending meetings, following a structured routine, and returning to drinking. This “slip-up” could be a one-time occurrence where you find yourself weak and give in. A single occurrence, while considered a relapse, is often called a lapse because it is a singular event. 

A complete relapse is when you fall back into your old habits and resume drinking at your former levels and frequency of use. In other words, a full relapse is like you never underwent detox and addiction treatment for your AUD.   

Why Is Alcohol Relapse So Common? 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40% and 60% of people experience a relapse within their first year of AUD treatment. Part of the reason for such high relapse rates is some people feel overconfident in their ability to remain sober. Unfortunately, this overconfidence can leave them underprepared to properly manage their triggers and cravings. 

Another reason for high relapse rates is that people stop working on their programs. They may skip meetings and individual therapy sessions. They might stop following their structured routine and slowly slip back into former habits, like not exercising or eating unhealthily. 

Other causes for relapse include:

Not Being Aware of “Hidden” Triggers

Triggers are those things that can bring about cravings for alcohol and prior alcohol use. They can be related to objects, people, locations, and events. Some people do not fully uncover their triggers during rehab, especially during the first year of recovery. Some remain “hidden” away, leaving themself vulnerable because they have not yet developed effective coping skills.  

Placing Oneself in Situations of Extreme Anxiety and Stress

In the past, the way an individual dealt with extreme anxiety and stress was to drink. However, now that a person is working on their sobriety, it can be very challenging to remain sober when put into similar situations. Even though meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help, when anxiety and stress become too much to manage, it could result in relapse. 

The Recovery Environment Is Unsupportive and Unhealthy

In some situations, it is the recovery environment the person returns to after AUD treatment. For example, if there are other people in the household with substance use problems, it can leave the person feeling vulnerable as they can feel pressured to give in. In addition, when there is a lack of support in the home, it can make it seem like the person in recovery is all alone. Even though they know they are not the only person recovering from AUD, the sense of isolation in one’s home can be enough to cause a relapse. 

Does the Risk of Alcohol Relapse Ever Decline?

Fortunately, the longer an individual can remain sober, the lower the risk of alcohol relapse. According to research data provided by the National Library of Medicine, approximately 60% of those recovering from AUD maintain their sobriety for life once they reach this milestone. Furthermore, the risk of alcohol relapse during year two drops to around 22%. Should a person make it to year three sober, their risk of relapse drops to about 10% for years three, four, and five. After five years, the risk of relapse is still possible, but it is less likely to occur. 

What Should I Do If I Relapse?

If you relapse, it is essential to move past the relapse to get back on track with your AUD recovery using the following tips:

  1. Discontinue drinking and undergo medically supervised detox as soon as possible. Even if you only resumed drinking for a short time, you can still experience unpleasant and intense withdrawal symptoms. So, going through supervised detox is recommended.
  2. Do not beat yourself up because you “slipped up.” It is easy to blame our shortcomings and hold ourselves accountable by being very harsh on ourselves. However, this is counterproductive to recovery. Instead, accept that you have relapsed and seek support to become stronger and reduce the risk of relapsing again. 
  3. Work on uncovering “hidden” triggers. It is essential to continue to identify triggers throughout your recovery journey. The more undercover, the better equipped you can become at managing them effectively.
  4. Continue working on your coping skills and methods. To become more resistant to relapse, you must constantly improve your coping skills and methods. If you find some are no longer effective, discard them and replace them with new ones. 
  5. Enhance your relapse prevention plan. Your relapse prevention plan should help prevent relapse. However, when it does not, you need to re-evaluate it and make changes to strengthen it. 
  6. Re-establish and maintain support networks. You are not alone in your recovery. Nor are you the only person who has ever relapsed. Seek the support you need through your support network.

AUD Relapse Detox and Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN 

If you relapse and want to take the steps to get back on track with your recovery, Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, TN, is here to help. We offer personalized AUD relapse detox and addiction treatment programs. Get the help and support you need by contacting us today.

A woman discusses the Signs you need rehab.

The Long-Term Effects of Addiction on Children

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Mental Health.

Addiction does not just affect the person suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD). Instead, addiction impacts those around us, including our spouses, partners, parents, friends, and children. Unfortunately, the effects of addiction on children can be long-term and have far-reaching consequences on their mental and physical health and well-being. 

How Many Children Are Exposed to SUDs?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in eight children lives with at least one parent with a substance use disorder. In addition, one in thirty-five children lived in a household where at least one parent has a drug use disorder. Furthermore, one in ten children lives in homes where at least one parent has an alcohol use disorder. 

In two-parent homes, the research discovered that around 6.1 million children lived in homes with at least one parent suffering from alcohol use disorder. Also, 2.1 million children lived in homes with at least one parent suffering from drug use disorder.

Among single-parent homes, 1.4 million children were raised by a parent with an alcohol use disorder. Additionally, about 540,000 children were in homes where the parent had a drug use disorder. 

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Addiction on Children?

Addiction impacts children differently depending on their family dynamic, the number of siblings, and support from friends and adults outside the some, such as teachers. It also depends on whether they see their parents drinking excessively or using drugs in front of them. Regardless, it is crucial to understand the effects of addiction on children.

Increased Risk of Abuse

In households where at least one parent has a SUD, they are three times more likely to physically or sexually abuse their children, as reported by the National Institutes of Health. The research also concluded that when a parent with SUD physically or sexually abuses a child, approximately 50 percent will commit some type of crime and be arrested while a juvenile. 

Furthermore, about 40 percent of these children are likely to commit a violent crime, such as physical assault or sexual assault. 

Physical and Mental Effects

Physical and mental effects can begin when the child is still in the uterus and not yet born. Women who drink and use drugs while pregnant risk having children with development issues, congenital disabilities, and other long-term mental health concerns. 

Other effects children can experience include:

  • Isolation
  • Loneliness
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Malnutrition
  • Dental problems
  • Hygiene problems
  • Depression
  • Self-Harm
  • Self-Destructive behaviors
  • Violence and anger issues
  • Increased risk-taking
  • Developmental issues
  • PTSD

Emotional Effects

Many children experience the emotional effects of addiction as well. They can have attachment and relationship problems at home and when attempting to form friendships and relationships with their peers. This is in part to what they believe is normal behavior based on their own at-home experiences.

For example, they can believe that physical or sexual assault is normal and how your show affection towards another. Furthermore, they can have issues expressing their emotions and not fully understanding their feelings. For instance, they may lack empathy towards others because they do not understand this feeling. 

Behavioral Effects

The behavioral effects of addiction on children can cause them to have to take on adult roles and responsibilities. For example, tweens and teens will often have to take on the role of being the primary caregiver for younger siblings. They may also have to pay bills, shop for groceries, do laundry, prepare meals, and manage the home. 

Conversely, tweens and teens may turn to substances to deal with the added stress and anxiety of living in a home where addiction is present. As a result, they could develop a substance use disorder themselves. 

Younger children can act out negatively, such as throwing temper tantrums. This is their way of letting others know they require attention, even if it means getting in trouble.

What Can Be Done to Help Children?

In recent years, child welfare services have become more involved with removing children from homes where SUDs are present. In 2000, only 18.5 percent of children were removed from their homes. However, as more has been learned about the effects of addiction on children, this number has grown to 38.9 percent as of 2019, according to the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare.   

There have also been efforts to raise awareness about child safety. For example, the entire month of November is Child Safety and Protection Month. Throughout the month, parents and those concerned about the welfare of children can access a wide range of resources and topics ranging from making the home child-friendly to how to help children in homes where they are neglected and abused. 

Furthermore, there are more resources for children to get help, including teachers, drug rehab centers, coaches, school counselors, religious leaders, and various SUD support organizations like Alateen. 

Parents can also take an active role by seeking help for their addiction. Part of their addiction recovery treatment needs to include dedicated treatment for the entire family, such as family counseling and individual counseling for children. 

Detox and Addiction Treatment for Families in Murfreesboro, TN 

Tulip Hill in Murfreesboro, TN, provides detox and addiction treatment for families where one or both parents struggle with substance misuse. Our family programs can be personalized to fit your family’s specific needs to help start the healing process and recovery. For further information or to start detox and treatment today, contact us today.

veterans addicted to opioids

Are Veterans Becoming Addicted to Opioids?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Drug Addiction, Opioids, Substance Addiction.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Centers for Disease Control, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die from an opioid overdose than the civilian population. In addition, approximately two thirds of veterans have chronic pain that requires pain management. Unfortunately, from 2001 to 2009, military doctors wrote almost 3.8 million prescriptions for opioids, more than quadrupling the number written in 2001, resulting in an increase in veterans addicted to opioids.

The Importance of National Veterans and Military Families Month

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. The Department of Defense (DOD) recognizes the important role families play in providing support for transitioning veterans. The month-long recognition aims to increase awareness of new programs and other resources available to military families and veterans.  

Some of these programs provide support for family members and veterans struggling with pain and opioid use disorders. They can provide access to resources to better help families understand what they can do to support their loved ones and encourage and support addiction recovery without becoming an enabler. 

Why Do Veterans Abuse Opioids? 

Most veterans do not intentionally misuse opioids. Instead, the misuse of opioids comes about gradually as a result of being prescribed opioids to treat pain and related injuries once the veteran returns home from active duty. Since most veterans experience chronic pain, the use of opioids long-term results in dependence. 

Unfortunately, the longer opioids are taken, the body builds up a tolerance to them. So, the veteran taking the prescription drugs starts to notice their pain is not subsiding. So, sadly, they start self-regulating their dosage and increasing it until their pain subsides. 

Gradually, from self-medicating, the dependence on opioids becomes an addiction. At this point, they may take substantial doses of opioids and believe they cannot function without them. Some veterans may also turn to street opioids when they cannot get the number of prescription drugs needed to support their addiction. 

Veteran Opioid Addiction Statistics

In 2013, the VA launched an Opioid Safety Initiative to address the increase in opioid misuse by veterans. With the launch of the new initiative, the VA successfully reduced the number of prescription opioids being administered to veterans from more than 679,000 in 2012 to around 247,000 in 2020 – a reduction of 64 percent. 

Even with these efforts, the rate of opioid overdoses rose 53 percent from 2010 to 2019. Unfortunately, veterans are still twice as likely to overdose from opioids compared to the civilian population.  

How Are Veterans Being Impacted by the Opioid Epidemic?

The opioid epidemic is impacting veterans due to the accessibility of prescription opioids in the civilian sector. Even if they cannot obtain them through the VA, they can still get them through civilian healthcare providers. In addition, street opioids are often easily obtainable when one knows where to look. 

Veterans with opioid use disorders often have the following in common:

  • They deployed multiple times. 
  • They witnessed combat or some other highly traumatic experience. 
  • They exhibit the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD. 

Since the military has strict drug abuse policies, active duty service personnel turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. As a result, they often develop addictive tendencies while on active duty. In addition, they have access to prescription opioids to treat pain while on active duty. 

Once they leave active duty and transition to veteran status, they will have already laid the groundwork for substance misuse. Unfortunately, substance misuse often becomes more prevalent since veterans no longer have to adhere to active-duty drug abuse policies.  

Signs Veterans Are Becoming Addicted to Opioids

Some specific signs and symptoms indicate veterans are becoming addicted to opioids, including the following:

  • Self-regulating opioid drug use.
  • Losing interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed.
  • Associating with other people who misuse substances.
  • Isolating from family and friends.
  • Lack of personal hygiene. 
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss. 
  • Attempting to obtain multiple prescriptions of opioids.
  • Stealing opioids from others.
  • Exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
  • Impaired thinking, concentration, and focus.
  • Making rash and impulsive decisions.
  • Having financial problems.
  • Frequent mood swings.
  • Easily irritated or angered.
  • Depression and paranoia.
  • Engaging in drug-seeking behaviors.
  • Substituting prescription opioids with street opioids. 

How to Help Veterans Addicted to Opioids

Opioid use disorder is a disease that is treatable when you or a veteran you care about wants help. However, you should never force veterans addicted to opioids to seek treatment, as they will usually relapse. 

For detox and addiction treatment to be successful, one must be willing and ready to seek help for their opioid addiction. As a family member of a veteran, you can educate yourself about addiction and what you can do to encourage your loved one to seek treatment. 

You can also join family support groups and go to individual counseling to learn how to avoid enabling your loved one’s addiction. In addition, you could have an interventionist stage an intervention to make your loved one more aware of how their addiction impacts your family. 

Opioid Detox and Addiction Treatment for Veterans in Murfreesboro, TN 

Tulip Hill in Murfreesboro, TN, supports and assists veterans addicted to opioids and their families. We offer medically supervised detox with customizable treatment plans for opioid use disorder and co-occurring disorders. To learn more about opioid addiction or to start detox and addiction treatment, contact us today. 

first responder in therapy for PTSD

First Responder PTSD Symptoms You Should Know

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health, PTSD, Stories.

First responders usually are the first on the scene of emergencies. They are exposed to stressful, life-threatening, and disturbing situations. While first responders are trained to handle these situations, they can still develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If you or a loved one is a first responder, you should be aware of first responder PTSD symptoms. 

How Likely is PTSD in First Responders?

First responders like firefighters, police officers, nurses, and EMTs are exposed to multiple traumatic events as part of their job. This exposure could even occur daily. For example, a firefighter might have to see someone die in a fire. A police officer might witness their partner being killed. An EMT could see someone severely injured in a car accident and realize there is nothing they can do to prevent them from dying. 

As a result of repeated exposure, it can become difficult to process each event. It is in our nature to be empathetic when we see others in a distressing situation. First responders are trained to set aside their emotions and focus on doing their job. However, this can be quite challenging in traumatic situations. 

In recent years, research suggests first responders live with an increased risk of PTSD. Over 80 percent of first responders are exposed to some form of traumatic experience, and 10 to 15 percent develop PTSD, according to medical journal database 12 nofollow noopener noreferrer3>Science Direct.

As reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), research suggests that one in three first responders will develop PTSD during their careers. Out of all first responder careers, EMTs have the highest risk of a PTSD diagnosis. 

How Is PTSD Diagnosed?

PTSD is diagnosed based on the symptoms the person is experiencing and other specific criteria, as follows:

  • Experiencing one avoidance symptom.
  • Experiencing two or more mood and cognition symptoms.
  • Reliving the experience at least once through dreams and flashbacks.
  • Having two or more reactive and arousal symptoms. 

Additionally, the symptoms and criteria must occur for at least one month or longer to be considered PTSD.

First Responder PTSD Symptoms You Should Know 

Avoidance symptoms are when the person avoids specific people, objects, places, or events associated with the traumatic event. They can also include attempting to avoid feelings and thoughts related to the event. 

Mood and cognition symptoms are common after a traumatic experience and usually subside within a few weeks. They could include feelings of guilt, shame, self-blame, or self-loathing. In addition, a person could have problems recalling specific details about the event. Another symptom is losing interest in activities and hobbies one used to enjoy. 

Reactive and arousal symptoms can become persistent and make it difficult to focus on work, eating, and relationships. They can make the person seem constantly angry and stressed. Other symptoms could include insomnia, constantly feeling tense, irrational outbursts of anger, and being constantly on guard. 

Furthermore, reliving the experience through dreams and flashbacks could occur even while awake. A triggering event could occur, causing the flashback. During a flashback, the person can seem frightened, afraid, and withdrawn. 

How To Treat PTSD in First Responders

PTSD treatment for first responders is similar to treating others with PTSD. Some effective treatment options include:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This therapy helps first responders examine their negative thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. 
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT helps first responders address thought patterns, such as their view they must appear in control at all times or viewing situations as “all or nothing.” 
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDM). This therapy allows the first responder to focus on specific emotions and feelings associated with particular parts of the trauma rather than relive the entire experience. It also helps replace negative responses with positive ones to help them move forward.

Why First Responders need PTSD Support Groups

Many first responders have problems acknowledging when they have PTSD. They learn to be tough no matter the situation they experience. Furthermore, any display of vulnerability goes against what they learned. 

PTSD support groups for first responders are essential to allowing a safe space for them to talk about their experiences without judgment. Support groups can also be therapeutic and help them begin to address their trauma because they know they are not the only first responder dealing with PTSD. 

In addition, many first responders turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with their PTSD. While they may appear outwardly fine, they are struggling inside. Using substances can seem like an acceptable solution to being able to feel more normal. Unfortunately, continued use leads to dependence and addiction. 

As such, having access to support groups could potentially help first responders from developing addictions.

PTSD and Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN

First responders can rely on Tulip Hill in Murfreesboro, TN, to provide the help they need when they are struggling with PTSD and addiction. We offer personalized dual-diagnosis treatment programs to treat both disorders in a supportive and caring environment. Take the first steps to overcome your trauma and addiction by contacting us today. 

trauma survivor begins EMDR therapy

Benefits of EMDR for Trauma Survivors

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Substance Addiction.

It can be challenging to move past a prior traumatic experience and overcome feelings of hurt, fear, pain, and guilt. You may become depressed and feel like you are to blame. Unfortunately, many people who struggle with trauma turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms, leading to addiction. Fortunately, EMDR for trauma survivors can help overcome the trauma when undergoing addiction treatment. 

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a type of psychotherapy. It was created in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro. The therapy involves using various rapid eye movements along with a second form of stimuli, such as a tapping sound, to help the individual focus on specific moments related to their traumatic experience. 

Another component of EMDR is using the adaptive information processing (AIP) model. This model teaches the patient how to use positive experiences and focus on those while addressing negative emotions and feelings associated with their traumatic experience. 

In addition, rather than verbally talking about the traumatic experience, EMDR requires the patient to focus mentally on specific parts of the experience and gradually let go of the negative emotions and feelings associated with each piece.

How an EMDR Therapy Session Works

An EMDR therapy session moves through different phases. It can require more than just a few therapy sessions to work through each of the different phases. There are eight phases a person will move through with assistance from their therapist as follows:

Phase 1: Patient History and Treatment Plan

Before you can begin EMDR, the therapist needs to learn more about your traumatic event and personal history, including substance misuse, to create an appropriate treatment plan. The therapist will involve you when creating your treatment plan, so you feel comfortable with the treatment objectives.

Phase 2: EMDR Therapy Preparation

In this phase, the therapist will review how EMDR works and the techniques involved, and answer any questions you may have. They can also walk you through multiple exercises to help you be prepared for your EMDR experience.

Phase 3: Assessment

In the assessment phase, you work with the therapist to uncover your triggers related to your traumatic experience. Next, you determine what emotional impacts the trigger has on you. Then work with the therapist to learn how to use positive experiences to help you address and let go of your negative emotions and feelings tied to the trigger.

Phase 4: Desensitization

This phase is where you begin the actual EMDR therapy. First, the therapist will guide you through the rapid eye movements and serve as a guide as you focus on one specific part of the trauma. Then, once you have focused on it, you will use the skills you learned in the previous phase to apply positive experiences to it.

Phase 5: Installation

Installation is the process where you continue to apply positive experiences to replace negative feelings and emotions.

Phase 6: Reevaluation

Once you move to the sixth phase, you and the therapist will reevaluate the trigger to determine if the trauma associated with it has been fully addressed. If it has not, then you will repeat phases four and five until it is. 

Next, you and the therapist will return to phase three and address the next trigger. This process continues until all trigger points associated with the trauma have been treated.

Phase 7: Closure

The closure phase is a crucial phase. You and the therapist will review your traumatic event to determine whether all the negative feelings and emotions associated with it have been addressed. Your therapist will also ask if you feel your emotional responses to the event have improved. 

If not, you will return to phase three and continue the process. You will do so until you are satisfied your emotional state is much improved.

Phase 8: Final Reevaluation 

The last phase is a review of all the previous phases with your therapist. The objective is to ensure you developed sufficient coping skills and can apply them when you feel a trigger related to your trauma. 

If you feel you are not yet capable of doing so, or if your trauma has not been resolved, you go through the phases again. This allows you to continue working on improving your coping skills until you are confident you can apply them when needed. 

The Benefits of EMDR for Trauma Survivors with Addictions

EMDR is not just for treating traumatic experiences. This therapy can be used to help treat addiction as well. It helps the patient focus on specific aspects of addictive behaviors and identifies the emotional responses experienced. The same phases are used to help release any negative emotions and feelings associated with the addiction while replacing them with positive ones.

Other benefits of EMDR for trauma survivors with addictions include:

  • It is a drug-free treatment method.
  • It can help the patient understand how their trauma led to addiction.
  • It makes it easier to process events by focusing on one specific point at a time.
  • It enables the patient to learn effective coping skills for trauma and addiction. 
  • Ongoing EMDR in aftercare can help the patient maintain sobriety.

EMDR Therapy for Trauma Survivors with Addiction in Murfreesboro, TN

At Tulip Hill in Murfreesboro, TN, we can help you take the first steps to overcome your traumatic experience and addiction with our customizable treatment programs. We offer EMDR therapy and other effective forms of psychotherapy while providing a caring, safe, and supportive environment. Contact us today for further information about EMDR or to start your treatment.

man with polysubstance abuse

What Is Polysubstance Abuse?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Stories, Substance Addiction.

What is polysubstance abuse? In recent years, misusing popular drug cocktails, consisting of a mixture of more than one substance, has become popular among teenagers and young adults. The practice of polysubstance abuse provides a more intense high than misusing a single substance. However, the trend is equally dangerous and can lead to accidental overdose and death.

What Is Polysubstance Abuse?

While misusing drug cocktails is one form of polysubstance abuse, it does not fully define this term and associated behaviors. To get a better idea of what polysubstance abuse is, you need to understand the following behaviors:

  1. The person simultaneously misuses two or more substances. For example, they may drink alcohol while also snorting cocaine. 
  2. The misuse can be international or unintentional. Sometimes a person does not know they are misusing multiple substances, like when they believe the heroin they are using is pure, but it was mixed with fentanyl. 
  3. The misuse can include mixing both illicit and legal substances. For instance, they could smoke marijuana laced with ketamine. 
  4. The person does not discriminate or favor one substance over another. So, for example, they could mix alcohol with MDMA one night and snort cocaine and take Adderall another night.  

In addition, many people suffering from polysubstance abuse tend to engage in binging behaviors. Furthermore, they are addicted to getting high, not any one particular substance. So, they will take just about any combination of alcohol and drugs.

Common Polysubstance Combinations

While most people with polysubstance use disorder do not discriminate regarding what drugs they take or whether they drink alcohol, certain combinations are more commonly taken than others. 

Alcohol and Cocaine

Alcohol is a depressant, and misuse lowers inhibitions while making one feel relaxed. Mixing alcohol with cocaine, a stimulant, increases energy levels while boosting one’s euphoric state. 

Opioids and Benzos

Both opioids and benzos are depressants. Opioids can make you feel happy, relaxed, and euphoric. Combining benzo with opioids can enhance these effects. 

Cocaine and Heroin

Cocaine can make you feel excited, full of energy, and very alert. Heroin can cause a sense of detachment and relaxation. Mixing the drugs can lower one’s inhibitions while causing a euphoric state. 

Signs and Symptoms of Polysubstance Abuse

The signs and symptoms of polysubstance abuse can be difficult to notice, mainly because of the substances being misused. However, some of the more common signs and symptoms could include the following:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Weight gain or weight loss
  • Mood swings
  • Changes in energy levels
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Poor decision making
  • Engaging in more risky behavior
  • Lowered inhibitions
  • Overly talkative

In addition, as dependence and addiction become more prevalent, the individual will feel and believe they cannot function without being under the influence of multiple substances.

Dangers of Polysubstance Abuse

According to the 12 nofollow noopener noreferrer3>Centers for Disease Control (CDC), roughly half of the drug overdose deaths in 2019 resulted from mixing multiple drugs. Drug overdose deaths that year amounted to 70,980, as reported by the National Vital Statistics Rapid Release division of the CDC. Therefore, around 35,490 overdose deaths occurred as a result of polysubstance abuse. 

Dangers of Mixing Multiple Stimulants

Stimulants like cocaine, MDMA, and meth increase heart rates and can increase the risks of heart attack and stroke. They can also make it difficult to breathe and cause tremors and seizures. 

Dangers of Mixing Multiple Depressants

Depressants, such as opioids and benzos, slow down breathing and heart rates. Mixing multiple depressants can result in passing out, coma, heart failure, and respiratory failure. 

Dangers of Mixing Stimulants and Depressants

Some people believe that if they mix stimulants with depressants, they can counteract the effects of the substances. However, what actually occurs is one substance can hide the effects of the other substance. As such, one can believe the substances are not working and take even larger doses, resulting in accidental overdose. 

Detoxing from Polysubstance Abuse

Detox withdrawal symptoms occur as soon as the substances start to wear off and leave the body. As they do, the withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how long polysubstance abuse has been occurring. 

Common withdrawal symptoms could include:

  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excess sweating
  • “The shakes”
  • Seizures
  • Muscle spasms
  • Muscle and body aches and pains
  • Abdominal pain and cramping

Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms can worsen and become more intense the longer one goes without substances. Therefore, attempting to detox from multiple substances by quitting “cold turkey” is highly discouraged.

Instead, medically supervised detox in a clinical setting is highly encouraged to detox from polysubstance abuse safely. This type of detox provides 24-7 supervision with access to healthcare professionals to help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, you often have access to the treatment facility’s amenities, such as psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, activities, exercise equipment, and prepared meals. So, you can start to take the steps to live your life drug-free while completing detox. 

Polysubstance Abuse Detox and Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN

If you are ready to take the first steps to overcome your polysubstance abuse, detox and addiction treatment are available in Murfreesboro, TN, at Tulip Hill. We offer personalized treatment programs in a caring and supportive environment to help you succeed. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you find your recovery path from polysubstance abuse.

woman smoking out of her window

Ketamine Abuse & Addiction: Signs, Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Drug Addiction, Stories.

Across the world, there is a belief among some ketamine users that ketamine is not addictive and that it can be used without risk of dependence. However, this view is unfortunately dangerous and untrue.

Ketamine abuse can cause addiction, and the side effects of ketamine can be very unpleasant in the long term. But what is ketamine, why is it used, and what treatments are available? Find out in this blog.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a 12 nofollow noopener noreferrer3 target=”_blank”>Schedule III controlled substance primarily used for anesthetic purposes and medical procedures among humans and animals. It was first manufactured in 1962 and used on dogs and horses. However, it was employed extensively as a general anesthesia during the Vietnam War.

Since the 1990s, ketamine has widely been used as a recreational drug. It was initially found in party settings – many people who abuse ketamine begin taking it in this way.

Whether utilized in medical settings or recreationally, people who use ketamine experience dissociative anesthesia, a trance-like state that provides pain relief, sedation, and amnesia. Sadly, due to ketamine’s ability to render users unable to move, it has been employed as a date rape drug.

When people use ketamine, they often do so to experience the effects of the drug, which include:

  • Euphoria
  • Sedation
  • Hallucinations
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Reduced depression
  • Pain relief
  • Out of body experiences
  • Extreme dissociation

Ketamine Abuse

While people tend to start taking ketamine for recreational purposes, using ketamine regularly can cause users to develop an addiction. If they suddenly stop consuming the drug, they often experience withdrawal symptoms. Although ketamine is rarely associated with physical dependence, it does result in psychological dependence.

As a result, side effects of ketamine abuse include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Decreased mental functioning
  • Forgetfulness
  • Psychosis

Over time, ketamine abuse can cause irreversible damage to the bladder and cause bladder shrinkage. There is also evidence that ketamine abuse can cause damage to other organs. Unfortunately, bladder problems that arise due to ketamine abuse can be so severe that the bladder must be removed. However, this is far more likely when high doses are taken for long periods.

In addition to the above, when ketamine is injected, it can cause infections and damaged veins.

Ketamine Addiction

As with other drugs, ketamine use is often initially infrequent. However, over time, it may be used every day. As ketamine addiction progresses, tolerance creeps up, and the amount the user needs to take to feel high increases.

Users of ketamine have been known to take multiple grams of ketamine in a single day, with increasingly severe side effects felt.

Ketamine Withdrawal

Ketamine withdrawal, while not life-threatening or physical, can be just as unpleasant as withdrawal from other drugs.

Usually, ketamine withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Cravings
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Dysphoria
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Palpitations
  • Fatigue
  • Low appetite
  • Chills
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations

These symptoms start within 24 hours of the last dose of ketamine and continue for around one week. The severity of ketamine withdrawal symptoms depend on a person’s:

  • age.
  • health.
  • metabolism.
  • history of ketamine use.

Withdrawal symptoms are also dependent on the dosage taken.

In the acute stage of withdrawal, cravings are intense, and relapse happens often. For this reason, those who use ketamine and develop an addiction require professional support.

Ketamine Addiction Treatment

The most effective treatment for ketamine addiction happens in treatment centers. While there are other treatment options where elements of ketamine addiction can be addressed, treatment centers can be thought of like a one-stop shop for addressing all aspects of ketamine addiction.

Addiction treatment for ketamine looks much the same as treatment for other drugs. Treatment methods include:

  • Medication. Medication is administered to help ease ketamine withdrawal symptoms. If it becomes apparent that the person with the substance use disorder also has a co-occurring disorder, additional medication may be available.
  • Group sessions. One of the primary methods of facilitating recovery at treatment centers is group sessions. In group sessions, clients look at the problems they have been facing, factors contributing to their substance abuse, and how relapse can be prevented in the future. It can be tremendously helpful to examine these problems with other people going through the same process as many in recovery find they can take comfort from this and seek additional support.
  • Individual sessions. Another important element of rehab treatment is the use of one-to-one sessions. These sessions often involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps clients to see that much of their drug abuse was caused by faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking. By correcting these thought processes, clients can see things more clearly, lessening their chance of relapse in the future.

Ketamine as an Antidepressant

Over the years, research has been carried out to determine whether ketamine can alleviate depression. Though results look promising for people who have treatment-resistant depression, ketamine is an addictive drug. As a result, it should not be used as a medication among those with a substance use disorder.

However, due to these findings, many people with depression and substance abuse problems believe that ketamine is suitable. Unfortunately, though, this is not true.

While people who have not previously had substance abuse problems might be able to use ketamine to treat depression without the risk of addiction, this is not a realistic option for people with an addiction.

Instead, many different treatments are available for depression, many of which can be found in rehab centers, like our own.

Support Groups for Ketamine Addiction

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) first began in Akron, Ohio, in 1935. It was developed by Bob Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, two people who had previously been problem drinkers. Since then, AA has branched out in many different directions and now offers people recovering from a wide range of addictive substances and behaviors the ability to gain recovery.

While some groups, such as Cocaine Anonymous and Heroin Anonymous, cater to people recovering from substance use disorders from specific substances, there is no such group for former ketamine abusers.

This is not a problem, though, as Narcotics Anonymous welcomes all who previously had a substance abuse problem.

While Narcotics Anonymous is not an alternative to attending addiction treatment, it works as excellent aftercare for people who have previously attended a treatment center. Although attending a treatment center is not essential for admittance to Narcotics Anonymous, and all people are welcome, it can be helpful to go to treatment beforehand.

Conclusion

Ketamine is an addictive and dangerous drug that can cause serious harm to people who take it habitually. Withdrawal can be excruciating and often requires the user to stay in a treatment center for chronic ketamine abuse.

Ketamine treatment also involves learning why a person began using ketamine in the first place and how to prevent relapse in the weeks, months, and years that follow treatment.

If you have a problem with ketamine or know someone who does, you do not have to go through the withdrawal process yourself. At Tulip Hill, we have years of experience treating ketamine addictions, and our team can guide you or a loved one to recovery.

To find out more about our ketamine treatment, give us a call on +1 877-845-8192 and find out how we can help you with your problem today.

man hiking as part of holistic therapy during detox

How To Detox Your Body From Drugs

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Detox, Stories.

Drug detox is usually the first stage in addiction recovery. Medical detox can support you through the process, helping to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensuring your safety at all times.

Are you looking for more information on how to detox your body from drugs? In this blog, we share the different options and offer insight into each.

What Is Drug Detox?

Drug detox is the process of removing a substance and its harmful toxins from your body. The detox process varies depending on the substance and individual but usually lasts one to three weeks. In this time, most people experience withdrawal symptoms as their body adjusts to functioning without drugs or alcohol.

While drug detox is the start of most addiction treatment programs, detox alone is rarely sufficient to change long-term drug abuse. Recovery from drug addiction requires identifying and overcoming the underlying causes of addiction, rebuilding yourself, and rediscovering your life. Detox programs pave the way for this treatment, giving you the energy and concentration you need to overcome addiction.

What Is Medical Detox?

Medical detox, or medically supervised detox, is when you detox under the supervision of medical professionals. Medical detox is essential as withdrawal symptoms, such as those experienced when withdrawing from substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioid addiction, can be dangerous.

During medical detox, professionals are on hand to ease potentially painful withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety at all times. They can stage a medical intervention in the event of medical complications and prescribe temporary medication if necessary.

Mental health professionals also design your detox program, which often involves tapering off the drug slowly rather than going cold turkey. This helps keep you safe and keep withdrawal symptoms to a minimum.

Medical detox can also play a role in managing cravings. Medics may be able to prescribe certain drugs, like Naltrexone for opioid addiction, to reduce cravings and help prevent relapse. They may also guide you through self-care and therapeutic practices that can help you avoid and cope with cravings in healthy ways.

What Happens in a Medical Detox?

Effective detox programs offer individualized treatment plans to suit each client’s circumstances and needs. Detox programs usually involve three stages:

Assessment and Evaluation

Before designing a detox plan, professional medics conduct an in-depth assessment of your addiction. They perform blood tests to determine the level of drugs in your blood and ask about any physical and mental health issues that may affect the withdrawal process.

Stabilization

During stabilization, licensed medics support you through the withdrawal process to help make detox as easy and comfortable as possible.

Entering Treatment

Once you are stabilized, medical staff will work with you to design your long-term treatment plan. They may conduct further assessments to understand more about your needs, and you may continue your program at the same center or move to a new facility.

What Is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Detox?

Substance abuse treatment centers may offer inpatient programs and/or outpatient programs.

An inpatient detox program involves a residential stay at a treatment center throughout the detox process. You typically stay in specialized detox facilities under 24-hour medical supervision by licensed medical professionals.

In contrast, an outpatient detox program involves regular visits to a treatment center or other qualified healthcare provider for medical checkups and professional medical advice. You will receive a personalized detox plan and may be prescribed medication. If the doctor is worried about your symptoms, they may ask you to move into a residential setting for constant observation.

Who Needs Inpatient Detox?

Inpatient medically supervised detox programs are necessary for clients who may experience severe or potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends inpatient drug addiction detox with 12 nofollow noopener noreferrer3 target=”_blank”>24-hour medical supervision for opioid, benzodiazepine, and alcohol addiction due to their potentially severe withdrawal symptoms.

Substance abuse treatment centers and other healthcare providers can offer you advice on what kind of detox you need. As well as considering the substance you take, they may ask about:

  • your history of drug or alcohol use.
  • any co-occurring mental health disorders you have.
  • any underlying medical conditions.
  • your recovery environment.
  • your history of relapse.
  • your readiness to change.

What Is Natural Drug Detox?

Natural detox is when you detox from drugs without using medication. Most people associate natural detox with at-home detox, but you can attend a natural detox program that offers non-medicinal support.

Natural detox often uses alternative treatments like yoga, meditation, or acupuncture to help people manage psychological symptoms, cope with painful symptoms, and resist cravings.

While natural drug detox may be safe for stimulant withdrawal, it can be dangerous for other substances. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids all come with potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms which require addiction treatment in a professional medical setting.

What Are Drug Withdrawal Symptoms?

When you repeatedly take a drug over time, your body gets used to the presence of the substance. In turn, your body alters its natural production of chemicals so it can keep functioning normally. Eventually, you become dependent on the drug to feel normal – this is called physical dependence.

If you suddenly stop taking a drug, you experience an imbalance in chemicals, which often causes a series of symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms persist until your body rebalances its chemical production to ordinary levels.

Withdrawal symptoms vary hugely depending on the type of substance and your circumstances. Mild symptoms of withdrawal may include:

  • Nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Low moods
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Body discomfort
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating

In more severe cases, withdrawal can induce symptoms such as seizures, tremors, hallucinations, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. Remember to seek professional medical advice before withdrawing from any drug to ensure you receive the care you need.

What Are Drug Cravings?

Drug cravings refer to the motivational state of wanting to use a drug. People often experience cravings in response to specific drug use triggers, such as seeing the drug or visiting a place they used to take the drug. While cravings can be powerful and can cause people to relapse, treatments are available to minimize cravings and help you cope with them in healthy ways.

Cravings can be especially strong during the withdrawal process. However, support from professionals and loved ones can help you cope without turning back to drugs or alcohol. During a medically supervised detox, doctors may also prescribe you particular Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications to reduce cravings.

Drug cravings involve physical changes in the brain that can persist long after a person stops using a substance. Luckily, long-term addiction treatment, including medication, support groups, and talk therapy, can go some way to reversing these changes.

As you continue your recovery journey, you may experience fewer cravings and feel better prepared to overcome them.

How Can You Make the Detox Process Easier?

Aside from accessing professional support, you can do a few things to make detox easier. These include:

  • Eating healthy foods to help your body recover from substance use and provide it with the proteins to build chemicals it may be lacking, such as serotonin and dopamine.
  • Drinking plenty of water, especially if you experience vomiting or diarrhea
  • Doing some gentle exercise to boost your endorphins and improve your mood, if you can.
  • Asking loved ones for support if you’re finding things difficult.
  • Taking withdrawal a day at a time and remembering that your withdrawal symptoms won’t last forever.

Contact Us Today

If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, contact us today.

Our detox and addiction recovery programs offer unrivaled expertise and exceptional care to every client. Call us today to make the change.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Stories.

The answer to “how long does alcohol withdrawal last?” varies depending on factors such as the severity of the alcohol addiction and the alcohol abuse. However, from the point of view of someone who is experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, it may seem never-ending. 

Be rest assured, though, that while alcohol withdrawal symptoms and alcohol withdrawal syndrome may feel like they will last forever, the reality is that they will resolve within around eight days, and you can make a long-term alcohol abuse recovery.

What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal depend on the amount of alcohol consumed, frequency of alcohol consumption, and whether you have already been through withdrawal in the past.

The team at Tulip Hill knows what it is like trying to help someone achieve sobriety. We are dedicated to helping you climb out of the pit of addiction with all of the services at our disposal – you don’t need to go through alcohol withdrawal alone.

If you only drink small amounts of alcohol, you may well only experience mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Shakiness
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nervousness

On the other hand, if your alcohol intake is very high and you have an alcohol addiction, you could experience much more severe symptoms, such as:

  • Fast heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Disorientation
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Delirium tremens is the most severe symptom of alcohol withdrawal, and they generally occur in people who have been drinking high volumes of alcohol for a long time. Although treatment is available for DTs, they cause a series of unpleasant effects that can be life-threatening. 

Risk factors for DTs include:

  • High amounts of alcohol consumed in the weeks before withdrawal
  • Previous episodes of alcohol withdrawal
  • Previous experience with severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms
  • Underlying health issues
  • Being an older person
  • Having a mental health problem
  • Being in poor general health

Symptoms of DTs include:

  • Impaired consciousness
  • Agitation
  • Aggression
  • Irritability
  • Confusion
  • Trembling
  • Sweating
  • Tachycardia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Hallucinations
  • Tremors or seizures

If you have been a heavy drinker for several years, you should not suddenly stop drinking. Instead, it is in your best interest to complete a medical detox at a rehab center, such as ours. Doing so will guarantee your safety while going through alcohol withdrawal, and medical detox will also ensure that you have support and guidance from medical professionals if you experience severe symptoms.

How Can I Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms?

Experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant, and it is natural to want to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in some way. Fortunately, there are a number of different ways that you can do this.

Medication

Medication can be of enormous relief to people experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. The most common types of medication for alcohol withdrawal include:

  • Benzodiazepines. Ativan (lorazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam) are some of the most commonly used medications for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They reduce anxiety, decrease insomnia, and lessen the risk of experiencing seizures from the DTs. These drugs can themselves be addictive and dangerous, so you should only take them under medical supervision.
  • Barbiturates. Phenobarbital might occasionally be used, but for the most part, their use has been phased out and replaced with benzodiazepines.

Exercise

While it is not recommended that you do any exercise when experiencing the worst of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you can consider some light exercise once you are out of the woods. This will help make you feel better by getting your blood flow going and starting the healing process for your brain. 

Great exercise ideas include:

  • Walking. Consider taking a walk around the block or in the park. This has the added benefit of getting you out of the house and helping you to feel a little closer to the human race again.
  • Yoga. No need to do 90 minutes of headstands. A slow, steady, and short yoga session gets your body moving and has the advantage of also being meditative.
  • Weight training. You won’t be setting any personal bests, but anything to move your body around will move you back towards feeling good again.

Food and Drink

Nutrition is a massive part of feeling better when you are in alcohol withdrawal. In some instances, you may find it difficult to keep anything down during the initial stages of alcohol withdrawal, but try eating something nutritious when you can. After all, when you are drinking, you do not necessarily make the best dietary choices, and alcohol actually depletes some vitamins from your body. 

If you cannot eat a big meal, try a piece of fruit.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) – Continued Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Getting through acute alcohol withdrawal is a great achievement, but it is not the finish line. After dealing with the initial withdrawal, 12 nofollow noopener noreferrer3 target=”_blank”>you may begin to experience PAWS. PAWS are a continuation of alcohol withdrawal symptoms that come in waves and can last for up to two years after you have gone through withdrawal (though, for some people, it can be over in a few months).

While not as bad as severe alcohol withdrawal, PAWS can drag on. This is a common reason why people relapse, and it is worth bearing this in mind. If you are in early recovery and do not feel good, don’t reach for a bottle, as what you are experiencing might well be PAWS. Instead, take a look at this list of things you can do to reduce PAWS.

Exercise

Many people in early recovery find enormous relief from exercising. Not only does exercise help reduce PAWS, but it also helps boost brain functioning, which can be a little haphazard when you have recently stopped drinking.

Meditation

People talk about the benefits of meditation all the time, and for good reason. Meditation rewires the brain after addiction, lowering rates of stress and depression, increasing feelings of connectedness, and just making us feel better all around. 

When you first start meditating, try a few minutes a day. Once you feel comfortable with that, increase the length of time a little. Remember, though, meditation should be enjoyable, at least some of the time.

Supplements

Certain supplements can help you in early recovery. Try:

  • Vitamins and minerals. When consuming alcohol, we usually don’t look after ourselves very well. Eating infrequently or eating food that is far from nutritious leads to our bodies not having the things that they need to function. Alcohol itself can deplete some vitamins, so it is always worth topping up when you are new to recovery.
  • Ginkgo Biloba. This herb can be used to increase the amount of blood that flows to your brain, which helps boost your memory, something that doesn’t always work very well after stopping a chronic alcohol addiction.
  • Milk Thistle. This herb can help your body to repair liver damage, which is frequently a problem following substance abuse.

Find Help With Alcohol Withdrawal in Murfreesboro, TN

Alcohol withdrawal may seem challenging, but with the help of a medical professional, you can make a lifelong recovery. Although there is no set answer when determining how long alcohol withdrawal lasts, if you have had a severe alcohol dependence problem, you should consider seeking alcohol withdrawal treatment, where you will be able to receive a medical detox.

If you have been drinking alcohol for a long time and are now looking to stop drinking, please contact us today. We have a wealth of treatment facilities available for you to take advantage of. We can also provide medical attention and various treatment options to help you secure a sober life. Contact us today to learn more.

woman with a headache

How Long Does Withdrawal Last?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Detox.

When a person abruptly stops using a substance such as alcohol, prescription drugs, or recreational drugs, withdrawal arises. During withdrawal, physical and mental side effects are experienced.

How long withdrawal lasts and when symptoms begin can vary. Factors that affect this include the substance used, duration of usage, and a person’s general health and well-being.

In most cases, though, people begin feeling initial withdrawal symptoms two to three days after using drugs or alcohol.

Find out more about withdrawal here, or contact us today to learn more about our withdrawal treatments.

Detox

Withdrawal symptoms are a normal part of detox, which is the first stage of recovery for a substance use disorder or drug addiction. During detox, harmful toxins leave the body, enabling many people to begin to overcome the effects of drug abuse physically. However, the length of time it takes to detox varies depending on the drug a person is detoxing from.

Detox can be completed at home via an outpatient facility or by attending an inpatient treatment facility. Depending on the facility and the severity of the addiction, those in recovery can either complete a natural detox or medical detox.

Medical detoxes are carried out via inpatient treatment facilities. Here, medical professionals provide medical supervision and prescribe medication to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ease the detox process.

Depending on the severity of drug abuse, detox may see a person gradually taper off of using certain drugs. Tapering use means progressively using a lower quantity or strength of a substance until use stops completely.

When a medical detox is sought, withdrawal symptoms are generally less severe. However, the symptoms experienced depend on the substance.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary depending on how severe addiction is. However, they typically include:

  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Anorexia
  • Tremors
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Convulsions

Light to moderate drinkers often experience mild symptoms that alleviate somewhat quickly. In contrast, severe alcohol withdrawal often requires medical attention, especially as fevers, seizures, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions can be life-threatening.

Even those who abuse a small amount of alcohol are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so medical detoxes are usually recommended to anyone hoping to reduce their alcohol intake.

Opioid Withdrawal

In America, three million people are thought to have an opioid use disorder. Those living with this condition usually abuse opioid drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin, and fentanyl.

As opioids are highly addictive substances, people often build up a tolerance quite quickly. This means that they need to take a higher dose to feel the drug’s effect. Sadly, taking an increasing amount of opioids to feel the same effects often leads to opioid dependence, causing many people to rely on the drugs.

Though sometimes overlooked, opioid dependency can arise when prescription drugs, such as those prescribed by medical professionals, are abused. An addiction can also occur when illicitly bought drugs are taken.

Unfortunately, when drugs like heroin and fentanyl are taken, there is a high overdose rate. In fact, over 70% of drug overdose deaths in America in 2019 involved an opioid.

When withdrawing from opioids, relapse can be common as withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant, although not generally fatal.

Opioid Withdrawal Timelines

The withdrawal timeline is heavily affected by the type of opioid a person is detoxing from. For example, short-acting opioids, such as heroin, can cause withdrawal symptoms to begin just a few hours after the last dose. However, this depends on how long a person has been taking the opioid and the amount normally consumed. With short-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms generally peak between 36 and 72 hours and continue for up to 10 days.

In contrast, longer-acting opioids, such as fentanyl and methadone, aren’t cleared from the body as quickly, so the withdrawal process can last longer. Drug withdrawal symptoms for substances like methadone can begin as late as two to three days after the last dose.

The withdrawal peak, where people generally experience the most severe symptoms, usually surfaces around day three. This stage is often called the protracted withdrawal period. In total, the symptoms of withdrawal can linger for about 23 days.

Common Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

There are different stages of withdrawal. In the early stages of withdrawal – the acute withdrawal period – people generally experience symptoms such as:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Watery eyes
  • Excessive sweating
  • Fever
  • Runny nose

During the protracted withdrawal period, symptoms include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling weak
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Bone and muscle pain

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

PAWS usually arise six months after a person stops using a substance and can last for up to two years. While the majority of recreational drugs and alcohol can cause PAWS symptoms, there are some drugs that are more likely to cause PAWS.

These include:

  • Marijuana. Insomnia, which is a withdrawal symptom of marijuana detox, can lead to PAWS if untreated.
  • Cocaine. Decreased impulse control and depression can be experienced for months after cocaine detox.
  • Methamphetamine. Often impulse control functions are inhibited, sometimes for years after withdrawing from methamphetamine.
  • Opiates. Insomnia, anxiety, depression, and decreased impulse control may be encountered if opiate PAWS are experienced.
  • Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepine withdrawal, in particular, can result in PAWS. Though many people are prescribed benzos for conditions including depression or anxiety, symptoms of anxiety can return after quitting benzos alongside PAWS, worsening the initial issues. Here, panic attacks, extreme anxiety, and insomnia are not uncommon. Benzodiazepine dependence is incredibly challenging to deal with alone. But adverse consequences, such as severe depression and relapse, can be avoided by seeking professional medical help.

Dealing With Unpleasant Symptoms

Withdrawal effects can significantly vary. While some people experience physical symptoms such as losing their appetite and high blood pressure, others may experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety or hallucinations.

In some instances, more severe symptoms can cause a person to relapse. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens (DTs), for example, can be incredibly stressful and even dangerous. However, facilities and treatment plans are available to help treat withdrawal symptoms and support each person through the detoxification process.

As part of a medical detox inpatient program, treatment is also available for mental health issues and substance use disorders, as are medications that can ease symptoms.

While the thought of attending a detox may seem scary, the risk of relapse significantly decreases when medical detox is completed due to managing withdrawal symptoms. It’s not just physical symptoms that professional detox can help with. Having a strong support network is crucial for long-term recovery, and entering treatment is the perfect chance to make connections that facilitate lifelong change.

Long-Term Support

Detox itself is rarely enough to result in long-lasting sobriety. Some people choose to complete an inpatient treatment after their medical detox, where they stay at a treatment facility. Others may prefer to opt for treatments such as therapy that do not have a heavy impact on their daily schedule, and so they choose an outpatient option.

Alcohol and substance abuse treatment can be daunting, but treatment centers offer holistic and flexible options. Sober life requires hard work and emotional support, so seeking treatment or joining a support group is always a positive step.

Detox From Drugs at Home

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Drug Addiction, Stories, Substance Addiction.

Drug detoxification is an essential part of the recovery process. However, as drug abuse can result in addiction, withdrawal symptoms begin when the body withdraws from substances. Withdrawals are uncomfortable, performing a detox from drugs at home is the most comfortable option. Alternative drug detox centers are successful but they remove you from your entire life. Identifying professionals to make you drug detox at home safe is essential.

How To Complete an At-Home Drug Detox?

Detoxing at home can cause serious health repercussions, and so all risks must be considered before attempting it. Whether or not home detox is suitable for you depends on several factors, such as the drug you will be detoxing from. 

Before starting the detoxification process, it is essential to speak to a licensed medical professional about your drug and alcohol use. They can provide information on how drugs affect the body and what happens during the withdrawal process. 

Detoxing from drugs, such as benzodiazepines, cold turkey at home is never usually recommended as associated drug and alcohol withdrawal effects can cause life-threatening and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. You may also be advised against detoxing from opioid drugs at home as there have been cases of death due to severe dehydration and malnourishment.

Medically Supervised Drug Detox at Home

Also known as outpatient detox programs, there are alternatives to at-home detox. Most American addiction centers and treatment professionals advocate that the detoxification process should happen under the supervision of trained professionals within a treatment center. Although this is advised for many reasons, it is especially recommended so that your body’s response to substance abuse treatment can be monitored. If necessary, it also ensures that medical intervention and prescription medications can be provided if you experience severe withdrawal or medical complications.

Medically supervised detox can also include detox medications that relieve symptoms; however, this is optional. Although some worry that this essentially substitutes one drug for another, this is not the case. While some favor natural detox, medical drug detox can improve detox outcomes and enable people to focus more clearly on recovery and their long-term treatment plan.

Generally, medically supervised detox includes three steps:

  • Evaluation – Medical professionals will first conduct an assessment to review your medical and health history, substance use, and recovery goals. During this step, you must be honest and reflective.
  • Stabilization – This is when detoxification begins. If taking medication is the best option for you, you will be given a prescription, and your symptoms will be regularly monitored.  
  • Treatment options – Detox is seen as one of the first steps in recovery. Once you have completed this process, a treatment facility will suggest ongoing treatment, including group therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Managing Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

The most important thing to understand is that detox should never be attempted alone. Finding a licensed medical professional to support you is essential to your health and the success of the process. Trying to detox alone comes with a higher risk of relapse and significant health risks.

Finding someone to support at home as you detox can also help with the withdrawal symptoms.

Create a Support Network

Having a support network of family members or friends to help you progress through medical detox can ease the burden of withdrawal symptoms and offer you support for any mental health problems. However, before the detox process and withdrawal symptoms begin, it is important to set some boundaries. 

Making a plan for what the person or people supporting you should or should not do during your outpatient detox program can relieve stress if things become tense. It can also be helpful to discuss each other’s expectations for the process and what to do in the case of a medical emergency. You may also want to consider setting limits for what will and will not be tolerated.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy balanced diet can reduce mood swings that are often experienced during drug and alcohol withdrawal. By ensuring you have plenty of healthy foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, oily fish, nuts, oats, and water, at home as you progress through detox, you may find it easier to cope with any withdrawal symptoms.

If you find it difficult to eat, it may be beneficial to talk to a doctor to see if you could benefit from taking vitamins.

Stay Hydrated

The 12 nofollow noopener noreferrer3 target=”_blank”>United States National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) states that you should drink an average of three liters of fluid per day. This equates to around fifteen cups of water for men and eleven cups for women.

It is crucial to remain hydrated during drug and alcohol detox, especially if you experience sickness. To replace any electrolytes lost in sweat, you could mix water with lemon juice and a pinch of salt and sugar.

For Those Supporting Someone As They Detox From Drugs at Home

If you are supporting someone as they detox from drugs at home, it may be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the substance they are detoxing from before treatment begins. This can provide a more comprehensive understanding of what the person is going through. 

Furthermore, before detox commences, ensure that the person has sought advice from licensed medical professionals and guarantee they have approved the home detox approach and outlined a suggested program. It can also be helpful to discuss and understand the person’s personal goals, encourage them to make a note of the reasons they are detoxing, and talk about their goals for after treatment. 

Supporting someone seeking addiction treatment can be challenging, so it is equally important that you take care of your mental health and well-being. If things become overwhelming for you, approach mental health services for support at any time.

Provide Emotional Support

During detox, it is common for an individual to experience anger, frustration, and a wealth of other symptoms. They may also feel like giving up if they find the process challenging. However, by reassuring and supporting them, they may find the strength to continue their recovery.

If the individual detoxing begins to experience severe withdrawal symptoms and questions why they are detoxing, remind them of their personal goals. It can also help to encourage them to reframe the way they think. Instead of focusing on the discomfort, motivate them to think of the withdrawal symptoms as a sign that toxins are leaving their body and remind them that there is hope beyond substance addiction. 

​​Lapse and Relapse

Whether you are personally progressing through detox or supporting someone, it is important to remember that lapses and even relapses happen during detox. After all, it is an incredibly challenging process, and cravings can be powerful. Consuming drugs other than prescribed medication is not a reason to give up and stop the detox program. 

Instead, you should see relapse as a temporary mistake. If a lapse arises, it can be helpful to discuss why it happened and what could be done to prevent another one. 

Addiction Treatment After at Home Drug Detox

After completing a medical detox or at-home detox, it is important to complete a treatment program that addresses the causes of drug addiction to maintain sobriety. Treatment facilities can provide tailored treatment programs that include holistic mental health support. It can also be helpful to join support groups. Having emotional support is an essential part of recovery and aids alcohol and drug addiction treatment.

Contact us today to learn more.

How Does Alcoholism Affect Families?

Written by Jacob on . Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Substance Addiction.

In our society, the family is the starting point for attachment, bonds, nurturing, and socialization. Realizing how does alcoholism affect families is eye opening. A family member who abuses alcohol will have a negative effect not only on themselves but also on members of the entire family.

Alcohol abuse can put a strain on relationships, causing fractures within the family unit and affecting the mental health of the entire family. This is why alcoholism is known as a family disease.

Secrecy, loss, fear, emotional instability, violence, or abuse are all factors that can emerge when substance abuse is present within a family. Understanding how alcoholism affects family members will help you to understand the necessary steps you should take to care for yourself.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that involves feeling unable to control alcohol use, despite its negative consequences. It is also known as alcohol addiction. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe. Some things that characterize AUD are compulsive alcohol use, losing control over alcohol intake, and lacking emotional stability when sober.

Alcoholism Affecting Child Development

It is thought that more than eight million children under the age of eighteen live with at least one adult who has a substance use disorder. Children of alcoholics often develop emotions and thought patterns as a result of their parent’s addiction which continues into their adult lives. It is important to know what signs to look out for in a child in order to support them if a family member has an alcohol addiction.

Growing up around family members who are abusing alcohol leads to a tangle of complex emotions in a child. It can have dire consequences on their healthy emotional development. They might feel guilty as if it is their fault. Due to being in an environment where lying and denial are normalized and ever-present, children often feel distrustful of others. This has a tendency to continue into adulthood, negatively impacting friendships and relationships. They also may feel anxious, depressed, detached, frustrated, and angry. They may be worried about domestic violence and feel unsafe at home. This is incredibly confusing and is a lot to be dealing with as a child!

Teachers, relatives, or other adults in contact with children with an alcoholic parent should look out for the following behaviors:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Isolation
  • Risky behaviors
  • Missing school, failing classes, or seeking attention
  • Disheveled appearance
  • Lack of concentration

How Does Alcoholism Affect a Spouse or Partner?

If your partner abuses alcohol, it can be a very scary time. Your loved one’s addiction will likely come between you, with your partner prioritizing drinking over your relationship. Alcohol abuse within romantic relationships often results in lower marital satisfaction and poor self-esteem. It can also cause more serious mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

Alcoholism Affecting Trust

A partner who is abusing alcohol can seriously damage trust within a romantic relationship. Someone struggling with AUD may be secretive and deceitful in order to hide their addiction. This may start as a way to protect the partner, but the lies often get bigger and more frequent in order to disguise the addiction. This is normally due to feelings of guilt, shame, and fear.

Trust is vital in healthy relationships and once it is broken it can be extremely difficult to fix. This can lead the partner to feel isolated, upset, and resent their significant other.

Alcoholism and Intimacy

For intimate relationships to function healthily, there of course needs to be a level of intimacy. Unfortunately, this can become hugely impacted by a spouse or partner with alcohol problems. It can impact levels of respect, which can put a huge strain on your relationship. This can affect levels of affection and care. Physical intimacy can also be impacted as alcohol can affect sex drive. Stability within the relationship as well as expectations are also frequently fractured as a result of alcohol abuse.

Alcoholism Affecting Finances

Alcoholism affects many aspects of a relationship, one of which is money. Serious financial problems often result from a family member who suffers from alcohol abuse. They may blow the family budget and spend all of their money on drinking.

They may also neglect work or studying in order to feed their addiction, resulting in lost wages. This can take a toll on their romantic partner, making them feel stressed and anxious.

Alcohol and Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence is defined by the World Health Organization as behaviors involving physical abuse, psychological abuse, or sexual harm to those in intimate relationships.

Drinking alcohol often contributes to this and there is evidence to show that drinking can increase the severity and frequency of domestic violence. Domestic disputes can quickly escalate when drinking problems are involved. This can have a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of the victim. Not only may their physical health be affected but their mental health is often severely damaged.

It is important to note here that domestic abuse is not solely limited to violence within romantic relationships, but it can also be perpetrated on other members of a family.

How Do I Cope With One or More Family Members Struggling With Alcoholism

If you are affected by alcoholism, there is help available. It’s important to be aware of a variety of different coping mechanisms so that you are able to deal with problems you might face in numerous situations. Below are some practical tips you can implement which will help to ease the emotional strain of the situation.

  • Understand that their addiction is not your fault. There can be a lot of guilt and self-blame when it comes to addiction, but know that your family member’s addiction is a chronic disease. You would not blame yourself if they got cancer, so try to treat it in the same way.
  • Support Groups. Support groups such as Al-Anon will help you to feel understood and supported by others going through a similar situation. In these groups, you can learn helpful coping skills and feel less alone.
  • Take care of yourself. It may feel hard to take care of yourself at this time when you can see that a loved one also needs to be taken care of. However, it is incredibly important to look after yourself and prioritize your own needs. It is important to protect your own well-being.
  • Therapy. Seeking support from a professional therapist will help to guide you through your thoughts and feelings in a non-judgemental space. You will be free to say whatever you like and be one hundred percent honest about how you feel. This can be extremely liberating.
  • Accepting addiction. This can be a tricky step but is very freeing. Accepting that your family member is suffering from alcohol abuse can help to give you clarity and acceptance that they may need professional help.
  • Reach out to friends and family members. Seeking support from other family members or loved ones is important for providing you will support and a space to talk things through.
  • Rebuild your self-esteem. Your self-esteem may be very low due to your loved one’s drinking. Rebuilding self-esteem by doing the things for yourself that you enjoy will help to improve your mental health.
  • Family counseling. Talking things through as a whole family in family therapy can be extremely helpful. It allows you to work on rebuilding broken bonds between family members and to talk honestly about feelings in a safe space.

Alcohol Rehab Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Understanding how alcoholism affects families is a great first step. After that you need to take action in finding help for your loved one. Alcohol rehab in Murfreesboro involves treating the underlying causes of your addiction. Tulip Hill Recovery is here to help with dual diagnosis, substance abuse, and mental health disorders. We also provide treatment for veterans. Our family-run alcohol rehab offers flexible outpatient programs to reduce the costs of long-term treatment while maintaining a high level of support. 

Contact us today to learn more about alcohol rehab in Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Tennessee or Clarksville.