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people tell their story of recovery in a support group

How to Tell People You’re in Recovery

Written by Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on December 9, 2022. Posted in Healthy Tips, Mental Health, Recovery, Stories.

Completing detox and rehab for substance use disorders is the first part of the recovery process. As you adjust to your new sober lifestyle, you will have to decide when and how to tell people you’re in recovery.

Why Is It Hard to Tell Someone You’re in Recovery?

Some people find it hard to tell others they are in recovery. They may feel embarrassed, guilty, shameful, or worried about how others will react once they find out. The person in recovery can also feel overly anxious and stressed because they are unsure of what to do.

When to Tell Someone You’re in Recovery

There may never be that perfect moment to tell someone you’re in recovery. However, that does not mean you should avoid telling others if you want to tell them. It is entirely up to you to decide how you want to tell others and what you want to say to them.

In addition, sharing that you are in recovery can make you feel better. You can feel a big weight lifting and feel more at ease and comfortable around the person you told. Yet, it is understandable that you may be hesitant to say anything if you worry they may be judgmental.

How to Tell People You’re in Recovery

Learning how to tell people you’re in recovery is an essential skill you need to develop as part of the recovery process. Initially, you may not be too comfortable sharing this information with others. However, the more you talk about your recovery and sobriety, the more comfortable you can become, so you are no longer afraid or worried about what others think.

To help you become more comfortable telling others, we recommend reviewing the following tips.

Do not feel like you have to overshare details about your addiction and recovery.

You can keep things short and to the point without going into any details. For example, if someone asks if you want a drink, you can simply say, “I’m in recovery, no thank you.” and leave it at that.

If they ask you questions you are uncomfortable answering, then politely tell them you are not yet comfortable talking about it. If they press you for details, you can respond by saying it is in the past.

As you become more comfortable with your recovery and sobriety, then you can share further details about your recovery and addiction.

Do not worry if others judge you after you tell them.

As you tell people you are in recovery, they may not always respond positively. For example, some friends and family members may have their doubts because they have been around you through your addiction. In this case, it is best to prove them wrong through your actions.

On the other hand, some people will be judgmental and not understand why you are in recovery and why you cannot drink or use drugs occasionally. When you come across someone like this, you need to question whether maintaining a relationship with them is really best for your sobriety and recovery.

Chances are, you will not want someone who is judgmental of your recovery in your life. Having people like this in your life could actually be counterproductive to your recovery and sobriety.

You do not have to tell everyone, just those who matter most to you.

Not everyone needs to know your personal business or that you are in recovery. The only people you should focus on are the ones that matter the most to you.

For example, if you are in a restaurant and the server asks if you want a drink, you can simply say no thank you. You do not need to tell them you are in recovery.

On the other hand, if you meet a close friend you haven’t seen since you have been out of rehab, and they ask if you want a drink, telling them you are in recovery or are now sober would be acceptable.

Again, it is entirely up to you who you tell, when to tell them, and how much you tell them.

Do not feel obligated to tell others.

You should never feel obligated to tell others you’re in recovery. Essentially, it really is none of their business. When deciding to tell people, it should be because you want to tell them, not out of obligation.

Write a letter to help you prepare to tell others.

12 nofollow noopener noreferrer3>Opening up and sharing with those you want to tell can be difficult. A great tool is to write down what you want to say in a letter. Writing a letter ahead of time can help you gather your thoughts and share exactly what you want to share.

After writing your letter, you can either use it when you talk to the person or simply hand them the letter and let them read it.

Addiction Treatment Aftercare in Murfreesboro, TN

If you are having difficulties telling others you are in recovery or having issues with rebuilding relationships with those you have told, Tulip Hill in Murfreesboro, TN, is here to help with our addiction treatment aftercare programs. For further information, contact us today.

man struggling with grief turns to alcohol abuse

The Link Between Grief and Alcohol Abuse

Written by Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on December 2, 2022. Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Healthy Tips, Mental Health, Stories.

Experiencing a traumatic event or losing a loved one can cause a person to experience grief. However, when grief becomes too powerful of an emotion to handle, it can cause an individual to seek relief through alcohol. Unfortunately, this can create a link between grief and alcohol abuse.

What Is Grief?

The Mayo Clinic defines grief as “a strong, sometimes overwhelming emotion for people, regardless of whether their sadness stems from the loss of a loved one or from a terminal diagnosis they, or someone they love, receive.”

In addition, grief can include experiencing a traumatic event or loss that occurs suddenly without any time to prepare. For example, you could witness a violent act where numerous people die. Or you could be in a car accident and see a loved one die right in front of you. This type of grief is called traumatic grief.

What Is the Link Between Grief and Alcohol Abuse?

Research from the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment has established the link between grief and alcohol abuse. In addition, studies have shown that mental health issues can arise in certain individuals attempting to cope with the grief that can lead to alcohol use. Unfortunately, as they continue to grieve and use alcohol to manage, it can eventually lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD).

How Can Grief Lead to Alcohol Abuse?

There are several different ways that grief can lead to alcohol abuse and eventual AUD. It is essential to remember each person’s grief will vary in duration. Some people can grieve for several months, while others can go through periods of grief over the course of several years.

As most people move through the stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. In other words, they slowly come to terms with their loss or traumatic experience. However, other people have a hard time moving through these stages, so they turn to alcohol for one reason or another.

Inability to cope without alcohol

Some people find they do not know how to process their grief, and the only way they can cope and appear to function is by drinking. Unfortunately, the more they drink, the more the body builds a tolerance to alcohol. As this cycle continues, their alcohol dependence grows.

Unable to face one’s grief

While acceptance is the last stage of grief, some people have difficulty admitting their loss. They are stuck in the denial stage and rely on alcohol as an excuse not to process their grief.

Wanting to alleviate pain and suffering

Regardless of the grieving stage, the pain and suffering experienced can be so powerful of emotion that it makes it difficult to even get out of bed, let alone do anything. Turning to alcohol causes the release of neurotransmitters in the brain associated with pleasure, relaxation, and calmness. As a result, drinking can numb pain and suffering, so a person can appear to be functioning more normally.

Filling the void with alcohol

People who experience grief often report having a void left when they lose a loved one that causes them to feel a sense of emptiness. However, as they progress through the stages of grieving, the sense of emptiness never goes entirely away but lessens. Sadly, some people turn to alcohol to deal with the sense of emptiness because they simply do not know how to overcome this feeling.

Unable to share one’s feelings

Many men have a hard time expressing their feelings, including grief. They may have been raised to believe that men should not show negative emotions, like sorrow and sadness, as it makes them look weak. Social views of men also tend to reflect these same beliefs. Unfortunately, this can lead to drinking to deal with grief.

How Alcohol Can Make Grieving Worse

Having an occasional drink while grieving is understandable. However, when someone relies on alcohol frequently to cope with their grief, they are making things worse.

For starters, alcohol is a depressant, which, when someone is already sad, can cause them to become depressed. The more they become depressed, the more they can start to experience thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

Next, continued alcohol use makes it almost impossible to progress through the stages of grief. A person is not able to process their emotions and emotional responses, so they can start to move forward through the grieving process. Instead, they end up stuck with unresolved grief that continues to fuel their alcohol use disorder.

Unfortunately, using alcohol to cope with grief is only a short-term solution. In the long term, it causes addiction and deeper mental health problems.

Grief and AUD Detox and Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN

If you are having problems processing your grief and have turned to alcohol, Tulip Hill in Murfreesboro, TN, is here to help. We offer personalized grief and AUD detox and addiction treatment programs to help you process without alcohol. Contact us to get the help and support you need today.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Murfreesboro TN

Why Is Alcohol Relapse So Common?

Written by Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on November 18, 2022. Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Relapse, Stories, 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on November 11, 2022. Posted in Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Mental Health, Stories.

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.

Are Veterans Becoming Addicted to Opioids?

Written by Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on November 4, 2022. Posted in Drug Addiction, Opioids, Stories, 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 PTSD Symptoms You Should Know

Written by Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on October 21, 2022. 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.

Benefits of EMDR for Trauma Survivors

Written by Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on October 14, 2022. Posted in Stories, 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.

What Is Polysubstance Abuse?

Written by Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on October 7, 2022. 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:

The person simultaneously misuses two or more substances. For example, they may drink alcohol while also snorting cocaine.
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.
The misuse can include mixing both illicit and legal substances. For instance, they could smoke marijuana laced with ketamine.
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.

Ketamine Abuse & Addiction: Signs, Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms

Written by Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on March 3, 2022. 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 Tulip Hill Recovery Tulip Hill Recovery on February 24, 2022. 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.