Effects of Drugs and Alcohol Use While Pregnant

The drugs you use reach your baby through your placenta, through which the baby feeds and gets oxygen. According to the National Library of Medicine, there is a relationship between drug use and stillbirth. Using alcohol, illegal drugs, pain relievers, marijuana, or tobacco during pregnancy increases the chances of stillbirth. Other complications associated with substance abuse during pregnancy include:

• Stillbirth
• Miscarriage
• Premature Birth
• Newborn Death
• Placental Abruption
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
• Low Birth Weight
• Birth Defects
• Heart Defects
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Fetal Addiction
• Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)
• Maternal Mortality

Unfortunately, some of these effects cannot be reversed. However, detoxifying can save you and your unborn baby from the agony of bearing the adverse consequences of drug and alcohol use. Note that everything you consume will affect your fetus in one way or another, whether the baby is still in your womb or you have delivered. For example, an unborn child with fetal addiction will continue to have this problem even after birth.

Medical Detox for Pregnant Women

If you are substance dependent and have become pregnant, seeking professional addiction treatment can be a matter of life or death. Entering a Medical detox is a smart and safe step toward getting sober. Medical detox mitigates the dangers and adverse withdrawal symptoms.

Understanding that your withdrawal will also affect the fetus, doctors must design a program that protects the baby so that you can have a safe delivery. Doctors know how to meet the unique needs of every patient struggling with maternal addiction. With the help of healthcare providers like our team at Liberty Bay Recovery, you can safely and comfortably overcome your addiction.

What to Expect During the Detox Process

Detox is the first step toward treating substance use disorder. However, detoxing is just the first phase of the recovery journey. Generally, detox alone is not enough to establish solid and sustainable sobriety. It only helps to cleanse your body in preparation for medical treatment. During medical detox, the doctor will remove the addictive substances and toxins from your body.

The number of days this process takes depends on how long you have used the addictive substance. You will need close supervision by medical professionals because they will need to administer drugs to keep you comfortable and ensure that the effects of detox don’t lead to other medical complications.

Your healthcare providers will create a tapering schedule to help you adjust to the loss of toxins and drugs leaving your body. Tapering is also necessary to treat your psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms, which may linger after detox and cause relapse if you don’t follow an aftercare program.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40% to 60% of drug addicts start using again. Medical detox can reduce the cravings that are the leading cause of relapse.

Detoxification itself comes with challenges, mostly tied to withdrawal symptoms. That’s why it is essential to detox in the presence of a medical expert who understands the challenges of the process. Detoxification is also vital for unearthing underlying issues causing your addiction.

Why Detoxing at Home is Not Safe

Medical experts strongly advise against detoxing at home. The main reason is that the detox process also has its share of side effects, some of which can be fatal. That’s why you should detoxify in a medical facility. Its staff will also assess your condition to create a unique treatment program that meets your needs.

The assessments will cover both your mental and physical health needs. If you have a mental health disorder or other underlying medical conditions, your doctor will address all that. As a pregnant woman, detoxing in a residential (inpatient) setting is best if possible. If not, your doctor can recommend an outpatient setting with close supervision.

Do not try to detox on your own. Remember that abruptly stopping drug or alcohol use is dangerous for you and your baby. When you suddenly stop using the harmful substance you have been using for a long time, your body and your fetus will be shocked, and you will run the risk of seizures, stillbirth, or miscarriage.

How Long Does Medical Detox Take?

The length of time you will spend in a detox facility depends on factors including:

• Lifestyle, Dietary Habits, Genetics, Weight, and Age.
• Mental and Physical Health History
• Duration and Amount of Use
• Polysubstance Use
• Substance(s) Used
• Method of Use

The medical staff will ask you questions to get an answer to the above issues before designing a suitable treatment plan for you. The doctors can also run clinical trials to get further information. How long your stay at the facility will depend on how you respond to these tests.

If your addiction involves medicines, the doctor will determine which drugs are safe for you and your unborn child. They will also explain their medications’ side effects and risks, so you understand what you are taking.

Treatment Options After Detox

It is after detox that proper treatment begins. There are two options: inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment.

If you are addicted and pregnant, your chosen treatment facility should be well-staffed, reputable, and accredited. Also, ensure the facility specializes in helping pregnant women and offers postnatal care, just in case you give birth there.

A good treatment facility educates clients and gives them the tools to maintain sobriety. Their programs should include childcare, counseling, and mental health treatment. In addition, the classes should cover parenting, nutrition, breastfeeding, and pregnancy topics.

If your doctor recommends a full-time program, you will reside in the facility for at least 30 days; you can stay for as long as three months, which is the ideal duration for proper treatment. If an outpatient program is recommended, you will continue to live in your home as you receive treatment.

Both outpatient and inpatient programs provide services such as:

• Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
• Relapse Prevention
• 12-Step Work
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Life Skills Training
• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Individual and Group Therapy

These therapies and evidence-based approaches provide effective treatment and help achieve long-term recovery success. Behavioral therapies are commonly utilized by addiction and mental health treatment facilities. Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focus on teaching clients skills that will help them identify, interrupt, and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors.

Your Recovery Is in Your Hands

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it has its challenges. Because you don’t want substance abuse disorder to be one of them, you might be tempted to stop using drugs or alcohol when you find out you are pregnant, but doing so can harm you and your baby.

If you are struggling with drug or alcohol use, and your pregnancy test result is positive, consult a doctor immediately.

You will be admitted into a treatment facility where you will be under the care of highly trained medical professionals who can help with any medical emergency. All reputable addiction treatment facilities offer treatment in supervised environments.

What Comes After Detox and Rehab

The steps you can take to stay sober after treatment include:

Develop a Support Network and Recovery Community

Break ties with your substance-abusing friends. Build relationships with sober people and be active in your recovery community.

Relocate

If you find it hard to leave old friends, you can relocate to a new region.

Attend All Appointments and Meetings

Missing your appointments may lead to a relapse.

Focus on Your Mental Health

Returning to your old ways can lead to anxiety and stress, especially if the memories cause cravings. Instead, try to avoid negative thoughts and focus on positive thoughts for your mental health.

Join a Support Group

Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous NA) can help you maintain sobriety.

Help Others

Helping other addicts will help you to stay sober. Find a friend struggling with addiction and try to help but be careful not to be influenced by the friend to return to your old ways.

Exercise

Involving yourself in physical activities will keep you busy while helping to eliminate toxins from your body as you sweat. Choose safe workouts and those who have recently given birth.

Find Help at Liberty Bay Recovery Center

At Liberty Bay Recovery Center, we are here to help you in your journey to sobriety. Call us today to start one of our recovery programs with the guidance of caring staff.

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Hallucinogens are drugs that change an individual’s perception of their environment, thoughts, and emotions. They are frequently divided into dissociative drugs, such as PCP, and classic hallucinogens, such as LSD. Hallucinogens, sometimes called psychedelic substances, can cause people to perceive things that aren’t real. As a result, they can impair a person’s ability to think logically and occasionally lead to strange and risky behavior.

Some hallucinogens are artificial, while others occur naturally in plants or mushrooms. In ancient times, individuals used hallucinogens in rituals for healing or religious purposes. More recently, people started using these drugs for social or recreational activities. Today people may use them to relieve stress, experience spirituality, feel different, or get high. Hallucinogen-related substance use disorders (SUDs) are less prevalent that involve drugs like opioids.

Hallucinogens: How Do They Work?

Classic hallucinogens change perception by interacting with the neurotransmitter serotonin’s brain circuits. In addition, these substances interfere with the prefrontal cortex, which controls mood, cognition, and perception. Hallucinogens also affect other areas that control arousal and physiological reactions to stress and panic.

How Pervasive Is Abuse of Hallucinogens and Dissociative Substances?

It appears that more Americans than ever are using hallucinogenic drugs. It is estimated that more than 5.5 million Americans aged 18 and older and over 3 million adults 26 and older use hallucinogens.

In a study published in 2022 in the journal “Addiction,” researchers determined that from 2002 to 2019, the number of Americans using hallucinogens has climbed among adults but declined among teenagers. For example, the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 7.3% of adults aged 18-25 reported using hallucinogens in the previous 12 months.

The market for psychedelic drugs in the United States was estimated to be worth $4.29 billion in 2021, and it’s anticipated to

Short-Term Effects of Hallucinogens

When using hallucinogenic substances, people may experience feelings, noises, and sights that don’t exist yet seem real to them. Some hallucinogenic drugs act quickly, while others take a few hours. The effects can persist for up to 12 hours and usually start 20 to 90 minutes after consumption. Also, the higher the dose of hallucinogenic substances consumed, the more it can affect the user’s personality, attitude, and environment.

Short-term effects of hallucinogens can cause users to have temporarily distorted senses: Seeing, hearing, touching, or smelling can be abnormal. Users can also have intense emotions and perceive time as passing more slowly.

Other short-term effects can include:

• Restless and dizziness
• Impulsivity and quick emotional changes
• Accelerated heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure
• Dry mouth, lack of appetite, and sweating
• Tremors, numbness, and weakness

Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogens

When users abuse hallucinogens over a long period, tolerance can develop. According to studies, some users may quickly build a tolerance to the potent hallucinogen LSD. As a result, users may need to take progressively higher doses of the drug to get the same results. According to research, a user who becomes tolerant of one drug belonging to the hallucinogen class could also become tolerant of other substances in the same category. For instance, someone with a tolerance to LSD could be tolerant of psilocybin and mescaline. Yet, substances like amphetamines and marijuana that influence different neurotransmitter systems are not affected by tolerance to hallucinogens.

Classic hallucinogens have been linked to two long-term adverse effects: persistent psychosis and hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), sometimes known as “flashbacks.” Although each illness is uncommon, it occurs unexpectedly, it can happen more than is believed, and the two disorders can co-occur. Although the precise origins are unknown, these diseases occur more in individuals with a history of psychiatric issues. However, they can affect anyone who has used a hallucinogen even once.

Long-term effects of persistent psychosis can include:

• Abnormal vision
• Confused cognition
• Paranoia
• Mood swings

The long-term effects of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder include hallucinations, visual problems like seeing halos or paths connected to moving objects and symptoms that might be misinterpreted for neurological illnesses like a stroke or brain tumor.

Classic Hallucinogens

DMT (N, N-dimethyltryptamine)

Hallucinogenic tryptamine naturally exists in various plants and animals. Because of its potent psychedelic effects, some call it the “spirit molecule.” However, the drug is not approved for medical use and has a significant potential for misuse. It also has no medicinal purpose acknowledged or authorized by the federal government.

LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide)

A powerful synthetic substance that causes hallucinations. It is derived from ergot alkaloids. LSD leads to severe abnormal behavior, perhaps because of its capacity to block serotonin’s activity. However, the drug’s precise mechanisms are not known. As recently as the 1960s, LSD was used experimentally in medicine, and some modern researchers hope to use it for therapeutic purposes again.

Psilocybin (4-phosphoryl oxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine)

Chemicals derived from specific dried or fresh varieties of hallucinogenic mushrooms found in Mexico, South America, and the southern and northwestern United States. As an indole-alkylamine, psilocybin is categorized as tryptamine. These chemicals are misused for their hallucinogenic and euphoric properties. They induce a “trip” effect and have a structure comparable to that of LSD. The impact on the central nervous system’s serotonin (5-HT) receptors likely causes hallucinogenic effects. The chemicals psilocybin or psilocin are found in approximately 180 mushrooms.

Peyote (mescaline)

A small, spineless cactus. The hallucinogen mescaline is its main ingredient. Since recorded history, peyote has been a cornerstone of Indigenous peoples’ sacred rituals in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Peyote and mescaline abuse can lead to hallucinations, a changed sense of space and time, altered body image, and illusions to varying degrees. Additionally, users may feel a sense of euphoria, occasionally followed by anxiety.

251-NBOMe

Often used as an alternative to LSD or mescaline. NBOMe, often known as “n-bomb” or “smiles,” is a potent synthetic hallucinogen. This drug comes in various forms, but 25I-NBOMe, sometimes known as “25I,” is the most popular. Even a tiny dose of the drug might have effects that last up to 12 hours or more. At low doses, NBOMe has a psychedelic effect comparable to LSD. However, users claim that the drug’s side effects and after-results are worse than those of LSD. 25I-NBOMe’s effects also resemble those of methamphetamine. The size of six little grains of common table salt corresponds to a dosage of 750 micrograms, regarded as a moderate to high dose.

How Do Dissociative Drugs Work?

According to research, dissociative drugs like PCP, ketamine, and DXM impair the brain’s neurotransmitter glutamate functions at certain N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. These receptors are found throughout the brain nerve cells. Glutamate is a crucial component of cognitive functions, including learning and memory, emotion, and pain perception. Additionally, the neurotransmitter dopamine is affected by PCP.

Short-Term Effects of Dissociative Drugs

Dissociative drugs can cause users to experience floating sensations; visual and auditory abnormalities; dissociation, or feeling alienated from reality. Other side effects of dissociative drug use are anxiety, memory loss, and poor motor function, including bodily tremors and numbness. These unexpected side effects depend on the drug’s dosage, which often takes effect minutes after consumption and persists for several hours. Some users claim to have side effects for days.

Low doses of dissociative drugs can cause hallucinations as well as:

• Numbness
• Nausea, vertigo, and vomiting
• Sensory perceptions, including changes in the user’s perception of sight, sound, form, time, and body image
• Detachment from self and surroundings

High doses of dissociative drugs can cause:

• Memory loss
• Severe panic, fear, worry, paranoia, vulnerability, inflated strength, and aggressiveness
• Harmful fluctuations in body temperature, respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure

Long-Term Effects of Dissociative Drugs

Although the long-term use of most dissociative drugs has not been thoroughly studied, research indicates that repeated PCP use can result in tolerance. Also, users can experience withdrawal symptoms, including yearning for the drug, headaches, and profuse sweating when drug use is suddenly stopped. Other side effects of chronic PCP use, which may last for a year or longer after use ceases, include:

• Enduring speech problems
• Memory loss
• Sadness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Anxiety
• Social disengagement

Common Dissociative Drugs

Ketamine

A dissociative anesthetic used in both human and veterinary medicine. Ketamine is a drug that can be used as an injectable liquid and is commonly known as special K, super K, and vitamin K, among other nicknames. When used illegally, ketamine can be ingested or evaporated to create a powder that users can snort. Unfortunately, users can place ketamine in beverages without being noticed because it has no flavor or smell. Ketamine can induce hallucinations, amnesia, and dream-like experiences. The sensations experienced by drug users range from a floating sensation to feeling detached from their bodies.

Dextromethorphan (DXM)

Over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressants commonly used in cold treatments. Unfortunately, teenagers and adults sometimes misuse DXM in excessive doses to induce euphoria and auditory and visual hallucinations. Robo-tripping or “skittling” are slang terms used to refer to illicit DXM consumption. These words are taken from two of the most frequently abused remedies: Coricidin and Robitussin. Abusers of DXM claim to have increased perceptual awareness, distorted temporal perception, and visual hallucinations.

PCP (Phencyclidine)

A common illicit hallucinogenic street drug. It is a white powder that can be dissolved in alcohol or water. You can get PCP as a powder or liquid. PCP is a drug that affects your brain and mood, conduct, and perspective on the world around you by acting on your central nervous system. Scientists believe that PCP prevents specific brain chemicals from functioning normally.

Salvia (Salvia Divinorum)

An herb from the mint family and is used frequently for its hallucinogenic properties. It originates in southern Mexico and other regions of Central and South America. The Mazatec tribe has long used it in ceremonial rituals. Salvinorin A, the main hallucinogenic component of salvia, has made it one of nature’s most potent drugs. This drug has several side effects, including hallucinations, vertigo, and visual abnormalities. Salvia, Sally-D, and Maria Pastora are some of its street names.

Dangers of Hallucinogen Use

Intoxication from hallucinogens might result in accidents, strange or unsafe conduct, or suicidal thoughts; abuse or misuse can be detrimental with any drug or medication. Overdoses of classic hallucinogens like LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline are uncommon. However, dissociative substances like phencyclidine (PCP) or ketamine have a higher overdose risk. Additionally, high doses can cause other bodily harm. For example, using DXM in substantial amounts to produce hallucinogenic effects can harm the cardiovascular and neurological systems.

Treatment for Hallucinogen Use Disorder

Although there are no drugs with FDA approval for treating hallucinogen misuse, multiple forms of therapy are accessible. The most popular treatment is behavioral therapy, which has excellent potential for treating drug use disorders.

Additional methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational enhancement, can help increase drug users’ motivation for sobriety. It can also improve their coping and communication skills, hone their problem-solving abilities, and increase their capacity to function in different spheres of their life while reducing the likelihood of relapse.

Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), in which flashbacks may occur spontaneously, has no known treatment. To treat psychoses, a medical specialist can administer several antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. Another excellent treatment option is psychotherapy, which may assist patients in overcoming any anxiety or bewilderment they may be experiencing because of visual disturbances or long-term side effects of LSD use.

Liberty Bay Recovery Center

Liberty Bay Recovery Center in Portland, Maine, is a top drug and alcohol detox facility. We provide safe and supportive medical detox services. Our professionals have years of experience helping people detox from alcohol and drugs. We know that the fear of the withdrawal process is one of the main barriers to recovery because we have recovering addicts on our staff.

Many drug and alcohol abusers won’t stop using even if they’re ready to stop because they want to avoid the severe side effects of the withdrawal process. Some individuals even attempt to recover from addictions at home, going through days of misery and harsh withdrawal before giving in and returning to drug use. Our team is compassionate and understands what it takes to be on the road to recovery. Trust us to guide you to your best quality of life.

The post What are Hallucinogens? appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

If so, you may wonder how long the alcohol rehab program will take. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question because the amount of time you spend in rehab depends on various factors. For example, the duration will depend on your state when you enroll in the program and how your doctor or therapist has designed the program. It will also depend on whether you are admitted to an inpatient or outpatient program. Whichever program you choose, the first step is likely to be detoxification.

Alcohol Rehab: Detoxification

As you continue drinking alcohol, your body gets a buildup of toxins. Detoxification refers to the process of eliminating these toxins from your body. This process will allow your mind and body to heal from the effects of alcohol without suffering too much from life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Because detoxing from alcohol can potentially be fatal, it is essential to be supervised by a medical professional such as a member of our team at Liberty Bay Recovery Center. The detoxification process and how long it takes vary from person to person. It will depend on how long you have used alcohol and whether you are also using other drugs. You will experience various psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms during detox. Once the process ends, you may enter the post-acute withdrawal phase, where your cravings and physical symptoms will subside. However, you will still have emotional and psychological issues lasting for weeks or months after detoxification.

Each detox case is unique. The detox process may only take a few days for some people, while others may require weeks or months. If you have been excessively drinking alcohol for many years, your detox period will likely be longer than it would for a person who has been drinking for only a few years. On average, the initial detox from alcohol lasts between 7 to 10 days. Sometimes, people may experience detox symptoms for up to 14 days. However, even after the initial detox symptoms have cleared, psychological and physical issues can linger for months.

Can You Detox on Your Own?

Some people prefer detoxing at home for fear of embarrassment, shame, or stigma. However, detoxing at home can be unproductive and dangerous. Detoxification, just like other treatments, needs the support of professionals. Also, detoxification may have serious side effects, like psychosis or seizures. This is why you should be in an environment where medical experts can supervise you.

How to Detox Safely

The safest way to detox is in a medically supervised setting. Medical detox programs provide the support, safety, and comfort you need. In a medical facility, you can get emergency help if you experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, if you have any underlying medical conditions, your doctor will be on hand to take care of them. Your detox process will also be personalized to help you get the best results.

Alcohol Rehab: Inpatient Rehab

There are many types of inpatient alcohol rehab programs. You can opt for either long-term rehab or traditional inpatient rehab. Your circumstances and diagnosis determine how long you will be in treatment.

Long-Term Inpatient Alcohol Rehab

Long-term alcohol rehab may take anywhere between three and 12 months. You will live in the treatment facility with other drug users to help one another in your recovery journey. These programs may include family or individual counseling and group therapy. The doctors may also organize for you to join support groups.

Traditional Inpatient Alcohol Rehab

Traditional rehabilitation for alcoholics requires at least 28 days. This mode of treatment can be recommended if you are a moderate drinker. The rehab program may include counseling sessions and group therapies involving your family. The rehab may sometimes last up to three months, depending on your situation. Traditional inpatient alcohol rehab generally takes three months to complete.

While in the rehab facility,  you will have to abide by certain rules and regulations. These rules vary from facility to facility and are tailored to ensure the patients get the best results. In addition, during your stay in the rehab, you will meet other addicts with whom you will be encouraged to form groups to participate in therapies together.

Some rehabs offer daily group therapies. There may also be individual therapies to address unique personal needs. Your days will be filled with activities to distract you from thinking about alcohol. Most of these activities include psychotherapies, 12-step meetings, and educational sessions to equip you with skills to maintain sobriety.

Can You Be Forced to Enroll in Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?

A parent or guardian can admit someone younger than 18 to rehab for alcohol without their consent. However, most states do not allow forcible rehab for adults. The main exception being a court sentence for an alcohol-related crime. However, your loved ones may feel inpatient alcohol rehab is the best option to save your life. In some states, loved ones can petition the court to have you involuntarily admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation program. The court will assess the situation and decide. Involuntary commitment to an inpatient alcohol rehab is often referred to as “sectioning.” Sectioning is often a last hope option for alcoholics who need urgent intervention.

Alcohol Rehab: Outpatient Programs

Outpatient alcohol rehab is a multistage program that does not require you to live at the treatment facility. The length of outpatient alcohol rehab programs will depend on your state and the facility that offers this service. On average, an outpatient alcohol rehab program takes about three months. There are three types of outpatient treatments for alcoholics: intensive outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

Intensive treatment is necessary if you struggle with alcohol use and cannot stop drinking by using your willpower. You will live in your home as you receive this treatment but will spend long hours at the facility. In most cases, IOP treatment can take three months.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization requires more commitment than OP and IOP. It is recommended for heavy drinkers who need more care in a home setting. With this program, you will have to attend group meetings for five or seven days every week, and each session will last for between seven and eight hours. You can opt for this method if you require more support and intensive therapy. Your doctor can prescribe this treatment mode if you have a severe substance use disorder (SUD) or other underlying medical conditions. If you are unsure which type of outpatient treatment is best for you, leave this decision to your doctor, and stick to your doctor’s advice.

Advantages of Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

Outpatient alcohol treatment has many benefits. This treatment mode will ensure you have all the resources, tools, and skills you need to maintain sobriety. In addition, choosing a facility with a smaller group is advisable so you can receive more individualized attention and care. Other benefits of outpatient alcohol treatment include:

• Engagement in evidence-based therapies, including eye movement reprocessing and desensitization, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
• The treatment focuses on relapse prevention. You will be taught the techniques to help identify and prevent situations (triggers) that can cause relapse.
• You will be taught life skills, including personalized vocational training and educational placement.

Alcohol Rehab: Aftercare

Once you complete your treatment, some facilities may allow you to join an alumni program as part of an ongoing aftercare plan.

How Long Does Aftercare Take?

Detox is only the first step in the treatment process. However, once you are successfully and safely detoxified, you must restructure your life to help build a solid foundation for your recovery. Aftercare programs can ensure that you maintain your sobriety for many years. Addiction treatment is an ongoing process that can extend for a lifetime. Once you graduate from a rehab facility, it may seem more straightforward to say no to drugs and alcohol, but as time goes by, you may relapse. This is what an aftercare program helps you avoid.

Aftercare is part of alcohol treatment and is a plan to support you and help you to avoid relapsing. Aftercare has no fixed duration because it is regarded as a new lifestyle. For example, some recovered alcoholics join support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which considers membership permanent. Once you become a member of AA, there is no turning back.

What Constitutes a Good Aftercare Program?

For an aftercare program to be effective, it must have several activities and resources to keep the recovered alcoholic busy. The activities vary according to an individual’s needs though some activities are done in groups, like AA meetings. Common aspects of aftercare programs include:

• Establishing a support system after you’ve completer alcohol addiction treatment
• Sponsors, a mentor, or a guide who has been in recovery and worked through the steps.
• Presence or recovery sessions such as AA’s 12-step meetings
• Alumni groups with people who attended the same rehab facility
• Group or individual therapy
• Checking in with your case manager or counselor
• Training for life skills like gaining financial freedom.

Counseling sessions, whether individual or group, are a crucial component of any aftercare program. Individual therapy sessions can help you work on what you missed during your rehab program. Your doctor will design a personalized program that meets your unique needs during such therapy.

On the other hand, a group therapy session is vital for helping you to work with others who also want to maintain their sobriety since working together as peers can help you fight cravings that can lead to relapses. Additionally, group sessions mean you will have a new group of friends to keep you away from your drinking buddies.

Recovery depends on your commitment to the treatment process. At Liberty Bay Recovery, our team will be happy to answer your questions or help you start on the path to a happier, healthier life of sobriety.

The post How Long is Alcohol Rehab? appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

When Does Your Drinking Become an Issue?

For moderate drinkers, one or two drinks a day will suffice (a drink refers to 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of spirits). Moreover, they rarely exceed their limits even if they attend a party where drinks are freely available. This is not the case with an addict, who would want to drink until the alcohol supply is depleted or until they are thrown out of the party.

The problem with alcohol is that you can start drinking moderately but eventually progress to becoming an alcoholic. When you become an alcoholic, your life will revolve around drinking. You are said to have alcohol dependence at that stage and will start abusing alcohol.

Alcohol abuse is an uncontrollable drinking pattern resulting in adverse and recurrent consequences. As an added risk, you may fail to honor your school, family, or work obligations. Eventually, you may start having alcohol-related conflicts and legal problems like drunk driving, theft, or involving yourself in unnecessary fights. Your relationships may also break down, and you may end up in jail.

Alcohol dependence means you have lost control of your drinking. Alcohol addiction means you cannot stop drinking when drinks are still available. You may try stopping, but you find yourself slipping back. Worse still, you may struggle to talk, walk, or eat without a drink. In addition, you will become shaky and sweaty in the morning before drinking and, in some cases, may suffer from hallucinations and delirium tremens (DTs) when you try to withdraw from drinking.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol

If you are an alcoholic, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the best ways to solve your problem and break your drinking patterns. Medication-assisted treatment uses a combination of physical therapy and medications. It is a safe and effective way to help you stop drinking and start working to improve your health.

The medications used to treat SUD will affect your brain and restore the chemicals disrupted by alcohol. MAT will clear your body of all alcohol-related chemicals and help you achieve sobriety. The program can also help you maintain recovery and prevent future risks like overuse of alcohol or even death. MAT can not only help alcohol abusers but also treat disorders resulting from nicotine or opioid use.

The main aim of MAT is to limit cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms related to alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms are the main reasons that people relapse. So, by addressing them through MAT, you will regain your control over alcohol and eventually stop drinking. As a result, your cravings will decrease, and you will finally live an alcohol-free life.

MAT does not mean substituting alcohol with another drug. The treatment only corrects your body’s chemical imbalances to restore it to a healthy state. A qualified medical practitioner must oversee the treatment so you do not become addicted to the drugs. MAT heavily relies on medications combined with professional therapy sessions. With both behavioral therapies and counseling, medication-assisted treatment will address your well-being and health.

As you continue drinking, you will develop an alcohol tolerance, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect. Moreover, the more dependent you are on alcohol, your withdrawal symptoms will be more severe. These symptoms may include convulsions, hallucinations, tremors, irritability, restlessness, sweating, and nausea.

Although excessive alcohol consumption gets public attention and concern, even moderate or mild alcohol-related problems can cause severe damage to an individual’s life, community, and immediate family.

Data from the NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) shows that 6.2% of U.S. adults aged 18 and older have an alcohol use disorder. This is a considerable number by all standards. For instance, in one governmental survey, it was found that 20% of U.S. citizens aged between 12 and 20 years are users of alcohol, about 40% of young adults aged between 18 and 25 years are binge drinkers, and about 10% are heavy drinkers.

What Medicines Are Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol?

Seeking medical intervention for alcohol addiction is crucial because quitting without medical help can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures and delirium tremens. Without medication-assisted treatment, some symptoms can be fatal. MAT will ease these symptoms so you can stop drinking safely.

Withdrawal from alcohol use is life-threatening, anxiety-ridden, and excruciating. Therefore, the withdrawal process must be gradual and supervised by an experienced doctor. The FDA approves four medications for the treatment of alcoholism. It is worth mentioning that these medications do not treat alcoholism instantly but will help you gradually withdraw until you recover.

Benzodiazepines (Librium and Valium)

Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Valium (diazepam), and other long-acting benzodiazepines are used to detox alcohol addicts since these medications act on the same brain receptors as alcohol. These drugs can be prescribed immediately if the doctor realizes you are in danger of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

The doctor will taper them off gradually as your condition improves and you leave the dangerous stage. This can take about five days from the time you had your last drink. However, the time taken to escape the danger zone varies from person to person. People may stay longer on benzodiazepines, whereas others can be switched to other FDA-approved alternatives.

Naltrexone (Revia and Vivitrol)

Naltrexone is a popular drug for opioid addicts but is also effective for alcohol abusers. The drug blocks the brain’s opioid receptors, thus decreasing drug cravings and preventing the person from getting high when they use alcohol or opioids. Initially, this drug was only used to treat opioid addicts, but it was later discovered that naltrexone could also be used to treat alcoholics.

To date, many doctors do not understand the mechanism of its action, but they believe the brain responds to opioids the same way it responds to alcohol. This means naltrexone can suppress the pleasurable and euphoric effects that alcohol brings.

If you are on naltrexone, you will not feel high even if you drink alcohol. Naltrexone does not eliminate withdrawal symptoms, meaning you must undergo detox before naltrexone is administered. The doctor will determine the stage where you will be fit enough to start using naltrexone.

Acamprosate (Campral)

Acamprosate reduces alcohol-related cravings and alleviates withdrawal symptoms. Doctors in the U.S. like to prescribe it for the treatment of alcoholism. This drug will reduce the dependence of your brain on alcohol and restore your brain’s functionality and chemistry. Acamprosate interacts with brain neurotransmitters to help normalize and modulate the brain’s activity, which excessive alcohol consumption has thrown into disarray.

Immediately after you stop consuming alcohol, your brain will start functioning differently, triggering withdrawal symptoms in your body. This is the process that acamprosate will control so that you can get relief. This drug is usually administered after detoxification. It is commonly prescribed alongside other medications like disulfiram and naltrexone.

Disulfiram

Disulfiram is another popular medication for the treatment of alcohol dependence. When you use this drug, you will have a strong, unpleasant hangover-like experience when you drink alcohol. The undesirable effects include sweating, weakness, chest pain, vomiting, nausea, headache, and facial flushing.

These symptoms will begin after 10 minutes of consuming alcohol and can last up to 60 minutes. Disulfiram is not meant to treat SUD but to deter you from drinking. That is why it is a good option for you when you still have alcohol cravings.

Causes of Alcohol Use Disorders

Alcoholism has many causes, with social, psychological, physiological, and genetic factors playing the most significant roles. These factors affect people differently. For example, certain alcoholics’ disorders are caused by psychological factors like low self-esteem and impulsiveness. For some drinkers, alcohol provides them with a way to cope with emotional problems.

Still, a group of people drinks because of environmental and social factors like the need to fit in (peer pressure) and the ease of access to alcohol. For example, people who grow up in areas where alcohol is readily available are likely to start drinking at a tender age. Other causes of alcohol use disorders are sexual abuse, physical abuse, and poverty.

Genetic factors have also been found to make some people highly likely to become alcoholics, although this happens only to a small percentage. For example, some children born to alcoholic parents may lead alcohol-free lives, and those born to sober parents can become alcoholics.

Once you start drinking excessively, the problem will perpetuate itself. Excess alcohol will cause changes in your body that make you feel comfortable only after drinking. As a result, you may sometimes find yourself drinking to avoid suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

How Will Substance Use Disorders Affect You?

Some research has found that using alcohol in small quantities has some health benefits, like positive cardiovascular effects. On the other hand, excessive drinking has been found to have adverse health effects. Heavy alcohol consumption has both short-term and long-term effects.

The short-term effects include blackouts, hangovers, and memory loss. On the other hand, heavy alcohol consumption’s long-term effects may include liver cirrhosis, severe cognitive impairment, brain damage, cancer, heart problems, and stomach ailments.

Alcoholism also increases an individual’s chances of committing suicide or dying from homicide, accidents, and fights. Interestingly, men are more likely to develop alcoholism than women, but women suffer more from alcoholism than men.

Alcohol has been found to negatively affect mental health because it acts directly on the brain. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can worsen anxiety and depression and create these conditions if they never existed.

Often alcoholics do not only hurt themselves. You will also hurt your children and spouse. You can expose them to family violence, deprivation of a good life, and, in the worst-case scenario, physical or sexual abuse. In addition, when your children see you in your drunken state, they can develop serious psychological problems.

Children who cannot face you when drunk may attempt to run away from home. Then there is the problem of stealing. Most broke alcoholics still sell household items to get money for a bottle or two. This can plunge your family into poverty. Alcohol also leads to job loss, which can hurt all your dependents. Furthermore, drinking while pregnant can damage your fetus. You may also cause the same family problems caused by men.

When Should You Seek Help?

The problem with alcoholism is that it develops gradually, so it is a big challenge to know when to seek help. Another problem is that most alcoholics live in denial. They cannot believe they are alcoholics. Most alcoholics only seek help when they have hit rock bottom.

The first step in seeking help is acknowledging your drinking problem. There are many questions you can ask to gauge your condition. You can be on the lookout for the effects discussed above to indicate whether you have slipped into alcoholism.

For instance, do you find it easy to stop drinking? Have you ever sworn you would never drink again, only to find yourself drunk the next day? Have you missed classes or work because of alcohol? Have you begged for alcohol? Do you have an alcohol-related medical condition?

Such questions can help guide you in deciding to start seeking help. But please do not wait until it is too late. Alcohol addiction can be fatal. Instead, consider visiting a professional rehabilitation facility such as Liberty Bay Recovery Center for medication-assisted treatment.

Do You Need Other Treatments With Medication-Assisted Treatment?

MAT is a comprehensive treatment option that combines different therapies and medications. However, you can combine it with other treatment options, which your doctor should approve. For example, you can take other drugs for other mental health problems like anxiety and depression. You can also join support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

The post Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

The Role Food Plays in Our Health

Food plays a significant role in our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Think of your body as a high-performance engine; using substandard fuel in a luxury vehicle would inevitably result in engine malfunctions and breakdowns. Likewise, when given substandard building blocks to work with, your body responds by creating mental and physical dysfunction that may make overcoming addictions and unhealthy habits more difficult.

Nutrition plays a vital role in recovery from drug and alcohol use. Essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in nutritious foods can reduce withdrawal symptoms and give your body what it needs to heal. So why is nutrition important to recovery, and what should you eat as you embark on your healing journey? Read on to discover why it all matters.

Malnutrition Caused by Substance Abuse

Any form of substance abuse can cause malnutrition. People in the throes of addiction care less about how they are fueling their bodies than about getting the next fix. A person may skip meals or forget to eat due to a preoccupation with their addiction. Over time, this failure to fuel results in a loss of critical nutritional building blocks that will eventually show as signs of malnutrition. Classic signs of malnutrition include:

• Reduced Appetite
• Weakness
• Chills
• Poor Cognitive Memory
• Slow Wound Healing
• Weakened Immunity

The recovery process does little to erase the effects of malnutrition. On the contrary, detoxing can make things temporarily worse for people experiencing exaggerated withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to continue.

The Struggle to Rewire the Brain

Substance abuse takes over the mind, with substances triggering the brain’s reward center. As someone uses their chosen substance, the reward center is flooded with “feel good” chemicals, repeatedly causing one to seek out that same feeling.

With every subsequent high, the need for more substance to feel the same effect grows greater, and this is where the roots of addiction take hold in the brain. Since the human body is so adaptable to stimuli, the brain requires more significant amounts of the substance to create the same amount of “feel good” substances that keep a person coming back for more.

Feeding the Brain During Recovery

Unhealthy foods also stimulate parts of the brain, releasing chemicals that temporarily help us feel good. Processed foods high in preservatives, sugar, and fat contribute to the same type of brain chemistry in people struggling with addiction. Feeding the brain the right food during recovery is essential to success and long-term health. Changing your diet by incorporating healthy foods that promote healing will significantly and positively impact recovery.

Foods to Eat During Detox

Recovery is a whole-body endeavor; making deliberate and positive diet and lifestyle changes makes it easier for the mind and body to heal. When the body is nourished with adequate vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, cravings for unhealthy foods and patterns are significantly reduced. The body embarks on its natural healing process, provided you continue properly nourishing it. Below we identify some of the best foods to incorporate into your diet for optimal health and healing.

Fresh or Frozen Berries

Fresh or frozen berries enhance any snack with a boost of healthy, natural sugar to help you fight unhealthy cravings. In addition, berries are rich in vitamins C, A, and B and antioxidants that promote cellular health and renewal—snack on delicious berries alone or in combination with yogurt or nuts for a satisfying snack.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are an essential part of any healthy diet. The body craves fiber-rich foods, and fiber helps to eliminate toxins and harmful free radicals that can damage organs and tissues as they circulate. Foods rich in whole grains also help to facilitate a slower release of sugars, keeping blood sugar levels stable and helping to prevent mood swings and irritability, which are common during detox.

Garden Greens

Garden fresh greens are among the most nutritious foods consumed on this planet. Greens are excellent for adding a boost of vitamin B and binding to heavy metals and toxins to flush them out of the body. Greens also provide you with antioxidant protection as your body continues to heal. In addition, they support optimal brain function during recovery. Look for leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, chard, and kale to incorporate into meals to reduce cravings for unhealthy food and drink.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper helps to regulate the metabolism and fight cravings for unhealthy foods. It can also help to reduce flu-like symptoms and nausea, which are common in the initial stages of detoxification. Adding a pinch into a cup of tea or favorite foods can boost immunity, easing detoxification symptoms.

Nuts and Seeds

Dopamine is one of those “feel-good chemicals” that is present and circulating in a healthy brain. Unfortunately, brains subjected to unhealthy patterns of addiction are severely depleted in dopamine, so finding foods that naturally raise and release this chemical back into the brain will improve the detoxification experience. For example, nuts and seeds naturally raise dopamine levels, which can help reduce cravings for alcohol and other substances that produce the same feeling. Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds are also excellent sources of fiber and antioxidants that help naturally balance dopamine levels in the brain.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to mood and brain health. In addition, these fish are incredibly high in protein, which helps you to recover from the adverse effects of alcohol and drugs on the body and brain. Consuming quality protein is also an excellent way to trigger that satiated feeling, making it easier to resist the temptation of unhealthy foods and other substances.

Foods High in Zinc

Zinc is a powerhouse mineral, providing excellent healing capabilities for the body and mind. Foods high in zinc include:

• Fresh Seafood
• Red Meat
• Vegetables
• Legumes
• Nuts and Seeds
• Fruit
• Whole Grains
• Full-Fat Dairy

Choosing foods from this list will boost immunity, promote cellular health and renewal, and give you the building blocks needed for proper nutritional recovery.

Bananas

Bananas help to raise dopamine levels in the brain and fight off cravings for processed sugar and sweets. High in potassium, bananas aid in protecting the heart and cardiovascular system from oxidative stress and damage. Even one banana a day is said to significantly reduce the effects of substance abuse on the heart and promote natural healing.

Whole Wheat Bread

Making the switch from white to whole wheat bread has many health benefits. Whole wheat contains a great deal of fiber and magnesium, which can improve gut health. Magnesium has also been shown to protect muscle and nervous system health, two systems that will be called upon to perform as you go through detox and withdrawal.

Iron-Rich Foods

Iron is a critical mineral that our bodies need but cannot produce. Essential to red blood cell production, this element carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It also aids in improving neurological functioning, balancing hormones, and boosting energy. Foods that are rich in iron include:

• Beef
• Dark Poultry Meat
• Shellfish
• Liver
• Tuna
• Eggs
• Spinach
• Swiss Chard
• Beetroot
• Tofu
• Soy Products

Just a few servings of iron-rich foods weekly will boost energy, safeguard immunity, and increase oxygen levels in the body, contributing to better overall health.

Water

Water is a life force of energy for your body. It facilitates thousands of cellular operations, keeps blood flowing smoothly, and helps to eliminate toxins efficiently from all organs and systems. Without it, you feel sluggish, tired, and sick. Staying hydrated during and after detox gives you an advantage over those who don’t prioritize proper water intake. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces daily and more if you are in the throes of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing with adequate amounts of water in your system will reduce the time you have to go through these symptoms, and you’ll feel better sooner.

You Are a Top Priority

Focus on self-care and better health as you seek to break free from habits and patterns that no longer serve you. Making yourself a top priority will help you achieve a better quality of life. Liberty Bay Recovery Center has a team of addiction specialists and medical professionals ready to serve you and provide you with what you need to get and stay sober. We offer inpatient and outpatient programs, therapeutic services, and medically supervised detox to support your recovery journey. You deserve to create the life that you’ve always wanted, which you can do now with your health and wellness as a top priority. Contact us today to get started on a better path to health and healing.

The post Best Foods for Detox and Recovery appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

When you enter our alcohol detox program, we customize a treatment plan that focuses on your individual needs. We realize each client has their own unique reasons for using alcohol and that no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment will be effective.

Learn more about how our alcohol treatment programs can help you or a loved one overcome alcohol use. Contact the addiction treatment professionals at Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 today.

Why You Should Not Attempt Alcohol Detox at Home

When you reach out for help with alcohol addiction, it is not a sign of weakness. It takes a lot of courage to admit that you can’t do this on your own. But if you’re thinking about trying alcohol detox at home, take time to learn about the risks involved.

Depending on the amount of alcohol you use and how long you’ve used it, withdrawal symptoms can range from mild or moderate to severe and dangerous. They may simply cause you to seek more alcohol, or they could cause serious harm to your physical and mental health.

Without someone by your side to monitor and treat the symptoms, you could be placing your life in danger. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of alcohol detox at home.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The purpose of detox is to allow your body to adjust to the absence of alcohol gradually. You’ll experience many alcohol withdrawal symptoms that will challenge your fortitude during the process.

Mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Cravings
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

More severe withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Delirium tremens (DTs)
• Stroke
• Heart attack

Most of the severe symptoms are impossible for a person to manage independently. The result can be relapse, coma, or death. However, if you undergo withdrawal in a detox facility, professional addiction specialists and medical personnel are there to provide 24/7 supervision to ensure your safety.

Why It’s Hard to Overcome Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a combination of physical, emotional, mental, and environmental factors that lead a person to drink. Detox resolves the physical aspect of the addiction. However, it is not a cure for the disorder.

Studies show that most people with substance use disorders also suffer from another mental health disorder, such as:

• Depression
• OCD
• PTSD
• ADHD
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia

Some individuals with AUD have a family history of alcohol abuse. Or, they may live in a household where alcohol is openly and frequently used.

In some cases of alcohol addiction, people were exposed to alcohol abuse in early childhood. As a result, they began drinking at a young age.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder at Liberty Bay Recovery

Before a person can successfully overcome alcoholism, professionals must address the underlying emotional and mental factors. Our rehabilitation programs include counseling and other therapeutic modalities that target the underlying causes of alcohol use.

We seek to help clients identify and understand the deep-rooted reasons for their alcohol addiction. Through our comprehensive program, clients learn effective coping methods, better communication skills, and essential life skills vital to maintaining sobriety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, take the first step toward recovery today. Contact us at Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 to learn more about our services and get started on your recovery journey.

The post Risks of Alcohol Detox at Home appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

Knowing the signs of opiate withdrawal to better protect yourself and loved ones struggling with prescription drug abuse is important. If you are looking for an opiate detox center, Liberty Bay Recovery Center is a peaceful environment to begin your recovery. Contact us at (855) 607-8758 to learn more.

How Does Prescription Drug Addiction Start?

Millions of people across the nation suffer from prescription drug addiction. The addiction usually starts with a prescription to relieve pain. After a few weeks of consistent use, most people struggle to stop because of the physical dependency they have developed.

Physical dependence on prescription drugs leads to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if someone stops taking them. When long-term opiate use occurs, cutting back or stopping the drug will lead to various withdrawal symptoms. This is what makes prescription drug abuse so dangerous and so prevalent. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include:

• Codeine products
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Methadone
• Vicodin

These drugs may be prescribed to someone who has a low threshold for addiction. Other factors such as life stressors, socioeconomic status, and genetics determine whether someone will become dependent on prescription painkillers. Opiates can be very addictive for many people.

What Do Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms Look Like?

Opiate withdrawal is a process that can be divided into stages. Early opiate withdrawal symptoms typically look different from the later stages of withdrawal. Withdrawal can be dangerous and even fatal for the person experiencing it. That is why it is so important to recognize the symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

Early-Stage Symptoms

At the start of opiate withdrawal, the user will likely feel severely ill. They may complain of flu-like symptoms that appear harmless. However, these symptoms can lead to life-threatening scenarios if a person attempts to quit and go through withdrawal without medical assistance. Some of the early symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:

• Sweating
• Shaking
• Runny nose
• Teary eyes
• Body aches
• Fatigue

If you or a loved one are experiencing these withdrawal symptoms, it is important to get to a detox center to avoid medical problems.

Late-Stage Symptoms

Later symptoms of opiate withdrawal usually occur within 12 to 36 hours after the last use of the drug. These can be more intense and dangerous for the user. It is essential to undergo medically assisted detox to avoid them. Some of the later symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:

• Lack of balance
• Nausea and vomiting
• Goosebumps
• Muscle cramps
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Extreme agitation

Late symptoms occur as the user’s body adjusts to the absence of opiates. This list is not exhaustive, and there may be less common opiate withdrawal symptoms present in you or a loved one.

Find Help at Liberty Bay Recovery’s Detox Center

At Liberty Bay Recovery’s opiate detox center, we care about you and your loved ones. We have a highly qualified team of medical professionals and equipment to safely detox clients. Our detox center also provides relief for some of the opiate withdrawal symptoms, like nausea and vomiting. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Our mission is to address all of your detox needs so you can begin your path to recovery. We have medical staff, mental health professionals, and addiction counselors on hand to give you the full recovery experience. If you or a loved one needs medical detox and wants to begin the journey to recovery, we’re here to help. You can contact Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 or visit our website to learn more about our services.

The post Recognizing Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

Luckily, a significant portion of patients addicted to opioids or heroin is currently seeking treatment in some form, whether that be a medical detox, therapy, a 12-step program, or some other method of beating addiction. For some, simply quitting cold turkey seems like the best option to reach success in getting clean.

At Liberty Bay Recovery, we understand the risks of quitting cold turkey and want to help you walk through the detox process on the road to sobriety. Reach out to one of our addiction specialists today by calling (855) 607-8758.

What Is Quitting Cold Turkey?

Quitting cold turkey is a strict method that some people struggling with addiction will take to successfully reach sobriety. When an addict quits cold turkey, they put down the addictive substance for good all at once instead of weaning themselves off the substance over time.

The cold-turkey method of quitting can have mixed results for different people depending on the substance and how long they’ve been addicted. For example, the method may work perfectly well for a smoker who’s been addicted to nicotine for less than one year, as they likely won’t experience too many symptoms of withdrawal. These include:

• Vomiting
• Sweating 
• Chills
• Shaking
• Anxiety
• Depression

Why Quitting Cold Turkey Can Be Appealing

Some patients seeking an at-home detox will choose to slowly wean themselves off of the addicting substance to avoid painful or damaging withdrawal symptoms. However, within an addiction, it can be difficult to enforce a moderate dose of a substance that you’re used to using without moderation.

Therefore, many patients struggling to beat addiction will find that weaning themselves off of a substance over time feels more difficult than simply quitting altogether. This is when many choose the route of quitting cold turkey and lean on their ability to control picking up the substance instead of only using it in a moderate dose.

What Are the Risks of At-Home Detox?

As mentioned above, a few unique risks are known to go along with quitting an addictive substance cold turkey, especially if you’ve been dependent on it for a long time. Though certain drugs like nicotine and cocaine are typically known to cause fewer withdrawal symptoms, a smooth withdrawal process is absolutely not guaranteed in any case.

Additionally, your body can become dependent on the effects of drugs, even if the substance use isn’t technically healthy. For this reason, it’s important to detox your body slowly in a controlled environment to cause as little shock as possible to your system. This means enlisting the help of a doctor or detox specialist within a rehab facility that can ease your withdrawal symptoms while helping you to stay clean. The following programs can help you develop the skills and relationships you need for a lasting recovery:

• Inpatient detox
• Residential addiction treatment
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Partial hospitalization program

Detox on Your Terms at Liberty Bay Recovery Center

The journey to sobriety looks different for everyone. That’s why Liberty Bay Recovery offers several distinctive detox programs, with Portland, Maine as a beautiful and healing backdrop. Call (855) 607-8758 to speak to a representative and learn more about Liberty Bay Recovery.

The post The Risks of Quitting Cold-Turkey appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

Those who have a cocaine addiction may require professional support for a full recovery. A thorough rehab program should include methods to provide care from detox through outpatient care to prevent relapse.

What Is Cocaine Addiction?

Cocaine addiction occurs when the body and mind both become reliant on using cocaine to feel normal. The more frequently someone uses cocaine, the greater the chance they will become addicted to it. The brain rewires itself to depend on the chemical changes the cocaine does to it. Over time, the individual requires greater doses of cocaine to feel high. Occasionally, these higher doses can lead to overdose and death.

As dire as the possibilities might be, addicts will often show signs of drug abuse before overdosing. Possible behaviors or physical changes that someone has a cocaine addiction include the following:

• Paranoia
• Staying out late or isolating themselves
• Frequently borrowing money
• Losing weight
• Nausea
• Restlessness
• Higher body temperature and blood pressure
• Dilated pupils, even in bright light
• Anxiety, irritability, or aggression

What Are Cocaine Effects on the Body?

In someone who uses cocaine, the drug increases amounts of the brain’s natural reward hormone, causing feelings of mental alertness and happiness. This high does not last very long, and it depends on the amount of the drug used and the form of intake. Therefore, people who snort coke may have a longer-lasting high than those who smoke or inject it.

Despite the positive feelings people get from using cocaine, it does cause severe effects on the body by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and mood. As the body becomes more adapted to the natural reward hormone released by cocaine use, the individual needs to take more to get high. Regularly increasing the dose can lead to the most severe consequences of cocaine addiction — seizures, stroke, hallucinations, and heart attacks. In these cases, without immediate treatment, fatality may result.

Cocaine effects even continue when individuals stop taking the drug. Because cocaine directly impacts the brain, stopping its use suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms that include depression, increased appetite, insomnia, and fatigue. These uncomfortable side effects of stopping the drug cause many people to give up their recovery efforts by taking coke again or leaving their detox centers. However, stopping this early in the recovery process will not lead to progress. Detox is difficult, but with support from medical professionals trained in motivating clients, moving through detox to other phases of recovery from cocaine addiction is possible.

Benefits of Rehab for Recovering from Coke Addiction

Going to an addiction recovery center offers multiple benefits over quitting alone for anyone trying to stop cocaine use. Some of the benefits of rehab include the following:

• Motivational, professional staff members
• Medical supervision during detox
• Support throughout the process from detox to aftercare
• Mental health support through various therapies
• Education for family members of clients

To gain the benefits of rehab from crack cocaine use, clients first go through detox, a residential program, partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), outpatient program, and finally, aftercare. This long sequence helps with relapse prevention by ensuring that clients have full support and can function independently after rehab without using cocaine.

Contact Liberty Bay Recovery Near Portland, Maine, to Unlock the Benefits of Rehab for Cocaine Addiction

Make the move today to begin rehab for cocaine addiction. Phone (855) 607-8758 or use our online form to contact us at Liberty Bay Recovery Center. You can find out how out professionally assisted rehab can help you in your recovery from cocaine addiction. Start your new life with a phone call to us at Liberty Bay Recovery, serving Portland, Maine, and surrounding areas.

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