Ranging from abnormal heart rhythms and strokes to tooth decay, dizziness, sleep problems, and impaired thinking, the effects of crystal meth can put people in serious danger. If you or someone you know is struggling with meth misuse, contact Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758.

The Effects of Meth

The list of psychological and physical effects of crystal meth is a long one. A person’s physical appearance may change, making meth use more noticeable over time. Their mood, sleep, memory, and behavior may also change.

Crystal meth can also cause methamphetamine psychosis, especially when used regularly or in high doses. Meth psychosis may include delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and loss of contact with reality. These symptoms can be extremely frightening for the person using meth and for the people around them.

Short-Term Effects of Crystal Meth

Short-term meth effects can happen soon after use. Some people may feel a rush of energy, confidence, and euphoria. These effects are part of why meth can be so addictive. However, the short-term effects of meth can also be dangerous.

A person using meth may experience a racing heart, high blood pressure, sweating, anxiety, irritability, and trouble sleeping. Some people become restless, aggressive, or paranoid. Others may go long periods without eating or sleeping, which can make mental and physical symptoms become much worse.

Even short-term use can lead to risky behavior, poorer decision-making, and medical emergencies.

If someone has chest pain, severe confusion, seizures, trouble breathing, or signs of overdose, call 911 right away.

Physical Effects of Meth on the Body

There are many harmful effects meth can have on the body. Also known as ice or glass, crystal meth is usually made illegally and may contain toxic substances. Injecting, snorting, smoking, or swallowing meth can damage the body in several ways.

Common physical effects of meth may include:

• Severe tooth decay, often called “meth mouth”
• Profuse sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Digestive problems
• Skin sores from picking or scratching
• Weight loss and poor nutrition
• Permanent organ damage
• Permanent damage to blood vessels
• Increased risk of stroke or heart problems
• Death

Crystal meth can have especially severe effects on the heart and brain in particular. Some people become addicted to crystal meth after very little use. While meth may leave the body within a few days after use stops, some effects can last much longer and be more difficult to resolve.

Psychological Effects on the Brain

Crystal meth increases the release of dopamine in the brain while also blocking its reuptake. Dopamine plays a key role in reward, motivation, movement, and pleasure too. Shortly after taking meth, a person may feel a strong dopamine rush and an overly exaggerated sense of euphoria.

Over time, meth use can also change how the brain works. A person may find it harder to feel pleasure without the drug. They may also struggle with cravings, mood swings, memory problems, and poor impulse control.

Meth’s Effect on Mental Functioning

As meth use continues, dopamine changes can lead to serious shifts in brain function. Meth can affect verbal skills, memory, emotion, and decision-making. Psychological effects of meth use may include obsessive behaviors, paranoia, hallucinations, insomnia, hyperactivity, and irritability.

Other signs that a person may be using meth include psychomotor agitation, compulsive skin-picking, delusions of grandeur, psychosis, a sense of invincibility, and increased aggressiveness.

The damage caused by crystal meth use can affect mood, memory, focus, and the ability to think clearly. Even after stopping, some people may continue to experience memory gaps, anxiety, depression, or mood swings for an extended time.

Long-Term Effects of Meth

The long-term effects of meth can affect nearly every part of a person’s life. Physical health may decline as the body is pushed beyond its limits. Dental problems, skin damage, heart strain, poor nutrition, and sleep loss may become more severe over time.

Long-term meth use can also increase the risk of addiction, mental health symptoms, relationship problems, job loss, legal problems, and isolation. Some people may want to stop using but feel unable to manage cravings or withdrawal symptoms without any proper support.

This is why professional help matters, as meth addiction treatment can help address the effects of meth use as well as the underlying causes of the substance abuse.

Risk Factors for Meth Addiction

Crystal meth dependency can affect anyone. Meth addiction can affect people of all ages, genders, races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Risk factors for meth addiction may include working a job that depends on staying awake for long hours, use of other drugs in the family, mental health concerns, low self-esteem, trauma, or a history of sexual abuse.

Having risk factors does not mean someone will become addicted. It does mean they may benefit from support, early intervention, and a treatment plan that looks at the full person, and not just the drug use itself.

Recovery Is Possible with Liberty Bay Recovery Center

Admitting there is a problem is an essential first step on the journey to recovery from meth misuse. A customized approach that treats the effects of meth and the causes of abuse is a critical part of recovery.

Located in Portland, Maine, our recovery center offers personal counseling, medical detox, outpatient services, relapse prevention, and other effective programs to support you during this time.

Please contact our friendly staff at Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758 to help yourself or a loved one begin recovery from meth addiction.

FAQs

What are the most common crystal meth side effects?

Common crystal meth side effects include increased energy, sweating, loss of appetite, fast heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, and irritability. Long-term use can also lead to dental damage, skin sores, memory problems, and addiction.

Can meth cause psychosis?

Yes. Meth can cause psychosis, especially with repeated use or high doses. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, extreme paranoia, and losing touch with reality.

What is meth mouth?

Meth mouth refers to severe tooth decay and gum problems linked to meth use. Dry mouth, poor nutrition, teeth grinding, and reduced dental care may all contribute.

Can someone recover from meth addiction?

Yes. Recovery from meth addiction is possible with the right treatment and support. A treatment plan may include detox support, counseling, outpatient care, relapse prevention, and mental health support.

When should someone seek meth addiction treatment?

Someone should seek help when meth use is affecting their health, safety, relationships, work, school, or ability to stop using. If there is immediate danger, overdose symptoms, or severe confusion, call 911.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2025) Stimulants. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/stimulant-overdose.html (Accessed: 15 May 2026).
2. Cleveland Clinic (2025) Substance Use Disorder (SUD): Symptoms & Treatment. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16652-drug-addiction-substance-use-disorder-sud (Accessed: 15 May 2026).
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse (2024) Methamphetamine. Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/methamphetamine (Accessed: 15 May 2026).
4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (2024) Contingency Management for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. Available at: https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/a0cc6fcdb2968be95f60bb1c2c94eb70/contingency-management-sub-treatment.pdf (Accessed: 15 May 2026).
5. Mayo Clinic Proceedings (2012) Methamphetamine Abuse: A Perfect Storm of Complications. Available at: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2811%2961639-X/fulltext/ (Accessed: 15 May 2026).

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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.

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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.

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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.

There is also a category of illicit stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, usually taken orally, through injection, or snorting. Stimulant misuse can lead to addiction, inflicting psychological distress on the body. You will require intensive therapy and treatment to overcome stimulant addiction. Start your treatment earlier to increase the chances of long-term recovery. Learning how the drug affects your body and the available treatment options is the first step toward freedom from addiction. Here’s some more information to get you started.

What Is Stimulant Abuse?

Stimulant addiction can begin as a form of experimental drug use. Others develop dependence after prolonged exposure to prescription medication. When taken as prescribed, prescription stimulants are safe and effective. Doctors prescribe them at lower doses and increase the amount gradually while monitoring the patient.

Abusing stimulants increases the risk of developing an addiction. This includes taking higher doses at frequent intervals than recommended or taking someone else’s medicine. Another form of stimulant abuse is crushing the pill or opening the capsule to snort the powder. Some people dissolve the powder in water and inject it into a vein. Stimulant abuse also includes obtaining drugs illegally to create pleasurable effects.

Drug abuse begins in many ways for various people. Some people start taking drugs to fill an emotional void, especially after losing a loved one or due to relationship problems. Others take stimulants to feel high. Teens may abuse stimulants for better concentration due to academic pressure. Others use drugs to boost their confidence and self-esteem or to fit in. Stimulants affect everyone differently depending on the type of drug used, quantity, length of use, method of use, the person’s weight, size, and health condition. In general, a higher dose of a stimulant can lead to:

• Irregular Heart Rate
• Increased Breathing
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Increased Blood Sugar

A user may develop tolerance after continued stimulant misuse. In this state, you must use higher doses to get the desired effects. This increases the risk of an overdose. Deaths involving stimulants have risen in recent years, primarily due to cocaine and methamphetamine overdose. Mixing stimulants with other drugs like opioids increases the risk of an overdose. These substances mask each other’s effects which may encourage the user to take higher doses. Some common signs of stimulants overdose include:

• Difficult Breathing
• Abdominal Cramps
• Paranoia
• Excessive Sweating
• High Body Temperature
• Convulsions

When someone overdoses on stimulants, they may also experience heart attacks and stroke, so call emergency medical services as soon as possible. Seeking treatment once you realize you have a stimulant dependency can also help prevent the risk of overdose.

Warning Signs of Stimulant Addiction

Stimulants work by increasing neurotransmitters’ norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine reinforces pleasurable behaviors in the brain’s reward circuitry. On the other hand, norepinephrine causes physical effects like changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. In general, stimulants result in decreased fatigue and improved concentration.

Repeat use of high stimulant doses changes how the brain perceives pleasure. When functioning normally, the reward system motivates people to repeat healthy behaviors like eating or spending time with family. But a surge in dopamine in the reward system may lead to behaviors like drug misuse. Over time, you lose control over the drug and will need to take the substance for your body to function normally. If your loved ones exhibit most of the signs below, they could suffer from stimulant addiction.

• Taking higher doses of prescription stimulants
• Unexplained change of character
• Neglecting family, work, or school responsibilities
• Getting into legal trouble
• Forging prescriptions
• Requesting early refills
• Frequent dilated pupils
• Sleeping and eating less than usual
• Appearing unusually energetic
• Sudden change in hobbies
• Isolation from friends and family
• Neglecting personal hygiene
• Unexplained money problems

While some people may associate drug addiction with a lack of morals, this complex disease can affect anyone. Parental influence and a person’s environment can also expose someone to substance use. Factors that can increase the risk of stimulants abuse include:

• A family history of drug abuse
• Low self-esteem
• Participation in competitive sports
• Family history of mental health illnesses
• Easy access to stimulants
• Expose to trauma
• Stressful working conditions
• Peer pressure

Staging an Addiction Intervention

Unfortunately, only a small number of people suffering from substance use disorder receive the required treatment. Some are afraid of the lifestyle change that comes with recovery. There is also too much stigma surrounding addiction which can deter people from seeking help. Others aren’t ready to stop taking the drug and are afraid that coming out with their addiction problem would affect their job. Whatever your reasons, the benefits of seeking addiction treatment outweigh the fear. Living drug-free will improve your productivity, relationships, and quality of life.

As soon as you note that your loved one shows signs of addiction, try convincing them to seek treatment. Approach the person calmly with no judgment when they are sober. Point out how the drug affects their lives. Offer to support your loved one when going through treatment. If your loved one doesn’t accept help, stage an intervention with a professional for more guidance.

Stimulants Addiction Treatment Process

Only a medical professional can diagnose stimulant use disorder. First, the doctor will evaluate the client to see if they have been using copious amounts of the substance for a long time. To be considered addicted, the user should also show signs like an inability to reduce consumption, intense stimulant cravings, and continued substance use, even when it causes harm to the client and their loved ones. After diagnosis, your doctor should guide you through the right treatment plan for your needs.

Your doctor may recommend the inpatient treatment program if you have a severe substance use disorder. For this option, the client stays in the rehab facility for close monitoring and care for 30 to 90 days. Consider this treatment option if you previously relapsed or live in a trigger-filled home. When preparing to get into inpatient treatment, speak to your employer and inform them that you will be away for some time. You also need to make living arrangements for your children.

People with less severe cases of stimulant use disorder, good physical health, a stable living environment, and a sound support system may consider outpatient treatment. You will have to attend various treatment sessions in the rehab center for a few hours and then head home. Outpatient rehab allows you to continue caring for your family, attend school, or work while on treatment.

Clients requiring more intense treatment than the outpatient program offers but still need to live at home can consider partial hospitalization. For this program, you receive high-level care during the day for about four to six hours, five days a week. Irrespective of your chosen treatment plan, stimulant addiction treatment entails the following processes.

Detoxification

After an extended period of use, your brain becomes reliant on stimulants to function. If you cease using the drugs, your body will have difficulty readjusting to function independently. This may result in some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, which can be challenging to cope with. In the first few hours after your last stimulant dose, you may begin to experience the following withdrawal symptoms.

• • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Intense cravings
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Depression

About 24 hours later, you experience sleepiness, depressed mood, increased appetite, and low energy levels. Heavy stimulant users also experience hallucinations and paranoia. Most of these symptoms start to subside within the first week, but drug cravings may become more intense at this time. You may also experience extreme depression and fatigue. Acute withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, insomnia, and depression, continue weeks later.

Without professional assistance, withdrawal symptoms like mood swings and depression could lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. People with an underlying mental illness may struggle with severe depression during withdrawal. It’s often challenging to withdraw from stimulants alone in your home environment. A professional will safely flush simulants out of your body during medical detox. The doctor will offer medication to make depression, insomnia, anxiety, and other withdrawal symptoms more manageable. You will also receive emotional support and professional guidance during this potentially turbulent phase.

Therapy

Most people struggling with substance use disorder also have an underlying mental health issue. For example, based on a study, amphetamines use can result in psychosis, suicidality, and depression. This is where therapy comes in to help modify a person’s behavior, feelings, and drug use expectations, which helps reduce stress and effectively manage triggers. Some effective therapy approaches to treat stimulant addiction include the following.

Individual Therapy

Through individual therapy, a counselor will help you find the root cause of your addiction. You will better understand how addiction impacts your health, learn how to recognize triggers, and develop coping techniques to help you navigate life without drugs.

Group Therapy

Group therapy connects you with peers going through similar problems, which gives you a safe space to share your experiences. It reduces isolation and gives you a chance to witness other people’s recovery, which instills a sense of hope.

Family Therapy

Addiction affects each family member differently, from emotional distress, impaired attachments, and violence to economic hardships. Family therapy will help address conflicts, improve communication, and rebuild trust in a family. This will lead to improved health and well-being in the entire family.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing strengthens the client’s motivation to maintain sobriety. Your therapist will help you understand the motive behind certain behaviors and emphasize the importance of change to help you overcome internal battles that affect your willingness to quit drugs.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT makes you more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to help you understand how they can lead to unhealthy patterns like drug abuse. In addition, it enables you to take a more practical point of view when faced with difficulties to avoid negative emotions that cause anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Contingency Management

Contingency Management involves giving tangible rewards to the client to reinforce positive behaviors. For instance, you may receive a gift card or voucher upon confirmation of a negative urine screen.

Aftercare

Addiction treatment doesn’t stop after detox and rehabilitation. You will need ongoing treatment to maintain long-term sobriety. Talk with your therapist to help you develop an effective aftercare plan tailored to your needs and circumstances. You can join a 12-step program to receive encouragement and resources to help you build better-coping skills. Alumni programs are another terrific way to stay connected with the former staff and colleagues in the rehab center. A sober living home will help you safely transition from the rehab center into the community with minimal risks of relapse. These residential facilities have strict rules and offer a supportive environment for people recovering from addiction.

Get Help Today

Deciding to quit drugs and enrolling in a rehab facility like Liberty Bay Recovery are some of the most critical steps in addiction recovery. Once at Liberty Bay Recovery, your doctor will recommend the most effective treatment plan for stimulant use disorder that involve medications, rehabilitation, support groups, and therapy. While working on recovery, some days will feel more difficult than others. But, despite the challenges, continue showing up for counseling, build on healthy habits, follow through on your aftercare plan, and eventually, you will attain long-term sobriety.

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In these challenging times, most people experience stress. The difference is in how we cope with trauma and triggers. Some of us can find balance, while others compound their problems through unhealthy coping mechanisms. One of the most significant issues in the United States is the number of people using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. In Portland, Maine, you have a place to turn to when struggling with mental health problems and substance use disorder. Liberty Bay Recovery Center provides several programs designed to get to the root of substance use disorders and get you on the path to sobriety.

Fear Responses and How They Affect Our Mental Health

Fear is at the base of many mental health issues, including PTSD. Fear and anxiety can be related to past events in our lives and triggered by similar circumstances, or they can stem from an inability to achieve balance when dealing with everyday events.

When we experience fear or anxiety, we begin to feel overwhelmed and unable to move forward freely. Sometimes, we try to escape our problems, even briefly, by turning to drugs and alcohol to relax or numb our emotions.

Just as our problems are unique, how we react to stress and traumatic events is also. Psychologists term these coping mechanisms the fight, flight or freeze response.

Often, how we respond is linked to our natural personalities and combined with learned behaviors. For example, we see how our parents and other influential figures in our lives deal with problems, and we tend to react the same way.

Fighting Your Way Through Trauma

When feeling afraid or anxious, some of us are natural fighters. When we’re in danger or feeling attacked, we might respond by confronting the problem or antagonist. The trigger can threaten our safety or a perceived slight, such as an offensive comment. However, in the fight response, the reaction is often hostility, anger, or abuse.

The pent-up hostility and anger lead to additional stress without a healthier way of coping with triggers. Eventually, it can negatively affect your mental and physical health.

Deer in the Headlights Syndrome

Have you ever been so scared or surprised by events that you froze? You feel like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car on a highway at night. You know you’re in danger, but you’re unable to react.

This is known as the freeze response to fear, and it’s very common. It happens when you experience a shock to your system that is so great that your mind cannot understand it and tells your body what to do to avoid the threat. Because of this emotional and physical paralysis, our anxiety is compounded by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.

Fleeing From Stress

A natural response to danger or discomfort is to run away from it. This is the flight response, and it echoes how humans have dealt with danger since the dawn of our existence.

The events in our lives don’t necessarily need to be massive to send us into a downward spiral of anxiety, despair, shame, or guilt. Even one traumatic event can set the stage for continued fear-based responses in the future. In addition, a lifetime of negative events and environments, consistent patterns of unhealthy choices, or being shown ineffective coping skills can set us up for learned patterns of unhealthy reactions to trauma and stress.

Stress, Trauma, and Substance Use Disorder

How do you manage stress? For many of us, career, school, or relationship problems manifest as physical and emotional issues, such as sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and anxiety. Sometimes, we take a drink, pop a pill, or smoke a joint to deal with emotional pain.

For some, the first instinct after a traumatic event is to have a drink. We begin to feel relaxed afterward, and we might believe that we can better cope with whatever is happening around us. This practice is often mirrored in literature and film, and it teaches us to escape physical or emotional pain by self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.

Such self-medicating can lead to a vicious cycle of dealing with outside stressors by artificial means. Rather than developing the tools to manage negative life experiences, we mask our pain and anxiety with intoxicants. Doing this worsens additional problems unless we receive help, guidance, and support to resolve the underlying issues.

According to information presented by the National Library of Medicine, the rates of SUDs among historically traumatized populations, such as those living in urban centers, correlated directly with the levels of trauma suffered, whether through witnessing events like violent crime or personally experiencing them as victims.

Many study participants were victims of childhood sex abuse, domestic abuse, and other violent crimes. Of the participants in the studies:

• 8% used marijuana
• 39% used alcohol
• 1% used some form of cocaine
• 2% used heroin or other opiates

The results were even more far-reaching in a report compiled by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

The ISTSS found that:

• Between one-tenth and one-third of those recovering from an illness, accident, or violent crime reported excessive alcohol use. The greater their physical pain, the more likely they were to self-medicate.
• Up to 80% of veterans seeking treatment for PTSD also meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Victims of sexual assault reported higher incidences of substance use disorder than those who have not experienced such attacks. This statistic was equally true for men and women represented in the report.
• Children and adolescents who have experienced sexual or physical abuse are four times more likely than their peers to develop SUDs.

Moreover, people diagnosed with PTSD are 14 times more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol or substance use disorder. Approximately 20% of those diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression also fit the criteria for AUD/SUD.

Although anyone can experience alcohol and substance use disorders, these statistics don’t mean everyone enduring prolonged stress, or trauma will develop a substance use disorder. It also depends on your background, conditioning, and the amount of support and stability in your life.

Signs of Stress/Trauma-Related Mental Health Disorders

We all have some stress in our lives. It doesn’t need to be a significant life event that brings it on, and it’s not always negative. Planning a wedding or the birth of a child are joyful events that are notoriously stressful. Having a high-pressure career can lead to a chronic state of tension. How can you tell when normal stress levels have transitioned into a full-blown mood disorder?

Johns Hopkins Medical Center lists the symptoms of mood disorders as follows:

• Persistent feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
• Ongoing feelings of anxiety or sadness
• Low self-esteem or feeling unworthy
• Excessive feelings of shame or guilt
• No interest in activities or things that once brought joy
• Decreased energy
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or gain
• Anger and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Repeated thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Although chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent in our society, and many of those coping with these disorders also struggle with substance use, one of the most tenacious culprits is PTSD. This condition can be complex and long-term, often at the root of anxiety and depression.

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of PTSD include:

• Sudden bursts of anger or irritability
• Problems sleeping, including nightmares
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of emotional numbness
• Avoiding people, places, and activities
• Reliving the trauma or having flashbacks to traumatic events

Attempts to numb the emotional pain of these symptoms often lead to using drugs or alcohol. In addition, repeated use of intoxicating substances can lead to dependence and addiction.

Dependence means that your brain and body have become accustomed to the effects of your substance of choice and need more with each use to continue achieving the desired feeling.

Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder

Whether the substance of choice is alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, or some combination, the symptoms of substance use disorder in any form are quite similar. However, it is important to note that these symptoms can be subtle and easy to hide. Symptoms of addiction or substance misuse include:

• Preoccupation with using or finding drugs/alcohol
• Inability to control, cut down, or stop substance use
• Feelings of panic when alcohol/drugs are unavailable
• Secretive behavior and irritability when questioned about the use
• Making risky decisions while under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Entering dangerous situations to obtain drugs/alcohol

There are also many unhealthy behaviors that may indicate a person is struggling with substance use. Distinguishing the behavioral signs of addiction from less server issues can be difficult. Possible behavioral signs of alcohol and drug dependency can include:

• Increased absences and tardiness, declining performance, and unusual disinterest at work or school
• Disregard for personal hygiene and appearance, losing or gaining weight rapidly, decreased energy or motivation
• Avoiding, becoming secretive with, and other drastic changes in relationships with family and friends
• Sudden and unexplained financial problems or asking for money without providing an explanation
• Uncharacteristic arrests and unexpected legal problems

If you recognize these symptoms and behaviors in yourself or a loved one and want to learn more. Contact us today. Our knowledgeable and compassionate Addiction and Recovery Representatives can answer any questions and help you understand substance use disorder better.

Treating SUD and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

At Liberty Bay Recovery Center, we are equipped to help you or your loved one cope with substance use and mental health disorders. Our comfortable setting, compassionate staff, and various programs provide the guidance, support, and real-world skills to manage whatever life throws your way.

Recovery Treatment Programs

We offer several options for drug/alcohol rehabilitation, including:

• • Medical Detox
  • Residential and Inpatient Rehab
  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Alcohol and Drug Detox/Withdrawal

The road to recovery process begins with detox and withdrawal, which can be managed with medications to ease the pain of withdrawal.

The side effects of detox, aka withdrawal symptoms, can vary depending on the type of substances used, but they generally include:

• • Insomnia
  • Mood Swings
  • Irritability
  • Intense drug or alcohol cravings
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Body aches and pain

Therapeutic Options

Each of our treatment programs includes individual and group therapy. Designed to uncover and address the root causes of addiction and any co-occurring conditions related to or worsened by substance use. Our addiction therapy services include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Trauma Therapy, and Medication Management.

Group therapy offers peer-to-peer support and accountability. Clients can also learn new coping skills and tools to help them manage stress or trauma in the future. Medical detox is a technique that uses approved medications to ease the pain of withdrawal and prevent cravings that can lead to relapse.

Supplemental Therapies

Because holistic approaches to wellness support long-term recovery, we offer a range of supplementary therapies. Such as yoga classes and art therapy.

These practices will help you find peace and balance while you’re in the program and help you maintain balance and deal with stress when you return to the outside world.

Nutritional support in the form of healthful meals and snacks will provide a structured daily routine. This offers a way of returning to healthy habits like eating well while regaining strength.

Help Is Close at Hand

When you can cope with stress and trauma in a balanced, holistic way, you’ll unshackle yourself from self-harming behaviors. At Liberty Bay Recovery Center, we invite you to experience the power of freedom.

Contact us to learn more about our programs or arrange treatment.

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If you need cocaine or crack cocaine rehab in Maine, call Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 and learn how our specialized cocaine and crack cocaine rehab programs can help.

Crack vs. Cocaine: What’s the Difference?

Crack and cocaine are both derived from the coca plant. Cocaine is the powdered form, and crack is the solid form of the processed coca plant. Both forms of the drug affect the body in similar ways.

Cocaine is a hydrochloride salt. As a fine powder, it is inhaled through the nostrils (snorted), rubbed onto the gums, or mixed with water and injected directly into the bloodstream.

Crack cocaine is the base form of cocaine and has a slightly different chemical structure than powdered cocaine. It is typically created by mixing powdered cocaine with water and a third alkaline substance (typically baking soda) and heating. After heating, it is cooled and turns into a solid form. It is then broken into smaller pieces, sometimes referred to as rocks.

The slang term crack is derived from the cracking sound the substance makes when broken into smaller pieces. Crack is most commonly ingested by smoking in a pipe. It can also be ingested by crushing it into a powder and snorting or mixing it with water for injection with a needle.

Side Effects of Cocaine Abuse

There are many dangerous risks and side effects of cocaine use. Cocaine stimulates the nervous system, elevating body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.

People who use cocaine may become more talkative or feel an increase in self-confidence. They might also feel more focused and energized. These pleasurable symptoms are short-lived. Continued use of cocaine can lead to the following problems:

• Death by overdose
• Mood disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Dangerous weight loss
• Stroke
• Seizure
• Damage to nose cartilage
• Altered sleep patterns

People who inject cocaine are also at risk for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. This drug can also worsen the symptoms of existing mental health disorders or contribute to new ones such as depression.

Side Effects of Crack Cocaine

In addition to the side effects of cocaine abuse listed above, crack users are at risk for severe respiratory problems such as lung damage and shortness of breath. Long term effects include:

• Severe damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys
• Aggressive and paranoid behavior
• “Crack lip,” a condition caused by blistering the lips with a hot pipe
• Delirium/psychosis

The different substances that crack is mixed with also pose health risks. Burning crack releases unknown toxic fumes that can lead to a variety of health problems when inhaled.

The side effects of crack cocaine and powdered cocaine are similar, and both can be deadly. Both drugs interfere with brain function and can cause users to lose interest in the other areas of their life, including work, school, hobbies, and relationships.

Fight the Effects of Cocaine Abuse at Liberty Bay

When it comes to treatment for crack vs. cocaine, the compassionate experts at Liberty Bay understand that both substances are highly addictive and require medical attention.

Cocaine use disorder is not something a person can overcome with willpower. A qualified rehab program provides the support needed to detox safely and address any lasting mental or physical damage the substance has caused. Call Liberty Bay today at (855) 607-8758 and learn more about our cocaine rehab programs.

The post The Difference Between Crack vs. Cocaine appeared first on Liberty Bay Recovery Center.

Meth addiction treatment programs can help you overcome your substance use problems. Contact (855) 607-8758 today to take the first step in your recovery at Liberty Bay Recovery.

Side Effects of Long-Term Meth Abuse

Long-term methamphetamine use impacts the body, mind, and spirit. Aside from the direct effect that the drug has on our health, the lifestyle adopted by methamphetamine users can have serious consequences. Not getting regular sleep, nutrition, exercise, and hygiene all contribute to the long-term effects of meth abuse.

Below, we’ll examine the impact that methamphetamines can have on our physical, mental, and dental health.

Physical Health

A variety of physical health problems can occur due to meth abuse. To list just a few, people who use meth for extended periods often experience the following:

• Significant weight loss
• Macro and micronutrient deficiencies
• Skin lesions and scabs
• Chronic insomnia
• Cardiovascular health problems

This is by no means a comprehensive list. The physical effects of methamphetamine can be severe and become harder to treat the longer a client uses the substance.

The physical effects of meth abuse stem from the excitatory nature of methamphetamine. As a stimulant, using meth causes your heart rate to increase, creates a spike in blood pressure, stifles your appetite, and forces wakefulness even if you haven’t slept in days.

The increased pressure on your heart and liver causes direct damage, but lack of sleep and nutrition means your body doesn’t have the necessary time and energy to recover.

Mental Health

The acute effects of methamphetamine can often resemble serious mental illnesses, such as psychosis. But negative mental health effects can last long after the drug wears off as well. One of the most common side effects of methamphetamine withdrawal is severe depression. After sustained drug use, the brain adapts to artificially high serotonin and dopamine levels produced by methamphetamine and struggles to find joy in everyday life.

Fortunately, our brains have a remarkable capacity for recovery. While methamphetamine causes significant changes in the brain’s reward processing centers, most people can return to neurotypical brain functioning after six months to a year of sobriety.

Dental Health

Lastly, methamphetamine can have a lasting effect on our teeth. Dental decay and tooth loss are irreversible, and prosthetics may be your only option if your teeth have declined beyond a certain point. There are several reasons meth use leads to dental health problems:

• Meth can cause dry mouth, reducing saliva that can protect our teeth from decay
• Bruxism, or jaw clenching and grinding, is a side effect of methamphetamine that can cause teeth to wear down or crack
• Improper hygiene during active addiction allows plaque and bacteria to build-up
• Poor diet and nutrition standards in meth users contribute to tooth decay

These effects lead to what’s commonly referred to as “meth mouth,” significant signs of oral decline associated with the long-term effects of meth abuse.

Meth Addiction Treatment at Liberty Bay Recovery

Fortunately, many of the problems from long-term methamphetamine use are treatable and reversible if you get the proper care and medical attention. At Liberty Bay Recovery in Portland, Maine, our addiction specialists are trained to treat the root cause of methamphetamine use disorders and the side effects that long-term use can bring.

Call (855) 607-8758 today to join a recovery community that can help you overcome your addiction and start a new life clean and sober at Liberty Bay Recovery.

The post Long-Term Effects of Meth Abuse 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.