Author: Addictions Learning Centre

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Marijuana Addiction

How to Recognize Marijuana Addiction

How to Recognize Marijuana Addiction

Are you wondering how to recognize marijuana addiction? Are you or a close friend or relative showing symptoms of marijuana addiction? Well, you may never be too sure unless you can recognize the symptoms of addiction. 

Not everyone understands the adverse health effects of abusing marijuana. This is because there are no active studies or education about the side effects of cannabis consumption. However, the one thing we can be sure of is that cannabis usage is widespread.

According to a survey on marijuana and cannabis consumption among adults in the past three months in Canada, 24 percent of Canadians between the ages of 15 to 24 consume cannabis. While Canadians aged 25 to 34 who abuse marijuana amount to a total of 25.6 percent. From this, it’s evident that cannabis usage is prevalent among young adults compared to older adults.

Typically, marijuana possesses a stunning reputation for being somewhat harmless. However, marijuana, like any other drug, can lead to addiction. Medical professionals refer to this addiction as — marijuana use disorder. 

Although, marijuana is medicinal and also useful for recreational purposes. However, continuous usage or consumption of cannabis may lead to addiction. But knowing the symptoms of marijuana abuse is the first step in finding out your addiction status.

Furthermore, the first step towards any addiction recovery is accepting you have a problem with alcohol or drugs. Generally, it’s tough to be fair when judging your personal drug use or someone you love dearly. 

Typically, your close friend or family may exhibit the symptoms of marijuana addiction or abuse. Also, symptoms of weed abuse often relate to behavioural changes, physical and behavioural changes.

In a nutshell, marijuana addiction combines a whole lot of social, physical, behavioural, and psychological symptoms. Aside from being exclusive to every individual, these signs can also vary accordingly. For instance, it can vary based on the frequency at which you consume marijuana. It can as well vary by your consumption method or the strength of the marijuana. 

Ultimately, long-term or consistent use of marijuana can lead to dependence and addiction. Also, it can affect your mental and physical health negatively. Due to this, we at 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab centre have put together tips on how to recognize marijuana addiction and the treatment for marijuana addiction. Before we proceed, let’s take a look at what marijuana addiction is.

What is Marijuana Addiction?

Marijuana Addiction

Typically, marijuana is a psychoactive substance capable of altering your perception. It contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary chemical compound that stimulates its effects. Furthermore, the effects of marijuana may vary from person to person, depending on the mode of consumption.

A medical professional can easily diagnose marijuana addiction in an individual. However, it’s noteworthy to know that its addiction possesses a significant adverse risk on the individual’s life. People can cultivate a mental dependence on cannabis in the same way they do with other addictions.

When a person uses marijuana, cannabinoid receptors present in the brain become active via the neurotransmitter known as Anandamide. Tetrahydrocannabinol then blocks and mimics the actions of natural neurotransmitters like Anandamide. This extends to the point where your body no longer generates enough Anandamide on its own. 

Ultimately, it reprograms your brain to require marijuana to feel normal. When you finally decide to stop giving your body more THC, withdrawal symptoms then kick in. This is a result of a lack of Anandamide in your body. Typically, wanting to quit marijuana usage but not being able to quit is one of the top indicators of marijuana addiction.

Generally, Sativa and Indica are the two (most prevalent types of cannabis plants around. However, the differences between Sativa and Indica cannabis strains vary and are many. Compared to Indica, Sativa strains have different kinds of effects on the mind and body. However, both possess distinct medicinal advantages.

Differences Between Sativa and Indica

Sativa and Indica

Generally, the usual perception is that Cannabis Indica makes the body high, while Cannabis Sativa often causes the brain high and hyperactive. However, the actual difference between Sativa and Indica is in terms of classification. Ultimately, the two are subspecies of the genus cannabis.

No matter what type of high you desire, both strains are capable of being medically beneficial to you. Indeed, marijuana is a complex plant. However, its ability to create feelings of relaxation, sedation, and calm and boost your energy level is why people choose weed.

Furthermore, sativa is endemic to hotter climates and closer to the tropics in places like Eastern Asia. On the other hand, Indica is more endemic to areas with much colder temperatures. Notably, these climatic differences give the strains their apparent appearance

Related article: Clearing the Smoke on Marijuana: Is It Harmless After All?

How To Recognize Marijuana Addiction

Now that you know the different strains of marijuana, the next step is how to recognize marijuana addiction. This addiction is an insatiable desire to use cannabis no matter the negative outcome. This may mean spending unnecessary funds on affordable drugs or getting high at work. In general, most individuals battling marijuana addiction don’t feel normal unless they are high.

Here’s how to know if a loved one is abusing marijuana: 

Consuming Excessive Cannabis

Generally, for every individual who uses cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes, there’s a preset dosage. Failure to adhere either by wanting to take more or not getting to your satisfactory level shows you’re getting closer to addiction. 

Smoking the whole joint when you intend to take a few hits is a sign of addiction. Contrary to most people’s belief that such an act is a sign of prowess. In fact, in the world of treatment for marijuana addiction in Canada, it means a whole different thing. Cannabis addiction is like a portal that leads to other seemingly dangerous addiction problems.

If you’ve been taking more hits than necessary or than you’d like, then it’s better to seek professional help. At Addiction Rehab centre, we offer professional marijuana addiction treatment in Canada at an affordable price.

Inability to Slow Down or Stop Using Marijuana

Maybe you’re working on a new job or school project. Or perhaps your health status demands cutting down on marijuana usage. Either way, there are several reasons why you may need to cut down on cannabis usage. 

This is normal. Nevertheless, the problem arises when it’s nearly impossible to cut down your cannabis usage. If it’s evident that you can’t do without taking a daily dosage of marijuana, you have an addiction. Also, your situation may require getting an expert addiction treatment in Toronto or its environment.

How do you rate your conduct at work? Poor, Average, or Good? Do you feel your marijuana use is affecting your work life? For instance, maybe you already have a sack-warning because you keep showing up at work super high again  If, in such a situation, you still can’t find a way to cut down your marijuana use. If you continue to consume marijuana against all odds, you’re developing self-sabotage behaviour. Accordingly, this is one of the signs of marijuana addiction.

Spending Too Much Time High

One of the top ways to recognize marijuana addiction is how much time you spend being super high. Typically, how you spend or manage your time is a significant indicator of your marijuana addiction status. If you can stay without weed for days, you may have less to worry about. 

Nevertheless, if you spend most of your time getting high, this is a significant danger alert. Cannabis is not a substance you should depend on, nor is it a substance you can dedicate excess time to. Seek professional support ASAP!

Less Physical Activity

Less Physical Activity

Generally, lack of physical activity is one of the typical ways to recognize marijuana addiction. Therefore, to decide whether or not you’re suffering from addiction, evaluate your daily activity. 

Normally, individuals suffering from addiction to marijuana often replace their recreational and physical activities with getting high. Most times, they tend to stay high all day long, thus having zero room for physical activities like exercise, etc.

Do you feel your daily routine is slowly moving away from all recreational and physical activities to getting high all day? Well, if that’s the case, it means you’re addicted to cannabis.

Facing Relationship and Lifestyle Problems

Another sure way to recognize marijuana addiction is your conduct. Facing issues caused by your mode of conduct is a significant sign of marijuana addiction. If you tend to get high on weed every time, you may lose control of yourself while being with a friend or partner. 

As such, you may begin to lose close friends and family and even your partner with your increased temperament. So, if your obligations and conduct are being altered by weed, then it’s time to quit. 

For example, getting high every single time can make you raise your voice on your sweet loving partner. It’s better to put a stop to everything to avoid sabotaging your relationship. However, if you find it challenging to do so, then it is a sign of a broader problem.

Using Weed as a Coping Technique

Using cannabis as a personal coping mechanism is a complete dangerous step to take. There is no world in which marijuana is ideal as a coping technique. Additionally, the solution to relationships and work issues is never to get high. There are other healthy ways to resolve lifestyles and relationship issues.

Evaluate your behavioural pattern. Some times, a sign of marijuana addiction is craving for a hit or a joint when facing real-life problems. Most individuals often feel the only way of dealing with academic, work, or relationship issues is getting high. If that’s the case with you, then you may be suffering from cannabis addiction.

Dependence on Weed for Creativity and Relaxation

Typically, there is no specific study that convincingly proves that marijuana can trigger creativity in you. In the same vein, weed as your only source of relaxation isn’t ideal even though it possesses medicinal properties that help relaxation. 

One of the symptoms of weed addiction is the inability to relax or sleep without smoking. Furthermore, if marijuana is a significant part of your creativity period, you may have an addiction without knowing. Also, be aware that marijuana doesn’t contribute in anyways to soothing demeanour.

Using Marijuana as a Determining Factor on Your Outings

Generally, casual or recreational smokers can decide to attend events without thinking of getting high. However, the reverse is the case for individuals battling marijuana addiction. 

Most addiction treatment professionals in Toronto agree that addicts often choose events based on whether there’s a chance of getting high or not. If you feel the same way while deciding about your outing, you may be addicted to weed.

Ignoring Your Daily Activities

We all have that one important task we must complete daily, no matter what. However, an addiction to weed may lead you to neglect these crucial responsibilities to get high. In some cases, you may be suffering from a motivational problem. In other cases, you may have an addiction to cannabis without knowing.

So, if you’ve crucial responsibilities daily but unable to see them through like before, you may need to see an addiction expert. Most times, people who experience such issues always have their minds fixed on getting high regardless. However, this issue often occurs when someone experiences psychological addiction to THC or motivation problems.

Marijuana Withdrawal and Tolerance

Marijuana Withdrawal and Tolerance

Typically, the continuous use of cannabis often leads to tolerance, just like any other drug. This means your system requires more and more as much as you keep taking the same drug. Therefore, if you’re already feeling unsatisfied with your current level of marijuana use, it means your system is building tolerance to it. 

As such, if you start experiencing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms, you may have a marijuana addiction. Typically, some common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, etc.

How Long Does Marijuana Remain in the System?

When you consume or introduce weed to your system, there are factors determining how long the weed will remain in the system. An example is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical in marijuana that makes people feel “high.” Although THC’s effects wear off within a few hours of ingesting cannabis, traces of the chemical can remain in the body for weeks.

Smoking weed sparks an exhilarating interaction that leaves a lasting impression in both a literal and figurative sense. Even after consuming marijuana, Cannabinoids and their byproducts remain detectable in the body and often stay well after the sensation wears off.

Although drugs such as alcohol may disappear entirely from the body a few hours after consumption; however, weed lingers much longer. Drug tests can detect Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, urine, blood, and hair for up to 90 days after use. Nevertheless, saliva tests can only detect THC for a few hours. This is because of the way the body metabolizes THC.

When you smoke weed, THC enters your bloodstream through the lungs. It then moves through the bloodstream directly to the heart and thus circulates throughout the body. Hence, it binds with the CB1 receptors located in the brain, specific organs, and central nervous system. It also binds well with the CB2 receptors in the spleen and immune system. This way, THC gets circulated throughout the body system.

What are the Side Effects of Marijuana Addiction?

Just like any other medicinal product or even drugs, side effects are almost inevitable. This is common with perhaps everything. Below are some of the side effects of marijuana;

  • Mood swings
  • Slower reaction time
  • Fatigue
  • Couchlock
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of coordination
  • Cottonmouth
  • Slurred speech
  • Reddish eyes
  • Dizziness
  • Increase in appetite
  • Lack of coordination, etc.

What are the Possible Treatment Options for Marijuana Addiction?

Knowing how to recognize marijuana addiction is the first step to seeking redemption. As marijuana use is growing by the day, either for recreational or medicinal use, the addiction rate in Canada is growing as well. 

On average, adults seeking treatment for cannabis addiction may have used weed for nearly 8 to 10 years. Furthermore, most of them have also tried to quit smoking or consumption of weed more than six (6) times already.

Below are a few treatment options for marijuana addiction:

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This is a form of psychotherapy session where you learn different behavioural strategies. Most importantly, you’ll learn techniques to recognize and correct your questionable behaviours. This will help boost your self-control, quit drug use, and address several other issues that often co-occur with them.

Contingency Management

This is a therapeutic management pattern based on regular monitoring of a particular trait or behaviour. It also includes the removal (or provision) of concrete, positive rewards when the trait occurs — or does not.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

This is a systematic approach to addiction treatment intervention. This approach is specifically designed to create swift, internal changes. In most cases, the therapy doesn’t attempt to treat the individual. Instead, it mobilizes internal resources for growth and obligation in treatment.

Generally, the sooner you start your rehab and therapy counselling for marijuana addiction, the better. Getting ahead of your addiction can significantly alleviate the overall treatment and counselling required. Also, it reduces the likelihood of other substance exposure, drug issues, or risky behaviours. This will decrease the adverse effects substance abuse will have on your lifestyle.

What To Do If You Recognize Marijuana Addiction

With this guide, you can now identify different indicators of marijuana addiction. At 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab centre, we have experts with years of knowledge and experience understanding marijuana addiction and its behaviours. If you or your close friends or family is battling with addiction, check out our marijuana addiction treatment services in Canada. 

Related article: Addiction Treatment for Marijuana: Why You Need to Stop Smoking

Categories
Prescription Drugs Addiction

Tips to Help You Prevent a Prescription Drug Addiction

Tips to Help You Prevent a Prescription Drug Addiction

Are you a patient suffering from prescription drug addiction? Or you have someone showing symptoms of severe prescription drug addiction? Well, several tips can help prevent prescription drug addiction, and we’re ready to help you discover all of them.

In general, prescription drug addiction can happen to anybody, from teenagers to older adults. Furthermore, it comes with a number of negative side effects. In some cases, your psychological well being, career, relationships, and finances may hit rock-bottom.

There are many reasons that can cause prescription drug addiction. Some individuals misuse prescription drugs to cover up emotional issues. As such, the major health conclusion is that you aren’t aware of how to deal with your psychological and emotional issues. Thus, you tend to keep living with these drugs.

As a patient under medication for any diseases, illness or infection, getting a drug prescription is normal. However, several stories show that patients can experience addiction to these drugs. For instance, a patient undergoing body pain treatment can experience addiction to painkillers.

Naturally, humans tend to believe what works for illness A may work for illness B that is somewhat similar. However, the reverse is the case, as this may lead to prescription drug addiction. 

Prescription drug addiction is a ravaging issue in nearly every race, socio-economic demographic, and community in Canada. Notably, its effect comes with no limitations whatsoever, and it’s hitting every corner of Canada.

At Addictions CA, we believe no addiction is incurable, and as such, we’re ready to support you in this journey. The first step is to understand what is prescription drug addiction and how to prevent prescription drug addiction. This will equip you with the proper knowledge of prescription drug abuse, its symptoms, side effects and treatments.

As such, this article will discuss the tips on how to prevent prescription drug addiction, signs, and effects of prescription drug addiction. Before that, let’s take a look at what prescription drug addiction is.

Prescription Drug Addiction: What is it?

Prescription Drug Addiction

Generally, prescription drug abuse refers to the improper usage of medications in an unintended manner. Prescription medication abuse or problematic use incorporates everything from the abuse of drug prescriptions to habitual usage. Right from injecting or snorting ground-up pills to treating a backache with your friends or using your partner’s prescription painkiller, it all falls under an addiction.

Regardless of the adverse effects, drug abuse can still become compulsive and ongoing. A ravaging problem about prescription drug addiction is that it can affect all ages, including teens. In general, stimulants, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications or opioid painkillers are some of the most abused prescription drugs.

Fortunately, early recognition of abuse symptoms and swift intervention can help prevent prescription drug addiction. Typically, this type of addiction involves people developing a total dependence on prescription drugs. 

Often, individuals tend to misuse drugs once the drug proves useful. Most people misuse it by taking higher doses than recommended to achieve a more significant result. Usually, this is contrary to the doctor’s prescription. Increasing dosages or continuously taking the same medication over a long period usually cause tolerance. Also, it neutralizes the substance’s presence in your system.

Additionally, tolerance usually reduces the effects of the drug. It also minimizes the delirious feeling from a lower dose. As a result, you’ll end up needing a larger quantity to attain the same high. In several cases, misusing prescription drugs usually happens due to a spontaneous pursuit of the delirious feeling some medications provide to people.

The moment your body builds a tolerance, resisting the urge to take the drug will become more difficult. Furthermore, drug dependence often happens when your central nervous system becomes accustomed to the drug. Increasing the drug dosage as well can influence drug dependency over time.

Related article: Why do People Get Addicted to Prescription Drugs

Prescription Drug Addiction: What are the Common Types?

At our facility, we can treat different types of prescription drug addictions. However, it’s essential to fully understand that the types often determine the symptoms you may exhibit. As such, each type can also affect individuals in distinct ways.

Generally, it is possible to misuse any prescription drug. However, the effects and properties of certain medications increase the possibility of misusing it. 

Here are the three most common types of prescription drug addiction:

The Stimulants

Stimulant drugs are generic medications that influence an individual’s energy and alertness. Basically, these drugs are often useful in treating fatigue, ADHD, tiredness, and depression. These types of medications include Ritalin, Dexedrine, Concerta, and Adderall.

Typically most prescription drugs within this category can result in euphoria, thus causing you to increase the dosage. Ultimately, stimulants often raise your heart rate and blood pressure upon consumption. As such, you are consuming excessive amounts of stimulants that can lead to heart failure or irregular heartbeat. 

Also, these prescription drugs come with several side effects during withdrawal. Examples of such adverse effects include depression, irregular sleep patterns, inability to sleep, fatigue, etc.

The CNS Depressants

CNS depressants usually slow down the brain’s functionality. It can also affect individuals by producing a drowsy or calm feeling. CNS depressants are commonly known as tranquillizers or sedatives. 

Generally, these depressants are usually applicable in treating panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and other related issues. The major components include benzodiazepines and barbiturates like Xanax, Librium, and Valium. 

Furthermore, unnecessary or excessive use of this type of prescription drugs can result in addiction or total dependency. If an individual uses less medication or stops abruptly to justify benzodiazepine withdrawal, it may result in seizures. In worse case scenarios, this type of seizure can result in death.

The Opioids

The Opioids

Generally, opioids are a specific class of prescription drugs known by several other names. Examples are Codeine, Morphine, OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, Vicodin, and morphine. In general, these drugs are prescriptions to help boost psychological management during treatment by removing the brain’s sense of pain.

This is typical because the drugs possess pain relief capabilities. Also, these drugs boost the body’s natural release of dopamine. Thanks to these euphoric feelings, it is easy for most people to develop an addiction to this prescription drug.

Typically, these medications are safe as it is in their prescription. However, they can become disastrous when used in excess or in high doses. Also, consuming a large quantity of these drugs can result in death or respiratory failure. To cap it off, the danger these opioids pose become even more significant when used with alcohol or other substances.

Tips to Prevent Prescription Drug Addiction

There are several tips to prevent prescription drug addiction. However, below are the most effective ones to incorporate into your daily routine:

If You Can, Get an Alternative

Several health conditions have prescription drug options with a somewhat lower risk for addiction development. For instance, there are non-stimulant alternatives for the treatment of ADHD. Generally, ADHD-specific non-stimulants, like Kapvay (clonidine ER), Strattera (atomoxetine), and others, are particularly formulated to treat disorders.

Seemingly, certain blood pressure medications can also help some people control ADHD. This is because many of these have the same active ingredient as the aforementioned ADHD-specific non-stimulants. Some antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline (Aventyl), and desipramine (Norpramin), are effective in managing ADHD by helping to alter the balance of chemicals in the brain. They’re also helpful for people who have ADHD and comorbid depression, anxiety or another mood disorder.

Are you looking for CNS (central nervous system) drug alternatives, such as sleep or anxiety disorders? Try out chamomile tea. You can aim for one to three grams of Omega-3s every day.

Basically, the first step to preventing addiction to prescription drugs is to try non-addictive alternatives. Only use addictive drugs as a last resort. 

How About Massage for Muscle Pain?

Most patients live with pain, hoping to get a day or two off to visit the doctor for a painkiller prescription. However, if you are looking to prevent prescription drug addiction, you can turn to a massage today. In 2008, the American Massage Therapy Association made it clear that about 21% of adults in the US got at least one massage in the previous year. 

Whereas approximately 25% now relied on massage therapy sessions to relieve physical and internal pain symptoms at least once in a lifetime.  As one of the world’s oldest pain relief practices, a massage helps promote serotonin productions. This serotonin serves as one of the system’s anti-pain hormones, thus alleviating pain from your body. 

Also, massaging can improve the amount of deep restorative sleep you attain. This can help you decrease pain immensely. These benefits may be enough to reduce your need for prescription opioids.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

So far, the behavioural approach is one of the best tips for preventing prescription drug addiction. These therapies have been very effective in helping patients of different drugs and conditions respond to withdrawal. Naturally, patients may find it very hard to comply with the treatment processes. However, support from family and friends will help you scale through without difficulties.

As a part of prescription drug addiction treatment, the idea behind behavioural therapy is to help you manage your body’s feelings and thoughts. If you can successfully learn this, you can easily control how your body responds to external forces or pain. Overall, one significant aspect of a successful cognitive behavioural therapy scheme is to provide pain relief for individuals.

Other aspects of a successful CBT scheme includes:

  • Encouraging active behaviour towards solving problems
  • Applying CBT skills outside treatment sessions to ensure the perfection of the skills.
  • Nurturing life skills, such as coping or survival mechanisms.
  • It provides you with the right confidence booster to keep up with work stress and social life.

Try Acupuncture

Try Acupuncture

In general, acupuncture is a seemingly popular method of treating physical pain. Typically, it is a recommendable sports treatment plan alongside massage. Once you complete some specific physical examination screening for starters, the acupuncturist will recommend a treatment for you.

After that, you will lie on a table while the acupuncturist places some precise needles gently on the affected spots. The needles will remain there for about 20 to 30 minutes for accurate results.

Naturally, individuals react to treatment differently. So, some people may describe the process as relaxing while others may feel it’s not. 

Ultimately, acupuncture has proven to be effective in alleviating several conditions, such as:

  • Acute bacilliary,
  • Allergic rhinitis,
  • Leukopenia,
  • Hypotension and hypertension,
  • Morning sickness,
  • Fetus malposition correction, etc.

However, acupuncture is not for every individual. For some specific patients, the process may be too risky. This includes patients with pacemakers or those with a high risk of developing skin infections, or pregnant women.

Replace Painkillers with Yoga

Yoga is a system of meditation routines that help to orchestrate human mindfulness with the divine consciousness. Also, Yoga is an art as well as science. It is a science because it offers practical techniques for controlling the body and mind, thereby making extensive meditation possible. It is an art, for unless it is practised spontaneously and delicately, it will yield only partial results.

To many, it may seem as if Yoga is just about putting yourself in a particular position. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye.  Yoga is effective in controlling your mind and connecting your body and soul. Yoga does not only help with addiction but also helps in maintaining your state of mind.

Consider Whether or Not You Need Medications

Generally, it’s better to heal naturally sometimes rather than having to use drugs every time. To avoid resistance to a particular medication, be sure you do need the drug before taking it. 

Always take your medication according to your prescription. It’s essential you ask yourself some questions before pushing for a refill:

  • Are my symptoms getting worse to disturb my functioning?
  • When and how do my symptoms happen?
  • Do these symptoms have any traceable triggers?
  • Is there a way I can alleviate these symptoms by changing my routine lifestyles?

Ultimately, some prescription drug classes are not ideal for long-term usage. This is because of their possible addictive potentials. 

For instance, your doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine such as Valium (diazepam) or Xanax (alprazolam). However, these drugs contain strong sedative properties that are often meant for short-term usage. These are some of the reasons why you should be sure before refilling your medications.

How to Recognize Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is simply the use of prescribed medications in a way that doesn’t follow the doctor’s prescription. In several cases, this type of substance misuse becomes static and compulsive. This can prolong for a long time despite the negative effect on your psychological and physical wellbeing. 

Naturally, the symptoms of prescription drug abuse vary by the kind of prescription drug in question. For an individual who abuses pain relievers (prescription opioids), they will have no feelings for pain on an average level. Such people may complain of nausea or even look for constipation remedies.

However, breathing may become slow unnaturally if an abuser nods off from prescription drug usage. Also, someone who uses pain relievers regularly even when nothing seems wrong may experience a nasty fall out during withdrawal. Examples are chills for days, vomiting, diarrhea, bone and muscle pain, etc.

Besides, an individual abusing benzodiazepine is typically using sleeplessness and anxiety treatment drugs. Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Triazolam (Halcyon), and Diazepam (Valium) all fall into this category. These drugs are very addictive and pose a considerable threat to withdraw from without medical support.

Here are some of the common symptoms of prescription drug abuse:

The Psychological Deterioration

In general, some substances provoke stronger psychological reactions than others. Examples are cocaine, somewhat affecting the production of dopamine in the brain during withdrawal and usage. 

With prescription drug abuse, one symptom is to look out for is the decline of your mental health. Additionally, this may manifest as you becoming seemingly unconcerned or despondent. Furthermore, you may appear to be aggressive or irritated with everything.

The Legal Problems

Addiction frequently takes over in an individual’s life, slowly moving up their priority list despite its negative impact. An individual suffering from addiction to hostile prescription drugs may resort to crime and illegal activities. An example is someone who purchases Xanax illegally, thus leading to police and law enforcement issues.

The Physical Deterioration 

Naturally, it’s normal to see individuals suffering from addiction increase their neglect of themselves steadily. Notably, this often happens once the significance of taking substantial prescription medication increases. As such, the abuse of drugs like prescription opioids may result in sudden and significant loss of weight.

Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse

Generally, it’s essential that you avoid entirely prescription drug usage or abuse once you begin your treatment. This is because going through the process half-heartedly may result in partial or total relapse. 

Firstly, we will want to understand your addiction fully. This includes your life outside the drug, when and why you take the prescription drugs, and other relevant information. We will then assess your drug history and evaluate your physical and psychological well-being. This way, we will be able to know if there are other underlying issues that need attention.

Below are a few options for prescription drug addiction treatment in Canada: 

  • Going through therapy,
  • Going through medication to help with 
  • Attending self-help groups,
  • Developing prescription medication alternatives such as Yoga, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, etc.

Conclusion

Generally, there are several tips to prevent prescription drug addiction. Sometimes, even with these tips, it may be difficult to prevent the abuse of prescription drugs. 

Prescription drug addiction can be challenging to experience, just like any other addiction. You may find it difficult to admit that you have a problem. You see, most people who abuse prescription drugs never complain of an addiction. 

However, once you recognize the signs of prescription drug addiction, it’s better to seek help immediately. Defeating the embarrassment or shame that you feel because of addiction is a significant step towards recovery. 

Also, a therapy session, being with loved ones, one-on-one counselling, or a self-help group, can help you overcome addiction. Be aware that failure to treat prescription drug addiction may result in further life-threatening problems.

Call 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: What Are The Signs Of Prescription Drug Addiction?

Categories
Amphetamine Addiction

Amphetamine Addiction: What Are The Causes?

Amphetamine Addiction: What Are The Causes

If you are wondering what the causes of Amphetamine addiction are, you have come to the right place. Perhaps you are beginning to feel a strong dependence on Amphetamines. This is not a strange thing, as many people get addicted to Amphetamines.

Substances such as Amphetamines are important drugs. However, using them against the doctor’s prescription can lead to abuse. Abuse sets in once you start using it without a prescription. Also, if you find it difficult to stop amphetamine abuse, it is likely that you already have an addiction.

Although addiction is a serious issue, it is not without treatment. Understanding the causes of Amphetamine addiction will give you a grasp of the treatment you need. It will also help you to know the different addiction stages and what to do at each stage.

This article discusses how you can recognize Amphetamine addiction. We take a look at the factors that encourage amphetamine addiction. It also considers the treatment options and every other thing you need to know about amphetamine addiction.

What is Amphetamine Addiction?

Amphetamine Addiction

Amphetamines are drugs for stimulating the central nervous system. If you are hyperactive or you have a sleeping disorder, Amphetamines are the go-to drugs. As a stimulant, it causes the user to experience some excitement and a sense of alertness.

There are two common components of Amphetamines you should know about. They are methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Of the two, methamphetamine is commonly abused. You will sometimes find people selling them illegally. In fact, Canada ranks among the top 10 countries that use Amphetamine stimulants the most.

Since it’s a stimulant, those in the mood to party often abuse the drug. They take the substance so they can dance and party for hours without feeling fatigued. It gets you high, and you have lots of energy to spend.

However, after the “highs” come the “low.” Abuse of Amphetamines can get you high only for so long. When the effects fade, it will erupt a feeling of dejection and sadness. This may lead you to take the same drug to avoid the sad phase.

If you are not careful, constant use will lead to addiction. Amphetamine dependence happens when you cannot function without taking the drug. The clincher is that painful withdrawal symptoms will come if you stop using the substance. Often, when people experience withdrawal symptoms, they end up going back to the substance.

Types of Amphetamine

Various medications contain Amphetamines. Some may contain one of the components, while some others may contain the two. The following are common types of amphetamine which people commonly abuse.

  •    Dexedrine
  •   Adderall
  • · Vyvanse

Dexedrine

You can also treat ADHD with Dexedrine. It is a stimulant medication that contains dextroamphetamine, one of the components of amphetamine. Using Dexedrine enhances focus and provides the user with more energy. Dexedrine may be stronger than Adderall because it contains dextroamphetamine. 

Since it’s a strong stimulant, young adults and teenagers often abuse it. Some students take it under the assumption that it helps them focus on their studies. Situations like this can lead to regular use of the drug, which slowly slips into addiction.

Adderall

Adderall medication

Adderall is a medication that is essentially used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  This medication increases the alertness of people with this condition, thereby addressing the problem. It causes the release of certain chemicals in the brain, which improves your concentration.

As a result of this, Adderall can be easily addictive. Little wonder it falls under the category of prescription drugs that are being used for illegal purposes. Other drugs that fall in this category include opium and cocaine. Evidence asserts that the number of Adderall users has drastically increased since 2000 by almost 3000%.

Abusers of Adderall use it in different forms. Some grind it and snort. Others crush it, mix with water, and use syringes to inject it in themselves.

Vyvanse

This is also a prescription drug. It is a stimulant that helps to deal with hyperactivity disorder. Vyvanse specifically addresses the problem in children above the age of 6 who suffer attention deficit. The fact that it’s for children, however, doesn’t mean people have not abused it.

The drug has a likelihood of causing addiction. As such, if you use it improperly, you can begin to form a strong connection with it. Some side effects of its abuse include nausea, weight loss, vomiting, and increased heart speed.

Related article: What Is Methamphetamine Addiction?

When Am I Abusing Amphetamine?

Amphetamine is a stimulant that often comes in the form of prescribed drugs. You begin to abuse it when you start to take it against the advice of your doctor. Some people use these drugs as they desire without paying attention to its side effects.

Once you start to abuse the drug, there are some behaviour patterns you will begin to exhibit. The good news about amphetamines is that you can easily identify the symptoms. Spotting these symptoms indicate that you are already abusing the drug. The common symptoms include talking excessively, loss of sleep, and poor appetite.

You can also begin to experience some physical symptoms as a result of the abuse. This includes dilating pupils, increased body temperature and blood pressure. Unchecked abuse will slowly lead you into addiction, after which complete dependence begins.

You can also begin to get aggressive and agitated. You suddenly become restless and feel like doing something. If you are using amphetamines and you experience these, abuse has probably set in. At that point, it will help if you enroll at an amphetamine addiction treatment centre near you.

You should know these drugs readily have the potential to cause addiction. As a result of the “high” effect which they produce, dependence is a possible result. This is why they remain prescribed drugs administered by qualified personnel with adequate experience. Using these drugs because they make you feel good will do more harm than good.

If you are a young adult, you likely fall within the category of potential users of amphetamines. Studies show that young adults are under the perception that the drug helps with their creativity and focus. This accounts for one of the causes of amphetamine addiction. People pass on this unguided belief and consequently encourage the use of amphetamines.

Worldwide, amphetamines have become the second most abused drug by young persons and adults. If you take medications containing amphetamines, you have to do so according to a prescription. This is the only effective way to check whether or not you are abusing the substance. A disregard for a prescription is an invitation to abuse and, consequently, addiction.

Causes of Amphetamine Addiction: The Risk

Various factors can cause amphetamine addiction. These factors indicate that there are certain conditions when you can be at the risk of amphetamine addiction. Sometimes, your environment makes you susceptible to abusing substances. These factors include:

  • Stressful lifestyle
  • Suffering any form of anxiety disorder, bipolar, depression, or schizophrenia
  •  Can easily access amphetamines

Stressful Lifestyle

If you have a stressful lifestyle, there is a high chance you may resort to amphetamines to improve your focus. You can start using it so it can stimulate you. However, this may slowly become a regular thing, especially if you use it without the doctor’s prescription.

As such, you have to pay attention to what substance you use. Know the components of the drug you take and always make informed choices. If, after using a medication, it strengthens you and improves your alertness, you need to be more careful. Operating a stressful lifestyle can make it convenient for you to be addicted to amphetamines.

If You Have A Condition

If you suffer a disorder such as bipolar, schizophrenia or depression, you likely will want to feel better. You won’t want to experience your “down” in a sober state. As a result, you may resort to using amphetamines to stay energetic and erase worries. This may work temporarily, but it will gradually lead to abuse.

The period when you are dealing with a condition is when you need to keep a close relationship with your doctor. Using substances to feel good can only serve you for a short period. When it becomes an addiction, you may find it difficult to drop the habit.

Easy Access to Amphetamines

One of the causes of amphetamine addiction is having easy access to it. When you can conveniently get the drug, you stand a high risk of using it at will. Today, several young adults can purchase amphetamines illegally. This increases the possibility of abuse and addiction.

These three conditions increase your dependency risk. Therefore, the best way to prevent abuse is to ensure you prevent an unchecked use of amphetamines.

What are The Effects of Amphetamine Abuse On Your Health?

Dependence is the result of the arbitrary use of amphetamine. Once you are dependent, you can no longer do without the substance. But dependence is not the only result of amphetamine abuse. There are health risks you should know of.

Heart Problems

Heart Problems

Amphetamines serve as stimulants and, as such, increase the speed of the heart. When you use it, your heart beats at a faster rate and pumps blood just as fast. This may be a normal thing for a healthy person. However, if you have a heart condition, amphetamines can be of serious concern to your health.

As a stimulant, amphetamines may lead to a blockage of your arteries. This increases your risk of getting heart disease. The blockage of the arteries limits the blood flow that goes to the heart. This may cause heart tissue to die. This kind of heart problem is not one that goes when the “high” comes down. A damaged heart tissue will remain damaged even when you become sober.

Amphetamines are also notorious for cerebrovascular complications. That is, the substance increases the rate at which you can have a stroke. If a person, however, already has a stroke, using amphetamine increases the chances of death.

Amphetamines may even cause more complications when combined with alcohol or other substances. You may want to experience an extreme level of being “high.” If this leads you to mix amphetamine with something else, the health risk associated becomes even bigger.

Short-term effects

Regular use of amphetamines creates a pattern. You begin to increase your doses and also mix with other substances. Maybe this helps you party hard and stay energetic. But what happens when the party’s over?

Amphetamines also lead to other short-term negative health effects. If you use amphetamines to adjust your mood, it will soon start to have negative effects. Such effects include being restless and irritable. Your hands may also begin to shake, and you may cry in severe cases.

You may start having panic attacks. Loud sounds scare you and you begin to lose yourself. This may go one for a short while before you get a hold of yourself. These are some of the short-term effects Amphetamine abuse has on your health.

Amphetamines May Affect Your Mental Health

Some people try to use amphetamines to fight their disorders. This remains one of the most common causes of amphetamine abuse and dependence. However, this often leads to more problems. When addiction sets in, it affects your mental health and puts you in bad shape.

If an amphetamine user readily has a mental condition, amphetamines will only complicate the condition. Common problems include hallucinations, depression, psychosis, violence, and suicidal behaviour.

Effects on Cognitive Abilities

Using higher doses of amphetamines can affect your cognitive orientation. The levels of dopamine in the brain can rise abruptly leaving behind adverse effects. Overuse can lead to a reduction in your cognitive ability, and you may start to act sluggish. It can also cause a breakdown of your muscles.

May Cause Fatalities

The above health risks are enough to establish that an amphetamine addiction can be dangerous. Regardless, it is important to consider whether amphetamine leads to fatality. 

In worst-case scenarios, death may result from cerebral hemorrhage or high blood pressure crisis. Similarly, Amphetamine abuse can complicate pre-existing conditions.

There are different causes of amphetamine addiction. However, you are duty-bound to exercise care when taking drugs. It is always advisable to follow prescriptions, so you don’t develop an addiction.

Is There Treatment for Amphetamine Addiction!

Amphetamine can lead to several addiction problems for users. Once you become dependent, you may have to see an expert become free again. It is quite common for those at withdrawal stages to feel the urge to go back. 

Although amphetamine addiction can be severe, it is not without treatment. Through treatment programs and therapy, you can begin to live free from substance use. The following are the essential steps you need to take towards getting professional Amphetamine addiction treatment.

Acknowledging the Need For Treatment

The first step to treatment is accepting there is a problem. Once you acknowledge you have an addiction problem, it becomes easy to submit yourself to the addiction treatment program.

Addiction Assessment

After acknowledgment, you can visit an addiction rehab centre. This is the place where you will discuss the addiction problem. 

Here, an expert will attempt to understand the causes of your amphetamine addiction. Whether it’s your environment or other factors. At this stage, you will have to discuss the reasons you started using the substance with your therapist.

Discussion is necessary for treatment. Because for treatment to be comprehensive, the expert must have the accurate details of your addiction. So, do not feel shy to talk. An addiction treatment centre is a safe space where you can discuss your addiction challenges.

Remember, a comprehensive treatment model must help you to learn coping mechanisms. These mechanisms will sustain you and prevent you from going back even when you feel an intense urge.

Drug Counselling

Counselling understands the need for a step-by-step process in treating addiction. The eventual goal is to help you completely become free from amphetamines. However, counselling starts by helping you develop strategies to manage difficult situations in-between.

A counsellor seeks to understand the causes of your amphetamine addiction. After that, the counsellor then begins to help you build your self-esteem, so you don’t see drugs as a “messiah.” During addiction counselling, you will challenge unhelpful behaviours that lead you to substance abuse.

Under this process, you will go through a series of psychotherapy and group sessions. The focus of these sessions will be both on your recovery and your self-esteem.

Drug Counselling

Medical Assistance for Withdrawal

Causes of amphetamine addiction can vary. As such, the intensity of the addiction can be different based on the causes. It is possible that you may require medical assistance and support during your withdrawal stage. This is necessary if you find it extremely difficult to stay away from the substance, even for short periods.

Effective medical support will provide you with a safe environment. You will enroll in a detoxification program which will help you to remove all the substance in your body. The program will also provide support to reduce any symptoms that can take place during withdrawal.

Detox programs can last for different periods. The length of time is based on your level of amphetamine addiction. If it lasts long, you will continue to enjoy a 24/7 support service.

After a successful detox program, you will proceed to therapy sessions. The therapy session will further strengthen your understanding of the causes of amphetamine addiction. It will also help you learn ways you can prevent relapses.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation comes after detoxing. Detoxing helps you to remove all traces of the substance from your system. On the other hand, rehabilitation helps you to understand the cause of your amphetamine addiction.

To achieve the desired result, rehabilitation is tailored to serve your needs. No two rehabilitation programs are the same. Here at 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we consider every patient with their peculiarities. The goal of doing this is to give you a personalized experience.

One of the major aims of rehabilitation is behavioural therapy. An effective rehabilitation process includes group therapy, in-person counselling, and motivational interviews.

A rehabilitation program will help you build life skills that you can leverage to live a great life. It will also help you learn activities you can pursue post-rehabilitation. Some rehabilitation programs may also include family programs. The family programs help you to reconnect with loved ones and rebuild damaged relationships.

Overall, rehabilitation programs will help put you back in a good state of mind. The aim is to make you better than you came. After you are done with rehabilitation, you should become completely free from Amphetamine abuse.

To Sum it Up

It is difficult to identify specific causes of amphetamine addiction. However, some factors make you more susceptible to the use of amphetamines. These factors may be your environment or the nature of your lifestyle. Whichever is the case, the use of amphetamine can lead to addiction and accompanying side effects.

This article helps you to understand how to recognize amphetamine addiction. It also discusses the causes of amphetamine addiction and the right approach to treatment. 

If you are experiencing Amphetamine abuse and dependence, don’t fret. No doubt, addiction can be a severe issue. However, with the right attitude to treatment, you can regain your life once more. 

We have a team of experts who are not only understanding but also qualified to treat Amphetamine. More importantly, you have access to world-class facilities that will boost your treatment. Reach out to us to gain back your freedom.

Related article: Signs Of Amphetamine Addiction

Categories
Knowledge and Insights

How Intervention Helps Your Loved One Overcome Addiction

How Intervention Helps Your Loved One Overcome Addiction

Living and watching a loved one rot away in addiction is hellish. Help is needed – everyone knows that but the person with substance abuse disorder. These individuals are usually in denial of their problem and refuse to seek treatment. They also often do not see or understand the adverse effects on their health and behavior and how it affects the rest of the family. In many cases, the only hope rests on successfully staging an intervention to stop the addictive habits.

Addiction is a growing concern. In 2012, the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey showed 21.6% of the population (roughly 8 million people) meets the substance abuse criteria. By far, the most abused substance is alcohol, followed by cannabis, hallucinogens, and stimulants.

Talking to a person struggling with addiction is necessary – and can be impossibly challenging. In this case, you need a more focused approach in intervention, which may involve professional help.

What Is An Intervention?

Intervention

A person struggling with addiction – as alluded to, is not likely to seek help. You can work around that denial by engaging the services of a licensed drug or alcohol counselor. Under the guidance of an intervention specialist, a plan could be carefully formed to help the loved one understand the consequences of substance abuse in a non-threatening, positive way.

During an intervention, you and the interventionist explain the negative impact of destructive behaviors on family and friends in a manner that is not degrading. A viable detox and comprehensive rehabilitation program are presented, including the processes or steps involved and goals. The plan also includes actions to take in case the offer to help is rejected.

An intervention is not limited to family members. It may also include other people, such as friends, who care for the person suffering from addiction. Every person involved should make a conscious effort to stay on topic. Spontaneity should be avoided, as this may result in blaming and accusations. Hurtful words, for example, can lead to refusal of treatment when blurted out.

When Should You Intervene for a Loved One?

Counseling a loved one addicted to drugs or alcohol is not an easy thing to do. One reason for that is you may not know what to say. It also does not help when the addicted person denies or refuses to acknowledge the problem. Without help, the dependency can only get worse. Once you see these signs, then you know it is time for an intervention.

Psychological Symptoms

Unable to stop. Drug and alcohol dependency eliminates any form of self-control and discipline. The cravings are irresistible, resulting in the continued use of the addictive substance.

Ignoring health. Repeated use despite health problems. A smoker, for example, will keep smoking even after developing lung disease.

Handling problems. For many people struggling with an addicting substance, it becomes a means to cope with stress and problems. Instead of facing an issue head-on, it becomes a refuge – a safe place.

Obsessed with securing a stash. Instead of spending time with family and friends or staying productive, an addicted individual spends more time and energy trying to find ways to obtain more drugs or alcohol.

Taking risks. The craving for addicting substances may be too intense, leading to risky and reckless behavior that includes criminal activities to obtain money to buy more drugs or alcohol.

Physical Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms. When the substance level drops due to not being able to drink or use, addicted people can experience constipation, diarrhea, sweating, seizure, or trembling. The cravings can also lead to uncharacteristic behaviors, with some resorting to violence.

Eating habits. Changes in appetite might occur. For example, cannabis use can cause munchies (eating more). On the other hand, drugs like cocaine reduce the desire to eat.

Contracting a disease. Frequent smokers may develop respiratory problems or lung cancer. Excessive alcohol drinking damages the liver, while injecting drugs could damage the veins and arteries.

Disrupted sleep patterns. Insomnia, for example, can be caused by withdrawal. Drugs such as speed and ecstasy can make a person go sleepless for several nights.

 

Deteriorating physical appearance. An addicted person may neglect personal hygiene, appearing disheveled, tired, and haggard.

Increasing tolerance. Once the body develops a tolerance to a substance, consuming more to attain the desired effects might result in an overdose.

Related article: Addiction Is a Lot Like Heart Disease, So Why Are We Not Approaching It The Same Way?

Social Symptoms

Sacrificing activities. Giving up on activities they used to love is indicative of a dependency problem. Refraining from going out with friends, for example, if there are no drugs or alcohol.

Secrecy. Addicted people are more likely to consume drugs in solitude. They appear to be withdrawn and may stop meeting friends or joining social activities.

Denial. Even though some addicted people may admit to using drugs or drinking alcohol, they do not see themselves as having an addiction problem. Usually, they think – with conviction – they can stop anytime.

Excessive consumption. Some substances – opiates and alcohol – might be consumed in excess. Even if they experienced the severe effects of overdosing, that would not stop them from future substance abuse.

Hidden stashes. Addicted people are likely to hide their choice of substance and drug paraphernalia in different parts of the house, where they could not be discovered.

Financial issues. Because of the need to ensure a steady supply, some addicted people may divert funds, sacrificing household necessities. It is a costly habit that could lead to financial difficulties.

Legal issues. Aside from committing a crime – steal money to buy alcohol or drugs – some people who are too intoxicated and suffering from impaired judgment may cause a scandal or resort to violence.

How Does Intervention Work?

The processes involved in an intervention begins with getting guidance, planning, and conversing with the addicted loved one in need of help. Generally, these steps are:

1. Get Help and Organize the Intervention Team

There is no shame in seeking help. A social worker or doctor might be able to provide guidance. As an option, you can also contact detox and rehab facilities as they have the expertise and experience to help people suffering from addiction recover. While your loved one needs help, you also need the support of professionals, other family members, and close friends. Together, you form the core of the intervention team.

2. Make a Plan

An intervention is a highly emotional situation. The highly-charged atmosphere is a powder keg waiting to explode. Because of the potential for betrayal, resentment, and anger, you and the rest of the intervention team should set aside time to make a comprehensive plan of action.

Your strategy should include when and where to talk to your loved one, how it will work, and every person’s role. For example, friends can be tasked to keep the discussion focused on the problem rather than emotional responses. In other words, they should diffuse tense situations, letting you and other family members continue to provide assurances of your love and support throughout the recovery process.

In the case of a successful intervention, each person should be willing to provide support in one way or the other. During detox, rehabilitation, recovery, therapy, and support group meetings, everyone could offer or take turns accompanying.

3. Gather Information

You and the rest of the team members should try to find out the extent of the problem. Find out what treatment options there are and make an initial arrangement for enrollment. Dig deeper too to make sure that the detox and rehabilitation program is suitable for your loved one’s personality. Once you find a treatment facility, they can provide you with more information.

4. Make Impact Statements or Notes

Every person in the intervention team has a personal relationship with the person suffering from addiction and has experienced negative impacts. And that means everyone has something to say, and this should be written down.

An impact statement is personal and details how a particular behavior has caused harm or hurt. Putting these in writing helps your loved one understand that personal struggles also affects other people. These statements should be emotionally honest and full of love and assurances – no blaming or personal attacks.

5. Set a Boundary or Decide on a Consequence for Refusal

One of the most challenging things you and every team member has to do is decide on the consequence of refusal to accept treatment. Are you going to be an enabler, which causes far more harm? Everyone has to be on board and be clear with your addicted loved one that there is a consequence for refusing help.

6. Rehearse

Emotions run high during an intervention. Hence, before sitting your loved one down, try to think through the whole process and rehearse. You can talk about possible scenarios with the rest of the team and have an appropriate response. Practicing beforehand lets each person know when to speak and what to say for a smoother discussion flow.

7. Manage Expectations

Manage Expectations

If you have watched some of Dr. Phil’s shows, they could not prepare you for what is to come – emotionally and mentally. An ideal scenario is when the intervention led to your loved one accepting treatment. However, that may not happen. All you can do is to be prepared and understand that the discussion could quickly deteriorate into arguments. Hurtful words could be exchanged and the treatment plan rejected. If indeed it comes down to that, then you and everyone else would have no choice but to follow through on the consequences.

8. Stage the Intervention

Up until this point, you should not let the person struggling with addiction know about your plans. Have your loved one be on the intervention site without knowing why you have all gathered together.

Each person takes turns to express their concerns and feelings. You (or the intervention specialist) can then present the treatment plan. Each of you will also have to be clear on specific changes if the program is not accepted – the consequence of refusal. Remember, whatever each one decided has to be followed through.

9. Follow Up and Follow Through

If your loved one refuses to accept help, each member of the intervention team needs to follow through on the consequence. At a later time, it might force admittance to addiction and finally getting help.

On the other hand, if the intervention’s intent was successful, then everyone has to be supportive, as promised. Recovering from an addiction is incredibly difficult, and relapse could happen at any given time. You and the others will want to be around to stop your loved one from succumbing to temptations.

What Should You Not Do During an Intervention?

Your goal to intervene and get your loved one the much-needed help is noble and because of love. If it works, then give yourself a pat on the head for a job well done. However, when it is poorly executed, it may lead to feelings of resentment. A person who already struggles with substance abuse may feel attacked, go into isolation, and more unlikely to get sober and clean.

These are the things that should never happen:

1. Intervention When Your Loved One Is Not Sober

Any person who is drunk or high would have impaired judgment and cannot think clearly. There is no point in having a discussion if that is the case.

2. Involving Too Many People

IInvolving Too Many People

Too many cooks spoil the broth, so having too many people in the intervention team may be counterproductive. A good number to have is between 3 to 6 people, preferably with a qualified intervention expert.

3. Be Careful with Labels

For many people, the most beautiful sound is their name. You might as well call your loved one by name instead of using labels. Using words such as “addict” or “alcoholic” is derogatory and insulting. An otherwise good conversation could quickly descend into arguments.

4. Stage an Intervention When You Are Calm

The worst time to stage an intervention is when you are feeling emotional and upset. It should be planned and executed at the right time, as agreed upon with the rest of the team members. And if you find yourself losing patience during the intervention, try to pause and regain your composure.

How Do You Increase the Chances of a Successful Intervention?

There are plenty of things you can do to ensure success. Go through these tips so that you can be guided accordingly.

Patience. Resist the urge to stage an intervention prematurely. In some cases, it might take several weeks to prepare and plan.

Timing. You cannot talk sense with a person who is too intoxicated or high. Hence, you will have to schedule the intervention at a date and time when your loved one is least likely to be heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Learn. Take the time to know the substance and its effects on behavior and health.

Liaison. Appointing one of the team members to facilitate getting the team together or keeping everyone updated helps your cause.

Updates. Keep every team member in the loop. You should make sure that everyone is on the same page. Hold meetings or call to keep each other to stay updated.

Rehearsal. Rehearsing is the best way to decide on the sitting arrangement details, who speaks about what and when. At the very least, you should do it once so that everything goes on smoothly when intervening.

Anticipate objections. Anyone suffering from addiction will have plenty of reasons why treatment is not necessary. Avoid pushing too hard. Instead, keep calm and offer rational responses to eliminate those reasons one at a time.

Avoid arguments. All conversations should be centered on love, respect, concern, assurance, and support. There is no room for name-calling, blaming, angry, and accusing words or personal attacks.

Stay on track. At any given time, the topic may steer away from the purpose of intervention due to tension and emotional responses. Remember to stay calm and control the conversation.

Immediate response. If your loved one asks for time to think about the treatment plan, that only gives more time to keep denying an addiction problem, go on a dangerous bind, or hide. Ideally, you want an immediate answer and get started with the recovery process as soon as possible.

Why Do You Need to Consult with an Addiction Professional?

An intervention is never coercive or based on shame. There is no room for angry or hurtful words. It should be a meaningful conversation, not an argument or fighting. As if that is not enough to ask for, there is also the matter of enlisting family and friends’ help and formulating a sound plan.

Not knowing how to handle such a situation, though, may lead to mistakes – and drive your loved one further away. It is why you seek the help of people who specializes in these things. They include licensed alcohol and drug counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, or interventionists. Instead of treading into unfamiliar territory, you might as well rely on their experience and expertise.

If you think your loved one may react self-destructively or violently during an intervention, do consult with an intervention professional. You would want help if you are dealing with someone who has the following conditions:

  • History of mental illness
  • History of violence
  • Has talked about suicide or showed suicidal tendencies
  • Suspected of using more than one mood-altering substances

For some families, an intervention occurs without help from an outside party. You can, of course, choose to go that way. Suppose you are unsure of what to do, then engaging an addiction professional’s services is the better option.

Call 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: How To Motivate Your Loved Ones To Get Addiction Treatment

Categories
Addiction Treatment

What Is The Cost Of Addiction Treatment In Canada?

What Is The Cost Of Addiction Treatment In Canada?

While some services are available for people with limited income, a lot of drug and alcohol addicts and their families worry that the cost of addiction treatment in Canada puts the chances of lasting sobriety out of reach.

Recognizing that you have an addiction problem, and making the decision to seek help, are the important first steps to a new life. But sadly, for many people, the process ends there because of real or imagined financial barriers. 

This is especially the case for inpatient addiction treatment and rehab services. Not only will you have to pay for a service that includes full board, all meals, and a wide range of therapies, addiction rehab costs are often due upon admission. 

To make the burden even heavier, the addict’s absence from work for the purposes of attending rehab may result in a significant reduction in the family’s income. While inpatient rehab is going on, mortgages and bills at home still have to be paid.

For many families, the cost of drug rehab can seem to lead to overwhelming hardship. In some cases, financial limitation is very real. For others, families may be unaware of the resources that are available to them. And so, instead of seeking professional, they try to manage the problem by themselves.

How Much Does Addiction Treatment Cost?

As with many things in life, there is no absolute answer to the question of addiction treatment pricing. How much you will spend out of pocket depends on several factors. 

It should be noted from the outset that while some addiction treatments carry a higher out-of-pocket cost than others, there are options for all Canadians, regardless of income and ability to pay.

Public Detox And Addiction Rehab Services

Detox And Addiction Rehab Services

In Canada, access to healthcare is a right of citizenship and permanent residence. The cost of drug rehab is covered by your provincial health care plan if you select a public facility. While this does provide hope to families who are not able to secure funds for private rehab services, there are some drawbacks to be aware of:

  • Although provincial health care systems try their best to keep up with the growing demand for addiction rehab services, waitlists are inevitable. 
  • Addicts who have strong family support may be able to figure out ways to endure the wait for a spot, but this is not a viable solution for everyone.
  • It is generally accepted among addiction experts that rehab is most effective when the program is personalized. In public rehab facilities, the therapists and doctors have a high volume of patients at any one time. They work hard for all patients under their care, but addicts do not get that personalized experience that vastly improves the chances of lasting sobriety.
  • Perhaps most critically, when addiction rehab costs are funded by the government, patients are at risk of being released prematurely from programs, which in turn leads to a high risk of relapse.
  • Medical detox services are available to all Canadians through your hospital emergency room or your doctor. Since withdrawal is, in many cases, considered to be a medical emergency, in general, you do not have to wait for this service. While medically supervised detox is an important step in the rehab process, it is just one step, and it should be followed – as soon as possible – by an addiction treatment and rehab program.

Related article: How to Stop Cocaine Addiction

Private Outpatient Addiction Rehab Costs

Private Outpatient Addiction Rehab Costs

If you have strong family support and your addiction is not complicated by factors like comorbidity or polysubstance abuse, you may be able to undergo successful addiction treatment on an outpatient basis. 

While the cost of addiction treatment in Canada varies widely from one location and treatment program to the next, outpatient programs are a lot less expensive, because they do not include costs like board and meals.

Outpatient addiction treatment takes the form of therapy sessions that you attend on scheduled days. You live at home and retain the ability to participate in your regular daily life. In most cases, you are even able to continue working, as long as you are able to take the requisite time off to go to your treatment sessions. 

The range of available services include individual, group and family therapy, as well as services specifically geared to loved ones. The cost of addiction treatment for outpatient programs varies from $100 to $500 per session, depending on the treatment modality, the provider, and the length of the session. 

Some outpatient treatment facilities will quote you a monthly fee that includes a specified number of sessions for that month. Although outpatient addiction rehab costs are lower, there are some factors for you to consider when choosing this form of treatment:

  • If you have a history of substance abuse or high risk of relapse, this might not be the right choice for you
  • Outpatient addiction treatment works best for those who have a strong network of support
  • You have a higher chance of success if you can avoid people and places that have been associated with your drug or alcohol use
  • It is essential that you commit to attending all of your appointments

Private Inpatient Addiction Rehab Costs

Inpatient addiction rehab facilities vary widely in terms of the services they provide, the amenities, recreational facilities, and the duration of stay. The costs are highly variable as well, but if you are budgeting for a potential stay, a good estimate to aim for is $300 per day.

This may seem steep, but inpatient addiction treatment pricing takes the following into account:

  • The development of a personalized addiction treatment program
  • All therapy sessions, including family counselling sessions that include loved ones
  • All of your meals
  • Accommodation
  • Recreational facilities and amenities
  • Round-the-clock care and support

In some facilities, the cost also includes educational sessions and support for loved ones, and comprehensive aftercare support services.

Inpatient addiction rehab costs depend on several factors, such as:

  • The length of stay. It can range from one to six months. Generally, the cost per day decreases as the length of stay increases.
  • The nature of the accommodation: Some facilities reduce costs by offering semi-private or dorm-style accommodations.
  • The amenities available: Some facilities have full-scale gyms with personal trainers and a range of organized recreational activities. Others have an indoor or outdoor walking track and some hiking trails.
  • The meals provided: The more expensive facilities offer chef-prepared meals to order. Lower-cost facilities provide nutritious meals served canteen-style.
  • Inpatient rehab facilities that cater to individuals with a high expectation of privacy, such as celebrities or politicians, are likely to cost more because of the increased cost of security and property surveillance.

Is The Cost Of Addiction Treatment Worth It?

The cost of addiction treatment in Canada may seem high, especially for people whose personal finances have already taken a hit as a result of the addiction. There are several factors you should consider when you are making a decision about whether to sign up for rehab.

What Does The Cost Include?

As described above, addiction treatment pricing is highly dependent on what you’re actually getting. Inpatient addiction treatment programs can cost upwards of $300 per day, with some facilities charging more than double that, but this includes everything you need for both survival and treatment.

What Are The Probabilities Of Success?

While it can be argued that some rehab is better than no rehab, there is an increasing body of evidence supporting the notion that inpatient rehab is a highly effective means of treatment, especially when paired with a good aftercare program. 

If you go through several rounds of less expensive rehab, your cost of addiction services may end up being higher than it would if you went through one inpatient rehab stay.

Have You Explored All Possible Funding Sources?

If you are in the throes of addiction and desperate for help, you may only be looking as far as your own bank account for the means to cover addiction rehab costs. But there may be options that you are unaware of, such as:

  • Your medical insurance
  • Employee assistance programs offered by your place of work
  • Social assistance programs offered by businesses in your community
  • Financing options offered by the rehab facilities you are considering
  • Assistance from family members and close friends

The reality is that not everyone is able to secure the funds for private inpatient rehab. It is important to remember the public and outpatient services that are available.

Here’s Why You Need Accountability for Addiction Treatment

In the fight against addiction, there is always that little voice that tells you to keep it all to yourself. It’ll make you question why you need accountability for addiction treatment and ask you to cut everyone else off. After all, why should anyone be getting involved in your business?

At the moment, this logic might check out. However, it’s not very sound. Why? Well, there are many reasons why you need accountability during addiction treatment. Unfortunately, the chances are that, right now, the little voice is telling you we’re way off base. Not to worry, though, we came prepared.

In this article, we’ll be looking into the reasons why you need accountability for addiction treatment. And, just because we care, we’ll also throw in a few tips to help you remain accountable too.

Why You Need Accountability for Addiction Treatment

Accountability has always been somewhat of a requirement if you are trying to commit to something. But why is it necessary for addiction treatment? To answer that, here are five different reasons you should remain accountable during your addiction treatment process:

Helps you remain focused on the goal

Is The Cost Of Addiction Treatment Worth It

In the process of getting addiction rehab services, there is always that temptation to forget about the goal and go slightly or completely off track. What makes it worse is that this problem doesn’t hit you all at once. In the beginning, you might be incredibly self-motivated and fired up. 

For what it’s worth, that level of self-motivation is pretty cool. However, you can only go so far when you’re running on hype. 

By being accountable to something or someone, you’ll be much less likely to go off course. They’ll always be there to remind you why you started in the first place. Depending on your relationship with the person, they might even use a little tough love on you. 

Nevertheless, their entire purpose is to help you remain focused on getting over your addiction. Without them, the chances of you falling back into your old habits are significantly higher.

A viable source of motivation

Like we mentioned earlier, self-motivation is great. But you can only go so far with it. This fact is especially true when you’re forced to deal with the insane amount of urges that come along with addictions. 

You might not want to admit it, but you need other sources of motivation. This is where remaining responsible through accountability comes into play.

It is particularly great if you have someone who has had to deal with an addiction. If this is the case, they can become that beacon of light at the end of the tunnel for you. 

That way, you’ll know that you can do it too because they could conquer their addictions. Even if they haven’t had to go through addiction treatment before, they can still provide proper encouragement every now and then. 

A way to celebrate your small or big achievements

It’s safe to say that not everyone really enjoys broadcasting news about their addiction rehab journey to the whole world. You might share a different view, but some other people might feel vulnerable doing that. 

However, not being able to celebrate or acknowledge your victories can be a bit discouraging too. This, dear friend, is one of the reasons why you need accountability for your addiction treatment.

With an accountability partner, you have the luxury of someone you can easily share your victories with. The celebration could even be for something as simple as remaining clean for your first ten to fifteen days. 

Regardless, having someone to raise a toast with you, even if it’s just fruit juice, is still pretty encouraging. In the long run, these celebrations can push you to keep on working towards an addiction-free life.

It helps you to see where you’re lacking

This is a major point that answers why you need accountability for addiction treatment. More often than not, while trying to conquer an addiction, there will be slight lapses in your efforts. You might think that you’re on top of your game, but it isn’t always the case. 

This is because several things could be weaknesses in your addiction treatment journey. For some people, they might fall back in when they encounter something that makes them really sad. Other people might not be able to resist the alcohol bottle or the blunt wrap when they’re stressed out.

If you belong to one of those classes, or a variation of them, being accountable will help you find out. If you’re accountable to a human, they can easily trace your steps and find out what triggered the backslide. 

If you’re accountable to tech, you can take a look at where and when you went back to the alcohol bottle. This, in itself, will go a long way in keeping you on track to defeating your addiction.

Encourages honesty with yourself

Encourages honesty with yourself

This is our final reason why you must practice accountability for addiction treatment. Accountability helps you to stay true to yourself. You might not realize it, but when you’re trying to get over an addiction, there are certain things you’ll be blind to. 

You may even start to think all those tips for addiction treatment are working, and you’re in full control. However, this might not exactly be true.

By remaining accountable to someone or something, you’ll be able to hold your character up to a mirror. It might just be a random question you’ve been avoiding, but when they ask you, you’ll realize that you’ve not been doing so great. That way, you can tell yourself the truth and work towards getting better, not seeming better.

How To Stay Accountable During Addiction Treatment

While we’ve explained why you need accountability, we really cannot stop there. You still need to know how you can remain accountable to avoid sliding back into addiction. So, here are three major ways you can accomplish that:

Talk to someone you trust

It is entirely up to you to let someone in on your journey. So, talk to a trusted friend or family member and let them know what is going on. Explain to them how you’ll be needing their help. Remember not to go for someone who will judge you every chance they get.

Maintain honesty at all times

This might be difficult, especially if you relapse. But it is important. When you finally find someone, always be honest with them. 

Even if it’s just some sort of accountability software, make sure that you only input the truth. That way, you’ll eliminate self-deceit.

Do not isolate yourself

During the entire process, the worst thing you can do to yourself is isolation, whether from your accountability partner, or the rest of the world. 

Spending too much time alone is definitely going to make you go back to your old habits. So, always stay connected.

What Is The Cost Of Not Getting Help?

What Is The Cost Of Not Getting Help

There is a concept in economics called “opportunity cost”. This refers to the fact that every time we spend our money, time or energy on something, we are taking that money, time or energy away from something else. 

For example, if you buy a car, you may not be able to travel. If you go for a run, you may not have the energy to go swimming. Opportunity cost also applies to the cost of addiction treatment in Canada.

The opportunity cost of drug addiction is immense. Every dollar that you spend on drugs or alcohol is money taken away from paying bills or feeding your family. Devotion to using drugs means less devotion to the people you love. And ultimately, your addiction could cost you your family, your job, your home – even your life. This is far more than any cost of drug rehab.

Ultimately, you have to decide which is more important to you: your substance abuse or all of the elements that make up a happy, productive life. Once you make that determination, you will be able to seek out an addiction treatment program that will meet your budget – even if you have to make some financial sacrifices along the way.

At 1000 Islands Addictions Treatment Centre, we provide high quality personalized addiction treatment. Give us a call at 855-601-0555 and we will go over addiction treatment pricing and your available options.

Related article: How to Quit Cocaine Addiction

Categories
Alcohol Addiction

What Are The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse, Dependence And Addiction?

What Are The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse, Dependence And Addiction?

What Are The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse, Dependence And Addiction?

The use of alcohol is not only socially acceptable but expected. If you have a hard day at work, you wind down by going home or to a bar and having a beer. Birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated with champagne, and expensive wine is considered to be a staple at fancy dinner parties. People who drink a little too much are thought of as “fun”, and we mock those who refuse to drink at all.

Alcohol Abuse, Dependence And AddictionWe have normalized alcohol consumption to the point that alcohol abuse is difficult to recognize in ourselves or in others. So while we may think that we’re just always up for having a good time, we may actually be developing alcohol abuse and dependence issues. When we become so used to seeing our neighbour with a beer that we don’t even notice it, they might already be an alcoholic without even realizing it.

What Are The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse?

So if it’s that difficult to even know when you or someone else has a problem, what are you supposed to do? How and when does it eventually become obvious that your alcohol consumption has gone beyond the realm of what is “normal”?

There are some signs of alcohol abuse that you can look out for. Fortunately, some of these can be caught early.

You often drink more than you intended to

If you find yourself frequently uttering the words, “One more can’t hurt”, you may need to take stock of how much alcohol you are consuming. Most people are able to attend a social gathering and limit themselves to one or two drinks. Even those who would usually have a glass of wine at a dinner party find it easy to abstain if they are the designated driver. You may be starting to toe the line of alcohol abuse if you want to say no to that extra beer but find that you just cannot resist, or if hasty arrangements have to be made for an alternate driver.

You drink to recover from a stressful day

There is nothing wrong with kicking back with a glass of wine after a long day, but if this becomes your primary means of dealing with stress, you may be treading in dangerous territory. Not only are you increasing your reliance on alcohol, but the underlying source of your stress is also going unresolved. If you recognize that you are in this situation, you can take immediate action by seeking healthier ways to handle stress, possibly with the help of a therapist.

You end up in dangerous situations when you’ve been drinking

The problem with being drunk is that you are often in denial about being drunk. So you may engage in risky behaviour, either believing that it is safe or not care that it isn’t. A lot of impaired driving incidents happen as a result of someone insisting that they are “fine to drive”. If your job requires you to operate dangerous machinery, you may persist in this after you’ve had a few drinks over lunch. Also, another sign of alcohol abuse is if Friday and Saturday nights are rife with fistfights and unsafe drunk sexual encounters.

You intentionally seek out activities that involve alcohol

Some people are able to maintain their interests if they can find a way to combine these interests with drinking. For example, you may develop a sudden interest in the 19th hole at the golf course, or you may start serving wine at the book club meetings you host. Other people will simply abandon their previous interests. Instead of going walking on the beach, they will stay home so they can drink. They will gradually fade away from the team sport they participated in; their kids may start to have more sleepovers at Grandma’s house. It’s the little things that point to alcohol abuse.

Your health is starting to decline

This happens for two reasons. First, as people increase their consumption of alcohol, they tend to neglect aspects of health and wellness, like nutrition and exercise. And second, the alcohol itself can cause damage to the liver and increase the heart rate and blood pressure. If you drink alcohol regularly, and you have a general sense of feeling run-down, you may need to put a pause on your alcohol consumption.

You tell yourself that you need to stop drinking

Even if you don’t fully recognize that you have a problem, something may make you aware of the extent of your consumption. You may look at the empty bottles in your kitchen and get a shock. Or you may be going over your bank accounts and see a lot of transactions at the liquor outlet. If you are saying to yourself, “Maybe I should cut down on the drinking”, you may need to stop and think about whether that is actually true.

Related article: Be in the Know: Canada’s Latest Alcohol Addiction and Recovery Facts

What Are Alcohol Dependence And Alcohol Addiction?

If you are abusing alcohol regularly over a prolonged period of time, you can become dependent on alcohol. This means that you no longer merely enjoy a drink: you actually need it in order to function. If you deprive yourself of it, you start to experience withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable. Once you become addicted, alcohol is no longer just a part of your life. It is your whole life. Once you reach this point, withdrawal can be almost impossible; in some cases, it can be life-threatening.

Common signs of alcohol dependence

Alcohol dependence manifests differently for everyone, but some of the more common signs include the following:

signs of alcohol dependence

  • You need to have a drink as soon as you wake up
  • You routinely deal with hangovers by having another drink
  • You frequently call in sick to work or school
  • You cancel plans with friends at the last minute
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking

Common Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction affects everyone differently depending on factors like age, state of health, and whether alcohol is consumed with other substances. Common signs of addiction include the following:

  • You regularly consume alcohol while at work, or while you are driving
  • You disguise your alcohol – for example, by pouring it into a commuter coffee mug
  • You use money intended for bills and living expenses to purchase alcohol
  • You hide your alcohol consumption from friends and family members
  • You continue to use alcohol in spite of deteriorating relationships
  • You continue to use alcohol in spite of deteriorating physical or mental health
  • You buy alcohol from multiple locations in order to avoid suspicion
  • You use alcohol, even when you know it could result in you being in an unsafe situation

Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol addiction is one of the most difficult substance use disorders to combat. Mostly, this is because the use of alcohol is not only socially acceptable, but in some cases, socially expected. We live in a world where celebrations revolve around glasses of sparkling wine and people fill up their refrigerators with beer before “watching the game on TV”. Those who refuse alcohol at parties are greeted with reactions ranging from mild surprise to mockery and insults. For some, a standard response to alcohol withdrawal symptoms – which may feel like a bad hangover – is to simply drink more alcohol.

All of this contributes to alcohol being the most widely abused substance in the world, and for alcoholism being the addiction that people are least likely to seek help for. Loved ones may not be in a position to help, simply because it can take a long time for them to realize that there is a problem.

Our lax social attitude toward alcohol use is accompanied by the belief held by many that overcoming alcohol addiction is simply a case of not having another drink. There are two major pitfalls to this plan: first, people who try to quit any substance without help are far more likely to give in to cravings and start using the substance again, and second, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous – in some cases, fatal.

What Is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is the name given to the collection of symptoms that can occur when the body is deprived of alcohol — to which it has become accustomed. AWS typically starts several hours after the last drink and can go on for about a week. Symptoms include physical effects such as headaches and nausea, and mental effects like anxiety.

What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?

Alcohol addiction starts with tolerance. If someone who has never consumed alcohol has a glass of wine, it can have a tremendous impact on them. They might feel sick or get sleepy; a shy person may become outgoing; someone who is cautious might take risks. 

If that person has a glass of wine each day, in time they will get used to it. And in order to achieve the same effects, they have to drink more. The body becomes tolerant to increasing amounts of alcohol, to the point where the tolerance becomes a dependence. 

What this means is that the body does not merely tolerate the alcohol, it relies on it. And if it is suddenly deprived, it cannot cope, and withdrawal symptoms set in. The person will start to feel ill, and anxiety will set in if alcohol is not available.

Common Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

The first few hours

Six to twelve hours after the person has their last drink, the initial impacts of withdrawal will be felt. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms during this phase include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A mild feeling of the jitters
  • Agitation and anxiety that may be amplified if no alcohol is available

The first day

The headaches, nausea and vomiting generally pass without incident, but the other symptoms can become worse. The individual may experience the following:

  • A sense of confusion and disorientation
  • Uncontrollable hand tremors that interfere with the ability to perform tasks like eating and operating basic household items
  • Jitters that escalate into seizures

Day 2-3

Around the second or third day, the withdrawal symptoms escalate. They may include:

  • Continuing seizures that are worsening in frequency and intensity
  • High blood pressure and elevated body temperature
  • Insomnia
  • In severe cases, the person will experience delirium tremens

What Is Delirium Tremens?

Delirium tremens, colloquially referred to as “the DTs”, is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This condition can be fatal if not managed properly: an out-of-control body temperature, complications from seizures, and wild fluctuations in the heart rhythms can result in death. Anyone experiencing the following symptoms of delirium tremens should be provided with immediate medical care:

  • Agitation, irritability and rapid mood swings
  • A deep sleep that goes on for an unusual length of time
  • Hallucinations
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Delirium
  • Increased or irregular heart rate
  • Elevated body temperature
  • High sensitivity to light, sound and touch
  • Grand mal seizures

Does delirium tremens happen to everyone?

It is estimated that around half of all people who quit drinking experience withdrawal symptoms in any form. Of those, 3-5% experience delirium tremens.

You may be at high risk of delirium tremens if:

  • You have been addicted to alcohol for more than ten years
  • Your average daily consumption is equivalent to 2-3 bottles of wine, 7-8 pints of beer, or a pint of hard liquor
  • You are more than 40 years of age
  • You have suffered a head injury
  • You have an illness at the time of withdrawal
  • You have a history of seizures
  • You have experienced delirium tremens in the past

How To Safely Withdraw From Alcohol

If you are addicted to alcohol – and especially if you are in a high-risk group for delirium tremens listed above – you should first talk to a medical professional before stopping your use of alcohol. Your doctor or addiction counselor may recommend that you undergo medical detox. 

Withdraw From Alcohol

This is a process whereby you are under the supervision of a doctor, who will monitor your vital signs and treat your withdrawal symptoms as they arise. 

If you choose to withdraw from alcohol without medical help, it is important that you do not do so alone. Ensure that you are in the company of a support person who will be able to identify the signs of delirium tremens and immediately ensure medical help if needed. 

Important Facts About Alcohol Addiction

When taken in excess, the adverse effects from the use of alcohol are most often irreversible. These alcohol addiction facts will surely be a starting point to correcting your mindset about drinking.

You are drinking more than you think you are

This seems untrue, but it is, and it is one of the many reasons you don’t feel compelled to know how to stop drinking. It is one of the essential facts about alcohol abuse that you should always think about. With every bottle you take, there is an average of 14 grams of concentrated alcohol. 

Also, when you take a regular beer, there are about 12 ounces of alcohol in there. There is 5 ounce of it in wine and about 8 or 9 in liquor. And on many occasions, especially when out with friends, it is more likely that you’ll mix two or more of these substances.

The truth is, you will most likely not feel like an alcohol addict. You are most likely not a drunkard. But, when you notice that you are taking beyond 4 bottles of your favourite alcohol drink per day, it calls for concern.

Alcohol alters your brain

Whenever your brain notices that you are trying to make a habit, it changes physically, to create a condition that helps you perform that task better. Hence, whenever your brain notices that you are frequently taking in alcohol, it interprets that you are trying to get better.

It changes and creates a condition that makes it easy to continue drinking seamlessly. Once this change occurs, there is no going back, and it may be problematic for a lifetime, even if you do change later on. It’s best to seek professional help from an addiction treatment expert near you now!

The effect of alcohol is different for each gender 

Another interesting alcohol addiction fact is that the bodies of men process alcohol differently from that of women. This difference is caused by factors including stomach enzymes, the concentration of water in the body, the muscle to fat ratio, and the presence or absence of some hormones. 

For women, when alcohol is absorbed, it is broken down more slowly, and they can suffer more damage from alcohol addiction. However, for men, drinking excessively is common because the body breaks it down fast, which will inevitably lead to the symptoms stated above. Either way, alcohol addiction is detrimental.

Alcoholism is partially generic

Genetics also has a role to play in alcoholism. Though environment and exposure play a significant role in alcoholism, parental genes also play a part. Though this risk is not definite, as scientists state, it is only a 50-50 chance that the parent’s genes will bring about addiction in a person. However, it is only right to note this, no matter how minute the occurrence is.

Alcohol can cause death

According to reports, about 88,000 persons die as a result of alcohol yearly, because several people drunk-drive. On the grimy side, this makes it one of the leading causes of death that can be prevented. By staying sober, over 80,000 deaths can be prevented.

Binge drinking is dangerous

Binge drinking refers to the condition of drinking too much within a short period. This is a widespread occurrence in people that are between the ages of 18 and 22 years. Taking this much within a short time can lead to dangerous alcohol body levels — a situation that comes with severe health consequences.

Alcohol withdrawal comes with severe side effects

It’s best to fight alcohol addiction ASAP. This is because with extended dependence on addiction if you stop drinking totally, and suddenly, the agitation of some nerve cells occurs. This can lead to a condition known as delirium tremens that comes with severe side effects including vomiting, unconsciousness, strong cravings, cold skin etc 

Tips for Getting Rid of Alcohol Addiction

Beyond the alcohol addiction facts, there are several ways with which you can work on yourself to get rid of this menace.

  • Therapy: This is the best way to stop drinking, as you rely on the professionalism and expertise of a therapist to lead you through the side effects that come with alcohol withdrawal
  • Support group: This is a typical recommendation in therapy, especially for those that suffer addiction to one disorder or another. Your support group can be a group of friends and family that will help at every stage of the addiction recovery process.

Recovery Does Not End With Alcohol Withdrawal

Safe alcohol withdrawal is an important first step in the journey to sobriety, but it is not the only step. Addictions almost always have a root cause, and a comprehensive rehab program will help you explore those causes, and either resolve them or learn more positive ways of dealing with them. 

With the right approach and plenty of support, you can overcome your alcohol addiction and lead a positive, productive life. In terms of support, it doesn’t get better than addiction treatment experts. 

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

It is never too soon or too late to get help for alcohol addiction. This can look different for different people: some may need to make some significant lifestyle changes, and perhaps find a local 12-steps program that works for them; others would do better in an inpatient addiction rehab program.

For alcohol addiction treatment to work, it should be customized to the individual, and the goal should be to resolve the issues that lie beneath the addiction. While detox is an important first step – and one that should be done under medical supervision – it is by no means the only step on the path to recovery. Contact 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: How To Avoid Alcohol After Recovery

Categories
Addiction Recovery

What Are The Stages Of Addiction Recovery?

What Are The Stages Of Addiction Recovery

Addiction can be a very dangerous habit to you and your loved ones. When it is not properly tackled, it can lead to self-sabotage. Fortunately, knowledge of the different stages of addiction recovery can help ease the process.

Addiction is a devastating illness that affects millions of persons every year. It is much more difficult than many people realize. Each person suffering from a type of drug abuse has special requirements and may also require unique care.

Yet, for fear of the unexpected, most addicts are reluctant to start therapy. They may ask, what are the stages of addiction rehabilitation? Addiction treatment for many recovered addicts can be a complicated and uncertain phase. However, substance abuse specialists have taken note of patterns that most patients experience on their journey to sobriety.

Addiction recovery is not an easy road. Sobriety can be a lifetime challenge that you have to constantly battle. Nevertheless, understanding the stages of addiction recovery will make it easier to power through.

In this article, you will learn of the main stages involved in addiction recovery. You will also learn about what to expect from addiction recovery. Additionally, you will get valuable tips on making your addiction recovery efficient.

Stages of Addiction Recovery

If you are facing addiction, you certainly know the anguish created by drugs in your life. But do you comprehend the inner workings that have contributed to substance addiction? Are you familiar with the inner chaos or the triggers?

Drug addiction is a condition that psychologically, emotionally, and physically affects a person. We are not observant of what an individual is going through on the inside. Neither do you often know why they make the decisions they make.

Before agreeing it’s time to change, we don’t hear the extensive mental debate so many addicts go through. The inner stages of addiction recovery that users usually progress through before getting treatment at a licensed drug rehab facility are below:

  • Pre Contemplation
  • Contemplation
  • Preparation
  • Action
  • Maintenance
  • Termination

At each of these stages, there is a crucial point that determines whether the addict will recover. It is vital to go along with the addict to successfully overcome any chance of relapse.

Constant encouragement and dedication also help. It is important that they feel the need to curb their addiction from within. Never rush the timeline for addiction recovery. Let it come naturally.

Addiction Recovery

Pre Contemplation

Sometimes, those in the process of pre-contemplation have yet to concede to themselves that they have an issue. Causes may be pressure from legal issues, a loved one, or even a boss. They may be going through the motions, but they are also uncertain of the severity of the case.

Addicts will usually avoid discussions about addiction or avoid those that bring them up at this time. During this stage of addiction recovery, attempting an intervention will undoubtedly be greeted with extreme denial.

In this process, abusers typically blame social factors for their drug abuse.  Examples of such excuses are demanding work or home life and even genetic predispositions. This point is often referred to as a somewhat hopeless time in the life of an addict.

Most times, during rehabilitation, many still remember it as their lowest point. Fortunately, these emotions typically contribute to the next healing point. At this point, addicts are free to step on to the stage of contemplation. That is once they acknowledge that they have a problem.

Contemplation

The transition to contemplation denotes that you are more familiar with the symptoms. You have become aware of the negative impact that addiction has on your life. However, you may not yet be sure of the adverse effects. You may still strongly consider the pleasure of alcohol or substance consumption.

You become a little more open to the possibility of redemption at this stage. Although you or your loved one may not agree to get sober yet. Regardless, it seems redemption may happen at some point in this stage of your addiction recovery.

Those in this stage of rehabilitation may openly admit that they have issues with drug abuse. Nevertheless, they frequently have some kind of excuse or argument when pressed about treatment. They often push off rehabilitation for a later period.

The excuse can also sound true in some situations. For example, if you have a stressful job, you may reassure a loved one falsely. You may maintain that when you leave the job, you will get treatment. Hence, claiming that you may no longer be tempted to self-medicate with alcohol.

Contemplation

Preparation

Individuals have decided to make a difference at this stage of addiction recovery. Unfortunately, most addicts unconsciously miss this stage and take action directly. Therefore, the care staff must help them at this point. This is to prevent them from planning inadequately to take action.

Throughout this process, counsellors will encourage the client to collect details regarding opportunities for improvement. They do this by looking at therapeutic aids that suit their personal needs. They also prepare a steady and realistic timeline for addiction recovery.

With a structured recovery strategy, the treatment team can help to facilitate the preparation stage properly. Hence, a customized care plan for each addict that matches their individual needs can be developed.

Action

Action

This stage of addiction rehabilitation is fairly self-explanatory. Addicts continue the physical process of healing during the action period. This can mean changing one’s environment or changing their actions.

This means initiating drug therapy at a licensed recovery center in most circumstances. Eventually, making these important improvements to sobriety also builds the confidence of an addict. They start to experience a sense of success.

Typically, this stage takes the most effort, but it is one of the most meaningful as well. The action process is the basis of long-term sobriety. Vulnerability during this process is usually a given. Fortunately, the sensation of fulfillment connected with this stage of addiction recovery makes it worth it.

Related article: Traveling for Addiction Treatment Improves Long-Term Recovery

Maintenance

The client learns to effectively resist triggers and other vices in the maintenance stage. They avoid things that may lead back to regular addiction. People remember their success at this stage of addiction recovery and work to strengthen their recovery.

A professional care team will assist the client thoroughly to ensure continued rehabilitation. This allows the addict to receive vital treatment and assistance before leaving the recovery center.

It may also prove challenging to help our loved ones in recovery. You have to recognize what motivates the addict to improve. This information can even help your loved one’s addiction care providers to yield better results. All these have led to successful addiction treatment in Canada and its surroundings.

With proper maintenance, you can help patients remain on the right track. This helps them to continue to build their confidence. It also helps to distract them from their addiction.

Termination

The recovery process is effectively complete at the termination stage. However, staying sober is a lifetime commitment. A person is likely to have recovered their health in the termination process of treatment.

They can maintain strong relationships and have a stable profession. They are also financially independent and feel assured that the addiction is gone. When asked, most people do not incline to return to active addiction at this point. They are happy that they no longer have the same habits as when they were addicted.

The strength of the stages of addiction recovery is in its simplicity. They simplify a complex phase into a sequence of straightforward steps. What makes them relevant, though? How advantageous are the six steps?

Notably, the stages of rehabilitation make it possible for you to be familiar with recovery processes. It doesn’t matter whether you have prior knowledge of addiction recovery. The stages put into context the healing process of an addict over time. This makes it easier to assess the right tools to be used at each level. It helps you know what to expect from addiction recovery.

In brief, the results of the healing processes are important. The phases provide significant clarity. They also give us insight into how therapies and other help can be used.

The Stage Models of Development of Addiction

Each stage of addiction recovery needs crucial attention to be successfully carried out. Lapses are bound to happen at any stage of addiction recovery. However, there are certain stage models of development that can help you understand the process better. Nevertheless, it is important to know that these stage models aren’t perfect.

The Animal Substance Abuse Model

This model was proposed by a variety of psychologists and doctors. It compares the phases of substance abuse to those found in animals. It uses Pavlov dogs as an example.

It theorizes that the brain becomes used to external stimuli that view the hard drugs as a reward. Similar to how the dogs salivate at the sound of a bell in Pavlov’s experiment. This slowly leads to binge drinking and intoxication.

Furthermore, you begin to see the substance you abuse as the only way to have fun. You become so dependent that you constantly use it to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. This is one of the most difficult stages of addiction rehabilitation.

Lastly, you eagerly anticipate the next fix. Your mind becomes preoccupied with getting a taste of the substance. Nothing else matters at that moment until you get the drug or alcohol.

The Valliant Model

This model was invented by Dr. George E. Valliant. He highlighted three phases that serve as the basis of substance abuse. Firstly, he discussed how occasional usage can spiral out of control. At this phase, you may still have strong control over how you use the substance.

Secondly, abuse can easily set in once the occasional usage becomes more frequent. You ignore any red flags that arise from constant drinking or hard drug intake. This is still an easily redeemable stage of addiction recovery.

Lastly, your body may become over-reliant on the drug. You build a tolerance to the drug which makes your body go for higher dosages. You experience severe withdrawal symptoms when you try and quit. This makes you rely more on the substance to avoid the symptoms.

The Jellinek Model

This model based on the works of M. Jellinek breaks substance abuse into four phases. Each phase gets progressively worse as the addiction grows. The phases are namely:

  • Preliminary phase
  • Substitution phase
  • Crucial phase
  • Chronic phase

The preliminary phase deals with basic social drinking. This may seem innocent at first glance but can easily get out of hand. Caution needs to be taken to ensure responsible drinking or stoppage.

The substitution phase stems from the use of the substance as a coping mechanism. At this point, you are depending on the drug to get by in your day. Red flags that indicate this phase are excessive hangovers and blackouts.

The crucial phase is where things start to worsen. You begin to experience a total loss of control of your life as a whole. You also tend to justify your reason for consistently using the substance. Early health problems begin at the phase and the timeline for addiction recovery grows longer.

The chronic phase is often marked as a point of no return. At this phase, you have grown to become over-dependent on the substance. You begin to experience extreme conditions like hallucinations. Physical and mental problems are at their heights.

The most common stage models of abuse remain focused on the development of physical dependency. It is also seen as a biological change in the central nervous system of the person. Such changes result in a person being unable to make reasonable decisions.

Constant drug abuse can indeed contribute to severe brain changes. However, people still maintain a manner of choice unless they experience severe brain damage.

All these different stage models aim to describe the development of an addiction. Nevertheless, there are several flaws in these theories. However, the points about drug addiction made in any of the stage models are still relevant.

How to Prepare for Addiction Recovery

Prepare for Addiction Recovery

Addiction doesn’t start in a day. It usually builds over time while the user is oblivious to it. If you suspect any signs of addiction in you, here are actions you can take. A good start is deciding to seek aid for your addiction. Next, training your body for recovery should be your immediate priority.

When you have developed alcohol or druggy dependency, withdrawal will be the first stage of recovery. You’ll abstain from substance use in detox to allow any signs of the drug to leave the body. It will cut the emotional reliance on alcohol or narcotics.

Detox is considered by many to be the most difficult stage of addiction rehabilitation. It is the part where the least work is done. Symptoms of withdrawal will range from moderate to extreme and may likely involve strong cravings.

Medications can be given to help minimize the severity of signs of withdrawal. This eases the stress in the weeks or days leading up to recovery. Additionally, you will reduce the level of pain by taking proper care of your health.

Before going for rehab, one of the toughest things you can do is go on a binge. People do this in expectation of quitting. Although it can be enticing, there may be devastating implications of over-using before treatment.

These may involve an accidental overdose or court issues resulting from the misuse of substances. Overuse can also make detox more drawn-out and painful. You need to ensure to sleep well and on time. This is an often-ignored part of the stages of addiction recovery. The body heals faster when subject to adequate sleep.

Exercising also helps the body fight off withdrawal symptoms easily. Your blood will pump more effectively, flushing away any toxins faster.

Furthermore, you will have to cut ties to any potential triggers. This can be a person or a location. If you have friends that still actively abuse drugs, it’s best to avoid them for a while. The same goes for a pub or bar that you frequent before. Hanging around such people and places make it easier for you to suffer a relapse.

Having a mentor or confidant is beneficial for you on your road to recovery. Such a person will be able to constantly encourage you during the toughest period of recovery. They will be essential in speeding up your timeline for addiction recovery.

Tips on Making Addiction Recovery Efficient

It is tough enough to get sober. However, getting a new start in life can be challenging in several respects. You have to get over the withdrawal effects first and overcome the cravings you feel.

Compared to coming out of a cave, recovering and reentering society is not a piece of cake. It is a transition phase that needs many steps, adjustments, and commitments to pull off.

If you have recently been sober, you want to be sure that you maintain it. Hence, here are some tips you can take to increase your odds of success.

Take Your Time

You may have recently emerged from addiction and believe yourself to be invincible. You may be eager to charge back into the world and take life by the reins. Yet, you can fail at any of the stages of addiction recovery if care isn’t taken.

It happens very frequently. You may feel fantastic and recharged, and ready to live life to the fullest. However, don’t take on more than you can do yet. Life is going to be very different, and it is worth taking some time to readjust.

Reconcile with Loved Ones

Reconcile with Loved Ones

There is a chance that you hurt your loved ones when you were an addict. You may have done things to other persons. Such acts can create a certain degree of frustration or animosity.

Your loved ones may be glad to get you back sober and safe. However, you may continue to see the effects of old wounds in their interactions with you. Find a way to fix the harm you might have done. Do it as quickly as possible, and go beyond and above to make it right.

Locate Sober Mates

You can’t afford to spend time with people with whom you used to abuse drugs. The irony is that they most certainly may not help you in your sobriety. No matter how much they might think they may help, it won’t work.

Those that think it’s a positive idea that you’ve become clean don’t endorse it. This is because they’re heading in the opposite path from the one you are taking now.

Additionally, even if the time spent with these individuals doesn’t involve drugs, you have to avoid them. There is a risk that being around them can begin to tempt you and bring back cravings. In the years ahead, no amount of sentimentality is worth your sobriety and your wellbeing

Find New Activities

Your world most likely revolved around alcohol or being high because you were an addict. Whenever you were not using, you were thinking about how to find the next fix. You likely had something planned to make it easier for you to do so.

What are you going to do now for your time? Addiction has left a void in your life. Now is the time to seek something positive and entertaining to fill that void. Several addiction treatment centers in Canada can provide you with ideas on new hobbies to engage in.

Find a new passion. You can start volunteering or start a degree that will help you advance your career. Do something else that will set the best course for your new life.

Conclusion

The stages of addiction recovery can be extremely difficult. However, you are not alone in that struggle. Follow the stages listed above to begin your road to rehabilitation today.

Take note of the different stage models of development. Utilize the tips to prepare you for addiction recovery and make sure you stick by them. Finally, your mind to overcome any temptations by avoiding triggers. Contact 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: 8 Exercises That Can Help With Addiction Recovery

Categories
Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine Addiction: The Signs and Symptoms

The Signs and Symptoms

There are many signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. If you abuse the drug, there are chances that you will experience one or more of these symptoms. Sometimes you may not even notice you have these symptoms. And the longer it takes to identify them, the worse it becomes. 

However, if you detect these signs early enough, you reduce the risks they pose to your health and wellbeing. This article includes vital information about the various signs and symptoms associated with cocaine addiction. You will also learn more about cocaine addiction and know where to find help if you are struggling with it. There is so much to know, so let’s get started.

What is Cocaine Addiction?

Cocaine is a very popular recreational substance. It is a white powder, usually snorted, injected, or smoked. Some of its effects include mood changes, increased concentration, lowered shyness, etc. 

Cocaine also has some adverse effects that users may experience when the drug starts leaving their system. This includes agitation, confusion, irritability, anxiety, etc. Being a potent stimulant, it is very easy for people to get addicted to cocaine. 

The drug creates a short but intense high, leaving its users in a state of euphoria. Cocaine users love the drug because of the effect it has on them. Hence, they begin to abuse it, leading to several signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. 

The reason why cocaine users get addicted is that the feeling they get from taking it lasts only a short while. Hence, they take it more often to satisfy their cravings for the drug. However, the more you use cocaine, the more your system tolerates it. 

With your body tolerating it and managing its effects, you find yourself taking in more doses of the drug. You do this because you want to feel those effects you want. This only leads to more and more increase in your cocaine dosage. Before you know it, you become addicted to the drug and can do nothing without it. 

The fact that you can’t do anything without the drugs is one of the cocaine abuse signs. However, that is not the only problem that comes with cocaine addiction and abuse. Cocaine addiction and abuse lead to many more symptoms, as you will find out in this article. Before then, here are some reasons why the drug can be so addictive. 

Why Am I Prone to Getting Addicted to Cocaine? 

Cocaine Addiction

If you take cocaine, you must know how to recognize cocaine addiction. Most users love taking the drug because of the effects the drug has on them. Hence, they are likely to get hooked on it before even realizing it. One of these effects is the drug’s ability to make you exhibit behaviours different from your normal lifestyle. 

For one, you may find yourself doing unusual things you never imagined. Also, the urge to have another dose of the drug will become so strong that you may sell your property for it. You will be driven by the drug and not be in control of yourself. That is how terrible cocaine addiction can be. 

Hence, it is important for you to be well aware of these danger signs and know when they begin to manifest. Knowing the dangers that lie ahead with using cocaine may prevent you from indulging in its use. 

Factors that Increase The Risk of Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine addiction comes about as a result of several factors. These include genetic background and some environmental risk factors, 

If you are from a family or environment with a history of cocaine addiction, you are at risk of developing an addiction issue. However, the fact that you are from such a background or live in a high-risk environment is not a certainty that you will become addicted to the drug. 

If you are repeatedly exposed to cocaine, the chances that you will begin to take the drug becomes increased. Other things that may cause you to take cocaine include lack of education, easy access to the drug, and peer pressure. You are also prone to the drug if you reside in an area with a high crime rate. 

Some family risk factors for cocaine addiction include poor indiscipline, family conflicts, and relationship problems. Others include poor parental supervision, low income, and poor communication in the family. 

You are also at risk of cocaine abuse if you have mental problems like depression. Victims of several forms of abuse may also seek solace in cocaine or other hard drugs. 

Early Signs I May Be Abusing Cocaine

Some of the early warning cocaine abuse signs include a change in your mood, functionality or behaviour. If your mood changes rapidly from that of excitement to that of depression, it is an indicator of cocaine abuse. If you suddenly begin to have suicidal or homicidal thoughts or think about doing crazy things, you may have abused cocaine.

Cocaine abusers also show excessive anger. This is especially the case when they are confronted about their use of the drug. They suddenly exhibit a change in their behaviour and change their friends within a short period. Other warning signs include a tendency to steal or manipulate those around them. 

Other warning signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction also include a drastic change in one’s physical appearance. This happens due to a drop in personal hygiene. If you abuse cocaine, an early sign of impending trouble is a drop in your functionality. You will have low or no motivation, miss deadlines, and stay away from your friends or loved ones.  

These are only early warning signs of cocaine use. If, after noticing these signs, you continue to use the drug, it can lead to more severe signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. Find out about these signs in the next section. 

The Cocaine Addiction Symptoms To Know

The Cocaine Addiction Symptoms To Know

The signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction are divided according to the three parts of the body it affects. When you use cocaine, it affects your brain, central nervous system, and other parts of your body. These effects are not the same for everybody. Similarly, several factors affect the way people react to the drug. 

These factors include how you take the drug, the amount you take, the effects of the added ingredients in the drug, and its purity. Another factor affecting the impact you will feel from cocaine use is the emotional state you are in while taking it.  

Other factors include your physical condition, as well as the regularity in which you use the drug. Let’s now take a look at the effects of cocaine on your whole body, starting with the brain.

Related article: Why You Should Not Attempt Cocaine Withdrawal On Your Own

Effects on the Brain

Effects on the Brain

When your brain’s response to various chemicals is altered, it is one of the signs of cocaine use. Your brain responds to certain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. These chemicals are collectively called neurotransmitters. Most of the complications people face from using cocaine are due to these neurotransmitters. 

Cocaine abuse induces these neurotransmitters to work at heightened levels. This leads to common signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction such as the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Psychosis
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea. 

Effects on the Central Nervous System

Effects on the Central Nervous System

When you take cocaine, you experience pleasurable effects. These include a burst of energy, excitement, varying levels of euphoria, and increased sociability. You also feel less hungry or tired, have increased strength and mental alertness, and may even feel no pain. It makes you feel superhuman like you are on top of the world. 

Other signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction where the nervous system is concerned include:

  • Talking too much
  • Laughing
  • Dilated pupils. 
  • You may also experience nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Vertigo
  • Headache. 

These symptoms may progress to emotional instability, lightheadedness, irritability, and restlessness. 

Other cocaine abuse signs in the central nervous system include apprehension and tremors. Most cocaine addicts are unable to sit in one place. Mostly, they also have to deal with twitchy muscles. There can also be cold sweats and muscle jerks. Cocaine addicts also experience grinding of teeth, hallucinations, feelings of paranoia, or cocaine psychosis. 

There are more serious signs of cocaine use, such as severe headaches, loss of consciousness and seizures. It’s possible to also experience brain bleeding, hyperthermia, stroke, loss of body functionality, and coma. 

Once these happen, the person must be taken to an emergency department. Afterward, such a person must begin cocaine addiction treatment immediately. There are many centres for cocaine addiction treatment in Canada. However, you must make sure to choose one that suits your specific needs.

Cocaine Abuse Effects on the Ear, Nose, and Throat

Most cocaine users consume the drug by sniffing or snorting it through the nose. This often leads to them having varying degrees of sinus or nasal symptoms of drug use. These include nasal crusting, frequent nosebleeds, nasal irritation and stuffiness. 

Cocaine addiction can cause damage to the mucous membrane of both sides of the cartilage separating your nostrils. This results from the reduced blood supply to the septum, nose picking, crusting, and drying. It eventually leads to a hole in the septum, causing bleeding in the nose. 

The nose begins to make foul secretions. A whistling sound can also be heard when breathing, which is known as coke noise. 

Effects of Cocaine Use On the Lungs

Effects of Cocaine Use On the Lungs

If you smoke cocaine, you are prone to lung and breathing problems. A brain stimulation known as the head rush results from smoking cocaine due to the lung’s blood supply and large surface area. 

If you smoke cocaine in its freebase, crack, or paste forms, you will probably use water pipes, glass pipes, or cigarettes. You do so by heating the pipes with matches or butane lighters. 

These pipes, matches and additives you add to the cocaine you smoke, such as marijuana, often leave residues. These residues can cause some severe signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. Some of these cocaine abuse signs include chronic coughing or chronic bronchitis. 

You may also cough up black and bloodless phlegm. This excessive coughing will cause you to experience shortness in your breaths. You may also have chest pain and other breathing difficulties. 

Some people smoke cocaine using several smoking techniques. One of these techniques involves them inhaling deeply and holding their breath. They do this to maximize the amount of cocaine they inhale and absorb. However, this is a very dangerous thing to do. 

It can lead to lung collapse, causing a sharp pain in the chest. Other symptoms include neck pain, difficulty swallowing food, shortness of breath, respiratory failure, and death. 

Problems with the Sympathetic Nervous System 

Your flight or fight response is the sole function of the sympathetic nervous system. This is the system responsible for controlling adrenaline in your body. You may experience severe signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction in this system if you continually abuse the drug. 

Some of the abuse signs you may have are high blood pressure, a high heartbeat rate, and narrowing of blood vessels. You are also likely to experience a heart attack and chest pain with excessive use of cocaine. 

With excessive cocaine abuse, the sympathetic nervous system gets overstimulated. This leads to high blood pressure and rapid heart rates. Cocaine addicts also experience vasospasm, which can lead to death. 

More Cardiovascular Problems

More Cardiovascular Problems

If you abuse cocaine, you may experience some other signs of cocaine use in your cardiovascular system. Some of the cardiovascular problems you can face include a fast rise in your heart rate. You may also have an abnormality in your heart rhythms. There is also a risk of having a condition called cardiomyopathy. 

This is a disease of the heart muscle. It can also be a result of rupturing or dissection of the aorta, causing its walls to weaken. Using cocaine excessively also leads to the narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart. It eventually causes a reduction in the amount of blood the heart receives. 

When this happens, a condition known as angina arises, leading to a heart attack. Excessive cocaine users also experience hardening and narrowing of their coronary arteries. These signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction are sometimes fatal and should be avoided. 

Risk of Infections

Persons who use cocaine through injections risk having infections. These infections can lead to a slew of signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction, such as cellulitis, abscesses, and tetanus. Cellulitis and abscesses occur at the sites of injection. Other symptoms include abscesses of the brain and heart valve infections. 

These infections occur mainly when the injections used are not sterilized. Cocaine addicts that use this non-sterile form of injecting themselves are also prone to contagious viruses. These include hepatitis B and C, HIV, which they usually incur when they share needles. 

Other signs and symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness of the injection site. There can also be nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, jaundice, etc. 

Cocaine Addiction Effects on Pregnant Women

It is not good for pregnant women to engage in cocaine use during pregnancy. There are many dangers attached to doing such. Besides the usual signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction, the baby in the womb is also at risk. It can also lead to complications in pregnancy. 

Some cocaine addicts use the drug in conjunction with other drugs, nicotine, or alcohol. These practices are dangerous and affect pregnancy adversely. These effects may lead to miscarriage, stillbirths, birth defects, and death. 

Risks to Cocaine Smugglers

Risks to Cocaine Smugglers

People who smuggle cocaine also experience signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. Known as body packers or stuffers, these persons swallow packets of cocaine. They also stuff these packets into some of their body openings. They do this to avoid being detected by security agents at airports or borders. 

However, sometimes, these packets can break or leak inside the body. When this happens, the body quickly absorbs the cocaine. The carrier begins to exhibit cocaine abuse signs such as seizures, excess intoxication, and death. 

Signs I May Be Addicted to Cocaine

Some of the signs of cocaine addiction revolve around the adverse effects the drug use causes. For instance, excessive use of cocaine leads to a drop in academic or job performance. You will also begin to withdraw from social places and isolate yourself from others. 

An addict will also crave the drug more than ever before. This craving can lead to many mental problems and lead to poor decision-making. The craving comes from the need to have the amazing effects of cocaine use. 

One way to recognize cocaine addiction is through the withdrawal symptoms you experience. As the drug’s effects begin to wear off, you feel the need to have more of it. There is difficulty in abstaining from the drug, which leads to other problems. 

It is already mentioned that cocaine addiction leads to self-isolation. However, it is even more problematic that addicts, despite knowing the adverse effects they face, continue to use it. That is the height of cocaine addiction, despite the numerous psychological problems. At that point, you must find help and do so quickly. 

Finding Help

If you notice you are having some of the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction, you must act quickly to stop it. First, you must realize you have a problem and that you are addicted to the drug. Without that realization, nothing else will happen. Once you accept you have a problem, you begin to take the necessary steps to solve it. 

The next step is to find treatment for cocaine addiction in Canada. Research about your addiction and identify some of the cocaine abuse signs you are experiencing. Seek professional help immediately. Based on the level of your addiction, some medications and therapies will help in treating your addiction. 

One thing you must note, however, is that cocaine addiction is difficult to overcome. You will experience a lot of challenges along the way. It is not a quick process. Your addiction to the drug did not happen in a day. Hence, your treatment will not be a day’s journey too. 

You also need to understand that not every person reacts to treatment in the same way. While some people may overcome their addiction in a month, it may take others years to do so. The timeline of withdrawal and addiction treatment varies according to factors. 

These factors include the duration of addiction, the dosage used, and the environment. Other factors include the environment, polysubstance dependence, and presence of other health or mental issues. 

Due to the severe nature of cocaine abuse symptoms, it is best to treat it in a facility. Cocaine addiction treatment facilities offer both in-patient and out-patient treatments. In in-patient facilities, the patients reside in the treatment center during treatment. However, out-patient facilities don’t require patients to live in the facility. 

These treatment centers help patients to recover from their addiction via several behavioural therapies. These therapies seek to address the root cause of the addiction. They are very effective and eliminate a patient’s dependence on the drug. 

Some of these therapies include Contingency Management, CM, which rewards addicts for abstaining from cocaine. It also encourages social interactions and positive thinking. 

Another type of treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT, which focuses on why you are abusing cocaine. It also alters the dangerous ways addicts think that causes them to use cocaine. 

We are Here For You

Now, you know the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction. You are also aware of the dangers that lie ahead if you continue to abuse the drug. You have to take action to stop your addiction.

Contact 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: Common Signs of Cocaine Abuse

Categories
Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, Effects

Cocaine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, Effects

Generally, cocaine withdrawal can be a difficult process. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be of two (2) different classes — psychological and physical symptoms. During a cocaine detox, you may experience different psychological signs and physical effects.

Nevertheless, you must find the right professionals to support your detox in a standard facility. This way, you can easily get through cocaine withdrawal symptoms and plan for real rehabilitation.

Usually, cocaine withdrawal may not be physically painful. However, it often comes with preset challenges. Addiction to any drug, including cocaine, will get your system addicted to the drug’s effects. As your body tries to adjust to the absence of these effects, you’ll experience several different mental and physical effects.

At this period, your body learns to work with the drug in your system. However, this often leads to total dependence on the drug. If you stop drug abuse abruptly, it may cause shock, and hence you’ll find it difficult to adapt without the prescription. Also, you may experience several side effects, ranging from low to high and possibly deadly. 

The process where your body decides to adapt to proper functioning without the substance is known as withdrawal. Usually, your body begins the withdrawal process once there is no more intake of the substance.

After reading this article, you’ll understand the different symptoms of cocaine withdrawal. Also, you’ll understand more about what to expect during cocaine withdrawal. Before we dive deep, let’s take a look at what cocaine withdrawal is.

What is Cocaine Withdrawal?

Generally, withdrawal from drugs is a condition that starts the moment your drug-dependence ends or reduces drastically. Also, physical dependence increases as your body adapts more to the cocaine in your system. Through this adaptation, your brain will start asking for cocaine to function well and feel normal again. The moment it doesn’t get the substance at the desired level, withdrawal symptoms will start.

Be aware that a substance like cocaine is very addictive. However, there is a difference between dependence and addiction. Dependence is a cognitive evolution of the body to cocaine. Notably, this evolution of dependence often foretells the origin of physical withdrawal.

In contrast, addiction reveals a failure to quit using a drug despite the personal distress it brings. It’s a lifelong dysfunction of a person’s mental well-being that involves memory, motivation, and reward. Also, addiction is about how your body craves a behaviour or substance most particularly if it prompts an obsessive or compulsive lack of concern over results.

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms: What To Expect

Ultimately, most people will have different experiences with drug withdrawal, including cocaine. It’s no rocket science. It’s a function of how our systems respond to the situation or process. However, some general symptoms are common with the withdrawal experience.

Here are some of the common cocaine withdrawal symptoms:

Mood Swings

symptoms of cocaine withdrawal

One of the most common symptoms of cocaine withdrawal is mood swings. This moment you’re feeling happy, but the next moment, you’re sad and feeling angry unnecessarily. Also, some common symptoms of mood changes include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sensitivity, etc.

Even though these feelings are usually intense during withdrawal, they often stop once you pass the withdrawal stage.

Cravings

Most individuals withdrawing from cocaine often experience a strong urge to take more cocaine. If you feel this way, it means you’re experiencing cocaine cravings. It’s common with people withdrawing from addictive substances, including cocaine. 

Also, cravings are stimulated by the desire to subdue cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Besides that, it’s also driven by the urge to experience the cocaine’s high pleasure again.

Fatigue

Tiredness or feeling very weak is another common symptom of cocaine withdrawal. Generally, you may feel exhausted naturally after the intoxicating effects of cocaine. However, you may have worsened the effects due to a lack of sleep. Another factor is your activities during the time you’re high on cocaine.

Additionally, cocaine can disguise the discomfort you often feel during hyperactive moments. Tho will worsen the feelings of fatigue as the cocaine effects wear off.

Problems With Sleep

One of the difficulties you experience during the cocaine withdrawal process is sleeping problems. Despite the fatigue, cocaine withdrawal usually causes sleep problems. Some of the issues you may experience with difficult sleep include: 

  • Unpleasant and vivid dreams
  • Insomnia, i.e. having difficulty staying asleep or sleeping at all.
  • Hypersomnia, i.e. having too much sleep.

Appetite Increment

Appetite increment is a distinguished phase of cocaine withdrawal. In some cases, it can be intensified by poor eating habits while you are high on cocaine. However, it’s essential to boost your addiction recovery by feeding well and having a healthy diet. For example, eating small but satisfying amounts of food, rather than bingeing.

Physical Agitation or Sluggishness

Another cocaine withdrawal symptom people undergo is sluggishness. Cocaine withdrawal often causes some physical slowing down. This is often known as conversely, or psychomotor retardation. It makes you feel physically agitated.

Related article: Why You Should Not Attempt Cocaine Withdrawal On Your Own

Effects of Cocaine Withdrawal

Generally speaking, withdrawal from cocaine isn’t as critical as alcohol or other drugs. Compared to cocaine, substances cause perhaps more deadly effects during the detox stage. Be aware that cocaine withdrawal symptoms aren’t life-threatening. Despite this fact, pursuing detox with a professional cocaine addiction treatment center in Canada is the best option.

Additionally, physical health difficulties happen when you abuse cocaine with alcohol. Withdrawal after such a lifestyle may pose a risk to your heart well-being, thus causing a heart attack. In some cases, people tend to experience seizures in cocaine withdrawal.

Generally, you may develop some depression symptoms like low motivation, energy, or mood during withdrawal. In rare cases, people may suffer from suicidal ideations. These are the reasons why addicts going through cocaine withdrawal require support and monitoring during detox. Nearly half of the people who use cocaine suffer from depression. Thus the symptoms become intense during withdrawal.

Other effects of cocaine withdrawal include: 

  • Aggression
  • Paranoia
  • Violence

These symptoms make detox dangerous for the person going through withdrawal and those caring for that person. This is one of the reasons why detox programs play an essential role in drug dependence recovery.

Notably, the severity of the withdrawal effects will depend on the following factors:

  • Consumption amount
  • Cross abuse of alcohol with cocaine
  • Duration of cocaine use
  • Underlying medical conditions

How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Take?

How long cocaine withdrawal takes vary depending on the individual and some factors. 

  • The body chemistry
  • Tolerance level 
  • The severity
  • The duration of the addiction. 
  • Average Dose Period
  • Polysubstance Dependence
  • Environment
  • Co-occurring medical or mental issues

Body Chemistry

Not everyone reacts to changes in the same way. Hence the way one person reacts to cocaine withdrawal will be entirely different from how another person does. For some persons, it could take a longer time for their body to get used to the changes.  Other persons may need a more extended time to adjust.

Tolerance Level

Every person has a different level of tolerance compared to another person. Therefore, the timeline for cocaine withdrawal for one person will differ from one person to another. For some people, it will be easier to tolerate the symptoms that come with it. However, for others, it will be difficult to tolerate, and they will need close monitoring. 

The Severity

The severity of the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal you experience will determine the timeline of withdrawal. If you experience very severe symptoms, you will need a longer time to navigate through these symptoms. However, if your symptoms are not so intense, it will take less time to overcome them. 

The Duration of the Addiction

The effects of cocaine withdrawal are more challenging for persons who have been addicted for longer periods. Hence, if you have been hooked on cocaine for many years, it will take longer for you to recover from withdrawal symptoms. The same cannot be said about a person with only a few months of addiction. 

Average Dose Used

For persons who use large doses of cocaine, the duration of cocaine withdrawal symptoms will be longer than those with mild doses. They will also experience intense withdrawal symptoms compared to those with smaller doses.

Dependence on Polysubstance

If you are physiologically dependent on two or more drugs, you may experience withdrawal symptoms related to those drugs. This will increase your timeline for cocaine withdrawal. It can also lead you to have more complicated symptoms, worsening your detox experience. 

Environment

The nature of your environment plays a role in your cocaine withdrawal. If you are in an environment that will cause you to experience stress or fatigue, you may begin to crave cocaine to deal with such things. 

The more you find yourself in such environments, the higher your chances of having a relapse. Hence, you may complicate your withdrawal process, making it last longer than necessary. 

Co-Occurring Medical or Mental Issues

Medical or Mental Issues

You will experience more complicated and extensive withdrawal symptoms if you are dealing with other medical conditions. Your cocaine withdrawal duration is extended if you have cardiovascular disease, mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Eating and personality disorders also complicate your recovery. 

You may have to treat these issues along with your withdrawal symptoms. This leads to a longer recovery timeline. It’s essential to recognize that the effects of withdrawal aren’t permanent. The primary phase, i.e. crash of cocaine withdrawal, can differ in intensity and time. Also, it can last from 24 hours to a few days.

However, like other drugs, cocaine cravings may persist for longer periods. Also, it can happen again years after attaining soberness. Notably, cocaine possesses nearly a short half-life, and cocaine withdrawal symptoms can start as early as 90 minutes after the last dose. 

What to Expect During Cocaine Withdrawal

When you get high on cocaine, you’ll experience a feeling of euphoria and a sealed boost in your mood. These feelings are created by norepinephrine and neurotransmitters dopamine. 

At this point, the cocaine will make the brain produce the chemicals in abundance. As addiction goes on, your body adapts to the new development and awaits cocaine to have these effects every time. So, once you quit, your body will experience low energy, motivation, well-being, and low moods. This is known as a crash.

Since the brain is not receiving the cocaine as usual again, it tends to cause havoc. Hence, you may experience the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Intense cravings
  • Sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Anhedonia etc.

Sometimes, you may become paranoid or suspicious during a crash. You may even suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts. All these are common cocaine withdrawal symptoms during this phase of cocaine withdrawal. However, long-term cocaine users are often at a higher risk of experiencing more severe symptoms.

Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

Based on the experiences of many who have experienced the effects of cocaine withdrawal, there are three phases of withdrawal symptoms. These are: 

Cocaine Withdrawal

First Phase

This phase, which is also known as the crash phase, lasts between one day and several days. In this stage of cocaine withdrawal, you may experience depression and anxiety. You may also struggle with feeling pleasure. 

During this phase, you may appear sleepy and also experience fatigue and hunger. Your cravings for cocaine will also be heightened at this stage. Some persons also experience cognitive problems such as being unable to concentrate and having short-term loss of memory. 

Persons with long term cocaine addiction may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include dehydration, seizures, trembling, heart attack, arrhythmia, tachycardia, etc. However, these symptoms are rare and can be managed in addiction treatment centers.  

Second Phase

In this phase of cocaine withdrawal, the symptoms may last up to ten weeks. You will continually crave cocaine in this period. You will also be easily irritated, experience fatigue, lethargy, loss of concentration, and memory loss. During this period, your mood swings and physical symptoms will begin to subside. 

Third Phase

This phase of cocaine withdrawal is known as the extinction phase. In this phase, your cravings for cocaine are still present. Your chances of having a relapse in this period is also increased especially when you are exposed to triggers. 

You may also experience long term issues with mood swings, apathy, and irritability. Many people experience these symptoms for extended periods even after a long time of using cocaine. 

One of the things that will help you deal better with this phase is continuous support. It is important for people with more severe withdrawal symptoms to undergo their withdrawal in a rehab facility. This ensures they are always under the care of professionals who will help them manage these symptoms. 

How to Cope With Cocaine Withdrawal

When you are undergoing cocaine withdrawal, it is important to use certain self-care strategies. You must also seek professional medical help. The first step in easing the effects of cocaine withdrawal is detoxifying from the drug itself. As you have seen, this process varies in length due to several factors. 

Also ensure you are supported by close friends and family members who understand all you are going through. When seeking medical and professional help, be sure the cocaine addiction treatment service you choose is one that meets your needs. 

During your withdrawal process ensure you take care of yourself. Your physical and mental wellbeing is very critical at this point and should be priority. Practice healthy living habits, exercise regularly, eat well, and sleep well too. When you do these, you give yourself a better chance of coping better with cocaine withdrawal symptoms. 

After detoxing from cocaine, you have to undergo a treatment plan at a cocaine addiction treatment center or rehab. Some of the effective therapeutic treatments available include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This helps patients recognize the situations that led them to cocaine addiction. It also helps them avoid and cope better with these situations.

Multidimensional Family Therapy

This is developed for adolescents with addiction problems. It helps in addressing things that influence their cravings for drugs and the patterns leading to it. It also helps to improve the overall functionality of the family.

Motivational Interviewing

This increases the readiness of people to change their behaviors and start treatment.

Contingency Management

It encourages abstinence from cocaine by reinforcing positivity.

Can Medication Help With Cocaine Withdrawal

There is presently no medication used for easing withdrawal or easing your crave for cocaine. There are some drugs such as Modafinil and some antidepressants which help to alleviate the discomforting symptoms you may experience from withdrawals. 

Other symptom-specific drugs include Benadryl and trazodone, which help you deal with insomnia. However, before you use any drug, ensure a doctor prescribes it to you. Never take a drug without a doctor’s prescription. 

FAQs About Cocaine Withdrawal 

Here are some answers to some common questions about cocaine withdrawal.

How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?

If you are withdrawing from cocaine, one question that will go through your mind is “How Long Does Cocaine Withdrawal Last?” You must understand that the duration of cocaine withdrawal symptoms depends on the individual. 

However, the cocaine withdrawal timeline usually starts almost immediately following the last dose of cocaine used. It can persist between 8 days to 7 or 8 months. Nevertheless, mental health signs can persist much longer than physical symptoms.

Is Cocaine Withdrawal Safe? 

Another question people ask about cocaine withdrawal is “Is Cocaine Withdrawal Safe?” You must understand it is safe to withdraw from cocaine. Being addicted to the drug is not good for your health and deciding to be sober is one of the best decisions you can take. 

However, due to the effects of the drug on your system, you will experience various degrees of withdrawal symptoms. Hence, you will need supervision and support in these times to deal with your symptoms. With that, you will navigate through the withdrawal process easier than going it alone. 

Can I do cocaine withdrawal at home?

cocaine withdrawal

Cocaine is one of the few drugs anyone can quit anytime because of its short half-life. However, doing it alone without support may not be the best and safest option. During cocaine withdrawal, you need full support and care from friends and family and addiction treatment professionals.

Conclusion

Cocaine withdrawal can be challenging, but attaining sobriety is possible. Unfortunately, people tend to have problems quitting cocaine because of the severity of cocaine withdrawal symptoms. 

Most people tend to suffer from intense cravings during cocaine detox. However, the intensity of the cravings depends on the duration of cocaine usage and consumption amount.

Furthermore, cravings can promptly hijack the addiction recovery process, thus resulting in a relapse. This is why having a support system that includes medical professionals, family, and friends can help overcome the challenges. Contact 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: Common Signs of Cocaine Abuse

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Alcohol Addiction

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Take?

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Take

The timeline for alcohol withdrawal varies from one individual to another. It also depends on certain factors. For a person addicted to alcohol, stopping drinking should be a welcome idea. However, such a person must do it in a medically advisable manner.

Seeking medical advice is critical because abrupt withdrawal from alcohol can be life-threatening. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range in severity. While some are mild, others are very severe. The latter category can become so intense and cause a long-term damage, illness, or death. 

In this article, you will gain more knowledge about how long alcohol withdrawal takes. You will also learn about the symptoms of withdrawing from alcohol and how to treat them. 

What is the Timeline for Alcohol Withdrawal? 

The duration of alcohol withdrawal varies for each person. It also depends on factors such as how long you drink and the average quantity of alcohol consumed. The presence of physical or mental health issues is also a factor. Generally speaking, a timeline for alcohol withdrawal looks like this: 

Stage 1

This starts six to twelve hours after your last drink. The symptoms you will experience at this stage include nausea, anxiety, and headaches. You will also experience low appetite, insomnia, and stomach pains. 

Stage 2

This usually takes place 12 to 24 hours after the last period of alcohol consumption. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may increase to include hallucinations.

Stage 3

From 24 hours to 72 hours, the symptoms will begin to wear off. However, protracted symptoms can stay for more extended periods, running into weeks. Between 24-48 hours after drinking, you will be prone to seizures. 

From 48-72 hours, you may also experience fever, sweating, high blood pressure, and confusion. At this stage, you may also have delirium tremens accompanied by auditory hallucinations. This can sometimes lead to death. 

The symptoms of withdrawal begin to decrease in intensity after 5-7 days. Some side effects, especially psychological side effects, may continue after the first week. 

Protracted Alcohol Withdrawal

This is a condition that one may experience after severe withdrawal from drinking. It usually lasts for about a year. Symptoms include anxiety, tremors, high blood pressure, insomnia, increased heart rate, and respiratory issues. 

Some persons may experience other symptoms like decreased energy and metabolism. They may also experience fatigue and mental weariness. 

What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Based on the timeline, you now have an idea of what to expect from alcohol withdrawal. However, you must note that these symptoms are not the same for every person. 

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually change in intensity within a short time. Hence, there’s a need to remain careful all the time. 

You can classify alcohol symptoms into mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. Mild symptoms include: 

  • Mild headaches
  • Gloominess
  • Mild tremors
  • Mild Itching
  • Nausea
  • Light and sound intensity 

Moderate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

  • Frequent itching and nausea
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety and sweating
  • Burning sensation or numb feeling
  • Poor mental alertness
  • Being uncomfortable around bright lights
  • Visible tremor when you stretch your hands out

Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include: 

  • Hallucinations
  • Severe tremor
  • Constant nausea and vomiting
  • Profuse sweating
  • Acute Confusion

Withdrawal delirium or Delirium tremens (DTs) is an extreme symptom of alcohol withdrawal. It can cause death. One of the signs of this condition is a change in your consciousness level. It is more common in older persons with a history of heavy alcohol consumption. If your liver functions poorly and you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, you may be prone to DTs. 

Since it is a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant, an abrupt stop to alcohol consumption is dangerous. This is because when you consume alcohol regularly, your CNS gets used to the feeling. Quitting abruptly will lead to CNS excitability, causing seizures, a DTs symptom. With that in mind, it is essential to seek professional help when withdrawing from alcohol. 

Related article: Why You Should Not Attempt Alcohol Withdrawal At Home

What is the Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal?

Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal

Most of the symptoms that come with alcohol withdrawal usually fade off after five days. However, some of these symptoms remain for more extended periods. It is best to treat these kinds of symptoms with the help of professional alcohol addiction treatment services. 

Treatment at such centers is much safer. Also, it helps you manage potentially harmful symptoms you may experience. A good alcohol addiction treatment centre will monitor you at each stage of the withdrawal process. Also, they will ensure you remain in great condition with supportive therapy. 

This therapy gets you set to return to everyday life. It also trains you on how to manage drinking urges. A doctor will tell you the treatment best for you and guide you through it. However, treatment doesn’t reduce the duration of your withdrawal timeline.

Detoxification is the first step to alcohol withdrawal treatment. It ensures you do not have severe symptoms. Alcohol addiction treatment aims to ease the patient’s withdrawal symptoms. It also gives patients the support they need to navigate the phase.

Some typical alcohol withdrawal treatments include: 

  • Observing the patients to know the degree of their symptoms
  • Use of anti-anxiety drugs. Benzodiazepine is an example of such medication. It helps you reduce the anxiety you may experience during withdrawal.
  • Use of anti-seizure drugs like Depakote to prevent seizures. 
  • Use of Beta-blockers, which help to slow the heart rate. These blockers also reduce the tremors you may experience. Sometimes, beta-blockers help patients to curb their urge for alcohol. 

Detoxifying and withdrawing from alcohol can be a strenuous exercise. It exhausts you physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is why you are best in the hands of alcohol addiction treatment centers. 

Should You Do Alcohol Withdrawal at Home?

Alcohol Withdrawal at Home

Many people wonder if they can perform alcohol withdrawal from the comfort of their homes. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can do it home. However, you must do it with the supervision of a medical professional. Never practice alcohol withdrawal without the supervision of a professional. 

However, when you have to manage mild withdrawal symptoms from home, ensure you keep to the appropriate medications. Always check-in with your supervising physician when you need to. Don’t leave anything to chance.

The case is different when you show the risk of severe symptoms or have such symptoms. Then, it is always best to manage your treatment at an alcohol addiction treatment center. For those wondering how long does alcohol withdrawal take, they should also know they are prone to severe health consequences. Hence, staying within the walls of a facility to manage your recovery process is key to your safety. 

Generally speaking, it is always best to undergo your alcohol withdrawal at a treatment center. Most times, early recovery patients undergo their detoxification at treatment services. After the detoxification process, they continue with the rest of their treatment from home. On the other hand, patients with protracted withdrawal symptoms undergo the full process at treatment facilities.

Other Potential Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

We have been able to highlight the symptoms and timeline for alcohol withdrawal. However, there are other potential dangers associated with alcohol withdrawal. These often-overlooked dangers can do more damage over time.

The first one is the potential addiction to treatment pills. We have discussed some of the medicines used to treat alcohol withdrawal. Regardless, it is important to note that said pills can open ways to new addictions.

We will discuss these pills in detail and you will learn of their potential addictive properties. Ensure to always get prescribed pills from certified pharmacists. Also, learn about the potential addictive properties of any alcohol treatment pills before using them.

Potential Addictive Treatment Pills

Here’s what you need to know:

Benzodiazepines

These drugs are known for their calming effects. They are popular sedatives that are used for alcohol withdrawal treatment. They help to reduce the probability of seizures during alcohol withdrawal.

However, excessive use of this drug can lead to serious health problems. Due to its suppressive nature, you may become dependent on it. Here are some of the side effects of using benzodiazepines.

  • Blurred Vision
  • Feebleness
  • Dizziness
  • Poor decision making
  • Random mood shifts
  • Risk-taking habits, such as driving under the influence

Neuroleptic medications

These drugs help in depressing nervous system activity in the body. This is especially beneficial for alcohol withdrawal as it relaxes the nervous system and minimizes stress.

However, care must be taken while you use this drug. Abuse of these medications can lead to metabolic imbalance and severe weight gain. Other side effects may include

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Dizziness
  • Epilepsy

Beta-Blockers

beta-blockers abuse

These are known to be one of the safest options for combating alcohol withdrawal. They prepare you for what to expect during alcohol withdrawal like high blood pressure. This beta-blockers help regulate the heart by blocking adrenaline from flooding the heart.

However, regular and medicated intake must be considered. Excessive use of these beta-blockers can lead to a very slow and irregular heartbeat. Other potential symptoms of beta-blockers abuse are

  • Tiredness
  • Cold feet and hands
  • Migraines
  • Lightheadedness
  • Depression
  • Breath shortages
  • Constipation

In the end, you are responsible for the number of drugs you take in. Treatment pills are great for mitigating alcohol withdrawal. But you need to bear in mind not to switch one addiction for the other.

Ensure to consult a medical professional before using any treatment pills. Determine how long the alcohol withdrawal takes on your first consultation with a licensed addiction treatment expert. This will help you navigate any potential pitfalls of drug abuse.

Relapse in Alcohol Withdrawal

Relapse in Alcohol Withdrawal

Picture this scenario. You have not tasted alcohol in weeks. You have been taking your prescribed medicines. Your withdrawal symptoms are reducing. Then it happens, you decide to have a sip of alcohol and throw your recovery out the window.

This is called a relapse and it is just as damaging as alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is important to note that a relapse is not a death sentence. However, it is important to understand and know how to manage it.

Relapse is when a person who for some time has abstained from drinking, starts to drink again. Even if it is just one drink, it is called a relapse.

Especially, if the person is sober and has been abstaining from drinking for any amount of time. To define other habits and health problems, the word may also be used.

Relapse is considered a part of the rehabilitation process for alcohol withdrawal. While preventing relapse is a recovery objective, it is not rare to undergo such incidents. For the sake of remaining sober, but also for wellbeing, it is important to prevent relapsing. As it can lead to a binge or even life-threatening overdose, relapsing can be risky.

Factors that can Cause Relapse in Alcohol Withdrawal

For a variety of reasons that may differ by person, relapse may occur. However, certain general factors make it more probable. These are some of what to expect during alcohol withdrawal.

For example, without health intervention or even assistance from family and friends, you can easily relapse. Wanting to get sober on your own is a long uphill struggle.

Hence, you are far more likely to suffer relapses following multiple times of remission. Here are several other factors that induce or lead to relapses in drinking:

Quitting Cold Turkey

When it comes to alcohol withdrawal, stopping suddenly is not the best way. This can give a shock to your system that is already used to the substance.

Uncomfortable symptoms are likely to arise immediately. This can make you return to drinking to curb the discomfort.

Anxiety and Stress

Withdrawal-related anxiety and stress have been studied in persons seeking to abstain from alcohol. Changes to the brain caused by intense and sustained drinking can cause an elevated stress response. This is a factor in relapse, making alcohol withdrawal treatment difficult.

Untreated Mental Health Issues

Experiencing difficult circumstances in life or experiencing mental disease symptoms may cause a relapse. Ensure that any other mental health issues you may have are also treated along with your alcohol withdrawal.

Personal Triggers

Person triggers also function as signs that contribute to relapse. This could involve a specific colleague or a certain pub. Your feeling or mood also factors in and can return you to drinking actively. Make sure to know your triggers and avoid them frequently.

Going Through a Cycle of Relapses

While determining how long alcohol withdrawal takes, ensure you are not caught in a cycle. Passing through several periods of remission and relapse makes a person more likely to relapse. 

Exposure to Alcohol

Alcohol exposure is a significant contributor to relapse. To use alcohol as a cue to drink more, addiction conditions the brain. For this cause, hearing, smelling, or tasting a tiny amount will lead to a relapse.

Hence, you need to ensure that you keep your home alcohol proof. Do well to let your friends know about your situation. This will make them create an alcohol-free environment for you even when you visit them.

Preventing a Relapse During Alcohol Withdrawal

Relapse prevention is a procedure and a part of the treatment for alcohol withdrawal. Knowing the truth about relapse and how frequent it comes is important. You need to also implore practical techniques to consciously attempt to avoid it.

For long-term success, enroll in an alcohol withdrawal treatment center. In relapse prevention, these are some major methods used:

  • Identifying reasons for drinking by a person
  • Planning how best to prevent triggers
  • Learning to understand the signs that a relapse can occur and implementing strategies to avoid it
  • Learning effective coping skills when a trigger is experienced or when a high-risk scenario is inevitable
  • Setting a proper timeline for alcohol withdrawal to prepare the body for symptoms.
  • Having a clear strategy on what to do if there is a relapse
  • When required, bringing the relapse strategy into effect
  • Treatment and service preparation after placement in a residential treatment center
  • Improving the mindset and confidence of a person in his or her abilities to avoid a relapse
  • Developing a balanced overall lifestyle with adaptations that lower the likelihood of relapsing
  • Learning and using strategies for anxiety control to cope with difficult circumstances and negative feelings
  • Employing techniques of studying and exercising to control the temptation to drink
  • Developing and developing safe new hobbies and alcohol substitution behaviours

By implementing any of these preventive methods, you will be minimizing your alcohol withdrawal. You will also be reducing your chances of a relapse.

FAQs about Alcohol Withdrawal 

Alcohol Withdrawal 

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about alcohol withdrawal.

What Happens When You Quit Alcohol? 

When you decide to stop consuming alcohol abruptly, it leads to alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be severe and lead to complications if you don’t manage them properly.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Take?

The duration of alcohol withdrawal depends on an individual. It also depends on the quantity of alcohol you consume and how long you consume it. 

The recovery process usually takes three stages, depending on the symptoms you exhibit. These stages may last between 6-72 hours. For persons showing protracted symptoms, recovery will take days, weeks, months, and even years.

How Best Do I Manage My Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment? 

It is best to treat withdrawal symptoms in alcohol addiction treatment centers. Even if you want to undergo your recovery process at home, do so under a professional’s supervision. Whether you recover at home or a center is dependent on the severity of your symptoms. 

Should I Avoid All Treatment Pills When in Alcohol Withdrawal?

No, there are some very effective treatment pills to use. The important thing is to use them under supervision to prevent new addictions.

Are There Any Non-Addictive Treatment Pills?

Beta-blockers have been known to be typical non-addictive. Regardless, caution needs to be taken when using them

Is Relapse Inevitable?

It may not be inevitable, but it can be managed greatly once you notice it on time

Is There a Treatment For Relapse At All?

There is no miracle cure for relapse. However, you can condition your body to resist alcohol for so long. This can lead to your body adapting to the alcohol withdrawal.

Are There Any Centers For Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment in Canada?

Yes. There are a great number of treatment facilities in Canada that can help with alcohol withdrawal.

Conclusion

You now have better information about alcohol withdrawal. You also have a better understanding of the symptoms and treatment. When withdrawing from alcohol, ensure that you have the supervision of professionals. It is always best to undergo your withdrawal process at alcohol addiction treatment centers. 

If you want the best treatment tailored to your needs, then look no further. Try our addiction treatment services for the best treatment experience you can get. 

By now, you are also familiar with other means of easing your alcohol withdrawal. Ensure that you don’t self medicate with treatment pills. Always consult a professional at any reputable alcohol withdrawal center.

Relapse is not the end. There are many ways to manage it and keep your body on the road to recovery. Make sure to go over the various methods of relapse prevention.

Contact 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: How Alcohol Abuse Affects Family Relationships And Friendships