Alex Atwood's Blog: June 2017

Friday, 30 June 2017

Why You Need to Drug Test Your Teenager Even If You Don’t Really Want To

By Nicole Kolly

PARENTS: Drug Tests are Important!

If you are reading this, you may feel that drug testing is as desperate measure in the prevention of drug abuse. However, regular, agreed-upon drug testing of adolescents can save lives. Plus, the practice is becoming more commonplace. In fact, drug testing a teen is the only way to really know:

What substances your teen is really ingesting.
What kinds of risk your kid has for physical harm.
The level of risk your teen has for addiction.

NOTE HERE: Denial does nothing to solve a problem. Drug abuse is rampant among teenagers. From parties to classrooms, the drug culture is taking over every aspect of a teenager’s life! The only way to make sure of what your teenager is actually doing when they are out of your home is to get him/her tested for it.

Thinking about drug testing your teen son or daughter? Still wary of the process? Here are some key reasons why you need to drug-test your teenager now. Learn more here, and send us your questions via the comments section at the bottom of the page.

REASON #1: Peer Pressure is Unbelievable

From snorting cocaine at parties to smoking marijuana on school premises, drug-consumption is deep-rooted into adolescence. Even if your teen doesn’t want to do drugs, the temptation can be strong. Sometimes, even the strongest succumb. What’s more: A recent study in the UK found that kids who attend private school are more likely to experience addiction in their young adult years than their cohorts.

So, if you thought your well-brought-up, school educated, good-neighborhood-reared child can never do drugs…think again!

When drug use is everywhere and everyone but your child seems to indulge, saying “yes” goes from being intentional to almost involuntary. But, if a teens knows that they can be randomly tested for drugs at home, they may be much more careful and alert. In fact, there are chances that a kid who wants to stay straight will cut themselves off from circles that are heavily into drug consumption.

REASON #2: Drugs are Easily Available

You may want to refute it, but drugs are available and are very easy to buy. Both illicit and prescription drugs are available everywhere. Your medicine cabinets may be full of:

Benzodiazepines like Valium or Xanax
Opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone, or tramadol
Sleeping pills like Ambien

So, your own home may be a source of drug consumption. If not, kids are most likely to source prescription drugs from friends. Or, dealers may first give away drugs to children without any money, and then get them hooked. Whatever the source, once addicted, students are ready to pay and buy regularly.

It’s also disturbing that no place can be considered completely safe or drug-free for children. Even when it comes to educational institutions, drug dealing may be happening in clandestine ways. The best way to ensure that your teen does not abuse drugs is to randomly test them at home (with their consent).

REASON #3: Drugs are an Effective, Easy Escape

The rising popularity of drugs is also due to the immense pressure that teenagers experience. From academics and romantic relationships to body-shaming fears, teenagers are living in a difficult world today. Drugs often offer a temporary, but easy, solution for teenagers to forget their worldly pressures and escape into a dimension where none of these responsibilities, restrictions, or problems exist.

REASON #4: It is Viewed as a Cool Thing to Do

From the swinging 60s to the flamboyant 80s, taking drugs has been culturally viewed as a cool thing. Think about messages in film, television, or media. It’s not surprising how teenagers and youngsters from all generations get swayed towards drugs.

Teenagers often combine alcohol and drugs, which is a dangerous combination and can cause immense harm to their still-developing bodies. Most teenagers have a common lens with which they view the world around them and in that world:

smoking
snorting
injecting

…and basically doing drugs is any form is considered “cool.” And, we all know how easy and tempting it is to jump on that bandwagon.

REASON #5: Statistics Prove That You Should Drug Test

Even if you have complete faith in your teen and think it is impossible for him/her to do drugs, maybe these cold hard statistics can convince you otherwise.

According to the most recent (and the latest) survey conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2013, an estimated 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or older—9.4 percent of the population—had used an illicit drug in the past month. This number is up from 8.3 percent in 2002.

The same study also found that there were 19.8 million marijuana users in 2013 – about 7.5 percent of people aged 12 or older—up from 14.5 million (5.8 percent) in 2007. Also, as per dosomething.org.

1/3 of teenagers who live in states with medical marijuana laws get their pot from other people’s prescriptions.
The United States represents 5% of the world’s population and 75% of prescription drugs taken. 60% of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them free from friends and relatives.
By the 8th grade, 28% of adolescents have consumed alcohol, 15% have smoked cigarettes, and 16.5% have used marijuana.
About 50% of high school seniors do not think it’s harmful to try crack or cocaine once or twice and 40% believe it’s not harmful to use heroin once or twice.

A national survey done in 2009 across 8000 schools in the country revealed that 94% of all high school students had tried marijuana or other illicit drugs at least once before graduating. The 6% who said they did not could be lying because they did not want to admit that they had done drugs.

Scary instances of 9-year old kids testing positive for cocaine and marijuana consumption and teenagers getting arrested for having a meth lab in their garage make one think and feel that random drug testing at home is probably the only way to monitor and keep teenagers at home away from drugs.

REASON #6: Testing Can Open Up Communication

Administer tests occasionally to your teenagers, but make sure you do it with respect and dignity. These are the two factors that make a world of difference to teenagers. Do not throw surprise tests at them. Instead, here’s what you can do:

Sit them down and talk to them about how drugs affect the brain. Focus on the science of drug intoxication. Talk about short and long term effects that drugs have on the brain/body. This implies you know what you’re talking about, so dig into this site and learn more about: alcohol, opiates, stimulants, and hallucinogens.
Inform you child that – in about a month from now – you will be conducting a drug, alcohol, and tobacco test at home. Tell them that you will be doing this periodically.
Show them the test (if necessary) and explain how they work. If they tell you things like, “You don’t trust us,” explain to them why you deem it necessary and why it goes beyond trust. Perhaps connect passing the test with an earned right to driving or getting their cellphone/Internet paid for.
It is advisable to choose a quality drug-testing kit from a reliable vendor. Then, administer tests on occasions like post-dinner date, after a sleepover, or after a music concert.
Agree upon consequences for positive drug tests. For example, positive testing may require a visit to a family physician or addictions counselor for follow up discussion. Remember to be open and talk with your child about effects on health or emotional life. If you’re in addiction recovery yourself, think about talking with your child about general experiences you had in the past. Or, look into education-based training on drug problems.

Limiting access to calls and texts, grounding them and monitoring their activities can backfire. To motivate a child to avoid taking drugs under any situation, connection is key.

So, be sure to keep communication open.

Got any questions?

Being a parent comes with a lot of responsibility. Sometimes, it involves you playing good cop/bad cop so that your teens can have a safe, healthy, and successful life ahead of them, devoid of any ramifications from substance abuse.
If you have any further questions, please post them in the designated section below. We welcome your feedback and try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate inquiries.

————————————
About the Author: Nicole Kolly is a digital content manager at TestCountry. She is involved in drug addiction support groups for recovering addicts and their families. She is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and helping others do so as well. When she isn’t working she enjoys hiking, reading and cooking for friends and family.

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from
http://addictionblog.org/family/why-you-need-to-drug-test-your-teenager-even-if-you-dont-really-want-to/

Report Uncovers DEA Involvement in Mexico Massacre

Investigations detail how the DEA and ATF bungled operations, leading to deadly attacks and attempts at cover-ups.

from
https://www.thefix.com/report-uncovers-dea-involvement-mexico-massacre

Cocaine Trafficking Is Destroying Forests in Central America, Study Suggests

Researchers attribute 30% of annual deforestation in places such as Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala to the cocaine trade.

from
https://www.thefix.com/cocaine-trafficking-destroying-forests-central-america-study-suggests

Ohio Politician Proposes Three Strikes Rule For Overdose Victims

The Middletown councilman's proposal is not about fixing the drug epidemic; it's about saving the city money.

from
https://www.thefix.com/ohio-politician-proposes-three-strikes-rule-overdose-victims

John Mayer Says He Has Replaced Alcohol With Marijuana

“I put [weed] where drinking used to go, and the quality of life has gone up considerably."

from
https://www.thefix.com/john-mayer-says-he-has-replaced-alcohol-marijuana

Michigan Has More Annual Opioid Prescriptions Than People

The state has had a 41% increase in opioid prescriptions since 2009.

from
https://www.thefix.com/michigan-has-more-annual-opioid-prescriptions-people

Trump's Opioid Crisis Commission Misses First Deadline

The Senate Republicans' attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act played a major role in the group's missed deadline.

from
https://www.thefix.com/trumps-opioid-crisis-commission-misses-first-deadline

Morning Roundup: June 30, 2017

John Mayer says he has replaced alcohol with marijuana, FX drama Snowfall chronicles the rise of cocaine, new study says vast majority of pain patients prefer marijuana over opioids.

from
https://www.thefix.com/morning-roundup-june-30-2017

How to Stay Sober on Vacation

You cannot predict every misfire, but you can arm yourself with coping strategies.

from
https://www.thefix.com/how-stay-sober-vacation

Thursday, 29 June 2017

Physical addiction to buprenorphine

Is buprenorphine addictive?

Yes. Buprenorphine is addictive.

But wait. Isn’t buprenorphine supposed to be used to treat opiate addiction?

The fact is: buprenorphine is a psychoactive drug. While most people only develop physical dependence on the opiate replacement medication, others can experience full-blown addiction. So, what’s the difference between the two? Where can you draw the line between regular use and harmful use?

We review the difference between dependence and addiction here. Then, we outline clear signs of both. Finally, we describe where you can go for help. So, if you’re questioning whether or not buprenorphine is a good fit for you…keep reading! We hope to answer your questions here. If you still have questions, we invite you to leave them in the comments section at the end.

—–
Ready to get back control?
Call 1-877-721-2951.
We understand the science behind drug use.
We can help!
—–

How does buprenorphine work?

Buprenorphine it is a partial opioid agonist. It works by binding to nerve receptors in the central nervous system. As buprenorphine occupies these nerves, stronger drugs like heroin, oxcodone, hydrocodone, or morphine cannot produce strong euphoric effect. As a result, regular therapeutic dosing is associated with lower levels of drug craving and lower rates of relapse.

Additionally, buprenorphine is known to produce a milder degree of physical dependence. It also manifests a less intense withdrawal syndrome in comparison to stronger opiates. However, buprenorphine dependence is still possible, especially when it’s abused.

So, what does drug dependence look like?

Drug dependence

Dependence occurs for all individuals who take buprenorphine regularly and for a prolonged period of time, even in those who take it exactly as prescribed. In fact, it is an expected and natural response of continued buprenorphine use. In other words: you become physically dependent on buprenorphine as a consequence of repeated use.

Dependence is marked by two evident physical changes:

1. Tolerance – With continued use, once effective doses of buprenorphine seem to lose their potency. As tolerance increases, users feel a need to take higher doses in order to achieve the desired effects, a practice that can lead to addiction if not monitored by a medical professional.

2. Withdrawal – As your body becomes dependent on buprenorphine, it will go through withdrawal whenever your regular dose is reduced or discontinued. The usual buprenorphine withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Does dependence = addiction?

No. Physical dependence is very different from addiction to buprenorphine.

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease. Its main characteristic is using buprenorphine for euphoric effect, or to get high. How do you identify it? Addiction is primarily recognized by a set of changes in a person’s behavior and mood. These changes are usually caused by the biochemical processes in the brain which occur with continued substance abuse.

Abuse increases risk of addiction

Most people who use buprenorphine as described are not at risk of developing addiction to it. They may become physically dependent on the medication. However, they will probably not experience compulsion to use it as a way to cope with life.

Instead, if you are taking buprenorphine to get high…you can become addicted to it. If you use buprenorphine in any way other than prescribed, you risk addiction. So if you try to inject, snort, or otherwise change the way buprenorphine gets to the brain, you can become psychologically hooked on its effects.

Abuse potential

The abuse potential of buprenorphine is determined by:

Your frequency and dose of use.
The drug’s half life.
How fast the drug reaches the brain.
Your route and mode of administration.

A faster route of administration, will result in a shorter half life. Faster onset of action is associated with a higher abuse potential of buprenorphine.

Who’s at risk of buprenorphine addiction?

There are a multitude of genetic, social, and environmental factors that can make someone be more easily susceptible to the addictive properties of buprenorphine…while others seem to have no problem using the medication for years on end. Some of the factors that influence a person’s risk of addiction include:

A history of drug abuse or addiction.
Having parents with a history of drug abuse.
Your individual brain response to opioids and other drugs.
Severe physical or psychological trauma.
Mental health conditions that co-occur with addiction.

Physical signs of addiction

Classic signs of buprenorphine addiction are like those of any addiction. People who are addicted to opioid drugs cannot control their use, continue using the drug despite harm, and experience cravings. Furthermore, the physical signs and symptoms of a buprenorphine problem are similar to those of other opiates and opioids. They may include:

abnormal responses to stress
constricted pupils
fever
hair loss
increased blood pressure
insomnia
muscle pain and cramps
nausea
slurred speech
sweating
vomiting

However, there is also a number of psychological and behavioral signs of addiction that are usually more easy to detect, such as:

apathetic mood
continued use of buprenorphine despite negative outcomes
depression
inability to control the compulsive use of buprenorphine
inability to deal with emotions
loss of interest in sex
poor memory
preoccupation with obtaining or consuming buprenorphine
strong buprenorphine cravings

Recognize two or more of these signs and symptoms of buprenorphine addiction? No need to feel ashamed or guilty! Remind yourself that addiction is a medical condition, and as such it responds to pharmaceutical and therapeutic interventions. Then, reach out for help…

—–
You are not alone!
Helpline available at 1-877-721-2951.
Call ANYTIME: Day or Night.
—–

Treating a buprenorphine problem

Physical dependence is not a dangerous medical condition. It can be resolved during a tapering process or supervised in a medical detox clinic. Addiction, on the other hand, is a disorder that can have detrimental effects on your life and requires treatment. What does treatment entail?

First, you’ll need an official diagnosis from a medical expert. Brief assessments are a good place to start. These standardized questions or interviews can be administered by:

A Clinical Social Worker
A Doctor who specializes in addiction
A Family Doctor
A Psychotherapist
A Psychiatrist

Once you have a diagnosis, a reputable treatment center will work with you to create an individual treatment plan. While many modalities can be customized to your specific case, the process remains the same for everyone. The three main stages of buprenorphine addiction treatment are:

STAGE 1: Medical detoxification and withdrawal. The physical symptoms of buprenorphine addiction occur as the drug leaves the system and require medical care and assistance. Detox clinics offer professional medical supervision during buprenorphine withdrawal. Moreover, these clinics can also provide over-the-counter medications to address symptoms and may even prescribe medications if necessary.

STAGE 2: Physical stabilization. As the acute phase of detox ends, your physical state will starts to normalize. At this time, you can still expect to be monitored and supported by clinical doctors and nurses. In addition, they can administer medications for opioid withdrawal symptoms that can lessen, manage, and minimize any possible risks and discomfort.

STAGE 3: Psychological interventions. Addiction is not resolved once your body gets rid of buprenorphine. You’ll need to get to the root of why you use the drug as an escape. During treatment, you’ll mainly explore this via individual and group counseling. In fact, ongoing therapy sessions be extended for 9-12 months even after you leave the rehab facility.

Get Help For Buprenorphine Addiction

Help for buprenorphine addiction is most successful when a program is individualized and constructed in accordance to your personal needs and goals. Generally, successful buprenorphine addiction treatment programs employ a combination of medical and psychological support.

How can you get help?

1. Your first point of contact can be your physician that can refer you to local treatment resources.
2. You can contact SAMHSA’s national helpline to get referrals to programs in your living area.
3. You can search online or contact a rehab facility directly (word of mouth can help you make a decision).
4. You can CALL 1-877-721-2951 to get professional advise and guidance on finding appropriate addiction treatment options for your unique needs.

Once you enter a treatment program, therapy and counseling can help you address underlying issues that lead you to develop a buprenorphine use problem in the first place. During psychotherapy, you learn how to handle stress without turning to drugs, and how to change and adjust to a new drug-free lifestyle.

Continued help is also important and will allow you to work on your recovery from buprenorphine addiction. Sources of continued support and treatment include:

Support groups
Family therapy
Individual behavioral therapy/Psychotherapy

Got something to ask?

Do you still have questions about buprenorphine’s physical addiction potential? Please leave them here. We are happy to help answer your questions personally and promptly. If we do not know the answer to your particular question, we will refer you to someone who does.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Opioid Addiction.

NCBI: Buprenorphine’s physical dependence potential: antagonist-precipitated withdrawal in humans

NAABT: Is buprenorphine treatment just trading one addiction for another?

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What is Cocaine?

Cocaine came from the leaves of the coca plant or Erythroxylon Coca. For thousands of years, South American People ingested and chewed coca leaves because of the stimulating effect it produces. Cocaine tops the list as one of the most potent drugs in the world. When a person starts to use cocaine, it is almost impossible to break free from its deadly grip. Cocaine contains properties that can affect both the physical and mental aspects of an individual. Cocaine can over-stimulate brain receptors and nerve endings that can create a euphoric feeling or intense ‘high’.

Black market dealers call cocaine in names which include:

Coke
Crack
C
Snow
Powder
Blows

Usually, dealers often dilute or ‘cut’ cocaine with other harmless substances to yield more and increase their sales. Cocaine sold in the black market often includes talcum powder, cornstarch, or baking soda. Similarly, dealers may mix other drugs in their cocaine mixture. Cocaine may sometimes mix with other drugs like amphetamine and procaine, a chemical associated as an anesthetic.

Several Uses of Cocaine in the Past

People use cocaine hydrochloride, the refined chemical form for more than a century. In the early 1990s, several tonics and elixirs contain this drug as their main ingredient. These tonics use to treat several diseases. Back in the days, Coca-Cola used to mix cocaine in their famous drink. Physicians use the drug before the discovery of synthetic local anesthetic to block pain for medical procedures.

But over time, studies shows that cocaine contains addictive substances that can affect the structures and the function of the brain if used constantly.

Government Controlled Substance

Presently, the United States Food and Drug Administration or FDA labeled cocaine as a Schedule II drug. This means cocaine contains properties that have a high potential for abuse. However, doctors can still use the drug for valid medical reasons like as local anesthesia for ear, throat and eye surgeries. As a recreational drug, cocaine looks like a fine, translucent and crystalline powder.

Types of Cocaine

Users misuse two chemical types of cocaine, the freebase cocaine or water-insoluble cocaine and the water-soluble (hydrochloride salt) type.

The drug can also take the form of small white rocks. Users process this type of cocaine using ammonia or baking soda to get rid some of the impurities from the drug referred to as “freebasing”. Then they will let the rest of the mixture to dry to rocks. In the black market, these rocks are sold in small bags and smoked. The term crack refers to the crackling sound when users the mixture is heated and smoked. Crack cocaine contains the same addictive properties and side effects but is less expensive than its powdered counterpart.

In its powdered form, users snort or dissolved cocaine and inject it into the bloodstream. When consumed, cocaine in this form can cause euphoria, extreme alertness, and energy. Others mix the drug with a flammable solvent which separates the impurities and inhale the vapors. Some users mix it with heroin, a mixture known as a speedball because of the intense rush high that it gives.

A super expensive habit

Powder cocaine is an expensive habit, people spends billions of dollar worldwide to funds their addiction. A single user can spend thousands of dollars in a short period of time because the drug can cause binges. Along with cocaine abuse, users may also use other substances and even prostitutes as a part of their high-spending lifestyle.

Cocaine does not provide a long-lasting effect; in return, users may take it more frequently to get the desired high effect. This often leads to tolerance and users may need higher doses to get the same effect.

One deadly powder

Cocaine abuse can cause several deadly effects such as panic attacks, psychosis, hallucinations, and paranoia. Excessive use of cocaine can lead to death because of stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, heart attack and respiratory failure. Even children of cocaine-addicted mothers suffer addiction when they came into this world. The drug can also cause several birth defects if the mother uses cocaine during pregnancy. However, despite the dangerous effect of cocaine, it still prevalent in most areas.

Facts about Cocaine:

A gram of pure cocaine cost around $150 in the United States. This makes the drug one of the most expensive recreational drug in the black market.
Cocaine is a popular drug of choice for the upper-class people, which gave its name as the “rich man’s drug”.
Scotland tops the list as the highest cocaine use in the world. An estimated 2.4 percent of the total population or 1 in every 40 Scots uses the drug.
Cocaine remains as the most potent central nervous system stimulant found in nature.
The ancient Inca civilization believed that the drug was a gift from the gods.
In1859, the first extract of cocaine from the coca leaves was marketed as coca wine in France.
Doctors first use cocaine as a local anesthesia in the eye, nose and throat surgeries in 1880 in the country.
On the South Pole exploration, Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton both took cocaine tablets in their mission.
During the early times, chemists use cocaine hydrochloride, the refined chemical from the coca leaves. They use it as the main ingredient for several elixirs and tonics. These tonics said to treat various diseases in the early 1900s.
Coca-Cola initially contained about nine milligrams of cocaine per bottle. In 1903, the giant beverage company removed the addictive ingredient from their drink. But the cocaine-free drink still used the coca leaf in their logo.
Chronic use of the drug can separate the user’s nose cartilage destroying it permanently.
Cocaine can cause dehydration and dry mouth which results in bad breath and tooth decay.

Detox of South Florida is committed to providing educational articles to help those who are struggling with addiction, to make the change to living an addiction free life.

Check out this playlist from Fort Lauderdale Detox and Rehab for more help.

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What is Cocaine? is republished from detoxofsouthflorida.com

Source: https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/cocaine-definition/

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The Perils of a Fatal Disease

One day, I will remember these moments as being preciously fleeting. My sobriety is in the now. And we can only hope that this now will last forever.

from
https://www.thefix.com/perils-fatal-disease

Calling 911 During An Overdose Won't Lead To Arrest, NYPD Says

The 911 Good Samaritan Law prevents people who call for help during an overdose from being prosecuted for a controlled substance offense.

from
https://www.thefix.com/calling-911-during-overdose-wont-lead-arrest-nypd-says

Opioid Deaths Reach Record High In Kentucky

"Users have no way of knowing what drugs they are taking, and even the smallest amounts [of fentanyl] can trigger a lethal reaction.”

from
https://www.thefix.com/opioid-deaths-reach-record-high-kentucky

Florida Handyman Jailed After Police Mistake Drywall for Cocaine

“I sat there 90 days knowing I was innocent,” Cashe said.

from
https://www.thefix.com/florida-handyman-jailed-after-police-mistake-drywall-cocaine

Motherhood, Madness, and Addiction

You wanted to talk to me about AA, how you continued to attend meetings while still drinking, but I knew my own disease would run with that thought.

from
https://www.thefix.com/motherhood-madness-and-addiction

Father Hosts Charity Ride For Mental Health Awareness To Honor Late Son

“If people break their arm, you fix it,” Dorris told the Poughkeepsie Journal. “If people have mental illness, we’ve got to find better ways to fix it.”

from
https://www.thefix.com/father-hosts-charity-ride-mental-health-awareness-honor-late-son

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Stashing Drugs In Her Wig

Police found 25 ecstasy tablets and a quarter pound of cocaine under the woman's wig.

from
https://www.thefix.com/woman-arrested-after-allegedly-stashing-drugs-her-wig

Legalized Marijuana Means Fewer Traffic Searches

The lower rates of car searches could affect police departments, which often rely on items seized during searches to cover expenses.

from
https://www.thefix.com/legalized-marijuana-means-fewer-traffic-searches

Morning Roundup: June 29, 2017

Chris Cornell's widow opens up about his battle with addiction, synthetic fentanyl found in Georgia may be resistant to Narcan, opioids could kill nearly 500,000 Americans over the next 10 years.

from
https://www.thefix.com/morning-roundup-june-29-2017

8 Things Mistaken for Drugs

“I don’t know if these cops have been watching ‘Breaking Bad,’ but my client is not Walter White”

from
https://www.thefix.com/8-things-mistaken-drugs

Wednesday, 28 June 2017

The Ritalin Withdrawal Timeline Chart

Duration Of Ritalin Withdrawal

Used for treating ADHD, Ritalin (methylphenidate) can be highly therapeutic. In fact, it can help people live their lives to be productive and happy. But when this psychoactive drug is used for effect, abuse can lead to addiction.

Regardless of your intention behind taking Ritalin, regular use will result in physical dependence. So, what happens when you quit? People who are Ritalin-dependent experience withdrawal symptoms when they quit the drug.

What can you expect during Ritalin withdrawal? And, how long does withdraw from Ritalin last? Find the answers in our detailed and easy-to-follow infographic! And, if you find it useful and educational, feel free to use it and/or share it. The embed code is right below the image. Your comments and questions are also welcomed in the section below.

Ritalin Withdrawal Timeline

The onset of Ritalin withdrawal symptoms usually occurs right after drug effects have worn off. Symptoms may last for a few weeks after the last dose. What are withdraw symptoms of Ritalin? We review in the guideline list below that is sorted by period of occurrence for better understanding.

24-72 hours after the last Ritalin dose:

Agitation
Cravings
Heartbeat changes
Intense fatigue
Mood swings
Nausea

4-7 days after the last Ritalin dose:

Depression
Exhaustion
Increased appetite
Irritability
Nervousness
Sleep disorder

Week 2 Ritalin Withdrawal:

Anxiety
Cravings
Depression
Fatigue
Sleep disorders
Nervousness

Week 3 Ritalin Withdrawal:

Cravings stabilization
Depression
Nervousness
Sleep disorders

Week 4 Ritalin Withdrawal:

Sleep disorder
Feeling better

Since Ritalin is a strong stimulant, bear in mind that withdrawal symptoms can happen later than the projected timeline. Additionally, some symptoms can seem to be resolved but then appear later. And still other symptoms – especially related to mood – can persist for months after you quit.

Nevertheless, don’t wait to fall in the circle of dependence and addiction… there’s always a way out!

How Long To Withdrawal From Ritalin?

The Ritalin withdrawal period is unique for each person that uses this drug. The amount of time it takes for you to completely detox from Ritalin varies. In fact, this duration depends on many factors, including:

Your normal Ritalin dosage
The overall length of Ritalin use
Your general health and body condition

Furthermore, people who (ab)use Ritalin may experience prolonged withdraw symptoms know as PAWS. These symptoms can last several months, and in some extreme cases even longer. Ritalin PAWS include:

Anxiety
Irritability
Mood swings
Sleeping disturbance

BUT the good news is that Ritalin withdrawal has an end. There is hope for healing and recovery, whether for you or your addicted loved one. Just don’t wait until it’s too late!

Ritalin Withdrawal Timeline Questions

Get help for Ritalin withdrawal today! Get a new jump on life by calling us 24 hours a day at 1-877-865-2521. We can help you explore your treatment options and connect you with a program that meets your unique needs.

If you still have any questions, feel free to write them in the comments section below. We do our best to respond to your questions personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs: Treatment of Acute Intoxication and Withdrawal from Drugs of Abuse

NIDA: Diagnosis & Treatment of Drug Abuse in Family Practice

SAMHSA: Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment Chapter 4: Physical Detoxification Services for Withdrawal

SAMHSA Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33: Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders, Chapter 5-Medical Aspects of Stimulant Use Disorders

NIDA: Prescription drugs: What are the possible consequences of stimulant use and abuse?

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Stopping Drug Addiction without Rehabilitation

A lot of people are saying that stopping addiction or drug addiction is not possible if the person will not undergo rehabilitation. However, few people still believe about quitting addiction without rehabilitation. Recovery from such challenges is still possible and many succeeded going through this road less traveled. Let’s try to explore on the thought of stopping addiction without going through rehabilitation.

One of the main ingredients or components in wanting to stop addiction without going through any drug rehabilitation center is YOU. A lot of health experts and physicians would say that in order for an addict to stop, they must first be willing to stop. So the key to your rehabilitation without being confined to any rehabilitation facility is yourself.

Psychologists would often say that addiction is caused by the person’s inability to cope with different situations in their life, such as depression, stress, anxiety, and problems. If the key factor to stopping addiction is yourself, you may need to bear the following things in mind:

Your reason to change.

The hardest and greatest motivator is your reasons to change. The most successful people are those who are able to discover their deepest WHY? Questions like: Why do I want to stop using drugs? Why do I want to change? This is a major factor that would determine your success in quitting the addiction.

Knowing your deepest why and having that motivation of wanting to do whatever it takes in order to change your life and stop using drugs totally would be the best start to stop addiction without rehabilitation.

Set your goals.

If you really want to change, you need to set your goals and determined to finish it. In setting your goals, you have to bear in mind that your goals should be: Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Setting your goals would give you a roadmap of how things are going to be. Goal-setting is essential because this is the blueprint of what you want to happen in your life. As successful people often say, if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.

Focus.

Just like in any other goal, you have to focus. There might have been previous attempts where you failed, previous scenarios when you said you want to quit, but then, when you start doing it, you slide back. If you focus on your goal of really wanting to quit, no matter how many times you slide back, you would always get back on your feet and try again.

Change your environment.

One of the things that often let you slide is due to the environment that you have. If you keep living in an environment that lures you into using drugs, then the tendency is that you would go back into using it. Changing your environment includes changing your friends. If your friends are the ones influencing you to use drugs, then take them out. Changing your environment means changing the people you interact with, changing the places that you go to, and totally removing all the stuff that would remind you to go back to use drugs again.

Have a Support Group.

Having a support group is essential if you would want to stop your drug addiction and resolve not to go back into it. Your support group can be your family, your best friend, or a colleague who has your best interests in mind. You should let them know of your desire, and keep an open communication with them so that during times when you feel like you want to go back into using drugs, they can provide you the appropriate support that you would need to prevent you from going into a relapse.

Know your triggers.

In every feeling, scenario, or moments when you wanted to use drugs, there will always be triggers. The important thing in your journey towards a drug-free life is knowing what triggers you to think of going back into the use of drugs. Knowing your triggers would allow you to avoid falling into those triggers. This can be associated with the previous topic where you would need to change your environment. Knowing what your triggers are would allow you to include this in the things that you need to change in your environment.

Therapy.

Therapy is also one effective solution to stop drug addiction. Since experts say that addiction is something that is triggered by our mental state, the best way to be able to fight it is through different therapy sessions. Some psychologists would even recommend going into hypnotherapy just to help a person remove their dependency on drugs. Some even state that drug addiction is just like an alcohol addiction or smoking addiction. People tend to use drugs because of some wrong belief or conception which should be changed and the only way to change it is through therapy.

There are several other types of treatment that one can explore and find out about. There is no single treatment applicable for each drug dependent who wants to change and thus, it would be wise for one to explore his options in terms of seeking treatment, whether it be a medical treatment or psychological treatment. Last, there are several reasons that would want you to stop your addiction and dependency on drugs so just think of the positive impact it can have in your life, such as:

Becoming healthier
Reducing your risk of death
Keeping your job
Preserving your relationships
Having more money
Regaining the ability to be a real person again, having authentic emotions, etc.

Check out this playlist from Detox of South Florida for more help.

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Stopping Drug Addiction without Rehabilitation is republished from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com

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Ketamine for Mental Health Conditions: New Findings

The new discovery could lead to a ketamine treatment for depression that has all the benefits without the drug's side effects.

from
https://www.thefix.com/ketamine-mental-health-conditions-new-findings

Opioid Death Toll Will Get Worse Before It Gets Better

Experts say opioid-related deaths could reach a half million over the next decade.

from
https://www.thefix.com/opioid-death-toll-will-get-worse-it-gets-better

Oklahoma Doctor Charged With Murder After Five Patients Overdose

The former pain management doctor gave out nearly 3 million prescriptions over the course of four years.

from
https://www.thefix.com/oklahoma-doctor-charged-murder-after-five-patients-overdose

U2’s Adam Clayton: Band ‘Truly Supported Me’ Through Recovery

The legendary bassist thanked his bandmates of 40 years and fellow musicians for staying by his side during his battle with alcohol use disorder.

from
https://www.thefix.com/u2-s-adam-clayton-band-truly-supported-me-through-recovery

Judy Garland's Daughter Discusses Her Mother's Battle With Addiction

Lorna Luft opened up about addiction's impact on her famous family and her own journey to sobriety in a new interview.

from
https://www.thefix.com/judy-garlands-daughter-discusses-her-mothers-battle-addiction

Senator To Kellyanne Conway: Apologize For Your Disrespectful Remarks About Addiction

Conway recently suggested in a televised appearance that people with addiction need more "will."

from
https://www.thefix.com/senator-kellyanne-conway-apologize-your-disrespectful-remarks-about-addiction

Helping Teens Navigate Summer Sobriety

In summer, young people go from over-booked to not having much to do. This can cause anxiety and depression to spike, and teens can end up self-medicating.

from
https://www.thefix.com/helping-teens-navigate-summer-sobriety

How Do Dysfunctional Families Fuel Addiction?

Families and Addiction: Navigating the Pathways of Dysfunction

By Brian M. Wind, PhD

Do You Come from a Dysfunctional Family?

Many people struggle to answer this question. In the course of having discussions with my patients about their families of origin, I secretly know the real answer to the above question about family dysfunction. Unless the patient with whom I am having this discussion is exceedingly rare, the patient’s honest answer should be,

“Yes, my family was dysfunctional.”

Lest this strike some readers as offensive, a disclaimer should be provided: there is a broad spectrum of dysfunctionality when it comes to families. On one end of the spectrum are families for whom a rather benign level of dysfunction exists, while others on the opposite end of the spectrum have a glaring, pervasive, and damaging level of dysfunction. The difficulty lay in determining where a family falls on the spectrum of dysfunctionality. Many people make the fatal mistake of assuming that the façade of functionality exhibited by one family is fair to compare to their concrete knowledge of the dysfunctional inner workings of their own family.

The truth?

The only perfect family is one that no one knows.

A Hypothetical Case of the Smith’s

Take, for example, a hypothetical family – the Smiths. Mr. Smith is an alcoholic, and Mrs. Smith is severely codependent. The relationship began years ago with a “sizzling” dance of sorts, with codependent Mrs. Smith being drawn toward the exciting, charismatic, and alcoholically predisposed man in her life. As time progressed, Mr. Smith’s predisposition toward using alcohol as a primary method of coping transitioned to his meeting criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, and Mrs. Smith’s codependent traits became increasingly glaring.

Together, they make a decision that having children would “fix” their problems, and may serve to stifle the dysfunctional nature of their marital relationship. Much to their dismay, they discover the reality that having children does not, in and of itself, provide a solution to the problems in their relationship.

Over time, and through perseverance in their tumultuous relationship, the Smiths produce four children. Now with multiple children in the home, the chaos in their relationship has reached a climactic point. The alcoholic patriarch of the family is frequently absent secondary to his alcoholic behavior, and when he is present, the family often wishes he were gone. Mrs. Smith has become the “chief enabler” of her spouse, often covering for him, all the while despising his behavior and longing for “the good old days” in which their relationship was exciting and she felt loved.

One of the main tasks in Mrs. Smith’s day-to-day life has become creating the façade that all is well in the family, while maintaining a couple of close friends who hold her up as a martyr for tolerating her alcoholic husband’s behavior. The codependent relationship between this Mr. and Mrs. Smith has become as stormy as ever.

Lack of Bonding Leads to Inadequate Attachment

Along the way, and as a result of the enmeshment of the couple’s turmoil ridden relationship, the Smith children begin to inherently receive a message that they must not be worthy of their parents’ time, attention, and love. After all, the first “fiduciary” relationships we as human beings are supposed to establish is with our parents. In fact, the lack of an established bond that should occur as part of these fiduciary relationships has been shown to be the driving force behind inadequate attachment, a la Ainsworth’s (1964) Attachment Theory.

Establishing a healthy bond is next to impossible when a father and mother are emotionally unavailable for their children, secondary to being enveloped in a tumultuous marital relationship.

Chronic and Toxic Shame Follow

As a result of an inferior bond with their parents, the Smith children feel less than adequate, traumatized, and by way of the adverse childhood experiences associated with their dysfunctional household, these children develop a sense of chronic and toxic shame. Tragically, this sense of shame is likely to remain with each of the Smith children to some degree throughout the course of their lives.

The Development of Dysfunctional Roles

The children begin to develop into dysfunctional family roles, with the oldest child serving as the hero (who can do no wrong), the second child falling into the role of scapegoat (who can do no right), the third adopting the role of the lost child (who is most damaged by the family trauma), and the youngest child serving as the mascot (who deflects the family’s pain with entertainment). Each child adopts a dysfunctional family role, and over time these roles may adapt and change with the changing Smith family dynamics.

As the children progress through their formative years and develop personality traits, a pattern is seen in the traits they develop. Most often, they acquire traits such as:

Hypersensitivity
Hypercriticism
Perfectionism
Emotional liability

The Effects of Dysfunction on Love and Work

As they enter their teen years and transition into early adulthood, these traits seem to impact the Smith siblings in two main areas – personal relationships and professional functioning, consistent with Freud’s idea that humans with psychopathology are impacted most in their ability “to love, and to work” (Glover, 1994).

The Smith children still carry the heavy burden of toxic shame, never feeling that they fully “measure up” to standards imposed by themselves and/or others. They suffer from chronic feelings of inadequacy, and seem to struggle in relationships. They feel most useful at work and may have a predisposition toward “workaholism”, people pleasing, and overachieving, or perhaps they “give up” on trying to demonstrate adequacy, and as a result become underachievers.

They are drawn toward codependent professions in which they are focused on tending to the needs of others, all the while subconsciously towing the heavy line of their adverse childhood experiences.

While the Smith siblings share personality traits, they begin to travel different pathways as part of their attempts to cope with their emotional pain. The dysfunctional pathways lead them in the direction of:

1. Staying the course of codependency – Because of the damage done via adverse childhood experiences, and the codependent traits they carry with them throughout the span of their adult life, these individuals ultimately follow the same course as their mother Mrs. Smith, choosing a mate who is highly dysfunctional;

2. Progression to addiction – Despite a solemn oath to avoid being like their father Mr. Smith, these individuals fall prey to the sense of ease and comfort provided by indulging in mood altering substances, sex, gambling, or a wide range of other high risk behaviors; and

3. Development of “psychopathology” – Secondary to the emotional damage sustained as part of the adverse childhood experiences endured in the Smith family household, these individuals develop mood, anxiety, trauma, and/or other psychological disorders.

Of note, the above-listed pathways are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

The Ripple Effect in Dysfunctional Families

Smith siblings may travel one or all of the above pathways of dysfunction throughout the course of the lifespan. At each sibling’s core – a codependent, traumatized child with a sense of toxic shame. This tragic reality is the result of the “ripple effect” of a family disease, and often can be traced back multiple generations.

Treatment is a Blessing

Sadly, many people like the Smith children will never make it to treatment. The prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated addiction and mental health disorders are staggering (NIDA, 2011).

For the fortunate few who make it to treatment, a skillful clinician is provided an opportunity to get to the “heart” of the problem, accurately diagnose the wounded soul entrusted to their care, and design a scientifically based treatment plan to address the core issues stemming from the dysfunctional family of origin. This, in essence, is the art form associated with treating addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

A Reintegration into New, Health Relationships

Sufficed to say, the above provides ample evidence that addiction (and co-occurring mental health disorders) is a family disease. As such, addiction must be treated from a family systems perspective, to the degree that this is possible. It has been hypothesized that addiction is the result of a complete disintegration of meaningful relationships, resulting in a sense of disconnect and isolation (Archon, 2017). If this hypothesis is true, then the “antidote” to addiction would be interpersonal connectivity, and responsible treatment of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders should centrally involve a reintegration into new and healthy relationships.

This reintegration is at the core of the wellness movement for an individual in early recovery, with a recovery friendly network of relationships being of critical importance. Often, the family must be at the center of this network of relationships in order to optimize the chances for long term success in recovery.

At JourneyPure , the family is of central importance to our treatment process. Our family programming involves:

Intensive weekend family programming
Extensive psychoeducation regarding the family disease of addiction and co-occurring
mental health disorders
Genogram work to explore the family history
Experiential therapy to provide insight regarding family dynamics
Integration of family members into the Recovery Support Team of JourneyPure Coaching, a
unique and innovative recovery coaching software program

Through diligent work, skillful clinical insight, and persistent efforts, JourneyPure’s family programming tools yield a beautiful reuniting of family members, and lay the groundwork for success in family recovery. Our patients return to life with deep, meaningful, and supportive relationships with their family members, and families are provided with the tools they need to heal core wounds, function in a healthy and adaptive manner, and end the cycle of disease that has plagued them for generations.

Reference Sources: Ainsworth, M. D. (1964). Patterns of attachment behavior shown by the infant in interaction with his mother. Merrill-Palmer Quarterly of Behavior and Development, 51-58.

Archon, S. (2017). Drugs Don’t Cause Addition. Retrievable

Glover, J. (1994). Freud, morality, and responsibility. In Philosophy and Psychoanalysis, 157.
New York: Macmillan College.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (2011). Treatment Statistics. Retrievable

Carrie Fisher: Our Stigma Fighting Icon

The notion that a relapse of some kind negates the recovery accomplishments and impact on society at large is ridiculous.

from
https://www.thefix.com/carrie-fisher-our-stigma-fighting-icon

How Improv Has Been an Important Tool in My ACOA Recovery

Suddenly I had the space to completely screw up and still be loved and supported, and that let me soar.

from
https://www.thefix.com/how-improv-has-been-important-tool-my-acoa-recovery

Morning Roundup: June 28, 2017

Koch warns Trump against 'failed' cannabis fight, Megyn Kelly reports on Palm Beach County sober home industry, powdered drywall mistaken for cocaine lands innocent man behind bars.

from
https://www.thefix.com/morning-roundup-june-28-2017

Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Methadone rehab cost

Addicted to methadone?

Rehab can help!

Rehabs are structured settings that help people recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Why are they so important? Rehab helps address the physical and/or mental illnesses that can co-occur with addiction. And because drug addiction is a medical condition, rehabs address your particular problem medically.

But, how much does methadone rehab cost? And how can you be creative in paying for rehab? We reveal the average cost of treatment here. Plus, we share some useful strategies to help finance treatment. Finally, we welcome your questions at the end. We do our best to answer real life questions personally and promptly.

—–
Information on rehab costs and health insurance are available NOW!
Call our helpline at 1-877-902-5376.
Why spend another day struggling on your own?
Medical treatment works!
—–

What influences rehab costs?

The actual cost of methadone addiction treatment can vary from just a couple hundred dollars a day to thousands of dollars a day. The factors that influence the final cost of methadone rehab include:

Location. The city and state where you choose to attend rehab can influence the price of treatment since prices tend to vary according to geographical location.
Detox. Inpatient clinics usually include detox services in their price for treatment. If you choose outpatient treatment, you may still need to detox at a clinic before you begin your therapy.
Inpatient vs. outpatient rehab programs. Inpatient methadone rehab is generally more expensive than outpatient rehab. This type of rehab includes the costs of detox, meals, and residential accommodations.
Duration. The length of time you spend in rehab will make a difference in how much you need to pay. For instance, intensive inpatient methadone rehab, which can last anywhere from three months to a year or more, will obviously cost must more than traditional 28-day inpatient rehab.
Luxury or business treatment settings and amenities included. These treatment facilities are more like luxury resorts and are located in beautiful surroundings. Extra services, such as spa treatments offered in some high end methadone rehab facilities, will also have an impact on the cost.

Average cost of methadone rehab

Medical detox will cost you at least $250-500 per day, and maybe more. The cost of detox varies from one facility to the next. In addition, some inpatient rehab programs will include the price of detox in their average cost.

The average price for a 28-day inpatient rehab program in the United States is just around $20K. Pricing varies significantly from facility to facility. Daily costs average around $700 per day for inpatient treatment, which include accommodation and meals.

The average price for an intensive outpatient rehab program is about three times less expensive, coming in at around $3800 for a 10 week daily program. Outpatient treatment pricing can vary, as well. The most intensive the treatment, the more expensive the final bill. You can expect an average cost of $150-200 per day for outpatient addiction services.

What is methadone rehab like?

Although it is normal to feel nervous when you are approaching something you may not be familiar with, you need not worry! Rehabs are safe places that aim to help you get better.

In general, a rehab is like a combination of school and group work. The feeling is much like one of summer camp, and as long as you are there to get better…you can get a fresh start in life from nearly any rehab center. The two main types of methadone rehab, inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab, can be better described as:

1. Inpatient methadone rehab is a facility where you live during the initial treatment stages of your recovery. During this time, you will undergo detox in medical and monitored settings. In addition, you will participate in daily therapy and counseling sessions. Rules and regulations are quite strict and enforced by program staff with 24-7 supervision. You will be expected to participate in 8-10 hours of daily scheduled therapies.

2. Outpatient methadone rehab, on the other hand, does not require a lengthy stay in a rehab facility. Instead, you can continue to live at home and are free to go about normal business. However, outpatient programs require that you travel to their facilities to undergo counseling and therapy. The frequency of these visits can vary, and ranges from every day to several times a week. Outpatient methadone treatment can be used alone or as a method of aftercare for individuals who have already completed an inpatient program.

Financing methadone rehab

Financing rehab can be one of the main barriers that keeps you from getting the help you need. But, methadone addiction treatment doesn’t have to cost and arm and a leg…and there are ways you can invest in your future. So, if you find yourself thinking:

“I can’t possibly afford a methadone rehab.”
“How can I pay for such expensive rehab programs?”
“I cannot find ways to finance my recovery.”

…don’t lose hope! The price of methadone rehab programs may be covered by your health insurance or reduced with other forms of help that can ease your financial burden.

Have a health insurance policy? Health insurance companies will usually cover a portion of the average cost of rehab. You can call 1-877-902-5376 to find out if your insurance provides coverage for addiction treatment.

Don’t have insurance? We suggest you contact SAMHSA’s national helpline for a referral to rehab programs in your approximate living area and get more information on state agencies that support low cost rehab.

Do you qualify for government-provided insurance? Check out Healthcare.gov to shop for affordable health insurance and compare prices. The cost of substance use treatment is covered by Medicare, while Medicaid has expanded its coverage to at least 5 million adults who qualify for addiction treatment.

Looking for other ways to finance rehab? Look into a payment plan or sliding scale payment which allows you to pay for your methadone rehab a little bit at a time; you need to contact the rehab facility directly to explore these options. You can borrow from your savings account, 401(k), friends, or family…you will need to repay the money once you get back on your feet. Health care credit cards also allow you to finance health care costs at lower interest rates and make monthly payments. You can also claim the cost of Xanax rehab as medical expenses on your tax returns.

If you’re serious about getting better…then you should view this as an investment in yourself!

—–
Ready to get your life back on track?
Call 1-877-902-5376.
Start changing your life…TODAY!
—–

Cost of rehab questions

Hopefully, we’ve eased you in your search for information and answers about the cost of methadone rehab. If you have any other questions or are concerned about ways to finance rehab, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We strive to help our readers every step of the way and do our best to point you in the right direction.

Reference Sources: Medline Plus: Methadone

SAMHSA DASIS Report: Alcohol and Drug Services Study (ADSS) Cost Study

SAMHSA: The ADSS Cost Study: Costs of Substance Abuse Treatment in the Specialty Sector

NIDA: Is drug addiction treatment worth its cost?

NIDA: Drug Abuse and Addiction: One of America’s Most Challenging Public Health Problems, Magnitud

How Cocaine Stay in the System

Definition of Cocaine

Cocaine is a strong stimulant mostly used as a recreational drug. It is commonly snorted, inhaled as a smoke, or as a solution injected into a vein.

Historically speaking cocaine is being used as a topical anesthetic in eye and nasal surgery. Also as a result of improper use, one of the major disadvantages of the drug can cause vasoconstrictor activity. As well as a threat for a potential for cardiovascular toxicity. To control cravings of cocaine, Western medicine has long since replaced it with synthetic local anesthetics such as:

benzocaine
proparacaine
lidocaine
tetracaine

Apparently, it remains available for use if specified or prescribed by an authorized person. Doctors need the vasoconstriction properties of cocaine for medical procedures. They combine anesthetic with a vasoconstrictor such as phenylephrine or epinephrine.

For medical purposes topical cocaine, doctors use a local numbing agent to help with painful procedures in the mouth or nose.

Cocaine is a powerful nervous system stimulant. The duration of its effects can last from fifteen or thirty minutes to an hour. Its effects depend on the amount taken and the route of administration. Cocaine takes the form of a fine white powder which bitters to the taste. When inhaled or injected in a person body, it can cause a numbing effect on the body.

Cocaine also increases different sensations in the body, which may include:

alertness
feelings of well-being and euphoria
energy
motor activity
feelings of competence
increased sexual desires

It has stimulant effects that are similar to that of amphetamine. However, these effects tend to be much shorter lasting and more prominent.

Drug injection refers to the procedure turning the drug or the cocaine into a solution. This provides the highest blood levels of the drug in the shortest amount of time. Subjective effects not commonly shared with other methods of administration may include a ringing in the ears moments. This happens after injection of more than 120 milligrams and lasting 2 to 5 minutes including tinnitus and audio distortion.

This is colloquially referred to as a “bell ringer”. An average time to reach peak subjective effects takes about 3.1 minutes after taking the drug.

Cocaine contains properties that make it addictive intoxicant. It produces intense stimulating effects that can cause long-term damage to the body and brain.

Duration of Cocaine in our System

Cocaine is a very fast-acting central nervous system stimulant that produces an intense but short-lived euphoric high, lasting for only 15 minutes to an hour.

Usually, cocaine levels peak in the blood about 30 minutes after in gestation.

However, this depends largely on how it’s taken.

Intravenous use: Effects felt within 5 minutes.
Snorting: Effects felt within 30 minutes.
Smoking: Effects felt within 45 minutes.
Oral ingestion: Effects felt within 60 minutes.

Other factors may include the amount taken at once, body chemistry, and how long and heavily the individual uses it. Though it takes time for the levels of the drug to peak, the effects can be felt instantly with:

injection or snorting,
and immediately with smoking.

This initial high is often referred to as a rush.

This fades after a short period of time, resulting in an unpleasant crash. The cycle of high, crash, and then seeking more of the drug to counter the crash can easily lead to an increase tolerance and eventually addiction.

Cocaine’s half-life is nearly just as short at only an hour and not more than that. This means that it will take about an hour for half of the cocaine consumed to leave the body. However, heavy, long-term use will cause the drug to start to accumulate in body tissues, allowing certain tests to detect the drug in the system for an extended period of time.

What to test in order to obtain if someone has used or using cocaine?

Cocaine can also be detected in the blood and saliva for an average of 12-48 hours after last use. Unlike many other intoxicants, cocaine will stay in a person’s sweat for an extended period of time, up to several weeks. It can also be found in a user’s hair for years after an individual stops taking the drug. However, urine is the most preferred method of testing for most medical facilities and in any legal situations.

Anyone who regularly needs to be tested for cocaine is likely to have an addiction disorder.

After a single use of cocaine, metabolism creates agents of the drug which are detected in a person’s urine for 2-4 days. However, for some chronic users, or if it follows a heavy binge, cocaine can be detected in urine for up to 12 days.

The length that urine tests are effective also depends on the size of the dose and the purity of the substance. Extremely high doses can cause cocaine metabolites to be detectable for up to 3 weeks.

If you’re wondering how long after last using cocaine that a drug test will be able to detect the drug in the body, the answer to that will depend on:

How long you’ve been abusing cocaine.
Your average amount used each time.
The functionality of your liver.
The type of test used to detect cocaine in your system.

Cocaine and its breakdown products may be detected after last use of the drug in 1 of 5 different ways – each of which has varying detection duration times:

Urine = 2-3 days (or 2 weeks, for chronic cocaine users)
Blood = 12-48 hours
Saliva = 12-48 hours
Sweat = several weeks
Hair = a few months to years

In non-emergency situations, urine testing is often the most preferred testing method. It has a wider detection window than blood or saliva and also offers a non-invasive testing approach.

Blood testing is more commonly used in scenarios of some acute cocaine intoxication. Hair testing has the widest detection window but requires a more advanced detection technique, as there are many factors that can skew hair testing results.

The amount of time that you will continue to experience the immediate effects of cocaine on the body varies by the route of administration – in other words, how you used it:

Intravenous administration = 15-30 minutes.
Inhalation (Smoked) = 15-30 minutes.
Intranasal = 1 hour.
Gastrointestinal = 3 hours