Spice Abuse

Why Do People Abuse Spice?

Reports from U.S. State Poison Control Centers indicate that mostly teens and young adults abuse Spice.

Q: Why?
A: One reason: To get high!

The main reason so many people are turning to this drug is because Spice can mimic the effects of marijuana. In fact, the cannabinoid compounds found in Spice products act on the same cell receptors as THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana. Plus, it is easy to get. Smoke shops and convenience stores across the nation sell synthetic marijuana labeled as herbal incense. This makes the drug affordable and easily obtainable.

But what defines “drug abuse”? How can you identify a problem in yourself or someone else? We review here. In this article, we cover the signs and adverse side effects of Spice abuse. Then, we outline the sources for help and what you can do to quit Spice abuse safely. Finally, we invite your personal questions about Spice at the end. We try to answer each personal question with a prompt reply!

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Ready to Quit Spice?
Dial 1-877-959-3459 to reach a FREE HOTLINE.
You can quit once and for all!
Trusted Help Available 24/7.

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How is Spice Abused?

Like marijuana, Spice is mainly smoked. Sometimes it can be added to hot water and prepared as herbal tea for drinking. The drug is also mixed along with marijuana for smoking. However, smoking Spice with weed can provoke intense reactions, some of which may be life-threatening. What’s worse, you may smoke these two drugs together without knowing as some dealers enhance pure marijuana with Spice or another brand of synthetic cannabis to produce heightened effects.

Spice Abuse Signs

Spice produces marijuana-like effects. But often, symptoms are far more intense compared to those of marijuana, and may last up to 8 hours after initial use. In fact, this SAMHSA advisory reports that some cannibinoids can be 4-100 more potent than THC.  So, how can you tell when someone is abusing Spice?

First, any use of Spice is considered abuse. We abuse drugs when we intentionally use them for their psychoactive affects. In this way, drug abuse occurs when you take Spice for its euphoric effects or as a way of coping with stress. When you use Spice to get high, you are intentionally stepping away from reality. How can you identify use?

A person on Spice will give clear signs of being under the influence of the drug. Some of them include:

Physical signs:

• hunger or thirst
• impaired speech
• increased heart rate
• nausea
• profuse sweating
• shakiness
• vomiting

Psychological signs:

• anxiety
• agitation
• delusions
• euphoria
• hallucinations
• paranoia
• restlessness

Behavioral signs:

• abnormal or erratic behavior
• aggression
• decreased social interactions
• neglect of responsibilities and obligations
• personality changes
• strained relationships with family and friends
• violent outburst

Adverse Side Effects of Spice

Q: Is Spice use safe?
A: No.

Spice will always vary in composition and potency. No single batch will be like any other. The notion that Spice is a natural, safe and toxic-free drug can’t be father from the truth.  People who use these substances cannot know the precise array of chemicals that are in them. Serious, even lethal, outcomes can result from their use.

How does it affect the body? Common effects of Spice include:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia
• Giddiness
• Hallucinations
• Increase in heart rate and blood pressure

And although Spice may have similar effects to marijuana, but the drug has a much faster onset and can be more intense. It is much more likely to produce serious adverse effects in users, regardless of whether they are fist time users or have been abusing synthetic marijuana for some time. Convulsions, organ damage, or death are possible.

Serious Negative Side Effects of Spice

Some of the serious adverse and negative side-effects that Spice users may experience, include:

• Coma
• Elevated blood pressure
• Hostility towards others
• Kidney damage
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures and tremors
• Suicidal thoughts and actions

Spice abuse can also have deadly consequences, usually as a result of sudden outbursts of violent behavior, suicide, or unintended injury.

Spice Overdose: Call 911!

Since the side effects of Spice abuse can vary from person to person in intensity and severity, it may be difficult to determine when someone just has a strong reaction to the drug or is overdosing. The more serious side effects of Spice overdose include:

• Vomiting
• Violent behavior
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Suicidal thinking or actions
• Seizures

If someone close to you has abused Spice and is now experiencing adverse and violent side effects, it’s best to seek medical help immediately. Call 911 ASAP! Then, inform the contact representative that the person has taken Spice and report any other drugs or alcohol taken with it. Make sure you provide clear instructions about your exact location. You can stay on the phone with medical professionals to receive instructions about how to aid the person until they arrive. Stay calm. Emergency responders will require police back up if the situation is aggressive or dangerous.

NOTE: Poison Control Centers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help and advice Spice overdose and its risks. All calls are free and confidential. You can call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 anytime if you or a loved one have taken too much Spice.

Help For a Spice Abuse Problem

Take hope! Spice problems can be treated medically. Medical professionals address a Spice problem for both physical and mental dimensions. Here are the three main stages of Spice treatment help:

STAGE 1: Initial assessment.

The purpose of the assessment phase is to determine the severity of a Spice problem and to develop a personalized treatment plan. During this phase, people go through an interview, a physical exam, medical/family history and a drug screen. Interview questions are usually standardized. The process can take 1-3 hours to complete, but is well worth the time. This way, people with a Spice problem can better understand the holistic nature of the problem.

STAGE 2: Medical detoxification.

Detox is an intervention during which Spice is eliminated from the body in a safe and controlled environment. Detox clinics are staffed with doctors and nurses trained in helping you cope with the withdrawal symptoms of early abstinence. Without professional assistance, Spice withdrawal can be unpleasant, dangerous and even life-threatening.

STAGE 3: Therapy + Counseling.

Spice abuse treatment also includes psychotherapy and behavioral therapies, such as:

• Educational sessions
• Family, Individual, and Group Therapy
• Nutritional Counseling
• Pharmacological therapies
• Career, Legal, or Social Counseling
• Wellness Activities

All these interventions and therapies aim to help you get to the root causes of your addiction and to adopt new, sober behaviors.

Who Can Provide Such Services?

A number of professionals! In fact, it is up to you to decide which source of help you are most comfortable to reach out to. Here, we suggest a few possible options to get you started.

A Spice abuse helpline – A drug hotline is safe and informative place where you can get answers to your questions about Spice abuse. You can also find out whether you have an addiction problem and get started on your way to resolve your Spice abuse and any other mental health issues that may co-occur. In fact, when you CALL 1-877-959-3459 you can talk openly and honestly about your situation. Judgement free!

Drug treatment centers – There are specialized Spice and K2 addiction treatment programs that accept and treat patients who are addicted to Spice. Inpatient rehab centers offer all services from detox to aftercare planning in-house, while outpatient programs are also available for those who don’t require a residential stay at a rehab.

Pharmacists – A pharmacist at your local pharmacy can help fill prescriptions for medicines used to treat Spice withdrawal symptoms. Pharmacists can also suggest over-the-counter medicines and herbal remedies that can help any minor symptoms of Spice withdrawal.

Physicians – Your primary physician can be your first point of contact and can run initial tests to determine the severity of your Spice abuse. Physicians can also refer you to an addiction treatment center fit for your needs.

Psychiatrists – These mental health specialists provide psychiatric help for people addicted to Spice.

Licensed clinical psychologist – Clinical psychologists provide counselling and education. Talk sessions are important in helping Spice users achieve and maintain sobriety.

Addiction specialists – Doctors who are Certified Addiction Specialists (CAS) can help people with recurrent or chronic problems with Spice abuse and/or other drugs.

Spice Abuse Questions

If you have any other questions on the matter of Spice abuse, side-effects and consequences, feel to ask or comment in the section below. We try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate inquiries.

Reference Sources: SAMHSA: First-of-its-kind report finds that street forms of “synthetic marijuana” products linked to thousands of hospital emergency departments visits each year
FBI: Synthetic Marijuana
NYC Health: Synthetic Marijuana
NYC Health: Synthetic Marijuana (Cannabinoids) Frequently Asked Questions for Consumers
NARCONON: Signs and Symptoms of Spice Use

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My child has psychological problems: Parenting Through the Storm BOOK REVIEW

Ending the Silence Between You and Your Child

Does the following sound familiar?

1. Your communication with your child feels like it’s a one-way street.
2. Various hormonal processes are taking over during adolescence.
3. It seems like these processes have gotten stuck.

So, how do you reconnect?

These are just some of the issues described in Ann Douglas’ book, Parenting Through the Storm. Driven by her own children’s experience with psychiatric and learning disabilities, Ann Douglas felt that parents who face these challenges deserve to be heard. She wrote this book in the hope to help other parents whose children are diagnosed with psychological disorders.

More on how to end the silence between you and your child and reach out for help here – with a section for questions and comments in the end.

The idea behind Parenting Through the Storm

Ann Douglas wrote this book to broaden up parents’ perspectives about the challenges that await them during their children treatment journey. Parenting Through the Storm is a collection of different family experiences with psychological problems. This book intends to show parents who struggle with these issues that they are not alone. The idea behind the book is to offer parents of children diagnosed with psychiatric disorder(s) direction for help and educational resources.

We think that the book achieves this goal.

Reading it can help you to relate. You’ll see how other families overcome similar issues and share the load. What are the main themes in the book? Here’s what we learned.

What will you learn from this book?

Divided into 5 (five) parts, this highly educational resource teaches parents about:

PART 1: Recognizing children’s psychological problems (and coping with them)

This section of the book includes detailed instruction about how to notice abnormal changes in your child’s behavior. You’ll also find a list of mental health indicators in children and teenagers which might come handy if you suspect any problems.

PART 2: Rebuilding the parent-child connection

The focus of this section is the importance of finding the right diagnosis that will describe precisely what’s going on with your child. Here, Douglas speaks about the importance of parents’ health and well-being, as well. When one member of the family is weak, others need to remain strong. To do this, we need to take care of ourselves!

PART 3: Family adjustments

This part of the book broadens the perspective of readers to motivate them to look at other family members who need to adjust to live with a diagnosed member in their home. This includes lifestyle changes from each family member (parents and siblings) in order to maintain the strength of the family and help each other easily go through the process of recovery.

PART 4: Community influence

This section of the book broadens up the picture of what it means to have a child with psychiatric problems. This involves the challenges of your child in school and during social interaction with friends which often time bully kids about their disorder.

PART 5: What happens during recovery

This part of Parenting Through the Storm looks at ideas for a better system of care for children with mental and behavioral health challenges.

Who is this book intended for?

This book is intended as a “first aid manual” to all parents whose children manifest signs of mental and emotional problems during their growth. Furthermore, Parenting Through the Storm aims to tighten the gap between recognizing your child’s struggles and being able to know what those struggles represent.

Why Parenting Through the Storm deserves a place in your personal library

We love and recommend this book because its a highly educational and practical manual for families who have children diagnosed with mental and behavioral health problems. Mental health issues are highly stigmatized in our culture. And when you ignore a mental health problem, risk of addiction as a co-occuring disorder increases. However, our connected experiences can help us grow personally, towards a united vision of holistic health. Parenting Through the Storm is a beacon of light along the way.

One of the things that makes this book special is that it acknowledges the importance and well-being of the whole family system during a struggle with psychological problems. Parents of children diagnosed with psychiatric diagnoses will find some advice in this book on how to take care of themselves during this process which can be stressful. The problems of a one family member affects the whole system. This is why Ann Douglas approach is integrative, treating each member issue with equal importance as to the one facing the psychological disorder.

An additional asset of the book is that it provides encouragement. Written in the form of a group memoir of those who have gone through the storm – successfully – this book offers hope and inspiration during a family battle with emotional and mental health disorders. We all need hope. Hope keeps us going. This book helps provide parents with the hope that things can and will get better.

Wondering where you can find “Parenting Through the Storm: Find Help, Hope and Strength when you child has psychological problems?” To buy, download and read the book, check this link: https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Through-Storm-everything-between-ebook/dp/B00N0XG4N6

Additionally, if you are left with any questions about this book, we ask you to post them in the section below. We also welcome your feedback if you’ve read the book, and would like to comment and share your opinion.

About the author: Ann Douglass is an award-winning parenting writer and the mother of four children who have struggled with a variety of psychological problems-and are currently thriving. She speaks widely at health, parenting, and education conferences. She also hosts online conversations about parenting and mental health for a range of organizations. With acclaimed books, including “The mother of All parenting Books” and “The Mother of All Baby Books” to her credit, Ann has helped hundreds of thousands of parents navigate the challenges and complexities of raising kids today. She lives with her husband and their youngest child in Peterborough, Ontario.

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Can Codependence Be Overcome?

Getting Wrapped Up in Co-Dependence

How often do we get to the end of the day and realize that we have no idea what we did? Or get to the end of the week and have to think to ourselves,

“What was I doing four days ago?”

Months, years, lifetimes can go by like this and at the end of whatever period of time we have let lapse, all we can do is regret not having been more present in our lives for those moments that drifted by.

When you live with the co-dependence of addiction this can be even worse because so much time is spent wrapped up in the experience of the addict:

• What are they doing?
• Are they using?
• Do they need me?
• What can I do?
• What should I say?

…Can I distract them or change them or get them to do something else? We spend so much time living in the life of the addict that we forget to live our own lives, and then – suddenly – it seems we have lost years of our lives.

Our Ideas About Control are False

I was recently talking with a friend who is the parent of an alcoholic. He told me he felt guilty every time he went on vacation because he was spending money he could give to his child for rehab. But at this point in his life, he was retired and wanted to go on vacation once a year or so.

“What should I do?” he asked me.

My question back to him was, “What do you want to do?”

Over two decades, this friend has financed rehab dozens of times, spent countless hours collecting his child from the street, from bars, from jail, and now – in his late seventies – he finds himself unable to enjoy a vacation. His thinking? Maybe this time will be the time that fixes his child.

Co-dependence gives us the false sense that we have the power to control someone else…

… if we just do the right thing in exactly the right way. The problem is, that it isn’t true – we can’t control anyone else.

We can:

• Manipulate
• Cajole
• Bribe
• Extort

….but, ultimately, we lose ourselves by doing so.

How Do We Regain Control of Codependency?

So, how do we regain control over the one thing we can control – ourselves? How can we actually live life in the moment we are in?

Here’s my simple strategy:

1. Check in with yourself.
2. Determine where you are, and what that means to define what you can do in any given moment.
3. It’s simple! Look down and answer the question: “Where are my feet?”

Where Are My Feet?

For my friend with the alcoholic child, the answer was ‘My feet are in my house, my child is far away, I can’t help right now so I need to stop dwelling on it.’

And that is the key – if you can’t change the circumstance because you are not there physically, then don’t be there mentally or emotionally.

Be where you are.

Check-in with your feet.

Anytime you feel yourself “just going through the motions,” stop and check your feet.

Anytime you get to the end of the day and don’t know what you did, commit to hourly check-ins the next day.

It is never to late to get yourself back into your life, and it is never to late to experience completely the moment that you are in.Check you feet and be there for the person who needs you most: you!

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Addiction Therapists: When & Why Work with an Addiction Interventionist?

The Right Time for Therapist-Interventionist Collaborations

By Louise A. Stanger Ed.D, LCSW, CDWF, CIP

My Philosophy on Collaboration

Before I start this discussion, it is fair to let you that my philosophy is all about collaborating with Licensed Behavioral Health Practitioners (clinicians) and your clients is so that they feel supported. We can work together so that they get the most consistent, accessible, effective, and supportive treatment they can get. This ushers in healing.

It is always my aim to make sure the family, clients, therapist and clinician of record knows how valuable they are and that they are an integral part of treatment.

Somehow that does not always translate into a clinician’s mind.

Confronting the Fear

As you may know, I am a licensed clinician. I have been a trainer of trainer,s as well as a trainer of up and coming clinicians as a faculty member at the SDSU School of Social Work and as an outside supervisor. As someone who is senior in this field, I have unfortunately recently experienced clinicians who are:

• not knowledgeable
• arrogant
• frightened

…and downright argumentative.

Some clinicians are unwilling to let go of their client and their client’s family so that the loved one in question can use the services of a skilled, licensed, certificated, and trained interventionist. I have witnessed clinicians who upon learning a family member has contacted an interventionist do the following:

1. Be unwilling to explore or even talk to the potential collaborator-interventionist. Shut down communications.
2. Proclaim, “I Know best” and you do not need any other professional.
3. Say using outside help will be detrimental as we need to keep “all confidential”.
4. Disregard building a vast knowledge of current treatment centers because that is not their area of expertise. They can then make faulty recommendations.
5. Directly sabotage intervention efforts. As a result, the family stays stuck. The therapist can create entanglement in their issues and inadvertently keep the status quo.

The Flipside: Great Collaborations

On the flipside of that token, I have had grand experiences with clinicians who understand the complexity of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. They join hands with a skilled interventionist and collaborate to get the family and their loved one much needed help.

And to all of you, I applaud your efforts.

Interventions are Adjunct Therapies

To all the licensed professionals out there I want to be perfectly clear.

Interventions are an adjunctive treatment to family therapy, psychotherapy, etc. These primary therapies help people and their loved ones unlock unhealthy secrets and behaviors that keep the system unhealthy and ill – and the loved one in question still using mind altering substances, being cognitively impaired, and engaging in harmful behaviors.

However, using the skills of a talented interventionist in conjunction with the work that you do allows clients to be present to their:

• relationship patterns
• underlying challenges
• boundary setting,
• subconscious patterns of shame and trauma

The experience of collaboration can give you a platform to work on a cornucopia of issues while working directly to move the “identified loved one“ into treatment.

But Interventions Enhance Your Work

Also, an intervention and the hiring of a skilled and talented interventionist and having a loved one enter an accredited JACHO (The Joint Commission) treatment center…

DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE WORK YOU DO. INSTEAD YOUR WORK IS ENHANCED. IT ULTIMATELY MAKES THE WORK YOU DO WITH YOUR CLIENTS RICHER, DEEPER AND MORE EFFECTIVE.

After working with a skilled interventionist, your clients have a more tangible ability to work through new issues that arise. Clients can find new ways of relating to themselves and others, so that there can truly be systematic change. Addiction intervention strategies for families can complement your work…it is meant to!

When Can Your Client Benefit from an Interventionist’s Help?

Your client (and client’s family, friends, etc.) might be a good fit for the skills of an interventionist if:

1. They are still supporting (consciously or unconsciously) a loved one who is using mind-altering substances.
2. Have difficulty setting healthy boundaries or even knowing what boundaries are.
3. Have a history of complex trauma, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders in their family of origin.
4. Have diminished capacity for functioning due to their fear of doing something different to change their loved one.
5. Have gotten to a point of disconnecting from the world around them as looking at the situation is too painful.
6. Experience somatic symptoms, lack of sleep, rage, endless tears, repeated illness, stomach aches, migraines, etc.
7. Has been unsuccessful in addressing a loved one’s substance abuse, mental health disorder, chronic pain, co-occurring disorder, legal trouble, or school and professional failures.

How To Find An Interventionist

If you think you may have a client and family who might get unstuck by working with a skilled interventionist who is highly trained in this arena, reach out and call and interview a trained interventionist. Some interventionists are licensed clinicians, some have other trained experiences through an integrated collaborative approach.

You can find out who they are on the NII website (Network of Independent Interventionists Member List) or AIS (Association of Intervention Specialists). You can check their credentials, licenses and certifications.

Getting Beyond the Caricature

You may also want to take a class which more clearly explains the invitation to change process, as it is far more than what is portrayed on TV. Or, you may want to read several books or web sites and do check out references so you may more fully understand the processes.

It is wise to imagine an interventionist as a skilled orchestra leader conducting for the moment in time a symphony. You need the conductor’s expertise for that concerto. It does not replace your individual talents rather working collaboratively creates a synergy of health and wellness.

A Final Call to Work Together!

With substance abuse, mental health process addictions (gambling, disordered eating, shopping, spending, love and or sex addiction, digital addiction, gaming, etc.) and chronic pain, moving someone into appropriate treatment takes a village of concerned persons.

Resources: Network of Independent Interventionists
Association of Intervention Specialists
Books and Writings on Interventions:
Johnson, Vern “I’ll Quit Tomorrow”
Picard, Frank “Family Intervention: Ending The Cycle of Addiction”
Jay, Debra and Jeff “Love First”
Laudau, Judith Inviting Change Through and Invitational Intervention: A Step-by-step Guide for Getting a Loved One Into Addiction Therapy 2007
Lamm, Brad How to Help The One you Love 2009
Stanger, Louise –Learn To Thrive 2016
Storti, Ed Heart to Heart The Honorable Approach to Intervention 1995

Slide Share on Different Intervention approaches : Giving The Gift of Health Clinical and Reverse Interventions

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Adderall Abuse

Are you feeling stuck?

Let’s take a moment for a reality check.

Adderall (amphetamine salts) can be addictive. In fact, using this strong stimulant without a prescription can lead to long-term side effects, including physical dependence on Adderall or Adderall addiction. And addiction can be hard to break! But, here’s the important question:

How do you know if you have a problem with Adderall in the first place?

In this article, we cover the common signs of abusing Adderall. Then, we describe the effects of taking Adderall over time… and how to address an Adderall problem for yourself or a loved one. At the end, we welcome your questions and concerns in the designated comments section. We try to respond to all of our reader’s questions!

Reach out. You are not alone.

—–

Struggling with Adderall abuse?
Call 1-877-848-0342 TODAY.
ANYTIME: Helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You don’t have to suffer another day.

——

What is Adderall abuse, really?

Adderall – a combination of two stimulant drugs, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine – is a medication used for the treatment of people diagnosed with either attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. Despite its medical usefulness, Adderall is a drug with a high abuse potential.

But, what exactly does “Adderall abuse” mean?

Drug abuse occurs any time that you take a prescription drug outside of prescription guidelines. Any of the following activities associated with obtaining and administering Adderall count as [illegal] drug abuse.

Adderall abuse includes:

• When you take higher doses of Adderall than prescribed.
• When you take the medication more frequently than prescribed.
• When you take Adderall through a non-approved method like chewing, or crushing and snorting it.
• When you take Adderall for reasons other than medical need, such as to stay awake for long periods of time.
• When you take someone else’s medication.
• When you buy Adderall from an illicit source for recreational use.

Adderall Problems are Medical in Nature

Recent studies have shown that the number of people who are using Adderall for therapeutic reasons is smaller than the number of those who use it for effect. Thus, the majority of Adderall users seem to be abusing the medication for recreation or enhancement of mental and physical performance.

However, drug problems are hugely stigmatized. It can be difficult to ask for help. Know that Adderall problems are medical in nature. While you may feel ashamed to have a problem with Adderall, it’s actually quite common. And treatable!

In fact, we’ll cover how drug problems are treated a little further in the text. So, continue reading. Or, reach out today. You don’t need to struggle alone any longer.

—–

Why not get help before things get out of hand?
The earlier, the better.
Call us at  1-877-848-0342.
You are never alone.

—–

Does experimentation = abuse?

Often, yes.

When you experiment with Adderall to enhance performance, you are abusing the stimulant drug. Furthermore, using Adderall without a prescription is illegal. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), any obtaining of a Controlled Substance without a doctor’s prescription and using it in ways, doses, or frequency other than suggested is considered to be abuse.

But you may be thinking:

“I need Adderall to help me lose weight.”
“I will take Adderall just this one time to help me study.”
“Adderall works great to boost my physical performance.”
“Taking Adderall is fun and gets me high.”
“I have to take Adderall to help me stay awake.”

This kind of dabbling can lead to problems down the road.

Q: Why?
A: Because there is no such a thing as a “safe” way to abuse Adderall.

In other words: Adderall can mess with you big-time. People use Adderall because it produces feelings of confidence, euphoria, increased concentration, and suppresses their appetite. However, while these effects might make Adderall tempting for someone looking for a boost in physical or mental performance…they come with a price. When you take Adderall without a prescription, you risk damage to your physical health and your mental health.

How can you tell if you’re abusing Adderall?

Main signs of Adderall abuse

If you suspect that you or a loved one might be getting out of the rails with Adderall use, you can look to detect some tell-tale signs of a problem. A person abusing Adderall may exhibit the following signs:

Physical signs of abuse

• Changes in vision
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dryness of the mouth
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Uncontrollable shaking in hands or feet
• Unintentional weight loss

Psychological signs of abuse

• Aggressive behavior
• Being overly talkative
• Hallucinations
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Paranoia
• Secretive behavior
• Sleep problems
• Unusual excitability

Recognize some of these signs of abuse in yourself or a loved one? Don’t ignore the early warnings! It is important to deal with Adderall abuse before your “harmless” and “recreational” use lead to dependence or Adderall addiction. In fact, the sooner you seek help for a drug abuse problem, the better your chances for living a sober and fulfilling life.

Your age and your risk potential

Adderall abuse is generally associated with high school and college students. However, many post-college adults also abuse the drug. In fact, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) most people who have received treatment for an Adderall addiction started taking it when they were approximately 23 years of age.

Adverse effects of Adderall abuse

Some of the commonly mentioned health side effects of Adderall abuse include:

• cardiovascular problems
• damage to nasal cavities (if snorted)
• fatigue
• hostility
• insomnia
• loss of appetite
• psychosis
• weight gain or loss
• withdrawal symptoms

But, your diminished physical and mental health is not the only aspect of your life that can be impacted by drug abuse. In fact, abusing Adderall can lead to serious effects on all aspects of your life including social, financial, and legal difficulties. These may include:

• Co-occurring abuse of other medications and illicit drugs (dual diagnosis).
• Financial troubles.
• Legal problems.
• Strained interpersonal relationships with friends and family.
• Problems with advancements in education or career due to Adderall abuse.

Treating Adderall abuse

Effective treatment programs work by looking at both the physical and mental aspects of a drug problem. In fact, a successful rehab program will first help you to identify your current state and then help define what you need in order to become drug-free. Reputable treatment should be individualized and customized to meet your unique needs. This is why treatment always begins with a thorough assessment, including:

• A physical exam
• A psychological interview (1-2 hours)
• A medical and family history
• Drug screening or testing

Treatment experts report that the most effective approaches to treating an Adderall use disorder involve a mix of medical supervision and psychological interventions. Together, these interventions aim to help you safely remove Adderall from your system, uncover and address the reasons why you started to abuse Adderall in the first place, and become more equipped to abstain from using drugs in the future. A description of each follows:

1. Medical Supervision of an Adderall problem = The first step in treating Adderall abuse is to address your body’s chemical dependence. If you’ve been abusing the drug for a period of time, you can expect Adderall withdrawal symptoms to occur as traces of amphetamine start to leave the system. Common symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include:

• apathy
• anxiety
• abnormally long sleep cycles
• depression
• disorientation
• dysphoria (generalized dissatisfaction with life)
• extreme fatigue
• irritability

This is why it is important to be medically monitored and provided adequate medications to manage and treat withdrawal symptoms as they occur. Although currently there are no approved medications used to treat Adderall withdrawal, doctors may prescribed short term use of antidepressants, or will use specific interventions when required. You can also help treat Adderall withdrawal with over-the-counter medications that treat flu like symptoms, cramps, and insomnia.

2. Psychotherapy and Behavioral Therapies = A big part of Adderall abuse treatment is involvement in psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. You will undergo individual, group, and/or family counseling during the course of your treatment program. Commonly used therapies include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Educational Sessions
• Family and/or Couples Therapy
• Medication Maintenance Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing

9 sources of help for an Adderall problem

You can get help for Adderall abuse from a number of different medical professionals.

1. An Adderall Abuse Helpline – One of the most convenient ways to get professional information, guidance, and help for Adderall abuse is to CALL A HELPLINE 1-877-848-0342. Conversations are toll-free, anonymous, and completely confidential. You can ask questions, talk to someone who is experienced in the area, and get the help that you need without revealing your name or any personal information.

2. Drug Treatment Centers – These facilities accept and rehabilitate individuals who face an Adderall use problem. Treatment is held in either inpatient or outpatient settings and can include a combination of pharmacological, psychological, and behavioral treatments.

3. Your Prescribing Physician – Your own doctor can provide assessment, referral, and medical exams in cases of Adderall addiction. Doctors can also help you address Adderall dependence by setting up an individual tapering program, and educate you about possible consequences of drug abuse.

4. Addiction Specialists – Doctors who are Certified Addiction Specialists are experts in helping people addicted to drugs like Adderall, especially on recurrent cases of abuse.

5. A Psychiatrist – These mental health doctors can help you address Adderall dependence and addiction through psychotherapy and administering medicines.

6. Licensed Clinical Psychologists – These health professionals can help diagnose and treat people experiencing Adderall use disorder. Recovery through psychotherapy is administered in an individual or group setting, and can also involve the family.

7. Your Local Pharmacist – Pharmacists provide instructions for proper use of prescription drugs like Adderall and can help advise you on a tapering calendar and best practices for slowly lowering Adderall dosing. But keep in mind that pharmacist can fill your prescription for Adderall for medical purposes only. Adderall prescriptions are closely monitored by pharmacists to prevent fraudulent prescriptions and to detect early signs of drug abuse.

8. Poison Control Center – Calling the Poison Control Center hotline is your best source of first-aid help in case of an Adderall overdose.

9. Licensed Clinical Social Workers – These professionals play an important part in treatment of drug abuse, including Adderall addiction. Social workers can help refer Adderall abusers to appropriate and affordable drug treatment centers in their living area, ensure the wellbeing of the family unit (especially children) and monitor progress outside the treatment facility.

Got any questions?

We strive to help all our readers find a safe and effective way to resolve their substance use. One way we try to help is by answering the questions you are trying to learn the answers to. We welcome you to post your questions and comments in the designated section below and do our best to provide a personal and prompt response to all legitimate inquiries.

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5 Substitute Addictions & How To Steer Clear Of them

Addiction is Not Going Away

In 2010 a report was released claiming that there were 23.5 million people in America who were at that moment addicted to drugs and alcohol. In 2013, further reports showed that while marijuana use was rising, other drugs remained around the level they had been three years before. What’s the take home? Studies have shown that drug and alcohol use and addiction in the U.S. remain a serious and consistent threat to our society.

When people are diagnosed with an addiction, they often try to break it not by eliminating addictive habits, but by attempting to replace them with other obsessions. Here are five commonly seen addiction substitutes. We briefly describe each and offer a strategy for how to avoid them. Then, we invite your questions in the comments section at the end. In fact, we try to respond to all real life questions with a personal response!

Food

What you eat when you are in recovery is important. Unfortunately, many people will go too far in the wrong direction and begin overeating when they stop using drugs. Additionally, sugar causes surges in dopamine; so do greasy, fatty food. Poor eating habits cause their own health problems, including weight gain.

How To Avoid It: Don’t just stop using, start looking for the source of your emptiness. Note that you are attempting to fill the void with food. Psychotherapy – Talk Therapy – may be a good starting option. Or, seek consultation with a nutritionist.

Sex

This type of addiction could also be related to relationships. It is easy to become obsessed with physical release or unhealthy emotional attachments in the wake of an addiction. While sex is a natural part of the human experience, it can become a compulsive behavior.

How To Avoid It: Start looking for patterns in chosen romantic partners or situations. Recognize red flags and triggers, and start focusing on building long lasting, positive relationships that aren’t tied to negative emotions. Work through the 12 Steps and give it at least a year of sobriety before even looking at a sex partner. Continue work with a mentor, a sponsor, or a therapist in order to start attracting healthy relationships before considering sex.

Shopping

Shopping addiction is all about compulsion. You are compelled to purchase things you don’t actually need, often because you see the price and rationalize the cost. You get a small rush from each purchase, but it can cause serious financial problems.

How To Avoid It: In the same ways you avoid your drug of choice. Start carrying around small amounts of cash, or a prepaid card with limited funds. Avoid triggers, such as shopping when upset. Make lists and stick to them. Go shopping with a responsible buddy who can keep you accountable.

Gaming

This can mean different things to different people, whether it is gambling addiction, or video game addiction. The point is that you are seeking both the thrill of the challenge, and the escapism it provides. Both can have a serious financial burden, and disconnect you from those you love. Plus, the beeping, buzzing, and blinking are designed to capture your attention…and get you hooked on … losing!

How To Avoid It: Because video gaming and gambling can so easily be done at home, this is a hard one to break. Look into how games are designed to understand the intent behind it – game designers want to get you addicted! It might come down to sheer force of will, but you can also set time limits for yourself…otherwise known as boundaries. In some cases, therapy may be required. For other people, support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, SMART Recovery, or faith-based group meetings can help.

Prescription Drugs

There is a common misconception that if a doctor prescribes a drug, then there is nothing wrong with it. Many people who are diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders or addictions to hard drugs like heroin or meth will “step down” and substitute these street drugs with prescription drugs like hydrocodone, oxycodone, Xanax, or Valium. As a consequence, prescription drug abuse has become one of the biggest epidemics facing the United States.

How To Avoid It: Report your medical history to your doctor honestly. Be careful with prescriptions, take them sparingly, and avoid them if possible – using over the counter medication. Look into other pain coping methods instead.

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Rehab for amphetamines

Got a problem with an Amphetamine?

If you find yourself asking:

Why can’t I stop taking speed over and over again?

Why do I need more to get the same effect?

How can I get out of this horrible cycle of using drugs to feel OK?

Do not despair.  You are not alone!

We’re here to help.

If you can’t quit using on your own, it might be time to ask for help. And we are coming to understand that a drug problem is a medical condition. In fact, amphetamines can “hijack” the brain, changing the way that it functions. When you understand addiction as a medical condition that responds to medical treatment, you can take hope. And we’re here to tell you:

Treatment works!

In this article, we’ll introduce you how drug rehabs can address the issue of chemical drug dependency.  We’ll also briefly explain the amphetamine treatment protocols to prepare you what to expect. Finally, we gladly welcome your question(s) in the comment section at the end. Or, feel free to share your personal experiences with us.

Your recovery matters.

 ___

Treatment can help you find new meaning in life.
Regain your freedom.
Call 1-877-217-8574 TODAY.

___

Why do people use amphetamines?

1. As medical treatment.
2. To get high.

Amphetamines – also known colloquially as “uppers” – are a class of drugs known as stimulants, which decrease feelings of fatigue while they increase energy and wakefulness. Some individuals take amphetamines prescribed by their doctors for legitimate reasons such as ADHD or narcolepsy. However, these types of drugs may also be taken illegally for recreational reasons.

Chronic use or abuse of amphetamines will often lead to physical dependency and addiction. This is because stimulants make us feel extremely good. As we repeat drug use, the brain becomes “wired” for this cycle of pleasure. Over time, our decision making centers at the front of the brain weaken, and our personalities change.

Use drugs.

Feel good.

Repeat.

Signs of a drug problem

So how can you know if you or a loved one is using amphetamines in a dangerous way? Signs of drug misuse can include:

• Taking other people’s prescription.
• Using amphetamines in a way other than prescribed.
• Using an amphetamine prescription to get high.
• Mixing amphetamine with alcohol and/or other drugs.

People who are addicted to amphetamines will usually find that they are unable to function without their drug of choice. They will also usually experience a number of uncomfortable (and possibly dangerous) withdrawal symptoms when they do not take the drug for an extended period of time. Of special concern include withdrawal symptoms that can provoke suicidal ideation, such as:

• depression
• dysphoria (deep disatisfaction)
• extreme fatigue

Readiness for rehab

Rehab for amphetamine addiction is often an effective way to break the cycle of addiction. However, it can be hard to determine if you need rehab or if you’re even ready take the first steps toward recovery. So, who can benefit most from amphetamine rehab and treatment?

You might be ready for rehab if:

1. You’ve tried quitting on your own, but can’t.
2. You can benefit from a daily routine.
3. You are no longer in denial of a drug problem.
4. Leaving your home environment will help reduce stress.

___

Why Waste Another Second in Pain?
We Can Help You Get Back on Your Feet.
Call Us at 1-877-217-8574.
Recovery Starts Now.

___

Amphetamine Addiction Treatment

Q: What does rehab for amphetamine addiction look like? What can you expect?

A: Generally, there are two types of rehab for amphetamine addiction: inpatient or outpatient treatment.

Inpatient programs, also known as residential treatment, require you to live into a controlled environment where you’ll undergo a structured program. Meals are planned. So is regular sleep. These daily routines help re-set your biological, chemical system. Inpatient amphetamine rehabs also provide 24-hour medical and emotional support during detox and treatment. Residential treatment programs allow you to decide between programs with different lengths. You can either choose to undergo a 30-60-90 or longer treatment program.

Outpatient programs are usually part-time programs that operate in the AM or PM. They allow you to keep going to work or school during the day, while visiting recovery lessons at night. These treatment programs are flexible and recommended for those who cannot leave home or work to seek treatment.Most programs last for 10-16 weeks, although some people benefit from attending treatment for a year or longer. While outpatient programs are less expensive, they do require high levels of commitment. In fact, experts recommend that those who’ve tried quitting on their own (but have failed) consider an inpatient facility first.

____

Amphetamines will drain your life of meaning.
Call 1-877-217-8574 and start recovering TODAY.
Live the life that you dream of!

____

Customized rehab

Addiction is best treated from person-to-person. In other words, a treatment plan is a very individualized process. Not all treatment methods will work the same way for everyone. In fact, reputable rehab plans are generally created based on a case by case basis. Some or all of the following elements may be used during a stay in an amphetamine rehab.

1. Assessment

Initial medical assessment includes a physical exam, standard interview questions, a medical history, and drug testing. Doctors and addiction specialists use assessment and screening tools to determine the extent of a person’s addiction as well as identify any other mental health issues that may be contributing to the addiction. Co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, or trauma issues can also be treated during amphetamine rehab. Once the initial assessment is complete, a rehabilitation plan can be created. Oftentimes, periodic assessments are also used to determine how effective a rehabilitation program is and if changes need to be made.

2. Medical detoxification from amphetamines

Occasionally, an individual addicted to amphetamines may need to undergo a supervised medical detox from the drug. While this isn’t always necessary, a medical detox has a number of benefits over detoxing from the drug alone. First of all, detoxing from amphetamines can result in numerous side effects, including strong cravings for the drug, tremors, dehydration, extreme fatigue, and possibly even heart problems or seizures. During medical detox, doctors and nurses can monitor a patient and possibly ease some of these symptoms. Additionally, the likelihood that an addicted person will relapse in medical detox is much lower than if he or she tries to detox alone.

3. Psychological treatments

Mental health treatment is often at the core of all reputable programs. Individuals struggling from addiction typically participate in individual and group therapy sessions, which can help them better understand addiction and how to overcome it. Many amphetamine addicts will also be treated for underlying mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, which can either contribute to or be caused by their addictions. Addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining long term abstinence from amphetamines. Family counseling can also be helpful for some amphetamine addicts and their loved ones.

4. Addiction education sessions

During the course of amphetamine addiction rehabilitation, individuals typically attend numerous addiction education sessions. These sessions help addicts better understand that, while environmental factors do contribute to substance abuse, addictions are also influenced by biological and genetic factors. This gives many people the hope, determination, and skills needed to beat an addiction.

5. Support and social services

Since it’s nearly impossible to beat an amphetamine addiction without help, a strong network of support is imperative during rehab for amphetamine addiction. This can include social support, such as group therapy sessions, as well as typical social worker case management in areas of financial, medical, and vocational support. Addicts may qualify for financial support to help cover the cost of their treatment. Some rehabilitation programs may even offer education and vocational programs on site to help recovering addicts become self-supportive once they finish their treatment.

Medication During Amphetamine Treatment

Q: Can medications be used during amphetamine addiction treatment?
A: There are no officially approved medications used to treat amphetamine addictions.

However, over-the-counter or prescription medications may sometimes be used to ease some of the amphetamine withdrawal symptoms that many people experience. Furthermore, when you undergo a medically supervised detox, doctors may administer the following meds to ease the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms:

• Analgesics, for the relief of headaches and other minor pains.
• Antidepressants for significant clinical depression.
• Benadryl is prescribed to help you with agitation during detox.
• Trazodone is sometimes prescribed as a sleep aid. This medication can help with cases of severe insomnia.

___

Decide NOT to stay where you are.
Reach out for help for your addiction.
We can help you reach sobriety.
Call 1-877-217-8574.

___

Rehab for amphetamine Questions

As you can see, rehab for amphetamine addiction consists of a wide range of services and treatment options that can be tailored to your individual needs. What’s next?

Take a step towards recovery and reach out for help.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an amphetamine addiction, there’s no time like the present to seek help. If you have any additional questions about amphetamine rehab or would just like to share your experience, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We love to hear from our readers, and we look forward to helping you move forward.

Reference Sources: DEA: Drug Fact Sheets

NIDA: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)

NIDA: DrugFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction

NIDA: Prescription Stimulant Medications

State of New Jersey: Division of Addiction Services

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Ambien Abuse

Ambien can be abused

Ambien – zolpidem – is a medication with important medicinal value as a sleep-inducing drug. However, people will often abuse Ambien to achieve an euphoric high and/or to alter perception and sensations. Some people may abuse Ambien to fuel existing dependence. And still others take Ambien to the point of causing themselves harm.

So, what are the signs of “Ambien Abuse”? What are some of the risks of using Ambien over time? And how can you reverse the pattern?

In this article, we cover the common signs and symptoms of Ambien use problems. We’ll also go over the adverse effects that result from such use. Then, we offer help options and treatment resources that can assist you on your journey to recovery. Finally, we invite your questions or feedback at the end.

—–

Ready to start living Ambien-free TODAY?
Call 1-877-471-1850.
We understand problems with sleeping pills!
We can help!

—–

What is “Ambien Abuse”?

Q: How is Ambien abused?
A: Ambien abuse often entails using the drug outside of prescription parameters.

Basically, drug abuse = taking a drug:

1. More frequently than prescribed.
2. In higher doses than prescribed.
3. In ways other than prescribed.

So, if you are:

• combining Ambien with other drugs or alcohol to alter or enhance its effects
• obtaining Ambien through illegal channels  the internet, doctor shopping, off the street, or by taking someone else’s prescription)
• taking a higher dose than prescribed
• taking Ambien more frequently than prescribed
• taking it recreationally
• taking it without a medical reason

…by definition, you are abusing Ambien.

Why do people abuse Ambien?

Ambien is a drug that directly changes the way the brain works. It alters the frontal cortex, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus and ventral pallidum. These parts of the brain control concentration, memory, and impulses. While most therapeutic use of Ambien is recommended for periods of a few weeks or less, prolonged use of Ambien stimulates the reward center of the brain, and can result in Ambien dependence and abuse.

Still, some people can remain on therapeutic doses of Ambien without abusing the medication, while other seem to be more prone to misuse. Why is this? Well, there is a delicate interplay of individual factors that contribute to whether a person starts abusing their sleep medication, or not.

The most commonly cited factors for Ambien abuse include:

#1 GENETICS – Individuals who have a family history of substance abuse disorders (SUD), especially within the closest family circle (parents or closest relatives) face a 50% higher risk of abusing drugs such as Ambien, or other illicit and prescription drugs or alcohol.

#2 TRAUMA – Experiencing a traumatic event at a young age, including psychological trauma, abuse, loss of a loved one, high stress living environment, and/or dysfunctional family dynamics can increase a persons chances of abusing psychoactive substances.

#3 MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES – Suffering from psychological diseases, especially mood disorders such as chronic anxiety and depression can be a contributing factor in developing a substance abuse problem.

#4 INDIVIDUAL BIOLOGICAL MAKEUP – Some people experience stronger reward sensations from Ambien. If you are one of those people whose brain is super sensitive to the way the drug makes you feel, you have a higher likelihood to continue taking the drug in an abusive manner.

#5 GENDER – This may sound strange, but statistics show that more than two thirds (up to 68%) of Ambien-related ER patients are women. Women do not metabolize Ambien (zolpidem) with the same efficiency as men. This results in plasma concentrations that are up to 50% higher than an equivalent dose/lbs for men.

—–

Need help quitting?
Connect with us for inspiration and hope.
Call 1-877-471-1850.
We understand Ambien.
We Can Help.
——

Ambien abuse signs

Knowing when a loved one is abusing Ambien can be difficult. But if you monitor them closely, you will likely be able to spot some of the signs of Ambien abuse. Likewise, you may be able to identify some of the following signs for yourself.

Either way, drug problems are treatable. Gone are the days when drug issues were seen as moral defects. Instead, experts treat drug dependence and abuse as medical conditions. So, if you notice any of the following signs of abuse, keep reading. We’ll talk about how Ambien problems are treated a little lower in the text.

NOTE HERE: Ambien works by dampening signals in the brain. As a result, many of the side effects of abuse are related to this slowing down of central nervous system activity. Noticeable issues of an Ambien problem may include some or all of the following.

Behavioral signs of abuse:

• declining academic or work performance
• engaging in activities during sleep (driving, eating, or having sex)
• getting Ambien from more than one doctor (doctor shopping)
• inability to control, reduce or stop Ambien use
• panicking when Ambien supplies dry up
• running out of pills before the prescription refill date
• taking Ambien during the day
• using Ambien for recreational purposes

Physical signs of abuse:

• changes in appetite
• difficulty waking up in the morning
• displaying withdrawal symptoms when Ambien is not available
• episodes of nausea, often followed by vomiting
• GI tract problems
• redness of the eyes
• struggling to maintain balance

Psychological signs of abuse:

• aggressiveness
• anxiety
• confusion
• depression
• mood changes
• restlessness
• suffering from strange delusions or hallucinations
• suicidal thoughts and/or attempts

Adverse side effects of Ambien abuse

Ambien abuse is a serious health problem. In addition to increasing the potential for serious physical and mental health side effects, abusing Ambien can also heighten depression in patients with pre-existing history of mental health problems. Ambien abuse can significantly increase suicidal tendencies.

Ambien overdose is also a very real risk for those who abuse the medication. Symptoms of overdose include:

• Extreme sleepiness.
• Slowed breathing.
• Slowed heartbeat.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Coma.

If you notice these symptoms in someone close to you who’s been taking Ambien, or suspect you might have OD-d on the medication… Call 911 ASAP. Or call the national Poison Control Center Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Hotline experts do their best to provide emergency help in case of Ambien intoxication or overdose and will instruct you on what to do next.

Can Ambien abuse problem be treated?

Yes!

In fact, Ambien abuse is a medical condition that can be managed medically and with success. The sooner you reach out for help – the better your chances at making a full recovery from the effects of the drug.

Q: So, how is Ambien abuse treated?
A: In 3 main stages!

STAGE 1: Medical assessment. This is the first necessary step of treating Ambien abuse. The process of assessment allows your doctor to evaluate your relationship with Ambien, assess your general health, the severity of the drug abuse problem, and outline the next therapeutic steps fit for your needs.

STAGE 2: Detoxification. The detox process from Ambien generally consists of two main stages:

2.1. Tapering – This is a process of cutting back Ambien by decreasing in smaller, gradual dosages to avoid any severe withdrawal symptoms. The exact rate of how much and how often you will decrease is highly individual. Your tapering schedule will be created with the help of your doctor and based on your daily dose and physical response.

2.2. Medical detox – This is the process of eliminating all traces of Ambien from your body under the watchful eye of detox clinic staff. Doctors and nurses will offer 24-hour supervision and support, and will help manage the onset of withdrawal symptoms after you come off the drug.

STAGE 3: Therapy. Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy can be done one-on-one, in a group, or involve the whole family. The main goals of therapy are to uncover and address your underlying reasons for Ambien abuse, teach you effective techniques for maintaining sobriety, and help you develop skills that help you build a life that doesn’t involve Ambien abuse, or any other drug or alcohol abuse, for that matter.

Professionals that can help

Where can you get help for Ambien abuse? The following list of professional mental health services can get you started toward healthier use of Ambien. You can find help for Ambien from:

1. Ambien abuse helpline– When you need Free, confidential and anonymous help, CALL 1-877-471-1850 to assess and evaluate your or a loved one’s problem. Hotline staffers have been trained to understand drug abuse as a medical condition and will offer strategies and information about treatment services that can best help you. They will not judge or shame you.
2. A pharmacist– Pharmacists can help you by suggesting a tapering schedule when you want to get off of Ambien. Additionally, a pharmacist at your local pharmacy can suggest a number of over-the-counter medications and remedies to help alleviate some of the flu-like Ambien withdrawal symptoms.
3. Prescribing physician– Your supervising doctor can determine if you need Ambien for medical purposes. S/he can also help you in case of adverse effects or abuse of Ambien, and can refer your case to a reputable drug addiction treatment center.
4. Drug Treatment Centers– Ambien addiction treatment facilities are equipped with recovery professionals and programs, and readily accept patients who are addicted to prescription medicines, including Ambien.
5. Psychiatrists– These doctors specialize in mental health, and can help patients diagnosed with Ambien abuse or addiction determine the causes of their behavior and administer necessary treatment(s) for better coping.
6. Specialists in addiction– These types of doctors are Certified Addiction Specialists (CAS) and can help people with chronic or recurrent Ambien addiction.
7. Licensed clinical psychologists– These health professionals can help you recover from Ambien abuse. Psychologists can provide counseling and education to improve your sober life. They can also help you maintain sobriety in the long run.
8. Licensed clinical social worker– These professionals are very efficient in helping people addicted to Ambien by providing assistance outside of a drug treatment facility, especially for children who live in households where drug abuse is present.

Got something to ask?

Do you have any questions about Ambien abuse and its treatment? Perhaps you have your own advice on getting over Ambien abuse that you want to share with others. If you do, just leave your comments and questions in the designated section below. We do our best to provide personal and prompt responses to all legitimate inquiries.

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If Not A.A., Then What?

Most Well-Known Does Not Equal Most Effective

For the past 75 years, the most common method of recovery for someone with an alcohol or drug problem has been Alcoholics Anonymous, “A.A.”, or other 12-step programs. However, the most widely known does not necessarily equal the most effective. If you are looking for addiction recovery options, what are your other choices?

We explore some of the most effective alternatives to A.A. here. Then, we invite your questions in the comments section at the end. In fact, we try to respond to all real-life situations personally.

What the Research Says

Recommendations to attend A.A. exclusively in addiction recovery made sense back in the 1930’s when it originated. Firstly, it was the only thing available, other than being locked up in a mental institution. Additionally, there was very limited understanding on the whole theory of addiction. To put things in perspective, behavioral treatments at the time included shock therapy.

There has been much research since that time. A.A. does not take any of it into account.

Research is showing that A.A. only has a “success” rate at around 5%, which is hardly a proven method. Since there are still so many people not getting the help they need, it has become imperative that the alternatives become more widely known and available. Luckily, we are getting to be at a time when a large portion of the treatment industry now accepts that 12-step programs are only one way of getting recovery, and therefore, are offering choices.

Choices in Addiction Recovery

So, what are some of the best alternatives to A.A. ?

The choices are vast so it is important to understand the specific program to see if it is right for you. The methods range from total abstinence to advocating for harm reduction….from individual, one-on-one help to mutual aid groups….all the way down to whether or not to include spirituality as part of your recovery.

What is important is that the treatment is individualized because what works for one, may not work for another.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse seems to agree, stating: “No single treatment program is right for everybody. Matching the treatment program to each individual’s needs is critical to success.”

Here are some ideas to get you started:

OPTION 1: SMART Recovery®, a.k.a. Self-Management And Recovery Training

This program helps people recover from all types of addictive behaviors. They emphasize four main points: Motivation to abstain, coping with urges, problem solving and lifestyle balance, balancing long and short term satisfactions by following a path based on ones highest values, all using cognitive behavioral and motivational enhancement therapy techniques. SMART views addiction as a bad habit. It does NOT view it as a disease, and therefore, there are no labels used, such as “alcoholics” or “addicts”.

OPTION 2: Women For Sobriety (WFS)

This program is based upon a Thirteen Statement Program of positivity that encourages emotional and spiritual growth. WFS believe that drinking or using began to overcome stress, loneliness, frustration, emotional deprivation. They believe that this physiological addiction can only be overcome by abstinence, and those mental and emotional addictions are overcome with the knowledge of self that is gained through this program. Members live by the WFS philosophy: Forget the past, plan for tomorrow, and live today.

OPTION 3: HAMS: Harm Reduction

This program empowers people to choose their own goal—safer drinking, reduced drinking, or quitting. It engages people with realistic goals which they can actually accomplish, and does not label people as “diseased” or “alcoholic”. HAMS views excessive drinking as a maladaptive coping strategy.

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies intended to reduce the negative consequences of high risk behaviors such as overdrinking or drug use. Harm reduction is a nonjudgmental approach that attempts to meet people “where they are at” with their drinking or drug use. Instead of demanding perfect abstinence, this pragmatic approach is supportive of anyone who wishes to minimize the harm associated with a high risk behavior such as drinking or drug use.

OPTION 4: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is used to treat several mental illnesses in addition to substance abuse and addiction. DBT helps recovering addicts learn several skills—mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation—that are effective at helping addicted people stop using drugs and alcohol.

OPTION 5: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT teaches recovering addicts to find connections between their thoughts, feelings and actions and increase awareness of how these things impact recovery. Alongside addiction, CBT also treats co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and post- traumatic stress disorder. It provides skills to change undesirable behavior.

OPTION 6: Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be described as “a non-judgmental way of paying attention to emotions in the present moment.” This means mindfulness seeks to allow us to focus our attention on the present moment. When your mind wonders to the future or past, or when powerful emotions such as cravings arise, mindfulness refocuses our mind to the present moment. Guiding patients’ attention back to the present moment increases their awareness of their habitual habits and cravings so “uncoupling” of cravings and addictive behaviors may take place.

OPTION 7: Acupuncture

This is an Eastern medicine technique that has been utilized for centuries. It not only releases endorphins, but also encourages the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. It aids in patient detoxification by supporting the main organs of elimination in the body, speeding the body’s ability to rid itself of toxins. Treatment can improve mental clarity and ability to focus. It has also been shown to provide some people with a sense of calmness and serenity. Proponents of acupuncture in addiction recovery claim that it helps such things as reducing cravings, easing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and pain, while helping to regulate sleep.

OPTION 8: Naltrexone

Naltrexone is used to prevent substance abuse in people who have been addicted to alcohol or opioid pain medications. The medicine is not a cure for addiction. It is used as part of an overall program that may include counseling, attending support group meetings, and other treatment recommended by your doctor. It has been shown to curb cravings in some people.

OPTION 9: Affirmations

The most important addiction-treatment tool for your personal addiction recovery is YOU; your thinking, feelings and behaviors. Affirmations are simply statements of positive truth. When we “do” affirmations, we take charge of that loud, critical inner dialogue, which most addicts have to deal with every day.

Most of us have been talking negatively to ourselves all of the time for many, many years, and this must be changed! This is because much of our behavior or action is determined non-consciously to support our personal values or ingrained beliefs, and we will go to all kinds of lengths to support those beliefs, including self-destructive behavior. We can, however, by effort and practice, change these thoughts.

Once you are able to change your thinking, from negative to positive, such as from, “I am not good enough,” to “I am successful in all that I do,” your whole experience of life will change too. Need a place to get started? Here’s an interview that Addiction Blog did with Urban FLRT (Freely Living Real & True) on affirmations for addiction recovery that can help.

Options Other Than A.A.

Still have questions?

Please leave us a comment in the section below. We love hearing from our readers. And we’ll do our best to respond to you personally!

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The Morphine Withdrawal Timeline Chart

Duration of Morphine Withdrawal

Morphine is a strong opiate pain killer used for relieving chronic, excruciating pain. However, daily use of morphine may lead you to developing a dependence on – or even worse – an addiction to morphine. When you become morphine-dependent, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking morphine.

How long do these withdrawal symptoms from morphine last?
What can you expect?
How are they treated?

Find the answers in our infographic. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section at the end.

Morphine Withdrawal Timeline

Morphine withdrawal symptoms occur right after your last dose has worm off, and they can last from several day to few weeks. Generally, morphine withdrawal is like a bad flu. The worst symptoms appear 2 -4 days after quitting the drug. After the first week, the symptoms gradually become less and less intense.

Below is a detailed timeline of morphine withdrawal symptoms to easily assist you in predicting a general timeline of symptoms during this difficult period:

0-48 hours after the last morphine dose:

• Abdominal cramps
• Anxiety
• Chills
• Cravings
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle & body aches
• Nausea
• Nausea
• Panic attacks
• Restlessness
• Sweating

3-5 days after the last morphine dose:

• Anxiety
• Cravings
• Depression
• Heart palpitations
• Mild nausea
• Sleep disorders

5-7 days after the last morphine dose:

• Anxiety
• Cravings Stabilization
• Depression
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Sleep disorders

Week 2 Morphine Withdrawal Symptoms:

• Feeling better
• Sleep disorders

How Long To Withdraw From Morphine?

The length of morphine withdrawal varies from individual to individual. Furthermore, symptoms that manifest vary from person-to-person. Sometimes all symptoms may appear, sometimes not. So, keep in mind that there’s no fixed timeframe period for morphine withdrawal. Nor does withdrawal affect all people the same way.

Some morphine users may undergo post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) that can last for several months after initial withdrawal. Morphine PAWS include:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression
• Fatigue

The Safest Way to Withdraw from Morphine

So, how to withdrawal from morphine safely? The most secure way to treat morphine withdrawal is under medical supervision, where you can get the best support. Doctors will assess and supervise medications that can address withdrawal symptoms as they occur. Furthermore, you’ll get the psychological and emotional support that you need.

Don’t lose hope!

There’s always a way forward through drug dependence.

Morphine Withdraw Timeline Questions

Are you or a loved one suffering from the debilitating effects of morphine?

Don’t wait! Call 1-877-736-5384 to find help for yourself or someone you love today.

Still got questions? Please leave them in the comments section below. We will try to respond promptly and personally.

Reference Sources: Medline Plus: Morphine Sulfate Injection
NCBI: History of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Medline Plus: Opiate Withdrawal
NIH: Opioid Dependence Treatment Guidelines
NIH: Drugs for Opioid Detox
WHO: Treatment for Opioid Dependence

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Fentanyl Continues to Flood the Illegal Drug Trade

Record Seizures of Fentanyl Not Turning the Tide

U.S. law enforcement agencies are making record seizures of clandestinely produced fentanyl, a synthetic opioid drug people are using to get high. Drug dealers are obtaining this dangerous drug through direct mail from China or by smuggling it into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada.

However, fentanyl is rapidly raising the number of drug overdose deaths in our country due to desperate opiate addicts looking for their next fix. Fentanyl is so prevalent that dealers are adding the substance not only to heroin and cocaine, but also to marijuana.

So, what does the flood of fentanyl on the market look like – on the ground? And how can we start to address the demand? Thoughts on creating a drug-free America here. Then, we invite your questions or feedback in the comments section at the end.

Accidental Drug Overdose is the Most Deadly Behavior in the U.S.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the number of fatalities from drug overdose has now exceeded the number of deaths due to car crashes and gun violence. Accidental drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. Prescription painkillers may have paved the way for this statistic (here’s how you can recongize an RX drug addict), but the true culprit driving up the death rate is clandestinely produced fentanyl.

Fentanyl has reached virtually every corner of the illegal drug market in the U.S. Established drug dealers who had never heard of the substance two years ago are distributing it on the streets because it is so easy to obtain and it is significantly cheaper than heroin. A kilogram of heroin can be purchased in the U.S. for $60,000 to $80,000 and a kilogram of clandestinely produced fentanyl can be purchased for as little as $3,000. The fentanyl is up to 50 times more potent than heroin so it goes a lot further and is more economical for drug dealers.

Fentanyl is up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Should you try fentanyl? No one should try or take fentanyl. If you are thinking about taking fentanyl, we deeply encourage you to think again.

Where is Drug Overdose Most Evident?

Ohio has seen one of the largest increases in drug overdose deaths per capita in 2016. The majority of recent opiate related deaths are not due to prescription opioids or heroin, but to fentanyl. On May 20, 2017, the DEA seized six kilograms of heroin in South Toledo, Ohio which was the largest seizure of heroin on record in Ohio. The DEA believes this heroin was likely to be “cut” with fentanyl.

Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco, Coroner of Hamilton County, Ohio recently confirmed that fentanyl has been found not only in heroin, but also in cocaine and even marijuana. People are dying from fentanyl at such an alarming rate that the morgue in Stark County has no more space for the deceased. On March 17, 2017, the county began to utilize cold storage trailers to make room for the increasing number of overdose victims.

Fentanyl Seizures are Record Breaking

To address the crisis, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and other law enforcement agencies are making record seizures of both fentanyl and heroin throughout the country. In fact, the number of seizures by law enforcement of fentanyl has doubled from 2015 to 2016.

On June 20, 2017, a DEA San Diego investigation resulted in the seizure of nearly 100 pounds of fentanyl, one of the largest seizures to date. The U.S. Attorney’s office estimates this seizure alone represents up to 14 million lethal doses.

The DEA predicts that this trend is likely to continue due to the demand.

DEA Warning to Law Enforcement and other First Responders

The DEA also warns first responders to wear proper personal protective equipment when handling suspected fentanyl. The substance should not be field tested on the street and should immediately be turned over to a laboratory for analysis.

Why?

There have been reports of injury of first responders who accidentally inhaled a small amount of the substance while sealing it into an evidence envelope. Fatal doses of fentanyl can be as small as 3 milligrams or less which is equivalent to a couple grains of sand.

We Have to Address the Demand for Fentanyl

Unfortunately, the illegal sale and importation of clandestinely produced fentanyl will continue to cause havoc in our country until the demand for the substance is reduced. In fact, the future of the U.S. opiate crisis as a whole depends upon reducing demand. Further, this can be accomplished through a number of other initiatives. For example, law enforcement efforts can continue to address supply.

However, we must address the demand via two main activities.

1. The expansion of available treatment facilities for people suffering from opiate addiction. We have to treat those who suffer from opiate addiction and make treatment more accessible.
2. Educating our younger generation about the dangers of substance abuse will hopefully reduce the demand in the future. All schools, public and private, should have mandatory drug abuse demand reduction training as part of a standard grammar school curriculum. We have to encourage young minds that being drug-free is the key to a happy and long productive life.

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About the Author: Practitioners who desire to have their practice audited for DEA compliance relative to prescribing controlled substances, or if you would like to receive training on the diversion of pharmaceutically controlled substances from retired DEA Special Agent Drug Diversion Expert Warren Rivera, please visit www.trainingidea.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-rivera-aa4a3221

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Reference Sources: Business Insider: A potent opiate behind surging drug overdose deaths is now being found in marijuana  
Washington Post: Drugs are killing so many people in Ohio that cold-storage trailers are being used as morgues
NBC News: ‘Mass-Casualty Event’: Ohio County Now Tops U.S. in Overdose Deaths
CBS: News: Drug overdoses now kill more Americans than guns
Vice: America’s new deadliest drug is fentanyl
WTVR: Fentanyl seized by law enforcement doubled in 2016, DEA says
Free Beacon: In Huge Drug Bust, DEA Seizes Nearly 100 Pounds of Fentanyl, Arrests Three

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