DBT Decoded: Build Mastery

The myth about DBT is that it’s complicated. The reality is that the word “dialectical” sounds complicated, but it really just means that there are oppositional forces at play. In the realm of psychology, it basically means that we have opposite sides of the brain delivering thoughts – one side delivers emotional thoughts and the other side sends us reasonable thoughts. The trick is to honor both sides and find balance, as opposed to feeling conflicted between the two, or consistently leaning to the side that comes easier to our habitual way of thinking.

Building mastery is about the empowerment that comes from achievement, and that in order to achieve something that we deem worthwhile, we need to set a goal and work toward mastering the skills needed to achieve it. The goal could be lofty, and even unattainable, but the act of improving our skills and getting closer to achieving a goal is, in itself, an empowering achievement. For example, think about mastering the guitar. If you play regularly, learn new techniques, and improve your chops, you’re mastering the instrument. If your goal is to become the world’s greatest guitar player, it may be unachievable only because it’s subjective – and even if others consider you to be best, you still may not. The point is that it’s not as much about achieving an ultimate goal as it is about achieving smaller, achievable goals – such as practicing five hours per week or learning a new song.

Building mastery is about committing to something and seeing it through. For the individual in recovery, it may mean reigniting a passion to do something that was abandoned when substance abuse took over. Getting back to a creative endeavor, such as painting, cooking, or writing can be therapeutic and fuel self-esteem. It also could be about trying something new. If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, try yoga, or go hiking, just finding the courage to begin something new is a form of mastery. If you’ve contemplated doing it and never did, then the act of doing it once, for any length of time is an accomplishment.

What does mastery have to do with dialectical thinking? Consider which part of your brain is interested in trying something new or getting back to something you’ve abandoned earlier. If your passion to do something that excites you is interfered with by thoughts of how hard it will be, or the fact that you quit before and you’ll just quit again, then your reasonable mind may be dominating over your emotional mind. Conversely, if you know for certain that committing to a healthy activity is the right thing to do, but you’re concerned about the sadness you’ll experience if you fail, then your emotional mind is putting the kibosh on it!

What we must keep in mind is the fact that achievement breeds confidence, and confidence fuels achievement. Once we’ve experienced losing control of our lives due to substance abuse, the road to recovery is filled with self-doubt. The antidote to self-doubt is accomplishment, and mastering even small challenges creates positive momentum. Trying something new or retrying something at which we’ve failed takes courage. Find the courage, do it, and work toward your goal. You will not regret it!

The compassionate and highly trained, Futures Recovery Healthcare team strives to provide education, support, and behavioral therapies in conjunction with medications at the proper times in order to promote a successful recovery from a substance abuse disorder. Call today to learn about our specialized and effective treatment programs.

DBT Decoded: Validation

“You really get me” is the type of phrase you might hear from your best friend. In fact, it’s indicative of the nature of best friends. You understand each other, confide in one another, and communicate in a way that puts you both at ease. You have history together, and that history helps you accurately interpret each other’s thoughts and feelings. Whether you recognize it or not, most of your favorable relationships are enhanced by acts of validation. Within the teaching of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), conscious validation is often called upon to help clients improve interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness skills. Consistent with the power of dialectical thinking – how seemingly oppositional concepts actually work hand in hand – outward-facing validation of others is often balanced by the inward validation of one’s own thoughts, feelings, and motivations (self-validation).

Dr. Marsha Linehan, the creator of DBT, describes six levels of validation, with each “level” offering a different tactic for validating someone. With regard to interpersonal effectiveness, validation is useful whether we seek to better a relationship with a loved one, a friend, a coworker, or even someone we’ve just met. Validation is so powerful that it can be used to diffuse a hostile or escalating situation – since validating someone’s point of view helps to reduce frustration and stress. Let’s decode the six levels with regard to validating others.

1. Mindful engagement – Active listening is a good example of this first level of validation. Being present and showing interest nonverbally and/or verbally, such as communicating your understanding by way of nodding, making eye contact and asking appropriate questions. (“I hear you! What’d you do after she told you that?”)
2. Accurate reflection – Demonstrate to the person you’re listening to that their message is being received accurately. If you choose to disagree, at least the individual knows that you are listening with intention, and that helps. (“I just heard you say that your boss really likes you, but you don’t think you’re doing a good job. Are you being unjustly hard on yourself?”)
3. Reading cues – This involves some guesswork, and when you do this it’s best that you verbalize what you’re hearing, so that you can be corrected if you’ve misunderstood. You may think someone is upset with you, when they’re simply not feeling well, or vice versa. But the fact that you inquire and help someone communicate, when they may be having trouble doing so, enhances the relationship. (“You look unhappy. Is something bothering you?”)
4. Historical perspective – Drawing on your knowledge of someone’s prior experiences, you can lend perspective that helps the individual connect the dots about how they’re feeling or how they’re processing new information. (“Maybe you don’t trust your new girlfriend because your previous girlfriend cheated on you?”)
5. Assuring reasonableness – Letting someone know that their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are normal and quite reasonable. This provides reassurance, comfort, and healthy perspective. (“I see your frustration. Most people would be annoyed at spending 30 minutes on hold with the cable company.”)
6. Respectful honesty – Providing feedback that lets a person know that you respect them enough to “keep it real.” This level of validation is best delivered with an accompaniment of radical acceptance, along with a nonjudgmental stance – taking into account that everyone has their strengths and limitations. Validating someone with honesty and respect means treating them as you’d want someone to treat you in a confidential relationship. (“I understand why you said that, but I think you could have had a better result if you used a softer tone?”)

Regardless of which techniques you use to validate someone, the results are bound to be beneficial. By the way, thank you for reading this. We realize that you’re busy and we’re grateful for your attention. Feels good, right?

The compassionate and highly trained, Futures Recovery Healthcare team strives to provide education, support, and behavioral therapies in conjunction with medications at the proper times in order to promote a successful recovery from a substance abuse disorder. Call today to learn about our specialized and effective treatment programs.

4 Goals of Bulimia Treatment

Bulimia nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder that often develops in secret. Characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise, bulimia can take a profound toll on a person’s physical and emotional well-being.

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, we believe that healing begins with understanding the condition and setting clear, evidence-based treatment goals. In this article, we’ll outline the four goals of bulimia treatment, explain available therapies, and highlight the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health conditions.

Recognizing the Signs of Bulimia Nervosa

Because many individuals with bulimia maintain a “normal” body weight, it can be difficult to detect. Still, there are behavioral and physical signs that can point to the disorder. Common symptoms include:

• Preoccupation with weight, shape, or appearance
• Frequent episodes of binge eating followed by purging
• Use of laxatives, diuretics, or dietary supplements for weight loss
• Shame, secrecy, or isolation around food
• Physical issues like sore throat, abdominal pain, acid reflux, and fatigue

Early intervention is essential. Left untreated, bulimia can lead to severe medical complications such as electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal damage, and an increased risk of heart issues.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Bulimia rarely exists in isolation. Studies show that individuals with bulimia nervosa frequently experience additional mental health challenges, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use disorders

These co-occurring conditions often contribute to the development or persistence of the eating disorder. That’s why a successful treatment plan for bulimia must address both the eating disorder and the underlying or co-occurring mental health issues.

Treatment Options for Bulimia Nervosa

Treatment for bulimia typically includes a multidisciplinary approach involving medical, nutritional, and psychological care. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may take place in an outpatient, residential, or inpatient setting.

Key Treatment Components:

• Medical supervision for stabilization and management of physical symptoms
• Nutritional counseling to help patients restore balanced eating habits
• Psychotherapy including CBT, DBT, and IPT
• Medication such as fluoxetine (Prozac), the only FDA-approved SSRI for bulimia
• Family therapy, particularly effective in adolescent patients
• Aftercare planning for long-term recovery and relapse prevention

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, our team includes psychiatrists, therapists, dietitians, and case managers who work collaboratively to develop a personalized plan of care for each patient.

The 4 Primary Goals of Bulimia Treatment

While each individual’s journey is unique, there are four key goals that guide the treatment of bulimia nervosa:

1. Identifying and challenging distorted thoughts around food

Many individuals with bulimia hold extreme and inaccurate beliefs about food, labeling entire food groups as bad or engaging in rituals to minimize calorie absorption. One of the top goals of bulimia treatment is to identify these thought distortions and replace them with rational, balanced perspectives. Cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly effective in helping patients restructure these beliefs.

2. Improving body image and self-perception

People with bulimia often perceive themselves as overweight despite being at a healthy weight or even underweight. Treatment focuses on correcting this distorted body image and teaching patients to define self-worth beyond appearance. Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy can help address perfectionism and low self-esteem associated with negative body image.

3. Establishing healthy eating patterns

A critical aspect of recovery involves reestablishing regular, nourishing eating habits. With the support of a registered dietitian, patients learn how to:

• Plan and prepare balanced meals
• Understand nutritional needs
• Eat mindfully and without guilt
• Develop sustainable, non-restrictive food behaviors

Nutritional rehabilitation is a cornerstone of lasting recovery.

4. Managing compulsive behaviors and triggers

Bulimic behaviors are often triggered by emotional distress, interpersonal conflicts, or unresolved trauma. Through therapy, patients identify their triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms. DBT, mindfulness-based therapies, and trauma-informed care help patients regulate emotions and tolerate distress without reverting to disordered behaviors.

Personalized Care for Bulimia and Co-Occurring Disorders

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, we recognize that the causes of bulimia are complex. Genetic predisposition, trauma, family dynamics, and sociocultural pressures can all play a role. Our comprehensive eating disorder treatment programs are designed to:

• Address underlying emotional and psychological issues
• Offer dual-diagnosis care for co-occurring mental health conditions
• Empower patients through group and individual therapy
• Incorporate holistic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy
• Provide long-term support through alumni and family programming

When Is Hospitalization Necessary?

Most individuals with bulimia can be treated successfully on an outpatient basis. However, hospitalization or residential care may be required when:

• The patient has life-threatening complications such as severe electrolyte imbalances
• There’s a risk of self-harm or suicide
• Outpatient care has been unsuccessful
• Co-occurring disorders require intensive management

Futures offers access to higher levels of care when necessary, ensuring patients receive the right level of support at every stage of recovery.

Begin the Journey to Recovery

The path to healing from bulimia starts with understanding the disorder and seeking the right kind of help. At Futures Recovery Healthcare, we provide compassionate, expert-led care in a private, secure environment. Whether you’re struggling with bulimia, co-occurring anxiety or depression, or past trauma, we’re here to guide you toward lasting recovery.

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Exercise and Addiction Recovery: 7 Benefits

The benefits of exercise on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health have been lauded for what seems like decades now. Whether reading peer-reviewed journals or scrolling through pictures on Facebook depicting the new CrossFit obsession, one thing becomes apparent, exercise has its benefits.

But what is the connection between exercise and addiction and recovery? After all, what does going on a brisk walk, lifting weights, or playing a pick-up game of basketball have anything to do with getting and staying clean and sober? More than you might think.

As the body is adjusting and recalibrating itself to a life without alcohol or drugs, it is undergoing numerous changes. These changes, while positive in the long term, may seem hellish and unbearable in the interim.

Increased feelings of stress, reduced energy, poor sleep, and depressed or anxious mood may follow individuals into recovery even after the detoxification period has ended. This is where exercise becomes beneficial. Individuals in recovery who engage in regular physical exercise can benefit from a reduction in stress, better sleep, increased energy, improved mood, and more.

7 Benefits of Exercise in Addiction Recovery

1. Stress Reduction: When individuals cross the line into alcohol or drug dependence, often the hoped-for release of stress once achieved by having a glass of wine or beer after work is but a distant memory. Ever increasing amounts of alcohol or drugs are consumed in a chase to alleviate stress. However, the relief from stress becomes more allusive and eventually disappears entirely. Often, the alcohol or drug use becomes a direct cause of stress. So what happens when an individual makes the decision to receive drug or alcohol treatment, does the aforementioned stress disappear, too? If only it were that simple. Fortunately, stress reduction can be achieved through almost any physical activity that raises the heart rate. Stress is something that recovering individuals will have to learn to navigate successfully if they hope to stay clean and sober. Regular exercise has been proven to alleviate stress both in the short and long terms. During exercise, chemicals are released in the brain serving to combat stress. Therefore, developing a healthy routine that can be utilized when stress related to life, work, or family shows up will go a long way to helping recovering individuals return to a place of balance.

2. Better Sleep: Issues related to problematic sleep are common, especially in early recovery. Regardless of the drug of choice, whether it be a stimulant such as cocaine or a depressant such as alcohol, the cessation of such substances (and numerous others) can greatly affect sleep. Difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or wanting to sleep in the middle of the day may result, leaving recovering individuals feeling sluggish and tired. While over the counter, non-habit forming products may be of assistance, an even more natural remedy can be utilized. Regular exercise serves to improve sleep both in the amount of hours slept and quality of sleep, and can serve to counter the impulse to nap in the middle of the day. Consequently, as sleep improves, so does wakefulness. Individuals reporting sound sleep also report feeling more alert and able to tackle the demands of life. One way exercise serves to improve sleep is by altering the body’s temperature. Body temperature is highest during and following periods of exercise, and lowest during times of sleep. Hours after exercise, the body begins to cool at a faster than normal rate. Consequently, this accelerated cooling process allows a state of sleep to be reached more easily.Researchers warn that noticeable improvements in sleep, as it relates to exercise, may take weeks or occasionally months to become pronounced. Therefore, do not become discouraged. Remember, the body is adjusting to life without alcohol or drugs in every way imaginable and sleep patterns are not immune.

3. Increased Energy: There is a saying in many recovery circles that says, “You have to give it away to keep it.”. Expending energy in the form of exercise is no different. Therefore, to get energy, one must give it. During exercise, blood is pushed more aggressively through the heart, and oxygen levels within the body increase. With regular exercise, the boost in oxygen levels serves to improve overall energy. Furthermore, as the body becomes more cardiovascular and physically fit, activities of daily living become easier to perform. Tasks are completed more efficiently and with less energy. These are precisely the reasons many individuals choose to exercise early in the morning – the energy expended early in the morning returns as fuel for the remainder of the day. Individuals in early recovery may have forgotten how demanding life can be without the use of alcohol or drugs. Therefore, incorporating an exercise routine early in the recovery process can go a long way to helping newly clean and sober individuals as they begin to re-manage the demands of daily life.

4. Improved Mood: Mood changes can occur frequently during the detoxification process from alcohol or drugs. Even following detoxification, mood changes can fluctuate, especially in early recovery. One minute, the recovering individual feels on top of the world and the next minute, that same individual may feel disheartened and lost. Again, the body is adjusting to life without alcohol or drugs and these changes in feelings are normal. How can exercise serve to improve the mood of someone in recovery? Endorphins are one of the chemicals released by the body during exercise. Research shows that endorphins produce positive feelings such as happiness and euphoria. Happiness and euphoria were those same hoped for feelings that initiated and perpetuated continued drug or alcohol use. Like with stress reduction, research shows that regular exercise can improve mood both in the short and long terms. Exercise need not be long to achieve an improvement in mood. According to the Mayo Clinic, 30 minutes of exercise, per day is enough to see changes. A benefit of receiving professional alcohol or drug treatment is the ability to be guided down the sometimes uncertain and seemingly scary path of dealing with stress, fluctuating sleep patterns, decreases in energy, and changing moods by qualified medical professionals.Some medical professionals are eager to diagnose newly recovering individuals with depression or bipolar disorder. In their defense, prolonged drug or alcohol use can mimic behavior and symptoms similar to many diagnosable mental health conditions. However, fluctuations in affect and mood are normal early in recovery. As such, it is important to utilize professionals with addiction specific experience who realize a pronounced period of substance abstinence is needed before determining if any of these conditions are even remotely applicable. Furthermore, choosing a treatment center that promotes exercise as a healthy coping skill will serve as a building block for continued recovery, long after treatment ends.

5. Protects Against Disease: According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, exercise helps protect against many ailments, including: 
   • Heart disease
   • Stroke
   • Diabetes
   • Osteoporosis
   • Some cancers
   • Depression

6. Protects the Brain From Drugs: Long-term alcohol abuse gradually damages the white matter in the brain – the tracts of connections that link brain cells to one another. One study performed by the University of Colorado Boulder found that regular aerobic exercise, like running or cycling, helps protect the brain against this damage. Another study, from the University of Maine, found that mice were less likely to experience seizures while going through alcohol withdrawal if they chose to exercise regularly. Alcohol isn’t the only drug that exercise protects against. A study published in Synapse shows that exercise can partially protect rats against the neurotoxic effects of repeated methamphetamine binging. Methamphetamine use in high doses normally causes the brain’s nerve cells to lose dopamine transporters, which are involved in the brain’s ability to process motivation, attention, and reward. When the rats in the study had access to a running wheel, this damage was greatly reduced. This may be because exercise causes the body to create a compound called BDNF, which causes the growth of nerve cells and their connections.

7. Reduces Drug-Seeking Behavior: Exercise can also help reduce the drive to smoke and often reduces drug-seeking behavior. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise can help people quit smoking. When combined with nicotine replacement, exercise is more effective at helping smokers avoid weight gain than nicotine replacement alone. Since nicotine is an appetite suppressant, many people who try to quit smoking find that they gain weight when they stop, which drives them to resume smoking again. One study from Brown University published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that women who engaged in vigorous exercise three times a week for 12 weeks were twice as likely to succeed in quitting smoking as women who did not. Another study published in Psychopharmacology found that smokers who exercised intensely for 10 minutes felt their cravings to smoke diminished for a short time. Exercise can also help reduce cravings to smoke marijuana as well. The NIDA reports that teens who get regular exercise are not just less likely to smoke cigarettes, but are also less likely to abuse marijuana than their less-active peers. This is supported by a PLoS One study that found that exercise reduced marijuana usage and cravings in cannabis-dependent adults. Several studies have examined the effects of exercise on rats’ willingness to self-administer drugs.

Exercise can be a very effective tool during the recovery process and for life. Whether it’s yoga, team sports, running or aerobics, keep moving to increase the chances of continued recovery and a healthy life.

The compassionate and highly trained, Futures Recovery Healthcare team strives to provide education, support, and behavioral therapies in conjunction with medications at the proper times in order to promote a successful recovery from a substance abuse disorder. Call today to learn about our specialized and effective treatment programs.

New Law in Florida Regulates Addiction Treatment Industry

In the current industry climate, it is challenging to vet addiction treatment providers for clients. With local and national facilities being sold, acquired or shut down weekly, it’s easy to become disoriented or disillusioned when making referrals to various programs. We’ve put together this quick guide with some key updates made in 2017 and 2018.

Florida Legislative & Accreditation Changes

The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) has created a new Code of Ethics, and criteria for selecting an addiction treatment provider. NAATP identifies the need to label addiction treatment as ‘health care’ and outlines certain indices to look for when vetting a service provider.

In addition, a new criminal statute in Florida, Chapter 2017-173, has enacted new legislation that protects people in need of addiction treatment from bad actors within the space and nefarious treatment practices.

Key Elements of Chapter 2017-173

Licensing & Accreditation: Along with higher licensing fees, there are now new requirements necessary for certain licensure renewals. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) now plays a more active role in licensure, and in specifying standards of care, procedures and staff requirements, and can make announced and unannounced inspections of any facility.

Background Screenings: Owners, directors, chief financial Officers, and clinical supervisors are all required to have background screenings done in order to obtain licensing.

Referrals & Patient Brokering: It unlawful to offer to pay, or solicit or receive, benefits for clients, and licensed service providers may not make a referral of a prospective, current, or discharged client to, or accept a referral of such a patient from, a recovery residence unless the recovery residence holds a valid certificate of compliance and is actively managed by a certified recovery residence administrator. In addition, service providers are required to maintain referral records. The new legislation specifically prohibits any health care provider or health care facility from giving or receiving any form of payment in exchange for referrals.

Marketing: Service Providers are not permitted to offer any enticements to bring a client to the facility. Further, service providers are prohibited from making false or misleading statements, or providing false or misleading information about their products, goods, services, or geographical locations in its marketing, advertising materials, or on its website. This includes websites that do not explicitly name the facility for which calls are being routed to or selling calls from call centers without disclosing this information clearly to the prospective client.

What This Means for Consumers

The changes outlined in Chapter 2017-173 were put in place to protect those suffering from addiction, and to provide them with a clear path to treatment, much like any other medical condition.

But like any other medical need, there are certain things to look for when looking for the right provider. When seeking treatment, clients should only consider facilities that:

• Ask for a full medical assessment before entering treatment
• Have a dedicated Medical Director on staff
• Offer a tour prior to committing to care
• Provide information regarding their staff accreditations, location, their assessment, treatment plan, clinical services, financing and billing practices.
• Have licensed staff available 24/7
• Offer a Family program and aftercare planning

At Futures, we are committed to upholding these new regulations, ensuring both the safety and health of our clients, as well as providing transparency and peace of mind for our referring professionals.

To read the bill, please visit click here. If you are looking for treatment for you or someone else, call Futures today for a free consultation.

2017 Overdose Deaths Increased by 10% According to the CDC

Drug overdose deaths increased in 2017, according to the study released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In the US, over 72,000 people died of drug overdoses; 64,000 OD deaths occurred in 2016. Although the report features provisional estimates, it shows an increase in overdose deaths by almost 10 percent. In other words, there is a new OD death every 6 minutes in this country.

Causes of Overdose Deaths 

Among the major causes of overdose deaths is the continued abuse of synthetic opioids among them Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a fast-acting narcotic similar to morphine. It is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, and since users don’t often know that heroin is often laced with Fentanyl, fatal overdosing occurs.

Those drugs contributed solely to deaths of almost 30,000 people. According to the report, this is an increase by 9,000 as compared to the previous year.  Cocaine is another major causative of overdose deaths. According to the report, the number of deaths reported due to abuse of cocaine was significantly high going hand in hand with deaths caused by natural opiates such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, highly addictive and overprescribed painkillers. However, the number of deaths caused by oxycodone and hydrocodone stood at the same level as in the previous year.

However, CDC has put caution that the figures in this report are an early estimate arrived at by looking at all monthly records kept by the agency. The CDC may, however, adjust the figures in the report once some recorded deaths are fully investigated. Clear figures can only be arrived at usually at the end of the following calendar year when the full report is released. These provisional numbers are updated by CDC every month and can be found on the CDC’s website.

Overdose Death Distribution Trend 

Although there are some changes in figures involving overdose deaths, there is no change in how those deaths are distributed geographically. Those places are known for high mortality rates such as parts of Appalachia and also New England continued with the trend. The highest overdose death rates were clearly seen in West Virginia where there were 58.7 deaths reported for every 100,000 residents. In with previous years, states in Great Plains recorded the lowest number of deaths.  An increase in deaths was witnessed nationwide.

However, some parts or the country recorded a higher number of deaths related to overdose. This was witnessed in a number of states including North Dakota and Wyoming. Some states such as Vermont actually saw a decrease in OD deaths. The same trend was witnessed in Massachusetts which has historically had a high OD death rate.

Changing the Trend

It is unclear what next steps will be necessary to curb this alarming trend. While the Trump administration has declared this epidemic a public health emergency, real progress is only visible in part of the country that is aggressively acting and putting dollars behind proven strategies to help individuals overcome addiction, such as the Vermont Hub and Spoke model.

Though Fentanyl fueled the OD deaths in 2017, many people become addicted through the use of prescribed opioids, moving to illicit drugs because they are often cheaper and more easily accessible. Due to this, many states counties and towns have brought lawsuits against drug manufacturers, and doctors may be more limited in the amount they can prescribe.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, it is imperative to get help immediately. Call Futures Recovery Healthcare to discuss your options.

Hypnotherapy Treatment

Similar to meditation, hypnotherapy goes a step further into the subconscious mind and is used as a technique in alcoholism and addiction treatment.

Medical Excellence

Director of Nursing Linda Spencer talks about the high level of medical and clinical care found at Futures Recovery Healthcare.

Committed Employees

Program Director at Futures Recovery Healthcare, Omar Kamal, discusses the culture, dedication and superior level of care and service our staff provides for our clients everyday.

Emotional Regulation

Outreach Director Laura Kunz discusses the importance of learning emotional regulation during treatment.

Professional Referrals

Futures of Recovery Healthcare Outreach Director, Laura Kunz, talks about her role in the professional referral process.

Stigma of Addiction

Primary Therapist Julia Valente discusses the Stigma of Addiction, and how the Futures Recovery Healthcare staff prepares clients to cope with this challenging topic.

Coining In

Alumni Director Ryan Miller discusses the Futures Recovery Healthcare Coining In process, which sets the foundation for our clients on their journey to a life of recovery.

DBT Decoded: DEAR MAN

The beauty of DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) is that regardless of whether you’re recovering from the disease of addiction or you’re simply someone looking to improve your relationship with yourself and others, – DBT skills are a perfect fit. The Interpersonal Effectiveness acronym DEAR MAN, is an excellent example. DEAR MAN can be thought of as a strategy for effective communication that helps you achieve positive outcomes, whether you’re negotiating a promotion at work or saying no to a persuasive salesperson (who just may be your best friend).

D is for describe, and it’s a great place to start. Describe the situation and include details that clarify and demonstrate your understanding. It may look or sound something like this: “I’ve told you that I don’t want to go to a bar, but you’re trying to convince me that I should go anyway.” “I’ve proven that I’m an expert at my job and I’d like to be promoted to a management position.”

E is for express, and it’s a logical next step in building your position. Express your opinion, your perspective, and how this situation affects you. “When you ask me to do something that jeopardizes my sobriety, it makes me think that you don’t realize the importance of my choice to avoid bars at this time.” “I feel that I’m ready to take on the responsibility of moving into a management position, and I believe that I’m an excellent candidate for the spot that is opening up with Jeff’s decision to retire.”

A is for assert, and now that you’ve clarified your position, it’s time to ask for what you want. You understand the opportunity or the challenge, — now honor yourself and present your solution. “I’m not going to the bar and I’d greatly appreciate it if you would stop asking me to go to this or any bar right now.” “I’d like to be promoted and take over the management role that Jeff will be vacating.”

R is for reinforce, meaning to provide context regarding the benefits associated with the solution you’ve proposed. It may sound like this: “Thanks for understanding how important this is to me. I know that my real friends, like you, are supportive of the decisions I’m making to protect my sobriety.” “As a manager, I’ll be able to have a bigger impact on the success of this company.”

M is for the mindful focus that keeps you on point and not distracted. Stay the course with your objective and don’t deviate by getting involved in other discussions right now, even if it makes you sound like a broken record. If the other person takes the discussion in a new direction it’s your job to bring it back to working toward resolution. “I realize that the restaurant we went to yesterday served alcohol, but that’s a different environment and I will not be going to a bar, where I don’t feel comfortable right now.” “Yes, the new cafeteria is really nice, but I’d like to know if I can be promoted to Jeff’s management position when he leaves next month.”

A is for appear confident. Even if you feel nervous or unsure of yourself, make your case with a confident tone of voice, maintain eye contact, and use positive body language. This may be something you need to practice, so that you’re prepared for situations that call for DEAR MAN. In preparation, try a Superman pose, with elbows bent, hands resting on hips, and head held high.

N is for negotiate. When you’re unable to get what you want, the tactic of negotiation may help you improve the situation. Sometimes, you need to give to get, – and meet someone in the middle with a compromise. In the case of saying no to a request that asks you to go beyond your boundaries or against your values, negotiating doesn’t mean giving in – it means offering consolation with something that you are willing to give. Negotiation may sound like this: “I won’t go to a bar, but if you want to catch a movie or play golf this weekend, I’m in.” “I understand that someone with more seniority is in line for the management position, but perhaps there’s an alternative solution the company can consider to expand my role. Surely I’d be an excellent fit for assistant manager.”

Remember, you cannot get everything you want from others all the time. Certain environments are immune to even the most skilled of individuals. Even though great interpersonal skills can increase your chances of getting your objectives met, it is not a guarantee. In such difficult situations where it is impossible to get what you want, stay calm and ensure to practice distress tolerance skills and radical acceptance. 

At Futures DEAR MAN is a favorite among clients. Sometimes, days after our DEAR MAN session, a client will say “I had a conflict yesterday and DEAR MAN-ed my way to an excellent resolution!” This DBT acronym offers a healthy dose of self-validation, which can be a powerful tool for someone in early recovery who’s working to overcome feelings of shame and doubt. And not to forget, it also helps develop effective interpersonal communication skills that are sure to get you what you want and develop healthy relationships with others. 

DBT Decoded: Mindfulness “How Skills” in Action

In our fast-paced, often overwhelming world, finding peace and clarity can feel out of reach. For those facing stress, anxiety, or addiction, the struggle can be even greater. Mindfulness, rooted in practices like the DBT How Skills—Non-Judgmentally, One-Mindfully, and Effectively- offers a powerful way to reconnect with the present moment and cultivate emotional resilience.

These skills teach us to observe without judgment, focus on one thing at a time, and apply mindfulness effectively in daily life. Whether you’re managing stress, overcoming addiction, or simply seeking greater balance, mindfulness can help you find calm and clarity. In this article, we’ll explore how the DBT How Skills can transform your approach to challenges and enhance your well-being. Let’s dive in and discover the power of mindfulness.

Non-Judgmentally

The act of taking a non-judgmental stance. In order to begin observing our thoughts and emotions objectively, we must commit to being non-judgmental about them. Within our mindful practice, there are no good thoughts, bad thoughts, unwanted thoughts, or welcomed thoughts.

They are all equal because we don’t judge. Part of the relief we experience in mindfulness is the letting go of our opinions. By doing so, we’re able to let go of the stress that comes from trying to resist that which causes us pain. Such resistance can become a contributing factor, or even the source, of suffering. Because we’re human and judgment is within our nature, we’re likely to be challenged by this part of mindful practice. That’s okay. When we notice ourselves judging, we know that we’ve wandered from mindfulness, and we begin again.

Mindfulness is a vacation from judgment, so we don’t judge ourselves for noncompliance. We simply notice, treat ourselves with understanding and compassion,11 and begin again. Like the basketball player who endeavors to make a shot, the nonjudgmental approach of mindfulness is akin to the good technique of having a balanced stance. With legs shoulder-width apart and the body squared up to the basket, we are setting up for a successful shot.

One-Mindfully

The act of focusing on one thing at a time. This is the opposite of multitasking, a common habit associated with our modern, overstimulated environment. By engaging in tasks with one-mindfulness, we strengthen our ability to engage in one practice at a time.

Meditation is a mindful practice that allows us to focus our mind and let go of distractions. Within our everyday lives, we can act one-mindfully by simply completing a task without pausing to check email, answer the phone, or concern ourselves with another pending task. We can choose to cook, eat, play music, listen, swim, or do anything one-mindfully. With our mind focused on the basket — thinking only of the strength and projection needed to complete the shot — One-Mindfulness gives us the best chance for flawless execution.

Effectively

The act of applying mindful concepts, learning, and honing our practice. To be effective means that we progress and strengthen our mindful muscles as we move along. As we practice mindfulness, we become more aware of the spaces between our thoughts and our actions, giving ourselves a newfound ability to reduce impulsivity – an especially valuable tool for people recovering from the disease of addiction.

Becoming more skillful at the practice of mindfulness enhances our ability to effectively reduce judgment (of ourselves and others), let go of emotions that hinder us, and nurture our sense of compassion. The act of beginning again when we notice our mind wandering is an effective act that strengthens our resilience. Simply stated, when we practice mindfulness effectively, the positive takeaways are unlimited. With a nonjudgmental stance forming the base of sound technique and our ability to focus one-mindfully, all that’s left is to effectively take the shot. Hit or miss, it’s a thing of beauty.

Mindfulness in Addiction Treatment

Mindfulness-based stress management techniques have been proven effective in the treatment of stress- and anxiety-based disorders. When incorporated into a well-rounded mental health or addiction treatment program, the practice of mindfulness through mindfulness-based stress reduction (MSBR) can provide patients with a useful tool to control the effects of anxiety, fear, agitation, phobias, panic, and other stress-related mental health issues.

How Do I Practice Mindfulness?

“Mindfulness” is another way of saying “noticing the small things in the moment.” Actively being in your present moment can help you to avoid obsessing over the past, worrying about the future, or otherwise drowning in emotional responses to stressful issues. To some, it may be easier said than done.

Shutting off the mind can be difficult. So how do you do it? There are a number of different techniques. Paying attention to your breath and breathing is a great place to start. Focusing on nothing but the breath coming and going from the body, feeling it enter the nose, fill the lungs, and leave the body, can be a positive initial practice in mindfulness. During this period, there should be no active thoughts in your head. You are to do nothing but notice your breath. Another way to describe the practice is to define it as a form of meditation in which you quiet your inner dialogue and focus solely on the sensations of the body.

What Disorders Benefit From the Use of Mindfulness?

Any mental health disorder that is characterized by insomnia, a decreased ability to manage stress, increased anxiety, or depression would benefit from a treatment plan that includes the practice of mindfulness for stress management. This includes:

• Eating disorders. Self-awareness, acceptance, and self-criticism all decrease for people struggling with bulimia, anorexia, or eating disorders after MSBR treatment.
• Anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder has been shown to improve with mindfulness treatment.
• Panic attacks. Panic attacks can be mitigated when MSBR techniques are used.
• Phobias. The overwhelming nature of phobias can be reduced when mindfulness is practiced during the stress period.
• Depression. Improved mood has been associated with MSBR techniques as well.
• Substance abuse. A number of issues related to substance recovery – insomnia, emotional outbursts, depression, anxiety, etc. – can be improved by the practice of mindfulness.

How Quickly Does the Practice of Mindfulness Produce Results?

The peaceful and calming effects of mindfulness and meditation increase over time. The more you practice, the more lasting the positive effects in your life will be, and the more quickly you will begin to see a lessening of the impact of stress.

Is Mindfulness About Sitting Still?

Though the goal is to still the mind, it is not necessary to still the body. Many people find that they best benefit from mindfulness techniques learned in stress management when they do something to occupy their hands.

Focusing on the breath while practicing a passive activity can increase the calming effects and decrease the chances that your inner dialogue will drown out your peace. While practicing mindfulness, some people enjoy:

• Gardening
• Walking or jogging
• Knitting
• Cleaning the house
• Listening to soft music (usually without lyrics) or playing music

Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Right for You?

Almost everyone can benefit from incorporating the techniques and philosophies of mindfulness into their lives, but most who are struggling with issues like an eating disorder or substance abuse will almost always find that their experience in treatment improves when they practice mindfulness.

Embrace the Power of DBT: How Skills for Lasting Change

The DBT How Skills—Nonjudgmentally, One-Mindfully, and Effectively—are more than just mindfulness techniques; they are tools for transformation. By practicing nonjudgment, we free ourselves from the weight of criticism and resistance. By focusing one-mindfully, we reclaim our ability to be fully present in each moment. And by acting effectively, we build resilience and create meaningful change in our lives.

Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, addiction, or simply seeking greater balance, these skills offer a pathway to calm, clarity, and emotional well-being. Mindfulness is not about perfection but about progress. Each time you notice your mind wandering or judgment creeping in, you have the opportunity to begin again—with compassion and intention.

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, we integrate mindfulness practices like the DBT How Skills into our comprehensive treatment programs, empowering individuals to heal and thrive. If you’re ready to explore how mindfulness can support your journey to recovery or enhance your mental health, we’re here to help.

Take the first step toward a more mindful, balanced life. Contact Futures Recovery Healthcare today at 866-351-7588 or visit our website to learn more about our programs and how we incorporate mindfulness into healing. Your journey to peace and clarity starts here.

Harmful Effects of Diet Pills and Supplements

For individuals eager to lose or manage their weight, diet pills and supplements may seem like a fast-track solution. However, the harmful effects of diet pills and supplements are often underestimated or ignored, especially by individuals struggling with eating disorders or body image issues. While the packaging promises fat-burning results and appetite control, the ingredients inside these products can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, we help patients recognize the risks, break the cycle of misuse, and recover through expert care at our luxury rehab facility in Florida.

What Are Diet Supplements?

Dietary supplements are products taken orally to enhance your regular diet. Common types include:

• Vitamins and minerals

• Herbal or botanical extracts

• Enzymes and amino acids

• Glandular and organ products

While some supplements may be used for general health, others are marketed specifically for weight loss. These weight loss aids are often unregulated and may contain hidden, harmful ingredients, contributing to the growing concern about the harmful effects of diet pills and supplements.

How Weight Loss Supplements Claim to Work

Manufacturers of diet supplements often claim their products can:

• Suppress appetite

• Speed up metabolism

• Burn fat through thermogenesis

• Block fat absorption

• Increase energy

These claims are rarely supported by rigorous clinical studies, and many products contain stimulants or undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients. When misused or taken without medical supervision, they pose serious risks.

The Harmful Effects of Diet Pills and Supplements

Many weight loss pills contain dangerous ingredients that may lead to:

• High blood pressure and heart rate

• Insomnia and anxiety

• Liver and kidney damage

• Gastrointestinal distress

• Seizures, strokes, or heart attacks

Certain products have been banned or recalled due to these risks. For example:

• Ephedra: Banned due to cardiovascular complications

• Hydroxycut: Linked to liver failure and one reported death

• Meridia (sibutramine): Withdrawn after being associated with strokes and heart attacks

• Fen-Phen: Recalled due to heart valve damage

These examples highlight the harmful effects of diet pills and supplements, particularly when used improperly or by individuals with underlying health or mental health conditions.

Why These Products Are Easily Abused

People with eating disorders often abuse diet pills as part of a compulsive drive to lose weight. This may involve:

• Taking excessive doses

• Mixing different weight loss drugs

• Combining pills with laxatives, diuretics, or illicit substances

• Using stimulants despite being underweight

This behavior dramatically increases the risk of dangerous side effects, including electrolyte imbalances, organ damage, and overdose.

Treatment for Diet Pill Abuse and Eating Disorders

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, we offer specialized treatment for clients struggling with:

• Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating

• Supplement misuse and dependency

• Co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders

Our luxury rehab in Florida provides medically supervised detox, nutrition counseling, trauma therapy, and holistic wellness in a supportive environment. We use evidence-based treatment models to help clients break free from dangerous behaviors and rebuild a healthy relationship with food, body image, and wellness.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you or someone you love is misusing weight loss supplements or diet pills, help is available. Don’t let the harmful effects of diet pills and supplements go unchecked. At Futures Recovery Healthcare, our integrated programs offer a path to lasting recovery—backed by clinical expertise, luxury amenities, and compassionate care.

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Common Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are characterized by preoccupations with weight, body image issues, and a lack of control over the food that leads to restrictive eating patterns, binging, and excessive exercise. Individuals struggling with long-term eating disorders often suffer from physical symptoms and related medical conditions due to nutritional deficiencies from the lack of a balanced diet. Eating disorders are often a mental cage for sufferers and exist in conjunction with other mental health issues such as anxiety disorder.

Though there are a number of different kinds of eating disorders, there are a few common types. Most people who have a dysfunctional relationship with eating and their bodies have a disorder that falls into one of the following categories: anorexia, binge eating, bulimia and other eating disorders.

ANOREXIA

Severely cutting calories by eating very, very little defines the disorder anorexia nervosa. Anorexia Nervosa is often characterized by an intense fear of weight gain that leads to restrictive food intake and often presents as dramatic weight loss in the sufferer. The goal is always extreme weight loss or maintenance of a dangerously low weight, and the repercussions can be deadly. Those who live with anorexia for a long period of time will:

• Have a body mass index that is unhealthy for their body type, height or activity level
• Fear “getting fat” or being viewed as overweight
• Have a distorted body image where they still see themselves as fat even if they are underweight
• Not have their menstrual cycle (e.g. no monthly period or irregular periods)
• Suffer from hair loss, brittle hair, or damaged and dry skin
• Be intensely focused on caloric intake, quantities of food intake,  body shape, and weight

BULIMIA

Bulimia, or bulimia nervosa, is defined by eating large amounts of food, often in secret, and then purging. Purging may happen through vomiting, laxative use, or extreme exercise. Those who are living with bulimia may:

• Recurrent episodes of bingeing and purging
• Eat compulsively when they binge and eat well beyond the point of comfort
• Live in a cycle of bingeing followed by fasting
• Diet constantly
• Obsess over their body weight, how they look, and suffer from poor body image
• Be of average body weight (normal weight) or overweight
• People with bulimia nervosa may also suffer from tooth decay, erosion of tooth enamel, and acid reflux as a consequence of throwing up. 

BINGE EATING

Compulsive overeating or binge eating disorder is the habit of eating well beyond the point of fullness compulsively. If a person regularly binges at least once a week for three months, they may have a binge eating disorder. Those who struggle with binge eating disorder:

• May be overweight or obese
• Feel a loss of control when they binge
• Attempt to diet frequently
• Attempt to fast after bingeing
• Often struggle with depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation

OTHER EATING DISORDERS

All other types of eating disorders fall into the last category. Every year, medical professionals identify new versions of eating disorders that have the goal of losing weight but often just result in serious malnutrition and medical complications. Some include:

• Extreme or excessive exercise
• Restrictive diets used solely to lose weight (e.g. veganism, raw foods, etc.)
• Late night binge eating
• Diet pill or stimulant addiction with the purpose of speeding up metabolism in order to lose weight

What Causes Eating Disorders?

Experts have long been studying the complex nature of eating disorders and have identified several contributing risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing one. One such factor is genetics. It appears that individuals with a family history of eating disorders are more susceptible to developing one themselves.

Personality traits also play a role. Neuroticism, perfectionism, and impulsivity are three traits that have been linked to a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. These traits can create a sense of pressure and an unhealthy level of self-criticism that can lead to disordered eating habits.

In addition, societal pressures cannot be ignored. Perceived pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and cultural preferences for thinness can fuel the development of eating disorders. The constant exposure to media promoting these ideals only exacerbates the problem.

Recently, experts have also been investigating the role of brain structure and biology in the development of eating disorders. Chemical imbalances in the brain, particularly in the levels of serotonin and dopamine, may be contributing factors. However, further studies are necessary to draw conclusive evidence.

It is clear that eating disorders are complex issues with multiple contributing factors. Understanding these factors is crucial in developing effective treatments and prevention methods.

Eating disorders of any kind cause extreme mental and physical health problems that can last a lifetime. If you are living with issues that you believe may be caused by an eating disorder, contact us at Futures of Palm Beach today to discuss how we can help you change the outlook for your life.

Can You Die From Withdrawal?

Generally, for most people struggling with a substance abuse, withdrawal symptoms start out mild and heighten around 2 to 3 days after last use of the substance in question. Many people admit themselves to detox programs every year to help deal with the discomfort felt during withdrawal. The symptoms a person can experience during withdrawal vary depending on the substance being abused, and how much of and how often the substance is used. That being said, typical symptoms that stem from withdrawing from just about any substance include:

• Diarrhea
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cramps
• Hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Fatigue and/or insomnia
• Coma
• Respiratory depression
• Seizures
• Trembling

Some withdrawal symptoms are fairly mild, while others can get quite intense. Withdrawal from certain substances even poses the risk of death, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Withdrawing from alcohol dependence is more dangerous than most are aware of. In a professional treatment setting, side effects can possibly be prevented, or at least managed, with medications like benzodiazepines. Any complications can also be addressed quickly if they arise.

Some patients who detox from alcohol dependence will incur a serious side effect known as delirium tremens (DTs). DTs usually occurs two to four days after the last drink, but it can happen up to even 10 days later. DTs causes the person withdrawing from alcohol to become disoriented and experience confusion and hallucinations. Of those who experience DTs, 5-25% will die.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

The easiest and safest way to withdraw from benzodiazepines is gradually tapering off them, sometimes while taking another type of benzo under medical supervision. Typically, people addicted to benzos start feeling withdrawal symptoms within 6-12 hours of their last dose, at which point symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and insomnia may set in. Professional detox is recommended so that the tapering schedule is supervised, and side effects can be controlled.

Without medical intervention, risks to the withdrawing patient can include experiencing depersonalization, hallucinations, panic, and even death. Most often, patients who die during benzo withdrawal have attempted to quit abruptly by going cold turkey.

Opioid Withdrawal

Withdrawal from opiates, either prescription painkillers or heroin, carries significant risks and should not be entered into without professional help. About 12 hours after the last dose, people abusing opiates can expect to begin experiencing mild symptoms, such as insomnia, diarrhea, agitation, and muscle aches.

As withdrawal progresses though, generally 5 or 6 days into it, more intense symptoms, like anxiety, panic attacks, and vomiting, can show up. For people who decide to break their habit at home, the risk of death is much higher. The biggest risk of death during opiate detox comes from the chance of relapse.

As the body begins to withdraw from the substance, tolerance lowers and as such, the required dose needed to get high does, too. Most people going through withdrawal fail to account for this, and when they relapse, they overdose. According to the Washington Post, 16,235 people died from prescription opioid painkiller overdoses in 2013 and 8,257 from heroin overdoses.

Additional Complications

Sometimes, death during withdrawal can stem from emotional instability. This is because individuals afflicted with depression, anxiety, rage, or paranoia during withdrawal may act out with self-destructive behavior.

Suicide is a real risk among people who abuse drugs and/or alcohol. According to Psychology Today, the rate of suicide among people who and struggling with substance abuse and fail to seek treatment being as high as 45%. Often, matters are far more complex than the mood swings that come alongside withdrawal. In many cases, mental health is a larger concern.

Depression and anxiety are often at an all-time high during withdrawal from a substance. On top of that, many people who are severely mentally ill are also struggle with substance abuse. Letting a mental health disorder grow makes it harder to treat in the long-term, and it may very well lead right back to substance abuse.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

Some people struggling with addiction develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can make withdrawal symptoms persist for a few years after detox. These patients are at increased risk of relapse, which can be deadly if they decide to use again and don’t account for their newly lowered tolerance.

It’s Time to Get Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse and are ready to accept help, call Futures Recovery Healthcare today. We can answer your questions about the detox process and help you get started on the road to recovery.

How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last? Timeline, Tips, and Symptoms

Opioid misuse and dependency treatment may start with a medical detox protocol since withdrawal symptoms are often uncomfortable and drug cravings can get intense.

What to Expect During Withdrawal

Even when taking medications as directed, changes can occur in the brain disrupting the natural chemistry and interfering with the chemical messengers that run the body. When you take anything for a prolonged period of time, these changes grow more pronounced. The chronic or long-term misuse of opioids can lead to a physical dependence, wherein the brain is used to the chemical stimulation and begins to rely on it. Psychologically, the person can become dependent as well, since opioids generally make the individual feel good and therefore encourage him or her to keep taking them.

One of the symptoms of addiction is the onset of withdrawal symptoms when the substance is removed or leaves the bloodstream. This is the brain’s attempt to restore balance now that chemical interference is no longer present. The severity and duration of withdrawal will depend on several factors, such as:

• Dosage or amount taken
• Duration of abuse
• Level of dependency
• Genetic or physiological factors

Generally, the method of ingestion also affects the withdrawal timeline.
Suboxone is thought to have a long half-life of around 36 hours. Withdrawal symptoms typically don’t start until after the drug leaves the bloodstream, and in the case of Suboxone, this may mean that the user won’t experience withdrawal until after the first day or two of taking the last dose. Early withdrawal symptoms are very similar to a bad case of the flu, and include:

• Muscle aches
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Excessive tearing
• Runny nose
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Sweats
• Trouble regulating temperature.

Acute withdrawal usually peaks within a few days, and the individual may experience all of the physical symptoms plus psychological ones such as,:

• Agitation
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Feelings of being on edge
• Drug cravings
• Insomnia

Protracted withdrawal, sometimes called post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS, may continue for as long as few weeks or a few months, and the person may feel depressed and angry, have mood swings and drug cravings, and experience some or all of the physical symptoms intermittently.

Managing Withdrawal

Suboxone withdrawal is not life-threatening or generally dangerous, although it can feel like it may go on endlessly while going through it. Individuals should not attempt to stop taking opioids suddenly, as these withdrawal symptoms may be difficult to manage without professional help. Instead of stopping suddenly, a medical professional may help you set up a tapering-off schedule. This method weans Suboxone slowly and safely out of your system in a controlled manner, helping to keep withdrawal symptoms and cravings at bay. Just removing Suboxone from the brain and body is not enough, however. Relapse after detox is common, and it can be dangerous since the body is no longer used to the same amount of drugs taken previously.

Detox alone is not an effective opioid misuse or dependency treatment, although it can be a very useful first step. Drug misuse and dependency are generally at least partially rooted in psychology, either stemming from a childhood trauma, low self-esteem, or mental health conditions.

Behavioral therapies and counseling sessions are important as they can teach life skills and coping mechanisms to assist with social and emotional triggers or stressors that may typically cause the turn to self-destructive behaviors, such as drug misuse. These therapies can help to rewire the brain to seek positive outlets and behaviors instead. Support groups are also important during substance misuse treatment and recovery, as they provide a positive network and social outlet where people in recovery can feel safe and connected. There are some general tips that can help during recovery and Suboxone withdrawal, as well:

• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
• Keep a structured sleep schedule
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain positive connections with peers and family
• Educate yourself on the process
• Stay busy in a productive manner
• Be patient and stay the course
• Ask for help when you need it
• Try yoga or meditation

By taking care of yourself both emotionally and physically, you can help to ease the symptoms and shorten the withdrawal timeline.

At Futures, we can provide a peaceful respite where you can recover from substance misuse and dependency in privacy and comfort, surrounded by professional medical staff and compassionate counselors trained in both traditional and holistic recovery methods. Call Futures to learn more.

How Long Does Precipitated Withdrawal Last

Patients who are ready to put opiate dependence behind them have the option of utilizing medication designed to help them break free from addiction in a slow and controlled manner. Unfortunately, though, certain medications (especially buprenorphine) can help to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and the harsh nature of “cold turkey” opiate detox in patients, but in some cases can cause precipitated withdrawal.

What Is Precipitated Withdrawal?

Precipitated withdrawal can happen when a patient takes an antagonist (e.g. naloxone) or partial agonist (e.g. buprenorphine) when he or she is still dependent upon full agonist opiates (e.g. heroin, or prescription painkillers like OxyContin or Percocet). Defined by many of the same withdrawal symptoms that characterize an opiate detox, many patients fear precipitated withdrawal, and therefore, do not view medication-assisted treatment using Suboxone to be a viable option for their recovery.

How Long Does Precipitated Withdrawal Last?

The length of precipitated withdrawal varies greatly from patient to patient. In fact, some patients will not experience the phenomenon at all, reports the National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment (NAABT). According to NAABT, patients can, and should, work with their doctors to avoid this experience altogether or minimize it as much as possible.

Is It Possible to Avoid Precipitated Withdrawal?

The more that patients understand how buprenorphine treatment works, the better they will be at advocating for themselves and minimize their experience with precipitated withdrawal. Doctors who prescribe buprenorphine are certified in its prescription and understand how to help patients avoid precipitated withdrawal, and should always be consulted if you have any questions. One major way that patients can help themselves is to accurately report the last use of their opiate drug of choice. Too often, patients under-report their last use – that is, they say that their last use was longer ago than it actually was – and this puts them at risk for a quick and severe withdrawal experience. In fact, patients should already be exhibiting some of the first withdrawal symptoms when they take their first dose of buprenorphine.

Should You Try to Avoid Precipitated Withdrawal?

Absolutely. Experiencing a severe withdrawal syndrome quickly after taking the first dose of the treatment medication can be disconcerting to the patient and make him or her worry that detox was a mistake or that the doctor won’t be able to help. If it’s possible to minimize or avoid precipitated withdrawal, it makes sense to take steps to make detox easier.

What if Precipitated Withdrawal Occurs?

Medically supervised detox using medication assistance means that a doctor is available to assist with any issues as they arise. There may be non-addictive medication that will be useful in treating the specific symptom and/or an adjustment to the dosing schedule that will help to address the issue.

Find Out What You Need to Know

Before beginning any treatment program, it is advisable for patients to learn everything they can about their options, what to expect, and how their personal circumstance may modify the detox options that will be viable for them. The more the patient knows before they begin, the more likely it is that he will make the best possible choice for their needs and avoid unexpected surprises. Contact us today to learn more about how to successfully detox off heroin and other opiates.

Dangers of Mixing Suboxone With Benzos, Alcohol, and Other Depressants

If Suboxone is taken in conjunction with other drugs or alcohol, it will amplify all of the potential medical related risk factors, including increasing the likelihood of a life-threatening interaction or overdose. In 2010, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that 30,135 Americans sought emergency medical treatment for buprenorphine-related causes, with 52% of these visits for the non-medical use, or abuse, of buprenorphine products, and 59% of these visits involved other drugs.

How Suboxone Works and Its Risk Factors

Opioids drugs attach to opioid receptors throughout the brain and body, blocking pain signals and stimulating the production of neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating moods and emotions – essentially the brain’s reward circuitry. Buprenorphine is an opioid drug. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that between 26.4 million and 36 million people are believed to misuse opioids worldwide, while the World Health Organization (WHO) further estimates that around 15 million opioid misusers suffer from an opioid dependency. Regular use or abuse of an opioid drug can create a psychological and physical dependence. The brain begins to depend on the drug in order to feel “normal” or balanced, and it ceases to function exactly as it did before the drugs. Brain chemistry is altered, and the brain relies on the opioid in order to provide certain chemicals that produce feelings of happiness, for instance. In addition to being habit-forming, Suboxone also can suppress breathing, or respiration, to dangerous levels when abused, as well as potentially induce drowsiness, lethargy, and vomiting.

Side Effects of Mixing Suboxone With Depressants

The manufacturers of Suboxone state that the drug can have dangerous, and even life-threatening, interactions when mixed with central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines (benzos), alcohol, sedatives, muscle relaxers, or tranquilizers. Adverse reactions mostly include potentially fatal breathing problems, as central nervous system depressants also suppress respiration.

Motor control and functions may be impaired, which can lead to accidents or impaired driving. Suboxone and central nervous system depressants when used together also alter cognition levels as well as the ability to make rational decisions. They may affect impulse control and willpower, causing the individual to engage in potentially risky behavior. Opioids, as well as alcohol and benzodiazepines, stimulate the production of the brain’s chemical messenger gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA is a sort of natural tranquilizer that acts on the nervous system, calming things down and suppressing stress, anxiety, and panic as well as lowering heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and body temperature. When overstimulated, the overproduction of GABA can slow things down too much.

Similarly, alcohol inhibits the production of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which is partially responsible for energy levels and increased brain activity. While Suboxone and opioid drugs are not technically considered central nervous system depressants, they do have many of the same effects as true depressants, and combining them can result in disastrous consequences. In addition to fostering addiction, higher doses also increase the likelihood of a potentially fatal overdose.

Since it’s primarily used to treat addiction, when Suboxone is coupled with other drugs or alcohol, it may actually increase addictive behaviors. Increasing dosage regularly greatly enhances the odds of becoming physically and psychologically dependent on each substance.

Signs of an Overdose

Suboxone is sometimes prescribed as a moderate pain reliever as it functions in much the same way as other opioid analgesics, just to a lesser extent. When surveying opioid pain reliever overdose fatalities, alcohol was involved 22.1% of the time, as published by the CDC. If you recognize any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention as an overdose from mixing Suboxone and other central nervous system depressants can be fatal without proper treatment:

• Slurred speech
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Severe drowsiness
• Weak muscles or limp appendages
• Irregular heart rate
• Shallow or slowed breathing
• Loss of consciousness

Get Help Today

Brain chemistry altered through addiction and dependency can be reversed over time, and with the proper treatment. Physical stabilization is the first goal of addiction treatment and may require detox in a safe and secure facility that provides 24-hour medical care and supervision. Recovery, in order to be successful long-term, should also include psychotherapy, such as behavioral therapies and counseling sessions. In addition, support groups may be invaluable at preventing the severity, duration, and frequency of relapse.

At Futures, we offer a state-of-the-art treatment facility, providing evidence-based and comprehensive recovery plans in order to promote healing and long-term success. Contact Futures today to speak with a compassionate and highly trained admissions counselor for more detailed information on the specialized and unique treatment plans we have to offer.

Signs and Symptoms of Suboxone Abuse

Suboxone is a synthetic opioid made by combining two different drugs – buprenorphine and naloxone. Like methadone, Suboxone is a medication-assisted treatment that’s prescribed to help people overcome addiction to other opioid drugs, such as heroin and morphine. The drug works by preventing withdrawal symptoms and by lessening the euphoric effects of opioids, making it easier for people who are addicted to get clean.

Although Suboxone is very effective therapeutically, the drug is still dependent-forming and addictive, so there is a potential for abuse, especially among people who don’t currently have an opioid addiction.

In 2012, doctors in America wrote 3 million prescriptions for drugs that contain buprenorphine, like Suboxone, and in the previous year, there were more than 21,000 visits to emergency rooms around the country because of nonmedical buprenorphine use.

Physical Signs & Symptoms of Suboxone Abuse

There are many physical symptoms of Suboxone abuse that people can watch for to determine if there’s an issue:

• Track marks on the arms
• Infections or bruising around injection sites
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Other drug paraphernalia around the house
• Getting sick more frequently
• Contracting a bloodborne (such as HIV or hepatitis) illness from needle-sharing
• Constricted or pinpoint pupils

Psychological and Behavioral Signs & Symptoms of Suboxone Abuse

Beyond the physical signs of Suboxone abuse, there are also behavioral changes that are very noticeable in people who are misusing or addicted. There are also many behavioral and psychological Suboxone misuse signs and symptoms, including:

• Missing work or school, or being late frequently
• Spending a lot of money on drugs or getting into financial trouble
• Stealing or borrowing money or valuables
• Neglecting hygiene, personal appearance, and health
• Visiting multiple doctors to obtain more Suboxone prescriptions
• Getting in trouble with the law
• Social isolation or changing friend circles
• No longer caring about hobbies and passions
• Stealing drugs from medicine cabinets
• Lying, keeping secrets, and being defensive about behavior and actions

Side Effects of Suboxone Abuse

Suboxone is a combination of two different drugs, and each of these drugs has its own list of potential side effects. The first component of Suboxone is buprenorphine, which is a synthetic drug that produces effects similar to other opioids, such as euphoria, and this helps to mitigate the symptoms of withdrawal. The other component is naloxone, and this drug blocks the effects of opioid drugs, which is why Suboxone can be effective at reducing opioid use. Together, these drugs have a number of side effects, including:

• Muscle aches
• Fever
• Cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Depression
• Respiratory depression
• Mood swings

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Suboxone Abuse

As with all drugs, Suboxone has a number of both short-term and long-term effects that can impact a person’s life, body, and brain. The most common short-term effects that people experience include:

• Mild euphoria that lasts for about eight hours
• Relaxation
• Decreased stress levels
• Sense of ease and calm

The long-term effects associated with Suboxone abuse, and these are very similar to the effects a person will experience during a Suboxone withdrawal. After prolonged use, some of the most common long-term Suboxone abuse signs include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Chronic constipation
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Low tolerance for pain
• Heart palpitations
• Increased risk of dependence and addiction
• Increased risk of overdose

If you or a loved one is struggling with a Suboxone addiction, call Futures today to get the help you need.

Suboxone Abuse

Widely popular for its use in treating heroin and other opioid addictions, Suboxone has taken on a life of its own, with many patients developing a dependency on the more controlled – and supposedly safer – high offered by Suboxone. The reality is that using Suboxone as a crutch brings with it a number of health problems, and the risks of Suboxone addiction are very real.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a mixture of buprenorphine and naloxone. It is prescribed for people who are addicted to legal opioids (in the form of prescription medication, like morphine and OxyContin) and illegal opioids (like heroin). Suboxone leapt into prominence as patients and doctors around the country looked for a way to deal with the epidemic of opioid abuse. According to the New York Times, at one point, Suboxone was even more popular than Viagra and Adderall, generating sales of $1.55 billion in the United States.

Recreational Suboxone Misuse

The fact that buprenorphine can result in the same effects as opioids makes it one of the most abused pharmaceuticals in the world. According to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report, in 2010 buprenorphine was responsible for 30,135 emergency room visits, and over half of those visits were because of nonmedical (recreational) use.

Addiction has many risks beyond behavioral effects. Spending money to procure multiple prescriptions or illicitly purchase Suboxone may cut into other financial responsibilities and lower the patient’s quality of life. However, if they persist with getting more Suboxone despite this, then their Suboxone addiction will run them (and potentially their family) into the ground. Taking more Suboxone than is medically recommended still carries a number of risks to the patient’s body, such as:

• Sleep disorders
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Headaches
• Slurred speech

Furthermore, once a patient starts taking Suboxone beyond their prescription levels, they build up a tolerance to the drug.

Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms

Another risk of addiction is that it causes withdrawal symptoms. If a patient experiences withdrawal symptoms after they don’t use Suboxone for a short period of time, it is a clear sign that their use has gone too far. They may feel withdrawal symptoms similar to those associated with other opioids, such as:

• Completely drained of energy and motivation
• Muscle cramps and pain
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety and agitation

Suboxone Overdose

In a worst-case scenario of addiction, a patient can overdose on Suboxone, which happens when the brain is no longer able to process the buprenorphine and naloxone. If this occurs, the user will experience:

• Low blood pressure and heart rate
• Circulatory problems
• Blurry vision
• Respiratory failure
• Coma
• Cardiac arrest

If the Suboxone is being used in conjunction with other drugs, or alcohol, death is a possibility.

Treating a Suboxone Addiction

There are two components to treating a Suboxone addiction. The first is detoxification. To be done right, the patient should be checked into a rehab center, where detox can be overseen by doctors and clinic staff. As part of the intake and assessment process of checking in, clinic staff should be made aware of the patient’s drug history. This information will determine what medications, if any, the patient should receive to ease the stress of detoxification.

The second component of treatment can make all the difference in terms of long-term recovery. No drug treatment program is complete without psychotherapy, which educates patients on the reasons and thought processes behind the cycles of addiction. In many instances, patients who leave a treatment program after detox, without going through psychotherapy sessions, invariably relapse.

Therapy following detox will help a patient learn how to act and think in ways that give them more control and clarity in everyday life. After psychotherapy and discharge from a treatment facility, a patient should start an outpatient program, and remain connected to aftercare support programs, like NA groups. Such outlets provide constant support and solidarity, further distancing the patient from the temptation to take Suboxone again.

At Futures, we have trained medical and mental health professionals on our team who are here for you. Please call us today and take the first step in overcoming a Suboxone addiction.

Symptoms and Causes of Precipitated Withdrawal With Suboxone

Opioid addiction is considered a chronic and progressive brain disease that is highly treatable. One of the methods used during opioid addiction treatment is medication-assisted therapy. It is never recommended to stop taking, or abusing, an opioid “cold turkey,” or suddenly, as this can lead to the onset of difficult withdrawal symptoms. Medications may be used to help curb cravings and manage these withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone is an FDA approved sublingual filmstrip that treats opioid addiction. It is dissolved in the mouth, usually once or twice a day. Suboxone contains both buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, a partial opioid antagonist. The partial opioid agonist works by displacing full opioid agonists from the brain, and the antagonist then blocks the opioid receptors from receiving any more drugs. Partial agonists, like buprenorphine, are less likely to create a “high” or have other mind-altering effects. They may make you feel more energized and generally pleasant. Buprenorphine’s effects also plateau after a certain amount is ingested, so even if you take higher doses to try and increase the “happy” feelings, after a set amount you will not be able to. Suboxone also contains the antagonist naloxone, which serves to block opioid receptors from receiving more opioids, so even if you take another opioid while on Suboxone, you won’t get “high.” Naloxone is relatively dormant when Suboxone is taken as directed and only serves to precipitate withdrawal if abused and injected.

The use of Suboxone during medication-assisted therapy can speed up detox and promote long-term success with fewer instances of relapse. Precipitated withdrawal occurs when Suboxone replaces a full opioid agonist in the brain before the other opioid is out of your system.

Precipitated Withdrawal Symptoms

Precipitated withdrawal is similar to opioid withdrawal, although it can be more intense and start suddenly. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal and precipitated withdrawal include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Excessive yawning
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating
• Chills

The severity of these symptoms may depend on how long you abused opioids, which drug you abused and your method of abuse, the level of physical dependency, and certain genetic factors. Drug cravings may also occur during withdrawal, as withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, and it may seem easier to relapse, or return to abusing opioids to stop those withdrawal symptoms.

Avoiding Precipitated Withdrawal

When starting medication-assisted therapy, it is vital that you are honest about what drugs you took and when the last time you took them was. Different drugs stay in your system for varying amounts of time depending on your metabolism, physiology, tolerance levels, and the half-life of the particular drug taken. Some drugs have short half-lives, for example, meaning that they may leave your bloodstream more quickly than others. Morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone immediate-release products such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet, are generally out of the bloodstream within 8-12 hours, for instance. Oxymorphone drugs like Opana and extended-release formats may stay in your bloodstream for up to 24-30 hours.

Methadone is a long-acting opioid with a long half-life, and it can take 36 hours to a few days to be fully flushed from your body. In order to avoid precipitated withdrawal, you should wait to begin taking Suboxone until all other opioids are completely out of your bloodstream. This may be indicated by the onset of early withdrawal symptoms, which include psychological side effects as well as some of the physical ones, such as the muscle aches, sweating, yawning, tearing, runny nose, sweating, and insomnia. Once these symptoms begin, it is likely safe to initiate medication-assisted therapy.

Physical dependence plays a role in the onset of precipitated withdrawal, and often, in order to safely detox from opioid drugs, a tapering schedule is implemented first. Someone who is heavily dependent on an opioid may need to gradually taper their dosage slowly, in a controlled manner and over a period of time, gradually reducing the dosage down to zero. This should be closely monitored by medical professionals in order to maintain safe levels of the drug and to ensure that the dosage continues to decrease. Once the drug is tapered off completely, Suboxone can be introduced to continue to keep withdrawal symptoms and cravings to a minimum.

Suboxone is generally started within 12-24 hours of your last dose of an opioid and during the induction phase of opioid addiction treatment. The amount of time you take Suboxone for will depend largely on your level of dependency and addiction, and medical professionals should determine its use. In order to avoid precipitated withdrawal when taking Suboxone, you also need to take the medication exactly as directed. Taking higher doses, abusing, or diverting Suboxone may lead to precipitated withdrawal. In addition, mixing other drugs or alcohol with Suboxone can be dangerous and also precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

Get Help Today

In addition to a Suboxone regiment, psychotherapy, including behavioral therapies to address psychological dependence, is an important part of opioid addiction treatment. Support groups and therapy sessions are tools used in conjunction with medications for successful treatment and recovery.

At Futures, we employ the latest evidence-based treatment methods to assist with your recovery. Contact us today for a free and confidential assessment.

Tips for Getting Off Suboxone

Suboxone is listed as a Schedule III drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means that while it does have medicinal value, there is also a chance for misuse and dependency. According to the Washington Post, over 1 million people were prescribed Suboxone or a generic form of buprenorphine/naloxone in 2012.

The use of Suboxone, or pharmaceuticals, during addiction treatment is considered medication-assisted therapy, which can be very effective in managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings during recovery from an opioid dependency. Suboxone is still an opioid narcotic, however, with the potential for diversion, misuse, and dependency. While Suboxone is useful during detox from other opioids with shorter half-lives and more dangerous methods of abuse, it still needs to be managed carefully and under direct medical supervision. Even when taken as directed, Suboxone can create a physical and psychological dependency.

Manage Suboxone Withdrawal

It is never recommended to stop using an opioid drug, including Suboxone, suddenly. Opioid withdrawal can be tough with flu-like symptoms as well as psychological ones, including agitation, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Suboxone is meant to keep these symptoms, and drug cravings, to a minimum during detox from a dependency to drugs like heroin, methadone, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and oxymorphone. You may experience withdrawal from Suboxone too, however. One of the best ways to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms is to taper gradually off Suboxone.

A medical professional can help set up a schedule wherein your dose is lowered slowly and in a controlled manner in order to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. It is important to listen to your body during this time. Some people report feeling jumpy, twitchy, on edge, or feeling like their skin is crawling during Suboxone withdrawal. Your dosage may need to be altered several times in order to manage these symptoms. By knowing what to expect, you can help your doctor make an accurate assessment of what the correct dosage may be.

Attend to Physical Well-Being

It is important to take care of yourself physically when recovering from a substance dependency. Being in tune with your physical needs can potentially make recovery go more smoothly. Addiction can take a physical toll on your body, changing your appetite and causing unhealthy weight fluctuations, as well as depleting important vitamins and minerals. Eating a nutritious diet can enhance your physical well-being. A well-balanced diet should include:

• High-quality proteins
• Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits
• Organic and whole foods instead of processed ones
• Lots of water

Eating healthy foods, and limiting your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates can help to ensure your body gets the nutrition it needs. Your doctor may also suggest taking a multivitamin or other natural supplements.

Addiction creates an imbalance that your brain is struggling to restore during recovery. Anything you can do to boost natural endorphins will help, and this includes exercise. Exerting yourself physically through working out or other fitness activities releases these endorphins and may help combat the lows and cravings that can come during Suboxone withdrawal. Go for a walk, swim, bike ride, run, or lift weights regularly. Taking care of yourself physically can boost self-esteem and confidence levels, enhancing your emotional well-being simultaneously.

Consider alternative, or holistic, methods during recovery. For instance, yoga and meditation can improve both physical and mental health by restoring a balance between mind and body, increasing focus and self-awareness as well as decreasing stress.

Promote Mental Health

When it comes to successful recovery, mental health is just as important as physical health, so treatment models should include both a physical stabilization process as well as an emotional one. Behavioral therapies are an excellent way to uncover any and all potential triggers – emotional, social, or environmental – that may be responsible for self-destructive behaviors. Therapists and counselors can teach you how to have compassion for yourself and modify previous destructive thought and behavior patterns into more positive ones, bolstering self-esteem and self-confidence.

Keep in mind that you are not alone. Support groups including peer and family support, as well as 12-step programs, can help you to connect with others who may have shared experiences and similar circumstances. Avoid old stomping grounds and groups of peers that you used to abuse drugs with, as this may encourage a return to old habits. By surrounding yourself with supportive people who understand what you are going through, you can create a positive network going forward.

It is common for those recovering from addiction to also suffer from depression, anxiety, or other mood conditions. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that half of all drug misusers also suffer from at least one mental health condition. Co-occurring conditions are best managed with an integrated treatment model wherein both disorders are managed simultaneously by a team of medical professionals working together to achieve the same results.

Get Help Today for Suboxone Addiction

At Futures, we utilize evidence-based treatment models in order to provide complete care plans specifically tailored to each individual. Luxury accommodations and various amenities ensure that you or your loved one can recover in peace and serenity while attending to all physical, mental, and spiritual needs.

Our admissions counselors are standing by to provide you with a free confidential assessment. Contact Futures today.

When Does Suboxone Show on a Drug Test?

One of the benefits of utilizing Suboxone as a medication-assisted treatment after opiate addiction is to more smoothly – and more quickly – transition into recovery and enjoy the benefits of a clean and sober life. Employment is one of those benefits, and the concern that it could be threatened by the very thing sustaining the person’s recovery is understandably worrisome. So does Suboxone show up on a drug test at work? And more importantly, if it does, will it threaten the person’s employability?

The Short Answer

A drug test that is specifically looking for buprenorphine will pick up on the presence of Suboxone. However, it is not guaranteed that an employer – or anyone who tests for drug use, for that matter – will look for buprenorphine when testing for drugs. Most drug screening panels do not include buprenorphine among the drugs that it detects. Even the urine test commonly used to identify the use of heroin, methadone, and other opiate drugs will not pick up on buprenorphine in the people who use only buprenorphine and nothing else. In most cases, employers test for:

• Benzodiazepines (i.e. Xanax, Valium)
• Cocaine
• Barbiturates (i.e. phenobarbital, secobarbital)
• Marijuana
• Amphetamines and methamphetamines
• MDMA (i.e. Ecstasy, Molly)
• Opiates (i.e. oxycodone, hydrocodone)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

This is not to say that buprenorphine will never be the focus of an employer drug test. Since 2011, more and more employers are including the drug on their test panel. In most cases, buprenorphine will be in the system in high enough doses to be detected via drug test for a week to 10 days after last use. This rate could vary depending upon the person’s metabolism as well as the amount of the dose taken.

Firing Offense?

It is debatable whether or not buprenorphine taken for therapeutic purposes with the prescription of a doctor would qualify as a firing offense. It depends upon the contract that the employee signed with the employer upon embarking upon employment. Though buprenorphine can be abused, and finding its use on a drug test can mean that someone is using drugs recreationally, it can also mean that someone is working to manage an addiction and staying clean and sober – especially if no other drugs are detected. However, if the employee signed a zero-tolerance drug policy and agreed to take no drugs of any kind for any purpose, then, in the eyes of the employer, it may not matter why he or she is taking buprenorphine.

Not a Life Sentence

Buprenorphine can be exceedingly helpful in aiding patients in the transition from active drug use into active sobriety, but it is not a medication that needs to be taken for life. Patients who are ready can transition off the drug, slowly stepping down their dose as they feel comfortable. However, it is important to note that continued sobriety is the most important thing, and if at any time the patient feels like he or she may relapse, then the medication dose should be adjusted as needed. What do you need to break free from opiate dependence? Contact Futures Recovery Healthcare today to learn about our opiate detox and addiction treatment programs.

Crack Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Crack cocaine is a type of cocaine that’s processed into a rock-like substance by mixing powdered cocaine with ammonia and water, or baking soda and water, and boiling the solution. The resulting drug is typically smoked (whereas cocaine is often snorted or rubbed into the gums), and this means that crack produces a faster and more potent high, even though it’s virtually the same as cocaine on a molecular level.

The high that results from smoking crack produces feelings of euphoria, and also makes people feel energetic, alert, hyper, and ultra-sensitive to sensory experiences. There are also many negatives associated with crack abuse, including:

• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Irregular heart rate
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Auditory and tactile hallucinations
• Irritability

Perhaps the most characteristic sign of crack abuse is that it can cause paranoia and erratic behavior, even when a person is sober.

Residential vs. Outpatient Treatment for Crack Cocaine Addiction

Since every person is different, it is important to understand the different options available for crack cocaine addiction treatment.

Residential Inpatient: Residential inpatient treatment is one of the most effective and comprehensive treatment options. During inpatient treatment, clients are provided a safe, sober, and welcoming living environment where they spend the duration of their detox and recovery, which can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Along with having access to constant supervision and medical attention, clients also have no access to illicit drugs, and this means the chances of a relapse are almost zero, especially when compared with other treatment types or DIY detoxes. After the detox period, clients will begin different therapy and counseling sessions to address the causes and triggers of their addictions and learn the coping skills necessary to prevent a relapse in the future. The types of therapy a person can expect to receive during inpatient treatment include:

• Individual and cognitive behavioral therapy
• Group sessions
• Family therapy
• Relapse prevention training
• Wellness coaching
• Complementary therapies like art and experiential therapy

Outpatient Treatment: After an inpatient detox and withdrawal, clients can go home and enter directly into outpatient treatment, in which they are responsible for traveling back and forth to treatment and therapy. The major benefit of this type of program is that clients can reintegrate into their regular lives during treatment, including going to work or school, raising children, and managing other social, family, and career obligations. Once a client enters outpatient treatment, he or she will receive access to all the same programs and therapies as a residential inpatient program, including group, family, individual, and complementary therapies.

Types of Behavioral Therapies for Crack Cocaine Abuse

Overcoming a drug addiction is about much more than getting clean because there are often emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social problems that contribute to the addiction. As such, it’s essential that people in recovery have access to a range of behavioral therapies that address these issues. Some of the most common and effective of these therapies include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most trusted therapies for recovery because it helps clients to understand the negative thoughts and behaviors that led to the addiction, and helps them to change them for healthier ones. Furthermore, CBT enables clients to identify triggers and stresses so they can avoid relapses in the future, and provides effective coping mechanisms that don’t involve drug use.

Therapeutic communities are sober residences where people in recovery can live together to provide one another with support and assistance, especially during the first few months of recovery. TCs often have therapists on-site as well to provide ongoing mental health care, and to help clients transition back into society.

Community-based recovery groups, such as Cocaine and Narcotics Anonymous, are groups where like-minded individuals with similar problems can come together to discuss their struggles, provide each other with support, and offer advice. The major benefit of these groups is support and community, which are integral to long-term recovery.

Get Help Today for Crack Cocaine Abuse

Crack cocaine abuse can be a life-threatening addiction, and recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse and encouraging a loved one to seek help are important steps on the road to recovery. At Futures of Palm Beach, we’ve seen the potentially devastating effects that crack addiction can have on individuals, families, and loved ones, and have the resources, facilities, experts, and therapies necessary to get you or a loved one into recovery and on the path to wellness and health. Call today to learn more about our drug addiction treatment programs.

Crack Cocaine Addiction & Risks

Like any addictive substance, crack cocaine builds increasing levels of tolerance, quickly. Crack cocaine is a type of cocaine that’s been dissolved in an ammonia-water or baking soda-water solution, and then heated to remove the liquids and separate out a solid form of the drug.

As soon as the drug is ingested, it strikes the brain’s mesolimbic dopamine system, forcing the production of the dopamine neurotransmitter.

The affects on the brain work quickly but also quickly pass and include side effects such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Muscle cramps
• Mood swings

Signs and Risks of Crack Cocaine Misuse

Generally speaking, crack cocaine has affects that are both short-term and long-term. There will be a number of physical changes to the body:

• Dilated pupils
• Rapid heart rate and breathing rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Hyperactivity and agitation
• Loss of appetite
• Paranoid behavior
• Mood swings

Sudden death (as a result of seizures or heart failure because of constricted blood vessels) is also possible with use.

Crack Cocaine Withdrawal Effects

Painful and severe withdrawal symptoms may occur when someone stops taking the substance. Withdrawal symptoms of crack cocaine will generally take the form of:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Oscillating between mild and intense cravings
• Mood swings and overreactions

Treatment is Possible

Crack cocaine is an especially potent drug. To address the physical aspect of addiction, treatment involves a complex process known as detoxification. In a controlled environment like a treatment facility, and supervised by trained medical personnel.

At Futures, we want to make hope a reality. We provide comprehensive treatment programs that teach our patients how to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Please call us today to speak to one of our trained professionals to find out how we can help you or a loved one.

Crack Cocaine Withdrawal and Detox

Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine, which comes from the coca plant and is fast acting and potent. The DEA classifies crack cocaine as a stimulant drug, meaning that it speeds up both physical and mental processes, leading to a high that increases focus, attention, and energy all at once. Effects are felt immediately, but end about 5-10 minutes after initial ingestion. This is one of the factors that differentiate crack cocaine from cocaine, as the effects of cocaine, once ingested through snorting, are felt 3-5 minutes after.

The immediate and intense effects of crack cocaine are part of what makes it so addictive. Upon use, a user will feel extreme euphoria, activating the brain’s reward centers. Crack cocaine differs from cocaine in many other ways, including its form. Crack cocaine is the rock form of cocaine and is less expensive than its powdered counterpart. It is created when powdered cocaine is combined with water and baking soda. After these substances are mixed, the combination is boiled, creating a solid. This solid is then broken down into pieces and sold as crack cocaine.

Crack cocaine is commonly abused through smoking the rocks, alone, or mixed with marijuana or tobacco. It quickly moves throughout the brain and the body when smoked, as it is absorbed quickly from the user’s lungs into their bloodstream.

In the United States alone, there are an estimated one million people who regularly use crack cocaine, but is not directly tied to any specific demographic according to the National Drug Intelligence Center. Findings from their survey found that over six million people in the U.S. over 12 years of age have tried the substance at least one time.

Crack Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline

Crack cocaine withdrawal timelines vary from person to person, and the length of withdrawal typically depends on a variety of factors such as tolerance levels, body chemistry, and the severity of drug dependence.

• 24-72 hours without crack cocaine: Crack cocaine users may feel symptoms like body aches and paranoia in the first 72 hours without use. Some users have also reported auditory and visual hallucinations during this time, with periods of severe paranoia occurring in the first 24 hours. Generally speaking, periods of paranoia and hallucinations will subside.
• 1 week without crack cocaine: During this period, users will often experience other symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and a lack of motivation.
• 2 weeks without crack cocaine: Cravings for crack cocaine become extreme during week 2 of the withdrawal period, often paired with feelings of depression. During this time, the brain is still trying to cope with the crack cocaine withdrawal. Usually, it cannot create enough dopamine to maintain positive emotions, with individuals also being at risk for high anxiety levels during this time.
• 3-4 weeks without crack cocaine: In weeks three and four of the crack cocaine withdrawal process, a user’s brain chemistry is experiencing changes, and there are frequent mood changes. A person may still be feeling quite anxious or depressed with psychological cravings still present, but physical cravings will probably have softened.

Physical Symptoms of Crack Cocaine Withdrawal

Crack cocaine addiction effects users both psychologically and physically. Physically, withdrawal symptoms typically include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Body aches
• Shaking

Psychological Symptoms of Crack Cocaine Withdrawal

Psychologically, there are two phases of crack cocaine withdrawal: acute and post-acute. Acute withdrawal is the immediate symptoms after use, while post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) refer to continuing psychological symptoms, which occur in the weeks and months without crack cocaine.

Common acute withdrawal symptoms include:

• Unpleasant dreams
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Exhaustion
• Mood changes

Common post-acute withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Insomnia
• A lack of motivation
• Inability to feel pleasure
• Angry outbursts
• Emotional outbursts
• Depression
• Shaking

Factors Affecting Crack Cocaine Withdrawal

The intensity of a user’s crack cocaine withdrawal is dependent on a variety of factors, which may include:

• The length of time crack cocaine has been used
• The amount of crack cocaine used on a recurring basis
• The severity of an addiction
• If there are other co-occurring mental or physical issues or conditions
• If other substances or drugs were used

For users experiencing crack cocaine withdrawal, there may not be obvious or visible symptoms like vomiting, shaking, or sweating. However, this doesn’t mean that withdrawal symptoms from crack cocaine are less severe, with some users craving crack cocaine so severely that relapse is almost impossible to avoid.

Crack Cocaine Withdrawal Remedies

When a user decides to stop using crack cocaine, it’s imperative that they seek the help of a medical professional. A person’s medical needs are dependent on their unique history and body chemistry, and the detox process can vary from person to person.

Crack cocaine usage isn’t slowly tapered down during detox, with users typically quitting “cold turkey” with the help of a medical professional and withdrawal medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms.

Crack Cocaine Detox Process

The crack cocaine detox process isn’t a quick fix, but a long-term recovery from a difficult addiction. During this time, a past user will feel intense emotional and physical symptoms that should not be dealt with alone. To safely detox from a crack cocaine addiction and avoid a relapse, a user should receive assistance from a medical professional in a drug treatment facility.

A professional drug treatment facility knows the correct detox process and can create a unique plan to help a user deal with severe withdrawal symptoms. As most withdrawal programs begin without crack cocaine usage being tapered off, medical supervision is critical for success.

In the weeks and months after crack cocaine usage ends, professional support provides the physical and mental assistance needed for long-term sobriety. Comprehensive crack cocaine detox programs from Futures of Palm Beach are designed to treat addiction and co-occurring disorders. Call today to learn how we can help you or a loved one overcome a crack cocaine addiction.

Ecstasy Misuse & Risks

MDMA or Ecstasy, is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. Ecstasy is often thought of as a “recreational drug” but there are many real dangers associated with ecstasy use, including the possibility of overdose and death. Effects of using Ecstasy can include involuntary teeth clenching, a loss of inhibitions, nausea, blurred vision, chills and/or sweating. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as seizures.

Many people also report muscle aches, headaches, feeling dizzy, being dehydrated, and feelings of nausea. Furthermore, regular ecstasy use can actually inhibit the body’s ability to produce further serotonin.

Long-Term Effects of Ecstasy Use

Some of the known long-term effects of regular ecstasy use include:

• Brain damage
• Increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases
• Increased risk of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis for those who inject ecstasy
• Liver damage
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Delusional thinking
• Flashbacks
• Dependence on other drugs to combat the effects of ecstasy

Fatal Overdoses

Some people will never get around to experiencing the long-term effects of ecstasy use because they will die from overdosing on the drug. A fatal overdose can occur the first time a person uses ecstasy or the hundredth; all it takes is one bad pill to kill an otherwise healthy person. If someone you love abuses ecstasy, know the signs of an ecstasy overdose and seek help immediately if you believe one has occurred. Signs to be aware of include:

• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Increased temperature
• Increased blood pressure
• Dizzy spells
• Cramps
• Heart palpitations
• Cardiac arrest
• Hyperthermia
• Severe dehydration
• Kidney failure

These types of symptoms require immediate medical attention and should never be ignored.

Residential Inpatient Treatment for Ecstasy Misuse

A residential inpatient treatment facility is a home-like setting where patients live together and support each other through the recovery process. By choosing a residential inpatient facility for treatment, the patient immediately becomes free of any negative influences that may be detrimental to recovery.

Depending on the facility, patients will have access to a wide range of methods and practices for their recovery. Some of these methods might include:

• Evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy
• Holistic and complementary methods, including spiritual counseling, music or art therapy, or therapeutic massage or acupuncture
• Support groups both formal and informal
• Nutritional counseling
• Family counseling and therapy

An individual suffering from ecstasy misuse and addiction can reclaim their life. Contact Futures Recovery Healthcare today to learn about our treatment programs.

Ecstasy Withdrawal

Ecstasy is a hallucinogenic and stimulant drug that’s manufactured to elicit a number of pleasant feelings, such as relaxation, euphoria, and empathy. The drug comes in the form of brightly colored tablets that can be swallowed whole, or crushed and then smoked or snorted.

People who are high on ecstasy tend to grind their teeth, are sensitive to light and touch, will have dilated pupils, will have extraordinary sensory experiences, and will likely have high blood pressure, an elevated temperature, and a faster heart rate.

When people take ecstasy for a prolonged period, they may become dependent on the drug, and they experience withdrawal when they stop taking it. There are many symptoms of withdrawal, but with ecstasy, it can be even more complicated because the drug is often cut with other substances and chemicals.

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Ecstasy Withdrawal

When a person becomes addicted to a drug, biochemical changes happen in the brain that lead to a compulsion to get high. Similarly, when a person is dependent on a drug (which is a precursor to addiction), the body builds a tolerance to the drug, and the brain begins getting used to functioning while high. When this happens, the brain doesn’t function properly without the substance anymore, and this causes the symptoms of withdrawal that people experience.

During an ecstasy withdrawal and detox, a person can expect to experience physical symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Appetite loss
• Insomnia
• Decreased interest in sex
• Loss of motor control
• Cravings for the drug
• Difficulty with memory and attention

Ecstasy withdrawal doesn’t just affect people physically, and there are a number of unpleasant psychological symptoms one can expect to experience during this time as well. Some of the most common experiences during ecstasy withdrawal include:

• Depression
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Hostility and irritability
• Depersonalization
• Mood swings
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis

Because these symptoms are unpleasant, the risk of relapse is highest during detox, because retaking the drug will alleviate the symptoms. However, the risk of overdose during a relapse is also very high, because a person’s tolerance for the drug can drop.

Ecstasy Withdrawal Effects

When a person takes ecstasy, the drug affects the brain by flooding it with norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Some of the common effects of ecstasy withdrawal, therefore, are:

The brain can no longer produce the same quantities of neurotransmitters
Depression sets in because of the lack of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin
The brain has to adapt to operating without the drug again

Ecstasy Withdrawal Timeline

There are many factors that can impact how long the symptoms of withdrawal will last, including drug use history, dosage, the presence of co-occurring mental disorders, age, polydrug use, genetics, and more. However, the worst of the symptoms will typically peak within a week of starting an ecstasy detox, and the detox experience generally follows a similar timeline for everyone:

Within 12 hours: After 3 to 6 hours, the ecstasy will stop affecting the brain, and a person will start to experience withdrawal symptoms after about 12 hours. The most common symptoms at this time include cravings, depression, and difficulty controlling one’s behavior. People may also experience panic attacks, insomnia, out-of-body experiences, confusion, delusions, and difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality.

Day 3: Around this time, the body will have fully processed the drug, and while the other symptoms will persist, some new symptoms will appear as well, including anxiety, irritability, fatigue, mood swings, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating.

Day 10: Most withdrawal symptoms will have peaked by now, but a person may also start to experience muscle stiffness and hallucinations. Symptoms will start to abate after this time as the brain adapts to functioning again without ecstasy.

Days 11 through 90: It can take a couple of months for the symptoms of withdrawal to fully subside, and during this time it’s most likely that the depression and cravings will be the most persistent.

Ecstasy Detox Process

The first step on the road to recovery is an ecstasy detox and withdrawal at a drug treatment facility. By choosing a medically supervised detox, people get access to supervision, medical care, a drug-free environment, and a crucial support system that will reduce the chances of relapse and drastically increase the chances of success.

When a person first arrives, there will be an evaluation, which will include a medical examination, getting a patient history, and creating a personalized treatment plan. After the initial assessment, the detox will begin, and this means complete abstinence to let the body process and eliminate the drugs. Once the symptoms of withdrawal have settled down, the real work can begin, and that includes therapy and counseling to help a client address the causes of the addiction, identify triggers and stresses, and gain the coping skills and self-awareness necessary to prevent a relapse in the future.

At Futures, we help clients work through their ecstasy addictions. Our accredited staff will be there every step of the way as the client goes through detox and withdrawal, begins therapy to work through the emotional, behavioral, and social issues that led to the addiction, and even long after recovery through our aftercare programs. Asking for help is the first step on the long path to sobriety. We can make the journey as easy as possible, and provide the best opportunity possible for long-term health, happiness, and recovery. Call today to learn about our programs.

Signs and Symptoms of Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy, or MDMA, is an ongoing problem in the United States. A synthetic substance that varies in chemical composition from batch to batch, it often causes medical emergencies and even overdoses and deaths in users who abuse the drug recreationally. Unfortunately, addiction is also an issue. Those who use the drug regularly often develop a dependence that can interrupt and damage the rest of their lives, their relationships with their loved ones, and even cause overdose and death. If your loved one is living with an ecstasy use disorder, don’t wait to get help. Contact us at Futures today.

Signs of Ecstasy Use

There are a number of different ways to identify the use and abuse of ecstasy in someone you love. Chronic abuse affects someone in a number of different ways, so the symptoms of use can manifest in a number of areas in their life. Acute effects include:

• Acting overly empathetic
• Demonstrating an elevated mood or “high”
• Grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw
• Having no appetite
• Developing hyperthermia
• Experiencing clouded thinking
• Behaving erratically
• Becoming agitated
• Sweating
• Being very thirsty
• Having an elevated heart rate

Many people who use Ecstasy are often a part of a culture of drug use. Few simply take the drug every night alone in their rooms. Rather, you may notice that your loved one:

• Buys new clothes, often brightly colored outfits that stand out
• Develops an interest in music that is repetitive and beat-driven
• Enjoys spending time at clubs and all-night dance parties, often traveling long distances to hear certain DJs or to be a part of different events
• Makes new friends with similar tastes

Changes in Behavior

Drug addiction of any kind often alters a person completely. Family members often recall in disbelief the person their loved one was prior to the development of drug use, and often fear that person is a thing of the past. Those who are addicted to ecstasy are no different. Some of the signs of dependence upon the drug can include some of the same issues that affect all addicts:

• Inability maintaining or finding a job
• Health problems
• Difficulties with positive relationships
• Disinterest in old hobbies and goals
• Financial problems

Don’t Ignore Drug Use

Illicit substance use is never justifiable, though many users of ecstasy will call the drug harmless and define their use as purely recreational. If you are concerned that your loved one is unable to manage their use of ecstasy or any other drug, contact us at Futures now to learn more about our intensive, evidence-based addiction treatment programs.

Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy is a designer drug, also known as a “club drug,” that is manufactured in illicit laboratories in many parts of the world. Originally, ecstasy was just the chemical MDMA; but now, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency, ecstasy abuse often occurs when MDMA is mixed with other drugs, such as methamphetamine or ketamine, and even over-the-counter cough suppressants.

There is no regulation in place concerning the manufacture of ecstasy because it is a Schedule I substance. This means that there is no legitimate, medical use of the drug, and it is only manufactured for illegal, recreational purposes.

The history of MDMA spans many decades. Originally synthesized in the early part of the 1900s, it was used by a portion of the psychological community due to its ability to break down communication barriers and inhibitions during sessions. As explained by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, when the drug became widely and legally available on the street, the Drug Enforcement Agency banned the substance for all uses.

How Is Ecstasy Abused?

Known on the street by names such as “beans,” “lover’s speed” or “peace,” MDMA and the other drugs often blended with it come in a tablet form. They are available in a variety of colors with logos stamped on the tablet to identify different brands or combinations of drugs. The end user of the product, however, has no resource or recourse in determining what drugs are actually contained in the pill.

There are several ways in which individuals who participate in the party culture associated with club drugs will take ecstasy. One method, known as “stacking” involves taking at least three tablets at one time. Another, known as “piggy-backing,” according to the DEA, is the taking of multiple tablets or doses with small intervals. For instance, rather than taking three pills as once, a user might space out the doses in half-hour increments.

Mixing Ecstasy and Alcohol

Mixing drugs such as ecstasy with alcohol is potentially very dangerous. Ecstasy is a stimulant, which on the surface seems like a “safe” drug to mix with a depressant, such as alcohol. However, when an individual does so, they put themselves in a position to stay awake and alert far longer than if they were consuming alcohol alone. While this may be the point – to stay awake and be able to participate in the party subculture for longer periods of time – it also allows an individual to drink far more alcohol during a shorter period of time. Combining stimulants and alcohol can result in alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal in certain circumstances. Additionally, mixing MDMA with alcohol can make one feel nauseous, induce vomiting and increase dehydration. Ecstasy’s ability to deregulate body temperature and alcohol’s ability to raise body temperature can lead to death due to hypertension.

The Dangers of Ecstasy Abuse

According to a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 17,865 hospital visits in 2008 involved ecstasy.

While more than three-quarters of those visits involved ecstasy in combination with another drug, one-quarter were related only to ecstasy abuse. The physical effects of ecstasy abuse include:

• Increased body temperature
• Blurry vision
• Dehydration
• Hypertension
• Arrhythmia (or an irregular heartbeat)
• Grinding of the teeth or jaw
• Cramping

These symptoms alone are frightening when taken in perspective; however, there are other negative effects of ecstasy that affect one’s personality and quality of life, including increased anxiety and irritability, a lack of enjoyment from sex, learning disabilities, aggression, inability to sleep, and depression.

Residential Inpatient Treatment for Ecstasy Addiction

A residential inpatient treatment facility for drug addiction is a home-like setting where patients live together and support each other through the recovery process. By choosing a residential inpatient facility for drug addiction treatment, the patient immediately becomes free of those negative influences that may be detrimental to recovery.

Depending on the facility, the clients will have access to a wide range of methods and practices for the treatment of addiction. Some of these methods might include:

• Evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy
• Holistic and complementary methods, including spiritual counseling, music or art therapy, or therapeutic massage or acupuncture
• Support groups both formal and informal
• Nutritional counseling
• Family counseling and therapy

An individual suffering from ecstasy abuse and addiction can reclaim their life. All it takes is an effective treatment program and the help of professional counselors and staff who have the experience and expertise to help them find their way. If you’d like information about our addiction treatment programs, contact us here at Futures today.

Adderall Withdrawal and Detox

Adderall is a prescription drug commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. It is a combination of two types of stimulant drugs, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Amphetamines speed up the body’s processes and systems, and when properly prescribed, Adderall can treat both ADHD and narcolepsy.

As a central nervous system stimulant, Adderall effectively increases dopamine levels in the brain, stimulating its processes. For those with ADHD, this stimulating effect helps enhance focus and producing a calming feeling.

The use of Adderall to treat ADHD has increased in past years, leading to a surge in prescriptions and more Adderall available than ever before. This increase in availability has, in turn, made abuse of Adderall more prevalent in those with no medical necessity to take the drug. For many, the increase in dopamine creates euphoric feelings, leading some to either crush and snort Adderall pills, or even mix them with water to inject the drug directly into their bloodstream. Some individuals choose to take Adderall to focus better and think, especially those in high school or college looking to boost academic scores.

The side effects of Adderall use vary among people, but include a loss of appetite, cardiovascular symptoms, headaches, difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, and an extremely dry mouth.

Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal

Adderall withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other heavily abused amphetamines. The severity of these symptoms differ between individuals, and rely on factors such as dosage, the length of abuse, and whether or not Adderall was prescribed for medical reasons. Adderall does not typically create a physical danger, but it does create a psychological danger. In fact, the FDA requires all labels on Adderall must warn of the “extreme psychological dependence” capabilities of the drug.

Physical symptoms of withdrawal may include:

• Hunger
• Increased appetite
• Low energy

Psychological symptoms of withdrawal are much more prominent and common than physical symptoms, and include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Intense cravings for the drug
• Memory impairment
• Insomnia and hypersomnia
• Sleep disturbances
• Extreme fatigue
• A loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities

Adderall Withdrawal Effects

As Adderall works to increase focus, energy, euphoria, and concentration in those who use it, withdrawal effects are typically the opposite. When a person discontinues Adderall use, they will experience uncomfortable withdrawal effects. These effects are enhanced in those who have developed a higher tolerance for the drug.

Individuals experiencing the effects of withdrawal may experience symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts
• Extreme fatigue
• Depression
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Increased appetite
• Nightmares
• Anxiety
• Achiness
• Increased difficulty in concentration and focus
• Oversleeping
• Headaches

Adderall Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and dangerous, and can begin to show anywhere from a few hours after the last use of Adderall to days later.

1-36 Hours Without Adderall: Withdrawal signs can begin to show anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days after the last dose. Typically, an intense crash from withdrawal includes extreme fatigue and depression.

3-5 days Without Adderall: During the first week without Adderall, people will experience depression, feelings of irritability, and fatigue. Some individuals may also have nightmares and headaches. However, this week usually marks the peak of withdrawal symptoms.

5-7 Days Without Adderall: After around five days into the withdrawal, a person’s symptoms will start to fade. However, some may still be unable to fully participate in professional or social situations, as they’re still experiencing bouts of depression on a less severe level.

Adderall Detox Process

Detoxing from a drug is the process of a drug leaving a person’s body. Typically, withdrawal symptoms begin once a drug has completely left an individual’s system, and difficult symptoms may require medical supervision.

When detoxing from Adderall, most medical professionals at addiction treatment centers recommend a process that tapers a person off of the drug. By slowly limiting down doses of Adderall, the intensity of withdrawal symptoms are minimized.

Detoxing from Adderall at home or alone can pose dangerous risks for an individual’s psychological and physical well-being. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms at home can cause a relapse, as the proper support system and resources are not in place. When a person chooses to detox and withdrawal from Adderall with the help of residential inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation centers, they can better reduce their dosages while under supervised care.

If you need help detoxing from Adderall, call Futures today.

Adderall Addiction Treatment

Adderall is a very popular medication that is prescribed for treating attention deficit hyper disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Its effectiveness comes from the way it changes the balance of chemicals in the brain. However, this also means that people can misuse Adderall both unintentionally, because they want greater relief for their conditions, and intentionally, because they enjoy the side effects of Adderall. Adderall abuse is a real problem with real consequences, but treatment and therapy can make the difference between health and addiction.

How Adderall Works

Adderall is the brand name of the combination of two stimulant drugs, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is a central nervous stimulant that works by making the brain produce dopamine, a chemical that is naturally released when a person does something they find enjoyable. If you do something exciting – anything from watching an action movie to having a good meal – the feelings of pleasure and satisfaction you get are from your brain releasing dopamine, making a mental connection between whatever you’re doing and the satisfaction you feel. The dopamine is gradually absorbed back into the brain, so you move on with your life, but your brain makes a mental note that it enjoyed the experience. Therefore, the next time the opportunity presents itself, you remember how you felt when you last tried it, and you feel compelled to do it again.

Patients who suffer from narcolepsy benefit from Adderall because it stimulates their nervous system, meaning that they have fewer episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness. When it comes to ADHD, Adderall helps patients feel focused and calm by increasing the flow of key neurotransmitters (like dopamine) in the brain. The result is that a patient’s concentration and focus are heightened. The key is that Adderall must be prescribed at the correct dosage in order for this calming effect to take place. If, for example, a patient receives a prescription for a dosage level that is too low, he or she may feel increasingly distracted and unproductive as the effects of the Adderall wears off. If the patient chooses to take another dose of Adderall too soon, the stimulation returns, but at the cost of the patient developing an unhealthy chemical and behavioral dependence on the Adderall.

How Adderall’s Abused Without a Prescription

Adderall’s effectiveness in treating narcolepsy and ADHD has seen an increase in non-prescription use. This includes people who obtain Adderall from friends and family members for boosting their academic performance, or people who use Adderall as a way to get high. Since Adderall doesn’t carry the same health risks as substances like heroin or cocaine, many people falsely believe that “Adderall is definitely not a drug” and can’t be abused.

The sheer scope of misunderstanding of the potential for abusing Adderall masks the danger. In just five years, from 2005 to 2010, emergency room visits for ADHD stimulant medications being used for non-medical reasons went up from 5,212 to 15,585, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Almost half of these visits occurred because patients made the mistake of mixing ADHD stimulants with alcohol. In fact, many college students who use Adderall for non-medical purposes confessed to binge drinking and combining the Adderall with their alcohol. In fact, in 2012, the Journal of American College Health published a study that showed that the vast majority of college students who use Adderall for non-medical reasons got it from friends who already had prescriptions.

Risk Factors

The way that Adderall triggers the release of dopamine in the brain is very similar to the way that harmful drugs and alcohol work. In those cases, they forcibly make the brain pump out unnatural levels of dopamine, creating unhealthily strong reactions and hooking the user on the power of the sensations. With Adderall, the addictiveness comes from the intended result of the drug – it’s supposed to make patients feel alert, productive, and energetic. Such results are attractive to narcoleptics, who have to deal with being constantly dazed and fatigued, and to ADHD patients, whose bursts of energy leave them frustrated and without focus. In both cases, the temptation and means to abuse Adderall are high. And with a prescription in hand, this becomes very problematic.

Abusing Adderall

Abusing prescription medication is a massive issue. A November 2014 survey by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids found that one in five college students has abused a prescription medication. It’s such an issue that the problem is “becoming normalized.” Adderall was one of the drugs cited in the study. 45% of respondents abused the medication because they thought its stimulating properties would help them perform better academically, and 31% took stimulants simply to stay awake. Part of the reason for this abuse of Adderall and other stimulants is that many people do not understand how potent these drugs are and how dangerous they can be.

The Ugly Side of Adderall

The truth is that Adderall is most certainly a drug. When it is misused, it can cause a number of undesired effects in a user, including:

• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Mood swings
• Sexual dysfunction

Chronic or extreme use of Adderall can cause more serious problems, including:

• Breathing trouble
• Cold sweats
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever
• Blurred vision
• Hallucinations

If a user realizes they have become hooked on Adderall, quitting is not as easy as not taking Adderall anymore. After constant exposure and bombardment by the amphetamine salts in Adderall, the user’s brain no longer knows how to function without the drug. Suddenly ceasing the intake of the drug can cause withdrawal effects like:

• Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps and pain
• Trembling
• Nightmares
• Suicidal thoughts

For this reason, patients should not try and quit taking Adderall on their own. The temptation to relapse will be too great, and the danger of hurting themselves or someone around them should preclude any attempt at self-treatment.

Treating Adderall Abuse

Since every person is different, it is important to the different options available for Adderall addiction treatment.

Residential Inpatient: Residential inpatient treatment incorporates medical supervision, a healthy environment, activities for both groups and individuals, and various forms of therapy. Residential inpatient programs typically last 30, 60, or 90 days, and during treatment clients live at the facility. The goal of all the treatment services is to address the factors that are involved in Adderall use, such as medical, emotional, physical and mental.

Outpatient/Extended Care: Outpatient/extended care happens after completing an inpatient therapy program. The goal of an outpatient program is to help the patient adapt to the everyday struggles of recovery. Outpatient services help patients recovering from Adderall addiction through programs that develop skills, build a supportive network, identify and achieve goals, and address the daily struggles involved in relapse prevention.

Here at Futures of Palm Beach, we want you to be aware of the risks posed by unhealthy Adderall consumption. If you have any questions about using Adderall, or if you’re afraid that a loved one may be taking too much Adderall, please call us today and speak to one of our trained admissions specialists.

How Long Does Valium Withdrawal Last?

Valium is prescribed on a short-term basis to help people move through a period of intense anxiety. A long exposure to Valium can change chemical and electrical patterns in your brain and lead to feelings of discomfort when stopped.

What Happens During Valium Withdrawal?

When Valium is removed from your system and your brain once again functions at a normal pace, a variety of different physical and mental signals can appear. In time, as the brain adjusts to the lack of Valium, those signs and signals abate and a feeling of normalcy returns. It’s important to note that withdrawal is a normal and natural part of recovery.

Common Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

During withdrawal, you might feel:

• Irritable
• Tense
• Nervous
• Sweaty
• Nauseated
• Sore
• Unable to sleep

An abrupt withdrawal from Valium tends to produce a stronger set of symptoms, compared to if tapered.

Seizures are also a possibility and can be life-threatening, it’s highly recommended to go through withdrawal under medical supervision.

Tips to Help You Through Valium Withdrawal

The best thing you can do to help yourself move through Valium withdrawal is to enroll in a structured treatment plan. When under medical supervision, professionals will reduce your Valium dose gradually. The pace of that withdrawal is entirely dependent on the symptoms you demonstrate. The team should provide you with psychological support, so you’ll understand the full process.

Taking care of your body may also help you to soothe your mind. Try:

• Taking a walk
• Sitting in a cool bath
• Performing gentle stretches
• Eating a few bites of comfort food
• Breathing deeply

A treatment team at a residential inpatient facility will help you to move through withdrawal. When speaking with a medical professional, outline your symptoms clearly and honestly, and ask for help and support when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You may need a medication adjustment, or you may need a few additional therapy sessions.

Get Help with Valium Withdrawal & Detox

Typically, a withdrawal from Valium should be complete in a few weeks, but this is a highly individualized process.

If you need help detoxing from Valium, call Futures today.

Signs and Symptoms of Valium Addiction

Valium is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called diazepam. Since benzodiazepines have the ability to sedate and relax, Valium is often prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. This drug is similar to Librium (generic name chlordiazepoxide) and Ativan (generic name lorazepam), but they are unique drugs and used to treat different disorders. Librium is also used as a general sedative, and Ativan is prescribed to treat seizures. Valium is often abused because it produces feelings of euphoria, and overall creates a relaxing feeling.

With prolonged use, people can develop a tolerance to Valium, which means they have to take increasingly higher doses to get the same effects. People abuse it by taking larger quantities than prescribed, taking the drug more frequently, taking the drug without a prescription, or crushing the drug and snorting the powder.

Being able to identify and recognize Valium abuse signs and symptoms could help a friend or loved one who’s struggling with dependence and addiction to seek help.

Physical Signs & Symptoms of Valium Abuse

All drug use comes with a number of signs that point to abuse, and specific Valium abuse symptoms include:

• Relaxed muscles
• Slow breathing
• Extreme sleepiness
• Weakness
• Vomiting and nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Lack of motor coordination
• Headaches
• Slow reaction time

Behavioral and Psychological Signs of Valium Abuse

Along with the physical signs, there are also a number of behavioral symptoms of Valium abuse. Some common behavioral and psychological signs of Valium abuse include:

• Visiting multiple doctors
• Requesting Valium prescriptions after the original course has run out
• Losing interest in hobbies and passions
• Declining performance at work or school
• Neglecting appearance or personal hygiene
• Stealing or borrowing money to pay for drugs
• Choosing drugs instead of food, bills, and family
• Hanging out with new friends and isolation from old friends
• Often being confused or out of it
• Exhibiting feelings of euphoria
• Becoming depressed
• Not being able to sleep
• Being extremely calm all the time
• Making bad decisions or exhibiting poor judgment
• Experiencing amnesia
• Becoming hostile or irritable
• Having vivid or disturbing dreams
• Developing a dependence on Valium

Long-Term Effects of Valium Abuse

One of the problems with prolonged Valium abuse is that the drug does have a number of long-term side effects. Both the brain and body can be impacted by extended Valium abuse, and some of the effects can even be life-threatening. Some of the dangerous physical effects of abuse are:

• Slow heart rate
• Breathing difficulties
• Coma
• Heart attack
• Increased risk of accident or injury

There are also lasting psychological effects associated with Valium abuse, and the longer a person takes the drug, the worse and more permanent these long-term signs of Valium abuse can become:

• Depression
• Aggression
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss and amnesia
• Delirium
• Psychotic experiences
• Cognitive difficulties

Valium’s Effects on the Brain

The primary effect that Valium has on the brain is impacting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. As a central nervous system depressant, the drug has the ability to slow or stop certain abnormal activities in the brain, including those associated with stress and anxiety. Furthermore, Valium also depresses electrical activity in the amygdala and hippocampus, which are areas responsible for regulating emotions. It’s thanks to Valium’s interaction with GABA and other areas of the brain that it has the ability to produce the cognitive (and physical) effects it does, such as:

• Producing a sense of calm and sedation
• Producing euphoria
• Inducing sleep and treating insomnia
• Preventing seizures
• Creating an elevated mood
• Relaxing muscles
• Calming nerves
• Controlling manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder

Get Help Today for Valium Abuse

Valium abuse signs range from the physical to the psychological to the cognitive to the long-term, and being able to recognize these warning signs and symptoms in a loved one could actually save a life. Because Valium abuse can be fatal, recognizing symptoms and encouraging a loved one to seek help could prevent an accident, injury, permanent damage to the body, and even death.

There is help for Valium abuse, and Futures of Palm Beach can give loved ones who are struggling the best chance possible at recovery. Call Futures today to get help overcoming Valium addiction.

Valium Addiction

Valium is a prescription that provides relief of anxiety or muscle pains. It is known for its sedative capabilities, and works by targeting certain unbalanced chemicals in the brain. While Valium is often a safe and effective medication when it is used properly, its risks cannot be underestimated.

Short-Term Valium Misuse Side Effects

Like any prescription drug, Valium has a series of side effects people experience when using it. Here are some of the short-term effects of Valium misuse:

• Anxiety – users often feel on edge or nervous without provocation.
• Irritation – ups and downs will result in mood swings that are hard to control and they might also bring about an increase in aggression or hostility.
• Fever – this may also involve confusion, feeling faint, experiencing hallucinations or strange thoughts, and odd behavior.
• Rapid heart rate – this may also lead to tremors that include uncontrollable movement and speed in all areas of muscle, including the heart.
• Stomach cramps – digestive problems can take place, usually with some form of pain or discomfort in the stomach, or loss of control of bladder functions.
• Depression – the letdown of the decreasing impact on a person’s brain puts them in a depressed state of mind that can be accompanied by thoughts of suicide.

Long-Term Valium Side Effects

Unwarranted and extensive use of Valium has many serious, permanent, and sometimes fatal effects that everyone needs to be aware of. Long-term side effects include:

• Memory loss – this may not just be temporary; prolonged loss of memory is possible when brain waves are constantly damaged or intentionally slowing processes
• Hallucinations – mentioned along with fever in short-term Valium effects, hallucinations are common.
• Difficulty breathing – shortness of breath or an inability to perform natural, automatic, essential body functions is common
• Slowed pulse
• Coma
• Heart attack – blood pressure increases while sending each muscle group into shock mode, numbness, and shutdown, preventing blood from reaching the heart
• Social problems – lengthy misuse may cause isolation, job loss, failing relationships, and monetary setbacks
• Accidents

Valium Withdrawal

Even though Valium withdrawal is not exclusive to people who misuse it and might naturally happen while taking it as prescribed, the symptoms are magnified after long periods of consumption. They are similar to the more serious side effects and include:

• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Cessation of or shallow breathing
• Stomach or digestive problems
• Respiratory distress
• Tachycardia
• Increased blood pressure
• Numbness or tingling in limbs
• Personality changes
• Depression
• Vision impairment
• Extreme sweating
• Tremors
• Coma
• Sleeplessness or chronic insomnia

Finding Help for Valium misuse

Recovery is not easy and it requires a qualified medical staff that can oversee the necessary detoxification process before stabilizing the patient, minimizing or actually preventing body damage, and preparing the patient for a successful rehabilitation. Interestingly, a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report states that 23.5 million people need treatment for an illicit drug addiction, but unfortunately, just over 2.6 million receive it.

Starting treatment for drug misuse is the most important part of achieving recovery, and oftentimes, someone struggling with has no idea regarding the dangers they live with. People addicted to Valium must rely on people around them or themselves to recognize the following signs and symptoms of addiction:

• Feeling a strong regular need for Valium
• Wanting a supply of Valium that is constant, regardless of whether or not a prescription actually needs to be refilled or is running low
• Unusual or dangerous behavior
• Problems functionally normally without Valium, even when certain activities are eliminated entirely

Here at Futures, we specialize in treating Valium misuse with a comprehensive approach that includes understanding the cause of the addiction, guidance towards healthy decisions, and a complete strategy for continued success. If you or someone you know is struggling with a Valium addiction please contact us today to learn about how we can help you or a loved one start the path to recovery.

Valium Addiction Treatment

Benzodiazepines like Valium work in different ways in different people. For example, some people develop signs of psychological and physical dependence to benzodiazepines within a few weeks of starting dosage, while it might take significantly longer for others to become dependent on it.

Who Needs Treatment for Valium Misuse

Valium addiction treatment programs are customized, meaning that the treatments patients get are tailored to address the individual factors that have contributed to their Valium misuse. It isn’t at all unusual for benzodiazepine addictions to develop in along with another addiction.

An underlying mental health condition, like depression or anxiety, can leave you vulnerable to a return to misuse, unless that problem is addressed. By performing interviews and tests with medical professionals, your care team can make sure they’re treating all of the conditions you might have.

Medical Detox Options

Once your medical care team has a grasp of all of the factors that might contribute to your Valium addiction, they’ll need to create a plan to help you to recover. Medications might play a key role in that plan.

The easiest method involves tapering slowly off dosage, which should be monitored by a professional care team. Your treatment team will watch you carefully and ensure that you don’t experience side effects, such as:

• Nervousness
• Twitching
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations

Therapies for Valium Addiction

While medications can help your brain cells heal, therapy will help you to build up new habits and new opinions, and those things can keep you recovered in the future. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for addictions to depressants like Valium.

In sessions that follow this model, you work closely with a therapist on an addiction treatment plan.

Why Futures Recovery for Valium Treatment

Futures is a comprehensive treatment center that specializes in addition and co-occurring conditions. Our accredited and experienced medical team and ensures high quality treatment and care.

Along with cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment sessions, clients have access to a wide range of amenities, including a pool, fitness center, meditation area, and freshly prepared meals every day. Once clients leave Futures, they will have access to our alumni programs, which include aftercare programs, ongoing support groups, and engaging events throughout the year, which are all integral to lifelong recovery.

Valium addiction affect people’s personal, professional, and interpersonal lives, and can also impact both their mental and physical health. Futures has the expertise, resources, and amenities that patients need to start their recovery journey. Call today to speak with an Admissions Specialist.

Klonopin Withdrawal

Klonopin is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat seizures, anxiety, and panic attacks by adjusting brain activity. Klonopin is intended for short-term relief and not long-term use, due to the fast pace at which the brain and body become tolerant to its effects. Since the body and brain can easily become so dependent on Klonopin, Klonopin withdrawal is a challenging and volatile experience that requires medical supervision.

Klonopin addiction comes with a host of side effects, the severity of which can vary depending on the individual and specific circumstances of Klonopin use. The side effects of Klonopin addiction include:

• Seizures
• Sweating
• Abdominal cramps
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Trouble falling and staying asleep; possible nightmares when asleep
• Hallucinations
• Drug cravings

Individuals with a prescription for Klonopin are susceptible to addiction, even if it is a low-dose prescription, due to the inherently addictive effects that Klonopin causes in the brain.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Repeated use of Klonopin causes an individual’s body and brain to adapt to the presence of Klonopin and the activity that it causes. This adaptation causes the body to rely on and depend on Klonopin use in order to feel calm and properly function.

Once an individual has developed a dependence on Klonopin, they will experience withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. Detoxification is the process during which Klonopin, and other harmful chemicals, are flushed from the body. During the detoxification process, the brain and body must go through the difficult process of re-adapting to a Klonopin-free lifestyle. This challenging process of adaptation causes withdrawal symptoms as the body and brain negatively react to Klonopin deprivation.

Klonopin Withdrawal Process

Klonopin has a long half-life, taking two days or longer for the drug to leave the body’s bloodstream. This long half-life can make for a long detox and withdrawal process. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the withdrawal process in order to avoid the discouragement and disillusionment that can lead to relapse.

There are three phases of Klonopin withdrawal: early, acute and post-acute. The phases are experienced chronologically and are characterized by different withdrawal symptoms of varying degrees. Below are the symptoms and side effects that individuals may experience during each phase of Klonopin withdrawal:

• Early: During the early phase, individuals may experience panic attacks, anxiety, seizures and insomnia. These symptoms are normal, as they are the very symptoms that Klonopin is prescribed to treat.
• Acute: In this phase, withdrawal symptoms begin to expand beyond those which are normally experienced prior to Klonopin use. The acute phase is characterized by dizziness, headaches, tension, tremors, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, a change in appetite, and seizures. These symptoms can be particularly unsettling.
• Post-Acute: This phase is not always clinically considered part of the Klonopin withdrawal process. However, it is still a useful categorization of the protracted bouts of depression, anxiety and anhedonia (the inability to experience pleasure), that can last up to 2 years after the completion of the Klonopin detox process.

More effective withdrawal methods include:

• Decreasing drug dosage: With the guidance of a medical professional this method allows the client’s body to slowly adjust as he/she gradually tapers off Klonopin by decreasing dosage every two weeks. This gradual process helps prevent the more hazardous withdrawal symptoms that accompany the abrupt cessation of Klonopin use.
• Switching to a different medication: Switching to a different medication can help mitigate the severity of Klonopin withdrawal symptoms. Alternative medications, can help address the same issues that Klonopin is prescribed to treat while, at the same time, allowing Klonopin to be flushed from the body.

Get Help for Klonopin Addiction Today

Klonopin withdrawal can be a scary and dangerous experience, which is why it’s always recommended that the detoxification process is supervised by a medical professional. Individuals who need to detox from Klonopin should seek out reliable and safe detox programs that provide personalized, professional care.

At Futures, we provide extensive services, from detox to dual diagnosis treatment for clients with co-occurring conditions. Our personalized care is carefully designed meet the needs of individuals who struggle with Klonopin misuse. Call us today to discuss treatment needs and how we can help build the foundation for a healthy, Klonopin-free life.

Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Abuse

Klonopin is a fast-acting benzodiazepine that is prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, epilepsy, and seizures. For some people who use Klonopin as prescribed by their doctor, dependence and addiction can begin in just a few weeks. For this reason, it is only prescribed for short periods of time.

How Klonopin Effects on the Brain

Klonopin works by blocking specific brain receptors, which can help reduce stress and agitation. However, once an individual becomes addicted to the drug, their brain may not be able to create these calm or relaxed feelings without the drug. This dependence is so severe that individuals addicted to Klonopin cannot function normally without the drug.

Behavioral & Psychological Signs of Klonopin Abuse

The behavioral signs and changes in those who abuse Klonopin may include:

• Restlessness
• Relaxation
• A withdrawal from family and friends
• Lack of motivation
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Difficult personal relationships
• Increased agitation
• Obsessively seeking out Klonopin
• Using Klonopin for non-medical reasons

Psychological changes and signs of Klonopin-based abuse may look like:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Intense drug cravings
• Short-term memory loss
• Psychosis
• Cognitive challenges
• Personality changes
• Auditory hallucinations
• Difficulty thinking

Physical Signs of Klonopin Abuse

Although Klonopin mainly affects a person’s psychological functions, there are physical effects of Klonopin abuse. The physical signs of Klonopin abuse may include:

• Dizziness
• Increased urination
• Rashes or hives
• Muscle tension
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to sounds and light
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Changes in sex drive
• Increased salivation
• Increased sweating

Side Effects of Klonopin Abuse

Similar to other benzodiazepines, Klonopin abuse is associated with a variety of side effects and risks. Klonopin effects typically begin within an hour of taking it. The amount of time that effects are felt depends on the illness and symptoms that Klonopin is meant to treat, but usually lasts between 6 and 24 hours. Side effects of Klonopin abuse may include:

• Euphoric feelings
• A relaxed mindset with feelings of calm and slowed thoughts
• Drowsiness with a quickened sleep initiation and prolonged duration
• A relaxed body with less tension, agitation, and rigidity
• Seizures
• Central nervous system depression
• Difficulty with respiration

Long-Term Effects of Klonopin Abuse

When used on a prolonged or ongoing basis, both prescribed and recreational use of Klonopin can result in undesired side effects. These side effects show up as behavioral changes, psychological impacts, and physical consequences.

The psychological effects of long-term Klonopin abuse may include:

• Anxiety that cannot be controlled by the drug
• Depression
• Reduced inhibitions
• An increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
• Milder forms of memory impairment

Physical consequences of long-term Klonopin abuse may include:

• Brain atrophy
• A weakened immune system
• Tremors
• Lowered sex drive

The behavioral side effects of long-term Klonopin abuse may include:

• Increased irrational decision making
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

Klonopin Overdose

When Klonopin is abused for prolonged periods of time, individuals run the risk of accidental overdose. This risk is increased as drug tolerance increases, as a person must take more of the medication to feel the same effects. Symptoms of a Klonopin overdose may include:

• Coma
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Loss of consciousness
• Unresponsiveness
• A severely altered mental state
• Slurred speech
• Hyperactivity
• Aggression

If you or someone you love has overdosed on Klonopin, do not panic. Klonopin overdoses are rarely fatal, but still require emergency medical attention. Ensure the person who has overdosed stays in the recovery position until medical professionals arrive.

Ways to avoid a Klonopin overdose include avoiding mixing Klonopin with other addictive substances, only using Klonopin with a prescription, and always following prescribed directions.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a Klonopin addiction, contact Futures of Palm Beach today to learn about our residential inpatient treatment programs.

Klonopin Addiction & Risks

Klonopin, also known as clonazepam or Rivotril, is a highly-addictive benzodiazepine drug that’s used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and convulsive disorders (sometimes referred to as epilepsy and/or seizures). Klonopin acts as a depressant or sedative on the central nervous system, producing increased amounts of the neurotransmitter GABA and slowing certain body functions to create feelings of relaxation. Intended for short-term use only, when Klonopin is used for more than 4 weeks, dependency often develops. Klonopin addiction can be deadly.

While anyone who takes Klonopin can become addicted to it, addiction is particularly common among those who use the drug for reduction of panic disorder or anxiety symptoms.

Causes of a Klonopin Addiction

When Klonopin is used for longer periods of time, typically more than 4 weeks, the chance of addiction is greater. Dependence develops as the body becomes used to increased amounts of GABA in the brain. Tolerance begins and increased amounts of Klonopin are needed to achieve the same feelings.

If Klonopin use begins as a recreational use, not prescribed by a physician, or is not taken as prescribed, the chance of addiction also increases. In these instances, the interaction with other medications being taken is not typically accounted for, and proper dosage amounts are not taken into consideration, leading to potentially dangerous interactions and increased risk of addiction.

Preventing Addiction

Many people use Klonopin without becoming addicted to it. If Klonopin must be used, it is imperative that the patient get his or her prescription only from a qualified doctor who can prescribe the correct amount, and who can monitor and screen the patient for the signs of addiction and dependence while it’s being used. The chance of addiction can also be reduced by taking Klonopin exactly as described, including not mixing the medication with alcohol or certain other medications and never taking more than the recommended dosage.

How to Know if It’s a Klonopin Addiction

It can often be difficult to tell if a loved one is suffering from Klonopin addiction, especially if they have been prescribed the medication for legitimate purposes. However, there are some signs of Klonopin abuse and/or addiction to be mindful of. These include:

• Marked drowsiness on a regular basis
• Sleep problems
• Decreased balance and coordination
• Complaints of vision changes
• Memory loss
• Changes in mood
• Impulsivity
• Mental confusion

The Dangers of Klonopin Addiction

A Klonopin addiction can seriously and negatively impact a person’s quality of life. Furthermore, many dangerous complications are possible when a person is abusing Klonopin. In addition to the dangerous potential threats of overdose and subsequent death, other risks are:

• Serious problems with memory
• Impaired brain functioning
• Depression
• Withdrawal
• Coma (when combined with alcohol)

Comprehensive Klonopin Addiction Treatment

If you believe that someone you know is misusing Klonopin, it is important to seek help for them as soon as possible. Here at Futures Recovery Healthcare, we provide in-depth addiction treatment services and a comprehensive program that addresses underlying issues and co-occurring mental health symptoms as well. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

Treating a Klonopin Addiction & Anxiety Disorder

Klonopin is a commonly prescribed medication for those suffering from anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, however, some people will become addicted to the Klonopin they rely on to ease their anxiety symptoms. Addiction tends to start gradually – for example, the person may feel particularly anxious and take a little more Klonopin than the recommended dosage.

The Benefits of Klonopin

When used properly, Klonopin is effective at treating many of the symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. These symptoms include:

• Feelings of restlessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Tiredness
• Tension in the body
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Panic attacks

As long as people follow all dosing instructions carefully, using Klonopin only as prescribed, the chance of addiction is relatively small.

The Cycle of Klonopin Addiction

Unfortunately, once a Klonopin addiction starts it can be very difficult to stop. Heavy Klonopin users often experience somewhat severe and usually very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

• Drowsiness
• Bodily swelling
• Heart palpitations
• Changes in appetite
• Dehydration
• Memory loss

Worst of all, one of the most common withdrawal symptoms associated with Klonopin addiction is anxiety, which for those with anxiety conditions, may perpetuate misuse if that cycle has begun.

Getting Help

Before you can encourage someone you care about to get help for a Klonopin addiction, you must first know that the problem exists.

There are some noticeable signs that often indicate Klonopin abuse or addiction, including:

• Seizures
• Fevers
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Excessive sweating

If you think that a problem may exist, encourage your loved one to seek help, understanding that they may be reluctant to do so out of fear that anxiety symptoms and/or withdrawal symptoms will return.

Treating Anxiety

It is possible to treat anxiety disorder symptoms without the use of Klonopin. In cases where addiction is present, it’s best to choose non-habit-forming medications and/or various forms of therapy.

Many people can overcome their anxiety conditions without medication. Here at Futures, we focus on not just addiction recovery, but also on finding effective ways to treat the underlying anxiety and improve the patient’s chances of success. Call Futures now to get started.

Klonopin Addiction

Klonopin, also known as clonazepam or Rivotril, is a highly-addictive benzodiazepine drug that’s used to treat anxiety, panic attacks and convulsive disorders (sometimes referred to as epilepsy and/or seizures). Klonopin acts as a depressant or sedative on the central nervous system, producing increased amounts of the neurotransmitter GABA and slowing certain body functions to create feelings of relaxation. Intended for short-term use only, when Klonopin is used for more than four weeks, dependency often develops.

Klonopin is taken orally. There are no increased or psychoactive effects if snorted or injected. When doses are reduced, or suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, nearly 21 million prescriptions for Klonopin were written in 2011. This high rate of use and lack of understanding of potential issues often leads to addiction.

Causes of Addiction to Klonopin

When Klonopin is used for longer periods of time, typically more than 4 weeks, the chance of addiction is greater. Dependence develops as the body becomes used to increased amounts of GABA in the brain. Tolerance begins and increased amounts of Klonopin are needed to achieve the same euphoric feeling.

The amount used, frequency of use, and length of time used all contribute to the likelihood of an addiction developing. These factors also contribute to the severity of both withdrawal symptoms and length of withdrawal from Klonopin.

If Klonopin use begins as a recreational use, not prescribed by a physician, or is not taken as prescribed, the chance of addiction also increases. In these instances, the interaction with other medications being taken is not typically accounted for, and proper dosage amounts are not taken into consideration, leading to potentially dangerous interactions and increased risk of addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Addiction

Physical symptoms of Klonopin addiction can begin within a month of use. These symptoms include:

• Exaggerated sleepiness
• Delayed reaction time
• Coordination issues
• Depression
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Memory issues
• Nausea

These physical symptoms may develop slowly, but as continued use occurs and dosages increase, they often become more obvious. Behavioral symptoms of Klonopin addiction include:

• Agitation or aggressive behaviors
• Restlessness or irritability
• Taking more than prescribed amount for a longer period of time than intended
• Inability to stop taking Klonopin despite the desire to do so
• Overwhelming desire to take Klonopin that consumes extra time, energy and resources
• Isolation from family, friends and social situations
• Missing work, school, and other important obligations
• Continued use despite conflicts arising in interpersonal relationships
• Taking Klonopin in risky situations
• Exhibiting symptoms of withdrawal when dosage is decreased

Most Common Combination of Substances Used with Klonopin

Often, once dependency on this highly-addictive drug starts, the use of other substances begins to mask, or increase, the effects of Klonopin’s abuse. The interactions and subsequent result of taking substances with Klonopin can have dangerous, and even lethal, effects. If a stimulant is used, the sedative effects of Klonopin can be decreased, leading to losing track of how much Klonopin was actually taken. This often means that more of the drug is taken than the body is able to handle, with devastating results.

Cocaine or other stimulants are often used to counteract the sedative, slowing effects of Klonopin. This is often an attempt to hide signs of addiction to the drug. Depressants, such as alcohol, slow important body functions — particularly the central nervous system. When used in conjunction with benzodiazepines like Klonopin, the effects can be fatal. Over-sedation, coma and even death can occur. Body functions can become so slow that breathing can stop and unconsciousness can occur. Even when breathing doesn’t stop, an individual can vomit, and can easily choke because they are unconscious. Mixing alcohol with any depressant, like Klonopin, is dangerous.

When co-occurring substance use exists, it’s even more important to get the proper Klonopin addiction treatment to ensure safe withdrawal from all addictions.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Benzodiazepines, including Klonopin, are considered to be one of the most difficult drugs to withdrawal from due to the length and severity of withdrawal symptoms. The half-life of Klonopin is very long, taking two full days to leave the body entirely. Withdrawal occurs when, once a dependence is developed, the dosage is decreased, frequency of use lessens, or when it is stopped completely.

There are three stages of withdrawal. The specific symptoms of each stage, intensity of symptoms, and length of withdrawal depend on time and amount of last dose, amount of regularly used dosage, frequency of use, and length of addiction.

1) Early Phase of Withdrawal Symptoms:

These early phase withdrawal symptoms are all problems that Klonopin is used to treat:

• Panic attacks
• Extreme anxiety
• Seizures
• Insomnia

2) Acute Withdrawal Phase Symptoms

• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Body tremors
• Heart palpitations
• Moderate to severe depression
• Muscle twitches
• Burning sensation in the brain
• Loss of memory
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Appetite changes

3) Post-Acute Phase Withdrawal Symptoms:

• Anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure)
• Long-term depression
• Anxiety

Post-acute withdrawal is not clinically considered a phase of withdrawal and not all individuals withdrawing from Klonopin will experience these symptoms. Those who do can continue to have withdrawal symptoms for up to 2 years after detox from Klonopin.

There are different methods for stopping use of Klonopin, however, quitting cold turkey is highly dangerous, as life-threatening seizures can occur. This approach is also not recommended as the extreme difficulty of managing withdrawal symptoms can lead to relapse. It is highly recommended that withdrawal from Klonopin be supervised by a medical professional.

Methods for Klonopin Addiction Treatment

Medical supervision is always advised for a successful withdrawal from Klonopin. Medical professionals are able to monitor vital signs while decreasing the dosage while tapering off Klonopin.

In addition to gradual decreases, the use of other medications to ease withdrawal symptoms can be helpful, when done under medical supervision. Longer-acting sedatives can be used to help reduce or eliminate seizures from withdrawal. Gabapentin, also known as Neurontin, is sometimes used to ease difficult withdrawal symptoms. Antidepressants can be helpful during withdrawal as well. Again, these should be used only under the supervision of a medical professional because they can also become addictive if not taken as prescribed and only for the short period of time an individual is going through withdrawal.

Comprehensive Klonopin Addiction Treatment

As with any addiction, a comprehensive addiction treatment program that includes supervision by medical professionals, behavioral therapy, and relapse prevention are essential to long-lasting recovery. These are the critical building blocks of recovery that lasts.

Get started on the road to recovery. Call us today at Futures of Palm Beach to discuss treatment needs.

Treatment for Alcoholism

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can spiral out of control rather quickly and have negative effects. This is why it is crucial to seek treatment for alcoholism as soon as possible. There have been many great strides in treatment for alcoholism – both in removing the stigma surrounding addiction and increasing access to information for Americans who are struggling to recover on their own or in need of professional help.

Signs of Alcoholism

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of AUD can help save a life. Signs of alcoholism can include:

• Trying and failing repeatedly to reduce or stop drinking
• Experiencing strong cravings for alcohol when sober
• Having withdrawal symptoms such as physical sickness when abstaining from alcohol
• Giving up or cutting back on hobbies and activities to spend more time drinking
• Ending up drinking more, or for longer than you intended to
• Feeling the need to downplay or hide your drinking from other
• Developing health problems due to your drinking
• Being confronted by others about you about how much you drink>

Types of Treatments Available for Alcoholism

Medications

There are currently only three medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating alcohol use disorder:

• Disulfiram is a medicine that changes the way alcohol is absorbed by the body, making it very unpleasant to drink while on this medication.
• Naltrexone helps to reduce the pleasant feelings associated with alcohol intoxication, which in turn helps an individual avoid relapse.
• Acamprosate is effective in helping people who have quit drinking to continue their abstinence.

Not everyone will react to these medicines the same way, and in no way are any of these considered a cure for alcoholism. There is no single quick fix that will end a person’s addiction. Rather, these and other medications should be considered one part of a multifaceted plan to treat a substance use disorder. Medical treatment for alcoholism should always be supervised by a physician. Combining medication treatment with behavioral therapy produces better results for alcohol detox than either would on their own.

There are some potential drawbacks to taking medications for alcohol dependence, but replacing one addiction for another is not one of them. None of these medications are addictive, and they serve only as a tool to support a patient as they work towards weaning themselves off alcohol completely.

Counseling & Psychotherapy

A common way to treat alcoholism is with some form of counseling or psychotherapy. When initially searching for treatment options, it can get a bit confusing trying to determine what treatment center is the best fit. Every treatment center has their own approach to the way alcoholism treatment is structured for their patients, but there are some similar components:

• Individual Therapy: Individual treatment is a key component of an addiction treatment program. One-on-one meetings will usually take place with a variety of counselors, all sharing the common goal of learning about the person and how to change behavioral patterns while also building the skills necessary to deal with stress and other triggers.
• Group Therapy: In addition to meeting individually with a therapist, many programs include group meetings, where a counselor hosts a conversation with a group of patients. In this setting, patients benefit both from the guidance of the therapist, as well as from the experiences and feedback from others in a similar position or with shared experiences. It is somewhat common for patients to be encouraged to participate in both group and individual meetings during a course of rehab.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most common forms of psychotherapy. Through working with a counselor, patients are led to a deeper understanding of their own emotions and motivations. The goal of CBT is to identify thought processes in order to change behavior by changing unhelpful thought patterns. Commonly used for treating depression or anxiety, addiction treatment is another area where CBT has shown positive results.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This is a cousin to CBT. This evidence-based therapy structure is geared towards helping patients get back to a place of self reliance. DBT helps build coping mechanisms through examining and rewriting emotionally driven reactions to events or thoughts. Because of the complex ways addiction and mental illness fuel one another, the most effective way to help patients recover is by addressing both disorders at the same time.
• Holistic Care: For those who are interested in holistic care, many treatment centers have begun to offer therapies to treat the whole body. Holistic treatments are designed to address physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These therapies can include meditation, yoga, acupuncture, nature therapy, and more. For some patients, combining traditional addiction treatments with holistic options provides patients a tangible approach to managing stress and help them live a balanced life after they are finished with their treatment.
• Alternative Therapies: Many treatment centers are diversifying the types of therapies they provide. Options such as art therapy are becoming increasingly common. Experiential therapy, which focuses on physically active treatment, also falls into this category. Just as each patient is an individual, their treatment should be catered to their specific needs and goals as well.

How to Choose an Alcoholism Treatment Program

If you or someone important in your life have reached the point of accepting the need for treatment, the next step is finding the right treatment programs to fit individual needs. Searching for a treatment center may seem overwhelming, but there are ways to narrow down your search and find the right fit. When choosing a treatment center, make sure to ask the following questions:

What treatment options are available at a location?

When going through the process of vetting treatment centers, take note of what types of treatment programs are offered by each. It may be that you would be more comfortable with some programs than others. For example, if holistic care is something you would like to be a part of your treatment plan, ask prospective options if it is offered. Understanding program options can help you decide what kind of treatment structure fits your needs and will be most comfortable.

Is there individualized treatment?

In order to give clients the best chance at a successful recovery, treatment should be tailored to the individual as much as possible. For a treatment center, this means having a diverse team of clinicians offering a variety of services to create a successful treatment plan. Adapting to what works for each individual is much more effective than trying to push every client through the same structured therapy plan on a strict schedule.

How is success measured?

Pay attention to what each addiction program considers a successful course of treatment, and make sure that it aligns with your own. Look at alumni testimonies and see how previous patients have fared after completing the treatment program and if they have stayed connected to the treatment program. Ongoing involvement is often a good indicator of a positive experience.

What support is there for ongoing care beyond the program?

Little things such as ancillary support after an intensive course of treatment can end up making a big difference in long-term recovery. Clients should understand that relapse is a real possibility, but is just a bump in the road to recovery. Treatment centers anticipate relapses and often have services in place to help anyone who ends up needing them.

Treatment Process for Alcoholism

It is only natural to be concerned about alcohol addiction treatment. After all, unknowns are scary! Before beginning, however, it is important to take a moment to discuss the potential necessity for an intervention. While this might not be the easiest topic to consider, the fact of the matter is that sometimes alcoholics need a bit of a “push” to help them make the decision to seek treatment. This isn’t true in every case, but it is something to be aware of nonetheless.

Friends and family of the individual receiving the intervention can always seek out professional advice regarding how to move through the intervention and into the treatment process for alcoholism.

Intake

Clients seeking alcohol addiction treatment will first encounter the intake process. They will meet with a professional specializing in alcoholism treatment, including one or more of the following:

• Therapist
• Psychologist
• Doctor
• Counselor

The purpose of intake is to take a look at a client’s medical history and perhaps take an honest assessment of their health. Minor mental and physical health exams, then, might be conducted at this time. Many clients harbor feelings of shame about their substance abuse and might even be tempted to lie in order to make the situation seem less serious than it is. Don’t do this! The information divulged during the intake process is private and can help professionals build the best treatment options that meet the individual needs of their clients.

Detox

After the intake process comes detoxification. Also known simply as “detox”, this is the process of the body experiencing withdrawals as it is denied alcohol. Some potential withdrawal symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Shakiness
• Delirium Tremens

This can be a harrowing time, and therefore it is important to opt for a treatment facility you trust to see you safely through the process.

Rehabilitation

Once clients have safely completed detox, they can begin to levy more of their attention upon the rehabilitation process. It is during this stage of treatment that they experience a variety of alcohol addiction treatment methods designed to help them understand their psychological dependence upon alcohol. If the client is also struggling with a co-occurring disorder, it is common for co-occurring disorders to also be treated during this phase of the process. It is important to focus on treatment in order to build solid foundation for a healthy future.

Aftercare

Finally, clients enter the aftercare stage of their treatment. It is during this phase that options for long-term maintenance will be discussed and put into place. Aftercare is incredibly important to help patients prevent relapse, or even simply to help them recover from a relapse as quickly as possible. A clearly-organized and well-designed plan paired with a solid support network can help, as can various secondary support options like weekly group meetings with other individuals in recovery.

How can I get help for someone else?

If you have noticed some of the symptoms of alcohol addiction in a friend or family member, you may be unsure of what to do next. Trying to force your loved one to stop drinking or otherwise change will usually make things much worse. With emotions running high, it is less likely that person will be open to accepting treatment.

Ultimately, seeking treatment must be a decision made by the individual. In the meantime, you can be as supportive as possible throughout the whole process. Having good friends and family for encouragement and accountability can make a huge difference for many people trying to overcome an alcohol addiction.

Get Help for Alcoholism Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, it is never too late to call for help. Futures Recovery Healthcare offers evidence-based therapies and treatment programs that can lead you back to a healthy, productive lifestyle. We offer help for alcoholics to recover in a calm, tranquil environment, allowing you to focus on sobriety and the skills you’ll need to lead an alcohol-free life. Call today to find out how we can help you.

Xanax Addiction & Risks

Xanax, or alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine that when misused can cause medical emergencies, including overdose, deadly accidents under the influence, complications, and addiction.

Warning Signs of Misuse

According to the 2011 Treatment Episode Data Set Report, 60,200 people who received some type of drug misuse treatment were addicted to benzodiazepines like Xanax. That number has almost tripled since 1998 (it was 22,400), which shows that benzodiazepine addiction is growing each year. Learning how to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction can be a powerful tool to help people seek recovery. Some signs of misuse may include:

• Suffering relationships: This includes marriage troubles and/or strained friendships.
• Family problems: This may involve neglecting responsibilities and family members.
• Work problems: individuals may tend to skip work or become unproductive at their job, sometimes during a withdrawal period.
• Economic struggles: This may include worry over a lack of money, irresponsible spending.
• Cognitive impairment: This includes slurred speech or difficulty articulating words.
• Weight loss: Stress, lack of appetite, and unhealthy lifestyle choices can cause a sudden loss of weight

Physical Signs of Xanax Misuse

Misusing Xanax may exhibit some of the following warning signs physical symptoms:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Memory trouble
• Confusion
• Inability to focus
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Headache
• Tremors

Side Effects of Xanax Misuse and Addiction

Because Xanax is primarily a central nervous system depressant, virtually all of its potential side effects involve how the mind works and the impact on its functioning. Each of the following side effects from Xanax can be especially likely in cases of prolonged use.

• Lack of coordination
• Slurred speech: Brain functions are intentionally slowed with Xanax and with that, cognitive skills, thought processes, communication, language, and verbal interference slow.
• Confusion: Disorientation, haziness, aimless wandering can occur.
• Memory loss: This may include a slight case of impairment when attempting to remember something; usually only short-term memory is lost and in some cases only temporarily.
• Sedation: This includes varying levels of sedation, ranging from mild to severe and lasting up to three to four days for those who take large dosages of Xanax.

Long Term Health Concerns

Benzodiazepine drugs, like Xanax, have additional health issues than can occur when used for an extended period of time. When used for a prolonged time, the brain becomes tolerant to the drug, increasing the risk for an overdose. Stopping suddenly may lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms as the brain rebounds in an attempt to balance itself. These symptoms may include seizures, a spike in blood pressure, and intense anxiety. Long-term use of Xanax can also lead to depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as the potential for disrupted memory and cognitive functions.

Dangers of Suddenly Stopping

Quitting Xanax all at once is a huge shock to the body and the mind. And while many individuals believe they can “muscle through” the withdrawal symptoms or simply aren’t aware of the danger to begin with, it is important to understand that this is a serious situation.

Stopping the use of Xanax suddenly can lead to a wide variety of withdrawal symptoms. Some of these are unpleasant but not necessarily dangerous, including:

• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle pain
• Headaches

Other withdrawal symptoms, however, can place people in serious danger. Some of these include:

• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Relapse
• Hallucinations

To avoid these side effects and to have the best possible chance at successfully avoiding relapse, individuals should not stop using Xanax use suddenly. Instead, there are guidelines to follow that can help make the process a bit easier.

How to Stop Safely & What to Expect

When stopping Xanax it is almost always better to taper the detox process.

Always speak with a professional so that they understand what medications you are taking and can help create the best withdrawal plan possible.

Timeline of Detox and Withdrawal

Though not everyone will experience the same benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms or experience similar symptoms in the same way, in general, the following timeline may describe what patients experience during benzo detox. For those who took a low dose of Xanax for a short period of time, the duration and experience of withdrawal symptoms are generally limited to rebound anxiety lasting for up to 4 days. That is, if the patient was taking Xanax in an attempt solely to manage anxiety symptoms and not for the purposes of misuse, then stopping use of the medication may result in a rebound effect, or a return of anxiety symptoms for a brief period.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms & Effects

Xanax withdrawal can be severe, and even fatal if detox is done too quickly or without medical supervision. Symptoms usually begin with a few hours of the last Xanax dose and increase over time until they peak after a few days, linger, and then slowly begin to dissipate. They may last for a few weeks or longer. If the person struggling with the addiction was taking a high dose of Xanax at the time of detox, additional withdrawal symptoms may include seizures and/or symptoms of psychosis.

Typically, physical symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include:

• Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in the sense of smell or sensitivity to smells
• Aching muscles and headaches
• Tremors
• Cramps and diarrhea
• Sweating or fever
• Tingling in the arms and legs or numbness in the extremities
• Heart palpitations
• High blood pressure
• Breathing difficulties

Because Xanax is a prescription medication that’s used to treat certain conditions and symptoms, these symptoms return when a person stops using the drug. Xanax withdrawal produces rebound symptoms, which means that when the symptoms do return, they tend to be more severe than they were before the drug. The most common psychological effects of Xanax detox include:

• Panic
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Insomnia
• Disorientation
• Malaise
• Short-term memory loss

Tips to Get Through Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

• Enroll in professional detox: A professional detox program will be able to provide supervision that will help the patient weather all withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively and become drug-free by the end of the process. Therapeutic support, as well as medical monitoring and care, ensure that the patient is safe as they undergo detox.
• Do not leave detox early: Leaving a professional detox program early is almost guaranteed to result in relapse, and relapse during the detox period can be deadly. It is important that patients have access to any and all resources that will make their experience more comfortable and ensure their safety as the days unfold.
• Connect with other people: Other patients who are currently undergoing detox, those who have recently experienced detox and understand the process, and therapists who specialize in substance misuse treatment can all be helpful resources during detox. The withdrawal symptoms experienced by those detoxing off Xanax are unique, and it can be a great benefit to patients to realize that theirs is not an isolated experience. Reaching out to a therapist can mean that the patient receives encouragement, guidance, and assistance in making it through detox and beginning the process of recovery.
• Make healthful choices: Though making thoughtful and positive choices on a moment-by-moment basis may not be the focus during the first week of withdrawal symptoms, slowly patients will begin to have room for more than just detox symptoms. First, hydrating regularly and often is important. Dehydration will only worsen physical and mental health symptoms. Once food becomes a palatable idea, avoiding fried, sugary, and fatty foods in favor of small fruit- and vegetable-based snacks will ensure that the brain and body have the nutrients necessary to function. Also, throughout detox, gentle exercise like walks can help to clear the mind and help the body to mend after addiction.
• Utilize holistic therapies: There are a number of holistic therapies that can be helpful in managing Xanax withdrawal symptoms, depending upon the specifics of the patient’s experience. For example, massage and body work can be effective in helping to manage headaches, muscle pain and stiffness, and anxiety. Additionally, acupuncture and aromatherapy may help to lessen stress and irritability, and yoga and meditation can be positive choices later in detox to help get the body and mind back on track after addiction.
• Follow up with therapeutic treatment: Though intensive therapy is not a part of detox, it is a necessary follow-up treatment to detox. Learning how to find coping mechanisms other than Xanax use is essential, especially for people who struggle with an anxiety disorder. Additionally, addressing issues that may make it more difficult to maintain sobriety are an important part of becoming stable in a new life that is defined by positivity and wellness.

Multiple Phases of Treatment

Detox is an important first step when attempting to overcome addiction, but it is not the only step in transitioning from active drug use to long-term sobriety. Comprehensive care begins with professional detox and continues with a range of therapeutic therapies chosen based on the patient’s needs, and is followed by aftercare services. Like the specifics of withdrawal symptoms, the specific therapies that will be most appropriate will vary from patient to patient. Many will find healing through incorporating any combination of the following:

• Stabilization: In some cases, especially when the patient is taking a high dose of Xanax, the first step in treatment will be stabilization.
• Detox: Physical withdrawal symptoms can be significant, as described above, or they may play a relatively small part in the overall treatment experience of the patient. Most will experience some level of discomfort in the first days or weeks of recovery, and if this is a challenge, then detox will be necessary.
• Diagnostic evaluation: It is important to identify all the issues that are challenging to the patient’s ability to remain in recovery. Assessments for potential brain trauma, co-occurring mental health conditions, pain, trauma, learning disabilities, and/or behavioral conditions may be appropriate as well as treatment for underlying conditions.
• Traditional treatment options: Personal therapy, group therapy, 12-step meetings, and other forms of traditional treatment have long been the building blocks for most addiction treatment programs. Millions of patients have been able to successfully utilize these treatments in order to aid them in addressing substance abuse problems, symptoms of co-occurring disorders like anxiety, family dynamics, and the process of reaching future goals in recovery.
• Alternative treatment options: A wide range of treatment options – from equine-assisted therapy and outdoors therapy to psychodrama and more – have all been proven to assist in helping patients to better understand why they abused substances and to find ways to manage those issues more effectively. In some cases, the non-verbal nature of the therapies was beneficial in helping patients to explore different ways of relating to others, themselves, and the world.
• Holistic treatment options: Therapeutic interventions like yoga, tai chi, massage, acupuncture, and more can all help to relieve physical and mental stress. These holistic options also teach effective coping skills, like clearing the mind and focusing on the breath, which can aid in better management of anxiety.
• Aftercare and follow-up treatment: As effective as inpatient or outpatient rehab can be in helping to stabilize patients in recovery and create the foundation for a life in sobriety, aftercare and alumni involvement is also crucial.

Ready to Move Forward

For many people struggling with substance misuse, the thought of undergoing withdrawal symptoms is less than appealing. Many postpone entrance into treatment simply because they don’t feel prepared to undergo detox. With the right resources and with medical supervision, your loved one will be able to successfully navigate detox. Contact us at Futures Recovery Healthcare to connect your loved one with the treatment needed to begin a bright future without drugs and alcohol abuse.

Xanax Withdrawal and Detox

Xanax is the brand-name of a benzodiazepine called alprazolam, which is a central nervous system depressant that has sedative effects. It’s prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, and other similar disorders. Xanax produces feelings of euphoria that most people find very appealing, and it’s not uncommon for people to continue taking the drug more often or for longer than they should in order to achieve this high.

While Xanax is very effective therapeutically, it’s only meant for occasional or short-term use, because it’s also powerfully addictive, and tolerance and dependence set in rapidly. Moreover, Xanax withdrawal and detox can be complicated, and in rare cases even fatal, so it’s important to seek help from a drug treatment facility when use turns into abuse or addiction.

Xanax Withdrawal Timeline

Xanax is a short-acting drug, which means that within 6 to 12 hours of taking the drug, the effects will begin to wear off and the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal will begin. In the beginning, symptoms are mild, but they gradually progress as detox continues.

Withdrawal symptoms will peak within the first 1 to 4 days. This is when they’ll be the most intense. During this time, the symptoms that prompted the Xanax use in the first place (such as anxiety and insomnia) may return, possibly worse than before. This is known as rebound insomnia or rebound anxiety, and is when withdrawal is the most dangerous because the chance of seizures and convulsions are highest.

After the first 4 days of detox, symptoms will gradually begin to taper off, and the worst of the symptoms will be over after the first 1 to 2 weeks of detox. After 2 weeks, most symptoms will be gone, and whatever remains will be mild. Insomnia and anxiety especially may persist, but the more severe and dangerous symptoms should pass.

3 to 4 weeks into withdrawal, most symptoms will have subsided and disappeared. However, it is possible that some Xanax withdrawal symptoms will persist for a few months or up to 2 years, though to a much lesser degree than during the first few weeks.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms of Xanax

Xanax withdrawal can be severe, and even fatal if detox is done too quickly or without medical supervision. It can cause convulsions and seizures, and these can be deadly if the person detoxing isn’t being supervised and doesn’t get medical attention immediately. Other physical symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include:

• Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in the sense of smell or sensitivity to smells
• Aching muscles and headaches
• Tremors
• Cramps and diarrhea
• Sweating or fever
• Tingling in the arms and legs or numbness in the extremities
• Heart palpitations
• High blood pressure
• Breathing difficulties

Psychological Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal

Because Xanax is a prescription medication that’s used to treat certain conditions and symptoms, these symptoms return when a person stops using the drug. Xanax withdrawal produces rebound symptoms, which means that when the symptoms do return, they tend to be more severe than they were before the drug. The most common psychological effects of Xanax detox include:

• Panic
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Insomnia
• Disorientation
• Malaise
• Short-term memory loss

Factors Affecting Xanax Withdrawal

Although withdrawal symptoms are inevitable following a Xanax detox, there are factors that can exacerbate or mitigate the symptoms. Age, for instance, can make a big difference in the withdrawal experience because withdrawal symptoms seem to get worse as a person gets older. Dose and use are other major factors to consider because taking more Xanax for a prolonged period will likely result in a withdrawal that lasts longer and has more acute symptoms. Other factors that can affect withdrawal include:

• Whether a person has a positive or negative attitude going into detox
• Polydrug use, because other drugs can complicate withdrawal and add new symptoms to the mix
• Metabolism and body mass, because these can both affect how quickly a person’s body processes the drug
• Co-occurring disorders, which can make symptoms more unpredictable
• Liver and kidney function, which factor into how fast a person’s body metabolizes the drug

Xanax Withdrawal Medications & Remedies

There are a few things that can help mitigate the symptoms of a Xanax withdrawal, and they include medications and alternative remedies. The two most common medications that are used to help with Xanax addiction are:

Buspirone: Buspirone takes up to three weeks to take effect, but when it does, it can alleviate some of the psychological effects of withdrawal

Flumazenil: Flumazenil is often used to treat people who have overdosed on Xanax or other benzodiazepines, but it can also provide relief from some withdrawal symptoms, or potentially speed up the detox process.

Aside from medications, there are also other ways to manage the symptoms of withdrawal. The benefits of these alternative remedies are that they empower people to take control of their own feelings and symptoms, and provide healthier and more effective ways of dealing with emotional and physical stress. Some of the most popular alternative remedies for Xanax withdrawal symptom management include:

• Community-based recovery groups
• Exercise
• Practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress and promote sleep
• Yoga and meditation
• Experiential Therapies

Xanax Detox

A Xanax detox typically takes about 4 weeks, with the worst of the withdrawal symptoms within the first 1 to 4 days. After the last dose, the drug will be metabolized and excreted by the body, and within 6 to 12 hours of the last dose, the effects of withdrawal will start to appear. Xanax detox should never be done cold turkey, and it should always happen under medical supervision. This ensures that the person detoxing has the watchful eyes of a trained medical professional, who can anticipate complications and see the warning signs of oncoming seizures and convulsions, which can be fatal. Depending on how much and how long a person has been using, a medical practitioner may recommend slowly tapering off the drug to mitigate the more dangerous and unpleasant detox symptoms.

The Best in Addiction Treatment is at Futures

Although Xanax has approved therapeutic uses treating anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders, it isn’t completely safe or without side effects. Xanax is highly addictive, and people who use this drug regularly will build a tolerance and become dependent very quickly. When Xanax abuse and addiction occur, the best chance a person has at recovery is drug treatment at an inpatient residential facility that can provide a medically supervised detox and a wide range of therapy and programs. With therapy, counseling, wellness training, relapse prevention, and ongoing support, it is possible to get sober and manage a Xanax addiction long-term. Contact us today to learn how we can show you how.

Xanax Addiction Treatment

Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine that’s used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. The generic name of the drug is alprazolam. Since Xanax is a benzodiazepine, it acts as a tranquilizer on the central nervous system and creates feelings of calm and sedation. The same mechanism that creates these sensations also produces euphoria, and this is part of the reason why Xanax is highly addictive.

As a fast-acting drug, Xanax users notice effects of the drug within an hour of taking it and the effects can last for up to six hours. Although Xanax dependence is most common when the drug is abused, it is also possible to become tolerant and even addicted to the substance when taking it exactly as it is prescribed, which is why many physicians only prescribe it for short-term periods.

Residential Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment

Recovery from Xanax requires treatment that heals both the mind and the body. Since every person is different, it is important to understand all of the options available for Xanax addiction treatment.

Residential Inpatient

Residential inpatient programs last between 30-90 days, and the client is required to live at the facility for the duration of the treatment. These facilities are sober environments where clients don’t have access to drugs and aren’t faced with temptations or triggers, which gives people who are struggling with addiction the best chance possible at getting sober. The program will begin with a medically supervised detox, during which time clients will be weaned off the drug gradually, as this will prevent some of the more dangerous symptoms of Xanax withdrawal. After detox, clients will receive a variety of therapies that are designed to help them understand their motivations, behaviors, triggers, and stresses; as well as provide relapse prevention training, effective coping skills, and support.

By the time clients leave a good inpatient treatment facility, they will have all the tools needed to live a sober life.

Outpatient Treatment

Once inpatient treatment is complete, clients will then move to an outpatient program to continue their treatment. Outpatient programs for Xanax abuse offer less structure and more freedom than their inpatient counterparts, which means clients can continue working and taking care of other responsibilities while getting help. Unlike inpatient programs, where clients live on-site at the facility for the duration of the treatment, during outpatient programs, clients live at home. Outpatient programs require a great deal of commitment and dedication because clients don’t have a sober and structured living environment to help facilitate the early days of recovery. This is why outpatient is the best second step after inpatient treatment.

There are a variety of outpatient programs available, including:

• Regular outpatient: Clients live at home and continue with their regular day-to-day lives, but come to the facility once or twice a week for therapy sessions
• Intensive outpatient: IOP is more structured and requires clients to come to the facility for multiple-hour sessions several times each week
• Daily check-in programs: This outpatient program requires clients to call or meet up with a counselor or recovery coach every day

Aside from the structure and intensity, most inpatient and outpatient programs offer many of the same therapy and program types, including family, individual, and group therapy, plus ongoing wellness and relapse prevention training.

Community-Based Treatment Options for Xanax

Most inpatient and outpatient Xanax abuse treatment programs will encourage clients to participate in community-based recovery programs as well, because these provide people with a strong support network of peers to rely on. Addiction is a disease that can be managed but not cured, and groups like 12-step programs and Narcotics Anonymous can provide the advice, support, and encouragement a person needs to maintain sobriety. Moreover, these groups are beneficial because they remind members that they aren’t alone, which is essential, because things like isolation and loneliness can be major triggers for people who abuse Xanax and other drugs.

Alternative/Holistic Treatment Methods for Xanax Addiction

Alternative therapies include methods like yoga, art therapy, and hypnotherapy, all of which can be used as part of a comprehensive program to help manage Xanax addiction. The major benefit of these therapies is that they allow clients to focus on whole-body wellness, including mental, physical, and spiritual health:

• Yoga and mindfulness therapy, for instance, help connect the mind and the physical body and help people get in touch with how their emotions affect their actions. Furthermore, yoga is a form of exercise, and it’s great for physical and mental health. Also, mindfulness and meditation are great forms of stress relief, which is ideal for helping people manage triggers
• Art therapy is another type of alternative treatment that can be effective for Xanax addiction. During art therapy, clients are encouraged to explore their creativity and to use art to help heal wounds suffered from trauma and addiction.
• Hypnotherapy is another approach, and this involves using relaxation techniques to get a client to a place where unconscious suggestions can be made that will help guide the path to recovery.

Get Help Today for Xanax Addiction

Xanax is a very effective drug that can help people manage anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. However, this drug is also very potent and highly addictive, and the feelings of euphoria it produces can breed tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Once this happens, addiction treatment at a professional drug rehab center is the best way to ensure that a person can get sober and effectively manage the addiction in the future.

At Futures of Palm Beach, we understand that every person is unique, so we work to treat the underlying causes of addiction to create a foundation for lasting recovery and well-being. Call today to learn more about our treatment program, and the simple steps you can take to start on the road to recovery.

How Long Does Ativan Withdrawal Last? Timeline, Tips, and Symptoms

Benzodiazepines are some of the most widely prescribed medications in America. Ativan is the name brand for the prescription benzodiazepine medication, lorazepam. It comes in tablet or liquid form, and is primarily used to treat short-term anxiety, although it is sometimes used as an anti-convulsion medication or for sedation prior to surgery. Ativan is highly addictive and not intended to be used long-term.

Recognizing Ativan Withdrawal

Benzodiazepine medications may have dangerous and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. As a result, they should not be stopped suddenly, or “cold turkey,” without direct medical supervision and intervention. Potential side effects of Ativan withdrawal include:

• Headaches
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Tension
• Sweating
• Abdominal cramps
• Hyperthermia
• Involuntary movements
• Hypersensitivity to noise and light
• Vertigo
• Panic attacks
• Irregular heart rate
• Short-term memory loss
• Sensory changes
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Lack of ability to feel pleasure
• Numbness of extremities
• Hallucinations and/or delirium
• Depersonalization
• Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors

Withdrawal is your brain’s attempt to regain natural balance after it has become dependent on chemical interference. Convulsions and seizures as well as psychosis can occur during benzodiazepine withdrawal. These are serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention as they can lead to permanent brain damage, coma, or even death. Additionally, in the case of benzodiazepine medications like Ativan, withdrawal can be potentially fatal.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal may induce suicidal tendencies that need to be closely monitored by a medical professional. If you are suffering from a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or a mood disorder, Ativan withdrawal may need to be even more carefully managed as the side effects may heighten any mental illness symptoms and vice versa

The combination of a substance abuse disorder and a mental health disorder may further complicate withdrawal, and specialized treatment may be required. Mixing Ativan with other medications, illicit drugs, or alcohol can also exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and increase the risk factors for a dangerous interaction or overdose.

Ativan Withdrawal Timeline

Abusing medications such as Ativan is likely to increase tolerance and dependence levels in the brain. The severity of dependence is directly related to the intensity and duration of abuse, including the dosage amount and length of time one took the medication. The duration of withdrawal from Ativan may be variable from person to person, although a general timeline can be loosely established.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal may start slowly within 24 hours to a few days of the last dose, with mild symptoms such as trouble sleeping and mood disturbances, and then increasing in severity and symptoms. The average onset of withdrawal symptoms is 3 to 4 days.

The most common side effect of benzodiazepine withdrawal may be a “rebound” effect wherein the symptoms you took the medication for – in the case of Ativan, anxiety – returns. The continuation of these anxiety symptoms may continue until treatment is received.

Successfully Managing Ativan Withdrawal

You should not attempt to detox alone from a medication like Ativan. The symptoms and side effects of withdrawal can be highly unpredictable, come on slowly or suddenly, and last an indefinite amount of time. Medical professionals and counselors can work together to determine a course of action that will best suit your individual needs and circumstances. For example, if you began taking Ativan to combat anxiety, you will likely benefit from an integrated treatment model wherein both the mental health disorder and substance abuse disorder can be simultaneously managed.

When the brain’s chemical balance is disrupted due to the presence of drugs, it can take time to repair itself, and in the meantime, you may suffer from psychological side effects that need to be addressed and managed. Sometimes these symptoms are controlled with other lower-dosage benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or mood stabilizer medications. Antidepressant medications may also be used in some cases.

A slow and controlled tapering schedule may help to reduce the amount benzodiazepines you take over a set amount of time, in addition to potentially alleviating withdrawal symptoms and potential drug cravings. By reducing the dosage amount slowly and under medical supervision, you may be able to safely detox from these medications.

Futures of Palm Beach offers specialized and comprehensive treatment models rooted in scientific study and ensconced in a supportive, compassionate, and collaborative environment. Call Futures today to learn about our Ativan addiction treatment programs.

Ativan Abuse Treatment

Ativan is the brand name for a powerful benzodiazepine that carries a high risk of physical dependence. Ativan, also known by its generic name of lorazepam, is used medically to induce sleep, prevent seizures, produce sedative effects, and reduce anxiety.

Ativan has such a high potential for dependence and addiction that some people experience dependency even after following dosages prescribed by their physician. The development of tolerance and dependency increases when a person uses higher doses of Ativan for a longer period, and is prevalent in those who have personality disorders or a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Those who do become dependent on Ativan require the drug to function normally. For people who do develop a tolerance and suddenly stop taking Ativan, they may experience uncomfortable physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms.

Signs, Symptoms, and Effects of Ativan Abuse

Like the abuse of other prescription medications, the signs of Ativan abuse may not always be obvious. As Ativan addictions can occur quickly, physical and psychological dependencies are also usually quick to develop. Loved ones can keep an eye out for these outward signs of Ativan abuse:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Headaches
• Tremors
• A loss of appetite

Withdrawal symptoms due to physical and psychological dependencies to Ativan include:

• Depersonalization
• Short-term memory loss
• Hallucinations or delirium
• Abdominal cramps
• Hypersensitivity to light, noise, or physical contact
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Increased anxiety
• Headaches

Once a tolerance to Ativan develops, an individual may have to take more of the drug to experience their “ideal” high. There are many other effects of prolonged Ativan abuse and addiction, which may include:

• Problems with professional and social relationships
• Amnesia
• Hostility
• Disturbing dreams
• Fatigue
• Cravings

Residential Inpatient Treatment for Ativan Abuse

Ativan and benzodiazepine abuse and withdrawal may require professional inpatient treatment for some people. Ideally, treatment for Ativan abuse will start with a medically supervised detoxification process. Detoxing at an inpatient residential facility allows for medical supervision, which means that any uncomfortable side effects of Ativan withdrawal, including physical and mental symptoms, as well as enhanced cravings, will be monitored.

At inpatient treatment centers, people have access to an environment free of temptations. Usually, treatment processes span a period of 30, 60, or 90 days. Services and therapies are provided by experienced medical professionals and may include group therapy, individual therapy, support groups, and educational lectures.

Outpatient Treatment for Ativan Abuse

After inpatient residential treatment, outpatient treatment can help people reintegrate back to a sober, healthy lifestyle. Outpatient treatment options may include mental health check-ins, counseling, and community-based treatment. Clients can ease back into their regular day-to-day lives. These outpatient programs aim to help improve coping skills, reduce anxiety, and create healthy relapse prevention strategies.

People consider outpatient treatment facilities for a variety of reasons. For some, outpatient programs allow them to spend time with their family or work their regular jobs. Others may see the benefits of group therapy sessions and educational content from day treatment programs.

Avoiding a Relapse

As Ativan is a highly addictive drug, rates of relapse are quite high. This is more prevalent in those who abused Ativan for a prolonged period or with heavy doses.

The best way to avoid a relapse is to avoid exposure to Ativan and unsupportive environments. Ativan cultivates a dependence that is both physical and psychological, meaning that a positive transition from an inpatient or outpatient program into the real world is vital when trying to avoid a relapse. Chances of avoiding a relapse are higher the longer an individual participates in an Ativan abuse recovery program. Aftercare services are provided at Futures of Palm Beach to help those recovering from an Ativan addiction and is beneficial as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan abuse, call Futures of Palm Beach today to learn about our treatment programs.

Percocet or OxyContin Addiction

Percocet is a prescription painkiller in the opioid family. The drug is administered in pill form, and each pill contains oxycodone (OxyContin), a narcotic painkiller, and acetaminophen, an over-the-counter drug that’s used for pain relief and fevers. Along with being an effective painkiller, Percocet also produces a powerful feeling of euphoria, and this leads to high instances of misuse.

Because OxyContin and Percocet are opioid narcotics, they make chemical changes in the brain’s wiring, meaning they affect emotions and moods as well as dull pain sensations. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considers both of these versions of oxycodone Schedule II drugs, meaning that they have a high abuse potential that may lead to severe dependency. When the brain relies on oxycodone in order to feel “normal,” people may experience withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings after it leaves their bloodstream or when they attempt to stop using the drug.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

The amount and severity of the withdrawal symptoms from Percocet and OxyContin depend on the amount the user took, the length of time they took the drug, the method of ingestion, and the severity of dependence.

The amount of oxycodone taken plays a central role in determining withdrawal severity, which leads to people believing that Percocet withdrawal is slightly less extreme than OxyContin withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs because the body and brain are scrambling to regain balance after relying on chemical interference.

The more dependent the brain is on the drug, the longer it will take to restore natural stability. Physical withdrawal symptoms from oxycodone withdrawal may be similar to symptoms of the flu, only more pronounced.

Physical withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulties regulating temperature
• Gooseflesh
• Tremors
• Muscle aches
• Yawning for no apparent reason
• Excessive tearing
• Dilated pupils
• Irregular heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite

Withdrawal symptoms may also include psychological side effects, such as:

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anger
• Mood swings
• Trouble concentrating
• Drug cravings

Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, although it can be very uncomfortable. Combining Percocet or OxyContin with other substances, especially other central nervous system depressants like alcohol, can increase the severity and duration of withdrawal as well as heighten any and all risk factors. The acetaminophen in Percocet, for example, can damage the liver, leading to further complications and long-term side effects when taken in conjunction with alcohol, which also may negatively affect the liver and possibly lead to liver failure.

Timeline for Withdrawal

As with the severity of symptoms, the duration of withdrawal can also vary, depending on the same factors. Withdrawal generally starts within a few hours of the last dose or when the drug leaves the bloodstream. Percocet, as an immediate-release version of oxycodone, has a shorter half-life of around 3 to 4 hours, while the extended-release OxyContin has a longer half-life of around 12 hours, per Clinical and Translational Oncology. Therefore, withdrawal from Percocet may begin earlier, as little as 8 hours after the last dose, while OxyContin withdrawal usually begins within 24 hours of the last dose.

There is no specific withdrawal timeline for everyone, however, as individual genetic makeup is a factor. Initial withdrawal, sometimes called early withdrawal, usually begins within a few hours of the last dose and continues for a few days. Symptoms during this time are largely physical. Withdrawal symptoms are likely to peak between the 1st and 3rd days, and this is generally referred to as “acute withdrawal” when all symptoms may be at their worst. Emotional withdrawal symptoms, as well as some physical ones, may last for a few weeks or even a few months, and this may be deemed post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), or protracted withdrawal. While it may feel endless at the time, withdrawal does end, and the brain can and does heal. Several strategies and methods exist to help manage withdrawal symptoms as well.

Easing Withdrawal Symptoms

It is not recommended to stop taking opioid medications suddenly. Instead, a medical professional may set up a weaning schedule that reduces the dose slowly and in a controlled fashion to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal can also be eased with the help of some medications.

Medications alone are not sufficient in treating opioid dependency – psychotherapy, counseling, and support groups are also necessary to sustain long-term recovery.

Tips for Coping During Withdrawal

Behavioral therapies can help people in recovery develop coping mechanisms for some of the triggers that may have led to past self-destructive behaviors, including drug and substance misuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, helps to modify negative thought and behavior patterns, increasing self-esteem and the image of oneself. Group and family counseling as well as peer support groups help to combat isolation and build up positive networks that the individual can lean on during recovery. It is important to remember that you are not alone. Recovery is attainable and within your reach. In addition to therapies, counseling, support groups, and medications, there are some other things you can do to ease the transition to recovery, such as:

• Eat a balanced and nutritious meals. Substance misuse can deplete natural vitamins that the body needs as well as make unhealthy changes to the appetite. Proper nutrition can help to repair some of the damage done.
• Exercise regularly. Physical fitness can increase the levels of endorphins in the body, which are natural “feel-good” chemicals.
• Consider holistic therapy methods. Yoga and meditation can help to develop the connections between the mind and body and improve focus.
• Educate yourself. It is easier to cope with the side effects of drug dependency if you know what to expect.
• Have patience. Withdrawal does end; although it can take several weeks, there is an end in sight.
• Attend support group meetings. Maintaining healthy and positive connections can foster long-term recovery and reduce the severity and duration of symptoms as well as the initiation of relapse.
• Ask for help. There are many different types of substance misuse treatment models available to assist in reaching your goals.

Treatment is Available

Futures Recovery Healthcare is a state-of-the-art treatment facility that specializes in providing individualized care plans for each patient. Compassionate and professional staff members employ evidence-based treatment models that integrate scientific methods with current research and clinical expertise, as well as personal preferences. Call today to learn how we can help you or a loved one overcome a Percocet or OxyContin addiction.

Percocet Addiction Treatment

Percocet is a prescription painkiller in the opioid family. The drug is administered in pill form, and each pill contains oxycodone (OxyContin), a narcotic painkiller, and acetaminophen, an over-the-counter drug that’s used for pain relief and fevers. Along with being an effective painkiller, Percocet also produces a powerful feeling of euphoria, and this leads to high instances of abuse. There are several ways that a person can abuse Percocet, including:

• Taking the drug to achieve a high rather than therapeutically
• Using the drug without a prescription
• Crushing the tablet into a powder to snort or mix with water and inject
• Taking the drug for longer, in higher doses, or more frequently than what was prescribed

When a person abuses this drug, professional treatment may be required for that person to recover, especially because the symptoms of withdrawal can be unpleasant and can lead to relapses and overdoses. In 2016, 40% of the 42,000 opioid-related overdose deaths involved prescription painkillers like Percocet, so abuse and addiction should never be taken lightly.

Signs, Symptoms, and Effects of Percocet Abuse

Watching for the signs and symptoms of Percocet abuse in a loved one could save a person’s life, and there are many different warning signs to be mindful of. In terms of physical symptoms, the side effects to look for are:

• Constricted pupils
• Constipation and urine retention
• Tremors, scratching and sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nodding out
• Dry mouth
• Not feeling pain

Another physical marker of abuse is if a person experiences withdrawal when he or she stops taking the drug, and those symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Aches and pains
• Flu-like symptoms

Beyond the physical effects of the drug, Percocet also has a number of psychological and behavioral symptoms that indicate abuse, and they include:

• Experiencing feelings of euphoria
• Sedation or extreme relaxation
• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Confusion
• Visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions
• Choosing drug use over friends, family, work, and hobbies
• Making poor decisions and using bad judgment

Signs & Symptoms of an Overdose

Being able to recognize the signs of a Percocet overdose is extremely important. An opioid overdose can be fatal because this class of drug can depress respiration to the point of asphyxiation. The signs of an overdose are:

• Shallow or slow breathing
• Low heart rate
• Fainting
• Coma
• Clammy skin
• Extreme drowsiness and confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Blue coloration of the lips, skin, or nails

Although anybody who uses Percocet can overdose, there are some risk factors that increase a person’s chances, such as:

• Being male
• Being between the ages of 18 and 64
• Living in a rural or urban area
• Being a low-income earner
• Being a veteran
• Not having a permanent home

Co-Occurring Disorders & Percocet Abuse

A co-occurring disorder is a mental health issue present along with the drug abuse. There are some common mental health issues that often co-occur with Percocet addiction, and they include:

• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Bipolar
• Schizophrenia
• PTSD
• ADHD
• OCD
• Borderline personality disorder

The reason it’s important to diagnose a co-occurring disorder is that there’s such a strong connection between mental health and addiction, and while some addictions can lead to mental health problems, so too can mental illness cause or exacerbate addiction. As such, it’s necessary to see the two diseases as separate but part of the same problem, and to provide treatment that addresses both the drug abuse and the mental health problem. Otherwise, it’s like treating a symptom without treating the cause, and that means the addiction will eventually return if the co-occurring disorder wasn’t addressed as well. Many addiction treatment centers, such as Futures of Palm Beach, offer dual diagnosis treatment, and these are programs designed specifically to help clients who have a co-occurring disorder.

Treatment Options for Percocet Abuse

Residential inpatient treatment: Residential inpatient is the best option for lasting recovery from Percocet addiction. At Futures, we treat Percocet addiction and co-occurring disorders through counseling or psychotherapy that treat the whole individual physically, mentally, and spiritually. We offer a wide-range of evidenced-based therapies, including:

• Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Holistic Care
• Alternative Therapies

We understand that every person is unique, and so we work to treat the underlying causes of addiction to create a foundation for lasting recovery and well-being.

Outpatient treatment: Following 30-day residential treatment, Intensive Outpatient (3 days per week) and Outpatient Programs (IOP and OP) are essential to reintegrating back into daily life while working on the skills to maintain recovery and lead a healthy, productive life.

Why Futures of Palm Beach for Percocet Treatment

Choosing the right Percocet addiction treatment center can seem overwhelming, especially because of how many options there are out there. But there are some important things to remember when weighing options, and they include the facility, the staff, and the services. At Futures of Palm Beach, our safe facility provides clients with a quiet and private place to detox and re-adjust to life being sober, and the luxury amenities—which include outdoor recreational facilities, a pool, a gym, a meditation area, and more—can provide healthy distractions to make the transition easier.

Our accredited staff and mental health professionals are all experts in their fields and can provide the most cutting-edge and evidence-based treatments for addiction and co-occurring disorders. Similarly, we offer a full range of therapy and treatment options for Percocet addiction, including cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management to reward clients for staying sober, recovery coaching, and even aftercare programs to provide ongoing support to alumni who leave the program.

Call Futures today to get the help you need to break free from Percocet addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Abuse

Percocet is a painkiller that’s manufactured by combining the opioid oxycodone (the generic name for the drug OxyContin) and the over-the-counter analgesic acetaminophen. Oxycodone alone is a powerful painkiller because it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and dulls nerve impulses, and the acetaminophen further enhances the effects of the oxycodone. Percocet comes in tablet form, and it’s prescribed for short-term use to treat moderate to severe pain.

Although Percocet has great therapeutic benefits, it also creates a sense of euphoria that makes it hard to resist, and it doesn’t take much for a person to become dependent on or addicted to this drug. People who abuse Percocet will do so by taking more than what’s been prescribed, taking the drug for longer than recommended, using the drug for its euphoric effects rather than as a painkiller, or by crushing the tablets to snort or inject rather than taking orally.

There are both short-term and long-term effects that loved ones can be on the lookout for if they suspect Percocet abuse in a friend or relative. Although bringing up a person’s addiction or staging an intervention may be uncomfortable, drawing attention to the problem could inspire somebody to seek help, which could save a life.

Physical Signs & Symptoms of Percocet Abuse

One way to recognize dependence or addiction in a friend or family member is being able to identify the physical symptoms of Percocet abuse. This drug has a number of characteristic side effects when a person is high, and they include:

• Constipation
• Sedation and extreme relaxation
• Relief from pain and cough
• Pinpoint pupils
• Watery eyes
• Drowsiness or nodding out (dozing off uncontrollably)
• Tremors
• Scratching
• Confusion
• Dry mouth
• Inability to urinate
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating

Behavioral, Social, and Psychological Signs & Symptoms of Percocet Abuse

The behavioral symptoms of drug abuse are among the most noticeable of all the warning signs, because drug abuse can make people act and behave in ways that are completely uncharacteristic and very obvious. One of the classic signs of Percocet abuse is losing interest in hobbies and activities that one was once passionate about, because people who are abusing drugs tend to become obsessed and preoccupied with the drug. Other behavioral warning signs of abuse include:

• Not taking care of personal hygiene or appearance
• Interpersonal, relationship, and family problems
• Hanging out with new friends who approve of drug use
• Visiting multiple doctors to seek prescriptions
• Stealing money, possessions, drugs, or prescription pads
• Neglecting duties, commitments, and responsibilities
• Trouble with the law
• Increasingly poor health

Percocet also creates psychological symptoms that can indicate abuse, and they include experiencing feelings of euphoria and extreme relaxation. Conversely, however, prolonged use of the drug can also cause:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia
• Confusion

Severe Symptoms of Percocet Abuse

Percocet abuse can be fatal. The chance for this is especially high if a person develops a dependence or addiction, because that increases the chance of an overdose. Overdosing on opioids like oxycodone can depress respiration to the point where a person can actually die from asphyxiation. Some of the symptoms of a Percocet overdose include:

• Shallow breathing
• Slow heart rate
• Fainting
• Muscle weakness
• Coma
• Cold and clammy skin
• Extreme drowsiness

Long-Term Effects of Percocet Abuse

Percocet affects how the brain perceives pain, and with chronic use, the drug actually causes biochemical changes in the brain that affect behavior and create a need to use. This is because the drug affects how the brain produces and interacts with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain’s reward and pleasure centers.

Because Percocet floods the brain with dopamine, the brain learns that the drug is good, and this creates lasting changes and compulsive use, which are the hallmarks of addiction. In turn, addiction leads to prolonged abuse, which has a number of long-term side effects, including:

• Liver damage from the acetaminophen
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Cardiovascular damage
• Chronic constipation
• Weakened immune system
• Weight loss
• Muscle spasms

Not only are there physical the long-term effects of Percocet abuse, but there are a also behavioral and psychological ones. For instance, chronic Percocet abuse can eventually lead to:

• Exercising poor judgment
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Divorce because of continued relationship problems
• Getting fired from work

At Futures of Palm Beach, we help clients get sober and get on the road to recovery. Our treatment programs include addressing any co-occurring disorder(s) so clients can learn and understand the root causes of their addictions, learning to heal as individuals and families, and learning better stress-relief and coping mechanisms in the future to prevent relapses down the road. Contact Futures today to learn how we can help you or a loved one overcome a Percocet addiction.

Percocet Addiction

Percocet is a Schedule II prescription drug. It is an opioid-based cocktail consisting of oxycodone and acetaminophen (one widely recognized acetaminophen is Tylenol).

It is a popular choice among physicians for treating moderate to severe pain, but unlike other prescription opioids, it is not a good candidate for post-surgical treatment due to clotting issues. The acetaminophen component isn’t added for pain relief, but rather as a booster for the effects of oxycodone. Percocet is intended to treat short-term pain, although many prescribing physicians refill patients’ supplies for long periods of time.

Who Abuses Percocet?

Opioids are abused by people from all different backgrounds. From the suburban mom you see at the bus stop with her child every morning, to the very doctor who is prescribing your meds, just about anyone can become dependent on Percocet. That being said, it’s more common in certain individuals – females, youths, and senior citizens are actually the most common abusers of Percocet. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 135,971 people overdosed on opioids in 2010, and 53% were women.

Individuals suffering from a mental health disorder are more likely to engage in substance abuse and become addicted. The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes 53% of people struggling with drug addiction also have at least 1 serious mental health disorder.

Since chronic pain is often a precursor for those who end up abusing opioids like Percocet, people with substantial injuries following work-related or vehicular accidents, those returning from combat, and those with chronic pain, are at increased risk.

How Is Percocet Abused?

While it is certainly widely available, Percocet is most commonly obtained via a prescription rather than purchased from a dealer.Most users swallow the tablet in pill form, but others may resort to crushing and snorting it or dissolving it to prepare it for injection.

What Does Percocet Addiction Look Like?

Initial effects of abusing Percocet include an opioid high, followed by significant drowsiness. Signs and symptoms of a Percocet addiction include:

• Tolerance
• Using the drug to avoid withdrawal
• An inability to cut back on how much you use or to stop altogether
• Continual use even though it is taking a toll on your life
• Removing yourself from activities you used to enjoy or no longer associating with people you once called friends
• Always being preoccupied with making sure you have a decent supply on hand, and never stopping mental preparation for how to get more drugs or where to get them from
• Having trouble with the law due to your Percocet abuse, but that doesn’t deter you from continuing to use
• Losing friends and ruining relationships you used to care about due to your Percocet abuse
• An increase in risky behavior when under the influence, such as stealing, having unprotected sex, or driving recklessly

Withdrawal from Percocet generally sets in within 6 hours of the last use and peaks around 2 to 3 days after that. Symptoms of Percocet withdrawal include:

• Cravings for the drug
• Muscle and bone pain
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Perspiration
• Uncontrolled muscle twitching
• Dry mouth
• Restlessness
• Trouble sleeping

Risks Involved with Percocet Abuse

The biggest risk that comes with abusing Percocet is overdose. All too often, individuals assume they’re exempt from such. With an “it won’t happen to me” mindset, they habitually misuse or abuse the prescription opioid. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription pain reliever overdoses claim the lives of 46 people every single day in the United States.

Frequently, many people who abuse Percocet are aware that they feel they can’t cope without the drug, but the addiction is far too strong and withdrawal far too uncomfortable to tolerate life without it. Thus, the addiction perpetuates in a vicious cycle, growing stronger. Over time, increased doses are needed to achieve the same high and stave off withdrawal. This is often where many will overdose. If you’re using Percocet, it is vital that you are aware of the signs of overdose. They include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Shallow breathing
• Possibly ceased respiratory function
• Tiny pupils

Getting Help for Percocet Addiction

Professional help should always be sought in cases of Percocet abuse and addiction. Since every person is different, it is important to understand all of the options available for Percocet addiction treatment.

Residential Inpatient: Residential inpatient treatment programs are a vital first step towards a successful, and long lasting, recovery. Often, rehabilitation centers provide a safe space for a controlled detoxification process, paired with behavioral therapy that takes place in both individual and group settings.

Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient: Outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment alone for Percocet can be effective, however, they may not be comprehensive or immersive enough for those dealing with addiction. In most cases, regular outpatient and IOP are necessary stepping stones to managing addiction because they allow clients to take small steps back to their regular lives while also implementing the tools and coping techniques they learned in rehab to maintain sobriety. It is recommended to complete an inpatient residential treatment program before starting outpatient care.

Here at Futures, our caring staff offers therapy, support group services, and more to make sure you’re prepared for a drug-free life when you leave us. Call Futures of Palm Beach today to learn about how we can help you.

Morphine Withdrawal and Detox

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies morphine as a Schedule II drug, meaning that even though it has a high potential for abuse and can cause physical and psychological dependence, it is of considerable medical value. Indeed, notwithstanding the risks of addiction and withdrawal, many doctors argue that the benefits of using morphine outweigh the dangers.

How Does Morphine Affect The Brain?

Morphine is an opioid analgesic, meaning that it is a painkiller derived from opium. It is, in fact, the main chemical ingredient found in opium, making it particularly potent and addictive. Like other opioids, both medicinal and illicit, morphine treats how the body reacts to pain by directly working on receptors in the brain and central nervous system. As an opioid, it reduces the release of neurotransmitters carrying signals of pain, dulling the effects and responses to pain for about 3 to 6 hours. Morphine’s potency makes it a very popular choice for pain management; in fact, morphine is considered the standard opiate and the drug of first choice in the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain.

Morphine Withdrawal Timeline

Because of how easily morphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, a constant flow of the drug will prime the user to fall quickly into morphine dependency. The habit will go from simply taking the morphine to control pain, to taking the morphine when the user is bored, upset, angry, or otherwise discontent.

Like most drugs, morphine builds up a tolerance in the body. Morphine withdrawal follows the pattern of other forms of opioid withdrawal:

• 6 hours after last use: drug craving, depression, anxiety, and mood swings
• 14 hours after last use: sweating, runny sinuses, and depression
• 16 hours after last use: muscle cramping and twitches; loss of appetite
• 24 hours after last use: involuntary limb movements, diarrhea, insomnia, high blood pressure, and high breathing rate
• 36 hours after last use: vomiting
• 72 hours to 5 days after last use: gradual abatement of symptoms, although some may experience lingering effects

While morphine withdrawal usually balances out around the 5th or 6th day after the last intake, it is not unheard of for symptoms to linger for 7 to 10 days, especially in cases of long-term or serious morphine misuse. Despite the severity of these symptoms, morphine withdrawal is not fatal. Overdosing on morphine, on the other hand, can cause death from asphyxiation.

Even though morphine withdrawal isn’t fatal, withdrawal symptoms can be extremely distressing and difficult to endure, so much so that individuals may be tempted to abandon detox and take morphine again. While even this will likely not prove life-threatening, compared to someone going through alcohol withdrawal, which is much more dangerous, it does raise the possibility of someone going through morphine withdrawal to develop a deepening a dependence on morphine, undoing any work and good intentions that may have been done by the attempted withdrawal.

Morphine Addiction Treatment

Withdrawing from morphine on your own is always inadvisable. Going through structured and supervised withdrawal at a treatment center, offers many more advantages:

• Withdrawal is a complex chemical process, and you will be in the hands of trained medical staff members
• The facility’s doctors can prescribe careful doses of anti-anxiety and anti-nausea medication to ease the withdrawal process
• Other medical needs will be properly addressed
• There is no danger of relapsing when your withdrawal symptoms are at their worst, as you won’t have access to morphine
• When the withdrawal stage is complete, the treatment center can immediately start you on a course of psychotherapy

As important as it is to get over the physical craving to use morphine, whether or not it was prescribed by a doctor for pain management, controlling the mental compulsion to misuse morphine plays an even bigger role. A psychotherapist’s job is to work with you to understand the thought processes that led to an unhealthy desire for morphine. Once those processes are brought to light, they can help you learn new ways of dealing with the temptation to misuse morphine. This can cover anything from changing habits to keeping certain perspectives in mind when the pain threatens to become unbearable or when the frustrations and annoyances of daily life start piling up again.

At Futures, we want you to know that you do not have to go through morphine withdrawal on your own. Call today to start the path to recovery.

Morphine Addiction & Risks

Morphine is an opiate used to relieve severe pain, after medical procedures, and those suffering from cancer-related pain. Morphine has the potential to be highly addictive as tolerance to it develops very quickly.

The Dangers of Morphine Use

One of the big risks of morphine misuse is that tolerance to the drug develops quickly. As higher and higher doses are regularly taken, the chances of a deadly overdose increase.

The Dangers of Stopping Morphine Use Alone & Quickly

When people struggling with morphine addiction stop taking morphine, they experience severe and sometimes even fatal withdrawal symptoms, so withdrawal should only happen in a controlled environment where medical help is present. Most know the painful withdrawal symptoms and will do just about anything to secure enough of the drug to avoid withdrawal. Some of the symptoms associated with morphine withdrawal include:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Excessive sweating
• Chills
• Shaking
• Severe bodily aches and pains

Preventing Morphine Addiction

Morphine addiction usually begins after a long hospital stay where morphine was administered regularly, or after a person has been prescribed morphine for a legitimate purpose. In these cases, it is important for patients to be honest about any past addiction problems or risk factors for addiction and, if necessary, to choose morphine alternatives. It is also important that the person prescribed the morphine uses it according to their doctor’s specifications, especially as it relates to the dosage. Morphine is sometimes, but not often, sold illegally as a recreational drug; those not prescribed morphine for pain relief should avoid the drug at all costs.

Get Help Today

Overcoming morphine addiction should not be done without professional help. If you or someone you love is misusing morphine, don’t delay in getting the help necessary to begin the healing process. Contact us today to find out more about our intensive, evidence-based treatment programs and help your loved one begin their personal road to recovery.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms & Dangers

Fentanyl is a very powerful prescription painkiller. Due to it strength it has a high likelihood of misuse. It is prescribed to patients who endure chronic, unrelenting pain, or patients who are experiencing physical discomfort following surgery. Effects may include:

• Reduced breathing and heart rate
• Slurred speech
• Impaired focus and concentration,
• Difficulty staying awake

Fentanyl Withdrawal

If someone is addicted to fentanyl, stopping this drug will cause withdrawal symptoms. Some common fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include:

• Muscle pain and cramps
• Sweating
• Headache
• Fever
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Rapid heart rate

If you are worried that you or your or loved one is taking too much fentanyl and are thinking of stopping, please seek a professional for their medical opinion and help. Unsupervised withdrawal can be fatal. It is always best to go through withdrawal under the care of a medical professional, as they can monitor, and assist with any symptoms.

Treating Fentanyl Withdrawal and Misuse

Treating fentanyl withdrawal involves gradually weaning patients off it, since there are severe consequences for terminating the dosage without a long-term treatment plan in mind. While tapering off fentanyl, patients may have to receive careful doses of anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant medication to help their bodies acclimatize to the withdrawal process. This is another reason why fentanyl detoxification should not be attempted alone, and should only be done under around-the-clock medical supervision. Once the physical craving for fentanyl has been controlled, treatment moves to a psychological frame.

At Futures, we have expert mental health and medical staff members who can answer all your questions about fentanyl misuse. Call us today to find out how we can help you or a loved one.

Fentanyl Addiction & Risks

Fentanyl is a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain from surgery, an accident, or a major injury. When a person takes fentanyl, dopamine is released, which creates feelings of pleasure and happiness. The effect of fentanyl, therefore, is two-fold – it fights pain, and it also creates relaxation. Fentanyl addiction treatment involves detox to flush the body of the toxin, an intensive, inpatient program, relapse prevention and aftercare including outpatient care.

Fentanyl Potency

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine. For this reason, overdose is highly possible with even small doses.

In 2016, 11 million Americans misused prescription opioid painkillers like fentanyl, and over 2 million had an opioid addiction or were dependent on them. Moreover, fentanyl use and abuse are increasing in the United States; fentanyl was only responsible for about 1,000 deaths between 2005 and 2007, but in 2016 fentanyl was involved in around 20,000 opioid-related overdose deaths.

Residential Inpatient Treatment for Fentanyl Misuse

The most effective fentanyl misuse treatment option is an inpatient program. These programs provide a safe environment where patients can go through detox and receive therapy. At an inpatient facility, patients remain at the center 24 hours a day until their treatment is complete, which normally takes between 30 and 90 days. During that time, patients will have supervision, structure, access to medical care, and access to further therapy, support, and programs that will help them build the foundation for lifelong recovery. The types of therapy to expect during inpatient treatment include:

• Individual therapy to help patients understand their motivations and triggers.
• Group sessions to provide patients with a strong support network of peers.
• Mediated family therapy to help loved ones work through the pain caused by addiction and aid them in how to best support their family member or loved one.
• Alternative therapies like art and hypnotherapy to help gain a better understanding of the situations that led to their addiction.
• Wellness workshops to help develop healthy lifestyles and habits
• Relapse prevention training to help stay sober after they leave treatment.

Outpatient Treatment for Fentanyl Misuse

Outpatient care is hugely beneficial in the earlier days of recovery. This is ideal for patients as a follow up to inpatient residential treatment, or for those who can’t get enough time away from work, school, and other responsibilities to commit to inpatient treatment. The main benefit of outpatient is that patients live at home during treatment, and just have to travel to the center for therapy and programs once a week.

We recommend an intensive outpatient program (IOP) before regular outpatient. IOPs include treatment 3 days a week. IOP tends to last about 3 months, and then patients can transfer to regular outpatient when they’re ready. During IOP and outpatient treatment, patients will still have access to all the same therapy options and program offerings as inpatient programs.

Types of Therapies for Fentanyl Misuse

One of the most effective treatment therapies for fentanyl misuse is cognitive behavioral therapy (an element of dialectical behavior therapy or DBT), which is a type of therapy that focuses on getting patients to recognize the negative thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that led to their misuse. Once a patient recognizes these things, he or she can work on cultivating more positive beliefs and work on being aware of how negative thoughts affect behavior. The major benefit of CBT is that it can help patients understand the motivations and reasons for their addiction, help them identify their stresses and triggers, and provide healthier and more effective coping mechanisms. This leads to better mental health overall and helps clients prevent relapses.

Futures Can Help

Futures provides holistic and evidence-based treatments, giving patients with the best possible chance of long-term recovery. This includes a full range of treatment options – inpatient, IOP, outpatient, and aftercare – and therapy types, as well as having trained and accredited therapists, mental health professionals, and staff on-site to administer expert care.

The first step in recovery is to get the information you need to make the best choices for treatment. Call Futures today to start the conversation.

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Misuse

Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that’s prescribed as a painkiller. Because of how powerful this drug is, and because of how addictive it can be, it’s typically reserved for severe pain, such as what a person might experience after a major accident, injury, or surgery.

Although fentanyl is typically reserved for severe pain, there were still over 7.5 million prescriptions written for this drug in 2008, and between 2013 and 2016, the number of deaths attributed to fentanyl use increased by 540%. Overdoses from drugs like fentanyl are currently the leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 50, and unfortunately, fentanyl use and abuse are on the rise, so it’s important to understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of fentanyl abuse to get help to those who need it.

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine, and this means the risk of addiction and overdose are much higher.

Physical Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Misuse

Symptoms include:

• Developing a tolerance to the drug
• Taking increasing doses of the drug or for longer than what was prescribed
• Experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms when drug use ceases
• Failed attempts to stop using
• Dedicating large amounts of time to obtaining, taking, or recovering from fentanyl use
• Continued use of the drug despite the negative consequences and effects
• Declining health and getting sick more often
• Difficulty walking

Psychological Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Misuse

Some of the most common psychological signs & symptoms are:

• Paranoia
• Feelings of euphoria
• Lack of motivation
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Delusions
• Confusion

Behavioral Signs & Symptoms of Fentanyl Misuse

Fentanyl misuse causes personality and behavioral changes as people become dependent. Other behavioral signs of fentanyl misuse include:

• Apathy about school, work, and other responsibilities
• Neglected appearance and hygiene
• Financial troubles, stealing, or legal troubles
• Visiting multiple doctors for multiple prescriptions
• Poor professional or academic performance that leads to getting fired or expelled
• Neglecting commitments
• Ignoring old friends in favor of drug-using friends
• Exercising poor judgment

Physical Effects of Fentanyl Misuse & Risk of Overdose

Fentanyl is a potent drug, and it comes with equally powerful side effects, including both physical and psychological ones. Many opioids have very similar physical effects, including:

• Constipation and urinary retention
• Itchy skin
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Slowed breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constricted pupils
• Seizures
• Bowel obstruction
• Dilated pupils

In terms of the mental effects of fentanyl, common signs include:

• Mood changes
• Sedation
• Abnormal thoughts

One of the most alarming consequences of fentanyl misuse, however, is the increased risk of overdose. Signs and symptoms of an overdose are:

• Lack of response to pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Fainting
• Respiratory arrest
• Cardiac arrest
• Confusion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Cold or clammy skin
• Coma

Mixing Fentanyl with Alcohol and Other Drugs

Although fentanyl is dangerous enough on its own, some people mix it with other substances, and this can have fatal consequences. When combined with other drugs, especially central nervous system depressants like alcohol, fentanyl misuse can lead to respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, and heart attack. Moreover, prolonged drug use can lead to a shortage of oxygen in the blood, and this can lead to permanent brain and organ damage.

Help Is Possible

Being able to recognize fentanyl misuse symptoms could potentially save a life. Opioids like fentanyl are highly addictive drugs. A treatment facility can provide the support, therapy, and resources a person needs to get on the path to recovery. Help is available. Call today to learn how Futures can help.

The Dangers of Fentanyl Abuse

Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate and narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) used to treat severe pain or as part of a post-surgery pain management regiment. It is similar in structure to morphine. It is classified as a Schedule II prescription drug because of its high risk of abuse. Brand names for fentanyl include Actiq, Fentora, Lazanda, Duragesic, and Sublimaze. Fentanyl’s analgesic power has unfortunately made this drug a sellable item on the street drug market. On the street, fentanyl goes by names such as:

• China Girl or China White
• Murder 8
• TNT
• Apache
• Tango
• Cash

Although fentanyl can be used as part of a doctor-supervised pain treatment program, this opiate can lead to physical and mental dependence and addiction. It is important for individuals who lawfully use fentanyl as part of a prescribed plan to know that while they may become physically dependent, they are not likely to become addicted (the hallmark of which is to become focused nearly exclusively on sourcing and abusing a drug).

Potential Issues

The Stanford School of Medicine has provided the following helpful facts on fentanyl that speak volumes about the dangers inherent in its abuse:

• Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine
• This opiate is fast-acting, but the patch form has a slower release, lasting 72 hours
• Absorption levels depend on factors that the average person would not be aware of
• After patch removal, fentanyl will continue to be effective for 13 to 24 hours

The sheer power of fentanyl presents its greatest threat. As the Foundation for a Drug-Free World discusses, it is more potent than morphine, and it is also 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. In 2007 alone, fentanyl led to more than 1,000 fatalities.

An additional danger of fentanyl lies in the possibility of it getting into the hands of non-prescribed users. Prescription painkiller abusers not only source these medications from the street, but also from family, friends, and other non-medical personnel (either for free or a price). The fentanyl patch presents a unique threat. Since the patch form may still administer the drug after a lawful user discards it, there are reports of fentanyl addicts going through prescribed users’ trash to get the used patches. For this reason, safe disposal of fentanyl patches is necessary. In view of the dangers of fentanyl abuse, it is critical for lawful users to ensure the safekeeping of all forms of this drug.

Effects of Fentanyl

Like other opioids, fentanyl operates by binding to opiate receptors, which are involved in the body’s regulation of pain. The effect of fentanyl and other opiates binding to opiate receptors is to increase dopamine in the brain, which in turn creates a relaxed state of euphoria. For treatment purposes, there are opiate receptor antagonists that work to block the effects of the opiate on the receptor. Fentanyl side effects are similar to those associated with other opioids, and include:

• Drowsiness
• Trouble breathing
• Weakness and fatigue
• Difficulty urinating
• Constipation, which can be severe

More severe adverse effects of fentanyl include:

• Shock
• Hypotension
• Respiratory depression
• Circulatory depression