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Addiction Withdrawal – Ambrosia Behavioral Health https://www.ambrosiatc.com Behavioral Health Treating Mental Health and Substance Abuse Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:35:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Is GeneSight Testing for Medications Effective? https://www.ambrosiatc.com/is-genesight-testing-for-medications-effective/ Fri, 12 May 2023 09:12:00 +0000 https://ambrosiatc.com/?p=24351 Searching for the right medication, or combination of medications, that can help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions can get frustrating. GeneSight testing has made that process a bit smoother for some. To add, GeneSight testing ensures patients take the right medications, with the awareness of how it may impact them. Being able to do […]

The post Is GeneSight Testing for Medications Effective? appeared first on Ambrosia Behavioral Health.

]]> Searching for the right medication, or combination of medications, that can help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions can get frustrating. GeneSight testing has made that process a bit smoother for some. To add, GeneSight testing ensures patients take the right medications, with the awareness of how it may impact them.

Being able to do one simple test and get answers on which medication makes everything easier. It will help a given individual takes the frustration of trial and error out of the equation. This can make positive movement for those struggling with mental health more attainable.

 

genesight_testing

 

What is GeneSight Genetic Testing?

The trial-and-error process when finding proper medication to treat mental health conditions can be extremely discouraging. Moreover, people often feel like they will never find relief. For some, the medications and combinations of medications seemingly do no good, or only work for short periods of time. Fortunately, GeneSight testing takes some of the guesswork out of this process. 

The way medications tend to metabolize in the body can make an impact on the success of these medications. This test can shed some light on how certain medications will metabolize. It can also, in turn, can shed light on whether it will have a positive impact on an individual’s mental health conditions.

Medical professionals performing GeneSight testing in an office will swab the inside of the cheek to collect saliva. Then, if it is an at-home test, an individual will do the same. Swab inside each cheek, secure the swab and send it back for testing. The test can identify how certain antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiety medications, hypnotics, and antipsychotics will break down in the body. It can also reveal how the medications affect someone taking them. 

History of GeneSight Testing

Pharmacogenomics was born as a result of genome sequencing. This is the process of studying genes and how they affect medications. Genome sequencing was first successfully completed in 2008 by James Watson and Craig Venter. They successfully had their own genomes decoded. Since then, there have been many studies that are still ongoing on this topic.

Nearly 50% of people taking antidepressants have positive and long-term results from the first medication they try. So using GeneSight testing could make this process easier and smoother for those needing medications. Boasting a 99.8% success rate across all races, GeneSight has proven to be able to identify the medications best suited for a person with a simple mouth swab.

Does GeneSight Testing Work for Mental Health?

Because of the number of successful first attempts with medications, GeneSight testing can take a look into what the body will do once the medication enters, and be able to predict how the person would respond. The genetic markers associated with medications are able to tell medical professionals how these specific drugs will affect the person taking it.

The success rate of mental health medications for conditions such as depression and anxiety can be identified using this testing process. GeneSight testing is used to help those with mental health concerns find the best fit for them as far as medications go.

What Medications Does It Test For?

GeneSight testing currently tests 57 medications and identifies 12 genes. The breakdown of these medications and how they may affect someone is broken down into 3 categories. They include use as directed (green), moderate interaction (yellow), and significant interaction (red). This helps to determine which medications would be most effective for someone who is looking to find the best-suited psychotropic medication for themselves. 

GeneSight Testing and Genetics

a man being interviewed by a therapistDNA is a unique marker for every person. Genes are a part of DNA. Hence, if a person’s DNA and genes are individual to them, the way any given medication will interact with these genes is also unique. At Ambrosia, we offer GeneSight testing to our clients in an effort to provide them with the best start possible, prior to them leaving our care.

GeneSight allows for mental health professionals to get a clear view and understanding on an individual’s body will break down the medications and then how the genes will interact with them. This form of testing is beneficial for those seeking mental health help as it cuts out the potentially years-long process of trial and error.

Being able to identify what medicine would be most effective gives them security in knowing it’s a good match for them. Additionally, it provides a positive place for our clients to start making it so we can provide the best-individualized care possible.

Find GeneSight Testing at Ambrosia

Mental health conditions and their symptoms can be extremely discouraging and it can feel like it’s a never-ending cycle. GeneSight testing can be helpful in taking out some of the frustration that is a part of the management process.

At Ambrosia, we offer this form of testing so that we can better serve the clients under our care. If you or a loved one struggle with mental health conditions, there is help. Our team of professionals is standing by to help as you embark on a journey to a more positive mental health state.

Call us today.

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]]> Is Detoxing from Benzos Dangerous? https://www.ambrosiatc.com/detoxing-from-benzos/ Fri, 18 Nov 2022 09:02:00 +0000 https://ambrosiatc.com/?p=24038 While they are beneficial for the treatment of various mental health and medical conditions, benzodiazepines come with their own set of concerns. Are benzos dangerous? That is a question asked by many Americans who are prescribed these medications, as well as those who buy them illegally on the street. Even when taken as prescribed, these […]

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]]> While they are beneficial for the treatment of various mental health and medical conditions, benzodiazepines come with their own set of concerns. Are benzos dangerous? That is a question asked by many Americans who are prescribed these medications, as well as those who buy them illegally on the street. Even when taken as prescribed, these drugs can build a tolerance and dependency in the person taking them. This can make the task of stopping the medication difficult. It is important to understand the risks of these medications when taking them, and making the decision to stop.

What are Benzos?

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are considered to depress the Central Nervous System of the human body, slowing brain activity, affecting breathing, and causing drowsiness in the user. These medications also affect the brain’s GABA activity by increasing it. Benzos are used for the treatment of seizure disorders as well as anxiety, sleep disorders and other medical and mental health disorders. 

The fact that these medications affect vital bodily functions can be viewed as reasoning that benzos are dangerous, whether abused or taken as prescribed. Along with the drowsiness and slowed breathing, benzos can also cause slurred speech, confusion, lightheadedness, and can affect memory and movement. 

Benzos are a Schedule IV drug, and a controlled substance. Some examples of benzodiazepines are drugs like Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin. All of these medications are legally obtained through prescriptions, and illegally available on the streets. 

Are Benzos Dangerous?

The short answer is yes, benzos are dangerous. With long term use and misuse these drugs build a tolerance and users require more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effects. It also means that for normal brain and body functionality, users would need higher doses of the medication. When taking these higher doses, it can lead to overdose. These overdoses are potentially fatal.

Are Benzos Addictive?

Because they build tolerance and dependence in those who use them, benzos are considered to be addictive. Generally, tolerance and dependence on drugs leads to addiction. Continued use and misuse of these drugs can lead to potentially dangerous benzo withdrawal symptoms if the drug use is stopped abruptly. Because of the addictive qualities, benzodiazepines are widely abused and misused. This can be an answer to the question “Are benzos dangerous?”

Benzodiazepines suppress the CNS and increase GABA activity, slowing brain activity and essentially this tranquilizes the brain. This helps to decrease the nervous responses to stimuli that leads to anxiety and even seizures. The slowing of brain activity helps to decrease anxiety, racing thoughts, and allows for a calmer mind state to be achieved. For people who struggle with anxiety, this is almost a dream come true, and a miracle.

The effects these medications have on the brain can cause users to crave that peaceful feeling resulting in overtaking the medication and feeling as though more medication will make them feel better. While this is not the case, misusing the drug like this leads to addiction. Benzos are dangerous because they give a false sense of security to those who take them for these mental health concerns.

Is it Dangerous to Detox From Benzos?

Ending abuse and misuse of any substance leads to uncomfortable and possibly dangerous symptoms of withdrawal. However, when it comes to detoxing from benzodiazepines, it can definitely be more dangerous than other substances. The physical dependence of this medication causes the body to undergo some potentially serious and life threatening withdrawal symptoms. 

Taking higher doses, and stopping all of a sudden can heighten the probability of these symptoms. Benzodiazepine detox is most effectively with the “tapering off” approach. This means doses are lowered, and side effects are monitored to prevent symptoms such as:

  • Muscle pains
  • Muscle spasms
  • Confusion
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Panic attacks
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Seizures

It is never recommended to detox from this medication without medical supervision. Withdrawal is an uncomfortable process, and alleviating these symptoms can be beneficial to the success of recovering from addiction, preventing more severe symptoms.

Finding Help for Benzo Addiction

Because the symptoms of withdrawal can be experienced day and night, it is best to seek inpatient detoxification for benzo withdrawal. This allows for medical professionals to monitor the symptoms of withdrawal at all hours, and helps to prevent the more serious symptoms like seizures. Withdrawal from benzos is dangerous and uncomfortable. It is unpredictable, and trying to detox at home, without medical staff available at any time, can be harmful. 

The “cold turkey” approach is not recommended for these drugs. Benzos are dangerous to detox from and can lead to long term or fatal effects if attempted to stop without professional medical help. Such medical help may involve the use of medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms; this is called Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).

Detox From Benzos in South Florida

Seeking help for benzo addiction is an important step to beginning a life without the addiction these drugs cause. Here at Ambrosia, we provide a safe and comfortable environment for those trying to overcome addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, contact us today.

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]]> Symptoms of Withdrawal from Fentanyl https://www.ambrosiatc.com/withdrawal-from-fentanyl/ Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:29:00 +0000 https://ambrosiatc.com/?p=24026 Opioid abuse has led to a significant rise in overdose and overdose deaths over the past few years.  has become one of the most widely abused drugs in America. Abuse leads to dependence. Once the body is dependent upon the drug, it can be difficult to break free of that hold. But what happens during […]

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]]> Opioid abuse has led to a significant rise in overdose and overdose deaths over the past few years.  has become one of the most widely abused drugs in America. Abuse leads to dependence. Once the body is dependent upon the drug, it can be difficult to break free of that hold. But what happens during withdrawal from fentanyl? Well, the answer to that can vary person to person. However, it is an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience for all who experience it.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is one of the strongest synthetic opioids available. It is about 50 times stronger than heroin, and 100 times stronger than Morphine. Produced in two different ways, pharmaceutically and illicitly, fentanyl has a high potential to be abused. Fentanyl was originally manufactured so it could help to treat pain post surgical procedures, and provide pain relief for cancer patients. However, since its conception, fentanyl has been manufactured and sold illegally, and has become a major contributor to both fatal and nonfatal overdoses. Even a small dose of fentanyl can lead to overdose or death.

Being that it is so highly abused, fentanyl is a schedule II drug. Abusing this drug leads to physical dependency and changes in the chemical makeup of the brain, requiring the drug for daily functions. If it is removed from the body, this results in a physical withdrawal from fentanyl. 

Effects of Fentanyl Abuse

All drugs have an effect on the body of the person using them. When it comes to fentanyl, this is no different. With long term abuse, the brain’s opioid receptors begin to change. When this happens, the brain begins to adapt to the drug, and has a very hard time feeling pleasure by any means except receiving the drug. 

There are other effects of fentanyl abuse that can be both short term and long term. Generally speaking, fentanyl addiction makes it hard to live every day life, the main priority of the addicted person is to find and use the drug. Fentanyl can also cause things like decreased sex drive, slurred speech, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and lowered heart rate and blood pressure. Abuse can also slow respiratory function, potentially leading to long term respiratory issues. Long term use also tends to result in withdrawal from fentanyl when the drug is no longer available for consumption.

Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal

Like any drug, withdrawal from fentanyl comes with its own signs and symptoms. Some of these symptoms are more uncomfortable than others, and some are more dangerous than others. But it goes without saying that fentanyl withdrawal is an unpleasant experience regardless of the severity of the symptoms.

These are just a few of the things that could be experienced during withdrawal:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Muscle and body aches
  • Restless legs
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • High blood pressure
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Depression
  • Severe cravings

Is Fentanyl Withdrawal Dangerous?

The simple answer is yes, fentanyl withdrawal can be dangerous. There are many factors that the person experiencing withdrawal can’t monitor themselves and know if there are risks of long term effects. 

The symptoms of withdrawal from fentanyl like diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. Appetite is sometimes impaired due to feeling stomach uneasiness, so food and water intake is minimal in these cases. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, and there is a risk of heart attack as well. Removing the drug from the body’s routine causes a shock to the system, and in turn, the body can try to recover by overreacting to the fact that the drug is no longer available. 

There are also a number of mental concerns that can arise as a result of withdrawal. Because the drug has been the main source of pleasure for the brain, when it is removed, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors can arise. These are dangerous, because if not monitored, they can lead to self harm or even attempted suicide. 

How To Safely Withdrawal From Fentanyl

When deciding to withdraw from fentanyl, doing so in a safe, and medically supervised environment is highly advised. Having the ability to address any of these symptoms that be experienced with a medical professional can help to alleviate some of the feelings. Being under the care of professionals allows for safety in case of severe symptoms like elevated blood pressure or heart rate, and dehydration. These symptoms can lead to even more dangerous results. It is best to seek professional help and be medically monitored when deciding to quit this drug.

Fentanyl Detox in South Florida

It is our goal at Ambrosia to provide a safe, and comfortable environment for those looking to stop using drugs like fentanyl. Our team of medical professionals strives to make detox as comfortable and easy as possible. If you or a loved one are seeking help with fentanyl detox, contact us today and we will help guide you to a life free from addiction.

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]]> Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal https://www.ambrosiatc.com/signs-and-symptoms-of-xanax-withdrawal/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 09:15:00 +0000 https://ambrosiatc.com/?p=23179 Like any substance, Xanax carries the risk of withdrawal symptoms — even when taken as prescribed. While the risk of dependency is greater when you misuse Xanax or take doses higher than prescribed, you might experience different signs and symptoms of Xanax withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking Xanax. If you are concerned about your […]

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]]> Like any substance, Xanax carries the risk of withdrawal symptoms — even when taken as prescribed. While the risk of dependency is greater when you misuse Xanax or take doses higher than prescribed, you might experience different signs and symptoms of Xanax withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking Xanax. If you are concerned about your risk of Xanax dependency, talk to your doctor about safely stopping your prescription.

Why Is Xanax Addictive?

Xanax belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which are prescribed to treat anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. Some brand name benzodiazepines include Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Restoril, and Valium. Street names for benzodiazepines include “downers” and “benzos.”

Xanax and other benzodiazepines slow the central nervous system to brain activity and lessen anxiety. Xanax works similarly to other substances, like opioids and alcohol, and causes you to feel relaxed and euphoric. When you misuse or abuse your medication, you might become addicted to these euphoric feelings.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), “Abuse is frequently associated with adolescents and young adults who take the drug orally or crush it up and snort it to get high. Abuse is particularly high among heroin and cocaine users. Additionally, opioid users often abuse benzodiazepines to enhance euphoria.”

Even if you take your Xanax as prescribed, you might become dependent upon the substance to function normally. Physical dependency can lead to an addiction, especially if you begin using more Xanax to achieve the same effects. If you have an addiction or a dependence on Xanax, here are some signs and symptoms of Xanax withdrawal you will experience.

Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax (or the generic drug “Alprazolam”) can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication suddenly. According to MedlinePlus, some withdrawal symptoms “may last for several weeks to more than 12 months.” However, since Xanax is a fast-acting medication, you will most likely be able to detox within a few weeks.

Withdrawal symptoms of Xanax include:

  • Unusual movements, like shaking uncontrollably
  • Tinnitus (a ringing sound in your ears)
  • Memory issues and difficulty concentrating
  • Sleeping problems
  • Muscle twitching
  • Prickling sensations in your hands, arm, feet, or legs
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Seizures
  • Losing touch with reality
  • Visual and auditory hallucinations
  • Feeling overly excited
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation

If you have these symptoms after stopping Xanax, you might need medical attention to keep your symptoms from worsening. Never stop taking your prescription without first consulting your prescribing physician. Your doctor can help you with a process called “titration,” where you take less and less Xanax to get off your medication gradually.

If you misuse or abuse Xanax to self-medicate for symptoms like anxiety or other mental health concerns, you can get treatment in medical detox facility to rid your body of Xanax safely. You might also want to consider inpatient rehab to address the underlying issues at the root of your Xanax abuse to learn healthy ways of coping with stress and anxiety.

Rebound Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal

In addition, without Xanax, you might feel an increase in the symptoms that Xanax was meant to treat. Without Xanax in your system, your symptoms might come back when you suddenly stop taking the medication. These are known as “rebound” symptoms, as you experience the symptoms that the Xanax was helping to treat.

Therefore, if you take Xanax for anxiety, you might experience a resurgence of anxiety, which might feel worse than before you began treatment. You might start to have seizures again when you stop taking Xanax or have muscle spasms if you initially took Xanax to treat these issues.

These rebound symptoms can last a long time, especially if you do not address these underlying issues in another way. For anxiety, Xanax and other benzodiazepines might be intended as only a short-term or an as-needed solution for sudden and intense episodes. For example, you might be prescribed Xanax for a sudden panic attack or to keep you from getting overly anxious while you learn ways to deal with stress.

Minimizing the Risk of Xanax Rebound Symptoms

You can minimize the risk of rebound symptoms by seeking alternative treatments after you detox from Xanax. You might want to consider mental health treatment in the form of individual or group therapy. After detoxing from Xanax, you can work with a facility to find the best treatment plan to prevent you from relapsing after dealing with the initial withdrawal symptoms.

In addition, you can try alternative forms of treating seizures and muscle spasms after your detox. Even if you do not have an underlying mental health issue, Xanax dependency and addiction are best treated at a medical detox facility that can keep you safe during the initial withdrawal period.

Get Help With Signs and Symptoms Of Xanax Withdrawal In South Florida

Detoxification from Xanax dependency and addiction is an essential step to finding alternative ways of treating your symptoms. Medically-assisted detox can help you safely deal with withdrawal symptoms from Xanax and other benzodiazepines. Ambrosia Treatment Center of West Palm Beach is here to help residents of South Florida with detox and long-term rehab for addiction. Your life is waiting; we’ll help you get there.

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]]> Opium Abuse Detoxification Signs, Risks, & Withdrawal Symptoms https://www.ambrosiatc.com/opium-abuse-detoxification-signs-risks-withdrawal-symptoms/ Fri, 24 Jul 2020 18:45:17 +0000 http://ambrosiatc.com/?p=19320 All opiates arrive from the poppy plant, which secretes a resin-like botanical substance called opium. Opium is a natural pain killer that also creates sensations of euphoria. Opium has been exploited in one method or another by humans for at least 5,000 years.   Through the millennia, opium has advanced and is now synthesized in a […]

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]]> All opiates arrive from the poppy plant, which secretes a resin-like botanical substance called opium. Opium is a natural pain killer that also creates sensations of euphoria. Opium has been exploited in one method or another by humans for at least 5,000 years.

Did ancient Mesopotamians get high? Near Eastern rituals may have ...

 

Through the millennia, opium has advanced and is now synthesized in a vast range of several drugs, some of which you are likely aware of. Many opium drugs are utilized medically as medications for pain and distress, while some versions of the drug are illegal, sold exclusively on the street or in black markets. Regardless, they all originated from one plant, and they can all be hazardous when abused.

 

The opiate family comprises of the following drug variations: morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, Heroin, and resin opium itself, which is dried, crushed, and smoked. These seven opiate variations are covered in detail below. All opiates are highly addicting, having the potential to form an addiction habit as quickly as after the first dose. Today over 30 American citizens die daily basis from an opiate overdose.

 

Even though a hydrocodone pill is considerably less potent than an injection of Heroin, the connection among all opiates is the same in that they all create a sense of euphoria in the brain which is the likely cause of addiction. Indeed, an estimated ninety percent of Heroin users started their addiction to opiates prescription pills. This makes sense if you think about it, as prescription pain killers are the most accessible way for most people to obtain opiates. As the number of prescribed painkillers was greatly over-prescribed in the last decade and still are today, this led to widespread addiction and an opioid addiction pandemic. Dependences on prescribed opioid drugs can develop quickly, but for many, as their prescriptions run out and they cannot be replaced quickly enough, leading to black-market purchases. That’s likely why Heroin became a cheaper replacement option, as you do NOT require a prescription to obtain it. Whereas doctors and state authorities monitor prescriptions, continued abuse of Opioids has now spilled over into the black market in the form of illicit drugs like Heroin.

 

Knowing how to comprehend abusive signs and threats to support someone struggling with addiction is very important. It is important to know what withdrawal symptoms can be like as there is a broad expanse of severity. Did you know what Ambrosia Treatment Center offers in the way of opiate drug rehab and detox? To begin, a medical detoxification from opiate pain killers is the first step towards recovery.

 

If you desire simply to read about our detoxification procedure itself, please scroll down to the bottom and proceed reading at the section titled “About Our Opiate Detox Program.” With support from well-trained specialist at Ambrosia, you can receive caring treatment to beat opiate addiction. Our knowledgeable staff and top-notch doctors are ready, willing, and able to help you start today.

 

Signs of Opiate Abuse

 

In acknowledging signs of opiate abuse, it is essential to comprehend not only how many opiate variations exist but the differences between them. The symptoms themselves are similar but will also be even more apparent as opiate strength increases.

 

Codeine is one of the weakest opiates. It is designed as both a diarrhea suppressant and as cough medicine. Even though codeine is the weakest opioid, it does not imply it is not harmful. Approximately 2,700 people died from codeine overdose in 2015, which was twice as many victims in the year 2000.

 

Fentanyl is deemed the most potent opiate in use. Today, it is only meant to be applied in unusual circumstances of extreme and severe pain. It can be hundreds of times more potent than even Heroin itself. Fentanyl is presently being used to spike heroin batches, producing what can be a fatal mixture. Moreover, there is a secondary form of fentanyl called carfentanil, which is used for large mammal sedation. It is fifty times more powerful than fentanyl. One grain of this drug can kill a full-grown adult. This version of fentanyl has also been found in spiked batches of illegal street sold Heroin.

 

The other remaining opiates discussed can be prescribed legally in the United States. Opioids are listed in order of ascending strength, are hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. Hydrocodone’s primary marketing name is Vicodin, and further comprises Lortab. Morphine is another well-known drug that many may be familiar with. It is a powerful painkiller utilized for victims of terrible pain. Ultimately, Oxycodone’s primary business names are OxyContin and Percocet. However, Heroin and opium are illegal in the US, the former of which has come to be America’s notable killer of drug abuse victims below the age of 50.

If you think someone is abusing opiates, signs include:

  • Exhaustion and abnormally low energy
  • Slurred speech
  • Constricted pupils
  • Nauseousness and vomiting
  • Absence of appetite
  • Mental confusion
  • Stumbling asleep quickly or anywhere, AKA’ nodding out’ (with Heroin especially)

Risks of Opiate Abuse

Because all opiates act similarly, almost at all varying levels, the dangers of abuse, both short-term and long-term, are the same for all opioids. Nonetheless, Heroin and fentanyl present their increased risks due to extreme efficacy.

The short-term dangers of opiate misuse include:

  • Abrupt heart rate
  • Arrhythmia
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Hyperthermia
  • Tremors and seizures
  • Coma and death

 

Long-term Consequences of Opiate Abuse Are More Drastic Than the Short-Term Ones. They Include but are Not Limited to:

  • An all-around weaker immune system, and erectile dysfunction
  • Belly issues, rambling from diarrhea to bowel punctures.
  • Respiratory depression
  • Hypoxia
  • Liver injury and failure (especially with drugs containing acetaminophen)
  • Brain deterioration
  • Coma and death

Heroin and Fentanyl

In the past few years, a growing drug addiction problem in the arena of opiate drugs is fentanyl. It is an extraordinarily powerful painkiller, and only a few grains can kill a person. Fentanyl, up until quite recently, was lawful in China, and it was being sold online to Mexican drug cartels and was even and perhaps still is shipped to the US Illicitly. Drug cartel members have been reported to spike heroin batches with fentanyl, which is inexpensive and 10x more potent than Heroin.

 

Since 2015, fentanyl has taken more lives than Heroin has. Even more horrifying, fentanyl deaths have been reported to be growing, twice as much as the prior year and has been steadily increasing. If an individual receives a heroin hit that is spiked with fentanyl, it can be compared to playing Russian roulette with your life. These drugs can and will kill you.

 

Recognizing Opiate Abuse & Conducting an Intervention

If you or somebody you know is abusing opiates, you should react immediately and intervene by helping them take their first steps to the path of addiction recovery. Of course, you can help yourself, too, if you are the one with the crisis. As with all illegal drugs, the drug abuse shortly drives the afflicted person into addiction. It only takes one hit of any opiate to possibly kill you or a love one. Clearly no drug high could ever be worth that!

 

Stepping in to help someone with addiction problems is easier said than done, especially if you love the person suffering and do not want to harm or distress them. But, where you care for them enough, it is easy to realize they are hurting themselves, and possibly at a rate that could become fatal quickly. In some circumstances, professional intervention is recommended. When it comes to trying to assist somebody, you love, hold these tips in mind:

  • Do not call them an addict or condemn them of being an abuser.
  • Do not mandate the individual to seek aid. Clearly state your concerns.
  • Facilitate the prospect of help but do not be aggressive.
  • Retain the connection you already possess with the individual. Behaving differently will probably awaken suspicion.

Withdrawal from Opiates

Opiate withdrawal lasts typically 1-4 weeks, which thankfully for recovering opium addicts is shorter than some other drug withdrawal period.

Due to opiates’ nature, it is recommended to endure the withdrawal process while the afflicted patient is checked into a professional treatment center under medical supervision for serious side effects. Furthermore, please be conscious that it has become common to utilize opiates, particularly buprenorphine, as a step-in opiate withdrawal treatment. This suggestion of battling fire with fire is tested and true.

 

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms Include:

  • Flu-like feelings
  • Low energy levels
  • Unreasonable sweating
  • Body aches
  • Nauseousness
  • Sleeplessness
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations

Withdrawal symptoms are considerably more likely to occur and much more likely to be worse if an addict stops using without assistance. Opiates present some hazardous withdrawal symptoms, and Ambrosia Treatment Center can provide necessary help for an addict to detox and start the journey to recovery. The first step is detoxification, commonly called detox, which safely and effectively removes all traces of opiates from the body.

 

About Our Opiate Detox Program

Opium detox treatments may include use of a variety of pills and medicines stemmed from synthetic opium so to gradually ween the brain and body from the need for the drug by decreasing the daily dosage until the patient can be drug free. Detox from fentanyl, codeine, morphine, Vicodin (hydrocodone), Percocet, OxyContin, oxycodone, and illegal drugs, such as Heroin and opium can take time and the experience of each person in detox can vary. These opiate drugs typically known as painkillers, work by constraining receptors in the brain, which reduces the feeling of pain. A big misconception about prescription pain medication is that because a physician prescribes it, and you’re not attempting to use it to get high you’re not at risk for addiction. It’s fundamental to remember before receiving an opiate treatment that any usage over three days will put you at danger of tolerance and dependency. Where the same amount of narcotics will no longer have a similar impact on reducing pain an addiction problem can grow quickly. This is generally the point where people proceed to search out the drug, they have now become addicted too. While drug addiction can commence in as little as a week of obtaining opiates, dependence begins when a person who has long been receiving a treatment shows off psychological impacts awfully as the obsessional desire for the drug abused. It’s crucial in detox to care for both the physical obsession along with mental obsession and the underlying condition for needing the drug in the first place.

 

Safe Opiate Detoxification

We provide a detailed plan of treatment along with a comprehensive approach to opiate detox, providing our customers with the most significant degree of personalized care so assure a healthy change from addiction to recovery. The Drug Enforcement Administration has classified opioids as a considerably high-priority controlled substance due to the substantial potential for abuse and addiction. Opioid addiction encompasses almost 5 million people in the United States and leads to practically 17,000 deaths yearly. Opiate addiction signs and side effects include sedation, dizziness, throwing up, gastric troubles, blood disorder, and respiratory depression, which is the leading cause of death in opiate users. The primary method of caring for opioid addiction is to enhance physical and psychological health following a stepping down period of withdrawal. It is not advised that where anyone tries to detox on their own from opioids, as the withdrawal symptoms can become severe, depending on the degree and duration of its usage to ask and get help. It is essential to plan for adequate time to detox and to treat the addiction of opiates. At Ambrosia Treatment Center, we offer a compassionate environment where our clients get trained help from specialists to evaluate the steps necessary to manage life without addiction.

 

What to Anticipate During the Period of Detoxification?

At Ambrosia, detox begins with a comprehensive evaluation of each client by our clinicians to cultivate a working understanding of medical records, history of abuse, and personal well-being and psychological situation of each client. Part of the initial health assessment entails a visual screening of the patient. Once the initial health appraisal is complete, our clinical team works with each client to establish an effective treatment plan. Our team has the experience of working with patients who were prescribed opiates and become addicted to them. Our addiction specialists can vary curated treatments based on multiple variables such as severity levels, age, the number of years using, the quantity used per week, family history, and any underlying mental or physical disorders. Withdrawing from opiates can be a complicated process, and at Ambrosia Treatment Center, our clients receive 24/7 care to insure their safety. We are devoted to delivering safe and comfortable treatment, assuring patients the potential to successfully conquer their addiction habits.

 

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]]> Alcohol Detox: Signs, Effects, Symptoms https://www.ambrosiatc.com/alcohol-detox-signs-effects-symptoms/ Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:18:29 +0000 http://ambrosiatc.com/?p=19090 There are multiple risks and known signs of alcohol abuse.  This article attempts to explain alcohol withdrawal symptoms along with corresponding alcohol detox. As well as, how to perceive signs and dangers of alcohol addiction to help somebody dealing with addiction, what withdrawal symptoms are, and lastly detox treatments like that from Ambrosia Treatment Center […]

The post Alcohol Detox: Signs, Effects, Symptoms appeared first on Ambrosia Behavioral Health.

]]> There are multiple risks and known signs of alcohol abuse.  This article attempts to explain alcohol withdrawal symptoms along with corresponding alcohol detox. As well as, how to perceive signs and dangers of alcohol addiction to help somebody dealing with addiction, what withdrawal symptoms are, and lastly detox treatments like that from Ambrosia Treatment Center to assist with alcohol detox to guide you to initial recovery.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Since alcohol consumption is so typical in America, it can be challenging to determine the indications of alcohol abuse. There is no definite chart that we can use to decide if somebody is an alcoholic or an alcohol abuser. Nonetheless, there are undoubtedly a lot of indications of liquor misuse that are conspicuous.

Below is a list of indications of alcohol abuse. First-time drinkers may be sure to show most of these signs. Concerning perceiving liquor misuse, the first sign is recurrence. Any individual who gets alcoholic will appear at any rate the accompanying side effects. Somebody who shows these signs most of the time might be a liquor victimizer.

  • An extremely high tolerance to alcohol
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Compulsive, sometimes risky behavior
  • Vomiting / Nausea
  • Excessive cologne, gum-chewing or other attempts to mask an odor
  • Unprovoked agitation or aggression
  • An aroma of alcohol
  • Blackouts
  • Dizziness or lack of coordination
  • Excessive sweating
  • Difficulty talking, walking, and/or standing up

Risks of Alcohol Abuse

Under two years prior, the pace of alcohol-caused deaths was at its peak in America since 1979, as indicated by the Washington Post. In 1979, a little more than eight in every 100,000 individuals passed away from liquor-incited causes. In 2015, that number nearly arrived at ten, coming in at 9.5 per 100,000. Besides, this was a 37% increase since 2002. More terrible yet, these numbers DO NOT INCLUDE alcoholic driving mishaps and do exclude any liquor-related murders.

Through and through, alcohol causes around 88,000 passing consistently, and that is simply in America alone. Europe is experiencing its alcohol-related crisis, and the latest news says England is in transit to encounter untouched death rates from liquor. There are numerous dangers of alcohol abuse to try and run down here without the article transforming into a scroll of side effects/symptoms. Nonetheless, we need to give you a portion of the more typical dangers of liquor misuse. We provide two separate lists that are broken down into short-term risks and long-term risks.

The short-term risks of alcohol abuse include:

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Alcohol poisoning, (possibly land you in the hospital for a stomach pumping, and can indeed be fatal)
  • Impaired judgment, (leads to engagement in risky behavior/injury)
  • Blacking-out, (a form of temporary amnesia and may have more serious long-term effects than currently known)
  • Bodily dysfunction, (which includes everything from motor skills to incontinence)
  • Extreme emotional distress

The long-term risks of alcohol abuse include:

  • Cirrhosis of the liver and/or pancreas, (which could lead to cancer)
  • Anxiety and/or depression
  • Several different heart conditions
  • Brain damage
  • Uncontrollable shaking/tremors
  • Kidney failure
  • Insomnia

Recognizing Alcoholism & Stepping In

Even though Alcohol abuse is not alcohol addiction, which is commonly known as alcoholism. In any case, if you happen to know and care about someone who is either unquestionably an alcoholic, or someone who you think maybe, there are ways to step in, intervene, and getting involved in the aid process… and obviously you can step in and help yourself too. Being that alcohol, similar to most substances, abuse is the step right before addiction. However, there are some ways to tell the difference between abuse and addiction.

Abusive behavior consists of using a substance to the point of intoxication. While Addiction consists of repeating that process on a regular routine basis. A good example of alcohol abuse would be someone single-handedly drinking an entire six-pack of beer in one sitting with the goal of getting drunk. An example of addiction would be someone doing that every night, or even most nights. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychological Association, offers scientific criteria regarding telling abuse vs. addiction, for further reading.

Stepping in and intervening when it comes to someone we know has a problem is never an easy thing to do. We love these people, and we do not want to hurt them, but we love them enough to know they are hurting themselves, and perhaps at a deadly rate. In such extreme cases, professional intervention is recommended. When it comes to simply trying to help someone you love, keep these tips in mind:

Alcohol abuse is not necessarily alcohol addiction, which is traditionally known as alcoholism. Regardless, if you know and care about someone who is either definitely an alcoholic, or someone who you suspect may be, there are ways to step in, intervene, and being the process of helping… and of course you can step in and help yourself too. With alcohol, as with most substances, abuse is the step directly preceding addiction. However, there are some ways to tell abuse and addiction apart.

Abuse consists of using a substance to the point of intoxication. Addiction consists of repeating that process on a regular basis. An example of abuse would be someone drinking an entire six-pack of beer in one sitting and getting drunk. An example of addiction would be someone doing that every night, or even most nights. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychological Association, offers scientific criteria regarding telling abuse vs. addiction, for further reading.

Stepping in and intervening when it comes to someone, we know has a problem is never an easy thing to do. We love these people, and we do not want to hurt them, but we love them enough to know they are hurting themselves, and perhaps at a deadly rate. In such extreme cases, professional intervention is recommended. When it comes to simply trying to help someone you love, keep these tips in mind:

  • Maintain per usual rapport you already have with the person. Avoid Acting differently will likely arouse suspicion.
  • Do not demand the person to seek help. Simply state your concerns.
  • Encourage the possibility of support, but do not be forceful.
  • Do not call the person an alcoholic. Try to start sentences with “I” and not “You”.

loved ones hold an intervention and talk about alcohol addiction

Alcohol Withdrawal

Sadly, withdrawal from alcohol is one of the most dangerous of all substance withdrawal processes due to involuntary seizures. Many alcohol abusers quit cold turkey unsupervised without the necessary professional help. Unfortunately, alcohol withdrawal is always dangerous to some degree, but it becomes particularly unsafe when attempted alone.

The bottom line in any person’s rehab journey is that all pain or discomfort felt along the path to recovery will be completely forgotten about once the bliss of sobriety and healthy living comes rushing back into their lives. Any struggles at this point along the path are well worth the normalcy and stability of a life without alcohol abuse.

What follows is a rundown of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Still, please be aware that with our professional help from us here at Ambrosia Treatment Center, many of these symptoms can be avoided but can also be treatable. As you begin to read this list of symptoms, be aware that quitting alcohol without seeking treatment with professional supervision puts you much more at risk than quitting with the proper help.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Seizures
  • Tremors, which include Delirium tremens, a possibly fatal condition
  • Anxiety and heightened nervousness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Excessive sweating
  • Acute headache
  • Increased heart rate
  • Extreme agitation and aggression
  • Loss of appetite
  • Restlessness or insomnia

To reiterate, the symptoms described are much more likely to occur and much more likely to be worse if an alcoholic stops drinking without help. Ambrosia Treatment Center can provide all the necessary support for someone suffering from drug addiction to begin their path towards recovery the best way possible. As mentioned before, the first step is detoxification, commonly called detox, which safely and effectively removes alcohol from the body. Even though there may not be a manual to tell abuse from addiction, there is indeed a manual on the steps to provide detox from alcohol, and we here at Ambrosia Treatment Center may well have written it.

About Our Alcohol Detox Program

At Ambrosia Treatment Center, our alcohol detox program offers a safe, friendly and comfortable environment for individuals seeking help and suffering from alcohol and drug dependency to recover in a tranquil, drug-free setting receiving constant support from our professional staff. The essential first step would be Alcohol detoxification; this is comprised of a supervised period with zero alcohol intake. This period is to ensure effective treatment and the management of alcohol-related addiction. Our staff members and clinicians offer 24/7 support to all our clients throughout the entire recovery process. Furthermore, to care for alcohol withdrawal symptoms, we encourage our clients to support one another throughout the process and receive education and counseling about their addiction problem and its effective treatment. Another main benefit of detoxing with Ambrosia Treatment Center is that the road to sobriety is tailored to every individualized need. Our recovery plan we provide encourages the adjustment needed to sustain sobriety.

Ambrosia Treatment Center patrons begin their alcohol detox treatment with an intake process to help the clinical teams better understand the needs of the individual, thus creating a plan that will work for them. During the intake process, a medical, drug, alcohol, and current physical well-being history will be assessed. Clinicians on staff have tremendous experience working with alcohol addiction and have acquired many skills crucial to understanding where our clients stand and how to offer help in terms of withdrawal symptoms.

As stated previously, alcohol withdrawal is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can begin as soon as two hours after the last drink. For certain individuals who have been drinking heavily for weeks, months, or years, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can rapidly intensify, so it’s essential to seek medical attention even when symptoms seem mild at first.

Our experts say, “There is no such thing as being too careful in this situation.”

What to Expect During Alcohol Detox

Initially, during the first few days without liquor, an alcoholic is most likely to experience a variety of physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. Due to the mind and body adjusting to functioning without a large amount of alcohol in its system when an individual ceases drinking, these functions need to readjust. The team at Ambrosia Treatment Center is committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable transition for our clients during this time. The team can begin to focus primarily on identifying and treating the causes of individual’s addictive behavior. After the intake process is complete, most clients in our alcohol detox program receive detoxification from alcohol in an effort to stabilize withdrawal symptoms or any medical complications. In some cases, pharmacological assistance will be needed, which would involve counter-indicative medication to offset withdrawal symptoms. This assistance is also necessary when there are co-occurring mental health disorders or underlying medical ailments complicated by substance abuse

During the first few days without alcohol, an alcoholic is likely to experience a variety of different physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. Since the brain, body and mind are adjusting to functioning with a large amount of alcohol present, when an individual ceases drinking, these functions need to readjust. We are committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable transition for our clients during this time, so they can begin to focus on identifying and treating the causes for addictive behavior.

Following the intake process, most clients in our alcohol detox program undergo detoxification from alcohol to stabilize withdrawal symptoms or any medical complications. In some cases, pharmacological assistance may be needed, involving counter-indicative medication to offset withdrawal symptoms. This is also necessary when there are co-occurring mental health disorders or underlying medical ailments complicated by substance abuse.

group therapy during alcohol detox South Florida

Medication & Alcohol Detox Treatment

Medications such as Benzodiazepines, commonly known as Xanax, are a class of drug which is commonly used throughout the alcohol detoxification process—prescribed in small amounts in our supervised alcohol detox facilities to help with withdrawal sensations.

The medication is considered mild tranquilizers and bring short-term relief from insomnia and anxiety problems. The drugs in this family also have anticonvulsant properties, which helps with relaxing the muscles. It is critical to take the first step and seek help in an alcohol detox program to reduce the s

significant damage done by alcohol abuse and addiction.

The treatment and comprehensive care offered at Ambrosia Treatment Center ensures the ability to overcome addiction’s physical and mental aspects. This achievement will promote the determination necessary to begin building the tools required to engage in long-term addiction recovery successfully.

Get Alcohol Addiction Treatment in South Florida

Alcohol is a hazardous substance that can:

  1. Cause addiction in a short time frame.
  2. Can kill you from excess drinking by getting alcohol poisoning or
  3. Can kill you from the withdrawal symptoms of quitting cold turkey
  4.  And the worst part above all is that it is legal.

Therefore, caution and responsibility are paramount when consuming alcohol. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism or suspect alcoholism, please do not hesitate to contact Ambrosia Treatment Center in South Florida today. We can be the first step toward a healthy, alcohol-free life.

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]]> The Consequences of Meth https://www.ambrosiatc.com/consequences-of-meth/ Tue, 07 Jan 2020 17:10:35 +0000 https://ambrosiatc.com/?p=16099 Meth Addiction Symptoms Methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, is a highly addictive stimulant sold as the street drug, crystal meth. Meth can be injected, smoked, inhaled or taken by mouth. The following are common symptoms of methamphetamine use: Decreased appetite Increased wakefulness and activity Increase in respiration Euphoria Rapid heartbeat With continued use, meth […]

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]]> Meth Addiction Symptoms

Methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, is a highly addictive stimulant sold as the street drug, crystal meth. Meth can be injected, smoked, inhaled or taken by mouth. The following are common symptoms of methamphetamine use:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased wakefulness and activity
  • Increase in respiration
  • Euphoria
  • Rapid heartbeat

With continued use, meth users begin to show more advanced signs and symptoms, like anxiety, inability to sleep and psychosis.

How long does a meth high last?

Meth is a stimulant that produces an energetic feeling of euphoria similar to that of cocaine –but the effects are more intense and last longer. Meth effects can last eight to 24 hours, depending on the user and the potency of the batch.

The Stages of a Meth High

Crystal meth takes the user through various stages of intoxication. The duration and the intensity of these stages vary depending on the method and dose. Generally, methamphetamine’s effects last much longer than other street drugs, especially other stimulants.

  1. The Rush – This is an intense euphoria that a person feels within a few seconds of snorting, smoking or injecting meth. The drug triggers the flood of dopamine, a pleasure hormone in the brain.
  2. The High – Immediately after the rush subsides, a person will shift into a lesser state of euphoria that can last up to 14 hours. The high includes rapid thinking and hyperactivity. Some people on meth may exhibit aggressive or argumentative behavior.
  3. Tweaking – Tweaking is considered the most dangerous stage of meth abuse. It occurs when a meth abuser goes several days without sleeping and increasingly grows frustrated, unstable and paranoid. Behavior can be very unpredictable during this stage, and many meth users lose touch with reality and develop meth psychosis.

A Young Girl Using Meth

What does meth do to your body?

Crystal meth side effects range from elevated body temperature and increased blood pressure to hyperactivity and psychosis. The following symptoms are synonymous with meth addiction and usually the most commonly known to non-users.

Meth Mouth

Meth mouth is the byproduct of users’ severe neglect of oral health and meth’s physiological symptoms. Meth mouth comes from cavities, severe tooth decay, gum disease and cracked teeth. With prolonged use, an addict’s teeth eventually fall out entirely. It is also known as having “meth teeth.”

Physiological symptoms of meth use, like grinding teeth and dry mouth, make dental problems worse. Most active meth users have poor diets and lack the resources to take care of their teeth. Methamphetamine users tend to clinch on their teeth, an involuntary condition known as bruxism. Other symptoms include red swollen gums, dry mouth and clenching and grinding of teeth.

Meth Withdrawal

Abruptly stopping crystal meth leads to withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms manifest as the immune system tries to detoxify the body. The symptoms can be severe and vary from behavioral, psychological, mental and physical. Symptom duration is determined by several factors, including how long person was addicted, the potency of the meth they were using and other biological factors.

The withdrawal symptoms usually begin at least 24 hours after the last dose. Fatigue is often the first symptom of meth detox, followed by depression, paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations and insomnia. One study published by the HHS showed that depressive symptoms during meth withdrawal stabilize during the second and third week of abstinence. When the individual stops using meth, their dopamine levels decrease. The same study found that cravings for methamphetamine dropped significantly by the end of the first week of abstinence, remaining at a steady, but lower rate for the following weeks.

Crystal Methamphetamine

Meth Induced-Psychosis

Meth-induced psychosis occurs when a person develops thoughts or hallucinations from prolonged meth use and lack of sleep. Signs of meth psychosis include social isolation, mood swings, aggressive behaviors, hallucinations, insomnia, paranoia, and hyperactivity. Sometimes, hallucinations and delusions can cause meth users to think someone is following them or that someone is reading their mind.

According to CNS Drugs, Meth-induced psychosis happens to about 40 percent of users. It occurs as a result of overproduction of dopamine hormone in the brain that is induced by methamphetamine. When combined with other factors such as insomnia or a genetic predisposition to mental illness, prolonged methamphetamine use can trigger a complete break away from reality.

Methamphetamine is neurotoxic, meaning that it can do permanent damage to the brain and nervous system. These effects can persist even after a long period of abstinence. Since cognitive deficits may affect the ability of the patient to respond to treatment, experts recommend that such interventions should employ approaches that enhance cognitive ability. It is also important to note that some meth-induced psychosis cannot be reversed.

Meth Mites

Meth users also experience meth mites, which are tactile hallucinations that give users the sensation that something is crawling on or under their skin. As a result, meth users tend to compulsively pick their skin, which causes open sores on the face and body. These sores often become infected, especially if the individual has poor hygiene and is malnourished. Wounds from meth mites heal after the individual stops using meth, but the skin will become scarred, appearing like an extreme case of acne (Frontiers in Neuroscience). Meth face sores are a tell-tale sign of long-term addiction.

Meth Babies

Perhaps the most tragic victims of methamphetamine abuse are babies born to mothers who use meth during pregnancy. When pregnant mothers use meth, babies are faced with a variety of problems, from behavioral issues to physical deformations. And, not all meth-affected newborns have symptoms the day they are born. One study from Neurotoxicology and teratology showed that babies who are exposed to the drug before they are born are more stressed and more likely to develop neurobehavioral problems.

The Faces of Meth

Methamphetamine has become synonymous with grotesque before and after pictures of users. These photos, which are often mugshots, show the deterioration of an individual throughout the stages of their addiction. Before and after meth pictures don’t only show the physical deterioration, but also capture the emotional consequences of drug abuse. Meth addict pictures are at the center of prevention campaigns by law enforcement and advocacy groups that want to show the harsh reality of this drug.

The Faces of Meth | Before and After

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]]> Oxycodone Withdrawal & Detox Timeline (And Helping the Symptoms) https://www.ambrosiatc.com/oxycodone-withdrawal-detox-timeline-and-helping-the-symptoms/ Thu, 08 Aug 2019 22:20:14 +0000 https://ambrosiatc.com/?p=16046 You’re ready to give up oxycodone, but you’re scared. You’ve been a little sick between doses before, and you know that it’s just the beginning of what detox feels like. You don’t think you can make it. We understand. And we disagree. Oxycodone withdrawal is certainly intense, and many people say it’s one of the […]

The post Oxycodone Withdrawal & Detox Timeline (And Helping the Symptoms) appeared first on Ambrosia Behavioral Health.

]]> You’re ready to give up oxycodone, but you’re scared. You’ve been a little sick between doses before, and you know that it’s just the beginning of what detox feels like. You don’t think you can make it.

We understand. And we disagree.

Oxycodone withdrawal is certainly intense, and many people say it’s one of the most uncomfortable things they’ve ever been through.

But people can and do get through it. You can too.

In this article, we will:

  • We’ll tell you what happens during withdrawal and how long things will last.
  • There are some things you can do to support the process. We’ll tell you what those are.
  • Withdrawal works best with help. You’ll learn how that works.

What Happens During Withdrawal?

Your addiction is like your best friend. It follows you around everywhere, and in time, you can’t imagine your life without it. And like some friends, your addiction will inflict pain when you try to break up. That discomfort is known as withdrawal.

Your brain cells have changed due to your long relationship with drugs. They can’t function normally without them. When you take the substances away, your brain and body overreact.

Within one or two hours of your last dose, experts say, you’re likely to feel:

  • Mental health symptoms. Anxiety, nervousness, and drug cravings kick in.
  • Flu-like signs. Sore muscles, sweating, and chills begin.
  • Digestive distress. You may vomit or have diarrhea.

These symptoms may seem mild. You may have felt them a time or two in the past. But when withdrawal deepens, the symptoms grow more severe.

People who move all the way through withdrawal describe intense, overwhelming distress. They talk about feeling as though they’re pulled apart. They say it’s terrifying. They also say it drives them back to drugs, as they want to feel better as quickly as possible.

woman hunched over using drugs

Oxycodone Withdrawal Timeline

When you feel sick and distressed, you’re hoping the problem will end quickly. Unfortunately, moving through this part of recovery can take time.

Experts say that withdrawal moves in three distinct phases:

  • Acute withdrawal: This stage lasts for about five days, and it’s characterized by depression, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, and belly pain.
  • Rebalance: This phase lasts for about two weeks, and you might feel chills and sore muscles as your body adjusts.
  • Extended healing: This phase can last a week or longer, and it’s characterized by anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.

It’s important to understand that withdrawal isn’t a cure for addiction. When it’s finished, you’ll still need to get help with cravings. You’ll need to dig into the roots of your habits. You’ll need to build up skills to help you move past your triggers. That work happens in rehab, which you’ll start as soon as detox is over.

At-Home Withdrawal Is Possible

Opioid withdrawal is natural, and it’s possible for you to start your battle against oxycodone in the comfort of your own home. But you will need to take precautions to ensure that you make it all the way through the process. Relapse during withdrawal is likely, and this is why at-home withdrawal is not generally recommended.

If you try oxycodone withdrawal at home, you’ll need someone to sit with you. You’ll have deep cravings for drugs, and you’ll need someone to ensure you don’t act on them. Oxycodone can also cause some serious withdrawal symptoms, and you might need help if they appear.

According to Kaiser Permanente, people going through at-home withdrawal should get help if they experience new or worsening withdrawal symptoms that don’t get better with at-home care. Those include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Muscle aches

While your body is adjusting, drink plenty of liquids, try to eat, and take a multivitamin. Those steps help to ensure that your body has what’s required to build new tissue and heal properly.

You can also use over-the-counter medications to soothe some symptoms, experts say. If you develop:

  • Vomiting or nausea, take Pepto Bismol as directed on the bottle
  • Diarrhea, try Imodium.
  • Restlessness or insomnia, try Benadryl or melatonin.
  • Muscle pain, try ibuprofen or Tylenol.

hands grabbing each other

Supervised Withdrawal Is Safer

While you can go through withdrawal at home, it’s not easy. You’ll be in deep discomfort, and you’ll know that drugs are right around the corner.

A supervised detox program is different. You’ll be in a supervised environment away from all drugs, and you’ll have prescription medications that can keep you comfortable.

Prescription medications like buprenorphine and methadone mimic the action of oxycodone. All of these substances are structurally similar, and they work on the same parts of the body.

But withdrawal drugs don’t cause euphoria, and they tend to linger within the body with a slow onset of action. Take them, and you’ll feel normal, not high.

Prescription medications might shorten how long you spend in detox. Researchers say, for example, that methadone withdrawal can be completed in as little as seven days. Buprenorphine withdrawals can be completed in the same timeframe.

But these medications are offered on a tapering schedule. You get a smaller dose each day, and if you feel sick, the team gives you more to keep you comfortable. It can take you much longer to detox with medications, depending on your body chemistry.

Some people worry about taking buprenorphine and methadone, as these drugs are opioids. There is another option.

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new medication that can ease physical symptoms of withdrawal. Originally, the medication was used to help with high blood pressure symptoms. But now, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the medication has been shown to help people stay comfortable during withdrawal.

Your team may use some or all of these drugs to help you heal in detox. In addition, you’ll have access to other help, including:

  • Personalized meal plans. Inpatient programs offer you three meals a day, plus plenty of snacks. A team can craft a diet that soothes your digestive system and helps you regain your strength.
  • Therapeutic massage. Sore muscles might feel better with gentle touch. Some programs offer this amenity.
  • Controlling your breathing and placing your brain in control of your body is a big part of withdrawal. Yoga can help with that.
  • You might not feel like talking about your addiction in detail, but your team can use therapy techniques to keep you involved in treatment so you won’t drop out.

Inpatient detox programs can’t be described as “fun.” They are filled with hard work, and most people who enroll in them are uncomfortable at least some of the time. But the help you get here could be just what you need to leave an oxycodone addiction behind for good.

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]]> Is Methadone a Viable Alternative or Substitute? https://www.ambrosiatc.com/is-methadone-a-viable-alternative-or-substitute/ Thu, 08 Aug 2019 21:51:31 +0000 https://ambrosiatc.com/?p=16030 Ask a coffee junkie about the best way to skip the first cup of joe. Chances are, you’ll hear a long ode to the benefits of tea. Same goes for sugar freaks. Ask them how they kick the habit, and they’ll tell you Splenda is a wonderful friend. But what if opioids are your addiction […]

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]]> Ask a coffee junkie about the best way to skip the first cup of joe. Chances are, you’ll hear a long ode to the benefits of tea.

Same goes for sugar freaks. Ask them how they kick the habit, and they’ll tell you Splenda is a wonderful friend.

But what if opioids are your addiction of choice?

The prescription drug methadone works on receptors triggered by opioids. Take it, and you’ll skip the sick feeling that comes with opioid withdrawal. In a way, it makes an excellent opioid replacement.

But methadone comes with a few dangers you’ll need to guard against. And some of them could keep you from using this medication in the first place.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone has been used to help people overcome addictions to opioids like heroin since the 1960s. But throughout its long history, the drug has been mired in controversy, researchers say. People can’t quite decide if it’s a remarkable solution to a difficult problem, or if it’s a dangerous drug that should be eliminated altogether.

Part of the problem comes in methadone’s classification. Technically, it’s in the opioid class. That means it’s structurally similar to some of the scary drugs you’ve heard about, including:

  • Fentanyl
  • OxyContin
  • Vicodin
  • Heroin

All of these drugs latch to receptors in the brain, intestines, and spinal cord to deliver relaxation and euphoria. But methadone is a little different, says the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It stays in the body for longer.

Drugs that persist in the body aren’t typically as “rewarding” as those that don’t. When a drug comes on slowly, you don’t feel a big rush or a huge high. And you don’t feel that sudden longing when it stops working either. You might feel a change, but it’s subtle.

Since methadone works on the same receptors, and since it’s not rewarding, it seems like an ideal treatment for people recovering from an addiction to something like heroin.

But some people do abuse methadone. Some of them haven’t tried other opioids before, so they don’t expect a big rush with the first hit. They enjoy the experience as it is, and they can grow addicted to the substance.

methadone chemical compound

How Does Methadone Treatment Work?

Methadone treatment is made for people with an addiction to another opioid. Methadone is designed to ease cravings and soothe physical distress, and that can allow people to feel well enough to participate in addiction therapy.

When you’re addicted to an opioid, your brain changes. When you try to quit, you feel:

  • Physical symptoms. They’re often described as “flu-like” and can include nausea, vomiting, and aching muscles.
  • Mental distress. You can feel depressed, anxious, or both.
  • Severe cravings. You know a hit could take all the pain away, and you’d do anything to get it.

When you make a commitment to quit opioids, doctors want you to stick to it. Methadone seems to help. You’ll get a dose titrated to your addiction, and you’ll take it regularly to keep withdrawal away.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says most people take methadone for about a year, but some people need help for even longer.

It’s not easy to stay on methadone treatment. Often, you need to go to a clinic to get your drugs, as most pharmacies and health care centers aren’t licensed to hand out the stuff. If you live in a rural area, you might have a long drive to the clinic, reporters say.

But if your head is clear and your body feels healthy, it might be well worth the trip.

What Makes Methadone Different?

You’ll need to take your methadone regularly to avoid feeling sick. Sometimes, you’ll need to set your schedule around getting your medication. Remind you of anything? Staying on methadone can seem similar to taking heroin. But researchers say the two habits are very different.

The World Health Organization says methadone is different than dope because it can:

  • Reduce the risk of infectious disease. When you take methadone in a clinic, you’re not sharing needles on the street with heroin addicts. That means your risk of infections, like HIV and hepatitis, drops.
  • Reduce your risk of overdose. You’ll only have the amount your doctor gives you. That means you can’t go on a spree or take more because you want to. You won’t have it available.
  • Keep you away from crime. Opioids are expensive, and that can lead you to steal to support your habit. Methadone is often covered by insurance.

The Drug Policy Alliance also says people taking methadone don’t feel high. You might have a moment they describe as a “mild glow” after you take your dose. But it’s transient, and you won’t feel full-blown euphoria. Instead of feeling wrapped up in a blanket of happiness, you’ll just feel normal.

man sleeping next to alarm clock

Methadone Withdrawal Is Real

As we mentioned, most people who take methadone do so because they want to stop taking things like heroin or OxyContin. Methadone clears their minds so they can focus on therapy. But some people do abuse the drug. And even those who take it therapeutically will experience some discomfort when they try to quit.

Methadone’s placement in the opioid class means you’ll feel flu-like symptoms, mental health distress, and cravings if you quit cold turkey. If you absolutely must get sober in a hurry, researchers say, the prescription medication buprenorphine may help. It also works on opioid receptors, but it’s a mild medication that you can take at home.

If you do go cold turkey, expect your discomfort to peak after about two days, researchers say. But if you don’t have a rehab program to help you, expect to deal with significant cravings for methadone you’ll struggle to keep under control. You’ll need all of your strength to avoid a relapse when your sobriety is new and your distress is strong.

Your doctor may also choose to offer you a taper. You’ll take a little less methadone every day, and your withdrawal symptoms will be mild. In time, you’ll be sober. But you won’t be uncomfortable as you move through it.

If you don’t have a written prescription for methadone, don’t take it. You’ll need a doctor’s help to find the right dose, and you’ll need a prescription to take the drug legally. Without that, you’re abusing an illicit drug. That’s never smart.

If you’re searching for ways to get out from under an addiction to heroin, OxyContin, or something similar, methadone might be a good solution. But you’ll need to work with a doctor to find out. And methadone isn’t a cure for addiction. You’ll also need therapy to build habits that support sobriety.

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]]> The Dangers of Combining Xanax and Fentanyl https://www.ambrosiatc.com/xanax-and-fentanyl/ Wed, 26 Jun 2019 23:30:43 +0000 https://ambrosiatc.com/?p=15745 The post The Dangers of Combining Xanax and Fentanyl appeared first on Ambrosia Behavioral Health.

]]>

Peanut butter doesn’t taste as good without jelly. Popcorn doesn’t truly satisfy without a butter bath. Cake isn’t sweet enough without a coat of frosting. We mix and match substances every day to give us the sensation we want.

Some of us even mix and match our drugs.

On the surface, fentanyl and Xanax seem like ideal BFFs. They work on different portions of the brain and, in theory, they can reinforce and augment one another.

But in reality, a Xanax and fentanyl cocktail can kill you. And some people find that out when the Xanax pills they buy come laced with fentanyl they never asked for.

xanax

What Fentanyl and Xanax Do

Fentanyl and Xanax are prescription medications, and they both target brain chemistry. Understanding their chemical composition may help the dangers of mixing become clear.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication, and it’s often used to treat the following:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Insomnia
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Panic disorder

It works by adjusting chemical signals in the brain. When they’re altered, your mind doesn’t move as quickly. If you’re struggling with anxiety, this is a major relief. You can relax and breathe easier when the drugs kick in.

But when you don’t have an anxiety disorder, the Xanax sedation can feel like being drunk, touched with euphoria. For recreational users, this is the fun part of Xanax.

Fentanyl is a painkiller, and according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it should be hard to get. It’s made only for:

  • Cancer pain that doesn’t respond to other medications.
  • People older than 18.
  • Those working with doctors who have experience with pain medications.

Fentanyl is a heavy-duty medication that also changes brain chemistry. All opioids do that, but fentanyl is the strongest in its class. Just a few milligrams of the drug is enough to cause severe sedation leading to death.

People rarely take fentanyl purposefully, especially if they’re new to the drug scene. But unfortunately, it’s a cheap and easy drug to make, and that means dealers are flooding the market with the stuff. You may think you’re taking another opioid, like Vicodin, but you could be taking fentanyl instead.

withdrawal

Why Do People Mix Them?

It’s clear that fentanyl and Xanax are very different substances that shouldn’t go well together. But some people do mix and match them. Each person may have their own reasons, but they can be placed into just a few groups.

People mix these two drugs for:

  • Cost savings. Street drugs aren’t cheap. You want to buy the version that gives you the biggest high for the smallest price. Some users say that adding Xanax extends the high of an opioid, so you can make one dose last longer.
  • A smooth experience. Fentanyl’s transitions are harsh. You’re sober, you’re incredibly high, and then you’re hungover. Xanax can ease your brain, so all of those shifts aren’t so terrifying.
  • Experimentation. What happens when you mix two things together? It’s a natural question, and once you’ve started tinkering with brain chemistry, it’s reasonable to keep the experiment going.

While some people make the choice to mix these two substances, others don’t. They believe they’re buying one thing when they’re really taking another.

Fentanyl You Didn’t Expect

Doctors don’t hand out prescription pills like candy. If you’re taking them for fun, you’re probably buying them from a street dealer or off the internet. Chances are, any pill you buy has fentanyl within it.

Fentanyl comes together with a few raw ingredients and a bit of cook time. Companies in China can ship everything a dealer needs to make a batch of product at home, and it’s impossible for people to tell the real from the fake.

Dealers want to get the highest price possible for their drugs, so they target popular substances people both know and want. Xanax is one of those drugs.

Dealers know you’ll ask for the pills by name, and in most cases, you’ll pay top dollar for each dose. The bits they hand you may look like Xanax, but they may have a little or a lot of fentanyl in them too.

heroin user in pain

What Happens When You Mix?

Whether you intended to combine these drugs or it happened because of deception, your health is at risk. These two substances don’t play nicely together, and they can combine in such a way that ends your life.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 30 percent of opioid overdose deaths also involve benzodiazepines. We all know opioids like Vicodin take lives. We’re in the midst of an opioid crisis that takes lives every day. But if you didn’t know mixing played a role, you’re not alone.

Even doctors aren’t always aware that these two substances don’t mix. It isn’t all that unusual to see prescriptions for both drugs in the medicine cabinets of very ill people. When doctors need to ease pain and anxiety, it seems reasonable to give both drugs.

Unfortunately, combining them means hitting the central nervous system with a one-two punch. It leads to the following:

  • Sedation
  • Slow breathing
  • Cool body temperature
  • Slow heartbeat

Without immediate help, you can die from this situation.

Emergency medical personnel can give you a drug that renders fentanyl inert. Immediately, fentanyl won’t work at all. Your Xanax will still be working, and you might still be sedated, but your chances of life loss are a bit smaller.

Have you ever overdosed on Xanax, fentanyl, or both? Take it as a wakeup call.

You need help for your drug habits, so you’ll live to see your next birthday. Enroll in a treatment program and get the help you need today.

The post The Dangers of Combining Xanax and Fentanyl appeared first on Ambrosia Behavioral Health.

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