Morphine affects the brain and body by relieving pain and producing feelings of calm, sedation, and euphoria. As an opioid, the side effects of morphine abuse are similar to that of heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids like Oxycontin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone).

As with other drugs, both short-term and long-term abuse of morphine is likely to lead to an increase in side effects, which can have serious health consequences. Perhaps the most debilitating side effects of morphine abuse are an addiction, overdose, and withdrawal. Without help, withdrawal can be painfully difficult and overdose can result in death.

Understanding Morphine Abuse

Morphine is derived from opium and is considered the ultimate opioid. In terms of potency, strength, and action, all other opioids and opiates are compared to morphine. While only a small percentage of the morphine derived from opium is used for medical purposes, the remaining morphine is processed into prescription opioids like codeine and Demerol (meperidine).

The effects of morphine include two crucial elements: pain-relief and pleasure.

Because of the rewarding effects caused by morphine in the brain, addiction is likely to develop when the drug is abused. Injecting or snorting morphine causes the drug to quickly enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. Once in the brain, morphine activates different opiate receptors that produce intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

Repeated morphine abuse will likely result in tolerance, which means a higher dose is required to achieve the desired effect. Morphine abuse occurs when the drug is taken without a prescription, for long periods of time, or in larger quantities than directed.

Short-Term Side Effects Of Morphine Abuse

Due to how morphine interacts with the brain, the drug will produce multiple side effects when abused. Morphine results in feelings of relaxation and calm, as well as a feeling of being in control. Morphine’s powerful effects can cause a person to seem “out of it” or distant like they’re mentally drifting away into a sedated version of themselves.

Some common side effects of morphine abuse include:

• constipation
• decreased sexual desire/performance
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• a headache
• mood changes
• nausea
• nervousness

Morphine slows down activity in the brain and nervous system, which can result in slowed breathing and extreme drowsiness. The effects of sedation can be so intense a person may become unconscious.

Which short-term effects occur depend on how morphine was abused, how much a person took, the person’s health, and a variety of other factors. Keep in mind, any short-term effects may occur after using morphine for the first time.

Harmful Side Effects Of Morphine Abuse

There are several serious, possibly harmful side effects that may occur as a result of morphine abuse. It is medically recommended for a person experiencing any serious side effects call for help immediately.

Some serious side effects of morphine include:

• breathing problems
• changes in heartbeat
• chest pain
• fainting
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there)
• hives/rash/itching
• loss of appetite
• seizures
• swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, lips, and throat

The more morphine a person takes, the higher the risk of experiencing serious side effects. Side effects vary from person to person, but the continual use of morphine is likely to result in brain changes that will affect how a person thinks and behaves.

Long-Term Side Effects Of Morphine Addiction

Long-term morphine abuse is almost certain to lead to addiction, which is a brain disorder defined by compulsive use, a lack of control, intense cravings, and continual use despite harmful consequences. Addiction changes the brain in ways that can cause problems in day-to-day life and relationships.

Some long-term effects related to addiction can include:

• impulsive or risky behavior
• inability to enjoy food, sex, or other pleasurable activities
• lack of control over stress levels
• memory and learning problems
• nutrition problems
• poor decision-making skills
• relationship problems

Depending on how morphine is abused, long-term effects may include heart and lung disease, mental illness, and contracting HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. Prolonged use of morphine is also likely to result in physical and psychological dependence, which can make it very difficult to stop use as the brain and body has adapted to having morphine in the system.

Morphine Withdrawal

Withdrawal is likely to occur when a person abruptly stops using morphine due to physical dependence on the drug. Symptoms can last for several days or longer, and can be so unpleasant they may force a person to use more drugs for relief. Symptoms of morphine withdrawal may include:

• anxiety
• back, muscle, or joint pain
• chills/sweating
• difficulty falling or staying asleep
• fast heartbeat/breathing
• irritability/restlessness
• nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• teary eyes/runny nose

Entering a medically supervised detox program can be an effective way to manage withdrawal symptoms. Detox programs take place in hospitals or inpatient treatment centers and allow staff to administer medications to alleviate symptoms, provide safety and support, and monitor progress.

Morphine Overdose

Morphine overdose occurs when a person takes too much of the drug, either on accident or purposefully. The risk of a morphine overdose, and other serious, life-threatening effects, is increased when morphine is used with substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other prescription opioids.

Symptoms of a morphine overdose include:

• blue lips and fingernails
• coma (unresponsiveness)
• difficulty breathing or no breathing
• drowsiness
• pinpoint pupils
• nausea/vomiting
• seizures

If a person shows any signs of an overdose, 9-1-1 should be called immediately. A morphine overdose can cause a person to stop breathing, which can result in death if the overdose goes untreated. Overdosing on morphine will likely require further hospitalization, which should be followed by addiction treatment.

Morphine Addiction Treatment

For opioids like morphine, addiction treatment usually consists of a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Medications include government-approved drugs like methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone), and naltrexone (Vivitrol). These drugs can be effective for:

• alleviating uncomfortable symptoms
• helping people complete treatment
• reducing drug cravings
• reducing the risk of overdose and death

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of these medications alongside behavioral therapy. With medications helping to reduce cravings and alleviate symptoms, therapy can help a person confront their struggle with addiction and change their thinking and attitudes towards drugs.

Inpatient rehab programs can be effective treatment options because they involve around-the-clock care and supervision, which can provide the structure a person needs to learn how to successfully manage addiction and thrive in recovery.

Additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• Morphine Addiction Drug Rehab Centers
• A Quantum Leap in Pain Relief? Scientists Create Drug As Strong as Morphine, But Much Safer
• Is Buprenorphine An Opiate?
• Opioid Addiction in Cancer Patients
• The Most Commonly Abused Opiates

Sources

• National Institute on Drug Abuse — Health Consequences of Drug Misuse, Mechanisms of Action
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Morphine, Morphine Overdose

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, treats addiction by providing access to information and resources, advocating the use of evidence-based practices, and developing strategic initiatives to strengthen addiction treatment services. The agency also provides leadership to help communities in the United States improve behavioral health, treatment, and prevention efforts.

Although SAMHSA does not offer hands-on treatment at a central location, it provides access to helpful information that makes it easier for people to learn about addiction and reach out for help. This establishes building blocks for communities across the nation to implement effective substance abuse treatment and prevention services.

What Is SAMHSA?

SAMHSA is a government agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency was established by Congress in 1992 and serves Americans struggling with addiction and mental illness through strategic initiatives and policy development.

The goal of the agency is to lead coordinated efforts to strengthen the public and behavioral health of the country, with a mission to reduce the negative impact of substance abuse and mental illness on communities, families, and individuals.

SAMHSA’s website supports the mission to serve people struggling with addiction by providing easy access to:

• data
• health and wellness information
• news, events, and educational activities related to the treatment of addiction and mental health
• resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery

CSAP And CSAT

The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) work alongside organizations across the country to develop effective substance abuse prevention strategies and to promote treatment and recovery services for individuals and their families.

Between the two centers, SAMHSA hopes to:

• close the gap between available treatment capacity and demand
• encourage supportive workplaces and schools
• improve positive connections with friends and family
• improve substance abuse treatment organizations and systems
• support or develop evidence-based practices through community-based programs and services
• sustain crime-free and drug-free neighborhoods

This is done by providing national leadership to help encourage and develop policies, programs, and services to prevent and treat substance abuse in all its forms (addictions to alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medications, etc.).

SAMHSA Encourages Evidence-Based Treatments

SAMHSA encourages people with addiction to participate in evidence-based treatments like behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and other recovery support services. Evidence-based treatments are highly researched and have shown to produce positive outcomes.

SAMHSA funds various grants and initiatives to help researchers uncover the most effective ways to treat addiction. The agency also funds the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), which promotes scientifically established addiction treatment to help the public learn about evidence-based programs. NREPP’s research and data are submitted by healthcare professionals and addiction specialists across the United States.

SAMHSA’s Strategic Initiatives

To be successful in its mission, SAMHSA develops various strategic initiatives to help communities and healthcare providers meet the needs of people suffering from substance use and mental health disorders.

When it comes to addiction, SAMHSA uses strategic initiatives to:

• address the prevention of substance abuse
• increase access to effective treatment
• increase awareness and understanding of substance use disorders (SUD)
• promote emotional health and wellness
• support recovery

SAMHSA hopes these initiatives can achieve multiple goals. From building public awareness about the importance of behavioral health to helping states and local communities establish evidence-based therapies and treatments, SAMHSA’s initiatives are the backbone of promoting change to better treat addiction in the United States.

SAMHSA’s Current Initiatives

Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness: SAMHSA focuses on reducing the impact of substance use disorders on high-risk populations by implementing and promoting prevention and early intervention strategies. Population groups include transition-age youth, college students, American Indians, ethnic minorities, service members/veterans and their families, and LGBTQIA individuals.

Health Care and Health Systems Integration: This initiative aims to ensure high-quality addiction services are integrated into the broader healthcare system. The goal is to make treatment and recovery services more accessible.

Trauma And Justice: SAMHSA addresses addiction and the mental health needs of people involved in criminal and juvenile justice systems. This initiative also provides a comprehensive health approach for addressing trauma within addiction and mental health treatment.

Recovery Support: The goal of SAMHSA is to partner with individuals in recovery from addiction. People in recovery can help guide the behavioral health system to increase housing and recovery support, reduce barriers to life goals, and secure social supports within communities.

Health Information Technology: SAMHSA encourages the use of health systems technology to support and improve integrated care, which is essential for treating co-occurring disorders (when a person suffers from addiction and mental illness). These technologies can also help with effective prevention and wellness strategies.

Workforce Development: To monitor the needs of youth, young adults, and adults suffering from addiction, this initiative supports increasing the supply of trained substance abuse preventionists, healthcare workers, and other professionals uniquely qualified to address behavioral health and substance abuse issues nationwide.

SAMHSA Helps You Find Treatment

One of the most important ways SAMHSA helps treat addiction is by connecting Americans to available supports and services. SAMHSA’s website not only provides a wealth of information on the countless topics surrounding addiction but also offers multiple resources to connect individuals with the appropriate level of care that will work best for them.

SAMHSA helps connect people to treatment providers with the following tools:

• Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: This treatment locator helps people with addiction locate supports in their area or location of choice. Simply enter a city, state, or zip code and find listings for treatment and services.
• Buprenorphine Physician and Treatment Locator: With opioid addictions on the rise, SAMHSA provides information to help people connect with local physicians and treatment programs authorized to use buprenorphine, an effective medication used to treat opioid dependence.
• Opioid Treatment Program Directory: A state-by-state directory to help people connect with various programs that are approved to supply medications to treat opioid addiction.
• SAMHSA’s National Hotline: This is also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service. It provides free and confidential referral information for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and prevention, and is available 24/7.

Sources

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Strategic Initiatives, Frequently Asked Questions, Behavioral Health Treatments and Services CSAP, CSAT

Taking any kind of opioid medication can be dangerous. Oral consumption, which is typically the directed way to take OxyContin, can lead to abuse and addiction because it activates the reward regions in the brain, prompting people to use more of the drug in different ways. Snorting, smoking, or injecting OxyContin, which is highly common, increases the dangers of use.

From health risks like lung infections to the spread of disease, abusing OxyContin can have deadly consequences. An OxyContin overdose can be fatal, and the risk of overdose is substantially increased when the drug is snorted, smoked, or injected. Abusing OxyContin in these ways also raises the risk of moving on to other drugs that are cheaper and more available, like heroin.

Understanding OxyContin Abuse

OxyContin is the brand name for the opioid/opiate medication oxycodone. Oxycodone affects the brain in ways that cause euphoria and relaxation, which is a major reason the drug is commonly abused. Anyone who takes OxyContin, even as directed and with a prescription, runs the risk of developing an addiction.

OxyContin abuse occurs when the drug is taken in larger amounts than directed, without a prescription, or for prolonged periods of time. Because of a desire for the quick onset of effects, OxyContin is typically abused by snorting, smoking, and injecting. All these routes of administration have various dangers, including an increased risk of addiction.

The Dangers Of Snorting OxyContin

People snort OxyContin by crushing tablets into a powder. Snorting OxyContin means the drug quickly enters the bloodstream and brain. The fast onset of effects is appealing to those struggling with OxyContin abuse. Snorting OxyContin not only increases the risk of addiction but can also have damaging side effects.

Some of the dangers of snorting OxyContin include:

• blocked nasal airways
• breathing problems
• damage to the nasal membrane
• inflammation of the nasal lining
• lung infections

The nose isn’t meant to snort any kind of powder, especially a crushed OxyContin tablet. While some medications are designed for insufflation (up the nose), OxyContin is not. There are impurities found in every tablet of any prescription medication, and these impurities can cause damage to the nose. Permanently damaged nasal passages can cause problems in the lungs and affect the overall quality of air a person breathes.

The Dangers Of Smoking OxyContin

Some people place an OxyContin tablet on a piece of tin foil, heat it, and inhale the vapors with a straw or other device. Like snorting, smoking OxyContin allows the drug to get to the brain quickly, producing near-instantaneous effects. Smoking OxyContin, which is becoming more popular among young people, is dangerous because it can lead to:

• addiction and dependence
• infections
• lung and throat problems
• respiratory problems
• risky behaviors

When people smoke OxyContin, they unwittingly inhale various chemicals and additives that may be harmful to their health. OxyContin is also often mixed with marijuana. Although marijuana is becoming more acceptable, it still carries a high potential for abuse and perpetuates drug-seeking behaviors.

Mixing OxyContin with marijuana causes an intense high that will likely slow reactions and cause disorientation, making it dangerous to partake in daily activities like driving.

The Dangers Of Injecting OxyContin

Among people suffering from addiction, injecting drugs is often the desired route of administration. Once a person becomes dependent on OxyContin, they may turn to injection for a stronger and quicker high. Injecting OxyContin is both risky and dangerous because it can lead to negative health consequences and cause permanent damage.

Some dangers of injecting OxyContin include:

• abscesses
• heart problems
• HIV/AIDS
• infections
• scarring and needle tracks

Sharing needles when injecting OxyContin can lead to the spread of disease. While the transmission of HIV through needles is rare, the risk is increased in environments where needle-sharing is a common practice. Besides the dangers of intravenous injection, the risk of overdose is greatly increased when a person injects OxyContin into their body.

OxyContin (Oxycodone) Overdose

OxyContin is one of the leading prescription drugs responsible for overdose deaths. In 2016, over 45 people died each day from prescription drug overdoses, with over 40 percent of all opioid-related overdose deaths stemming from prescription medications. Snorting, smoking, or injecting OxyContin increases the risk of overdose.

Symptoms of an OxyContin overdose can include:

• bluish-colored fingernails and lips
• difficulty breathing
• drowsiness
• nausea
• unresponsiveness
• vomiting
• weak pulse

Because OxyContin slows breathing, an untreated overdose can result in death. To avoid losing someone, call 9-1-1 immediately in the event of an overdose. Overdose can be deadly and may cause brain damage and other health problems if the overdose isn’t treated straight away. Taking opioids with alcohol or other drugs, like benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin), increases the risk of overdose and death.

OxyContin Addiction Treatment

Taking OxyContin in ways other than directed increases the risk of addiction. Once addicted, stopping the use of OxyContin can be very difficult. For opioid addiction, withdrawal symptoms (“dope sickness”) can be very uncomfortable and lead to further drug use. Entering a medically supervised detox program can help people beat withdrawal by providing comfort and safety in a supportive setting.

Medically supervised detox programs also help prepare people for additional treatment. An OxyContin addiction is usually treated with a combination of medications and behavioral therapy. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone), and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are government-approved and useful for reducing cravings, lessening dependence, and decreasing the risk of overdose.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of these medications alongside behavioral therapy. Therapy is the most common form of addiction treatment and helps people to change their thinking and attitudes towards drugs. Common therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI).

Inpatient rehab programs can be effective because they likely offer everything a person needs to overcome OxyContin addiction: medical supervision during detox, medications, behavioral therapy, and peer and professional support.

Additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• What Is The Difference Between Methadone And Oxycodone?
• The Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Oxycodone
• Oxycontin Drug Rehab and Detox Facilities For Addiction

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Prescription Opioid Overdose Data
• Drug Enforcement Administration: Drug Fact Sheet — Oxycodone
• Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior — Potential Complications of IV Drug Use
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Hydrocodone/Oxycodone Overdose

Percocet is a combination medication of acetaminophen and oxycodone, an opioid used to treat pain. Short-term and long-term opioid use changes brain chemistry, leading to physical and psychological dependence. This means stopping use is likely to cause uncomfortable, and often painful, symptoms of withdrawal.

Percocet has a half-life of around four hours, so it moves in and out of the system at a quick rate. As a short-acting medication, the onset of withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur soon after last use.

However, there are no set stages of withdrawal that are the same for every person. Although withdrawal can be broken into three stages, when symptoms occur depends on the duration of use, the daily dose, and how much time passed between doses.

Understanding Opioid Dependence

In the brain, opioid medications like Percocet attach to opioid receptors and block pain signals. This results in intense euphoria, which is very addicting. The presence of Percocet in the system causes the brain to work harder and make adjustments, changing chemical levels related to vital functioning like consciousness and breathing.

Continued use establishes new levels of these chemicals to create a new norm in the brain and body. When Percocet use is abruptly stopped, these areas in the brain become unstable, causing intense symptoms of withdrawal.

Symptoms Of Percocet Withdrawal

Percocet withdrawal symptoms can feel like a terrible flu, but are usually not life-threatening. A short-acting opioid like Percocet is likely to cause withdrawal symptoms between eight to 24 hours after last use. Withdrawal from Percocet and other opioids is very hard to undergo without help, can be dangerous, and may lead to further drug use.

Early symptoms of Percocet withdrawal can include:

• agitation
• anxiety
• eyes tearing (watery eyes)
• insomnia
• muscle aches
• runny nose
• sweating
• yawning

Symptoms likely to occur later in the Percocet withdrawal process include:

• abdominal cramping
• diarrhea
• dilated pupils
• goosebumps
• nausea
• vomiting

Symptoms can be so intense and painful that people may use other opioids, like heroin, to help alleviate the discomfort. While there is no exact timeline of Percocet withdrawal symptoms that is the same for everyone, a person can better understand how to manage withdrawal when the process is broken into three different stages: early, peak, and late.

Early Stage

Percocet withdrawal symptoms can start as early as a few hours after last use. Emotional areas in the brain become unstable and extreme feelings of anxiousness begin to take over. You may have trouble sleeping, experience severe muscle aches, and feel physical pain all over your body.

Many people report this can be the most physically painful part of withdrawal, which lasts around two to three days or so.

Other symptoms of Percocet withdraw may include:

• chills
• fever
• headache
• fatigue
• restlessness

Peak Stage

After two to three days, withdrawal is likely to reach peak symptoms. Because opioids depress respiratory functioning, removing them can cause breathing and heart rates to increase, which can make you feel worried or uneasy.

Areas of the brain that regulate body temperature are also disrupted, causing the body to sweat profusely. The body is now trying to get rid of waste any way it can, with vomiting or diarrhea likely to occur.

Symptoms can last for several days, and may also include:

• anxiety
• chills
• depression
• muscle cramping
• shaking of limbs
• stomach cramps

Late Stage

The late stage of Percocet withdrawal is reported to be more psychological than physical, but many painful physical symptoms still persist. Percocet is a weaker opioid because it’s combined with acetaminophen, so symptoms may not last as long as more powerful opioids, like Oxycontin or heroin. Anxiety is likely to return, as well as intense cravings to use more drugs.

Symptoms can last for nearly two weeks and may include:

• anxiety
• fatigue
• insomnia
• intense drug cravings
• mood swings

The Risk Of Protracted Withdrawal

With all opioids, there is the risk of protracted, or prolonged, withdrawal. This part of the withdrawal phase can last for up to six months. Symptoms are characterized by a nagging feeling of low self-worth and a poor sense of well-being. Additionally, a person is likely to feel intense cravings for Percocet and other opioids.

This part of Percocet withdrawal can lead to relapse, or worse. If a person dependent on opioids has successfully completed withdrawal, they’re at an increased risk of overdose. Tolerance to opioids has likely been reduced at this point, and a person may take more than their body can handle.

Entering A Medically Supervised Detox Program

Although Percocet withdrawal symptoms aren’t life-threatening, they can be difficult to manage without help. Due to the discomfort, many people will succumb to drug urges or attempt to self-medicate their symptoms by taking other substances.

To avoid falling deeper into the cycle of addiction, it’s recommended for people struggling with opioid dependence be monitored on a regular basis to assess symptoms and avoid further consequences. Entering a medically supervised detox program helps ensure safety and comfort during the worst of withdrawal, while also helping to prepare a person for further treatment.

Detox programs allow staff to administer medications to alleviate symptoms, observe and monitor a patient’s progress, and provide support during the process of withdrawal. In many inpatient rehab centers, detox programs are factored into overall treatment.

Percocet Addiction Treatment

There are three government-approved medications available to address opioid dependence: methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), and naltrexone. These medications are useful for lessening dependence, reducing drug cravings, decreasing overdose, and helping people engage in and complete treatment.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is almost always combined with behavioral therapy. Therapy works to help people understand what led to their addictive behaviors and how to change thinking and attitudes about drugs to better prepare for life in recovery. Popular therapies for opioid addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

Be advised, withdrawal is very painful. Processes in the body and brain are severely dysfunctional. To maximize support and safety, the professional management of opioid withdrawal can lessen physical and psychological barriers to help you engage in treatment and grow as a person.

Additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• Signs Of Percocet Abuse
• What Is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
• Drug Addiction And The Brain

Sources

• Statnews — A Survivor on What Opioid Withdrawal did to His Body
• U.S. National Library of Medicine — Withdrawal Management for Opioid Dependence
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Opiate and opioid withdrawal
• U.S. WorldMeds — Changes in Brain Chemistry can Trigger Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Symptoms of alcoholic liver disease may vary depending on an individual’s liver function. The liver has more than 500 vital functions that it performs to keep the body running. When the liver becomes damaged, it can cause problems in other parts of the body.

Alcoholic liver disease symptoms can be split into two types: acute and post-acute symptoms. Acute symptoms can be tricky to identify because they are pretty general and can have many potential causes. Post-acute symptoms occur when the liver is not able to repair itself as quickly as excess alcohol consumption destroys it.

Acute symptoms of alcoholic liver disease include:

• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• decreased appetite and weight loss
• fatigue and loss of energy
• nausea and vomiting

It can be easy to overlook these symptoms or blame them on another cause, such as the stomach flu or general discomfort. If acute symptoms are not adequately addressed, and the individual continues to consume alcohol, they can quickly lead to more advanced stages of the disease.

Post-acute symptoms of alcoholic liver disease include:

• fluid buildup in the legs (edema) or abdomen (ascites)
• yellow tint in the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• redness on the palms of hands
• bruising easily and abnormal bleeding
• confusion or problems concentrating
• pale or clay-colored stools

Less common post-acute symptoms can also include:

• fingernails with excessive curving (clubbing)
• extremely itchy skin
• blood in vomit and stools
• increased sensitivity to alcohol and other substances

It is typical for symptoms of alcoholic liver disease to come on slowly and usually worsen after periods of heavy drinking. Some individuals may spend years damaging their liver with alcohol and not feel any of the effects until it is too late and the damage becomes irreversible.

Types Of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Symptoms will change depending on the type of alcoholic liver disease someone is currently experiencing. Generally, there are four types of alcoholic liver disease, each representing a different stage of damage to the liver:

1. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (steatosis): In this stage, extra fat begins to build up around the liver. Heavy drinking damages liver cells, making them less functional and unable to break down excess fat. Usually, if someone ceases drinking alcohol, alcohol-related fatty liver is reversible.
2. Acute alcoholic hepatitis: During this stage, chronic alcohol abuse causes the liver to become inflamed and swollen. Acute alcoholic hepatitis can develop after four or more drinks in women and five or more drinks in men (binge drinking). Depending on the extent of the damage, this condition may or may not be reversible.
3. Alcoholic liver fibrosis: At this stage, certain types of proteins begin to compile in the liver, including collagen. Mild to moderate cases of fibrosis may be reversible, but continuous fibrosis and inflammation can lead to liver scarring and potentially liver cancer.
4. Alcoholic cirrhosis: This is considered the most advanced stage of alcoholic liver disease. Once someone hits this stage, the liver has been permanently scarred by alcohol abuse and, if left untreated, this condition can lead to liver failure.

What Causes Alcoholic Liver Disease?

When an individual consumes alcohol, it passes through the digestive system and is metabolized, or broken down by the liver. As alcohol is broken down, the chemical reaction releases a toxin called acetaldehyde. When too much acetaldehyde is in the liver, it can damage liver cells and cause inflammation and potential scarring.

Researchers are still unsure as to why this chemical seems to impact some individuals more than others.

Who Is Affected By Alcoholic Liver Disease?

Alcoholic liver disease is common in individuals who are between 40 and 50 years old. It is more likely to occur in men, however, the disease can develop in women with less exposure to alcohol than men. Some people may also have an inherited genetic risk for the disease.

Alcohol-related liver damage is an issue in the United States. Twenty-five percent of American adults reported having at least one day of heavy drinking in the past year. In 2015, 21,028 people died due to alcoholic liver disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Additional risk factors of alcoholic liver disease include frequent heavy drinking (binge drinking on five or more days a month), binge drinking (4+ drinks for women or 5+ drinks for men in two hours or less), and poor nutrition.

Treatment For Alcoholic Liver Disease

If caught early enough, alcoholic liver disease can often be reversed. Some things that can help decrease the severity of harm to the liver include:

• ceasing alcohol consumption
• eating a low-sodium diet
• taking a vitamin K supplement to prevent excess bleeding
• taking “water pills” or diuretics to get rid of excess fluid buildup

It is always best to consult with your primary care physician before taking any over-the-counter medications regularly, especially if you are already taking other prescription substances regularly, to avoid any unwanted and unpleasant reactions.

If someone has consumed alcohol their whole life, it may be difficult for them to stop. Some people may be more dependent on the substance than they realize. One of the most effective ways to stop consuming alcohol is to enroll in an addiction treatment program.

An addiction specialist can help people identify their compulsive tendencies towards alcohol and give them tools to help cope with quitting drinking.

For more information be sure to check out these additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the Kidneys
• How Does Alcohol Abuse Affect The Body?
• The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal
• How Common is Alcohol Abuse?

Sources

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — Drinking Levels Defined
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Alcoholic liver disease

Watching someone you love struggle with drug addiction can be heartbreaking. You may be afraid to say anything for fear of pushing them away. It isn’t easy to bring up the topic of drug addiction, but it may be easier than seeing them suffer.

Addiction is a complicated psychological issue that needs to be handled with care. It is important not to approach the person with judgment, hostility, or blame. Treating a person poorly because of their drug addiction is likely to cause them stress, which is a primary trigger for substance use. Here are some things you can do to address the situation carefully:

Learn About Addiction And The Various Treatment Options Available

Learn as much as you can about the signs and symptoms of drug abuse so you have an idea of the severity of the situation. If you know the type of substance that the person is using, research that specific drug and the long-term effects of misusing it. Use this information to support that you are speaking from a place of concern, not judgment.

Educate yourself on treatment options so that you can give them hope for a better future and a solution to the problem of their substance abuse. When a person living with addiction decides to enter treatment, they should do so immediately. If you are equipped to help them through the process, they can get the care they need without delay.

Express Your Concern For Their Addiction Calmly

Change is unlikely to occur if no one says anything. Start a conversation with the person suffering from addiction. Remain calm and open; listen more than you talk. This can provide them with a sense of safety and security, letting them know that you are there for them no matter what, even if they are not ready to deal with their addiction.

Tell them your concerns, and be specific. Present the facts about what their addiction is doing to them or those around them. Rather than just saying, “I’m worried about your drug use,” mention specific instances in which drugs put the individual or others at risk.

Be Supportive, But Firm

Recognize that healing is a process and that it will take time. Not everyone goes into treatment right after someone points out their addiction. Be supportive of their healing and celebrate gradual progress.

Be careful, though, not to support their substance use. Some people enable drug use by behavior that is meant to show support, like giving an individual money when they will likely use it for drugs. Setting boundaries or enforcing consequences for continued substance abuse may be difficult, but is often necessary to lead someone toward recovery.

Don’t Blame Yourself — Or Them

“You didn’t cause it, you can’t cure it, and you can’t control it,” is a mantra spoken at many family support groups like Al-Anon. While recognizing triggers and encouraging abstinence is helpful, remember that you are not responsible for the addiction.

Addiction is a mental disease caused by changes in brain structure that occur when a person abuses drugs. These changes make the person feel like they cannot live normally without drugs, even if substance use has a negative impact on their life. Blaming them is not productive. In fact, it instills shame and guilt that may make them turn to drug use for relief.

Encourage Them To Seek Treatment

Some people may feel that they are all alone in their world of drug addiction, that no one understands how they are feeling. Opening the doors of communication and understanding can urge them to start thinking about treatment.

Sometimes, the individual recognizes that they are suffering and that their substance abuse is ruling their life. Other times, they may think they are still in control, and make promises to stop or decrease their drug use. In either case, your role is to encourage, not force. Pushing someone into treatment when they are not ready often results in dropout and relapse.

Approach Them When They’re Sober

Drugs change the way that people think and act. A person under the influence is not in a rational state of mind. If you want to help, approach them when they can understand your concern — when they are in the frame of mind to make a positive choice — not when the drugs are telling them that they cannot or do not want to change.

Take Care Of Yourself

Caring for someone who is addicted to drugs can wear on you, and it may make it hard for you to think about yourself. You may put the other person’s needs above your own, especially if they are a family member. This can lead to codependency — defining yourself by their opinion of you and sacrificing too much to meet their needs.

An addiction does not only affect the person who is abusing drugs. You cannot be helpful to this person if you are exhausted. Self-care is important to keep you strong so that you can continue to support your loved one.

Do Interventions Work For Drug Addiction?

The word “intervention” may bring to mind a confrontational gathering where a suffering individual is accosted by their family and friends. That kind of intervention may not work as well in real life as it does on TV. However, an intervention that is full of love and understanding can be effective.

It is important to plan an intervention carefully. Everyone who participates should be educated about the situation and prepared to stand firm in the belief that the suffering individual needs help. If they refuse treatment, there should be consequences, such as no more financial support.

Addiction intervention professionals specialize in organizing interventions and preparing friends and family members to act appropriately. This includes imagining the objections that will be given by the person struggling with addiction, such as “It’s not a big deal” or “I can stop using drugs any time.”

Follow the guidelines mentioned above when communicating with someone during an intervention. Judgment and bitterness are likely to do more harm than good, but a sincere gathering of supportive friends and family may be a turning point from addiction to recovery.

What Not To Do When Someone Is Struggling With Drug Addiction

There are some things that should be avoided when talking to someone about their drug addiction. Lecturing, preaching, making excuses for them, or enabling them are all destructive habits that will not help in the long run. Anything that encourages substance abuse or emotional distance can be damaging.

It can be very difficult to refrain from lashing out in anger when someone you love is causing pain through addictive behaviors. It can also be a challenge to cut them off financially if necessary. Tough love can be vital when dealing with addiction. Sometimes the kinder choice is to not give in to what the other person wants, but to instead stand up for what they need.

Explore Treatment Options For Drug Addiction

The person in your life who is struggling with drug addiction might be waiting for someone to have the courage to reach out and help them. Before you have that conversation, it may be helpful to gather information about different treatment options.

Reputable drug rehab centers create individualized treatment programs that guide people through the recovery process. These programs often include family support through therapy and education on how to care for loved ones as they overcome addiction. Aftercare plans may work with family members to create a safe home environment that encourages substance-free living.

If you’d like to learn more about treatment options and how to help your loved one with addiction, our specialists are always available.

For more information be sure to check out these additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• Loving an Addict: Resources to Help Families and Friends Weather the Storm
• 5 Ways to Better Support a Loved One in Drug Rehab
• How To Stage An Intervention

Sources

Mayo Clinic — Intervention: Help a loved one overcome addiction

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a risk factor for health, social, and behavioral problems, including substance abuse and addiction. Persons who experience an adverse childhood experience are more vulnerable to these dangers from childhood into adulthood. Many of the risks which are linked to ACES are in themselves risk factors for addiction.

Identifying ACEs as soon as possible helps prevent future harm and substance abuse as a person ages. Recognizing ACEs as risk factors for substance abuse can help to prevent drug and alcohol abuse. It can also help treatment providers tailor treatments for individuals who already struggle with a substance use disorder.

About Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

From 1995 to 1997 more than 17,000 Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization members took part in a study that examined the connection between childhood abuse and neglect and later-life health and well-being.

This study, the CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (also referred to as the Kaiser ACE Study), was one of the largest of its kind. To this day, the study’s findings set the groundwork for future scientific research, preventative measures, and treatment initiatives for ACEs.

This study determined how Adverse Childhood Experiences can alter a person’s development and put them at risk for harm later in life. Specifically, it found that ACEs can disrupt a child’s neurodevelopment, or the way critical functions within the brain develop and work.

From this, a person can suffer social, emotional, and cognitive impairment. These changes can then cause a person to adopt high-risk behaviors which put them at risk of disease, disability, and social problems, including substance abuse. The combination of these effects can then cause a person to have a higher risk of early death.

When determining a person’s risk for developing these problems and health conditions, health and medical professionals look at a person’s childhood to determine their ACE score. As a person’s ACE score rises, their risk for serious health problems climbs and the potential for harm to their life increases. One of the gravest ways this is experienced is through substance abuse.

Connection Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Substance Abuse

The greater a person’s ACE score, the greater their risk for alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and drug abuse. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) cautions that “Each ACE increased the likelihood of early initiation into illicit drug use by 2- to 4-fold.”

Adverse Childhood Experiences can be deeply traumatic. Traumatic events experienced as a child increase a person’s risk for substance abuse. Additionally, having a parent who drinks or abuses drugs (an ACE) is a risk factor for a child developing an addiction later in life.

Further, a person who has experienced an ACE also has a higher risk of developing mental health problems, such as depression. Mental illnesses are a significant risk factor for addiction and quite commonly occur alongside substance abuse (a co-occurring disorder). According to SAMHSA, in 2014, 7.9 million adults struggled with a co-occurring disorder.

Research shows that Adverse Childhood Experiences are linked to:

• higher rates of lifetime illicit drug abuse
• an increased risk for mental and substance use disorders in individuals aged 50 and older
• underage drinking
• problem drinking that continues from adolescence to adulthood
• higher rates of prescription drug use, a potential risk factor for prescription drug abuse

In addition to an increased risk for substance use disorders, many of the other dangers linked to ACEs are risk factors for substance abuse.

Additional Dangers Of Adverse Childhood Experiences

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research has found that individuals who have six or more ACEs, on average, have a life expectancy 20 years shorter than those who do not. Based on the Kaiser ACE Study, they reported the individuals with zero ACEs had an average life expectancy of 80 years, while those with six or more had a life expectancy of 60 years.

Further, the higher a person’s ACE score, the greater their risk of the following:

• academic problems
• depression
• financial troubles
• high-risk sexual behaviors
• job struggles
• risk for intimate partner violence
• risk for sexual violence
• serious health and medical problems
• smoking
• sleep disturbances
• suicide attempts
• unintended and adolescent pregnancies

Mental health problems like depression frequently lead a person to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Academic, financial, and relationship problems, and traumatic situations such as violence, are also problems which frequently lead a person to substance abuse. Because of this, and in order to break this potentially vicious cycle, support programs and treatment that are sensitive to the needs of a person with ACEs is crucial.

Determining An ACE Score: Types Of Adverse Childhood Experiences

There are three categories of ACEs and 10 types of adverse experiences. A child may experience abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, each of which comes in different forms, and all of which can be risk factors for substance abuse. A person’s ACE score is determined by the number of adverse experiences they have out of the 10 possible.

Neglect is the most common type of child maltreatment and abuse. While neglect is a form of child abuse, for the study and for ACE scoring it is listed as a separate category from abuse.

When a child is neglected they do not have their basic emotional or physical needs met. This means they may not receive care which provides the necessary clothing, food, healthcare, or shelter. Emotional neglect causes emotional pain and distress and occurs when a parent or caregiver doesn’t acknowledge, care for, or respond to a child’s feelings in a healthy way.

Household dysfunction includes situations in which a child witnesses or experiences distressing circumstances within the home. Examples include a parent who drinks or uses alcohol or violence against a child’s mother.

Percentage of respondents in the Kaiser ACE Study who experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences:

Abuse:

• physical: 28 percent
• sexual: 21 percent
• emotional: 11 percent

Neglect:

• emotional: 15 percent
• physical: 10 percent

Household dysfunction:

• substance abuse: 27 percent
• divorce or separation: 23 percent
• mental illness: 19 percent
• mother treated violently: 13 percent
• incarcerated member of the household: 5 percent

Adverse childhood experiences tend to appear in groups, and because of this, treatment practitioners should seek to understand the way they’re connected in order to understand how they impact the person as a whole.

A person may have ACE risk factors or a high ACE score and not experience negative effects within their adult life. However, people with ACE risk factors, especially those with high scores, do have a higher risk for experiencing harm to their physical, mental, and social health, especially substance abuse and addiction.

How Common Are ACEs?

Nearly two-thirds of the adults surveyed for the Kaiser ACE Study reported at least one Adverse Childhood Experience, according to the CDC. The majority had more than one, with over one in five reporting three or more ACEs. Specifically:

• 36 percent had zero
• 26 percent had one
• 16 percent had two
• 9.5 percent had three
• 12.5 percent had four or more

More recent findings show that these trends continue to be problematic. Based on data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, a research group reported that:

• 45 percent of U.S. children have experienced one or more ACEs
• one in 10 U.S. children are considered high-risk, experiencing three or more ACEs

Researchers also found that certain races and ethnicities experience ACEs at higher rates, with white-non-Hispanic children and 23 percent of Asian non-Hispanic children seeing the lowest instances of ACEs.

Children who experienced one or more ACEs on a national level include:

• 61 percent of black non-Hispanic children
• 51 percent of Hispanic children
• 40 percent of white non-Hispanic children
• 23 percent of Asian non-Hispanic children

Preventative And Protective Measures Against ACEs

Providing preventative and protective measures against ACEs for children and their families is one of the best steps towards reducing the negative impact of these influences as the child ages. Potentially, this includes reducing the risk for adolescent and adult substance abuse and addiction. For individuals who are currently struggling with a substance use disorder, this includes access to comprehensive, individualized treatment programs.

For children and adolescents at risk of substance abuse from ACEs, this includes helping a family to create safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments (SSNREs). At any age, it’s important that a person is taught coping skills so they can handle the stress caused by the ACEs.

Persons with ACEs who are working to achieve sobriety have an increased chance of building a healthy, drug-free life with professional help. Inpatient drug rehab programs give a person a greater opportunity for healing and personal development. Individuals who have experienced a mental health disorder as a result of ACEs may find the greatest benefit in a dual-diagnosis treatment program.

It’s important to remember that people with high ACE scores can still do well and find success, both in life and in recovery. Despite having experienced adverse childhood events, with the proper support these individuals can find balance and better health in their lives.

For more information be sure to check out these additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• The Link Between Sexual Abuse And Substance Abuse
• The Relationship Between Bullying & Substance Abuse
• Dual Diagnosis Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Sources

Child Trends — The prevalence of adverse childhood experiences, nationally, by state, and by race or ethnicity
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Adverse Childhood Experiences, Co-Occurring Disorders

Alcohol is a powerful substance that can take over lives, and stopping isn’t easy. Wanting to get someone to stop can be so overwhelming you might be tempted to ignore the problem, letting them fall deeper into the cycle of alcohol abuse and addiction.

But, don’t deny it. Although legal, alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the United States. It’s estimated nearly 16 million people suffer from alcohol problems, which can destroy lives, families, and professional careers. Someone you care about has a drinking problem, but you don’t know how to help them stop. While there is no magic solution, you can play a role in improving their lives.

Learn About Alcohol Use Disorder And Addiction

Before you approach them, it’s important to try and understand the complexities of an alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is the medical diagnosis for when drinking becomes severe. AUD is a relapsing brain disease characterized by:

• compulsive alcohol use
• loss of control over drinking alcohol
• negative emotional state when not drinking

This condition is more than just drinking too much every once and awhile. Understand that addiction changes functioning in the brain, which affects decision-making, judgment, and behavior. Be tactful, and avoid certain things.

Things You Don’t Want To Do

As you confront someone you care for about their drinking habits, understand they’re in a fragile state. They may be quick to anger or be in denial. Approach the subject with delicacy and compassion, and try not to do the following:

• don’t lecture, preach, or threaten
• don’t make them feel guilty
• don’t make excuses for their behavior
• don’t take over their responsibilities or protect them from consequences
• don’t argue with them when they’re drunk
• don’t drink around them or try to match to their drinking

Trying to get someone to stop drinking is difficult. You may find you’re tiptoeing around the elephant in the room, but don’t ever pretend there is isn’t a problem. Knowing they need help can be painful, but helping them enter treatment can be incredibly rewarding. Here is how to approach the subject.

Speak Up And Be Supportive

Choose a suitable time and place to have a conversation about their drinking. If possible, find a time when they won’t be intoxicated. Offer your help and support, and be willing to go with them while they seek help. Be gentle with your words and focus on your point of view. Let them know you’re there for them, no matter what. Be prepared and practice what you’re going to say, writing things down if necessary.

Express Your Concerns And Listen

Outline your concerns and be specific. Tell them what changes you would like to see. Use your compassion and love for this person, and be ready for a negative reaction. After that, listen. Hear what they have to say. Let them finish, be fair, and compromise with their point of view.

The goal is to get them help, so take their needs into account. There is no reason to let them hit “rock bottom” before giving them a push to seek treatment. The earlier a person receives treatment, the better the outcome.

Understand It’s Hard To Stop Without Help

You probably heard it before. They want to stop, they try to stop, they tell you they’ll stop, but they can’t. Quitting an alcohol problem without help can be extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible. Alcohol has taken over their brain, and the person needs support, coping skills, and treatment to overcome their addiction to drinking.

Communicate Your Support During The Recovery Process

Managing addiction, and an alcohol use disorder is an ongoing process. Because relapse is common, it’s important they know you’ll stand by their side. Let them know you’ll be there to help and support long after they’ve entered treatment.

Be sure to take care of yourself, but also be committed to supporting them as they participate in meetings and support groups. Communicate you’re in it for the long haul, and you’re okay it won’t be easy.

Stage An Intervention

When all else fails, you might consider staging an intervention. An intervention is different than just talking to someone and trying to convince them they need help. Interventions require careful planning and often involve the help of an experienced interventionist or counselor.

The interventionist will help gather people together to confront the person about their drinking. Family and friends come prepared and share specific examples of how the person’s alcohol problem has affected them. Interventions come with pre-arranged treatment and can help loved ones know how to respond if the person refuses treatment or help.

What Happens Next?

When someone is willing to get help, it’s crucial to understand the options for the treatment. While many people assume treatment involves a 28-day program or self-help support groups, it goes beyond just that. There have been advancements in alcohol addiction treatment over the last several decades, and knowing what works is an important first step.

Treatment For An Alcohol Use Disorder

Behavioral therapy is the most common form of addiction treatment and is effective for changing thinking and attitudes towards drug and alcohol. There are numerous behavioral therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and general counseling services, to help someone develop the skills needed to stop drinking.

Medications are also an important part of treating an alcohol use disorder. This might be surprising, but medication can help offset the many changes alcohol caused in the brain. Non-addictive, government-approved medications include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, which can help people overcome alcohol dependence.

A good option for treatment is inpatient rehab programs, which likely offer therapy, medications, and peer and professional support in the same place. These programs take place in highly structured settings with 24-hour care and supervision. Remember, though, there is no right treatment best for everyone. Pay attention to their needs, listen, and reach out for help.

Call now for more information on how to help someone receive treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction.

For more information be sure to check out these additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• How Common is Alcohol Abuse?
• How Does Alcohol Abuse Affect The Body?
• The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal
• What Are The Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning?
• How To Stop Alcohol Cravings

Sources

Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand—Concerned About Someone’s Drinking?
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence—Helping a Family Member or Friend
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism—Treatment for Alcohol Problems, Alcohol Use Disorder

While each person is different, there is often a complex relationship between mental illness and drug addiction. It can be an incredible struggle when addiction and multiple personality disorder co-occur, as people attempt to manage conflicting personalities, memory gaps, chemical dependency, and significant distress in daily living.

Dual diagnosis, or suffering from both s substance use and mental health disorder can complicate treatment. Inpatient rehab is likely the best course of treatment because a person will have access to around-the-clock medical care, therapy, medications, and a network of peer and professional support.

What Is Multiple Personality Disorder?

Multiple personality disorder is the previous name for what’s now called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This disorder is characterized by alternating between at least two distinct identities or personalities. The person may hear multiple voices in their head, all of them vying or competing for control. Sometimes these identities have unique characteristics, mannerisms, voices, or names.

In many cases, personality shifts are involuntary and unwanted, causing deep distress. Those suffering from DID may feel like observers of their own lives. They can feel like their speech, actions, and bodies are different and not their own. For example, some personality shifts may resemble a small child, the opposite gender, or muscular body types.

Personal preferences, like what people like to eat or do for fun, may suddenly shift one way, and then shift back. This back and forth of attitudes and preferences can cause memory problems and various troubles in daily life.

Risk Factors Of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

DID often develops as a result of experiencing childhood trauma. At a young age, the person may have been exposed to emotional, sexual, or physical abuse over long periods of time. DID can also result from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from combat, natural disasters, or other situations of crisis.

Those with DID also have an increased risk of suicide. More than 70% of people with DID have attempted to commit suicide. Because of the likelihood of past childhood trauma and the ongoing difficulties in daily life, some people turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate or escape the stresses of living with multiple personalities.

The Link Between Dissociative Identity Disorder And Drug Addiction

There are few studies that examine the link between DID and substance abuse. However, some research has suggested that people with severe cases of DID believe substances like alcohol and cocaine can help them manage their psychological symptoms and problems. But, it still remains unclear if people with DID use substances as a conscious choice to self-medicate, or as an unconscious psychological defense that arises in response to overwhelming external factors.

What is clear, however, is that co-occurring mental illness and substance use is a common problem. According to a 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 8 million people suffered from dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders).

Symptoms Of Dual Diagnosis

While the general symptoms of dual diagnosis tend to be wide-ranging, a person suffering from DID and addiction will likely have unique symptoms related to each condition.

Symptoms of DID include:

• anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• emotional numbness
• lack of self-identity
• memory loss of specific times and events
• out-of-body-experiences (like watching yourself in a movie)
• problems with daily functioning
• two or more distinct personalities

On top of the symptoms of DID, a person may also show various symptoms of addiction. Symptoms of drug addiction include:

• abrupt changes in behavior
• developing tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
• engaging in risky behaviors
• lack of control over substance use
• using drugs in dangerous situations
• withdrawing from family or friends

Both risk factors and symptoms may overlap for people with DID and addiction. Because symptoms vary and some people are reluctant to admit their struggles, treating and diagnosing co-occurring disorders can be complex.

The Difficulties Of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

To properly diagnose DID and addiction, a doctor must review symptoms and personal history. If the person is unwilling to share their symptoms or denies distinct personality shifts, diagnosis can be difficult. Compared to men, women are more likely to be diagnosed with DID, as men tend to deny their symptoms. It’s not uncommon for people to minimize the effect and influence of their symptoms on daily life.

Also, symptoms can be blurred between DID and addiction. If a person isn’t forthcoming about their struggles with dissociation, then a doctor may only address their problems with addiction. Or, a doctor may fail to address any substance abuse problems, and only focus on treating DID. Complications can arise because treating one condition, and no other may worsen each disorder.

Treatment For Dissociative Identity Disorder And Drug Addiction

Treating both DID and addiction requires an integrated approach. This means a person can receive treatment for both substance abuse and mental illness, which may involve a collaboration of healthcare professionals. Other treatments that are effective for treating dual diagnosis include:

• behavioral therapy or psychotherapy
• inpatient rehab
• medically supervised detox programs
• medications
• support groups

Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can be effective for addressing both DID and addiction. Medications are used to treat symptoms and may include antidepressants or addiction medications to address dependence on opioids or alcohol.

Inpatient rehab is likely the most effective option for someone suffering from DID and addiction. At inpatient rehab, a person can receive 24-hour medical care and supervision, participate in a supportive community, engage in therapy, and have access to medications and other health services capable of addressing both conditions at the same.

Additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• Co-Occurring Disorders: Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Schizoaffective Disorder And Addiction Treatment
• Seasonal Affective Disorder And Addiction
• Mental Health And Addiction
• Can Drug Use Cause Mental Illness?

Sources

American Psychiatric Association—What Are Dissociative Disorders?
National Alliance on Mental Illness—Dual Diagnosis, Dissociative Disorders
U.S. National Library of Medicine—Dissociation, PTSD, and Substance Abuse: An Empirical Study

Each year, millions of people in the United States struggle with mental illness. Children and adults alike must work daily to manage their mental health disorders—in spite of the social pressures and negative stigma which tend to surround these issues.

More treatments, therapies, and medications are developed all the time to help people learn to cope and effectively manage the symptoms of a mental illness. However, not everyone is aware of just how difficult it can be to struggle with such a disorder, the depth of treatment a person may need to overcome or manage it, or how many people are affected by mental illness.

In fact, lack of awareness may be the reason many don’t seek help for their illness, as they may feel ashamed, humiliated, or otherwise distressed to enter treatment or ask for help.

Despite such a barrier, we can make headway on removing the stigma associated with mental illness, allowing people who need help to seek treatment and learn to manage their issues in a way that fosters growth, healing, and self-confidence. Mental Health Awareness Month is one way to help promote the change needed to reverse previously held associations regarding mental health.

What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Month, also called Mental Health Awareness Month, was developed in 1949 to “increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness,” according to Youth.gov.

Each year in May, organizations across the United States come together to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and managing mental health, and hold events and form alliances to foster such awareness.

Mental Health America, a community-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people who live with mental illnesses, states that Mental Health Month allows communities and organizations alike to spread the word that, “mental health is something everyone should care about.” Organizations recognize Mental Health Month in a variety of ways, such as with community events, fun runs or walks, and other awareness activities.

Mental Health America designed a toolkit with fact sheets and tips regarding nutrition, sleep, exercises, dietary changes, stress, and social media which are pertinent to positive mental health. It is also holding the Fitness Challenge: 4Mind4Body, which encourages people to take a proactive role in becoming more physically fit in recognition of the importance of physical health and its influence on mental health.

Other organizations are also participating in Mental Health Month—the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has chosen to promote the theme of CureStigma throughout all of its community-based events.

NAMI cites the reasoning behind this theme, stating, “One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions. Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear, and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness encourages participation in Mental Health Month through engaged participation, such as:

• sharing encouraging messages regarding mental health awareness on social media
• learning facts regarding mental health to share with family and friends
• sharing a personal experience with mental illness to encourage the same transparency in others
• creating a fundraising campaign to support the cause
• joining a NAMI Walk

Though May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness holds awareness events throughout the year as well.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is focusing its Mental Health Month efforts on encouraging people to have real conversations about mental health through its RealConvo campaign. The Foundation states, “89 percent of people believe that mental health is just important as physical health. Despite this, many people don’t know how to have a conversation about it.”

Resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention include educational facts for individuals, parents, and school administrators and staff, and a calendar of events outlining open speaking events, live stream chats, and open social media chats wherein people can engage in conversations about the importance of mental health.

The Importance Of Changing The Stigma

The goal of Mental Health Month events across organizations centers around a common goal: reversing the negative stigma often associated with mental illnesses and seeking help for such illnesses. Stigma, by definition, is a mark of disgrace that we associate with a particular circumstance, person, or quality.

Though many organizations have aimed to remove any stigma attached to mental illness for quite some time, we have not yet eradicated the negative thoughts and attitudes some people hold regarding mental illness.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness describes such stigma as a virus which, “harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence. It prevents them from seeking help. And in some cases, it takes lives.”

What exactly is the cost of the stigma surrounding mental illness? Some people with certain mental illnesses may have suicidal thoughts or ideations, become suicidal, or attempt or succeed in committing suicide. Some facts regarding suicide in the United States include:

• Suicide is the tenth-leading cause of death.
• Each year, 44,965 Americans will die from suicide.
• For every suicide, 25 will attempt.

These (most recent) numbers are suspected to be even higher due to underreporting caused by stigma.

Instead of shaming people into shying away from the help they need, Mental Health Month and all the affiliates who participate in it intended to encourage education, support, healing, and a removal of stigma. It is only through such efforts that we can begin to change the tides of mental health, paving the way for more open conversations, easier and less stressful ways to seek treatment, and, hopefully, far fewer tragedies related to mental illness.

Mental Health And Addiction

While millions of people in the U.S. struggle with a mental health disorder, many of those are facing both a mental disorder and a substance use disorder (also termed a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis). If seeking help for a mental illness is difficult for a person due to the stigma associated with it, seeking help for addiction and a mental illness may be even more so.

People who struggle with mental disorders, such as severe depression, may seek substance abuse as a way of coping or self-medicating. With time, this misuse can lead to addiction, or chemical dependence with some substances, including alcohol, benzodiazepines (Xanax), and opioids (heroin, OxyContin). Treating mental illness or addiction is achievable with the most customized treatment program, ample support, and ongoing progress assessments. Treating a co-occurring disorder can be more complex, but is also highly possible—an excellent treatment program can provide treatment for both addiction and mental disorders when both are identified and assessed.

However, when one disorder is not identified and is left untreated, a person’s chances of success in recovery from either disorder may be altered. Both addiction and mental illness are often on the receiving end of the negative attitudes of others.

With decades of research, it is more clear every day that mental illnesses and addiction are chronic diseases which require ongoing care, much like other diseases which affect a person’s body. Further, mental disorders and substance use disorders are far more common than may be apparent to the general public, and so are co-occurring disorders: 7.9 million adults faced both a substance use disorder and a mental illness in 2014.

Either addiction or a mental illness may occur first, and one disorder may affect the symptoms of the other disorder. Because of this, prompt and adequate treatment for co-occurring disorders is vital. Many inpatient rehab centers provide dual diagnosis treatment programs which work to treat both disorders accurately and efficiently, teaching patients the skills and principles necessary to manage these issues long-term.

How To Help Someone Who Struggles With A Mental Disorder

If someone is struggling with mental illness, people around them may be at a loss for what to do. The most important thing we can do to help people with mental illness is to be understanding—to let them know they are not alone in their struggles, that we are here to support them, and to offer a listening ear and words of encouragement whenever possible.

There are also a number of active ways to get involved in helping people learn to manage their mental illness. Many mental illnesses render people incapable of or adverse to being proactive about seeking help. Symptoms of their mental disorder may leave a person feeling depressed, sad, lonely, or otherwise at a loss for the energy or motivation necessary to get help. When this is the case, loved ones can bridge the gap.

First, we can open conversations with people about their struggles; sometimes opening up to a family member or friend can be the beginning to opening up to a professional who can help the person manage their illness. We can encourage loved ones to seek help from a counselor, physician, or psychiatrist. This is especially important if a person begins to exhibit signs of severe depression or suicidal thoughts or ideations. For people who struggle to even face the day, certain medications may help them to function while they work toward long-term management tactics.

Exercise, nutrition, and fitness play a large role in mental health. Some people may suffer from a nutritional deficiency, which can affect energy levels, sleep patterns, and more. Many alternative therapy methods also help people who struggle with mental illness, such as yoga, tai chi, mindfulness activities, and meditation.

A number of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, individual and group therapies, and more have proven effective at helping people learn to manage a mental illness.

When it comes to mental illness, there is no single treatment that will work for every person. Mental illnesses are as unique as the people who face them, and treatment must be customized to fit the needs of the individual.

Many inpatient programs are comprised of these treatment components and more which foster both healing and long-term management of the illness. People who face a dual diagnosis will benefit most from a program that is tailored to meet the needs and address the symptoms of both illnesses.

Mental health is important to all of us. In any case of mental illness, the bottom line remains the same: prompt and adequate treatment can help people who struggle to make changes for the better, manage their symptoms, and live full, healthy lives.

For more information on mental health and inpatient treatment, contact us today.

**The organizations mentioned in this article are not affiliated with DrugRehab.org.

Additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• Can Drug Use Cause Mental Illness?
• The Best Tips On Making Good Choices For Your Mental Health
• How Can The Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration Help Me?

Sources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health America — Mental Health Month
National Alliance on Mental Illness — Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health Month
National Institute on Drug Abuse — Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Disorders
National Institute of Mental Health — Substance Use and Mental Health

Taking methamphetamine (meth) and Xanax together is dangerous because one drug tells the body to speed up heart rate and elevate blood pressure, while the other does just the opposite.

Using methamphetamine with Xanax puts the body under incredible stress. Methamphetamine use is dangerous in general, but mixing it with a depressant like Xanax can lead to unpredictable health risks. Results vary, but the combination puts immense strain on the heart, which can lead to cardiac arrest, stroke, and hospitalization.

Meth is often used with other substances to increase the high or alleviate manic symptoms. Some people report doing too much meth and then taking Xanax to calm down and drive home. While they may believe they’re back to normal functioning, they’re likely still intoxicated. This can result in traffic accidents and may cause injury or death to themselves or others.

Data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network showed, in one year, how 62% of emergency room visits involving methamphetamine also involved another substance. Over 10% included benzodiazepines, like Xanax. Polydrug use (abusing more than one substance) contributes to overdose fatalities year and year again because different drugs act on the body in different ways.

Overdose And Death

Mixing Xanax with the illicit forms of methamphetamine, like crystal meth, can increase the risk of dangerous side effects. While the exact interaction will vary from person to person, taking Xanax with illicit drugs may cause them to experience the following symptoms:

• extreme sleepiness
• heart attack
• lightheadedness
• slowed or difficulty breathing
• stroke
• unresponsiveness
• unusual dizziness

Taking Xanax with methamphetamine can also result in overdose and possible death. Benzodiazepines, especially when mixed with other substances, contributing to hundreds of deaths each year. Because of the intensity of a methamphetamine high, and the unwanted effects of the comedown, a person could habitually take too much Xanax, which may result in an emergency room visit or worse.

Addiction And Withdrawal

Methamphetamine is very addictive. A short amount of use can quickly lead to using the drug over and over again. Tolerance is likely to occur, meaning the person will have to use more and more to achieve the desired high. Many people smoke, snort, or inject methamphetamine for a quicker and stronger high.

Once addicted, stopping the use of methamphetamine can be difficult because of uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms can include:

• depression
• feeling very tired, but trouble sleeping
• feelings of anger, nervousness, and paranoia
• intense drug cravings

Taking more Xanax overtime can also cause tolerance. Physical dependence may occur after prolonged use, especially if taking more than a prescribed dosage. Quitting Xanax cold turkey can result in severe symptoms of withdrawal, which may include seizures. These effects may increase when the two drugs are taken together.

Xanax For A Meth Comedown

As a stimulant, methamphetamine causes anxiety, extreme euphoria, and abnormal energy. To combat these intense feelings, especially when the drug is wearing off, people may turn to so-called “downers” to alleviate the stimulating effects.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine typically prescribed to treat anxiety or panic attacks. Benzodiazepines work in almost the exact opposite way of methamphetamine. While methamphetamine speeds things up, benzodiazepines like Xanax slows things down. So, people using methamphetamine, in any of its forms, often seek ways to reduce the intensity of the “comedown.”

People experienced in methamphetamine abuse likely understand the onslaught of negative effects associated with the comedown. They may develop a habit of using Xanax to take the edge off, which slows down brain activity and causes sedation.

Taking Xanax To Avoid Tweaking

Using meth can result in a period called “tweaking.” Tweaking refers to when the intense rush or high from meth is over, usually after a binge, and the person experiences intense cravings, paranoia, and feelings of emptiness. They may be unable to sleep, enter a state of psychosis, and suffer from hallucinations.

To avoid tweaking, or to lessen the effects, they make take other drugs. Downers, like Xanax, are a drug of choice because they believe it may offset or cancel out the manic effects of methamphetamine. But, this is off-base. There may be unintended psychological side effects from mixing an upper (methamphetamine) with a downer (Xanax).

If a person takes both drugs around the same time, they may experience uneven effects that can mess with the mind. One moment, they feel energized and awake. The next moment, they feel calm and sedated. This can worsen uneasiness and anxiety and may lead to even further drug abuse.

Treatment For Meth And Xanax Abuse

Behavioral therapy is the most common form of addiction treatment and can help change a person’s thinking and attitudes towards drugs. The most effective behavioral therapies for treating meth addiction include cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational incentives. Xanax addiction is also treated with behavioral therapy, but may also incorporate a process called tapering, which gradually decreases the dosage of a drug to lessen dependence.

In some cases, meth users are given benzodiazepines to reduce the manic or paranoid behavior. This should only be done in a hospital setting so physicians and nurses can monitor dosage and progress. Doing this without proper supervision is dangerous and can result in dependence, addiction, and possible overdose and death.

Contact us today to learn more about methamphetamine and Xanax abuse treatment.

Additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• Signs Of Methamphetamine Psychosis
• How Long Does Methamphetamine Stay In Your System?
• The Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Oxycodone
• The Dangers Of Mixing Cocaine With Benzodiazepines
• Commonly Abused Benzodiazepines

Sources

• Columbia University: Go Ask Alice—Mixing Uppers with Downers – A Bad Idea?
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus—Alprazolam
• U.S. National Library of Medicine—An Exploration of the Relationship between the use of Methamphetamine and Prescription Drugs

Adderall is an amphetamine that is commonly prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy and help people with weight loss. While Adderall may benefit those suffering from ADHD by improving their ability to focus, it has also been classified as a Schedule II drug due to its high potential for abuse.

People may think that they would be able to tell when a loved one is abusing drugs, but Adderall abuse may be particularly difficult to detect. Someone taking too much Adderall may exhibit moods and behavior that seem to indicate that they are living a happy and productive life, yet they could be exhausted and struggling on the inside.

With close examination, someone may be able to recognize these five signs of Adderall abuse:

1. lifestyle changes
2. behavioral changes
3. mood changes
4. physical signs of Adderall abuse
5. signs of drug use or paraphernalia

1. Lifestyle Changes

Many people abuse Adderall in an attempt to be more productive. Students may take the drug in order to focus on a large project or important test. Other people may take it to perform better at work. The increased attention and energy from Adderall may initially lead to improved grades and work performance.

Seeing positive results from occasional Adderall use could prompt someone to take it more frequently or in larger doses. They may begin to take Adderall for one project, then another, then to help them through the workday, to keep them awake on the weekend, and so on. As the amount increases, they are likely to sleep less, eat less, and try to do more. They may attribute all of their successes to Adderall and become dependent on it in order to accomplish anything.

When a person is physically dependent on a drug, they may go to great lengths to get it. Drug-seeking can become a major part of their life, taking up time that used to be spent productively. Their schoolwork, job, or relationships could become less important to them. If they are trying to hide their drug use, they may become secretive.

2. Mood Changes

The effect of Adderall on someone’s mood may be subtle. A person who uses the drug to succeed in school, for example, may have an increased sense of self-esteem when they get a good grade. This positive self-image and sense of accomplishment paired with a heightened ability to focus can make someone seem happier.

Unfortunately, Adderall can also lead someone to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. A person suffering from this may take more Adderall to boost their energy and focus, which can intensify the problem. Serious mental effects like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia may also develop with excessive or prolonged Adderall abuse.

3. Behavioral Changes

Changes in behavior that may result from Adderall abuse include increased energy, physical activity, and talkativeness. While Adderall is intended to better someone’s concentration, abusing the substance can produce an extreme result. Someone may undertake more than is normally possible, filling their life with activities until they become exhausted.

Aggressive or hostile behavior, especially in children, has also been linked to Adderall use. While research continues in this area, doctors may caution patients to be aware if their behavior becomes more aggressive while taking Adderall.

Adderall abuse can suppress a person’s appetite, causing them to care less about food and positive nutrition. In addition, it can lead to insomnia—trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. These can both contribute to poor health and negative physical consequences.

4. Physical Signs Of Adderall Abuse

Abusing Adderall can manifest in physical ways, some with signs more obvious than others. Excessive weight loss from appetite suppression or extreme fatigue from insomnia may be red flags that something is wrong. Chronic Adderall abuse may increase the risk of side effects.

Possible side effects of Adderall abuse could be:

• dry mouth
• body twitches
• rapid heart rate
• difficulty breathing
• high blood pressure
• vision problems
• frequent headaches
• stomach or chest pain
• nausea or vomiting
• seizures

5. Signs Of Drug Use And Paraphernalia

A person who is abusing Adderall will likely show signs of drug use. If they have a prescription for Adderall, they will probably run out of pills sooner than they should. If they have multiple prescriptions, they may be “doctor shopping”—visiting several doctors in order to get more drugs than normally prescribed. Some people feign ADHD symptoms in order to get a prescription.

Another indicator may be the way the medication is stored. If someone keeps the pills in baggies or wrapped in plastic, chances are they were not prescribed to that person. Even if a person has a prescription, this type of storage likely indicates that they are taking more than recommended by their doctor.

While Adderall is generally taken orally, some people crush the pills to snort them. Snorting a substance takes it into the bloodstream faster, which can produce a more intense effect. Drug paraphernalia such as razor blades, straws, hollow pens, or rolled paper may be found among someone’s things if they have been snorting Adderall. Though less common, Adderall can also be injected. Needles, spoons, and lighters may indicate injection drug use.

Dangers Of Adderall Abuse

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant made up of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It works to calm the tendency toward impulsiveness by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These are the neurotransmitters responsible for attention and focus. Taking Adderall when not prescribed, or taking it in excess, can lead to exhaustion and other serious consequences.

In some cases, people have developed psychotic or manic symptoms after regular Adderall use. The risk for negative mental occurrences rises when the substance is abused. Adderall abuse can damage the heart, and it is not recommended for use by people who have heart conditions. Amphetamines may worsen hypertension, a major contributor to many heart problems, by raising a person’s blood pressure. Other possible cardio effects may be rapid heart rate or heart attack.

In several studies reported by the National Institute of Biotechnology Information, people who used non-prescription stimulants were found to be more likely to abuse other substances as well. Adderall is one of the most common drugs prescribed for ADHD. As the rate of diagnosis for ADHD climbs, so do prescription stimulant rates. The wide availability of Adderall and the prevalence of ADHD makes it easy for people to get this drug, with or without a prescription.

Treatment For Adderall Addiction

Abusing a substance to boost brain power can end up working in reverse. Drug addiction is a disease that can destroy a person’s life, despite them thinking that they need the drug to live normally. There are other ways of thinking that can empower a person and help them overcome addiction.

Inpatient drug rehab centers can help people change their habits and behaviors through therapy and support. They provide a safe environment where a person can learn coping skills, explore new interests, and build positive relationships. Adderall addiction does not have to control someone’s life. Addiction treatment programs can be tailored to individuals for the best fit and greatest chance of recovery.

Contact us today for more information on Adderall addiction and treatment options.

Additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• What Is The Difference Between Amphetamine And Methamphetamine?
• The Dangers Of Mixing Methadone With Adderall
• Playing With Fire: Study Shows Teens Abuse ADHD Drugs

Sources

• Rice University — Norepinephrine
• U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus — Dextroamphetamine And Amphetamine
• U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed Label: Adderall

Women who struggle with heroin addiction and become pregnant often want to stop using for the health of their unborn child. While well-intended, suddenly stopping heroin use can put the fetus at great risk, and may do more harm than good. However, with proper treatment, it is possible to increase the odds of a successful pregnancy and the delivery of a healthy baby.

In the past decade, there has been a rise in the number of infants who have been exposed to heroin at birth. Roughly 21,553 female substance use treatment admissions (ages 15 to 44) in 2012 were pregnant when they started treatment. Of those admitted, 22.9 percent reported heroin as their primary substance of misuse, according to the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) from that year.

Risks Of Heroin Abuse During Pregnancy

When a woman struggles with heroin addiction, they are not able to control or monitor their impulse to use the drug. This can cause the level of heroin in their system to fluctuate from one extreme to the other, and may also expose the fetus to repeated periods of withdrawal. The more frequently this happens, the more likely the placenta will become damaged which may result in miscarriage or premature birth.

Possible physical risks to the fetus include:

• neonatal abstinence syndrome
• stunted growth
• preterm labor
• fetal convulsions
• fetal death

Some indirect risks to the fetus can also be the result of how heroin is affecting the mother. This can include increased risk of maternal infection (HIV, HBV, HCV) with needle administration of heroin. Chronic abuse of the drug may also result in maternal malnutrition and poor prenatal care. Drug-seeking behavior can also increase the risk of pregnant individuals participating in violent behaviors or becoming incarcerated.

What Is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) happens when an infant becomes dependent on opioids, such as heroin, used by the mother during pregnancy. When the infant experiences withdrawal from the drug, it may also suffer withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include tremors, diarrhea, fever, irritability, seizures, and difficulty feeding. The number of infants born with NAS has increased fivefold in the U.S. between 2000 and 2012, in tandem with the increased rate of opioid-prescribing to pregnant women.

Can Pregnant Women Stop Using Heroin?

While it is dangerous to suddenly stop using heroin in the midst of an addiction, there are treatment options pregnant women may begin during their pregnancy. These include methadone maintenance and buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) replacement therapy.

Methadone Vs. Buprenorphine Treatment

Methadone has been used to treat pregnant women struggling with heroin addiction since the 1970s and was officially recognized as the standard of care by 1998. Since that time, buprenorphine has also been shown to be an effective treatment option.

Recent research showed that methadone is associated with higher treatment retention, although the medication carries a high potential for abuse. However, buprenorphine treatment resulted in 10 percent lower incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome, decreased neonatal treatment time by about eight days, and less morphine needed to treat NAS.

Both medication-assisted treatments are supported by the American Society of Addiction Medicine. To determine the best option for individual situations, it is best to discuss it with a healthcare professional who ensures all factors are considered.

Benefits Of Treatment During Pregnancy

When compared to untreated pregnant women, those who receive treatment were found to have a lower risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome, less severe NAS, shorter treatment times, and higher gestational age, weight, and head circumference at birth.

Treatment with either medication can improve health outcomes for mom and child by:

• stabilizing fetal levels of opioids, which reduces repeated prenatal withdrawal
• providing mothers with infectious disease (HIV, HBV, HCV) treatment, reducing the likelihood of transmitting them to the unborn baby
• potentially providing better prenatal care
• improving long-term health outcomes for both mother and child

Breastfeeding During Treatment

Usually, breastfeeding rates are low among mothers with heroin use disorder. However, studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the length of hospital stay and the need for morphine treatment in infants.

Unless there is a specific medical concern such as maternal HIV infection, encouraging new mothers to breastfeed and swaddle their newborns may help ease uncomfortable NAS symptoms and improve mother-child bonding.

Pregnant Women And Barriers To Heroin Addiction Treatment

Research findings suggest that the ongoing attempts to criminalize substance use during pregnancy can greatly discourage women from seeking addiction treatment, as well as prenatal care. Pregnant women who abuse substances, especially women of color or lower socioeconomic standing, were found to be more subject to increased surveillance and may face punishment, such as arrest, prosecution, conviction, and/or child removal.

Treatment For Heroin Addiction In Pregnant Women

Safely withdrawing from heroin can be a lengthy process, especially when an unborn baby must also be considered. Inpatient addiction treatment is often the most effective way to administer either methadone maintenance or buprenorphine therapy to mother and fetus.

Residential treatment programs require an individual to live at the treatment facility, giving them a new, stigma-free environment to aid in their recovery. These treatment programs also provide round-the-clock medical supervision so that if any adverse symptoms arise, they can be addressed right away.

For more information on treating heroin addiction in pregnant women, contact a specialist today.

For more information be sure to check out these additional resources from DrugRehab.org:

• Drug Addiction And Babies: Long-Term Effects
• Are Babies Predisposed To Drug Addiction?
• What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal?

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse — Treating Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services — Women of Childbearing Age And Opioids

All benzodiazepine drugs have the potential for abuse, some more so than others. When determining a benzodiazepine’s strength, there are two things to consider: the drug’s potency and its half-life. A half-life measures how long a drug takes to break down and exit the body. A low potency benzo with a long half-life is weaker than a high-potency benzo with a short half-life.

Drugs with a shorter half-life, while more short-acting, are often felt more intensely. Drugs with a short half-life also create their effect more rapidly. These characteristics make these substances more attractive to recreational drug abusers. Benzodiazepine drug abusers often prefer short-acting, high-potency benzos, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, due to their fairly rapid and intense high.

Here’s a list of benzodiazepines, from weakest to strongest:

Low-potency benzodiazepines

With a long half-life:

• chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• clorazepate (Tranxene)
• diazepam (Valium)
• flurazepam

With a short half-life:

• oxazepam (Serax)
• temazepam (Restoril)

High-potency benzodiazepines

With a long half-life:

• clonazepam (Klonopin)

With a short half-life:

• alprazolam (Xanax)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
• triazolam (Halcion)

Though not prescribed in the United States, flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is sold illicitly on the streets. Used as a date rape drug, Rohypnol is a high-potency benzodiazepine with a relatively long half-life.

About Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepine medications are sedative-hypnotics, meaning they create calming or tranquilizing effects. Because of this, these drugs are prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, panic and seizure disorders, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Certain ones may also be used as muscle relaxants. The same actions which make these medications valuable within treatment also make them enticing to drug abusers.

Benzodiazepines take several forms, including as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule, liquid, tablet, or orally-disintegrating tablet. Any of these forms may be abused to create a sedated effect or euphoria.

When abused, benzodiazepines are taken orally in doses larger and more frequent than would be prescribed. The medication may also be crushed so that it can be snorted, smoked, or injected. No matter how benzodiazepines are abused, the potential for dependence and addiction runs high.

Risks And Dangers Of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Aside from addiction, benzodiazepine abuse carries with it a host of adverse health effects and dangers. These include:

• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• birth defects
• confusion
• falls and injuries
• irregular heartbeat
• motor vehicle accidents
• robbery
• sexual assault
• vertigo

Like all forms of drug abuse, individuals who abuse benzodiazepines frequently experience an extreme loss of quality of life. In many cases, the need to use the drug becomes so extreme that it overrules a person’s desire to take care of their family or fulfill other obligations, such as those relating to work or school.

Benzodiazepine abuse has been linked to increased risks of suicide and suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide). Chronic use of these drugs may change a person’s ability to feel emotions. Some people struggle to feel any emotions at all, a state referred to as “emotional anesthesia.”

Prolonged benzodiazepine abuse can cause some of the very problems the drugs are designed to treat. When a physically-dependent person quits benzodiazepines, withdrawal can set in. In certain cases, withdrawal may last for several months. This is called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Individuals facing PAWS experience anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Acute withdrawal from benzodiazepine drugs can become very dangerous, to the extent that professional treatment is necessary (medical detox). Certain individuals may experience withdrawal so severe that their life is in jeopardy. In these instances, withdrawal may cause seizures or delirium tremens.

Overdose From Benzodiazepines

One of the greatest risks of benzodiazepine abuse is overdose. According to the CDC, from 2010 to 2014, two of the top 10 drugs responsible for overdose deaths were benzodiazepines. These were alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium).

As central nervous system (CNS) depressants, benzodiazepines have the capacity to slow vital life support systems to deadly levels. When this happens, a person’s body temperature, blood pressure, breathing, and heart rates can no longer sustain life.

Benzodiazepines are frequently abused with other drugs, commonly with alcohol and opioids, both of which are also central nervous system depressants. This combination makes benzodiazepines even more dangerous and deadly.

Signs of overdose from benzodiazepines include blue fingernails, double vision, impaired coordination, slurred speech, and slowed or stopped breathing, among others.

An overdose is a medical emergency. If an overdose is suspected, contact emergency medical support services immediately.

Find Treatment For A Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepine addiction is serious, and treatment often requires a medically-supervised detoxification program prior to drug rehabilitation.

The behavioral and mental impacts of addiction run deep, and this combination of factors often requires more intensive care. Inpatient drug rehab programs are designed to meet these needs, by a combination of psychotherapies and evidenced-based treatment methods.

For More Information, Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

• The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Valium (Diazepam)
• The Effect Of Benzodiazepines On The Brain
• Commonly Abused Benzodiazepines
• How To Detox From Benzodiazepines

Sources

American Family Physician — Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines—Side Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — National Vital Statistics Reports: Drugs Most Frequently Involved in Drug Overdose Deaths: United States, 2010–2014
Medscape — Benzodiazepine Equivalency Table

Abusing crack cocaine has many negative physical and emotional consequences. Recognizing the signs of use and abuse can save someone’s life.

Cocaine is illegal and addictive. Crack is a base form of cocaine that is commonly smoked, and has been called “the riskiest form.” Still, crack cocaine is abused and can affect a person’s life in many negative ways.

Some common signs of crack cocaine use and abuse are:

• changes in behavior
• changes in mood
• physical signs of crack cocaine abuse
• respiratory issues related to crack cocaine
• crack cocaine paraphernalia

1. Changes In Behavior

As a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, crack cocaine use can drastically alter a person’s behavior. Crack causes narrowed blood vessels, which produces faster breathing and an increased heart rate.

The heightened stimulation of the body results in bursts of energy, euphoria, and hypersensitivity. These effects may cause a person to be hyperactive and to talk excessively, sometimes without making sense.

Crack cocaine can produce unusual aggression or restlessness. It can also give someone “jitters”—involuntary trembling or twitching of the body that can continue even when the high wears off.

People struggling with crack cocaine addiction often lose interest in things that used to be important to them. Jobs, friends, and financial obligations may become less important than their desire to take drugs. They may also suffer from loss of appetite and insomnia.

2. Changes In Mood

The neurotransmitter dopamine regulates feelings of pain and pleasure. Cocaine works by blocking the brain’s dopamine transporters to create a build-up, which results in a pleasurable sensation.

Right after using crack cocaine, a person may be positive, confident, and euphoric. The high is brief, lasting five to 15 minutes. When coming down, a person will likely experience a “crash” and a craving for more of the drug.

Other mood shifts associated with crack cocaine use and abuse are:

• anxiety
• irritability
• paranoia
• depression
• panic attacks
• psychosis

The short duration of the high from crack cocaine paired with the uncomfortable after-effects can lead to binging in order to maintain the euphoria. Long-term use increases the risk of negative mood changes and drastic mood shifts.

3. Physical Signs Of Crack Cocaine Abuse

A common indicator of crack cocaine abuse is burns or blisters on lips and fingers from a hot crack pipe.

Poor dental hygiene to the point of tooth decay may also be a sign. With prolonged crack cocaine abuse, the mouth and nose dry out. Lowered saliva production means the teeth are less protected from decay. Cocaine also damages tooth enamel.

If crack is snorted, it can cause damage to the inside of the nose, often resulting in nosebleeds. With long-term use, crack cocaine can destroy the ability to smell.

People using crack cocaine may have red, bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils. They may also suffer from the sensation of bugs crawling underneath their skin (“coke bugs”), which can cause compulsive itching.

4. Respiratory Issues Related To Crack Cocaine

Smoking crack cocaine may come with a unique problem called “crack lung.” This is a serious condition involving fever, coughing up blood, low blood oxygen levels, and possible respiratory failure.

Other respiratory issues from crack cocaine abuse include:

• asthma
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• hacking or chronic cough
• black mucus
• fluid or blood in lungs

Crack cocaine has been suggested to increase the risk of lung cancer. It also can damage airways, whether snorted through the nose or inhaled into the lungs.

5. Crack Cocaine Paraphernalia

Crack is often associated with smoking, but it can also be snorted or injected. The type of paraphernalia used with crack cocaine differs depending on the mode of intake.

A glass crack pipe is generally used for smoking, with a metal scouring pad or similar screen-like object used as a filter inside the pipe. It can also be smoked off of a piece of aluminum foil that is heated at the bottom, and the vapors may be inhaled through a straw or hollow pen.

When a person snorts crack cocaine, they may also use a straw, hollow pen, or rolled paper. Credit cards and razor blades are common tools for scraping the powdered crack into a line for snorting.

Injecting crack cocaine requires mixing it with an acidic substance, such as vinegar or lemon juice, to break it down into a liquid. This may be done on a metal spoon with a lighter beneath it. It is then injected with a syringe.

Dangers Of Crack Cocaine Use And Abuse

Crack cocaine is a base form of cocaine mixed with baking soda or ammonia. It looks like yellowish “rocks” rather than the white powder of pure cocaine. Despite being a less pure version of cocaine, crack is very potent and addictive.

Smoking takes a substance directly to the brain, which heightens the effects and produces a nearly instant high. Binging on crack cocaine to keep the high increases the risk of addiction, which can occur after only one use.

Withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, fatigue, insomnia, and slowed brain function can set in after only a few uses as well.

Crack cocaine is often used with other substances. It may be smoked with marijuana or tobacco, or taken with heroin (called “speedballing”). Polysubstance abuse increases the risk of overdose and other drug-related issues.

Abusing crack cocaine can lead to dangerous diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. While sharing needles is a common cause of disease spreading, a 2007 study found that Hepatitis C could possibly be transmitted through open sores when sharing crack pipes.

Treatment For Crack Cocaine Addiction

There are no medications approved by the FDA specifically for crack cocaine addiction, but treatment options are available. Crack cocaine addiction does not have to control someone’s life.

Inpatient drug rehab centers provide individualized programs for people suffering from crack cocaine addiction. These may include community recovery groups or cognitive-behavioral therapy to help someone connect with others and change the way they live.

Contact us at drugrehab.org and discover the best treatment options for you.

For More Information Related to “5 Signs Of Crack Cocaine Use And Abuse” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

• The Dangers of Using Heroin with Crack Cocaine
• The Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol With Crack Cocaine
• Difference Between Amphetamines And Cocaine
• The Top 10 Most Addictive Drugs