long term drug rehab

Prescription Drug Overdose Symptoms

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DrugRehab.org Prescription Drug Overdose Symptoms

Abuse of prescription drugs is an issue that has deeply affected the United States in recent decades. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), thousands of people die every year from prescription drug overdoses. In 2014, this number reached over 25,000.

DrugRehab.org Prescription Drug Overdose Symptoms Thousands oF People Die Every Year

However, there is now more access to treatment than ever for those in need, with treatment methods targeting effects of abuse and fostering abstinence. Unfortunately, a very small percentage of people suffering from substance abuse actually make it to treatment. That is why it is so important to know the warning signs of abuse so you can watch for and identify overdose symptoms should the need arise.

Signs Of Prescription Drug Abuse

Signs of abuse differ among prescriptions. Here are some common signs for each:

  • Opioids (such as Oxycontin or Vicodin): Confusion, constipation, drowsiness, euphoric feeling, lack of coordination, and pain increase (rather than decrease) with higher doses.
  • Anti-anxiety/sedatives: Confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, lack of concentration, slurred speech, memory issues, and slowed breathing.
  • Stimulants: Agitation, anxiety, increased body temperature and blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, paranoia, and an inability to sleep.

If you suspect someone is suffering from prescription drug abuse, it may be best to try to approach the person about it in a way that is not combative. For instance, talking to the person about the issue privately, in a non-stressful environment may be best. We also recommend that you try to talk to the person, if at all possible, when they are not under the influence of the drugs.

Symptoms Of Prescription Drug Overdose

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) defines prescription drug overdose as, “when a person takes more than the medically recommended dose of a prescription or over-the-counter drug and cannot detoxify the drug fast enough to avoid dangerous side effects.” Contrary to some media portrayals, this does not happen only when a person takes too much of a drug at one time but can happen slowly over time after too much of the drug’s chemicals have built up in the body. In these circumstances, these effects are called a chronic overdose or chronic toxicity.

DrugRehab.org Prescription Drug Overdose Symptoms When Depressants Take Effect

Depressants, such as benzodiazepines and alcohol work to slow down the central nervous system, as may opioid painkillers which can also have depressant effects. When depressants take effect, they slow breathing and heart rates. For this reason, taking too much at a time or too many high doses over a long period of time may cause overdose. Stimulants are used for the calming effects they have, which may help a person to focus (such as someone with ADHD). But stimulants such as amphetamine, when not taken as prescribed, may increase a person’s risk of a number of health conditions, including heart attack and stroke, according to NCADD.

As with symptoms of abuse, overdose symptoms differ among drugs. The following are some of the common overdose signs for stimulants and depressants.

  • Depressants: disorientation, decreased breathing or lack of breathing; sounds indicating a blocked airway, such as snoring or gurgling; blue lips or fingertips, unconsciousness, and lack of response to any type of stimulation.
  • Stimulants: agitation, confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, pain in the chest, paranoia, and troubles breathing.

In addition, various drugs may cause seizure (such as certain stimulants), while others, like opioids, may cause coma—either of these circumstances may result in death. Should a person choose to mix various types of drugs—such as two types of a depressant—the risk and dangers of overdose increase even more. Lastly, it is important to realize that an overdose may be accidental or intentional; regardless of how it occurs, a person needs help.

What To Do If You Suspect Overdose

First, if you suspect overdose because a person is unconscious, try saying the person’s name or stimulating him or her in some way. If there is no response, carefully roll the person to the side, in order to make it easier to breathe—in the case of a blocked airway, this can help open it and also helps to keep a person from choking should he or she begin vomiting. Otherwise, a person could aspirate their vomit, endangering their life. It is imperative that you strive to prevent the individual from taking any more drugs. It is necessary to get a person to medical care as soon as possible, so the sooner you contact emergency services, the better.

DrugRehab.org Prescription Drug Overdose Symptoms If There Is No Response, Carefully Roll

If you are not sure how to perform first aid or CPR, emergency services should be able to assist you with CPR instructions. Beyond this, MedlinePlus suggests that you take certain measures in preparation for treatment. It can be helpful if you prepare information about the individual and their state, including their name, age, weight and condition; what drug or drugs they took and how much, and also the time they last used the drug. MedlinePlus also suggests collecting “all drug containers and any remaining drug samples or the person’s vomit and take them to the hospital.” Overall, stay with the person until help can be reached—try to reassure the person that everything is alright and to make him or her as comfortable and as calm as possible until help arrives.

How To Find Help For Substance Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is not just a person taking an occasional extra dose but a real problem which could lead to overdose, or worse. Because of this risk, it is best to seek treatment for people afflicted with substance abuse or addiction. If a person has overdosed, after they have been properly stabilized, a detoxification period will first be necessary to rid the body of the harmful chemicals. After that, treatment can begin.

Methods of treatment vary for different people, but some include behavioral therapy, counseling, and medication. Behavioral therapy teaches participants to focus on abstinence and to engage in lifestyle habits which promote abstinence. Counseling helps a person work through the diverse thoughts and feelings which result from both drug use and recovery. Medication can help a person to deal with the harsh withdrawal period and may aid in overcoming intense cravings.

If a person needs a long-term treatment plan, it may be best to undergo recovery in an inpatient drug rehab facility. Stays can range from 30 to 120 days and beyond, and many facilities offer resources to connect participants with financial aid or even allow sliding fee pay scales. Whatever treatment is needed, it is important to have connections to resources and professional help on your side.

Recover Today

Contact us if you or a loved are considering treatment.If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, you don’t have to wait until overdose occurs to reach out for help. We have professionals dedicated to helping you find the right treatment and who will provide you with the information you need to make the best decision. We can also help you develop a prescription drug abuse prevention plan to aid in preventing the many risks of this abuse. Contact us today at DrugRehab.org to learn more.

Sources

Mayo Clinic — Prescription Drug Abuse
National Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence — Drug Overdose: A Medical Emergency
National Institute On Drug Abuse For Teens — Drug Facts: Prescription Depressant Medications
U.S. National Library of Medicine — Seizures associated with poisoning and drug overdose.
MedlinePlus — Drug use first aid

Can Hydromorphone Treat Heroin Addiction?

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Can Dilaudid Treat Heroin Addiction

Since the introduction of opioid-based medication therapies, those struggling with heroin addiction can find relief while undergoing detox and recovery. The most common medications to date include Methadone, Suboxone, Naltrexone, and Desipramine. A new study has shown that Hydromorphone, an opioid-based medication, can be effective in treating heroin addiction long-term.

This new research is known as the Study to Assess Longer-Term Opioid Medication Effectiveness (SALOME), and was published in JAMA Psychiatry. This research has concluded that hydromorphone was as effective as prescription heroin (diacetylmorphine) for individuals who could not find relief from other treatments.

The Opiate Epidemic

Can Hydromorphone Treat Heroin Addiction_1-03In the United States, an opioid epidemic has been recognized by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The number of overdose death from opioid use has nearly quadrupled since 1999. This is due in part to the significant increase in opiate medication prescriptions and has prompted more strict regulations on prescribing physicians. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM):

  • 1.9 million Americans have had a substance abuse disorder involving prescription pain relievers in 2014.
  • 586,000 had a substance abuse disorder involving heroin.
  • An estimated 23% of individuals who use heroin develop addiction.
  • Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the US with over 47,055 overdoses in 2014. Heroin is responsible for 18,893 of those deaths or nearly half.
  • In 2008, the prescriptions for opioid pain relievers had quadrupled since 1999, as have the number of lethal overdose cases.
  • The number of admissions for substance abuse disorders were over six times greater in 2008 than in 1999.
  • In 2012, 259 million prescriptions were written for opioids.
  • In 2014, 94% of surveyed heroin users claimed to become dependent on prescription opioids first and turned to heroin because the drug was less expensive and easier to obtain.
  • Opioid-related deaths have increased by 6% per year from 2000 to 2010 and increased an average of 37% per year from 2010 to 2013.

The opioid epidemic has caused a significant increase in the abuse of heroin. In turn, researchers have worked diligently to help fix what has already become a national problem. With the introduction of Hydromorphone as an opioid addiction treatment, it’s another step toward a better recovery system.

What Are The Benefits Of Hydromorphone?

Hydromorphone is an opioid agonist which allows for a monitored tapering, as well as relief from the withdrawals of lessened opioid exposure. The recent studies have found benefits from the utilization of Hydromorphone. Most notably:

  • Researchers in Vancouver, WA followed 202 participants who received either injectable hydromorphone or diacetylmorphine for six months.
  • It was concluded that the effectiveness of hydromorphone was equivalent to that of diacetylmorphine.
  • Researchers noted an 80%v retention period over six months and recorded a significant reduction of illegal activities within days.
  • Hydromorphone can be administered orally, rectally, or as an injection.

Can Hydromorphone Treat Heroin Addiction_1-04In light of the staggering rise in heroin usage in the United States, researchers have resolved to find alternative methods of relief. Opioid-based medications are found to best aid in addiction recovery. Hydromorphone is a potential answer to patients who are non-responsive to previous treatments. While these findings can help many people struggling to recover from heroin addiction, time will tell if the benefits outweigh the risk.

What Are The Risks Of Hydromorphone?

With every medication-based addiction treatment, there are risks and benefits. The biggest concern is the similarities between heroin and Hydromorphone. An agonist, Hydromorphone is in the same class as heroin. Even with monitoring, there is a chance that the drug could be misused. Some of the risks from the use of Hydromorphone include:

  • Allergic reactions to the drug, such as rash, itching, hives, and swelling.
  • Respiratory problems.
  • Changes in vision, dizziness, and confusion.
  • Feeling faint, seizures, and heart palpitations.
  • Insomnia, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
  • Flushing, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Interactions with other drugs and alcohol.
  • Cannot be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Withdrawal symptoms if drug is discontinued.
  • Hyperalgesia (sensitivity to stimuli) when dosage is increased.
  • Possibility of overdose if misused, or combined with other opioids.

Could Hydromorphone Help?

While those risks are worth considering, the pros of hydromorphone highly outweigh the negatives. Studies have concluded great success with the use of Hydromorphone for those struggling with heroin addiction.

In some cases, multiple relapse is due to non-effective means of treatment. It is clear that Hydromorphone would not be recommended for people who are able to stop with more commonly used medications, such as antagonists and partial agonists. If you’re experiencing severe trouble with recovering from heroin addiction, you may benefit from Hydromorphone in the future.

Learn More Today

Contact Us About DrugRehab.org ServicesIf you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, there are many medication-aided treatments from which to choose. Going over options and becoming well-informed is important to making a good decision. And don’t forget that the caring staff at DrugRehab.org is here to help you in your journey.

Does Long-Term Drug Rehab Equal Long-Term Sobriety?

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Does Long Term Drug Rehab Equal Long Term Sobriety?

Short-term rehab has often been the choice for many people who wanted a quick return to sobriety, but a 2014 case in Pennsylvania forced one family to push for something called “Anthony’s Act,” a law that was to make 90-day (or long-term) rehabilitation the minimum length of stay. But does long-term drug rehab really equal long-term sobriety?

The Benefits Of Long-Term Rehab

Repeated studies have shown that long-term rehab is the most effective way for a person to achieve long-time sobriety. This doesn’t discount the effectiveness of short-term rehabilitation in certain cases. But relapse rates fall heavily when a person spends more time working on their addiction recovery treatment.

Why is long-term rehab more effective? Simply put, it gives you more time to address the concerns that lead to drug addiction. In shorter programs, more than half of your stay is dedicated to treating physical addiction through detoxification. This leaves less time to work on the psychological and behavioral aspects, which are often the hardest things to change.

In a long-term rehab program, detoxification will take up only 10-14 days of your 90-day (or more) visit. As a result, you’ll devote over two months learning more about your addiction and undergoing treatments as diverse as:

The best part about long-term rehab is that it gives you time to fine-tune your treatment and choose the best option for your needs. So if you are struggling to make headway in personal counseling, you can adjust to group counseling or even a cognitive behavioral therapy treatment. In fact, you may even be able to combine multiple methods for a more holistic treatment.

Relapse Doesn’t Necessarily Indicate Treatment Failure

Anti-rehabilitation groups often point to relapse statistics as an example of treatment failure. And it is true that a certain percentage of people treated for drug addiction will suffer from a relapse. This is true even of long-term rehab, though the relapse numbers are usually much lower than with short-term rehab treatments.

The truth is, relapses are a difficult thing for any person in recovery to avoid. After all, their addiction doesn’t disappear simply because they finish rehab. Instead, they’ve cleaned their body of the offending substance and learned new ways to fight cravings and dependency. All through their life, they will face moments of temptation.

Sometimes, these moments will be too difficult to handle. And while relapse isn’t inevitable, it can happen to anyone, regardless of their treatment length stay. However, rehabilitation helps teach them to understand the nature of relapse and how to pull out of the spiral more quickly.

Learning these lessons over an extended period of time helps a person reinforce coping strategies and recovery methods that help minimize the damage caused by relapse. In that way, relapse isn’t a failure, but a way for a person to prove their strength in recovery. And that strength will only be reinforced through long-term rehab stays.

Long-Time Recovery Requires A Life-Long Investment

Long-term rehabilitation puts you in the best position for long-term recovery by teaching and reinforcing the tools you need to fight cravings and recover from relapses. Short-term rehab is useful for learning the basics of the process or reinforcing these lessons later in life. However, long-term rehab gives you more time to practice these methods and master them.

It also gives you access to crucial aftercare designed to help strengthen your commitment and your new coping skills. It can also help place you in a half-way or three-quarter-way house and even find you a job after you leave treatment. These benefits are harder to obtain in short-term treatment.

Learn More

Contact us to find out if long term rehab is right for you.While no rehabilitation treatment is without its drawbacks, long-term rehab has been shown, time and time again, to be the most effective way to learn the coping mechanisms required for a drug-free life. If you or someone you love if suffering from a difficult addiction, please contact us at DrugRehab.org. We can help you find a rehab center near you that can get you back on the right track.

The Benefits Of A Sober Living Coach

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The Benefits Of A Sober Living Coach

Imagine that you are leaving a rehabilitation facility to rejoin the outside world. With new-found sobriety, coping with daily life without revisiting old habits may prove challenging. Rehab facilities provide a multitude of coping skills with treatment, but additional help may be needed, once released, to stay on track. A sober living coach may be a valuable ally in maintaining sobriety for many people in need of help.

What Is A Sober Living Coach?

A sober living coach is a dedicated worker, focused on continuing rehabilitation. He or she will provide long-term care to the client, helping to adopt positive lifestyle choices to prevent relapse. Additionally, sober living coaches and sponsors:

  • May work for a facility, in a group, or as an independent agent
  • Are often on-call 24 hours/day
  • May specialize in certain addictions (e.g. drugs, eating disorders, gambling)
  • Services may be covered by insurance, or provided by the rehab facility
  • Can aid families in intervention and communication

A sober living coach typically enters this career path with a passion to help. They have experience in the field of recovery, and work diligently to improve the lives of clients. The involvement of the coach is entirely up to the client. From daily calls to collecting resources, a sober living coach is ready and willing to assist anyone in need of support.

Benefits Of Having A Sober Living Coach

A sober living coach provides companionship after rehabilitation, assisting the client in establishing healthy routines, and providing gentle re-entry into the community. With an astonishingly high success rate, coaches are widely sought after as a means of full recovery. For many addicted individuals, the outside world can seem new and surreal. Long-term addiction may render some recovering from addiction are incapable of adjustment to a new lifestyle. A sober living coach can benefit someone in recovery by:

  • Providing companionship to those in recovery
  • Assisting in rebuilding relationships
  • Providing guidance for self-sufficiency and bolstering recovery
  • Accompanying person in recovery to treatments, grocery store, meetings, and family events
  • Establishing a course of action for temptation
  • Helping the recovering individual deal with conflict in a positive way

Some coaches are recovered from addiction themselves and have maintained sobriety over several years. For many in recovery, this gives hope for the future that sobriety can be maintained. While all of those in recovery from addiction need support in recovery, a sober living coach can be most beneficial to addicted persons who have previously relapsed, or those needing an extra push to stay sober.

Families Can Benefit, Too

When an addicted individual has hit rock bottom, loved ones can feel exhausted and helpless. When he or she returns from recovery, the family may face new challenges. Some may feel that monitoring behavior will prevent relapse, but might experience trouble if the approach is too intrusive. A sober living coach offers relief to loved ones, offering one-on-one expertise and assistance that may otherwise be unobtainable. Family and friends are better equipped to continue with daily lives, worrying less about the risk of relapse or negative behaviors. The valuable guidance provided to the person in recovery may also prove beneficial in rebuilding once-strained relationships. Strengthening the support system will ensure a positive step toward lasting recovery for everyone.

We Can Help

Contact us to learn more about connecting with a sober coachSobriety can be a very long, challenging road for those addicted to drugs or alcohol and their families. Sober living coaches can provide the relief necessary to keep addiction in check and boost the chances of a full rehabilitation. The caring staff at DrugRehab.org is here to assist you in your journey to recovery. Contact us today for more information on connecting with a facility or coach in your area.

How Effective Is A 30-Day Inpatient Drug Rehab Program?

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How Effective is a 30-Day Inpatient Drug Rehab Program

If you are among the millions of Americans that struggle from drug addiction, there is no better time than now to seek help and attend a rehab to start a new life. Inpatient programs, considered the most effective, can last from 30, 60, 90, or more days. If you are interested in a 30-day program, you might be wondering if it is a truly effective option.

Short-Term Treatment

Although a 30-day program may seem long, it is considered a short-term treatment when compared to longer rehab stays of 60 or 90 days. With any type of treatment approach, your personal story and circumstances will help determine what program is right for you and a 30-day program may be all your need.

It may help to think of drug addiction like an iceberg. In this analogy, many people only see the surface problems of addiction (damage to your mental and physical health, money issues, relationship troubles, problems at work or school). However, addiction is a multi-faceted problem and there is much more that often lies beneath the surface of the iceberg. Addiction can affect a person psychologically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Many addicted individuals also struggle from other mental health disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Sometimes a person’s history of physical or sexual abuse can be a factor into drug addiction. Depending on how long a patient has been abusing drugs and the time it will take to recover will determine if a short-term treatment such as a 30-day program is right for them.

Pros And Cons

It is vital to consider the pros and cons of attending a 30-day inpatient program in order to decide whether or not you want to sign up for a program like this or for a longer program. The decision to attend a longer program is difficult for many people, so it’s worth considering the following:

Pros:

  • Less time consuming: A 30-day program takes less time to complete and helps a person return to their life in a quicker fashion. For people with children or a demanding job, this can be essential.
  • Minimal life disruption: Some people put off attending an inpatient rehab for your addiction because they are “too busy.” If your life is demanding (such as school or family demands) choosing a 30-day treatment program may be perfect for you. You can focus on getting the help you need while still feeling that you will not be “absent” from daily life for months at a time.
  • Less expensive: While money should never deter you from seeking help, 30-day inpatient treatments cost less because they are shorter.
  • Very focused: People in 30-day programs have very little idle time: they will be receiving a full rehabilitation treatment plan in a condensed time frame. As a result, they will be heavily focused on success and will have little time to think about relapse or other problematic concerns.

Cons:

  • Future frustrations: For many people, 30-day treatments offer an effective and rewarding treatment program. However, other people need more help. For example, some patients spend their first two weeks in the withdrawal stages. This leaves two weeks to work on other addiction concerns.
  • Research points towards longer stays: While plenty of people have obtained a sober lifestyle after a 30-day rehab stay, research has shown that people who attend a 60-90 day program increase their chances of success and decrease their relapse rate.

Contact Us

Contact us, we can help you find 30-day inpatient program to help you recover from addiction.While it’s true that longer rehab stays are very effective, this shouldn’t discourage you from a 30-day program. They still offer you plenty of benefits and are usually worth the investment. However, if you’re worried about your addiction severity and want to learn about other options, contact us at DrugRehab.org and we’ll help find the program that is right for you.

Vivitrol: A New Treatment for Opiate Addiction

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Vivitrol: A New Treatment for Opiate Addiction

You’ve decided to seek help for your opiate addiction. Recognizing that you need help for your addiction is the first step towards recovery. Maybe you have researched rehabs or outpatient programs to help you get your life back but it seems overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re here to help. You want to make sure that you receive the proper medical attention (physically and psychologically) for your addiction. And Vivitrol, a new treatment for opiate (and even alcohol) addiction, can help.

If you or someone you know has a current opiate or alcohol addiction, this new drug might be an option worth considering. Vivitrol may be especially effective for those who struggle with taking a pill every day to help keep them on track because this drug is not administered in pill form.

Vivitrol And The New Drug Revolution

Vivitrol is an injectable form of naltrexone. Naltrexone was developed in the 1970s in pill form to treat addiction, but it did not receive much attention until now. Scientists recently made the drug into an injectable form and found that it is very effective in treating opioid or alcohol addictions. Doctors and scientists are excited about this new form of the drug because it is administered through monitored injections. This is the first drug of its kind to be injected once monthly. It is also unique because taking Vivitrol is non-habit forming and stopping treatment does not lead to withdrawal symptoms. It’s a new revolution in treating opioid and alcohol addictions. It is a prescription drug that is used to not only treat alcohol dependence, but it is also administered after an opioid detox to help prevent relapse. If you are addicted to opioids or alcohol, you must stop drinking alcohol and/or stop taking opioids before starting Vivitrol.

Vivitrol And Counseling

While Vivitrol will help individuals struggling to stay sober, it is not to be used as the only method of treatment. Before a patient can use Vivitrol, they must enter a facility first and receive a detoxification treatment. Individuals struggling with an opiate or alcohol addiction must be alcohol and/or opioid free for at least 7 to 14 days before taking Vivitrol. This includes not using the following: street drugs, prescription medications, opioid dependence treatments, buprenorphine, methadone, or medications for cough, cold, or diarrhea. If you use opioids during the 7 to 14 days before Vivitrol, it can lead to disastrous withdrawal symptoms. These sudden withdrawal symptoms are extremely serious and could lead to hospitalization. Clearing your body of opioids and alcohol before treatment is for your safety.

After the patient is free of alcohol and opioids, they can then be administered a Vivitrol treatment by a doctor or qualified medical professional. In some cases, the doctor may decide that the patient may not need a complete detox program. If this is determined, the doctor can administer Vivitrol in a medical facility that can treat sudden withdrawal symptoms if they do occur. Remember that each case is unique and talk with your doctor to discuss what your individual plan will be. Many patients will enter a detoxification treatment.

When the patient has received detoxification treatment and Vivitrol, they must also receive some form of counseling. Vivitrol is not meant to be taken without counseling. An alcohol or opioid addiction is a chronic and relapsing mental disease. Vivitrol works on the physical side of things and will block the pleasurable feelings you had while using opioids and alcohol. However, receiving counseling will focus on your psychological aspects of the addiction. Receiving counseling is very important to your success. Vivitrol (naltrexone) will assist you one month at a time. If a patient suddenly stops using the drug and has not developed coping techniques through a counselor, they run the risk of relapse. Talking with a counselor about underlying problems and learning coping mechanisms along with taking Vivitrol will lead to the highest rates of success.

Vivitrol And Serious Side Effects: What You Need To Know

Taking Vivitrol does not necessarily mean that recovery will be easy. Some have found that they still struggle with cravings. This is why counseling is crucial to your success. Vivitrol may also cause side effects. If you are currently taking or plan to take Vivitrol, be aware of the potential side effects at the injection site. If you experience any of the following side effects at the injection site, call your doctor immediately. Severe reactions could cause tissue death. Injection site reactions could include: swelling, the injection site feeling hard, blisters, extreme pain, open wounds, lumps, or a dark scab.

Perhaps one of the most important things to consider before taking Vivitrol is that the drug could cause severe side effects. There is a huge risk of opioid overdose. Even if a patient tries to use a small dose of an opioid or a dose similar to before treatment, it can lead to accidental overdose, coma, serious injury, or death. While taking Vivitrol, remember that you may be even more sensitive to doses of opioids after detox, when receiving your next injection, missing a dose of Vivitrol, or even stopping the medication. Even a dose that your body was used to before treatment could lead to serious side effects once taking Vivitrol. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty in breathing, become extremely drowsy, have slowed and/or shallow breathing, feel faint or dizzy, have confusion, or have other abnormal symptoms.

Vivitrol And Cost

Vivitrol is one of the most expensive treatment options out there right now. Each month you will visit a doctor and they will administer Vivitrol to you. Each injection costs around $1,000 per month. Vivitrol is a non-habit forming and non-controlled opioid blocker, but it must be prescribed by a doctor. If you are concerned about the cost of the treatment, there are options out there that might be able to help. Visit vivitrol.com and click on the “save on Vivitrol” button in the top right hand corner of the screen. It will lead you to a screen to discuss their co-pay savings program and how it might work for you.

Vivitrol And You

Contact us today to learn more about Vivitrol and other addiction treatment options.If you have tried other opioid or alcohol treatment options, it may be time to try Vivitrol. Talk to your doctor to see if taking Vivitrol is right for you. Remember that you will also need to have other standard treatments such as counseling along with taking Vivitrol. If you have questions about this topic or are seeking help with your opioid or alcohol addiction, we are here to help. Contact us at DrugRehab.org today.

Do Addiction Treatment Programs Teach Patients Life Skills In Addition To Maintaining Sobriety?

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Do Addiction Treatment Programs Teach Patients Life Skills In Addition To Maintaining Sobriety

Whether you are entering a rehab facility for drug or alcohol addiction, it is normal to wonder what life will be like after treatment. Will you be taught life skills and certain ways to cope once you are back into your daily routine? Will you be taught how to maintain your sobriety and increase your chances of success after completing a rehab program? The answer is yes. Without being taught life skills at your rehab facility, your chances of maintaining sobriety are not as strong. Being taught life skills greatly increases your chances of sobriety and it is absolutely necessary to teach life skills in order to “survive in the real world”. Teaching life skills helps individuals get to the root of their drug or alcohol problems so they can face them head on in real life and not just in a facility.

Types Of Life Skills

Some examples of life skills you may be taught include: financial decisions, setting goals, how to live a healthy lifestyle, artistic expressions, problem solving and coping tools, and healthy communication skills. For example, those who are recovering from any addiction, chances are they could have misused their money and are in debt. One of the life skills taught in rehab facilities is being financially responsible with your money. Patients learn to answer questions such as:

  • Now that I’m sober, what is my financial future?
  • What steps can I take to be more responsible with my finances?
  • What are good money decisions I can apply to my life?
  • How can I take control of my financial situation and stay on track now that I’m sober?

Health And Wellness Skills

Another really important life skill that patients are taught is healthy living. Perhaps addiction has caused the patient to neglect personal hygiene or maybe their diet has only consisted of unhealthy foods for years. Some things that may be taught in a facility regarding health and wellness are:

  • Cooking and meal classes
  • Encouraging exercise
  • Eating healthy foods and developing a better understanding of nutritional needs
  • Self-care
  • Cleaning and organizing personal living spaces

Life Skills To Help Cope

With any addiction, sometimes your relationships (family or dating/marriage) suffer a great deal. Many times those suffering from addiction find ways to blame those around them for their problems. In this situation, connecting with those family members or friends and teaching them ways to stop enabling the individual and be more encouraging of decisions that reflect positive living and sobriety. Then, after that, the recovering patient will work with counselors and loved ones to realize they are placing blame incorrectly on their friends and family. The individual will then internalize that their friends and family are not to blame and are there to help.

Introspection is a key to recovery. When the patient self-internalizes that they are the ones to blame for their addiction, this helps break the cycle of their addiction when out in the real world. The patient will be educated about spirituality or connecting with their partner or friends and family to start rebuilding their relationships.

Contact Us

Contact us today to learn more about addiction treatment programsWhile this list of life skills does not include everything one may learn, it helps give a better idea of what areas individuals can expect to address. Life skills are taught to increase your chance of maintaining sobriety after rehab and have been proven to be successful tools on your journey to a full recovery.

The more a patient internalizes their behaviors and applies the life skills they are taught, their chances of long term recovery and sobriety are greatly increased. If you have further questions about this topic or others, please contact us at Drugrehab.org today.

Drug Abuse In The Workplace

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Drug Abuse in the Workplace

For many drug-addicted individuals, the pull of addiction is so strong that it outweighs the desire to remain clean and sober while at work. Indeed, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, full-time workers make up a whopping 60 percent of individuals struggling with substance abuse or dependence. Other research suggests that around 3 million employees use illegal drugs while on the job, and that approximately 2 million workers do the same with alcohol. Substance abuse is bad enough when it occurs on one’s free time. When an addiction begins taking over the workday, however, the consequences—for the individual and for society—become even more apparent.

Signs Of Drug Abuse In The Workplace

Due to the public nature of workplace life, some of the clearest outward signs of addiction are those that manifest at work. It may be as subtle as a tendency to come in late from one’s lunch breaks, or a slight decrease in motivation; or, it may be as severe as numerous missed days without explanation, or a sudden decline in personal hygiene. More and more, employers are learning to take these as signs of an addiction taking its toll.

A Threat To Customers And Coworkers

Perhaps most troubling, is some of the highest rates of drug or alcohol abuse at work can be found among professions in which a lack of attention could result in significant bodily harm. These include jobs devoted to food preparation, construction, and even transportation-related professions like auto repair and light-truck driving. The prospect of food poisoning or a car accident means that substance abuse in the workplace isn’t only a personal problem; it can also pose a very real threat to customers, coworkers, and other innocent bystanders.

Treatment Options Exist

Many businesses are beginning to offer treatment options and prepaid benefits packages specifically for employees struggling with addiction, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). EAPs offer a variety of services, ranging from short-term counseling to referral systems for enrolling employees in rehab centers.

This is a welcome trend—just as society at large is learning to see drug addiction as a treatable disease rather than a crime to be punished, many employers now see the value in getting help to drug-addicted employees rather than simply firing them on the spot. Indeed, the data prove them right. A recent study by the U.S. Department of Labor found that for every dollar an employer invests in an EAP, the result is a savings of as much as $16.

Let Us Help

Contact Us About DrugRehab.org ServicesUnfortunately, not all employers have such an enlightened view of addiction, nor does every employer offer a treatment resource like an EAP. If this is the case for you or a loved one, don’t worry: there are still treatment options out there.

Contact us today at DrugRehab.org, and we’ll find the right one for you.

 

Does Longer Inpatient Drug Rehabilitation Increase Long-Term Recovery Success?

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Does Long Inpatient Drug Rehabilitation Increase Long Term Recovery Success?

Longer inpatient drug rehabilitation increases long-term recovery success. The single critical component to that success? Time. There are factors across the board that can impact the success of a short-term or longer inpatient drug rehabilitation stay, but generally a longer stay in drug rehab is equated with positive outcomes all due to this essential element.

Longer inpatient drug rehabilitation increases long-term recovery success by transitioning an individual time to address not just the addiction, but the underlying factors that contributed to the addiction. It also provides an environment in which a person whose body and mind have been ravaged by addiction can have time to adjust and return to a more balanced state physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Evidence Supports Success Of Longer Inpatient Drug Rehab

Drug addiction behaviors may be stopped, but addiction is a disease with the ever-present possibility for relapse. Recovering from addiction takes time, and for some, a longer inpatient drug rehab program means the needed time and space away from their normal routine to learn to cope with the chronic elements of addiction like management of cravings and external stress. Cravings can be a tormenting force in early relapse and residential or longer duration inpatient care provides the continuum of care and support necessary to help someone succeed long-term

Many studies exist, each examining an array of factors, and nearly all point to the significance of a longer duration of care and support in improving treatment outcomes. One longitudinal study indicated those in drug rehab longer than a 30-day stay, had better employment outcomes following their treatment stay. Others have found that those individuals that stay for the duration of treatment, and continue to participate in meetings and a social network of recovery-oriented people, had far better success at five years than those who did not.

A study comparing four main treatment types for cocaine addiction found that long-term residential programs were more effective than outpatient pharmacological programs, outpatient programs like the 12-step or specialized therapies, and short-term treatment.

As with any form of rehab, whether it be for a physical or health condition, or for drug abuse, reinforcing positive behaviors, proactive actions and intentions, as well as continuing to address those issues that threaten recovery, is one way to increase an individual’s overall success.

Benefits Of Long-term Drug Rehabilitation

Time is the greatest benefit to long-term drug rehabilitation. Someone who is overcoming an addiction to opioids, alcohol, and other highly addictive substances will go through a withdrawal period that can last days to weeks. At the same time, treatment professionals are attempting to identify and treat co-occurring disorders. An individual who has abused drugs for a long time likely has suffered many physical consequences, including changes to diet and exercise that leave the person in a vulnerable state health-wise.

The healing process requires time and attention to these changes as they unfold. In some cases, an individual is physically and mentally in a state to overcome the challenges associated with the post-treatment transition period and is able to achieve recovery, but in many cases, relapse may occur multiple times before recovery is achieved. A long-term residential or outpatient program can reduce relapse rates and help with a smoother transition from rehabilitation to recovery.

Benefits of long-term treatment include:

  • Time for withdrawal period to pass
  • Time to assess and address co-occurring mental disorders
  • Time to address other underlying factors contributing to the addiction
  • Time to heal from the physical side effects of drug or alcohol abuse
  • Time to learn positive coping strategies to reduce chance of relapse
  • Opportunity to learn and reinforce positive behaviors, habits
  • Smoother transition out of treatment and into recovery

Who Benefits From Longer Inpatient Treatment?

Certain populations may benefit specifically from longer inpatient treatment than others. Those dealing with multiple addictions or polysubstance abuse might require more time to adjust to life outside of drug abuse. Others with co-occurring mental disorders need time to stabilize and can benefit from the consistency of care and environment afforded by longer inpatient care.

In other cases, someone may achieve recovery, only to re-enter a toxic living environment or a co-dependent relationship that results in relapse. A longer inpatient drug rehab can provide a network of support and resources to help these individuals achieve stability in their lives as they begin to transition out of treatment.

Individuals suffering with chronic pain or other medical conditions, or someone with a history of relapse may also benefit from a longer inpatient program.

Who might benefit from longer inpatient care?

  • Individuals suffering with polysubstance abuse
  • Those with co-occurring mental disorders
  • Individuals coming from codependent relationships or toxic environments
  • Someone who has previously relapsed multiple times
  • Persons with chronic pain or other medical conditions

Get Help Starting Now For Drug Or Alcohol Addiction

Contact Us About DrugRehab.org ServicesIf you are suffering with an addiction to drugs or alcohol and need, help is here and available around the clock. DrugRehab.org is your online resource connecting you with the evidence-based, compassionate care options and treatment professionals to help you get your life back on track.

Contact us to discover a new and rewarding life in recovery beginning right now.

 

The Benefits of Drug Rehab

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The Benefits of Drug Rehab Rebrand

Rehabilitation for drug addiction comes in many forms and much too often, doesn’t come at all. When an addict doesn’t strive toward their own recovery, families of addicts will often push for their loved ones to seek counseling or attend meetings that encourage better behaviors. Less common, but all the better, some addicts do seek help for their problems and check themselves into a much-needed program. While there are several modes of rehabilitation, medications that dissuade users, therapies that focus on addiction recovery, attending drug rehab is among the highest in success rates.

Drug rehab can be both inpatient, meaning that an addict may stay overnight for the duration of their program, or outpatient, meaning the addict can return home after the day’s activities. During both types of rehabilitation, patients will find that they are given the tools they need to learn about their addiction and proceed toward a healthy future. While one type of drug rehab may be better for a recovering addict than the other, both have their beneficial points in terms of effective recovery and support.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient drug rehab allows for addicts to be in a completely drug-free environment, lending to a positive recovery atmosphere that differs from their usually drug infested lifestyle. While maintaining this atmosphere, many inpatient treatment centers allow for outside activity with 12-step programs, local meetings, and the chance to see through others how recovery can be later integrated into a normal life.

Being inside a facility means that the patient is among others who have experienced similar downfalls. Hearing from and being amongst those who are at a similar point or even further along the path to recovery allows the addict to understand even more about their disease. While having the company of others, the residential facilities also provide extra comforts that make detoxification and overnight stay easier. Spa treatments, religious activities, yoga, and specialized therapy are some of the features of inpatient care. First and foremost, inpatient rehabilitation allows for around-the-clock attention. Those who are binge users or long-time users have a better chance of recovery through this type of intense care.

Outpatient Rehab

While not as intense, outpatient rehab is still a positive experience for those who are primarily struggling to continue in their recovery or are new addicts. Outpatient care can help other addicts as well, but may better suit those who can still experience daily life without delving back into their user lifestyle. This style of rehabilitation is less costly and helps those who are more ready and willing to recover without court mandate or other outside pushes such as intervention. Outpatient rehab can include several program styles such as 12-step program involvement, cognitive behavioral therapy, social education, family treatment, and holistic care. More than anything, outpatient rehab allows for the recovering addict to maintain their routines with work, school, and loved ones. They can be around their normal support systems and not remove themselves entirely from the other aspects of life that they need to adhere to as recovering individuals.

Contact us today. We can help provide you the information you need and answer any questions you may haveNo matter what style of drug rehab an addict attends, the information they receive and the program they become involved in is going to be of a greater advantage than their current life. Drug rehab can benefit any type of addict as the programs are endless with new styles of rehabilitation emerging consistently and many being tailored to the needs of the specific addict with their recovery always being the ultimate goal. Contact us today. We can help provide you the information you need and answer any questions you may have.

Our Son Struggled With Prescription Drug Addiction Until We Found Help

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I Have My Son Back
My Son Is Fully Rehabilitated From Drugs

My son was the youngest of three so we gave him lots of attention and love. My husband and I grew up in a time when there were no drugs available, just alcohol. We do have family members that struggled with alcohol though so the concept of addiction was not foreign to us. When our son reached high school he was doing well in school and sports. He was an up-beat boy who loved to play golf and basketball. He had good group of friends and they all had parents that were very much involved in their kids lives. We had no reason to ever think that our youngest would ever get into drugs, especially hard ones.

In 10th grade I started to notice some changes in his behavior. His grades started slipping, he was on the phone more, and also became withdrawn from the family. He was very angry and started lying as well. One night he can home and smelled like alcohol. We asked about it and he denied drinking but I took it upon myself to call his friend’s parents who were all grateful for me calling. The problem is this did nothing and the bad behavior continued. We found cigarettes on him and a couple of times even found marijuana. When we confronted him on these issues he denied it and to our fault we believed him. I’m not sure if we were in denial or if we were just scared to accept that our beautiful son was now abusing alcohol and marijuana.

His junior year we shipped him off to military school which helped and he got his grades up but unfortunately we let him come back home his senior year and things got out of hand. He was skipping school and not listening to the rules at all. He barely got into college and we thought that he would turn it around if we got him into a school out of state. We were wrong. He failed out his freshman year and came back home. Our son started staying out all night and sometimes not returning home until the next day. He started losing weight and became less motivated. He worked in the restaurant/bar industry which was a haven for drug addiction.

One day, I was doing laundry and found some pills in his pocket. My husband and I went to get them tested and they came up as Percocet. We confronted our son and he came clean. He had been abusing the pills since his senior year and high school. He wanted to go to a percocet drug rehab but was scared to ask for help.

My husband and I found a local detox in our area which he attended. Our son was there for 12 days. The first week he was out he was back on the prescription pain medication again. We researched more about addiction and effective treatment centers. We found that a long term drug rehab was probably best suited and offered the highest success rate. My husband and I sent our son to an out of state, long term facility in which he was there 5 months. That was 10 years ago and now our son is happy. Most important, we have our son back and we are so proud of him. We would recommend a long-term program because he was able to learn life skills and deal with the underlying issues.

Let DrugRehab.org help you help your child. Contact us today.From a mom to another mom, DrugRehab.org helped us find the right program. We really appreciate all the help DrugRehab.org gave us in researching facilities. Thank you and never give up on your child.

Listening To Your Instincts And Helping Someone You Love (Pt. 2)

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…

Oh, he was angry. I knew he would be. I was afraid of what his friends would think of me, afraid that they would think I was a ‘tattletale’. We were all so young and worried about the superficial. Yet at the same time we were all so very strong. And we didn’t even know it. To my relief, when I told his close friends what I had done that day, they stepped up to help. They spoke with his parents too, and together they devised a plan to attract his attention, and attempt an intervention.

A quick stint in a locally-based rehab program failed to reach deep enough, and so a more individualized approach was needed. In their search for help, his parents stumbled upon a long term drug rehab program. And he was on a plane where his life would change forever.

I kept myself busy, and stayed in touch with his friends and family over the next few months, maintaining the status quo. And then, in late autumn I received a handwritten letter from him brimming with honesty and gratitude. He acknowledged how betrayed he initially felt. But then I read the words I had longed to hear him say: You saved my life. I longed for these words not because it spoke to my ego. I longed for them because I was so afraid that I had, quite literally, lost a friend. At that moment my heart soared and started to mend with news of his healing.

He was to graduate soon from a special program that not only helped him physically detoxify, but enabled him to look inside of himself, to address issues that caused his drug use to snowball into addiction, and to free himself from that pain. My dear friend was back, and in better shape than ever: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. His introspection and newfound love and acceptance of self was refreshing, and his plan for the future was inspiring.

He went on to become a role model, and traveled the region educating young kids about the dangers of drugs and the science of addiction. He told them his story. He told them my story. He told OUR story. He reached down into his soul and realized his own essence as a teacher, a motivator, and a beautiful friend, son, and brother.

Contact us for help finding the right alcohol and drug treatment facility for you today.Now his family and our friends shower me with thanks and with admiration to acknowledging the enormity of his success. I quietly accept the thanks, but I emphasize that it is not at all about me. I tell them I may have been a catalyst, but that the awe-inspiring beauty of his recovery is entirely his own.

 

Part 1: Listening To Your Instincts And Helping Someone You Love

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