Month: April 2022

Many of us have heard about the opioid epidemic and the many lives it claims every year. Seven hundred sixty thousand people have died of a drug overdose since 1999. Two out of three drug-related deaths were due to opioid abuse in 2018. 

 

Opioids are very dangerous, and part of the problem may be that some people don’t even realize they are taking opioids. There are a variety of opioids on the market, and a doctor or dealer may not specifically tell you the category of drug they are giving you. But this information is critical as it can make you aware that you are dealing with a highly addictive drug. This article will answer the question, what drugs are opioids, so you are aware of what you or a loved one may be dealing with. 

 

What are Opioids? 

Opioids are naturally derived from poppy plants. They come in the form of a pill or capsule that is often prescribed to relieve pain. They block pain signals from the body to the brain and produce feelings of euphoria. This makes people that take them want more after the effects have worn off. 

Although opioids are meant for medical use only, they are often sold on the street. Many people that are prescribed them become addicted. If they can’t get them from a doctor, they may buy them from a dealer. 

Doing so is quite dangerous because now, no one controls the amount they are taking, so they are more likely to overdose. The product being sold on the street can also be mixed with more dangerous substances than the drug itself.

 

In some instances, people that are unable to find prescription opioids may start doing heroin. Heroin is an illegal opioid that’s a lot more dangerous than prescription varieties. It is linked to a high risk of overdose and the development of other health conditions. 

 

Which Drugs are Opioids? 

Opioids can be classified as followed: 

• Prescription opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin
• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s 50-100 times stronger than morphine
• Heroin, an illegal opioid sold on the street

 

How Do Opioids Affect the Brain?

When opioids enter the body, they bind to opioid receptors in the brain. In doing so, they block feelings of pain that run from the brain to the nervous system. This makes them effective in providing pain relief.

Opioids also stimulate the rewards center of the brain. They boost serotonin and dopamine-producing feelings of euphoria. When they wear off, people tend to want more. This is part of what makes them so addictive. 

 

After a while, opioids will start to produce negative effects on the brain. The rewards system will start to break down to overstimulation. This will make the person start to grow a tolerance to opioids, so they need to take more to get the same results. It will also make them excessively depressed when opioids are not in their system. 

 

Opioids will also disrupt brain circuits involved in impulse control. This will make it difficult for the person to handle cravings for opioids. It can also cause mood swings which lead to troubled relationships and other issues.

 

How to Find Opioid Addiction Treatment

Because opioid addiction is such a serious issue, you can bet that there are a lot of facilities that offer treatment. But how do you find the one that’s right for you? You must consider the atmosphere, the staff-to-patient ratio, the types of treatment offered, and other factors. If you do some research, you will find that Refine Recovery checks off all the boxes for inpatient treatment in Southern California. 

 

Refine Recovery is a luxury rehab center in Beverly Hills. We offer world-class individualized treatment, compassionate, quality care, and multiple paths to recovery. We provide a comprehensive treatment plan that includes detox and residential inpatient care. We follow up with aftercare planning in Beverly Hills to ensure you have the tools you need to maintain sobriety. 

Opioids are powerful drugs that can significantly reduce the quality of life. Don’t let them get the best of you. Call Refine Recovery for the quality of care you need. Our admission staff are on hand day or night to provide you with the level of care you deserve.

The long-term effects of alcohol abuse are long-lasting and can last for months or years if the individual getting help doesn’t learn how to cope with their sobriety early on. Alcohol addiction is a chronic and relapsing disorder that works against an individual at every turn. 

 

Getting help for addiction is challenging, and each individual’s needs can be unique. However, Refine Recovery is here for clients who are ready for change. At Refine Recovery, we offer comprehensive detox and inpatient treatment in Beverly Hills, created to help individuals battle addiction challenges and come out on the other side with a sober future. 

 

Is Alcohol Addictive?

Yes. Alcohol is an addictive substance that intoxicates the body and creates changes in the body’s thought and physical action process. Long-term effects of alcohol abuse include permanent damage and changes to the body’s functions. 

 

Alcohol works as a system depressant. Through this process, alcohol lowers inhibitions causing individuals to interact in risky activities they might otherwise not and say things they may otherwise keep to themselves. The calming depression of the body’s systems brought on by alcohol consumption can create positive feelings for those with anxiety. For example, individuals with social anxiety will often drink alcohol to loosen up and feel less nervous about engaging others in conversation. 

 

Consuming alcohol doesn’t just impact the brain, though. It also affects the body’s processes for diluting and removing toxins. For example, the liver acts to metabolize vitamins and toxins in the body. However, overuse can cause the liver to fail. Additionally, addictive alcohol consumption can damage the kidneys as they work to remove waste from the body.

 

What are the Signs of Alcohol Abuse?

The signs of alcohol abuse, especially the long-term effects of alcohol abuse, can be challenging to identify, but they are present. Alcohol addiction may start as misuse, but several noticeable instances characterize problematic drinking and maltreatment.

 

Misuse of alcohol includes consuming it underage, binge drinking, and taking it while consuming contraindicated medications. Unfortunately, misuse of alcohol is common in problematic drinking habits that evolve into addiction. The main difference is that individuals who misuse alcohol and are considered problem drinkers can stop drinking if they feel it is necessary or see the damage it is causing.

 

Individuals addicted to alcohol will be able to see the damage they’re creating and still won’t be able to stop drinking. The signs of alcohol abuse include interruption of every aspect of an individual’s life. They will struggle in the workplace, at home, and socially based on their access to alcohol. 

 

Because of how it intoxicates the body, individuals addicted to alcohol are often less responsible, more forgetful, more likely to be injured in an accident, more likely to cause accidents, and more likely to get into legal trouble. 

 

How Does Alcohol Effect the Body?

Alcohol impacts the brain and other organs of the body by intoxicating the system. It can affect the brain, esophagus, stomach, kidney, liver, and intestines. Alcohol as a depressant can also impact the lungs and other parts of the digestive system. 

 

Alcohol has been directly linked to several types of cancer, organ failure, and mental health disorders. Its effect on the body is invasive and devastating. 

 

Individuals who consume alcohol often experience bouts of depression. It can also enhance personality disorders like bipolar disorder. Additionally, individuals who frequently drink alcohol excessively have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.

 

What are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse?

The long-term effects of alcohol abuse are devastating to the body. The constant toxic input slows the organs down and damages them in the process. As a result, individuals addicted to alcohol often have shorter life expectancies and are at a higher risk of needing an organ transplant. According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Disease, alcoholic liver disease is the top most common cause. 

 

Additionally, individuals who abuse alcohol are more likely to have severe bouts of depression that are not curred when the toxins leave the body and an increased risk of other mental health disorders like bipolar disorder and trauma. 

 

How to Find Alcohol Abuse Treatment

Alcohol abuse treatment is available in your area today. At Refine Recovery, we work to get clients the help they need the day they feel they’re ready. Our expert staff is available and ready to help you on your recovery journey today.

Refine Recovery is a comprehensive rehab center in Beverly Hills ready to help you today. Contact Refine Recovery today to learn about our Beverly Hills detox and addiction treatment programs.

If you wonder if your spouse is an alcoholic, you may be looking for signs that alcohol is taking a priority role in their lives. It is essential to note which factors impact them most and how you can help. 

 

At Refine Recovery, we work with individuals and families to create addiction treatment plans that address specific needs and concerns of individuals and their loved ones. Our Beverly Hills detoxification and inpatient residential program combine to provide individuals with top-notch treatment and focused care. 

 

Today, speak with an admissions counselor to see how our Beverly Hills treatment programs can help your loved one today.

 

What are the Signs of Alcoholism?

Alcoholism has many different signs that impact how individuals interact with their loved ones, friends, and work. In addition, individuals struggling with an alcohol use disorder display social and physical symptoms of addiction.

 

Individuals addicted to alcohol may spend a significant amount of time drinking or thinking about drinking. In addition, they may spend a considerable amount of time recovering from drinking. 

 

Signs that an individual is an alcoholic will be visible at work and in their social life. Alcoholics will have an increased number of absences from work or school. They may also fall behind in responsibilities or grades, as they spend a lot of time-consuming alcohol and recovering from intoxication. 

 

An alcoholics’ social life will also be impacted by alcoholism. This may include binge drinking and irresponsible behavior in front of others. 

 

How Do I Know Is My Spouse an Alcoholic?

A close loved one may notice psychosocial and physical symptoms of addiction first. Likewise, a loved one addicted to substances may see behavioral changes first. For example, preferred activities will be ignored, responsibilities will be neglected, and violent words and behavior may occur when an individual drinks too much. 

 

You may also notice physical symptoms that your spouse is drinking. For example, their reactions may be sluggish and slow, and they may shake or pass out and be unable to wake. 

 

If you believe your spouse is an alcoholic, it is essential to remember that it is not your fault. Individuals handle alcohol differently and use it for different purposes. Sometimes that can be detrimental. You must also not forget to set and maintain your boundaries so that you can let your spouse know that you disapprove of their actions.

 

How to Convince a Loved One to Get Help

While it may seem like a good idea to convince your loved one to get help, it is essential to consider what is best for them. Convincing your loved one to get help can be done in two different ways. First, you can get help to stage an intervention and set boundaries that include rehabilitation. But you must remember that the decision is up to the addicted loved one. 

 

If you plan to stage an intervention, it is crucial to reach out to your intended rehabilitation center to see if they can provide you with intervention support or recommend a treatment center that can. Interventions can be very supportive and helpful or set people back and delay change. In addition, interventions should look to inform the individual on how their words and actions have impacted their loved ones. 

 

Another way to help a loved one realize you are serious about them attending rehab is to set boundaries that include getting addiction treatment help. When you set limits that indicate what you will and won’t expect, they will either get help or not, and you can see what they feel is most important to them. This process can be as demanding on you as it is on them. 

 

How to Find an Alcohol Treatment Center for My Spouse

When looking for alcohol treatment centers for your spouse, it is essential to consider what they need. At Refine Recovery, we work with clients to determine each person’s recovery goal and how that fits into our rehabilitation program. At Refine Recovery, we help clients work their way through detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation in Beverly Hills designed to meet their needs. Through this process, each person can access addiction treatment that focuses on their best chance of rehabilitation and sobriety.

Contact Refine Recovery to see how we can help your loved one on the path to total recovery today.

Opioid abuse is all too prevalent in America and around the world. According to 2019 statistics, 10.1 million people 12 and over misused opioids in the past year. 9.7 million misused prescription pain relievers, while 745,000 used heroin. 

 

Opioid addiction is not easy to fight, but if you catch it early on, you have better chances of overcoming it. Therefore, it’s important to spot dependency issues before they get out of hand. This article will discuss the signs of opioid abuse, so you know what to look out for.

 

Which Drugs are Opioids? 

There are three main types of opioids as follows: 

• Natural opiates like alkaloids are nitrogen-based chemical compounds that can be found in plants. They include codeine, morphine, and thebaine. 
• Semi-synthetic opioids are created in labs and made with natural opiates. They include hydromorphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin. 
• Fully synthetic artificial opioids include pethidine, fentanyl, dextropropoxyphene, methadone, tramadol, dextropropoxyphene, and levorphanol. 

Opioids can further be broken down into legal and illegal drugs. All the drugs listed above are legal except for heroin. However, many people become addicted to opioids, including prescribed varieties, and take amounts that exceed the legal dose. 

 

How Do Opioids Affect the Body? 

When opioids enter the body, they bind to receptors in the gastrointestinal tract and the central and peripheral nervous systems. They block pain signals that travel from the brain to the rest of the body and are often prescribed for pain relief. 

The drugs also activate the rewards center in the brain and release endorphins that increase feelings of pleasure and wellbeing. When those ‘good feelings’ wear off, a person wants them back. This is the main reason why opioids are so addictive. 

 

What are the Signs of Opioid Addiction? 

The first signs of opioid abuse include increased tolerance. You will begin needing more of the drug to get the same pain-killing and euphoric effects. 

You may go to a doctor and ask for an increased dose. If your request is denied, you may begin sourcing your drugs from the street. This can be a dangerous proposition as the drugs could be mixed with dangerous ingredients. Many people turn to heroin when they can’t find the opioids they need to fuel their addiction. 

Other signs of opioid use are withdrawal symptoms. These occur because the body gets so used to having the drug in its system that it is unable to function without it. Common symptoms of opioid withdrawal include: 

• Muscle aches
• Anxiety 
• Restlessness
• Digestive issues
• Difficulty sleeping
• Excessive sweating
• Chills
• Dilated pupils
• Rapid heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Teary eyes

 

People know that the only way to get rid of these symptoms short-term is to do more of the drug. They are part of what makes it so hard to quit. 

Other signs of opioid abuse include: 

• Changes in sleep habits
• Dishonest behavior 
• Weight loss
• Lack of self-care
• Lack of interest in the things you once loved
• Financial difficulties
• Legal difficulties
• Flu-like symptoms
• Drowsiness
• Decreased libido

 

What Opioid Treatment Program is Most Effective? 

With opioid addiction being such a prevalent issue, you can bet that there are plenty of rehabs that offer treatment. But determining which program is most effective is not easy to do. 

It’s important to choose a facility that works out customized plans that are best suited to each client’s needs. They should take a dual diagnosis approach that simultaneously treats the addiction and its underlying cause. A good staff-to-patient ratio and a pleasant environment are also important. 

When you consider all these factors, you will find that Refine Recovery checks off all the boxes. 

Refine Recovery is a boutique luxury drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility in the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills. We offer world-class, individualized addiction treatments in Southern California, a judgment-free, compassionate staff, and multiple paths to recovery. We provide assisted detox and residential care and follow-up with comprehensive aftercare planning. 

Opioid addiction is difficult to overcome but being aware of the signs of opioid abuse can help you address it early on. If you detect dependency issues in yourself or a loved one, do not hesitate to reach out to Refine Recovery. We will assist you in attaining the high quality of life you deserve.