The Signs of Drug Addiction Relapse

The Signs of Drug Addiction Relapse

Maintaining sobriety for a person struggling with drug addiction can be an everyday challenge. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people recovering from addiction often experience at least one relapse. Although the potential for relapse is present, understanding the warning signs of drug addiction relapse can be greatly beneficial in reducing its impact or avoiding relapse altogether. 

What Is a Drug Addiction Relapse?

Relapse is the return to drug or alcohol use after maintaining a period of sobriety. Because addiction is a chronic disease, relapse can occur regardless of how long a person has been in recovery. The rate at which people in recovery will relapse according to research is similar to that of other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as asthma or hypertension. 

Relapse is broken down into three stages: 

Emotional: Often the first stage of relapse, occurring before a recovering person even begins to think about using again. Negative emotional responses, including moodiness, anger or anxiousness may be felt, in addition to changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

Mental: Usually the second stage of the process of drug addiction relapse, this is typically when a person experiences internal struggle during recovery. They may want to remain sober but part of them is battling their inner side that wants to use again. When this phase arises, it can be difficult for a person to stop their thought process without proper support and it can be very difficult for them to battle, often leading to them giving into their thoughts about using again.

Physical: The physical aspect of relapse occurs when a person actually uses or consumes the substance, physically breaking their sobriety. This can lead to intense cravings to continue to use the substance(s), potentially causing the person to enter into active addiction again. 

Drug Addiction Relapse Triggers

Different people experience different triggers that cause them to succumb to temptation, including:

  • Stressful environments, such as a doctor’s office or hospital
  • Relationship issues
  • Family or friends who misuse alcohol or drugs
  • Environments, such as parties, where people use alcohol and drugs
  • Feeling bored
  • Stressful situations in life, such as finals for college students or work reviews

What Are the Signs of Drug Addiction Relapse?

It is important for those in recovery to learn the signs of drug addiction relapse, but it is also important that friends and family be educated on what to look for, including potential triggers to help their loved one along the way. 

Some of the top warning signs of drug addiction relapse include:

  • Asking to borrow money, especially if the person repeatedly asks. 
  • Theft, which could take the form of items suddenly disappearing from your home, including jewelry, clothing, electronics, etc.
  • Changes in hygiene and physical appearance.
  • Denial or defensiveness toward your concerns about their behavior.
  • Missing therapy sessions or meetings.
  • Impulsivity, including any actions that seem out of character.
  • Sudden changes in mood, including irritability, dissent, anger, anxiety, etc.
  • Reconnecting with previous contacts, especially old acquaintances or friends who the person cut ties during recovery to reduce temptation.

How To Get Help With a Drug Addiction Today

Just as with other chronic disease conditions, treatment does not cure an individual of the disease of addiction. It does however help patients to manage addiction through medication, therapies, and/or education that teaches healthy coping skills. These efforts are proven to have the ability to counteract effects on the brain while encouraging change from destructive behaviors. 

Refine Recovery understands how critical it is to have the right support in place during drug addiction recovery. Our staff is ready to help you or your loved one through the recovery process, whether you are at the beginning of the road or have hit a bump and are ready to get back on track with your sobriety.  Contact us today to get started.

The Signs of Being Addicted to Prescription Drugs

The Signs of Being Addicted to Prescription Drugs

When a doctor prescribes a drug to a patient, it is meant to make them feel better and improve their health. It’s hopeful that the drug will relieve symptoms to the point where the patient no longer needs to take it. 

But in some instances, it doesn’t work out that way. 

Sometimes, people begin taking more of a drug hoping it will provide increased relief. In time an addiction will form, and the person will incur health problems that may be worse than those they were initially treated for. 

Being addicted to prescription drugs can be debilitating. Addiction is a disease that can rob you of your ability to enjoy life. Yet so many people suffer with addiction including those who became dependent on medications prescribed under a doctor’s care. 

Read on to find out more about the signs of being addicted to prescription drugs and what you can do to get help. 

What Are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs are drugs that require a medical prescription before they can be dispensed. They are made to treat specific health symptoms and conditions. 

What Are the Most Common Prescription Drugs?

There are many types of prescription drugs on the market but Vicodin is the most frequently prescribed. Vicodin is a pain killer that belongs to the opioid family. Opioids are responsible for a good amount of prescription drug addiction in America. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 21% to 29% of patients who are prescribed opioid drugs end up misusing them. 8% to 12% of those people develop an addiction. 

What Are the Signs of Being Addicted to Prescription Drugs? 

Here are some signs of being addicted to prescription drugs:

Needing More of the Drug to Get the Same Effect: Addiction usually begins when people start taking doses of the drug that exceed the prescription. This causes the body to build up a tolerance. This means the person will need to continue increasing their dosage to get the same effect. 

They Experience Withdrawal Symptoms: In time, the user will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms if they don’t have the drug in their system. Symptoms include nausea, chills, fever, vomiting and confusion. They will need to take the drug just to feel normal. 

They Go to the Streets: Once users become addicted to a drug, they may begin asking their doctor for a higher dosage. It is unlikely the doctor will increase the prescription so the user may begin sourcing their drugs from the street. They run the risk of taking substances that are mixed with toxic ingredients. Many opioid users use heroin if they can’t find the drug they are dependent on.

Additionally, addiction can cause behavioral, mental and physical issues such as mood swings, cardiovascular conditions, malnutrition, legal problems and more. 

Getting Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction

Addiction is not easy to deal with, but fortunately, there are recovery options. Refine Recovery is one of the best in the nation.

Refine Recovery offers a three-part treatment that begins with an assisted detox process. Patients are supervised throughout this phase to ensure relapse doesn’t happen and that they are kept as comfortable as possible. 

Next patients are assessed for a customized therapy program. They will learn healthy coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use. 

The final stage is aftercare. The clinic continues to offer therapy after patients graduate the program, so they get the support they need as they adjust back to the ‘real world’.

All treatment takes place in a luxury facility located in Beverly Hills, CA.

Prescription drugs can help patients overcome medical issues, but it is not uncommon for an addiction to form. If you become dependent on prescription drugs, reach out to Refine Recovery. We will give you the care you need to make it through. 

Luxury Treatment Centers in Los Angeles Explained

Luxury Treatment Centers in Los Angeles for Addiction Treatment Explained

When it comes to deciding which rehabilitation program is best for you or a loved one, it can be overwhelming because there are many types of programs and facilities to choose from. Some programs take you into the wilderness for therapy, some offer rooms that seem somewhat like a dorm room, and others offer luxurious amenities. These luxury treatment centers in Los Angeles are a popular option among those battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. 

What Are Luxury Treatment Centers in Los Angeles?

Luxury treatment centers in Los Angeles have dedicated drug and alcohol rehab facilities that combine evidence-based treatment methods with upscale amenities at resort-style rehab centers. Patients can expect help for addiction in addition to top-tier comfort in a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere.

Benefits of Going to a Luxury Treatment Center in Los Angeles

Luxury treatment centers offer great appeal to those who are used to living a more affluent lifestyle than the general population due to its many benefits.

Comfortable Accommodations – Rooms are usually very comfortable and are private unlike dorm-style rooms at standard treatment facilities. There are often fitness studios, pools and even spas available. 

Holistic Treatments – During addiction treatment, patients often experience a lot of emotion, which can be draining. Holistic treatments like yoga, acupuncture and massage are often offered in these facilities for stress relief and relaxation.

Gourmet Food – Healthy and wholesome food is offered at luxury treatment facilities, often prepared by gourmet chefs. It is important that the body is filled with nourishment as it is rid of harmful chemicals. The meals you will receive here are full of health benefits and flavor. Food allergies and sensitivities are also typically accommodated.

Small Staff-to-Client Ratio – Attending rehab at a facility with a smaller staff-to-client ratio can make it easier for each client to receive individualized and well-rounded care. Staff are able to connect better with each client while getting to know them so they can tailor recovery to each patient’s needs. This can have a significant impact on the success of treatment. 

Signs You or Your Loved One Need a Luxury Treatment Center for Addiction

It can be difficult to see that you or someone you care about needs help for an addiction problem. If you can answer yes to any of the below questions, it may be time to enter into a luxury treatment center for addiction treatment. 

  • Have you engaged in any risky behavior while under the influence of substances that you would not have otherwise engaged in while sober?
  • Have you neglected responsibilities at home, work or school because of substance use?
  • Has anyone in your life (family, friends, co-workers, teachers) spoken to you about concerns they have about your use of alcohol or drugs?
  • Have you gotten in trouble with the law or had problems with authorities due to your drug or alcohol use?
  • Do you find yourself using more alcohol or drugs to achieve the same feeling?
  • Have you stopped participating in activities you once enjoyed to use alcohol or drugs?
  • Have you found yourself using more drugs or drinking more alcohol than you intended in a period of time?

Refine Recovery offers a beautiful location for patients seeking addiction treatment. Our luxurious facility offers both inpatient and outpatient treatment as well as aftercare planning with customized treatment services for each individual client. We use an approach that treats the whole person including mind, body, spirit, and social environment. If you or someone you love needs help getting back on your feet, call us today for more information and to start on the path to wellness. 

How Does Detox Work in Rehab?

How Does Detox Work In Rehab?

Detoxification, or detox, is often the initial step in the continuum of addiction treatment care. Whether you are seeking substance abuse rehab for yourself or someone you love, you may wonder, “How does detox work in rehab?” Read on to find out how detox works on the path to addiction recovery.

What Is Detox?

Detox is the process by which the body is rid of all traces of drugs and alcohol. This is a necessary step to ensure that a person is physically stable and ready to begin addiction treatment and therapy.

When a person is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, the body becomes used to having the substance(s) in its system. When the use of harmful substances is stopped altogether, the body and brain have to adjust to the sudden drop of the amount of the chemicals, leading to unpleasant symptoms that are often called “withdrawal symptoms”, which can be physical and psychological.

Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal Can Include:

  • Restlessness
  • Vivid, unpleasant dreams
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive sweating
  • Exhaustion and fatigue
  • High fever and chills
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Heart palpitations
  • Headaches
  • Shivering and shaking

Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal Can Include:

  • Paranoia
  • Panic attacks
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Agitation and irritability
  • Intense cravings for the substance
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Short-term memory loss

In the most severe of cases, a condition known as “delirium tremens” (DTs) can occur. Symptoms of DTs include:

  • Elevated body temperature
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Extreme confusion
  • Auditory and/or visual hallucinations
  • Uncontrollable shivering/shaking
  • Seizures 

Once the process of detoxification begins, the majority of symptoms begin within 24 hours to 2 days and can persist up to 10 days. The amount of time a person experiences symptoms of withdrawal varies largely, depending on the substances used, the amount of time substances have been abused and the person’s physical and mental functioning. 

How Does Detox Work In Rehab?

The process of detox in rehab is geared toward minimizing the negative impact of symptoms of withdrawal, making the detox experience as comfortable and safe as possible. The most effective form of detox is one that is both supported and medically assisted by trained specialists, usually taking place in a rehab facility. 

When a person goes to detox, the first step is a medical assessment so an accurate picture can be built of the patient’s individual needs. Information is obtained on the person’s medical history and details about their addiction, including substances used and the duration of time that the person has been using, in order to develop a personalized treatment plan. Once the treatment program is developed, patients can expect to be coached on healthy eating and getting adequate sleep while detoxifying.

Medically-assisted detox is commonly used in rehab, which may include medications such as Dramamine, Tylenol, natural supplements, antidepressants and more. This treatment avenue uses medication to minimize the uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal. It is often needed for substances such as opioids and alcohol, which can cause severe physical dependence, causing the person to be unable to function normally without taking the drug. 

Detox in a rehab facility offers other benefits, including a supportive and comfortable environment, around-the-clock medical supervision, support for transitioning into the next phase of treatment and access to medications that help ease the withdrawal symptoms and cravings that are associated with the drug. 

Why You Should Detox at a Rehab and Not at Home

Attempting to detox at home instead of in a medically-assisted detox program is risky for multiple reasons. 

First of all, self-detox can lead to several complications. Slowed breathing, extremely high or low heart rates, seizures, convulsions or hallucinations can all lead to dangerous consequences if left untreated. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 5 percent of people who attempt detoxification at home experience delirium tremens. Medication-assisted detox programs help prevent such symptoms from occurring through continual monitoring and clinical support. 

The risk of relapse is higher for those who choose to detox at home as well. Many people return to using the substance in order to make the withdrawal symptoms go away. In these instances, risk of overdose is high, thus making at-home detox inherently less safe than medically-assisted detox. 

Another issue during detox is that many people neglect their physical health during addiction and are not only suffering from nutrient deficiencies (that can lead to internal organ damage) but a lack of sleep. Lack of good hygiene is also not uncommon during active addiction. Each of these potential problems are addressed in detox, while at home they are not always recognized.

Detox in a rehab facility also equips patients to enter into a formal substance use treatment program. People who choose to detox at home are less likely to enter into addiction treatment programs. 

Reach Out to Us Today at Refine Recovery

Coming to the realization that you have a substance abuse problem is difficult but necessary. At Refine Recovery, we understand how important a safe and comfortable detoxification process is at our drug and alcohol addiction center. We strive to fight against the disease of addiction with you in our safe and secure environment, run by trained medical staff. Get addiction help today by contacting our caring staff who are waiting with open arms.

How to Quit Abusing Drugs

How to Quit Abusing Drugs

Coming to the realization that you have a problem with alcohol or drug addiction is difficult but necessary. Deciding to overcome an addiction you struggle with is one of the most important decisions of your life. For some, concerns about the addiction treatment process or the cost of treatment programs may lead them to consider finding out how to quit drugs without professional support. Once you realize you have a problem and need to quit, figuring out the next steps to take can be confusing. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Drug Addiction

Although there are many potential signs and symptoms of drug use, some are seen more frequently. It is important to remember that just because a person exhibits some of these symptoms, it does not mean drug and/or alcohol use is the case. Signs and symptoms could also be due to another mental health problem or even something that is going on physically.

Physical Signs and Symptoms:

  • Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head
  • Unusual smells on the body, breath or clothes
  • Excessive talkativeness
  • Needle marks on the arms, legs or bottoms of feet
  • Hacking cough or runny nose
  • Frequent, unusual movements of the jaw
  • Frequent rubbing of the nose
  • Extreme hyperactivity
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shaking hands or cold, sweaty palms
  • Changes in eating habits, including loss of or increase in appetite
  • Deterioration of physical health or hygiene
  • Puffy face
  • Blushing
  • Paleness

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms:

  • Unexplainable change in attitude or personality
  • Chronic dishonesty
  • Decrease in performance at work or school
  • Difficulty paying attention or forgetfulness
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Relationship problems
  • Trouble with the law
  • Excessive giddiness
  • Irritability
  • Nervousness
  • Moodiness
  • Changes in grooming habits
  • Financial irresponsibility or frequently asking for money
  • Suspicious or secretive behavior

It can be difficult to admit that you have any of these signs and symptoms of drug addiction. 

How to Quit Drugs

Many sources of information offer well-meaning advice about how to quit drugs on your own without the support of a professional rehabilitation program or facility. Some products are encouraged that are said to offer rapid detox or home techniques or remedies to quit drugs on your own and are easy to find. 

Family members or friends who want to help may offer to care for the person battling drug use or withdrawal so that a residential treatment center can be avoided. 

Some people are able to quit drugs on their own, but many studies have shown that the majority of these people are those who have not used drugs for very long or who do not have a genetic predisposition to addiction. Unfortunately, many who try to quit without professional help often end up giving up in the middle of withdrawal or giving into cravings later that are triggered, which leads to the onset of more and potentially more intensified or even deadly drug use. 

Although some people believe they may be the exception to this grave outcome, evidence shows that people who receive help in quitting drug use are more likely to avoid relapse in the long-run. 

How Refine Recovery Can Help You Quit Drugs Today

At Refine Recovery, our top-rated drug and alcohol addiction treatment can help you quit using drugs. Our treatment program includes advanced, cutting-edge therapies that are designed to help you achieve lasting sobriety. With numerous therapies and modalities that are tailored to help each individual during each stage of recovery, our individualized treatment plans meet the needs of each client. Addiction treatment is multifaceted and can be a challenge, which is why quitting drugs on your own is not recommended. We are here to not only help you to quit but to help you identify the root causes of your addiction and to equip you with valuable resources and education to help you stay sober after you leave. To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one battling substance abuse or co-occurring disorders, contact us today!