What are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse?

What are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse?

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.

How Do I Know Is My Spouse an Alcoholic?

How Do I Know Is My Spouse an Alcoholic?

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.

What are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?

What are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?

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.

Is Addiction Genetic?

Is Addiction Genetic?

Fighting addiction is an uphill battle. When determining the best strategies to use, therapists will often start by finding out what caused dependency issues to form. Many of them will ask the question, is addiction genetic?

 

This article will explore the genetic factors of addiction and answer the question, is drug addiction genetic, so you can better understand what’s behind addictive tendencies. 

 

What Causes Addiction? 

Addiction is a chronic mental health disorder. When people are dealing with a mental disorder, they may be reluctant to reach out for help. They may be dealing with stigmas; they may not have the time or money to get the care they need, or they may not think their problem is that bad. 

Instead of getting assistance, they do drugs and alcohol to relieve their symptoms. While the drugs may produce temporary feelings of calm or euphoria, they will ultimately take the patient on a downward spiral. 

 

They can lead to devastating lows that make mental illness worse. And if the drugs become addictive, they can result in financial difficulties, troubled relationships, physical ailments, legal issues, and more. \

 

Is Addiction Genetic? 

The short answer to the question is whether drug addiction is genetic. At least half of a person’s risk of forming an addiction can be linked to genetic factors.

 

Nora Volkow, MD, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse points out that a specific type of dopamine receptor called D2 can predict whether someone might become addicted to cocaine, alcohol, or heroin. She points out brain imaging that suggests people with fewer D2 receptors are more likely to form an addiction than those with an abundance of the receptors. 

 

The amount of D2 a person has is based on genetics. University of Pennsylvania psychologist Caryn Lerman, Ph.D., notes that genetics account for about 75% of a person’s likelihood to start smoking. They also account for about 60% of their tendency to become addicted and 54% of their ability to quit.

 

There are also certain genes that contribute to addiction, including the following: 

  • Alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2): These play a role in the metabolism of alcohol. Higher or lower activity of the genes can result in uncomfortable symptoms if a person drinks alcohol, making them less likely to become addicted.  
  • GABRA2 and CHRM2: These genes have been associated with alcoholism. 
  • MAOA, SLC6A4, COMT: These genes and others are associated with stress resilience. People that are more resilient to stress will be less likely to turn to drugs and alcohol. 
  • CHRNA2: Low levels of this gene have been linked with cannabis use disorder. 
  • CUL3, PDE4B and PTGER3: Studies have found that these genes contribute to smoking and alcohol use. 
  • HIST2H2BD: This gene has been linked to cocaine addiction. 

 

Environmental factors can also play a role in addiction. For example, if you grew up in a high-stress environment or one where neglect and abuse were prevalent, you will be more likely to develop dependency issues. 

 

Children may also be influenced by their parent’s behavior and other role models. So, if the adults did drugs and alcohol in their lives, they may copy their behavior and begin to use themselves. 

 

How to Find Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

While discovering the genetic factors of addiction can be helpful, the bottom line is getting the care you need. Online research will reveal several rehab facilities, but it can be difficult to find one that’s right for you. If you check out Refine Recovery, you will find we check off all the boxes. 

 

Refine Recovery offers the experience of a luxury rehab in Beverly Hills. We provide world-class individualized treatment. We offer multiple paths to recovery, ensuring you get the customized care that’s right for you. 

 

Our comprehensive addiction treatment program in Beverly Hills includes detox, therapy, and aftercare. We take a dual diagnosis approach that ensures long-term recovery. We believe in treating the mind, body, and spirit in overcoming dependency issues. 

Getting past addiction is not easy but Refine Recovery will give you the assistance you need to make it through. Call us to find out how we can help you on your journey. We will give you the tools you need to achieve a higher quality of life.

Are Depression and Addiction Related?

Are Depression and Addiction Related?

Depression is a serious mental illness that can have a detrimental effect on an individual. It brutally affects a person’s daily life, often leading to severe depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10 percent of adults in America suffer from depression.

 

Many people with depression battle addiction and may wonder, are depression and addiction related? The truth is, the two conditions are complex, and alone each can feel impossible to manage. When a person deals with the two conditions simultaneously, it can feel overwhelming.

 

Learning the answers to the question of whether depression and addiction related can help those battling depression and addiction and their loved ones navigate the path to recovery. Depression and substance use disorder are considered dual diagnosis disorders, and Refine Recovery offers comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment in Beverly Hills.

 

What are the Signs of Depression?

The term depression is often used to loosely describe how a person feels after a tough week of life or after a difficult relationship strain, such as a bad breakup. But clinical depression is much more complicated and is a serious mood disorder. Specific symptoms accompany true depression versus the sadness many people temporarily experience during tough times in life.

 

Many symptoms of depression exist, including but not limited to the following:

  • Feeling extremely tired, even after sleeping
  • Experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Feeling irritable, restless, or easily frustrated
  • A loss of interest in activities once previously enjoyed
  • Waking early in the morning or sleeping too far into the day
  • Feeling tired even after sleeping
  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Physical ailments that seem to persist despite treatment

 

What Causes Addiction?

Addiction is a complex disease that impacts the brain and can occur as a result of many underlying causes. Various risk factors have been identified as to what contributes to the development of addiction, although the causes still remain less understood.

Risk factors that are linked with addiction vary by individual; however, known risk factors for the development of addiction:

  • Neglect from caregivers, including parents and guardians
  • Having drug access from peers or at school
  • Aggressive behavior during adolescence
  • Experimenting with substances during adolescence
  • Peer pressure
  • Poverty within the community

 

Genetics can also likely play into addiction. Genes play an important role in defining the traits of an individual, and some traits are passed genetically. Furthermore, environmental influences can also impact a trait, such as when a child grows up in an environment that exhibits drug addiction.

 

Addiction is heritable, meaning that genes can impact whether a child will battle addiction, especially considering how close the genetic relationship between a child and their parents is.

 

Are Depression and Addiction Related?

Both depression and addiction are common within the United States, with about 16.1 million Americans experiencing at least one depressive episode within the past year, while approximately 7.9 million Americans also have dual diagnoses, which refers to having a mental illness (such as depression) in addition to a substance use disorder at the same time.

 

Both depression and addiction can affect each other. Some people who battle depression may turn to substance use to ease or “numb” their symptoms. On the other hand, those who have a substance use disorder may go on to battle depression. A person may develop either condition first. Each condition can stem from the other and occur at the same time. Some people strive to battle emotional pain with substances, while others experience depression as a result of the neurological effects of substance abuse.

 

Often, individuals battling depression opt to drink alcohol to help increase their mood, in an effort to make their depression better. But in reality, this will not make a person’s depression better but might even make it worse.

 

Some people drink for so long that they become addicted to alcohol, leading to alcoholism. This makes it excruciatingly hard to eliminate a drinking problem, especially when the person battles severe depression.

 

How to Find Treatment for Depression and Addiction

Whether you feel the need to determine for yourself or a loved one the answer to the question of are depression and addiction related, Refine Recovery is a luxury rehab in Beverly Hills that is equipped with trained professionals to help ease the burden of both depression and addiction, with the hope of lasting recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to find out more about our high-quality, personalized treatment.

What to Look for in an Effective Detox Program?

What to Look for in an Effective Detox Program?

If you are looking to overcome drug addiction, the first step you will go through is detox. This is a process of allowing toxins to leave your system, so you become clean. The detox process is not easy to deal with. Withdrawal symptoms are produced, which makes people likely to return to doing drugs. That’s why an effective detox program is so important. 

 

This article will talk about what’s involved in comprehensive detox so you can find the program that’s right for you. 

 

What is Detox?

Detox is a process that involves allowing drugs to leave the body. It is often the first step of recovery. 

 

Many people have a hard time getting through detox due to withdrawal symptoms. Their bodies are not used to being without the drug, and it reacts by producing symptoms such as:

  • Digestive issues
  • Fever 
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Depression

 

People know the only way to get rid of these symptoms is to do more of the drug. Therefore, they often end up relapsing.

An effective detox program will provide a staff that oversees a patient throughout the detox process. They keep the patient as comfortable as possible and provide medications to reduce symptoms. This reduces the likelihood of relapse occurring.

 

Who Needs to Detox Before Rehab? 

Anyone that’s physically addicted to a drug will need to detox before going to rehab. However, some people will have a more difficult time than others going through detox. It depends on how long you were using the drug and how much of it you were taking. 

 

How to Detox Safely

Depending on the drug you are using, a medical professional may recommend that you quit using the drug completely, all at once, or they may wean you off the drug slowly. This is because some drugs cause a shock to the system, making it dangerous to go cold turkey. In any case, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional during the detox process. 

Here are some other helpful hints:

Detoxing inpatient vs. outpatient: You may be able to detox at home (outpatient), or you may prefer to do it in a rehab facility (inpatient). Inpatient detox is preferable if you do not have a healthy home environment. If you live in an abusive setting, you will be exposed to people that may encourage you to go back to using, making it difficult to get clean during this difficult stage of recovery. 

Engage in Healthy Activities: You can engage in several activities during the rehab process that will soothe and calm you, making detox less unpleasant. These include meditation, acupuncture, and yoga. Detoxing in a relaxed and comfortable environment will also be helpful. 

Take Medications: People have mixed feelings about taking medications, but during the detox process, they are a lot healthier than the drug you are detoxing from. They will assist in alleviating symptoms, making you less likely to relapse. 

It’s also advisable to get rid of the drug you are using, so it is no longer in your home, and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to ensure comprehensive detox. 

 

How Refine Recovery Can Help

There are many facilities that offer detox in their programs, but it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for you. You must think of the price, the environment, the services offered and more. When you consider this, you will find that Refine Recovery detox center checks off all the boxes. 

 

Refine Recovery is in the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills, CA. We offer world-class, customized addiction treatment in Beverly Hills, high-quality care, and multiple paths to recovery. We provide a three-part detox, inpatient rehab, and aftercare planning program. 

 

While all the treatments we offer are important, detox is a core part of our recovery process. We provide 24/7 supervision and withdrawal management. We ensure that patients get through this difficult phase as comfortably as possible. 

Getting over an addiction isn’t easy, but an effective detox program can help. Refine Recovery offers a comprehensive process that ensures you are successful in getting past your dependency issues. Contact us for the care you need to move on to happier, healthier living.

What Are Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms?

What Are Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms?

Every year, approximately 40 million American adults are diagnosed with anxiety disorder. A commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of anxiety is benzodiazepines. This medication is used for other conditions as well. Unfortunately, an alarming number of people abuse and become addicted to benzos.

 

People who use benzodiazepines often develop a tolerance after taking high doses of the drug for an extended period of time. This tolerance can become more substantial, leading the user to feel the need to have higher doses in order to feel the effects. When a person stops using the drug, benzo withdrawal symptoms appear. These symptoms may affect people who have been prescribed the drug or those who abuse benzos without prescription.

 

What are Benzos?

Benzos, another name of benzodiazepines, are prescription depressant drugs used to treat several conditions. This type of drug works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a type of neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals within the brain that work to communicate messages between brain cells. The messages sent can initiate a calming or stimulating effect. GABA sends messages to the body that are calming. When a person experiences feelings of anxiety, overstimulation occurs in the brain. Benzos counter this by sending messages that reduce overstimulation, thus reducing symptoms of anxiety.

 

Many different types of benzos exist. They differ in terms of their uses, their potency, and how quickly they are absorbed by the body. The most common benzodiazepines are prescription medications, including Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan and Halcion.

 

Like many drugs, benzos come with potential side effects. The most common side effects of benzos include:

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Impaired coordination
  • Increased anxiety
  • Behavioral changes, including risk-taking
  • Memory problems
  • Delirium
  • Potential increased risk of dementia
  • Risk of dependence
  • Withdrawal symptoms

 

What are Benzos Used For?

Medically, benzos are typically prescribed to treat stress-related conditions, including anxiety disorders, epilepsy, insomnia, and even alcohol withdrawal. They are touted for their sedation and hypnosis effects in addition to their ability to reduce seizures, reduce anxiety and relieve muscle spasms. Benzos may also be used in preparation for some medical procedures.

 

Are Benzos Addictive?

According to research, benzos cause addiction in a way that is similar to other drugs, including opioids and cannabinoids. These drugs cause changes to the brain that increases levels of dopamine, which is a hormone that makes one feel happy. Repeated use of benzos is rewarding because it puts one in a happy mood.

Benzodiazepine abuse or addiction is described in the mental health community with the term hypnotic, sedative, or anxiolytic use disorder, which comes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5th edition. A person must exhibit two of a possible 11 symptoms in a 12 month period in order to be diagnosed.

Signs of benzodiazepine addiction may include:

  • Continued use of benzos, despite risk to self or others
  • Denial of addiction
  • Complete loss of control over use of benzos
  • Exhibiting sudden changes in behavior

 

What are Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms?

A wide range of withdrawal symptoms can occur for people who stop using benzodiazepines. Cause benzos impact both the mind and body, benzo withdrawal symptoms do too. Benzo withdrawal symptoms may vary in severity, depending on the duration of a person’s use of the drug, the amount of dosage, and their method of ingestion. The level of physical dependency and addiction can play a part in the severity of symptoms, which may include:

  • Tremors
  • Dizziness
  • Panic and anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Impaired vision
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Flushing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Muscle pain
  • Headaches
  • Feelings of unreality
  • Irritability and psychosis

 

How to Find Benzo Detox Programs in Beverly Hills, CA

It is best to detox from benzodiazepines under medical supervision. Addiction professionals at Refine Recovery employ established safety protocols, ensuring that all patients have the necessary resources for effective detoxification.

If you are struggling with benzo misuse yourself or believe your loved one is abusing benzodiazepines, learning about the different treatment options may be beneficial. At Refine Recovery, we offer individualized treatment programs in Beverly Hills for those who struggle with benzodiazepine addiction and are equipped to help with the throes of benzo withdrawal symptoms. Medically supervised detox, counseling with various behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatment are all important components of a well-rounded treatment program for the best results for benzo addiction. Reach out today to get the best chance at a successful recovery.

How Relapse Prevention Programs are Used in Treatment

How Relapse Prevention Programs are Used in Treatment

Getting over an addiction is not easy. But what can be even more challenging is maintaining sobriety after you get out of rehab. 

Fortunately, many facilities offer relapse prevention programs. They provide ongoing support so they don’t fall back to their old ways. This article will discuss how relapse prevention programs are used in treatment so you can understand the steps that may be taken to ensure long-term recovery. 

 

What is Relapse?

Relapse is defined as a state of deterioration experienced after a period of improvement. It can pertain to any disease or condition. 

In terms of drug use, relapse occurs when a person starts using drugs after they have been clean for a certain period. Studies show that over 85% of individuals start using drugs again within one year of completing treatment. The right type of aftercare can help reduce these numbers. 

 

What Causes a Person to Relapse?

Many factors may cause a person to relapse. Here are some to consider. 

Withdrawal Symptoms: When a person detoxes from drug use, their body struggles to get used to sobriety. This causes withdrawal symptoms to occur that are both mental and physical. The only way to immediately relieve these symptoms is to resume the use of the drug, which is sometimes referred to as a “fix.” Therefore, they relapse before ever really getting clean. 

If a person gets clean in a rehab facility, they are less likely to relapse. The staff supervises them throughout the process to keep them as comfortable as possible and ensure relapse doesn’t occur. 

Getting Used to Life After Rehab: Relapse is also likely to happen after a person gets out of rehab. They must deal with the stressors that led them to use in the first place. They may also meet up with old friends they used to use with and pass by the places they used to use at and be tempted to go back to their old ways. 

Relapse prevention programs offer ongoing therapy that gives people the support they need to resist the urge to do drugs after going back to their typical life.

 

What is a Relapse Prevention Program?

A relapse prevention program typically occurs after the person completes primary care. Primary care may be inpatient or outpatient. An inpatient program involves 24/7 care that includes detox and therapy. 

An outpatient program, such as partial hospitalization, involves the patient staying in the facility 6-8 hours a day (or night) and spending the rest of the time with their family or at work. It also involves therapy and detox. 

Other types of outpatient programs, such as intensive outpatient and outpatient, involve a few sessions of therapy a week. They can be integrated as primary care and can also be included in relapse prevention programs. 

In addition to therapy, patients may be enrolled in an alumni program where they are invited to social activities such as picnics and other types of gatherings. These get-togethers are made to make them feel like part of a group. It can keep them from getting depressed and turning back to drugs. 

Sober living homes are another effective way of avoiding relapse. They help people transition after they get out of rehab. They provide a temporary place to live, and they offer opportunities to learn job skills to find employment after treatment. 

 

How to Find a Relapse Prevention Program Near You

Many facilities offer relapse prevention programs. You can also do your own relapse prevention by seeing a therapist, attending AA groups, and engaging in activities that keep your mind off using. But if you’d rather go for a package deal, you may want to check out Refine Recovery. 

Refine Recovery is a boutique rehab center located in the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills, CA. We offer each of our patients an individualized treatment plan that is best suited to their needs. We follow up with aftercare planning to ensure patients maintain sobriety. 

Overcoming addiction is not easy, and staying sober can be even more challenging. Refine Recovery offers services that will help you get clean and stay clean. Call us today to find out how you can achieve your long-term recovery goals.

Is Xanax Addictive?

Is Xanax Addictive?

Xanax, also known as a benzodiazepine, is a drug that doctors commonly prescribe because it helps with disorders such as anxiety. However, over time, it has been found that continued use of Xanax over a long time can lead to possible addiction of the substance of abuse. Just because it is a medication that helps people doesn’t mean it is 100% safe. It still has risks to the body after long-term use and risk for addiction. Therefore, long-term use should be limited when possible and monitored closely.

 

What is Xanax? 

Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, which is a type of benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are depressants that are often prescribed to provide sedation, improve anxiety or muscle spasms, and decrease seizures. Xanax is one of the most commonly abused drugs of benzodiazepines. 

 

How is Xanax Used?

Xanax is intended to be ingested orally, as prescribed. However, it is often abused by taking more than prescribed or by crushing it up and snorting it to get high. Xanax is also commonly abused along with alcohol or opiates, which is potentially life-threatening. 

 

Is Xanax Addictive?

Xanax is a very addictive drug. Even though it is commonly prescribed to improve various conditions, its use should still be monitored. The majority of individuals who are found to abuse Xanax have already been prescribed it or know someone who has a prescription and is getting it from them. Signs of a developing addiction to Xanax, or other drugs, include: 

  • Having intense cravings for the drug or feeling like you must use it 
  • Spending a lot of time or money obtaining the drug, using it, and recovering from the effects of it
  • Withdrawal symptoms when you start to reduce your use of the drug 
  • Tolerance symptoms, or needing more significant amounts of the drug or more frequent doses to get the same effects
  • Continued use in situations that are physically hazardous, such as blackouts, memory loss, or driving under the influence
  • Continuing to use even when it is causing problems socially, interpersonally, legally, physically, or psychologically
  • Trying to stop or reduce use and being unsuccessful 
  • Use is getting in the way of meeting obligations, such as parenting, work, or school
  • Continued use has caused you to give up or reduce important events, such as hobbies or family events
  • Your use has progressed over time by consuming larger amounts or over a longer period of time than you intended 

Xanax can have varying effects on the mind and the body. Common signs of Xanax use include amnesia, hostility, irritability, vivid or disturbing dreams, sleepiness, and a relaxed mood. If large amounts are taken, leading to overdose, it can cause extreme drowsiness, impaired coordination and reflexes, respiratory depression, coma, and possible death. 

 

Can Xanax Cause Withdrawal?

The physical dependence on benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, can cause withdrawal symptoms once the use of the drug is stopped abruptly. Abruptly discontinued use of Xanax can cause one to experience benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. After 1-4 days, this can result in “rebound” anxiety and insomnia. Then, about two weeks after this, the withdrawal symptoms increase, including nausea, loss of appetite, irritability, restlessness, trouble with sleep, muscle aches, tiredness or fatigue, and anxiety.

 

How to Find the Best Xanax Addiction Treatment Options

Refine Recovery offers state-of-the-art treatment in a beautiful location. You will be able to receive quality treatment for your substance use and mental health concerns while being comfortable and healthy. Once you arrive, we offer medically assisted detox and residential treatment. We provide round-the-clock care with experienced and highly trained staff who are excited to provide you with one on one treatment. Our clinician-to-patient ratio of 3:1 allows this. In addition to therapy for addiction and mental health, we also offer help with nutrition, art therapy, grief counseling, yoga, life skills, and more. We will work alongside you to tailor an individualized treatment plan with our client-focused and highly customizable curriculum. 

There are over 14,000 drug rehab centers in the United States. But there’s only one Refine Recovery. Contact us today with a confidential and free call to start your journey to recovery.

What are the Signs of Heroin Withdrawal?

What are the Signs of Heroin Withdrawal?

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 28% of all opioid-related deaths in 2019 involved heroin. Despite ongoing attempts to reduce the amount of heroin “on the streets,” heroin remains easy to obtain and plentiful in many communities. Many people turn to heroin after developing an addiction to prescription pain killers. Because the effects of heroin are similar to those of prescription opioids, heroin is viewed as an alternative to prescription drugs when prescriptions run out. Research has shown that about 6% of those who misuse prescription drugs eventually switch to heroin—as many as 80% of those who struggle with a heroin addiction first misused prescription opioids.

 

Without help from a treatment center to overcome heroin addiction, dangerous and potentially fatal outcomes can result.

 

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid drug manufactured from morphine. Although heroin is made from a naturally occurring substance, the seed pod of the opium poppy plants grown in Asia, Mexico, and Columbia, it is not a natural opioid. Heroin is manufactured using natural ingredients. However, it is an illegal substance.

 

Depending on the manufacturing process, heroin appears as a white powder, brown powder, or black sticky substance called black tar heroin. It is not uncommon to hear heroin referred to by other names. Some of the most common are hell dust and smack. There are several ways to “take” heroin. While the most widely used method is through injection, it can also be smoked, inhaled through the nose, snorted, or smoked. Some people engage in a practice called speedballing. This is done by combining heroin and crack cocaine to create a more potent and far more dangerous drug.

 

Why is Heroin So Addictive?

The effects of heroin on the body occur rapidly. When heroin enters your system, it binds to specific receptors on the brain, spinal column, and throughout the body. These receptors, called opioid receptors, are responsible for sensing and transmitting feelings of pain and pleasure. Using heroin leads to a rush of specific chemicals in the body and brain that lead to a sense of euphoria or the “high” people often seek when using substances like heroin. Under “normal” circumstances, a similar rush results from everyday activities like exercise, eating, or other activities that lead to happiness. Once a heroin addiction develops, it becomes more and more challenging to achieve these feelings without using.

 

The same neurotransmitters that cause someone to get high when using heroin also affect the function of several vital body functions, including heart rate and breathing. They also affect sleeping patterns. These impacts are part of why heroin use affects breathing, heart function, and one’s ability to sleep. They also explain why many deaths from heroin overdose result from respiratory failure or a fatal cardiac event.

 

What are the Signs of Heroin Withdrawal?

The signs of heroin withdrawal will be different from person to person. Factors including how long you have been using, if you use other substances in addition to heroin, how often you use, and whether you have an underlying mental health or physical health condition all contribute to your unique withdrawal experience. Regardless of the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms, however, it is vital to mention that detox and withdrawal from heroin can be dangerous and requires careful and comprehensive monitoring at a professional heroin rehab.

 

In most cases, the first symptoms of heroin withdrawal begin within a matter of hours after your last dose. For some people, acute withdrawal symptoms start in approximately six hours; however, it may take up to twenty-four hours for others. The timing for the onset of symptoms depends on many of the factors listed above.

 

Peak (or the most intense and severe) withdrawal symptoms occur during the first 72 hours after your last dose. During this time, detox symptoms are typically difficult and challenging to manage without medical and mental health support. Acute symptoms of heroin withdrawal generally subside within one to two weeks; however, some long-term symptoms may persist for months or years after detox.

 

Finding Heroin Detox Programs in Los Angeles, CA

Overcoming an addiction to heroin is not easy, but you can achieve sobriety with help from our southern California detox center. Our caring and compassionate treatment team are here to ensure you have the support and tools you need to put heroin addiction in the past. Let us help you as you progress through detox and the therapeutic process at our heroin addiction treatment program. To learn more about our programs, contact a member of our admissions team today.