What is the Success Rate for Addiction Treatment?

by | | About Drug Addiction & Recovery
What is the success rate for addiction treatment?

What is the Success Rate for Addiction Treatment and How Can We Measure it??

 

A common question among people looking into treatment is ‘what is the success rate for addiction treatment?’   This should not surprise anyone. It’s only natural that someone who is desperate to escape the suffering that a life in addiction can bring would want to know there is cause for hope. The friends or family of a person with a substance use disorder may ask what is the success rate for addiction treatment, too. They know they cannot sit idly by while they watch the person, they care about destroy themselves. We want to do something to help, of course. But is addiction treatment the answer? And if it is, how do you know it will work? These are weighty questions that require careful thought.

 

Difficult Questions and Complex Answers

 

There isn’t a simple answer here. The biggest reason why is there are many variables. For instance, think about all of the factors that can affect a person’s chances at getting sober and staying sober. Secondly, how do you measure success? If you are to determine a “success rate” you must have a clear definition of success. Is it being sober with zero relapses? For how long? A year after addiction treatment? Two years? Ten years?

 

What if a person who was a chronic relapse case who overdosed on heroin several times a year goes to treatment? Suppose that person graduates treatment and over the course of 5 years they relapse twice, smoking marijuana at a party once and having some drinks on a holiday another time. But they never touch heroin and they never overdose? Is that person a failure or a success? Did addiction treatment fail? The person slipped twice in 5 years after all. On the other hand, for the first time in their adult life they put together 5 years without touching heroin or overdosing even once. Now you can begin to see why “success” can be so difficult to define in this context.

 

What is the Success Rate for Addiction Treatment? What is Success?

 

You want to know what is the success rate for addiction treatment. But, no one can answer that question accurately without knowing exactly what your definition of success is. If anyone gives you a number, they must qualify it. For example. You ask a treatment program what is the success rate for addiction treatment and the person on the phone says “Our success rate is 73%”. That information by itself doesn’t mean anything without context. Your response should be “OK, how do you define success?”. At that point, ideally the treatment representative would tell you. It may be something like, “73% of our patients are still sober 6 months after being discharged”. Even in that case though, how is this information gathered? In most cases it’s based upon calls made by the treatment center’s alumni department. But what about people who they can’t reach? What about people who don’t answer honestly? Again, we have a lot of variables we can’t possibly hope to control for. Have you considered that your definition of success is the only one that really matters?

 

Things to Consider

 

Let’s table the question: what is the success rate for addiction treatment for a moment. Instead, let’s look at what your goals for yourself or your loved one are. For instance, consider what would feel like a success to you. Ask yourself why you want to go to treatment in the first place. Think about what may happen if you don’t go to treatment.

 

Ponder these questions for a moment instead:

 

  • What can you do to improve the chances of success for my own recovery and can you improve your own odds?
  • How would you define successful recovery for yourself? What does success look like to you?
  • Think about what failure looks like. Which areas do you need the most help in? What are your biggest triggers to use or drink?
  • Consider what you are willing to do to succeed in your recovery. Do you have any reservations holding you back?

 

 

‘What is the Success Rate for Addiction Treatment’ is the Wrong Question

 

What we should be asking ourselves is what our definition of success in recovery is. How does that look? Can I improve my own odds of success in recovery? Which areas do I need the most help in? Do I know my triggers and how can I develop effective defenses against them while my recovery grows stronger? What am I really willing to do for my recovery? Notice something all of these questions have in common? They’re all about you.

 

Asking about success rates is about other people. You aren’t here to watch other people recover. This is about your recovery and the truth is you have much more control over your chances for success in this mission than you can even imagine. All of the questions above are to get you thinking in the right direction. Recovery is a deeply personal thing. It’s not about statistics and odds. If you are here and trying to get help for yourself, you’ve already beaten the odds. So, stop focusing on stats and percentages and start thinking about what you are ready to do for your own recovery. Do that and you will be in the right mindset for success.

 

If you or someone you love is living with a substance use disorder, Recovery in Tune can help. Give us a call at 1 (844) 7-IN-TUNE or reach out to us via our contact page here.

What is the Purpose of a Sober Living House?

by | | Sober Living
Sober Living

 

What is the Purpose of a Sober Living House in Early Recovery?

It’s not hard to understand the benefits of a medical detox or 3-4 weeks in a treatment program. But what is the purpose of a sober living house? The very best drug and alcohol rehabs do much more than simply help you get detoxed and stay sober for a few weeks. Effective, evidence-based treatment means helping you build a foundation for lasting recovery. Recovery is not something you do in a month and then you’re done. It is better thought of as a lifestyle. Adopting a new lifestyle takes time and practice.

Recovery is a Lifestyle

You didn’t use your drug of choice for 28 days and then quit. And, if you or someone you love is asking what is the purpose of a sober living home, then they were likely fully dedicated to drinking and using drugs. For instance, getting high and finding ways to facilitate getting drunk and high was the lifestyle. So, it makes sense then that successful recovery that lasts is also a 24/7 lifestyle that requires at least as much dedication as using did, doesn’t it? Sober living homes are designed to facilitate that and they are proven effective.

Understanding the Purpose of a Sober Living House

After a person completes a medical detox, if needed, and undergoes their initial treatment, they are ready to begin the real work of recovery. The early days of detox and treatment can seem a bit foggy. That time is about stabilization and security more than anything else. It’s rare that anyone is receptive to examining their own behavior patterns, much less learning new ones at that time.

Research has shown that people who spend at least 30 days in treatment and follow up with the second chance sober living provides stay sober longer. The reasons for this aren’t hard to understand. The longer we put new behaviors into practice, the more likely they are to become habits. Sober living homes give us a safe, secure place where it’s easier to do that.

What is the Purpose of a Sober Living House?

  • To provide a safe, supportive and stable environment to begin recovery.
  • It makes it easier to continue Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Outpatient.
  • Provides a place to connect to other people in early recovery for support and fellowship.
  • The environment is more comfortable than feeling institutionalized in an inpatient rehab for most.
  • May give the person a longer overall treatment experience by combining PHP/IOP and sober living.

 

Knowing What to Look for in a Good Sober Living Home

If you enter a drug and alcohol rehab, the chances are good that they will refer you to a reputable sober living home. Many programs utilize an alternative model to conventional inpatient treatment that allows patients to attend day treatment at the PHP and/or IOP level  while staying in a sober living. Many people find this helpful as it can lead to a longer overall length of stay. Some also find it more comfortable to live with a bit more independence and outside of an institutionalized environment. What is the purpose of a sober living house? To further your recovery and help you build a solid foundation for it. That it in a nutshell.

 

Here’s What You Should Look for:

 

  • 24/7 staff on premises.
  • Cleanliness and comfort.
  • On site laundry facilities and fully equipped kitchens/kitchenettes.
  • Certifications and/or licensing. For example, look for FARR or NARR certification.
  • A professional relationship with a reputable local rehab center.
  • Housing that separates genders in different buildings or locations.
  • High standards for who is allowed there and regular random drug testing.
  • Enforced curfews and rules about attending treatment, meetings and employment.

 

Conclusion

If anyone asks you what is the purpose of a sober living house now, we trust you’ll have the answers. At Recovery in Tune, we believe a quality sober living experience is an integral part of building durable recovery that can withstand the test and trials life throws at us. As we said, recovery is a lifestyle, and committing to living a new way takes practice. We believe there’s no better place to get that practice than a safe, supportive environment that approximates “real world” living as much as possible. That’s exactly what a good sober living home is. We encourage you to read more about sober living on our page here. If you have any questions at all about sober living, feel free to contact us. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drugs, Recovery in Tune can help. Give us at call at 1 (844) 7-IN-TUNE.

5 Things You Must Know About Sleeping Pill Abuse

by | | Drug Addiction
sleeping pills

What is Sleeping Pill Abuse?

Simply put, sleeping pill abuse is taking a sleep aid against prescription or directions. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 30% of Americans report symptoms consistent with insomnia. Concern about the long-term effects of sleeping pills has been building for some time. Perhaps sleeping pill abuse should not surprise us. After all, we live in a stressful period in history right now. The fast pace of this constantly interconnected life in the information economy has been harder for some to adapt to than others.

The natural cues for sleep and rest we used to be able to rely upon are more muted than in the past. Before the invention of electric lights, candlelight or an oil lamp were your only options. We had little to keep us occupied and engaged after hours compared with the 21st century. Even long after the invention of electricity, there were still many natural and societal cues that at least helped to keep us on track. Up until the mid-1980s for example, television stations stopped broadcasting after midnight or 1 am. Baby Boomers and some Gen-X’ers will remember the Star-Spangled Banner playing at the end of the day’s broadcasts and then a test pattern or noisy static were all you got until morning.

The Role Stress Plays in the Abuse of Sleeping Medications

The idea of the world shutting down or pausing seems quaint now. Communication never stops in our world today. Television certainly doesn’t stop, neither does the Internet, of course. There is a never-ending stream of entertainment and information available at our fingertips. Work has also become more demanding for many of us. With more people working remotely than ever before, it is our own responsibility to manage the work-life balance and it’s not easy for many of us.

The concerns of the modern world can often seem right at our doorsteps thanks to the Internet and the 24-hour news cycle. This contributes to anxiety for many of us, even if we aren’t aware of it. Being aware of your stress and its sources and learning to manage them is an essential part of getting a handle on insomnia. This will be a part of any solution for sleeping pill addiction.

The 5 Things You Must Know About Sleeping Pill Abuse

Sleeping pill abuse is a serious problem. More so than many people realize. There is a correlation between sleep disorders and substance abuse for example. Someone with a substance use disorder is much more likely to also have a co-occurring sleep disorder. Conversely, if you have a sleep disorder you are more likely to develop a substance use disorder. This is especially true if you have a history of substance abuse in your family or other risk factors.

Here are 5 things you should know about sleeping pill abuse:

  • Many people abuse medications or drugs not usually prescribed for sleep to help them get some rest. These include alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines and marijuana.
  • Most prescription sleeping pills like Ambien or Lunesta are controlled substances. This means they have potential for abuse and you may become addicted to them.
  • Sleep medication is among the top 5 most abused classifications of prescription medicine, even though many are unaware.
  • Abruptly quitting a prescription sleep aid can have serious side effects. Benzodiazepines are especially dangerous. You should always get professional help for this.
  • Thousands of people have been able to get quit sleep meds and get a good nights rest by using natural alternatives, non-addictive meds and behavior modification.

What Can I Do About Sleeping Pill Abuse?

If you or someone you care about is living with sleeping pill abuse, rest assured there are solutions. It is not uncommon to become dependent upon a sleep medication through no fault of your own. Lots of people begin by taking an Ambien only occasionally only to find that they cannot sleep without it every night. For some, this turns into abuse. Sometimes when the prescribed dose no longer has the desired effect.

Other people just like the mild euphoric effect that some sleep aids produce. They may abuse sleep aids that aren’t prescribed to them to get it. Or they may discover this side effect when they are prescribed the medication and become tempted to abuse it. Whatever the reason, if you or someone you love is abusing these medications you are no doubt looking for solutions.

Here are some tips to bear in mind when it comes to sleeping pill abuse:

  • Doctors have varying levels of awareness about addiction. They may not give you sufficient warning about the risks. Always do the research before you take a medication.
  • Treatment is available for sleeping medication abuse. Thousands of people check into rehab every year for sleeping pill addictions. You should never be ashamed of getting help.
  • Even a lifetime of insomnia does not mean you can’t get a good night’s rest without drugs. Seriously explore the many healthy alternatives to help yourself sleep.
  • If you are struggling with your sleep medication, talk to someone about it. You don’t have to overcome this on your own and things won’t get better by themselves.

Conclusion

Sleep is a vital function. The body and mind require rest. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, there will be physical and mental consequences. Everyone needs a different amount of sleep, but no one gets away without getting enough. Listen to your body and your mind. Become aware of proper sleep hygiene. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. No television or phone at least 1 hour before bed. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule as much as possible, even on weekends. Get regular physical exercise and avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening.

If you follow all the advice above and listen to your body, chances are you will not need a sleeping pill to get rest in the first place. If you are already living with sleeping pill abuse or someone you love is, help is available. Recovery in Tune can help you or your loved one overcome their addiction to sleeping medications. Call us at 1 (844) 7-IN-TUNE or reach out to us via our contact page for more information.

Social Anxiety and Alcoholism

by | | Alcohol Addiction
Social anxiety and alcoholism

Why Do I Drink When I’m Anxious?

It is no secret that millions of Americans struggle to control excessive use of alcohol. In fact, the CDC estimates that around 16% of the US population may abuse alcohol at any given time. People drink for a variety of different reasons. Some find that alcohol provides a calming effect after a long day of work. Others may drink at social functions, such as parties or family reunions. Over the past few decades, doctors have found increasing links between alcoholism and other conditions, such as social anxiety. Here, we will explore some common questions around alcoholism, including:

  • How does alcohol cause addiction?
  • Is social anxiety linked to alcoholism?
  • How can I find treatment?

How Does Alcohol Cause Addiction?

Like many other drugs, alcohol alters the way the body functions. When a person drinks for the first time, the brain sends out pleasure/reward signals. This is the “buzzed” feeling people talk about. However, over time alcohol can hijack the brain’s normal functions, making the brain depend on alcohol to function. Instead of sending out pleasure signals, the brain will start to send out distress signals for lack of use. Withdrawal manifests in physical symptoms such as:

  • Anxiety/depression
  • Severe headache
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Fatigue/insomnia 
  • Fever

Some of the common warning signs of Alcohol use disorder (AUD) include:

  • Inability to control drinking
  • Drinking interferes with work or family life
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or obligations
  • Continuing to drink even if advised not to by a physician
  • Increased feelings of depression

Social Anxiety and AUD

Social anxiety disorder is essentially a fear of public places or situations. For some people, this can be a fear of an activity like eating or speaking in public. For others, simply being in a public setting can cause anxiety. Anywhere from 2 to13 percent of the US population is estimated to live with a social anxiety disorder. Of this number, approximately 20 percent also live with AUD. Sadly, for many of these patients this social anxiety disorder has gone undiagnosed.

Drinking, especially in public settings, can become a form of self-medication for patients with social anxiety. This means that the patient only knows that they feel anxious in public, and drinking can calm that feeling. These patients may run a greater risk of developing AUD than others. This can occur for two reasons. First, people who are unknowingly self-medicating may develop addiction faster. If alcohol is the one substance that makes them feel better, it becomes the go-to problem solver. Second, patients with mental conditions like social anxiety may be genetically vulnerable to forming addiction. Research on this topic is still new. However, some scientists believe that the same genes that cause certain mental conditions also play a role in addiction. If this is true, it is no wonder that patients with social anxiety are particularly vulnerable to AUD.

How Can I Find Treatment?

If you or a loved one is currently living with these conditions and looking for treatment, congratulations! Both AUD and social anxiety disorder are medical conditions, not moral failures. It is not your fault that you are living with these conditions, and programs like ours are well equipped to help. Generally speaking, most recovery programs involve a medically supervised detox followed by long term treatment. Let’s look at how the process typically works.

Detox

Before long term treatment can begin in full, you must first let your body flush out alcohol from your system. This process is called detoxification, or detox. Depending on your needs, this can either be an outpatient process, or inpatient at a specialty detox center. Medical teams will monitor vitals and give you medication as needed to control withdrawal symptoms. This will help you stay comfortable and safe as your body adjusts. This process usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Treatment

Your next step will be treatment in either a partial hospitalization (PHP) or intensive outpatient (IOP) program. Here, you will continue to be monitored physically by qualified medical staff. Most of your day will be spent in individual and group therapy. Therapy helps you learn to identify use triggers and develop coping strategies. Therapists can also work with you to address social anxiety, and learn healthy ways to handle public settings. You will spend evenings in a sober living house. Sober living offers all of the comforts of home, without the added stress of avoiding alcohol use.

Recovery in Tune Can Help

If you are ready to take the first step, please contact us today to get started. We accept most major insurance plans. Let us help you live the fulfilling life you deserve!

5 Methods Used in Mental Health Treatment

by | | Mental Health
Mental health treatment helps

What Kinds of Methods Are Used In Mental Health Treatment?

In the post-pandemic era, mental health treatment has become paramount. Some methods of mental health treatment help us recover from mental illness and injury. But other methods work a bit more proactively. If we maintain what we achieve in mental health treatment, we can protect ourselves from future strain. Different mental health treatment options provide various results. Each person needs a specific form of treatment to help them.

Recovery In Tune shall explore the following topics:

  • The importance of mental health treatment options
  • Some examples of mental health treatment
  • When a person should seek mental wellness treatment
  • Benefits of proper mental wellness
  • How to find mental health treatment for yourself or someone else

The Importance of Mental Health Treatment Options

Socially, we treat the mind and body differently. Picture a person in a car accident. Conventional wisdom tells that person to get medical help. They need to be triaged. A doctor needs to check them for injuries and take action. This person might need surgery, medication, and a cast.

Nobody demeans such a person. There’s no stigma for physical injuries such as these. No one would say, “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” Or, “This is all in your head.” But it’s not the same with the mind. Mental illnesses do have a stigma. People who suffer from mental ailments or injuries might feel shame about their predicament. Emotions like this can prevent people from seeking mental health treatment.

Some Examples of Mental Health Treatment

Refer again to the mind/body analogy. Particular physical symptoms require different kinds of responses. Also, sometimes recovery means rehabilitation. A person might have to relearn to use a specific part of their body. They may have to have help performing simple tasks. We must offer similar treatment to those enduring mental injuries.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) helps us investigate our thoughts and predispositions. With DBT, we learn to dialogue with our thoughts to understand where they come from.  Dialectical behavior therapy highlights interpersonal skills in 4 key areas:

  • Mindfulness: awareness of the content of one’s thinking
  • Distress tolerance: the ability to withstand (or overcome) obstacles in one’s life
  • Emotional regulation: setting a baseline for one’s feelings
  • Interpersonal effectiveness: defining and expressing what one wants and needs

A Note on Trauma

People who suffer from substance abuse tend to also suffer from trauma. Trauma is a certain kind of stressor beyond what a person can process. Traumatic events freeze part of the mind. They leave people with a sense of feeling “stuck” when the event happened. Many feel that they cannot move forward.

Examples of traumatic events include (but are not limited to):

  • Rape/sexual assault
  • Adverse childhood experiences
  • Violent crimes
  • Natural disasters/accidents
  • Combat

Trauma-Informed Care

Substance abuse treatment must take traumatic events into account. For too long, even the best recovery programs did not incorporate the treatment of trauma. Even treatment methods that address mental health must specifically treat trauma. Trauma-informed care (TIC) exists for that purpose. In TIC, clinicians operate as though clients have endured traumatic events.

If you have suffered a traumatic event, do not feel alone. Please do not isolate yourself. Remember that you have value and worth. No matter what has happened to you, you can find a way forward. Do not allow the actions of others, or the circumstances of life, define you. The more open you become in treatment, the deeper your healing.

MOUD/MAT

People suffering from mental illnesses may also struggle with substance use disorder. Therefore, proper mental health treatment may require dual diagnosis treatment. As an example, consider someone diagnosed with depression who struggles with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Often, people struggling with OUD can receive medication to help with cravings. Opioids relieve pain. One can obtain opioids via a prescription. Or, they might purchase them on the street.

Common opioids include:

  • Heroin
  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Fentanyl
  • Opium

A person suffering from OUD can get help. We call this option medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). You might also see the term medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Medications used in MOUD/MAT include:

  • Suboxone
  • Naltrexone
  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Often, humans take our thoughts for granted. We just about let them take over our minds. With cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), we learn to think about our thoughts. In a way, we audit our thoughts. We examine them for truth and falsehood. In so doing, we can distance our thoughts from our identities. One does not have to allow one’s thoughts to define one.

How To Find Mental Health Treatment For Yourself Or Someone Else

Thank you for reading this far. Consider this an important first step in the road to recovery. Perhaps you came to this page seeking help for yourself. If not you, likely someone you love. Do not fret. Hope exists. Change is possible.

If you or someone you love struggles with a mental illness, call Recovery In Tune today. As an alternative, fill out our contact form.

Recovery from Heroin Addiction

by | | Addiction Treatment
Recovery from heroin addiction is possible.

Recovery from Heroin Addiction

There are many treatment programs for opioid addiction. However, people who need to be in recovery from heroin addiction may require a more specific program.

Heroin use is perhaps the most dangerous form of opioid abuse. People who need to overcome an addiction to this drug may require intensive supervision and support during their recovery. If you need to know how to get off heroin, we can help you. When you attend our medication-assisted treatment program, we can help to keep you safe and get through the beginning stages of your recovery.

Who Needs Medication-Assisted Treatment for Heroin Addiction?

Most people with a heroin addiction need medication-assisted treatment. If you are abusing heroin but aren’t sure whether you would benefit from this type of treatment, there are some ways to tell if it would be best for you.

Some signs that are person needs medication-assisted treatment for heroin addiction include:

  • Having a high tolerance for heroin (needing more heroin to get the high you are looking for)
  • Having collapsed veins (caused by chronic drug injections)
  • Getting pneumonia or other lung issues
  • Having skin issues such as cellulitis or abscesses
  • Spending a lot of time trying to obtain the drug
  • Getting angry with people when they get in your way from getting the drug

Some people only use heroin one time and develop an addiction due to the intense high they receive from it.

Heroin Addiction Recovery Process

It can be extremely tough to overcome an addiction to any drug, especially heroin. We highly recommend that you recover from this type of addiction with the help of rehab center professionals.

With the help of our addiction recovery team, you can get the following:

  • Pre-screening assessment
  • Individualized treatment plan
  • Relapse prevention plan
  • Treatment programs

No matter what types of treatments you receive, we will always treat you with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

We like people to know what to expect when detoxing from heroin. Without a medical detox or Medication Assisted Treatment, the withdrawal can be very uncomfortable.

Some of the heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Chills
  • Cold flashes
  • Feeling jittery or restless
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Bone pain
  • Muscle pain and spasms

We always recommend that people detox from heroin under the supervision of medical providers. Often, the withdrawal symptoms can be severe. If people try detoxing on their own, the cravings can cause them to go out and use heroin again. The risk of having a fatal overdose at that time is significantly higher since the body went a while without the drug.

If you are going through withdrawal now, contact us to start your recovery from addiction today.

Length of Heroin Detox and Rehab

Not everyone experiences the same severity of the addiction or the same withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, not everyone needs to stay in the detox program or rehab for the same amount of time.

The general information regarding the length of heroin detox and rehab include:

  • Detox (lasts between 5 to 10 days from last using the drug)
  • Treatment (generally 30, 60, or 90 days)

There are various treatments that you might receive inside the rehab program, as well. Some of these might include dual diagnosis treatment, pain management and medical condition treatments.

Most people have a difficult time coping after they quit using heroin. The primary reason for that is that many people start using heroin to hide from emotions or pain. The drug can hide these feelings and help people escape from their world. However, there are healthier ways to cope and handle obstacles in life. We are here to help you learn these coping skills.

Addiction recovery is a lifelong process. However, once you get through detox and work on the beginning of your recovery with the support of our team, you can start feeling better. You can’t solve everything at once, but you can start learning how to live without drugs. Over time, you can start creating the life you deserve.

Start Overcoming Heroin Addiction

Heroin can take someone’s life at any time. Even if you have used this drug for many years, any time you take it, that could be the dose that takes your life. You can never be certain how potent the dose is or what may have been mixed with it. Street heroin is virtually always cut with other chemicals because it is cheaper to make it that way and additives like fentanyl increase the potency dangerously.

We want to see you live the life of your dreams. Contact our treatment team today to start recovery from heroin addiction.

Are Anti-Depressants Addictive?

by | | Drug Addiction
A man looking worried.

Are anti-depressants addictive? No, they are not addictive in the sense that drugs such as heroin or alcohol are. People who abuse antidepressants don’t have the same cravings that those other substances produce. They don’t generally have addictive behaviors, euphoria or the same negative consequences of other drugs either.

People can still become physically dependent on antidepressants however. Dependence on antidepressants takes the form of a need to take them or else experience some withdrawal-like effects. Anyone prescribed an antidepressant should always take it exactly as prescribed. If you want to stop taking an anti-depressant for any reason, you must talk to your doctor first.

Antidepressant Dependence or Addiction

What is antidepressant dependence? Are anti-depressants addictive?

Dependence on antidepressants happens when someone takes the medication regularly. When they stop taking these medications, they may go through anti-depressant withdrawal if they suddenly stop.

While antidepressants aren’t addictive in the conventional sense, it is possible to misuse them. There are many environmental, psychosocial and genetic causes for this type of behavior.

 Some symptoms of antidepressant misuse include:

  • No control over your use of these medications
  • Taking antidepressants in a way contrary to prescription
  • Compulsive use of antidepressants
  • Using antidepressants you do not have a prescription for

If you experience more than one of these symptoms, you are probably misusing antidepressants. If you believe you are dependent on these medications, you should speak to a medical professional about them.

Defining Addiction to Antidepressants

Are anti-depressants addictive in the first place? Even though people can’t become addicted to these medications like they could with drugs such as heroin, they can still have a dependence or pattern of misuse.

Someone can have an addiction in the sense that they experience withdrawal symptoms after not using a specific substance or can’t stop using even when they try. If you try to reduce your use of these medications, but experience nausea, stomachaches, or other symptoms, you may have a dependence upon them. Again, you should never cease taking an antidepressant without speaking to your doctor.

Many people think they don’t have an addiction to antidepressants because they don’t feel euphoria. Even though you don’t get a dopamine rush when using a medication, that doesn’t mean your body isn’t dependent upon it.

Some people abuse antidepressants. Some cases even state that people snort these medications. People may do this when they want another drug but can’t get it.

The good news is that most people who take antidepressants benefit from them. They have a better life because of taking these medications. If you have a prescription for antidepressants but feel your body is too reliant on them, talk to your doctor about it. You should never change your medication regimen without a doctor’s advice and counsel.

Antidepressant Overdose Signs

Most of the time, antidepressants are safe. However, some people will overdose on antidepressants. Some of the overdose signs for these medications include:

  • Dizziness
  • Shaking
  • Fainting
  • Confusion
  • Coordination issues
  • Convulsions
  • Irregular heartbeat

If you see someone with these overdose signs, make sure you get them immediate medical attention. Calling 9-1-1 during these situations would be best.

Drug Combinations

There are millions of people who use antidepressants. Most of the time, people take these medications to treat depression. However, there are some other reasons why doctors may prescribe antidepressants, as well.

The problem is that many people who are taking antidepressants use other substances at the same time. One of the common substances people take with these medications is alcohol.

Medical professionals recommend that people who are taking antidepressants don’t drink alcohol. If you already have an addiction to any other drug, you may be more likely to develop an addiction to antidepressants.

Some severe mental and physical health issues that occur when combining antidepressants and other drugs include:

  • Strong sedation
  • Worse anxiety and depression
  • Extremely high blood pressure
  • Worse coordination issues
  • Unconscious
  • Overdose

Some people don’t want to wait to let antidepressants work. Most doctors will tell you it takes 4 to 6 weeks to receive full effects from these medications. It is essential only to take the dose your doctor prescribes. If you are struggling with severe depression and your medication isn’t working yet, talk to your doctor. There may be other treatments that can help in the meantime.

Get Help with Antidepressant Addiction or Dependence

There are millions of people who struggle with depression. Fortunately, antidepressants can help people to manage depression. However, there is also a chance that you will become reliant on antidepressants. If you try to stop taking them, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. If you use antidepressants with alcohol or other drugs, you could experience other complications or physical health problems. You should always be honest with your prescribing physician about any other substances you are using, legal or otherwise.

We hope we have effectively answered the question ‘Are anti-depressants addictive’ and given you some useful information. If you believe you have a problem with drugs or alcohol or someone you love does, we are here. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Recovery in Tune today. We can help treat your addiction and your depression and have you living a better life.

How Does Naloxone Work?

by | | Addiction Treatment
how does naloxone work

How does Naloxone work? Naloxone is a drug that counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose temporarily. Medical professionals have been using it for decades. Recently, doctors and other people are using new forms of this medication, including nasal sprays.

What is Naloxone used for? Naloxone can help reverse overdose effects and be put in with buprenorphine to make Suboxone for help in recovery, as well.

While Naloxone can be highly effective, people who overdose on drugs must receive other services, too. For now, learning more about this drug can help you see how it works and what it is for.

Mechanisms Behind Naloxone

Many people want to know – how does Naloxone work? This medication connects with opioid receptors in a person’s brain to block effects from opioid drugs. When someone uses opioids, they can’t get the impact they would like, such as feeling good.

There can be some side effects when taking Naloxone. However, those side effects are worth it in exchange for the benefits people get when taking Naloxone.

Naloxone begins working in 2 to 5 minutes after administering it. It is crucial to have a naloxone kit available if you see someone overdosing on drugs.

Types of Naloxone Available

According to the FDA, there are some types of naloxone people can use in various scenarios. Some of the options that you may want to know about include:

  • Injection (only trained medical professionals should use it)
  • Auto-injectable (inject into the thigh and anyone can use this option)
  • Nasal spray or Narcan (needle-free and anyone can administer it)

The nasal spray is the easiest to administer. It is also best for people who can’t stand seeing needles. If you need to help someone who is overdosing on drugs but you can’t stand using needles, the nasal spray would be most effective.

Naloxone Side Effects

While Naloxone is a safe medication, it can still cause some side effects. Most of the side effects will mimic opioid withdrawal. The reason for this is because this medication reverses the effects of opioids.

Some of the side effects everyone should be aware of include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pains
  • Nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Body aches
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Physical weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Runny nose
  • Goosebumps
  • Chills
  • Watery eyes
  • Fever
  • Blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate changes
  • Excessive yawning
  • Sneezing

If you administer Naloxone to someone via injection, an infection or allergic reaction could arise at the site. Some symptoms of these issues would be redness, pain, burning, flushing, hives, hot flashes or sweating.

Impacts of Naloxone on the Opioid Epidemic

Most adults know about the opioid epidemic that is raging throughout the United States in recent years. The government approved the Good Samaritan laws in all states except for 6 of them. These laws allow the use of Naloxone by a third party such as caregivers, friends and family members. If you see someone overdosing on drugs, you can administer Naloxone.

Some people believe that if more Naloxone is available, more people will abuse drugs. The truth is that Naloxone has been available to save many lives. It is well worth any risks associated with its use.

According to the World Health Organization or WHO, about 69,000 people have a fatal opioid overdose each year. Due to these results, WHO recommends that people have Naloxone in their homes in case someone overdoses. You may also want to carry this medication on you if someone you love or care about overdoses in public.

Getting Help for Opioid Addiction

Naloxone is one of the many medications people can receive if they have an opioid addiction. Mainly, someone administers it when a loved one or friend overdoses on opioids. However, it is also given with buprenorphine to create Suboxone. Many rehab center professionals use Suboxone to help their patients overcome addiction.

In addition to Naloxone, there are other ways to get help for opioid addiction. You can enroll in an inpatient program, PHP, medication-assisted treatment or various outpatient programs. Many factors will determine the best option for you. The severity of your addiction is one of the main factors to consider. If you don’t know a lot about the different treatment options, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help. Many medical and rehab center professionals can give you any information you need regarding these programs.

If you were the one to overdose on opioids and realized you need treatment, you can contact rehab center professionals today. We can talk to you more about how Naloxone works and what treatments are best for opioid addiction.

Is Trazodone a Controlled Substance?

by | | Addiction Treatment
is trazodone a controlled substance

Does Trazodone Count As A Controlled Substance?

We should consider trazodone a controlled substance. This means that one can only obtain it with a prescription. If you do not have a prescription for trazodone, do not take it. Only take medications prescribed to you. Do you have a trazodone prescription? Take it exactly as directed. Consume the proper dose in the proper manner. Neither give away, nor sell, any of your medication.

But, you likely still have questions. In this article, Recovery In Tune intends to answer the following:

  • What is trazodone?
  • What is trazodone used for?
  • Does trazodone have side effects?
  • Other treatment options would trazodone work with.
  • If I still have questions about trazodone?

Trazodone Explained

Trazodone belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). SSRIs help stabilize the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin influences our temperament and moods. Manufacturers formerly marketed trazodone the brand names Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose, and Oleptro. As of now, you may find it under its generic name. Typical doses range from 50mg – 300mg.

What Is Trazodone Used For?

Healthcare providers use trazodone primarily to treat major depressive disorder. One might also receive trazodone to help with insomnia or anxiety disorders. Other off label uses include:

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Substance use disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Recovering from an ischemic stroke

What Is Depression?

“Depression” might sound simple. But it has become an umbrella term for a variety of conditions. Depression involves more than sadness. It may share some similarities with grief, as after the death of a loved one. However, grief and sadness may give way to depression. Depression feels like a nagging sense of loss or disgust. It follows you like a shadow. In fact, the amount of light we receive may influence depression.

The National Institute of Mental Health recognizes several different kinds of depression:

  • Dysthymia: also called persistent depressive disorder
  • Postpartum depression: a severe form of depression that occurs after giving birth
  • Psychotic depression: a form of depression linked to hallucinations and delusions
  • Seasonal affective disorder: strikes with the onset of winter, can lead to decreased time with loved ones, less motivation, and sleeping too much
  • Bipolar disorder: marked by sudden shifts in mood, ranging from excitement (mania) to despair

What About Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Trazodone helps treat major depressive disorder. People with depression have a lasting sense of loss. No matter what they do, this feeling persists. To properly express it, someone with depression might not even use words like “sad.” More often, major depressive disorder feels like the absence of feeling. Major depression numbs a person. It traps them in a void where they feel nothing. Perhaps not even pain.

Specific symptoms of major depressive disorder include:

  • An unending feeling of emptiness
  • Inability to fall (or stay) asleep
  • Sleepiness during the day, regardless of how much one sleeps
  • Extreme changes in weight (loss or gain)
  • Dissatisfaction with formerly enjoyable activities
  • Suicidal ideation

Does Trazodone Have Side Effects?

Like all medications, trazodone does have side effects. As mentioned earlier, always stick to your prescription regimen. Do not deviate from your healthcare provider’s instructions. Adhering to your providers recommendations can help minimize side effects.

That said, side effects for trazodone include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sleepiness
  • Sweating
  • Blurry vision

What Other Treatment Options Would Trazodone Work With?

Besides trazodone, major depressive disorder has other treatment options. Think of medication like a single tool in a toolbox. One need not neglect this tool. Situations exist where medication becomes incredibly helpful. However, it ought not be the only tool in one’s toolbox. Consider using treatment methods like these in conjunction with trazodone.

Light Therapy

Lack of sunlight can contribute to depression. Inadequate sunlight effects how we view the world. But not only that. Lack of sunlight physiologically influences both our eyes and brains. One non-medicinal treatment for major depressive disorder involves white light exposure. Healthcare providers refer to this as light therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

We usually take our thoughts for granted. Rarely do we evaluate them. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches us to do just that. One does not have to identify oneself by one’s depressive thoughts. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help alleviate some of the symptoms of major depressive disorder.

What If I Still Have Questions About Trazodone?

Perhaps you’d like more information about the controlled substance known as trazodone. You’ve read this far, but you find you still have questions. At Recovery In Tune, we want to empower our clients with information. With information, our clients can take meaningful, productive steps toward lasting recovery.

If you or someone you love struggles with depression, let us know. You came to this page for a reason. Call us now. Not ready to talk? No worries. Drop us a quick email.

Is There A Cure for OCD?

by | | Addiction Treatment
Is there a cure for OCD?

Have We Found A Cure for OCD?

Everyone who has an illness longs for a cure. Many people would welcome a cure for OCD. OCD treatment methods can provide some relief. Likewise, OCD medications help a bit. But can medical science give us a real cure for OCD? Or does such a thing remain a pipe dream?

In this article, Recovery In Tune seeks answers to these questions:

  • What is OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)?
  • What is life like for someone with OCD?
  • What treatment methods exist for OCD?
  • What about medications for OCD?
  • Where can I get more information about a possible cure for OCD?

What is OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)?

OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Someone with OCD has thoughts and urges that seem to happen automatically. This makes up the “obsessive” element of the disorder. Further, the same person feels the need to do things repetitively. We refer to these actions as “compulsions.”

You may hear someone express something like, “I’m really OCD about ________.” Popular culture appears to have associated the disorder with anyone who likes things a certain way. But for those with OCD, the problems run much deeper. Like any mental illness, OCD can substantially interfere with someone’s life.

What Is Life Like For Someone With OCD?

Someone with OCD suffers from automatic, or intrusive, thoughts. Thoughts like these can manifest in anyone. But they can become especially cumbersome for a person with OCD. These thoughts appear without warning. They can disturb a person immensely. To combat these thoughts, the sufferer acts. These actions, at least in the mind of the sufferer, help keep the automatic thoughts at bay.

The sufferer believes that they must perform a particular action. It might involve repetitive cleaning or disinfecting. Or, the sufferer might have to circle their home three times before pulling into the driveway. To them, the world seems out of balance if they do not act our their compulsion. Life feels chaotic, and they have no grounding.

What Treatment Methods Exist For OCD?

Human problems rarely have just one cause. Consequently, one ought to come up with more than one solution to those problems. A quality treatment program for OCD must do more than conceal symptoms. As best it can, a treatment program must give someone their life back. It must help a client extend themselves beyond a disorder.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps a client navigate through OCD. Remember those automatic thoughts? CBT trains our minds to engage with those kinds of thoughts. It teaches us to critique our thoughts. We ask ourselves questions about the thoughts to try and learn more about them. This helps us to break cycles of automatic thought. Consequently, we can begin to create more productive thought cycles.

Exposure And Response Prevention (EX/RP)

Exposure and response prevention therapy (EX/RP) takes a client into uncomfortable, bur controlled, situations. EX/RP might involve either imaginal exposure or in vivo exposure. In imaginal exposure, the client conjures up mental pictures of unpleasant sensations. In vivo exposure helps the client confront disturbing stimuli in real life.

Imaginal Exposure

Consider a client with a fear of leaving home. Prior to leaving, they must lock and unlock each door twenty times. Imaginal exposure would have the client think about leaving their house. In this mental scenario, the client would have only locked the doors once. Then, the client imagines how not engaging with their compulsion makes them feel. Over time, the client can develop resistance to their obsessions and compulsions.

In Vivo Exposure

In vivo exposure would have this client leave their home after locking each door only once. That done, they could immerse themselves in this fearful situation. When repeated, the client acquires the ability to remain in this circumstance with less fear.

What About Medications For OCD?

Medications constitute a key component of quality OCD treatment program. Changing our thinking via therapy aids our development. But we must not neglect medications. Several medications have become available to help those afflicted with OCD. We classify most of these medications as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Some common OCD medications include:

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Pevexa)

Where Can I Get More Information About A Possible Cure For OCD?

At present, science has not provided a cure for OCD. No medication, no therapy, no process can make OCD go away forever. Nevertheless, recovery remains possible. With the proper tools at one’s disposal, one can lead a meaningful, fulfilling life. OCD does not prevent one from feeling joy. It may feel like an impassible threshold. Bur Recovery In Tune knows that people get better. People with OCD can unlearn old habits. They can change counterproductive patterns of thinking. They do not have to yield to their compulsions. They can experience genuine freedom.

If you or someone you love struggles with OCD, don’t wait any longer. Get help now. Contact Recovery In Tune today.