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May 7 2021

Admitting Addiction to Loved Ones [Guide]

Admitting Addiction to Loved Ones

Admitting addiction to loved ones is one of the most difficult things for an addict to do. In fact, admitting you have a problem can be hard for anyone. This is true when dealing with other people, of course, but some things are hard to admit even to yourself. Unfortunately, moving beyond denial is something we all have to confront, eventually. The problem just happens to be more stressful if you are suffering from a major issue like an addiction.

First, let’s be clear. There is no shame in addiction. But even knowing this, it’s difficult to tell our friends and family the truth. One way to get through this is to come up with a plan. Find the best way to tell the truth to your loved ones. With their support, recovery will be much easier than if you were to try it on your own.

You can reach out to us at (385)-327-7418. Nothing would make us happier than helping you figure out what the next steps are after admitting addiction—whether you need rehab treatment, therapy, or simple guidance, we are here for you.

Coming to Terms with Addiction

Getting through personal denial is one of the hardest parts of recovery. Admitting you have a problem is often described as the
“first step,” but facing the truth about your own behavior has to come even before that. Once you get beyond denial, you need to figure out how to tell your friends and family that you have an addiction problem. Doing this isn’t so easy either. It takes real strength.

Before preparing a plan around telling your family that you’re an addict, let’s look at how you make that determination.

What does it mean to have an addiction to a substance? What are the signs and symptoms? These are all important questions, and knowing the answer will help you explain the condition to your loved ones.

How It Starts

Drug addiction is a disease that affects your brain, making it almost impossible to control your substance abuse. Addictions often start from a place of curiosity. At some point, everyone wonders what it would be like to try a drug. We hear wild stories about people tripping or feeling happier than they have ever felt before. For some, this curiosity leads to experimentation.

In other cases, addiction is an accidental effect from prescribed medications such as opioids. We start taking the medication to deal with pain but end up continuing with it in order to keep feeling euphoric and calm. Even though the experience can be enjoyable, the results are often disastrous for our well-being. For this reason, admitting addiction is essential for physical and mental health.

Look for the Signs

Here are some common signs and symptoms of addiction:

Having intense urges to use the drug
Taking larger amounts than you intended
Taking a drug for longer than you intended or for longer than prescribed
Believing you need to use the drug regularly
Being unable to stop using
Failing to meet your normal responsibilities at work or at home
Maintaining a supply or stockpile of the drug
Continuing to use the drug even though using continues to cause problems

These are all signs of addiction. But remember, addiction is a disease. Substance abuse changes the physical chemistry of our brains. This change creates a feedback loop in the part of our brain responsible for rewarding behavior and creating habits. For addicts, simply quitting is a task of Herculean proportions. That’s why addiction often requires special treatment.

When you know this, admitting you have a problem becomes that much easier. Telling your family is only another step towards seeking help and recovery.

Revealing Your Addiction

Odds are, your family already has a hunch you are doing something dangerous. Addiction isn’t an easy disease to sneak past those who love and spend the most time with you. While they might not know these changes are the results of an addiction you’re dealing with, they will probably notice the changes in your mood or behaviors. They will notice you are sleeping more, staying out more, and being secretive. No matter what they know, or you think they know, the best thing is to be upfront and truthful about what you are going through.

The following are some helpful tips for coming out of the addiction closet.

Pick the Right Time

Whether you think you are an addict, or you merely suspect you might be, confronting your loved ones is better done sooner than later. The sooner you tell your friends and family, the sooner you get treatment, and the easier your road to recovery will be.

Finding the right place and time to discuss this information is important. Having this discussion in a restaurant or while at a show is not ideal. The best place is probably the privacy of your own home. Another excellent choice is a group session with your therapist—something our professionals would be more than happy to help you set up.

Be Emotionally Prepared

When you get ready to have this conversation, remember to take a few deep breaths, and settle your nerves (without the use of drugs or alcohol). Having a clear, sober mindset during this discussion is important. This will be an emotional conversation for everyone.

Do your best to remain calm if they respond by crying, yelling, or asking a million questions. It is very possible they will be overcome with emotion and not at their most rational. It is hard for anyone to process that someone they deeply care for is having such a serious problem.

Be Honest and Open

Whether you have this conversation one time or multiple times, remember the importance of being honest and open. While those closest to you might be in shock and unsure what questions to ask, it is likely they will ask at least one question. Often the question focuses on “why” or “how.”

It will be helpful to explain to your friends and family what led you to try drugs or alcohol for the first time. Discuss how you felt and why you went back for a second time. Let them know if there was a traumatic or stressful event or peer pressure, that pushed you into substance use.

Show them you have done the legwork and you are serious about conquering your addiction. Explain your next steps and if you have a treatment plan in mind.

Anticipate Questions

Preparing a list of questions you are expecting your family and friends to ask can be helpful. This not only helps you review your thoughts on the addiction but also means you will have talking points ready. This can help you stay focused and calm as you break the news to them.

Some questions might be:

Have you tried to stop?
When did this start?
Why did you even try drugs?
How did you get drugs?
Are you sure you have an addiction problem?
What is your plan?
How can I help?

While being upfront and honest about your addiction problem is important, this does not mean you must answer every question or lose your right to privacy. Maybe there are some important details that need to remain private, especially if those details could devastate someone in the room. Simply tell them you aren’t ready to discuss that topic yet.

Take Responsibility

Admitting you have a problem is difficult, especially if it stems from the choices you made. If you do not think you are in the wrong, that is OK. However, when you tell your friends and family you have an addiction, it is important you do not put the blame on them. Telling someone they are at fault will only add tension to an emotionally charged situation.

Share Your Recovery Plans

Often, people will reveal their addiction without having a plan of attack in place. If this is the case, you can ask your family and friends for help putting a plan together. However, if you are reading this article, you are likely the kind of person who has treatment options already in mind.

Having a plan of attack ready to show your family will give you confidence. This plan also shows them your determination and sincerity in getting help and overcoming this problem.

What if My Family Isn’t Supportive?

In a perfect world, we would all have a family filled with supportive and understanding people. While this is the case for some people, it is not the case for everyone. If you’re feeling hesitant about admitting an addiction to your family, it might be best to start with the family member you’re closest to. This could be a sibling, a cousin, or one parent. For many people, having the conversation one-on-one for the first time is a good confidence booster for telling everyone else.

It is possible some family members will be supportive while others will not be. Often those who are not supportive have a tough time relating to the situation. They cannot understand why you would choose drugs and alcohol over other “approved” methods. It is important to not take their judgment of your situation as a judgment against you. While they may sound similar, your situation does not define you.

More importantly, this is not the time to focus on what others think of you. Now is the time to focus on you and your recovery. It is time to build or rebuild healthy relationships, to create your support system, and to find your way back to a healthy life.

How to Get Help

Remember, telling your family and friends of your addiction is taking a weight off your shoulders. You no longer have this dark secret to carry around.

Now that you have told those closest to you, it’s time to do the work and create a new, sober life. No two people thrive with the same plan, which is why we recommend that you call us for guidance. Our treatment experts know how to ask the right questions about you and your past, and how to find a treatment plan that will work for you and with you.

Thankfully, you don’t have to break the news on your own. Recovery is your responsibility, but that doesn’t mean you must recover alone. There will always be more support just a short call away. Read this article, plan out a strategy, and if you still have questions, call us for help at the number below. Now is the time to invest in yourself.

FIND HELP IMMEDIATELY WITH US TODAY!

Call (385) 327-7418

Have a question?

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January 7 2021

Is Inhalant Addiction Common?

admin Addiction addiction, are inhalants addictive, dangers of inhalants, inhalant, inhalant addiction, inhalants, withdrawal symptoms of inhalants

While inhalants can be under the radar as opposed to other substances, inhalants can be addictive. Inhalant addiction is not quite a common addiction as others. Inhalants are still harmful and can lead to fatal consequences. Inhalants are usually household cleaning and hazardous liquids such as gasoline. The dangers of inhalants are prevalent in the brain cells and your overall wellbeing. No matter what addiction someone may have, it will take everything from if you do not seek the proper help.

However, with treatment, you will learn to live a life that is addiction free. We work with drug and alcohol recovery programs that help those struggling with their addiction in the state of Utah. In a rehab treatment program, it allows the addict to come to terms with their addiction, learn to recognize and stay away from triggers that lead a person to use, and eventually start a new life in recovery. Now is the time. So make that call to us today at 385-327-7418.

Content

What are inhalants? Are they dangerous? Can someone I love become addicted? We will help you answer all of these questions and more below. Start by clicking a link to jump to that section and start reading about how to help someone with inhalant addiction. If you require additional assistance please reach out to our specialists today.

Are Inhalants Dangerous?
What are Inhalants Addictive?
Health Effects of Inhalant Addiction
Can Inhalant Addiction be Treated?
Your Addiction Can be Treated

Are Inhalants Dangerous?

Inhalants are substances that people inhale (breath in) to get high. There are other substances that people might inhale, such as alcohol. These are substances that you can misuse only by inhaling them.
Using inhalants to try to get high, even once, can be very harmful to your brain and body. It can even lead to death.

Inhalants are accessible can be purchased at any chain retail store across and can be found at home or in the workplace. Adolescents and college-age teens are the most common inhalant abusers. A 2008 National Institute on Drug Abuse study found that over 15 percent of eighth-graders had used an inhalant in his or her lifetime. This could be because many of these products are cheap and can be purchased legally or are readily available at home. Users of inhalants absorb the fumes using their nose or mouth.

Furthermore, the terms used for the actual action of an inhaling depends on what substance as well. The typical sang for a person inhaling include snorting, huffing, and sniffing. A user can experience a high or sensation that gives off a sense of euphoria. People will hallucinate and even get paranoid while high off inhalants. When a person repeatedly uses, they can lose control of themselves and lead to potential long-term damage to the brain and body. Common street names for huffing, for instance, can include:

Poppers
Whippets
Laughing gas
Snappers

These substances possess dangerous mind-altering attributes when a person inhales them.

Types of Inhalants:

Solvents – These particular liquids turn into gas when at room temperature. For example, substances such as nail polish remover, gasoline, and paint thinner are the main substances used.
Aerosol sprays – For instance, some common sprays are deodorant spray and spray paint
Gases – For example, gas from lighters, whipped cream cans, and laughing gas from the dentist.
Nitrites – These include medications, for instance, for chest pain. It can also increase sexual pleasures.

Are Inhalants Addictive?

When someone is addicted to a substance, it compromises their physical and mental state. The addict becomes a different person in the process of addiction. Addicts work diligently to hide their addiction at all costs. The dangers of inhalants can be apparent in a person’s appearance once they get addicted.

This addiction is under the radar as opposed to others. Kids and teens are the more prominent users because they can get these substances right from home. When the signs are there, people should act swiftly and diligently. The warning signs of someone using can depend on the person’s frequency and intensity of inhaling the substances.

Signs of Someone Using Inhalants

Is there someone in your life you suspect to be using inhalants? Well then here are the most common signs you should be aware of:

Chemical odors on clothes and breath
Running nose, nosebleeds, and red eyes
Slurred speech and appearance like they are drunk
Hidden containers
Stained towels and clothing
Slurred speech
No appetite
Depression
Red marks and smudges around the nose and face

Are There Consequences with Inhalant Addiction?

Yes, there are. Inhalants can induce physical and psychological effects on a person. The frequency of this addiction is uncommon. The frequency of use can range from minor to severe. Like any addiction, things start rather casually and morph into compulsive behavior. Using inhalants can be considered almost like a gateway way drug. Solvents are addictive, and over time a person can build a tolerance.

However, this situation puts a person in the position of needing more to experience the high. In the case of some inhalants, especially solvents, a user may develop a tolerance, and the need for a psychological dependence of inhalants is very likely. The consequences of an inhalant addiction have short-term and long-term effects on the body that can lead to fatal implications. The more chronic of a user the person is, then the more it can affect the body.

Health Effects of Inhalant Addiction

When you abuse any substance, the body pays the piper one way or another. While this addiction is not fully understood, there is research that explores the effects it does on the human body. The danger of inhalants comes with the first initial high that can lead to an overdose. A person can have seizures and potentially make the heart stop. The main effects on the body are the central nervous system of the body and slow down the brain. As far as the symptoms go, a person can have restlessness, irritability, excitability, and anxiety.

The short-term and long-term effects can wreak havoc on the body as well as the mind. The typical duration of a high lasts about 15 minutes. The short-term health effects are similar to a person drunk off of alcohol. Inhalants can elevate the heart rate up, disrupt the rhythm of the heart rate, and rob the body of the necessary oxygen. With every inhale a person is their killing brain cells each breath. Since inhalants are highly flammable, the potential for an accident is possible.

Short-term Health Effects

There are many common short-term side effects of inhalant addiction. For example, one might experience:

Slurred or distorted speech
Lack of coordination
Euphoria
Dizziness
Blackouts
Nausea
Coughing fits

Long-term Health Effects

There are many common long-term side effects of inhalant addiction. For example, one might experience:

Liver and kidney damage
Lack of coordination
Leg spasms
Delayed behavioral development
Brain damage
Hearing loss
Bone marrow damage
Reduced muscle tone
Lung damage
Memory loss

Moreover, people can misuse nitrites in the bedroom as far as the sexual atmosphere is concerned. The comprised capacity of a person’s brain can lead a person to have unsafe sex. While also including themselves in other dangerous activities.

Can an Inhalant Addiction Be Treated?

While there have been no studies done on the prevalence of inhalant abuse, however, it is treatable. Treatment can help with abuse and dependence. There needs to be a devotion to abstinence from the substances. However, the withdrawal symptoms of inhalants can be infrequent. When a person does need to withdraw from inhalant addiction, it needs to happen in a controlled environment. Withdrawal symptoms of inhalants are like withdrawing from benzodiazepines or alcohol.

For example, the typical symptoms include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Sleep issues
Delusions

However, in more severe cases, there may be migraines, hallucinations, abdominal pains, or shaking. Frequent users coming off inhalants suffer withdrawal symptoms. For example, these can include:

Nausea
Excessive sweating
Muscle cramps
Headaches
Chills
Agitation
Shakes
Hallucinations
Convulsions

Medications for Inhalant Addiction

However, as of this moment, there are no agents, in particular, that can reverse the process of a solvent intoxication. Also, there are no medications that have benefits for people withdrawing from an inhalant addiction. The typical length of withdrawal is about a month, though relapses are very likely within the process. In looking to treating someone for an inhalant addiction, an intense inpatient program is something to be considered.

Relapse rates are high for people that struggle with inhalant addiction. However, this is a therapy for inhalant addiction that is successful as they serve the reward function of the brain positively. The cognitive-behavioral therapy approach assists people with ways to foresee the traps, avoid and learn better-coping methods if the urge to huff occurs.

While more research is required to figure what is the most effective way to treat an inhalant, one tactic includes motivational incentives. When a person stays drug-free, there are monetary rewards and other perks sometimes used in treatment. Aftercare is especially beneficial for accountability purposes and sustaining sobriety.12-step programs and support groups can help with staying clean. When fighting an addiction having a core support group of family, friends, and others in recovery is beneficial to help you stay sober.

Your Addiction Can Be Treated

Nobody should turn a blind eye to inhalant addiction. The dangers of inhalants range from minor to severe based on how frequent the person uses. There is not much hard evidence on how addictive inhalants are, but it is still a problem. The most that at risk is the younger generation of teens that have easy access to inhalants. Education and awareness are essential for parents, mainly to prevent their children and others from experimenting.

Like addressing any addiction, time is of the essence. If the signs are there, then there is likely a problem. Inhalant addiction is a serious matter because there it is unpredictable. It is a matter that is life and death, especially for the younger generation as they have their whole lives to live.

Finding the Right Resources

In conclusion, there are resources for people in the state of Utah, struggling with any form of addiction. Inpatient rehab is the most effective in a person overcoming an inhalant addiction. There are also options for outpatient rehabilitation and residential treatment. Press the reset button, and do not look back but move forward. With a plan of action, addiction does not stand a chance.

The longer a person is in their addiction, the further it will take them down the path. No matter what stage of addiction someone is in, anyone can beat it with a little bit of help. There are recovery counselors ready to help people take the first steps. Now is the time. Call us at 385-327-7418 today.

Find Help Now with

Better Help Addiction Care

Your road to addiction treatment recovery starts Here. 24/7 Treatment Monitoring.

Call Us (385) 327-7418

Get Program Info

How To Support An Addict (Without Enabling Them

5 Signs of Hidden Drug Use to Watch Out For

How Successful is Addiction Treatment?

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January 4 2021

How Opioids Affect Your Heart

admin Addiction effects of opioids on the heart, heart health, how opioids affect your heart, opioids, opioids and the heart, what opioids do to your heart, your heart after opioid abuse

As opioid use escalates, the effects of opioids on the heart are becoming more apparent. However, users might not realize they are doing damage until it drastically affects their health. Those who use heroin are especially at risk since they are likely to inject the drug, which can do serious damage to the cardiovascular system as a whole. Understanding what opioids do to your heart can help you prevent any further harm.

Substance abuse and addiction can devastate your well-being in so many ways, so it’s important to seek treatment that can address all the effects of drug abuse. A variety of treatment centers and programs in your area can give you the assistance you need, and we can help you choose the one that’s best for you. Reach out to us today at 385-327-7418 to get connected with addiction treatment in your area.

Content

Opioid abuse can lead to a variety of adverse heart problems. Click through the sections below to learn more.

Your Heart After Opioid Abuse
Injection Drug Use and the Heart
An Overview of Opioid Abuse Treatment
More About Opioids
Healthy Heart, Healthy Mind

Your Heart After Opioid Abuse

Research shows that most drugs can have adverse cardiovascular effects. Problems can range from irregular heartbeat to increased risk of a heart attack. While heart complications are not the only adverse effects of opioids by far, they are significant. The impact of opioids on the heart can sometimes be fatal.

For example, a recent study found that opioid use appears to increase a person’s risk for developing a specific heart-rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation. This is the most common heart rhythm disorder, which causes the heart’s upper chambers to beat irregularly and out of rhythm with the lower chambers. Atrial fibrillation is also one of the leading causes of stroke.

One possible explanation for why this occurs may have to do with the fact that opioids can interfere with your breathing. Specifically, opioid use can lead to sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by breathing that erratically starts and stops. Sleep apnea is a known risk factor for an irregular heartbeat. Though the exact cause of opioid-related heartbeat irregularity is still unknown, the effects are evident.

It is important to note that this study tracked the use, rather than abuse, of opioids. The distinction is significant because it means the findings emphasize that opioid use by itself is dangerous, even before it becomes a problem of substance abuse or full-blown addiction. A person does not have to be addicted to experience the effects of opioids on the heart.

Older adults who use opioids might be at an even greater risk for heart problems since advanced age on its own is a risk factor for many health complications, including heart issues.

Injection Drug Use and the Heart

Using opioids can affect your entire cardiovascular system. Heroin, in particular, can be hard on not only the heart itself but also on blood vessels throughout the whole body. This is because heroin users commonly inject the drug directly into their bloodstream. The injection can be dangerous for several reasons. For one, heroin often contains additives like starch or sugar, which can clog blood vessels and obstruct blood flow to vital organs. More generally, injection drug use can lead to collapsed veins and bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves.

Injecting heroin puts users at risk for inflammation of the heart due to infection. Contaminated needles can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream and carry it to the heart. Infections can lead to various further symptoms, including damaged heart tissue, shortness of breath, fatigue, and an increased risk for heart failure and stroke. We can treat heart infections, but doing so typically requires surgery to replace damaged tissue. Invasive operations like this can increase the risk of repeated infection. Additionally, the adverse effects can persist even after you resolve the initial condition.

An Overview of Opioid Abuse Treatment

Although some professionals can treat opioid-related heart complications, they will likely continue to occur and impair your health unless you address the root of the problem: drug abuse. Addiction treatment can help you stop using drugs and stay drug-free so you can prevent damaging your body, restore your health, and return to a happier, productive life.

In general, treatment for opioid abuse involves a combination of medications and behavioral therapies. This is known as a “whole patient” approach since it aims to end drug use and resolve any related issues.

Medication

Medication on its own is not considered full treatment but is rather one part of the process. The use of medicine in addiction treatment is known as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Medicines can ease withdrawal symptoms, decrease cravings, and re-establish normal brain function. MAT helps patients reduce drug-seeking behavior and become more open to behavioral treatment, which will help them stay drug-free in the long run.

The medications used in opioid addiction treatment work by binding to the opioid receptors or blocking the receptors to suppress the effects of opioid drugs.

Therapy

Behavioral therapies help patients modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use and increase their healthy life skills to persist with recovery. Experts will use several types of behavioral therapies in addiction treatment.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing can be especially helpful at the beginning of treatment for anyone unsure or reluctant about starting therapy. It aims to boost a person’s readiness to change their behavior. During motivational interviewing, therapists help patients overcome insecurities about treatment and discover their motivations for recovering.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

In cognitive-behavioral therapy, patients learn to recognize and avoid or cope with the situations in which they are most likely to use drugs. When patients have healthy coping skills, they are less likely to relapse when they encounter drug cravings triggers.

Contingency Management

Motivational incentives, also known as contingency management, use positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from drugs. For example, a patient may receive a voucher for each drug test they pass. This type of therapy helps patients associate drug-free behavior with positive feelings.

MDFT

Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) treats adolescents with drug abuse problems. MDFT addresses the family’s influence on the adolescent’s drug abuse patterns and aims to improve overall family functioning, promoting drug-free behavior.

Treatment is unique to every individual. This means the treatment professionals you work with will also be able to provide you resources to deal with any additional problems related to your drug use, including physical health complications.

More About Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that include illegal and prescription substances. This group contains heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and many others.

Heroin

Heroin is from the natural opioid morphine. It comes in powder or a sticky substance that users may inject, sniff, snort, or smoke. Some people mix heroin and crack cocaine, which is known as speedballing. This increases the risk of heart problems since cocaine use causes higher blood pressure, stiffer arteries, and thicker heart muscle walls, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Heroin takes effect rapidly. It works by binding to opioid receptors in parts of the brain involved in pain and pleasure feelings, controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing. The manipulation of these brain functions is what creates the euphoric and sedative effects.

People generally use heroin for the initial “rush” or a sudden surge of pleasure immediately after taking the drug—however, there other common immediate effects.

Effects of heroin include:

Dry mouth
Warm flushing of the skin
Heavy feeling in the arms and legs
Nausea and vomiting
Severe itching
Clouded mental functioning
Going “on the nod,” a back-and-forth state of being conscious and semiconscious

Prescription Pain Relievers

Opioids besides heroin are often medicines due to their ability to relax the body and relieve severe pain. For example, doctors may prescribe opioids after invasive surgeries. Although some opioids have legitimate medical uses, people can use them to get high. Even though these drugs are legal with prescriptions, it is still dangerous to misuse them because they are highly addictive and commonly lead to overdose.

Misuse occurs when you take medicine in a way or dose other than prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking a medication in order high, it is misuse, even if you have a prescription for it. Taking someone else’s prescription medicine is also misuse.

Along with pain relief and relaxation, prescription opioids have other effects similar to those of heroin. Prescription opioid misuse can additionally open the door to heroin use.

Effects of prescription opioids include:

Drowsiness
Confusion
Nausea
Constipation
Euphoria
Slowed breathing

Healthy Heart, Healthy Mind

It is easy to overlook how opioids affect your heart since you cannot see the changes made inside your body. This is part of what makes opioid use so dangerous—you might not realize your heart is being affected until something extreme happens, like a stroke or a severe infection. Notably, heroin use is mainly increasing among young adults, who generally should not have to worry about such severe heart problems for many years.

To truly recover from opioid-related heart issues, it is not enough to focus on treating the physical health effects. Unless you address your drug use, the problem will not get better. Fortunately, addiction is not a battle you have to fight on your own. Addiction treatment helps you stay away from drugs and restore your health, regardless of how you may have been impaired by it. Treatment may be challenging, but when you stick with it, the outcome can be incredibly rewarding. It can mean improved function of your heart, mind, and many other aspects of your life.

If you are concerned about your health or the health of a loved one due to opioid use, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. There is no shame in wanting a better future for yourself. With the right care, you can achieve it. Our dedicated professionals can guide you toward the resources you need to start your journey to an addiction-free life. Call us today at 385-327-7418 for more information on addiction treatment in your area.

Find Help Now with

Better Help Addiction Care

Your road to addiction treatment recovery starts Here. 24/7 Treatment Monitoring.

Call Us (385) 327-7418

Get Program Info

Resources

December 31 2020

Can I Afford Rehab?

admin Rehab affording rehab, how to get help paying for drug rehab, how to get insurance to pay for inpatient rehab, how to pay for drug rehab, howto pay for drug rehab without insurance, rehab

Are you unsure of how to pay for drug rehab? If so, you are not alone. Figuring out how to afford rehab can add a lot of stress to an already difficult situation. Millions of Americans battle addiction, and many have found themselves worried about the costs of treatment. This added worry can become overwhelming without a proper understanding of the options available to you.

Fortunately, rehab therapy is still within reach, and today you will learn the different options available to you. Here we will discuss how to get help paying for drug rehab, get insurance to pay for inpatient rehab, and pay for drug rehab without insurance. Ultimately, if you are ready to explore rehab options, we can help! Give us a call today at 385-327-7418, and we will help you find a center that can effectively treat your addiction without breaking your budget.

Content

Learn more about affording rehab below, and be sure to reach out to our treatment experts with any questions.

The Importance of Treatment for Addicts
Treatment Options
The Hidden Costs of Addiction
How to Pay for Drug Rehab
Finding a Treatment Center

The Importance of Treatment for Addicts

First, you want to truly internalize how vital rehab is as you look into treatment options. Addiction is something you cannot overcome alone. It impacts you, your loved ones, and your community.

Rehab can help you dig into the underlying issues that led to your addiction. The healing you will gain in treatment goes far beyond recovering from the habit. You will leave therapy with a toolbox you can apply to various challenging situations life throws at us.

Another benefit is that many treatment options allow and encourage the whole family to participate. Rehab is a way you can strengthen your support system and come out with a happier, healthier, and more productive life.

Yet another reason to prioritize treatment is that it helps you prioritize your health. It is easy to get caught up in day-to-day necessities and lose focus on recovery. Fortunately, while in rehab, you have no choice but to place the emphasis back on your health. Thus, even as you continue to work, you will have that reminder to pay attention to your body and take care of yourself.

Possibly the most significant benefit of all is the ongoing support that treatment provides. When you enter rehab, you build a network of people who have your back even after completing treatment. As you likely know, addiction is a journey with a lot of twists and turns. The support you gain from treatment can help you navigate the highs and lows that come on the path to recovery.

Treatment Options

Now, if you do decide to seek treatment, rest assured that you have plenty of options available to you. There are various treatments to choose from, depending on the type of substance an individual is addicted to.

For example, maybe you or your loved one struggles with opioid addiction: the primary focus would be detoxification. This is due to the severe withdrawal symptoms opioid users face, so admission into a treatment center would be significant if this is the case. Meanwhile, someone recovering from alcoholism may be better suited to go straight to a 12-step program.

There are also other options available for addicts looking for treatment. A lot of the recovery journey is trial and error: recovery plans have to be tailored to the individual. It is always possible that there may be a form of treatment better suited to your individual needs. Other treatment options include:

Inpatient or outpatient therapy

These could be short or long-term programs that allow you to seek treatment in either a center full-time or weekly.

Partial hospitalization

This can be a great option if you require a medically supported detox.

Aftercare programs

These are programs that provide continued support and care outside of standard treatment options.

Being vocal about your specific treatment needs is extremely important. Finding a treatment that will easily allow you to create a new routine will help curb the possibility of relapse. Perhaps any anxiety you feel could be channeled into a new exercise routine while you navigate treatment.

It may even be helpful to find a creative outlet to cope with any feelings surrounding entering treatment. The emotions could lead the way to an inspiring song, a motivational poem, or a photo montage to spread awareness.

Ultimately, remember that there is nothing to be ashamed of. The pursuit of treatment will bring you to a place of health and self-confidence that far outweighs the temporary pleasure of addiction.

The Hidden Costs of Addiction

Did you know that the cost of drug addiction does not start with rehab? When considering the expenses, it helps to remember that untreated addiction is far more costly than recovery. The abuse of drugs and alcohol is an expense the country has to bear. According to DrugAbuse.gov, “abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs [exacts] more than $740 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.”

Addiction is an expensive disease to fight for so many reasons. It has a wide variety of hidden costs, mostly when left untreated. Some of the health costs of addiction include:

Increased risk of cancer, mental illness, stroke, or heart disease.
For example, changes to your appearance are “meth mouth” caused by the destructive effect of meth on the teeth.
Increased risk of getting or spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs often spread when tools like needles are shared or when drug abuse leads to unsafe practices like unprotected sex.

Drugs and alcohol do a number on your body. Continued abuse of these substances could leave you with lifelong illnesses that would be far more expensive to treat than the actual substance abuse issue itself. When you decide to seek treatment, you are saving your health, protecting your community, and laying the foundation for a brighter future.

How to Pay for Drug Rehab

Now, let us take a look at how to pay for drug rehab. The first thing you should know is that costs will vary based on a variety of different factors. Some of those factors include the type and number of sessions you need. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), there is “an average cost range of $1,000 to $5,000 for outpatient treatment, an average cost range of $1,500 to $8,000 for methadone maintenance and an average cost range of $3,000 to $10,000 for adult residential treatment.”

Those numbers may seem intimidating, but fortunately, there are various ways to avoid paying out of pocket. Some ways you can pay for rehab include federal and state government programs, insurance, or cash.

Federal and State Government Programs

Now, let’s break down how the local or national government can help cover your care costs. One way the government can cover the cost of your treatment is through grants.

A significant grant used for addiction treatment is the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG). SABG is a grant that provides vulnerable populations access not only to treatment but prevention services as well. You may qualify for a SABG if you are pregnant or have children or if you are engaging in IV drug use.

This is an excellent option because it provides resources for every point in the addiction journey.

Paying for Treatment with Insurance

Insurance is another great option for avoiding or minimizing the cost of treatment. You can use either Medicaid or private insurance to help cover costs. First, let’s take a look at the perks of using Medicaid for treatment.

With Medicaid, you are likely to have your treatment costs covered in full. According to Medicaid.org, “nearly 12 percent of Medicaid beneficiaries over 18 have a SUD. Many states have included behavioral health services for individuals with SUD in the State Plans.” You can check your local state programs for further information on finding Medicaid coverage.

Now, private insurance is slightly different but maybe more accessible if you exceed the Medicaid income levels. You may choose to opt-in through an employer or find your provider on the free market. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made addiction a covered health issue, meaning Marketplace plans cannot put a dollar limit on the amount of coverage for it. One nice thing about private insurance is that you can individualize your objectives and focus on getting the care you want.

Paying Outright

The final option for paying for substance abuse treatment is to pay in full. This option takes out a lot of the guesswork involved with insurance or grants. Frequently, treatment centers will offer a sliding scale that charges you based on your income level. You may even be able to enter a payment plan or opt for financing. These options ensure that you are not denied treatment based on finances.

Finding a Treatment Center

Now you know how to pay for drug rehab, it is time to look into treatment options. Treatment is the surest way out of addiction. It gives you the tools you need to handle the ups and downs that life throws at you.

You will come out of treatment healthier, stronger, and more educated on addiction. Patients will also emerge with a better understanding of the root causes of their substance issues, as well as a new and lasting support system. You can even involve the whole family and help them gain the tools to cope with their household change.

As we discussed, treatment can be paid for using insurance, cash, and even grants. You can pay for treatment in stages or all at once. The most important thing is to take action as soon as you can. The sooner you decide to take that step, the sooner you can free yourself from addiction.

It can be easy to get bogged down in detail and put it off, but that can costs you so much more in the long run. Don’t let money worries stop you from taking care of yourself. You have options. And we can help.

Our experts can help you find a treatment center that fits your lifestyle, budget, and individual needs. Give us a call today at 385-327-7418.

Written by Meccah Muhammad

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December 28 2020

Veterans with PTSD and Benzodiazepine Addiction

admin Addiction Treatment addiciton, benzodiazepines, benzos, ptsd, ptsd and benzodiazepines, ptsd xanax, veterans, veterans with addiction

You don’t have to be abuse alcohol or illegal substances to be an addict. Sometimes in the chase to escape a suffocating reality, something as simple as anxiety medication can create an addiction. PTSD and benzodiazepine treatment are common among veterans. Many times, when veterans search for help with their PTSD, Xanax is prescribed.

In recent years, there has been growing alarm of an opioid crisis. However, there has been little acknowledgment of the growing problem of benzodiazepine addiction. Another class of medication causing addiction and death. In 2015, there were 8,791 deaths from benzodiazepines. Just 16 years prior, in 1999, there were only 1,135 deaths from benzos.

For many people, quitting benzodiazepines is difficult. Some think it’s harder to quit benzos than it is to kick an opioid. However, this has been changing in recent years because of the known addiction rate to benzodiazepines. If you are a veteran struggling with PTSD and an addiction to benzodiazepines, give us a call today at 385-327-7418. We can get you started on a better treatment plan.

Content

Are you or someone you know suffering from addiction? Continue reading for more information about dealing with an addiction to benzos. Contact our specialists today for additional support.

I Think I Have an Addiction
Living With PTSD
When to Be Concerned
Getting Treatment
Next Steps
Paths to Help

Veterans with PTSD and Benzodiazepine Addiction

I Think I Have an Addiction

First, you need to know addiction is a medical problem. It is not a moral problem or a criminal problem. When a habit is acquired, there are physical changes in the brain. Every substance affects the brain differently.

With benzos, the feeling of being on edge is quickly replaced with a calm sense of wellbeing. This feeling comes from a rush of dopamine—the feel-good brain chemical—flooding your brain. This rush is caused by taking a benzodiazepine. When it comes to anxiety and PTSD, Xanax and other benzos can create this welcoming relief. This relief is so calming. It’s easy to become tempted to continue taking it.

People often believe they only need Xanax, Ativan, or another benzodiazepine to make it through an event or get a full night of sleep. You don’t notice the anxiety is slowly building throughout the day like a tsunami. You only see when it feels like it’s too much. Instead of taming it early on, you wait until it makes sense for you to feel this way. It makes sense for large crowds and noisy places to be triggered. So you think it’s those specific moments. It’s hard to realize it started earlier in the day when you heard the garbage truck going down your street.

Using one of these medications occasionally isn’t overly concerning. However, the more you use it, the more likely you become physically and psychologically addicted to this medication type. Over time, your brain and body crave this drug. The brain enjoys how the rush of dopamine and begs for more. You’ll have a more challenging time resisting impulsive urges. Practicing self-control becomes more difficult. Eventually, you’ll experience withdrawals when you stop using these drugs or lower the dose.

PTSD and Benzodiazepine Addiciton

Living with PTSD is like being stuck in a scary movie. You’re always waiting for something to jump out at you. Constantly thinking anything may trigger an intense feeling of fear or anxiety. Even though you feel hopeless, helpless, and trapped, remember there are treatment options. There are more treatments available than Xanax, Ativan, or Valium.

Benzodiazepines make it hard to see you’re fighting a 24/7 mental health problem. They make it easy to hide a more in-depth mental health problem. It can be hard to recognize you need to take an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication daily instead of “as needed.” No one is ever genuinely excited to be on a full-time medication regimen for mental health. With the culture we’re in, you’re tricked into believing a mental health issue is a sign of weakness.

However, having PTSD, anxiety, or any other mental health issue does not make you weak. In reality, you might be healthier than those without a mental health issue because of all you go through!

Common Triggers

When it comes to PTSD triggers, anything and everything is possible at any time. Sights sounds, and smells often trigger those with PTSD. Especially for veterans who experience combat. Holidays that include fireworks are especially triggering since the fireworks involve all the senses.

Sometimes hearing people say certain words can bring up a painful past. Other times, it’s the date on the calendar. Doctor’s appointments or hospital visits can trigger PTSD symptoms. There is often physical discomfort when we are started. Like something is tearing you apart from the inside. This sensation is often why you’re offered benzos in the first place. Having this sensation disappear so quickly is why you kept reaching for the bottle.

What’s worse, PTSD brings up strong emotions. Many times these emotions center around being trapped or feeling helpless. Now that you are forming an addiction to medication, this feeling might be intensifying. Which is making you reach for the medicine again. You want this intensity to calm down, and the medicine is calming you down. But only for a short while. Wouldn’t it be better to get treatment for PTSD? Wouldn’t it be better to have a full-time solution?

When to Be Concerned

The most common reason someone gets addicted to Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, or another benzodiazepine is when these drugs are used differently than prescribed. Often, the thought “if a little is good, more must be better” becomes the belief.

Taking a benzodiazepine at a higher than the prescribed dose or more prolonged than four weeks significantly increases addiction risk. If you are drinking alcohol while taking benzos, the risk for addiction also goes up. In general, it is not wise to take any medication with alcohol. Because of the way benzodiazepines and alcohol work in the body, drinking alcohol with this medication increases the chance of an overdose. There is also an increased risk of organ failure and death. Less scary, but still significant, is the lack of control over your body, mood, and thoughts.

If you feel like alcohol and benzodiazepines are the only way to live with what you’ve experienced, it’s time to find help. PTSD and benzodiazepines are not the way to live. There are much better treatment options available to you.

Getting Treatment

You might be wondering if Xanax can be used to treat PTSD. The answer is both yes and no. Xanax and other benzodiazepines are useful in the short term. They can provide relief in a short time for anxiety, panic attacks, or insomnia. However, in the long run, they are addictive. When you rely on benzos to get through the day, you stop learning how to manage your triggers. This makes it harder to recover from PTSD and anxiety-related problems.

Treatment for PTSD comes in many forms. It’s often a combination of medication and therapy. Depending on the severity of your addiction to benzos, you may need some treatment to help with addiction. The benefit of receiving therapy is in the skills you learn. Learning how to respond to the stress you’re feeling from PTSD will also help you react to other stressful moments.

Waiting for Treatment

Because of the long wait times with the VA, you might find yourself googling, “what does the VA prescribe for anxiety?” You might be hoping to find another doctor who will give you the same medication without the wait. In general, we cannot say what the VA—or any healthcare provider—might prescribe. Everybody has their own unique set of challenges: different medical histories, different experiences, and different lifestyles. The providers at the VA will look at your medical history and take what you tell them about your symptoms into consideration when deciding which treatment option is best for you.

What we do know is the Department of Veteran Affairs stated in 2017, “The VA/DoD 2017 Practice Guideline for the Management of PTSD strongly recommends against the routine use of benzodiazepines in Veterans with PTSD. The recommendation was based on the unproven efficacy of benzodiazepines and well-known risks for abuse and dependence.”

To sum it up, they recommend not using benzodiazepines to treat PTSD because they cannot prove the harm it can cause—addiction—is worth the benefit of taking it, especially when they have many other medications and treatment options.

Next Steps

As the old saying goes, the first step is admitting you have a problem. If you think you have an addiction to benzos, or if you are concerned about becoming addicted, there are many things you can do.

First, take the time to make an appointment with a qualified professional. Treatment centers such as ours have highly trained specialists ready to help you. It’s also worth calling your prescribing doctor. Discuss your options and concerns of addiction to Xanax, Ativan, Valium, or other benzodiazepines. As with any medication, it’s essential to know the risks and voice your concerns.

You should also create a support system for yourself. A support system doesn’t need to be a large group of people. Sometimes, just having a handful of people is enough. For many addicts, their support system consists of their primary care doctor, a therapist, and a couple of close friends or family members.

Paths to Help

The hardest part of dealing with an addiction to benzos is understanding this isn’t your fault. You were trying to treat your symptoms. You weren’t looking to get high; you were looking for relief.

The hardest part of living with PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction is reliving your worst moments over and over. PTSD will not go away on its own. However, there are many ways to treat PTSD without benzodiazepines. Even better, there are many options to treat PTSD. As research progresses, our possibilities become better.

If you’re a veteran struggling to manage anxiety, depression, or PTSD, reach out to us at 385-327-7418. We have access to countless resources. Our goal is to help guide you through this challenging transition and get you the help you so desperately need. We want to help you take control of your PTSD and benzodiazepine addiction.

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https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/benzos_va.asp

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/helping-someone-with-ptsd.htm

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