Posts Tagged ‘detox’

How to Choose the Right Alcohol Rehab in Texas

September 16th, 2011

Once you have decided to bring an end to your alcohol addiction, your next move is to select the best alcohol rehab to guide you through your journey to sobriety. There are many different treatment centers in Texas that promise to get you through the process however not all of them will be just right for your specific needs. It is best to do a bit of research so you can learn about the facilities in your area, as there are a number of factors to consider before beginning the admission process.

Cost and Location

The price of the alcohol rehab program is very important because it obviously has to fit within your budget. However, it should never be the deciding factor considering that choosing the right alcohol rehab in Texas can mean the difference between success and failure. Consider an alcohol rehab that will allow you to comfortably go through the treatment without causing you to go entirely broke. Location is also a major consideration to have in mind. The location of the alcohol rehab should be a place that is away from your home town to avoid the temptation of leaving and going back to old habits.

Services Provided

You should find out about what kinds of services are offered at the alcohol rehab facilities you are interested in to determine the philosophy of their treatment program. The most effective treatment centers in Texas will have comfortable facilities and may even offer alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga, or more traditional services like individual and group therapy along with medication when necessary.

Post Rehab Aftercare

It is vital to inquire about the post rehab after care that the treatment program you choose offers. An indication of a quality facility will be a very comprehensive post recovery program that may include counseling and therapy as well as continued support in the form of group meetings. Also be sure to check to see if they provide special services in the event of a relapse.

Length of the Program

Make sure you understand fully about the length of the treatment program. It’s wise to be leery of a “quick recovery” program, as just a few days or even a week or two in treatment may not be as effective to resolve your addiction as a traditional program of 28, 30 or even 60 – 90 days in some cases.

Family Counseling Sessions

When you are addicted to alcohol or any substance for that matter, your behavior undoubtedly affects your family. If you have a family and mending the relationship with them is important to you, consider an alcohol treatment facility that offers family counseling as part of their treatment.

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Are There Drug and Alcohol Detox Facilities in Florida?

September 15th, 2011

If you are looking at different drug and alcohol detox facilities out of state, Florida may have come to mind. It’s a great place to get away for awhile – the weather is great and the tropical scenery can prove to be very relaxing especially when you have a million other troubles to worry about. There are in fact many different choices of drug and alcohol detox facilities in Florida to choose from – and many of them happen to be some of the best in the country.

Choosing to go to a drug and alcohol detox facility in Florida for your addiction is likely to be one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. It may also save your life and will certainly improve the quality of the lives of the people you care about. For this reason, it is imperative to make the right choice, and to do that, you need to know all of your options whether they are in your own state or out of state.

Many health insurance companies will even pay for drug and alcohol detox in Florida, which happens to have many of the major treatment centers in America where you will receive top notch care for your addiction. In fact, getting admitted into an out-of-state rehab might be a lot easier than you think. There are some major benefits to a stay at a rehab that is out of state and away from home town, as it may be the best possible option to getting out of your current environment and into a brand new situation.

As you may already know, it is very difficult to battle an addiction whether it is to drugs or alcohol. You will need all of the help you can get to get clean and sober. With a drug and alcohol detox facility in Florida, you can take a break from your day to day stress that exists in your life and get away from negative influences. You can physically remove yourself from your lifestyle and all of the temptations around you as you travel to Florida to enter the recovery phase of your life. Such a drastic change in scenery often helps to greatly aid in a person’s journey to sobriety.

Going to a drug and alcohol detox facility in Florida will really give you a chance to focus on your own wellness. You will not need to worry about the needs of anyone but yourself. This basically means a faster recovery, and a lot less stress. Taking time to focus just on yourself and getting better is a challenge and it may seem really hard to leave behind your family and friends. But in the long run, it often is the best choice because ultimately your decision will help your family and loved ones have a better life.

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How Long Does Alcohol Detox Take?

August 21st, 2011

When an alcoholic goes into a rehabilitation or treatment center, detoxification will just be the beginning of a longer process. The detox process entails a cleansing of one’s system to remove all traces of alcohol. Generally, it will take around 7-10 days for most people but it also depends on how long and how much a person was drinking. During detox, there will likely be multiple symptoms a person will experience which are known as withdrawal symptoms. How bad these symptoms are will depend on the severity of the person’s addiction. The feelings can range from mild headaches to nausea and shaking & sweating or worse.

When detox is over, the really tough part begins. Because detox is just the first step, the next part is getting treatment. If you are going to inpatient rehabilitation, your stay can last up to 45 days. Detox will take away the body’s physical dependence on alcohol, but an alcoholic must also work through the psychological aspects of addiction as well. The person has to learn what things trigger their want for alcohol and learn how to cope and handle stress in other ways besides drinking. This is because even though detox removes alcohol from the body, the desire to drink alcohol will still remain.

After detox, a person with an alcohol dependency should also seek therapy. The person will need to learn what his or her strengths are which will help them fight their urge to drink alcohol. In order to face every day life again in a normal way and to function in the real world, there is a lot of work to be done. An alcoholic has to make many changes in order to avoid relapse, including finding new hobbies and friends who will be more in line with their goal to remain sober.

If an alcoholic does relapse, it isn’t that detox was not successful. It means that a psychological aspect of their addiction was not addressed and worked out to a point that the person could cope without drinking. If there is a relapse, detox must be done all over again. A second detox may not be as difficult as the first one however it still may take about the same amount of time. Detox is a very necessary part of getting sober and unless the person goes through the process, he or she will not really learn how to abstain from alcohol. Having willpower is not enough for some addicts which is the reason that inpatient treatment is often more successful than outpatient alcohol treatment. The inpatient treatment center provides a safe place, experienced staff members and helpful tools & regulated therapy sessions to help the addict deal with detox and rehabilitation.

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What is An Outpatient Detox Facility Like?

August 19th, 2011

An outpatient detoxification from drugs or alcohol will take place at a medical facility where the majority of patients are able to begin the process of detox within a matter of hours after initial contact. These facilities often take a very personalized approach to detoxification programs and offer a variety of formats including providing approved medicine. Opiate detoxification programs often take place through the use of Suboxone or Buprenorphine which helps to manage opiate withdrawal symptoms. These medications enable outpatient detox facilities to offer a detoxification protocol for specific addictions including heroin, methadone, oxycontin/oxycodone, vicodin/hydrocodone, and similar narcotics. These medications help to minimize the withdrawal symptoms associated with the detox of these highly addictive substances and while giving the patients the opportunity to continue to work and live their daily lives without significant impact that happens during an inpatient detox.

Advantages of Outpatient Detoxification

For an addict that only experiences mild or moderate withdrawal symptoms including shaking hands, perspiration, heart palpitations, sleeplessness and restlessness, lack of appetite, mild nausea, and maybe some vomiting, outpatient detox is considered a safe and effective alternative to inpatient detox on a much less expensive basis. Additionally, those patients who decide to admit themselves into a long-term outpatient rehab treatment center after the outpatient detoxification period will more than likely benefit greatly by continuing at the same treatment facility due to the increased social support. Because adverse family circumstances or employment may prohibit a person from attending inpatient treatment, outpatients are able to continue to function in a near normal state while also maintaining employment and family/social obligations. Outpatient detox and treatment allow for more freedom and flexibility in order to continue working and maintaining daily activities with little disruption and fewer costs.

Therapy in Outpatient Detox

Outpatient detox programs
will also generally offer therapy sessions related to coping with addiction, albeit on a limited basis. The therapy sessions offered are certainly not as comprehensive as those offered at inpatient treatment centers that should happen after detox is completed but it should help the addict get through the detox and have any issues addressed as questions arise about the process.

Many different factors need to be considered when determining what the appropriate detoxification setting would be for a particular patient. One consideration should be is that of how the setting may influence the overall treatment outcome. An addiction specialist will be able to recommend either inpatient or outpatient treatment based on the individual case, as the most important thing is to get clean and sober.

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How Does Depression Relate to Alcohol Addiction?

August 17th, 2011

You may not be surprised to find out that nearly forty percent of those who drink alcohol heavily have been found to have symptoms that are like those associated with depression. It could be that they are actually depressed and that they are drinking because of their depression as a way of self medicating. Oddly enough though, when these same people were not drinking only between five to ten percent of them experienced those symptoms. Problems with alcohol and depression often happen in sync, but they can be independent of each other as well. When a person is depressed, he or she may turn to alcohol to find that relaxed and pleasant state of mind that happens due to alcohol consumption.

Unfortunately, drinking heavily has an opposite effect as consuming alcohol in large enough quantities can cause a depressive effect on one’s state of mind. Because of the loss of inhibition that also goes along with consuming a lot of alcohol, people are more likely to take risks they would not normally take and engage in behavior that is not normal for them including acts of violence. This can actually lead to further depression and it begins a cycle that is very difficult to break.

Because so many other problems can happen due to alcohol, a person’s life can quickly spiral out of control and obviously this can worsen depression. Marital problems, loss of one’s job, negative impacts on a person’s financial status, and problems relating to people can all happen as a result of alcoholism. Also, because depression can ultimately lead to suicide, people who drink that also have depression are at a very high risk of suicide.

Something that many people do not know is that although drinking alcohol can make you very sleepy, the quality of sleep that one has after consuming alcohol is very poor. This lack of sleep, especially if it happens more often than not, can take a toll on a person. Depression is often worse when coupled with sleeplessness – yet another way that depression ultimately relates to alcohol addiction.

All in all, depression doesn’t only happen to people who drink. However, for those who do become addicted to alcohol, it may be a side effect of the things that happen due to the addiction so they are very closely related in many ways that many people don’t consider.

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Where Do I Go to Detox From Alcohol?

August 12th, 2011

When you detox from alcohol, you will go through a process of ending your dependence on alcohol by allowing the substance to leave your body completely. The alcohol detox process should be overseen by an addiction specialist or a medical professional and it is the first step that happens before seeking treatment for alcohol addiction.

Detox from alcohol will involve dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms include having “the shakes”, feeling jittery or nervousness along with general irritability and mood swings. One who is having withdrawal from alcohol may also experience depression or nightmares. Certain physical symptoms may also occur such as sweating, nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite.

Because one of the most difficult hurdles for recovering alcoholics to overcome is withdrawal, it is recommended that one go to a treatment center that offers an in-house alcohol detox program. Detoxing from alcohol at home is not the best idea, as the length and even severity of the withdrawal symptoms can vary greatly from mild to intense depending heavily on the individual themselves as well as how much and how long they have been addicted to alcohol. It is not advised to give up alcohol “cold turkey” unless a medical professional or alcohol addiction specialist has been consulted.

The bottom line is, you will fare better going to an alcohol detox or rehab center to go through the detox period. How someone will feel as he or she goes through alcohol detox will vary greatly and will depend on the individual. Some people will experience very intense detox symptoms while others will go through it with little or even no issues at all. The difference is in the physiological make up of the person as well as how long he or she has been consuming and abusing alcohol.

Everyone’s situation is different, of course, so you can never predict how someone will be when the alcohol detox happens. It is always important to seek the help of a medical professional or addiction specialist before attempting to detox from alcohol or drugs, as it can be a very intense period for the person to deal with. Going through alcohol detox at home is rarely a good idea if you want to prevent relapse and actually get the person to commit to treatment. Check in your local area at different alcohol rehab centers or even out of state treatment centers that offer in-house detox programs as your best resource.

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Can I Get Addicted To Prescription Drugs? And Should I Go To Rehab?

July 20th, 2011

The thought of drug addiction often makes people think of illegal or street drugs, but the fact of the matter is, many people also get addicted to prescription drugs, too. This happens not only when the prescription drugs are given to people legally for an ailment, but also by way of buying them illegally on the street. It is not uncommon to abuse a legal substance and the people who get addicted to them come from all walks of life and all ages. Some studies show that pain killers are one of the most abused substances in the United States – surprisingly even certain types of cough syrup are often abused by young people.

In all honesty, obtaining prescription pills like painkillers is much easier and even sometimes less expensive to get a hold of than street drugs like heroin or cocaine. In fact, getting addicted to prescription drugs often leads to harder addictions on street drugs for a stronger high. There are many medical studies that show that at least ten percent of prescription drug users will go so far as to use cough syrup, and an even higher percentage will abuse tranquilizers and any other pain medication or nerve pills they can get their hands on. Because these types of medications are relatively easy to get and they are all considered to be addictive – they take them in order to achieve some sort of high or even a state of relaxation. The buzz or high that the user gets makes it easy to get addicted. To some, these medicines may not even seem harmful to abuse, but they definitely can be. These medications can eventually be fatal or cause serious physical and mental problems.

Sometimes getting addicted to prescription or even over-the-counter medications happens because people are trying to self-medicate. Whether it is trouble at home or school or even depression, it can become easy to get addicted to a medication that takes away the pain temporarily.

When this happens, the best course of action is to go to drug rehab. Whether it is in-patient or out-patient drug rehab, the counseling and support provided is a great way to get clean and kick the drug habit. No matter what is causing the addiction, the user can get the help they need when it is too much for them to stop taking the drugs on their own.

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Can You Detox From Weed?

July 15th, 2011

While many see weed as a harmless substance, the reality is that there are numerous people who are addicted to it. Just like any other narcotic, smoking weed can cause dependency and interfere with a person’s life. When a person has gotten to the point of being unable to function normally due to a marijuana addiction, detox may be necessary in order to get off drugs for good.

Detox from Weed

It is possible to detox from marijuana at a drug rehab facility, just like you can with any other drug addiction. You will detox for as long as it takes as you withdraw from marijuana and rid your body of its residues. Detox from weed will be your first step in a substance abuse treatment program, where you will get clean and face down all the reasons why you became addicted to the drug in the first place. You will find out what triggers your addiction and confront it so that you can prevent a relapse in the future.

When you detox from weed, you can expect it to be a challenging process physically. This is due to the residue that marijuana leaves behind in your system which tend to last a lot longer than other addictive drugs. The toxins from weed that are left behind are known to collect in the body’s fatty tissues, which are not easy to flush out. It is possible to find traces of the drug up to a month after the last usage.

Seeking Treatment in a Marijuana Detox Facility

Because of the difficulty involved in ridding your body of the traces left behind by weed during the withdrawals is the number one reason why detox from marijuana should take place within a drug rehab. The need for medical assistance and even medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms and side effects makes a drug rehab ideal for the detox process. You will likely need help with managing your marijuana cravings during detox and the medical specialists in a drug rehab are experienced and will be able to help you get through it and come out sober and ready to take on life again.

Detox from weed will include certain bad side effects which can show up even on the first day of not using. It is likely that you will experience symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness, restlessness, extreme weight loss, headaches, stomach pains, vision problems, nausea, lack of appetite, and possibly impotence. A qualified drug rehab center will help you detox from weed under the best possible circumstances.

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Can You Overdose on Suboxone?

July 13th, 2011

Suboxone is a medication that is used to treat opiate addictions such as morphine or heroin. It contains naloxone and buprenorphine, which is also an opioid. When used as prescribed, Suboxone is a stepping stone to getting off of drugs. It can be used during the detox or for long term maintenance in order to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms and/or relapse. But like other opioid medications, taking too much Suboxone can result in an overdose. It is very dangerous to ingest too much of this medication or to combine it with alcohol or other drugs – particularly drugs that affect your brain function.

Dangerous Side Effects of Suboxone Overdose

An overdose on Suboxone is not easy to reverse. Once the overdose happens, respiratory depression is a dangerous side effect that can result in death. If you experience any symptoms including confusion, fainting, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, small pupils, shortness of breath, convulsions, hallucination, yellowing eyes, unusual sweating, dizziness, or sleepiness, get in touch with a physician or poison control center immediately to seek treatment. When Suboxone is taken in the correct dosage, one should not feel any of these symptoms.

Dependency on Suboxone

Because Suboxone is an opioid, it can cause dependency so there are signs that you should watch out for if you have been prescribed this medication. If you find yourself juggling doctors to get extra medication or if you steal or buy the medication illegally without a prescription, it is definitely time to be concerned. Suboxone should not be abused, but instead should help one to slowly get (and stay) clean without any unpleasant side effects. When friends and family begin to express concern that your dosage of Suboxone is excessive or they tell you they are worried about you, there may be a problem with addiction that needs to be addressed.

Ceiling Effect

Something known as a “ceiling effect” is built into Suboxone which is meant to prevent overdose. It is actually much more difficult to overdose on Suboxone than on any other opiate such as heroin. It is important to know this, as taking increased dosages of Suboxone will not necessarily get you any higher but with extended usage at heightened doses respiratory depression can occur. For example, if you take 32mg of Suboxone vs. 48mg of Suboxone, the “high” achieved will be exactly the same.

Ultimately, Suboxone has more positives than negatives. This type of replacement therapy is the answer to many prayers for those addicted to opiates and who want to get their lives back. It must be taken as directed at the correct time and in the correct dosage in order for it to work properly.

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Can You Overdose on Xanax?

July 11th, 2011

Xanax, a medication that is used for the treatment of anxiety or other panic related disorders, can be dangerous in large quantities. The question is, can you overdose on Xanax? Just like with any other medication, taking too much can be lethal. If taken with alcohol or other drugs, an overdose is even more likely to occur if too much Xanax is ingested. Unfortunately, those who become addicted to Xanax build up a tolerance over time and feel as though they need higher and higher quantities to feel the effects of the pills, and it becomes a very dangerous situation when more than the recommended amount is taken.

Symptoms of an Overdose

If you have taken too much Xanax, signs of an overdose you need to watch for include confusion, sleepiness, slowed reflexes, lack of coordination, and breathing problems. An overdose of Xanax can also lead to a coma or even death. You need to seek treatment immediately from a doctor if you believe you have taken too much Xanax and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned. You may need to have your stomach pumped in order to remove the medication from your body to prevent death.

How Much Xanax Does It Take to Overdose

The amount of Xanax it takes to overdose will vary greatly for each individual. Some factors that will affect how much it takes includes a person’s weight, overall physical health, tolerance to the medication, and whether it was mixed with alcohol or other drugs. While you may not get an overdose on taking an extra pill or two, it is unsafe and not recommended as only the prescribed amount should be taken at a given time. If you have taken more than the recommended dosage and continue to do so for an extended period of time, it is also highly likely that you will develop a physical addiction to Xanax that will require professional treatment.

Seeking Treatment for a Xanax Addiction

If you are at the point where you are addicted to Xanax, there are specialized treatment programs that can help you. You will go through a detox period to get Xanax out of your system followed by an inpatient or outpatient drug rehab program.

Things to Remember

Xanax should not be taken without the consent and prescription from your physician ever and a prescription written to you should never be shared with another person. Obtaining Xanax from any other place besides the pharmacy is especially dangerous, as there may be harmful ingredients – especially from the variety purchased online from overseas.

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