If you’re going into rehab and feel anxious about leaving your dog or other pets behind, here’s some good news: You can probably find pet-friendly rehabs that will let your furry friend stay with you throughout your treatment. In fact, you probably should bring your pet if you can. They could imp... Read Morevia Muse Treatment - Addiction Treatment Center in Los Angeles https://muse-treatment.business.site/posts/2121071128683123049?hl=en
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Overcoming a drug addiction is incredibly difficult, and it requires a lot of support and self-awareness. Being clear about what’s happening in your body and mind as you move through recovery can help you avoid relapses. via Muse Treatment - Addiction Treatment Center in Los Angeles https://muse-treatment.business.site/posts/3752968796795500247?hl=en The Dangers of Street Drugs Laced with FentanylFentanyl has become well known as a dangerous drug; it’s 50 to 100 times more powerful than heroin. But drug users who’ve vowed to avoid it may find themselves ingesting it unknowingly. Sellers are adding it to street drugs as a filler that cuts, or stretches, the quantity of the drug. Drugs like cocaine and heroin laced with fentanyl can be made more deadly, and users should be even more careful of what they choose to take.
What Is Fentanyl and Why is it So Dangerous?Fentanyl is an opiate, a class of drug that is appropriately used as a prescription painkiller. Opiates work by binding to receptors in the brain, cutting off the pain message received by the brain. They also slow the user’s breathing, which can be fatal at a high enough dose. Opioids create intense pleasure, making them powerfully addictive as the user craves the rush of good feelings they create. When not taken under careful medical supervision, they can be deadly. Fentanyl-related deaths were responsible for over 66% of fatal drug overdose deaths according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which increased by 45% from one year to the next. Drugs That Can Be Laced With FentanylFentanyl is showing up as a substitute for heroin since it’s cheaper and more potent but is also being used to cut several other drugs. Sellers are cutting it into street drugs, including marijuana and cocaine. It also shows up in prescription anxiety medications such as Xanax and prescription painkillers like Percocet and Oxycodone. Fentanyl can be a powder or spread onto blotter paper, so its versatile form makes it easy to add to many different drugs. This usage also makes it more fatal because the user is unaware they’re taking fentanyl, so it’s impossible to know how much they’re taking. Even worse, an overdose of drugs like cocaine laced with fentanyl is harder to counteract with naloxone, which is often used to block the illegal drug’s deadly effects. Rescuers who don’t know the overdosing user has taken fentanyl may have to use more to reverse the overdose. Preventing Fentanyl OverdoseFentanyl is becoming so commonly added to other drugs that the only way to be truly safe from it is to stick with prescriptions from a pharmacy. You can never be sure if the pills, powder, or capsules you’re buying on the street are free of fentanyl. Lacing drugs with this dangerous substance is not a controlled process like with legal drugs, so even if someone has safely used part of a batch, you can’t be sure the pill you’re taking won’t be the one containing the dangerous substance. At the very least, be sure to carry naloxone so you can come back from an overdose. Carry extra, since drugs laced with fentanyl may require a higher dose. Drug Rehab Treatment at MuseWhen you decide to seek help for opioid detox, you will have several treatment options available. Muse Treatment Center provides both medical and non-medical detox, although medical detox is preferred for opioid rehab. Withdrawal from a highly addictive drug like fentanyl requires close medical supervision and often includes drugs to help the addict taper off instead of suddenly stopping. Treatment options also include group and individual therapy, community-based support, and other behavioral and cognitive-based therapy. Muse Treatment takes a comprehensive approach to drug rehab, customizing the treatment to fit the client and examining the underlying emotional or physical disorders that may have led to addiction. For treatment help for yourself or a loved one, contact Muse at 800-426-1818 today. The post What You Need to Know About Fentanyl-Laced Drugs appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/what-to-know-about-fentanyl-laced-drugs/ The Prevalence and Dangers of Inhalant AddictionInhalant abuse is a dangerous activity that is most common among adolescents. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that nearly 21.7 million Americans over the age of 12 have used inhalants at least once in their lives. Some 13.1 percent of 8th-graders have used inhalants, according to the NIDA’s Monitoring the Future survey. Using inhalants can cause significant damage even with just occasional use, including suffocation and cardiac arrest.
What Are Inhalants?Inhalants are chemicals that are inhaled through everyday household products like paint thinner, glue, and cleaners. They produce a fast, powerful euphoria rush that comes and goes quickly, causing repeated use to sustain the high. Inhalant abuse involves four kinds of products:
Effects of Abusing InhalantsAn inhalant high has severe effects on the brain and central nervous system, both short and long-term. Short-term effects of inhalant abuse are similar to those caused by drinking alcohol to excess. They may include slurred speech, clumsiness, and light-headedness. Some users may even experience hallucinations. Inhalant Abuse Risk FactorsThe greatest risk factor for inhalant abuse is being young. Inhalant use is most prevalent among teenagers, especially those in their early teens. It’s a fast, easy high and probably offers the most significant access since it comes from common household products. Inhalants can be found in any garage or cleaning-supply closet and under any kitchen sink. They’re easy to replace with a quick run to any store, available cheaply and with no proof of age required. Prevention and Treatment of Inhalant AddictionInhalant addiction is relatively rare but is a real problem for those struggling with it. Like other addictions, its effects on the brain make it difficult to resist the substances that create such pleasure. The easy availability of inhalant products adds to the difficulty of kicking the addiction. Walk-through any store or open any kitchen cabinet, and you’re likely to be faced with temptation. The best way to prevent inhalant addiction is to make sure your children know the dangers of abusing these products. Talk to them about how easy it is to develop a dependence on these substances. You cannot lock up the household products that can become tools of addition, but you can help your children learn why they should not abuse them. Watch your teen for physical signs of inhalant abuse. If you do suspect abuse, monitor the quantities of your household products. If you start running out of them faster than usual, you may have a problem and you may need drug rehab treatment. Inhalant addiction is a serious problem that requires professional help. If you or someone you know has an inhalant abuse problem, contact Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 today. The post Dangers of Inhalant Addiction and Common Poisons Found in the Home appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/inhalant-addiction-and-common-poisons/ Why COVID-19 Is Making It Harder to Kick Your Addiction (and How to Resist)If you’re struggling with sobriety and addiction, we probably don’t have to tell you how hard it’s been to stay straight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe you’ve even relapsed in the past year of stay-home orders and social distancing. If someone tells you they think you’re just making excuses, ask them to think again – because studies are showing that the stress and isolation of the pandemic have led to an increase in substance use.
COVID-19 precautions also are contributing to an increase in drug overdoses, with more than 40 states reporting increases in opioid-related deaths, according to the American Medical Association (AMA). Understanding how COVID-19 might affect your struggle with drug abuse or alcohol abuse can help you stick to your recovery plan during these difficult times. Coping During COVIDAccording to one report, the pandemic has made people more susceptible to substance abuse, addiction, and relapse. Here are the main reasons why according to experts: Social DistancingIf you need other people to help get you through drug rehab and recovery, social distancing rules probably make you feel anxious. Your counseling facility may have closed because of staff reductions in the recession. Your local community hall where your 12-Step program met may not allow groups to meet there anymore. Group therapy and 12-Stepping on Zoom aren’t the same, and no one can hug you online. Be careful not to use drugs or alcohol to cope with the loneliness, especially if you’re alone. If you suddenly start drinking or drugging after a long period of abstinence, you could overdose on a lot less than you used to handle. You’ll need someone there if you get into trouble. Feeling StressedYou’ve lost your job, or they’ve cut your hours, and you’re worried about paying your bills. Are you working for a meal-delivery service and worried about catching COVID-19? Have you lost someone you loved to COVID? If it’s all starting to pile on, you may be tempted to ease the pressure with “just one” drink. Don’t. Use the strategies you learned in rehab or your last group meeting and stay strong. Feeling WorthlessLosing your job doesn’t just mean losing money. If you derived a lot of your identity from your work, who are you now? How will you prove to the world that you matter? Resolve not to tie up your whole world in one source of fulfillment. While you’re job hunting, also plan to spend time looking for new hobbies or diversions that will keep you too busy to drink or use drugs. Activities that keep your hands occupied like photography, woodworking, learning a musical instrument can be the most effective, and the finished work can give you a real sense of pride. Feeling Pandemic Panic? Here’s HelpKnowing that isolation can often lead to substance abuse, Muse Treatment professionals understand the importance of addiction treatment during these difficult times. Interactive with other people is an important aspect of long-term recovery. If you’re feeling so stressed and isolated that you find yourself falling back into addiction, don’t hesitate to call for help at 800-426-1818 to learn about our addiction treatment options. The post Drug and Alcohol Abuse During the Covid-19 Pandemic appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/drug-and-alcohol-abuse-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ The Process of Achieving Long-Term SobrietyOne of the most important goals among the clients that come to Muse Treatment for their recovery is achieving lifelong sobriety. When a client has spent any time grappling with alcoholism, one of the main areas they are usually looking for is some sense of calm after the chaos that addiction usually creates. When you truly decide to work through the process of achieving long-term sobriety, you can rest assured that you will reap nothing but benefits.
What Is “Recovery”?It’s important to remember that the concept of recovery will not begin and end when you at our treatment facility when it comes to addiction. Instead, when you commit yourself to recovery, you commit yourself to work toward maintaining your sobriety every day for the rest of your life. Stage 1The first stage of your recovery from alcoholism revolves around putting together a treatment plan that will remove the influence of alcohol from your system and allow you to truly begin to focus on developing a better understanding of addiction. Our team will help you to identify short-term and long-term goals so that you can make the most out of your time in treatment. Additionally, you will begin to make connections with our team and other clients, which will go a long way to the support you need during this time. Stage 2During stage two, our team will take the opportunity to learn more about you and your story. At Muse Treatment, we believe that every client has their own story to tell, which is why we encourage you to take the opportunity to interact with our staff and other clients actively. While it’s true that this stage of your recovery may feel awkward or uncomfortable at times, you must stick to the process. Stage 3Stage three of your recovery will focus on your continued growth in preparation for your transition back into your everyday life. This process is essential because it’s critical you feel safe and confident as you begin this new aspect of your recovery. Our team will help you identify and address specific triggers you may face as you transition into this phase of your recovery. Keep in mind that you must keep yourself centered on your long-term recovery goals, although you may be met with particular challenges. Stage 4This stage of your recovery is a shift toward understanding what steps you need to take to maintain your sobriety now that you are done with your initial treatment plan. We will encourage you to enroll in our aftercare and alumni program during this stage because doing so will help provide you with the continued support that you need and deserve. Alcohol Addiction Treatment at MuseWhen you turn to Muse Treatment for help, you can rest assured that you will be in excellent hands. We work with you to design a recovery program that is specific to your needs. You will never be met with anything less than a staff of kind, caring and empathetic individuals who want to see you succeed in your recovery. Our incredible history of helping our clients overcome their alcoholism speaks for itself. We also take the extra step to provide you with 24/7 support when it comes to relapse prevention. To learn more about our recovery options, please reach out to us today at 800-426-1818. The post The Stages of Recovering from Alcoholism appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/stages-of-recovering-from-alcoholism/ Effects of Methamphetamine on the Brain and Nervous SystemOften, when a person first begins to develop an addiction, they are not focused on addiction’s possible physical and psychological consequences. Their primary focus is the blissful things they feel once a drug such as methamphetamine has completely consumed their system through no fault of their own. Their fear, anxiety, or pain is gone, which makes the drug all the more alluring. However, the impact of an addiction to methamphetamine could negatively affect you for the rest of your life.
What Is Methamphetamine?Methamphetamine is an incredibly addictive stimulant and a drug that many of our clients struggle with. This drug is human-made and has the appearance of pieces of glass or even rocks that are white in color. It’s not uncommon for a person to either snort or smoke this substance just once and become addicted to the mind’s alternating effects on the brain. Parts of the Brain and Central Nervous System Affects by Crystal MethYour central nervous system has a direct impact on both your spinal cord and your brain. In short, your central nervous system makes sure that the primary functions associated with these two essential parts of your body are continuously running in conjunction with each other. Crystal meth impedes these functions, which can result in your central nervous system not working correctly but can also have an effect on these essential parts of your brain: The cerebellum controls a variety of cognitive functions as well as general movement Long Term Effects of Meth on the BrainThe negative impact of meth on your brain is nearly endless. Not only do you run a high risk of overdosing and dying as a result of your addiction, but you may also face the following: Movement issuesDue to the impact that meth has on your central nervous system, you will likely notice that you have trouble which certain simple and complex skills. The longer that your addiction goes on, a simple task such as walking may become increasingly difficult. Improper judgmentWhen your brain is not working at total capacity, there is a strong possibility that you will not be able to maintain the ability to make the best decisions for yourself or solve specific problems. This could lead to you becoming impulsive and putting either yourself or someone around you in danger. Cognitive Effects of Chronic Meth AbuseThe effects of chronic meth abuse are not just confined to your brain. You may also be severely cognitively affected by methamphetamine in these ways: Problems with memoryOnce crystal meth has seeped into your brain, you will quickly begin to notice that you may have trouble remembering certain things that may only have happened recently. Attention to detailMeth can significantly impede your ability to focus on concentrate on a particular task for any period. Whereas you may have been able to sit and read an entire book and remember every detail of it before your addiction, you will likely struggle to make it through a sentence of two. Treatment for Methamphetamine at MuseThe Muse Treatment Center strives to provide you with the comprehensive support and understanding that you need during this transitional period in your life. Whether you need the immediate care that our inpatient program offers or are interested in enrolling in one of our outpatient programs, you can rest assured that our staff will help you overcome your addiction to crystal meth. One of our sober living specialists is available right now to help you start the process. Please give us a call today at 800-426-1818 to begin your road to recovery. The post How Crystal Meth Affects the Brain appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/how-crystal-meth-affects-the-brain/ Studies Show Alcohol and Drug Abuse Are on the Rise During COVID-19 PandemicRecent studies have shown the stress and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a marked increase in alcohol and drug abuse. The pandemic has removed or restricted many healthy coping mechanisms that usually help recovering addicts and alcoholics to maintain their sobriety. Precautions intended to protect community health also may be contributing to many overdoses, including fatal ones.
Substance Abuse in COVID TimeAddiction experts say COVID-19 has led to substance abuse increases for several reasons:
Isolation may be the most significant factor in the rise in substance abuse. Experts say even short periods of isolation can negatively impact emotional well-being, often causing anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. It adds to the struggle of dealing with those conditions by removing the most healthy means of coping with the stress of isolation. Overdoses on the RiseAs people have turned to drugs to cope with the stress and isolation required in the pandemic, overdoses are also rising. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), more than 40 states have seen increases in opioid-related deaths, citing data from national, state, and local public health agencies, law enforcement, emergency medical services, hospitals, treatment centers, research journals, and other sources. “The AMA is greatly concerned by an increasing number of reports from national, state and local media suggesting increases in opioid- and other drug-related mortality — particularly from illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogs,” the medical association said in the report. Substance Abuse Rehab at Muse TreatmentThe substance abuse professionals at Muse Treatment understand that isolation can be dangerous to someone struggling with an abuse disorder – as hazardous as supplying them with cases of liquor or bags of drugs. Connecting with other people is an essential element of long-term recovery. Muse Treatment offers group therapy is in both residential and outpatient programs. Community-based assistance like 12-Step programs is another critical tool for long-term recovery. For more information on Muse Treatment’s programs for substance use disorders, call 800-426-1818. The post The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Alcohol and Drug Abuse appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/impact-of-covid-19-on-alcohol-drug-abuse/ Symptoms of Detox and Withdrawal from OpioidsIf you’ve tried to end an addiction to prescription painkillers like Oxycontin or illegal drugs like heroin or fentanyl, you know it can be physically challenging. Suddenly depriving your body of something it’s been reliant on for so long can only cause it to feel bad. Undergoing opioid withdrawal with expert medical supervision is a safer process that is far more comfortable than trying to detox at home. Combined with a well-planned aftercare plan, it can help you finally leave your addiction behind and enjoy long-term sobriety.
What Is Withdrawal?When you suddenly stop taking opioids after using them habitually, your body will react with unpleasant and even painful physical, mental, and emotional sensations. This process is what’s known as withdrawal. Opioids are usually prescribed as painkillers, which bind to receptors in your central nervous system to block pain signals to your brain. They also release a chemical called dopamine, which causes intense feelings of pleasure. Over time, your brain will get used to the pleasure and the lack of pain; take those away, and your body will object. Symptoms of Opioid WithdrawalYou may start experiencing withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours of stopping the drug. How severely you feel them depends on factors like how long you’ve been using the medicine, your general state of health, and whether you quit “cold turkey” or do a slower, more gradual opioid detox. Symptoms include:
How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?Quitting opioids and then experiencing withdrawal from opioid drug use can last a few days or go on for up to two weeks. The length of time you go through it will depend on the kind of opioid you’ve been taking and for how long. Withdrawal symptoms for heroin and other “short-acting” opioids – those prescribed for short-term pain relief – usually last for about a week to 10 days. Long-acting opioids, such as methadone, oxycodone, and fentanyl, can continue for two weeks or more. The longer you’ve used opioids, the longer your symptoms will persist after suddenly taking them away. The Best Way to Detox from OpioidsOpioid withdrawal isn’t just unpleasant but can also be dangerous when symptoms like rapid heartbeat get out of control. That’s one reason it’s best to undergo opioid detox only under medical supervision. A physician or team of specialists can monitor your symptoms and take action if complications arise. Your opioid withdrawal will also be easier to handle if you detox gradually rather than suddenly stopping drug use. With this cautious, thoughtfully managed opioid detox, your chances of long-term sobriety also will increase. What Happens After Opioid Detox?Opioid detox is an essential beginning in the process of overcoming addiction. But it’s important to know that it’s only the beginning. It is the first step in a long-term plan to help you end your dependence and find long-term recovery. After the initial withdrawal, you should expect to undergo comprehensive treatment that includes intensive therapy and calls on supportive friends, family members, and others to help you live a sober lifestyle. Muse Treatment also offers ongoing group counseling, medical support, and many other helpful resources. At Muse Treatment, the goal after opioid detox is to help you manage life without drugs, especially by confronting the life circumstances that may have led you into addiction. It’s an ongoing, long-term healing process. If you’ve decided it’s time to let go of your opioid addiction and seek lasting recovery, contact Muse Treatment today at 800-426-1818. The post Opioid Detox and Withdrawal: What to Expect When Quitting Opioid Drugs appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/opioid-detox-and-withdrawal-what-to-expect/ The Length of Time Heroin Can Be Detected in Your BodyHeroin is a powerfully addictive opioid, leaving many long-term effects on your body and life, beginning with long-term dependence. Heroin detox and withdrawal are physically punishing experiences. Long-term recovery and sobriety require a long process of supervised treatment, but how long heroin stays in your system can vary due to several factors.
About Heroin and Heroin AddictionHeroin entails a class of opioid drugs usually prescribed as painkillers. But heroin itself has no approved medical use and is illegal. It attaches to the brain’s opioid receptors, which release dopamine, neurotransmitter dopamine that causes intensely pleasurable feelings – the sudden “rush” of euphoria that keeps users coming back. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says the pleasure is often followed by unpleasant sensations like dry mouth, itchy skin, and gastrointestinal upset leading to nausea and vomiting. The user finally grows drowsy and experiences the pleasant relaxation and lack of care that heroin is known for. Over time, heroin causes changes to the brain’s chemistry, leading to intense cravings that become harder and harder to break free, impacting how long heroin stays in your system. How Long Heroin Remains in Your SystemFor a drug with such lasting effects on the body, heroin spends a surprisingly short time in the body. It has a half-life of only 30 minutes, which means it takes 30 minutes for half of it to be flushed out of the system. In some cases, the half-life is as short as three to eight minutes. To detect heroin in your system, examiners use the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approved blood, saliva, urine, and hair follicles tests. How Long Will Heroin Show Up on a Drug Test?Because heroin leaves the body so quickly, tests of bodily fluids, including blood, urine, and saliva, can only detect heroin in your system for a few hours or days after you last used the drug. But bear in mind that if you’ve been using heroin for a long time, it could be detectable for longer. Long-term use causes heroin to build up in your fatty tissues. It takes longer to flush drugs from fatty tissues than from blood or urine, so the length of time heroin stays in your body may be more than you think. Blood Test5 hours or less Urine TestUp to 2 days Saliva TestUp to 2 days Hair Follicle TestUp to 3 months or more. In fact, this is the only test that works for longer than a week. The Best Way to Get Heroin Out of Your SystemHeroin withdrawal can be a physical and mental ordeal, so patients undergoing medically supervised heroin detox are closely monitored to keep them as comfortable as possible and prevent complications. Professional detox management reduces the chance of relapse later on. Treatment may include drugs such as Suboxone, which is classified as a partial opioid agonist. It works by producing a milder high than heroin, gradually reducing dependence. Suboxone is still potentially addictive, so its use must be carefully administered. Medication alone is not enough for successful heroin detox. It is usually offered as part of a comprehensive recovery program that includes intensive therapy. A combination of professional counseling services, individual and group therapy has increased success rates and is vital in helping recovering heroin users achieve long-term sobriety. If you’re considering heroin detox or residential rehab for yourself or someone else, don’t hesitate to contact Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 today. The post How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System? appeared first on Muse Treatment. Via https://musetreatment.com/how-long-does-heroin-stay-in-your-system/ |
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