Category: Addiction

How to Celebrate One Year Sober

Addiction recovery can be difficult. Not only do you have to overcome withdrawal symptoms, but recovering addicts have to daily resist the urge to fall back into old unhealthy habits that lead them toward addiction. Fortunately, many overcome their addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. Achieving sobriety is a major achievement that is worth celebrating. In this article, you’ll learn more about how to celebrate one year sober so you can celebrate your progress and all you’ve overcome.

At Grace Recovery, we are a leading drug and alcohol rehab center that helps patients effectively break free from the chains of addiction so that they can lead a better life. Our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you progress along your unique recovery journey. We offer a comprehensive range of addiction treatment options to ensure you receive the best possible care for your recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help support your unique recovery journey.

5 Ways to Celebrate 1 Year of Sobriety

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, millions of people struggle with addiction in the United States each year. Fortunately, many who struggle with addiction are able to overcome their addiction and achieve sobriety. Below are several you on how to celebrate one year sober to celebrate how far you’ve come in your recovery journey.

Celebrate with Friends and Family

One way you can celebrate achieving 1 year of sobriety is to celebrate with friends and family. Whether you throw a party or a smaller intimate gathering of your closest loved ones, spending time with your friends and family who have helped support you on your recovery journey is a great way to celebrate your recovery progress.

Take Time to Journal and Reflect

Next, consider taking time to journal and reflect on all that you’ve overcome on your road to recovery. From how you’ve physically and mentally changed once getting sober, to how you hope to keep progressing along your recovery journey, journaling and reflection is a great way to celebrate with yourself all the progress you’ve made.

Volunteer and Inspire Others

Another great way on how to celebrate one year sober is by volunteering and inspiring others along their recovery journey. Whether you help volunteer at an addiction-related cause or another cause, volunteering can be a great way to give back to those just like how others have helped support you along your own recovery journey.

Enjoy a Fun Trip or Event

Going on a fun trip, or event, or enjoying a new experience can be another great way to celebrate one year of sobriety. Whether you go to a new vacation spot or stay local and try a new restaurant or activity in your area, these are all great ideas you can do to celebrate.

A person celebrates one year sober with friends.

Experience Time with Loved Ones

Last but not least, consider celebrating and spending quality time with your loved ones. Similar to those mentioned in the first point, it’s important to spend quality time with loved ones who’ve likely been a major support system along your road to recovery. While a party can be a fun way to celebrate, having a small gathering of your closest loved ones could also be a great way to celebrate. It’s critical to understand that if you are struggling with addiction or another mental illness, help is available!

Help Is Available

Now you know more about the question “ how to celebrate one year sober”. From celebrating with loved ones to taking a fun trip and dedicating quality time to reflect on your progress, these are all great ways to celebrate one year sober so you can celebrate your achievement while maintaining your recovery progress. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available!

Our compassionate team at Grace Recovery is here to help you overcome your addiction once and for all. We understand how debilitating a disease addiction can be. That’s why we offer a wide variety of addiction treatment options to ensure you have the personalized care you need to best address your unique recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery needs.

Recovery

The Impacts of Addiction on the LGBTQ+ Community

An LGBTQ couple argues as a result of addiction.

Addiction doesn’t discriminate. Regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, or background, millions of people struggle with drug addiction around the world. While many worldwide struggle with addiction, unfortunately, some people are at a greater risk of struggling with addiction, including the LGBTQ+ community. In this article, you’ll learn more about the LGBTQ community and addiction, and why drug addiction is more prevalent within the LGBTQ+ community.

At Grace Recovery, we are a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab committed to helping patients safely overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. We understand that every patient’s recovery journey is uniquely different. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of addiction treatment to ensure you receive the tailored support you need to lead a healthier, happier quality of life. Ready to break free of addiction for good? Contact us today!

How Addiction Impacts the LGBTQ+ Community

Individuals within the LGBTQ+ community oftentimes experience a heightened risk of discrimination for their sexual orientation relative to individuals who identify as heterosexual. From name-calling to bullying, and even in some cases physical harassment, members of the LGBTQ+ community are at a greater risk of experiencing negativity for their sexual orientation relative to people who identify as heterosexual.

Keep reading to learn more about the LGBTQ community and addiction, and why some turn to drugs to cope with feelings of stress caused by discrimination and harassment.

Higher Risk of Drug Addiction

As mentioned above, members of the LGBTQ+ community tend to experience a higher risk of drug addiction relative to individuals who identify as heterosexual. Although there are a range of factors at play, one of the primary reasons why the LGBTQ+ community faces a higher risk of drug addiction is a higher risk of experiencing discrimination and bullying for their sexual orientation. Inevitably, this can lead to greater feelings of stress and anxiety, which can cause some to turn to drugs or alcohol to try to temporarily relieve this stress.

Increased Risk of Mental Health Concerns

Next, members of the LGBTQ+ community are at an increased risk of experiencing mental illness relative to individuals who are heterosexual. Unfortunately, many members of the LGBTQ+ community experience some sort of discrimination, bullying, or even rejection from loved ones because of their sexual orientation. Whether it be family members or friends acting differently to you, or discrimination from coworkers, peers, or strangers, inevitably when you experience difficult circumstances of rejection and discrimination, this can bring about feelings of loneliness and stress which can lead one to potentially develop a mental health disorder.

Lack of Tailored Treatment

While more and more treatment centers offer personalized care, it’s critical to receive the unique care that best serves your exact needs. This includes helping members of the LGBTQ+ community receive the individualized care they need to progress along their recovery. Many may struggle with a co-occurring disorder; therefore, it’s critical you receive the comprehensive care you need to treat both conditions at the same time. For example, if you are struggling with both anxiety and alcohol addiction, it’s important you seek not only alcohol addiction treatment but care for your anxiety to help reduce your risk of relapsing.

Help Is Available at Grace Recovery

Now you know more about the LGBTQ community and addiction. Although addiction does not discriminate and can impact anyone, certain communities are at a heightened risk of struggling with drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, some members of the LGBTQ+ community may turn to drugs or alcohol to try to relieve feelings of stress because of the discrimination they face for their sexual orientation.

This situation coupled with the fact that many treatment centers do not offer tailored care to support members of the LGBTQ+ community can make the road to recovery that much more difficult. However, if you are struggling with an addiction, you don’t have to suffer in silence– help is available!
At Grace Recovery, our team of experienced addiction specialists is here to help you every step of the way along your recovery journey. You should never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help in leading a better life. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment services and options so you can receive the exact care you need to break free of addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey.

The Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Substance Abuse

According to a 2020 study, around 14.5% of American adults had trouble falling asleep most days or every day in the past 30 days. Getting quality sleep is critical to lead a healthy life. Unfortunately, many people struggling with addiction also struggle with sleep disorders. In this article, we’ll explore more of the connection between sleep disorders and substance abuse.

Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles that is committed to helping as many patients as possible overcome addiction and lead a life of sobriety. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery. That’s why we provide a comprehensive range of addiction treatment in Los Angeles so you can receive the personalized care you need to best support your recovery journey.

Ready to break free of addiction once and for all? Contact us today!

Sleep Disturbances and Addiction: What’s the Connection

Many individuals struggle with sleep problems after drug addiction, especially insomnia. Sleep disturbances can not only result in even worse physical and mental health, but a lack of quality sleep can make it difficult to overcome addiction and maintain long-lasting sobriety.

When your body consumes drugs, these drugs impact your brain chemistry, which explains why many individuals who struggle with addiction often struggle with sleep disorders as well. The type of drug you consume will inevitably affect how your brain and body are impacted.

The connection between sleep disorders and substance abuse is complex because of individual differences and the type of substance one consumes. However, below is a list of common sleep disorders those facing addiction may struggle with:

Insomnia
Sleep apnea
Restless leg syndrome

It’s also important to note that sleep problems after drug addiction don’t just disappear in recovery. In other words, many individuals in recovery still struggle with sleep problems after overcoming addiction. This is why it’s critical you seek professional support during recovery if you suspect you are struggling with a sleep disorder.

Unsure if you are struggling with a sleep disorder? Below are some common signs of sleep disorder symptoms to look out for:

Trouble falling asleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Irregular sleep patterns
Decline in work or school performance due to fatigue
Mood swings or irritability due to fatigue

From struggling with sleep problems due to alcohol to dealing with insomnia from opiate withdrawal, there are a wide variety of reasons why those in recovery struggle with sleep before, during, and after addiction recovery.

Why People Abuse Drugs and Alcohol to Help Them Fall Asleep

While substance abuse can lead to sleep disturbances, it’s also important to discuss how many people abuse drugs and alcohol to help them fall asleep. This is especially true with alcohol. Many people who struggle with falling asleep may resort to using substances like alcohol to help them relax and fall asleep. While it may seem like alcohol can help you fall asleep, alcoholism and insomnia are closely related.

Not to mention, using addictive substances to help you fall asleep night after night can only fuel your addiction. Therefore, if you suspect you may be struggling with a sleep disorder, it’s critical you seek support from a medical professional to help better manage your sleep disorder symptoms. A sleep specialist will help properly diagnose your sleep disorder so you can then receive the right treatment to best address your sleep problem.

Sleep disorders and substance abuse can significantly impact your health and quality of life for the worse. Not only will a lack of quality of sleep make you likely more vulnerable to keep abusing drugs, but lack of sleep can also harm your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Plus, sleep is essential for helping your body heal while in recovery; therefore, it’s critical you prioritize getting help to improve your sleep.

Help Is Available

Getting quality sleep is not only essential to overcome addiction, but also to maintain long-lasting sobriety. Whether you are struggling with addiction, in recovery, or have been sober for years, trying to get quality sleep each night is important to support not just your recovery journey, but also your physical and mental well-being. At Grace Recovery, our team of caring addiction specialists is here to help you achieve long-lasting sobriety. We provide multiple levels of care to help you every step of the way along your recovery journey. You should never feel too afraid or ashamed to ask for help when it comes to leading a healthier, happier life. Contact our Los Angeles inpatient drug rehab center today to learn more about how you can achieve long-lasting sobriety.

sleep disorders

What is Grey Area Drinking?

How Long Does It Take to Detox from Heroin?

Grey area drinking is a term used to describe a pattern of alcohol consumption that exceeds the recommended dietary guidelines but does not meet the criteria for alcohol dependence. The 2020 – 2025 dietary guidelines for alcohol consumption recommends a limit of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Grey area drinking describes the vague area of alcohol consumption between moderate drinking and alcohol dependence. A study found that about 29.1% of alcohol consumers practice a pattern of alcohol consumption characteristic of grey area drinking. While major negative effects may not be associated with this behavior, grey area drinkers may experience other subtle negative impacts of this pattern of alcohol consumption. Grey area drinking is not an official diagnosis like alcohol use disorder, therefore, it can be hard to define and spot. Its effect on general health and well-being can also be subtle as it is usually not as spectacular as the effects of alcohol dependence and heavy drinking.

Risk Factors for Grey Area Drinking.

Anyone that consumes alcohol is at risk of gliding almost unnoticeably into this pattern of alcohol consumption. However, persons who experience prolonged episodes of stress are at greater risk of grey area drinking.

Experts also suspect that persons with some form of neurotransmitter imbalance, such as GABA (this inhibits anxiety), serotonin (a natural antidepressant), and dopamine (the pleasure neurotransmitter), may be at greater risk as they use alcohol consumption to deal with the effects of these imbalances.

Also, persons who have experienced significant losses in their relationships, finances, careers, and marriage may be at a higher risk of grey area drinking.

Signs of Grey Area Drinking

If you worry that your pattern of alcohol consumption might be in the grey area, you should watch out for the following signs:

– Worrying about your level of alcohol consumption

– Being unable to stop drinking even though you might be able to abstain from alcoholic beverages for some periods.

– Being excessively preoccupied with thoughts of your next drink.

– Wavering back and forth on thoughts about the state of the level of your alcohol consumption

– Feelings of guilt over your alcohol intake even though physical withdrawal symptoms are not being experienced.

– Inability to stop drinking despite concerns from friends, relatives, and significant others.

Adverse Effects of Grey Area Drinking

Grey area drinking, though less threatening than alcohol dependence, can also impact persons negatively. Some of the dangers involved in grey area drinking include the following:

– Health concerns: This level of drinking pattern also predisposes to diverse health problems such as liver damage, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, and increased risk of cancers.

– Impact on work and career: Persons who practice this pattern of alcohol consumption may also experience difficulties being fully productive and optimal at work. This can increase absenteeism and, eventually, job loss.

– Impaired Judgement: Alcohol consumption at this level may also impact a person’s decision-making and make them more susceptible to risk-taking behaviors such as drinking and driving.

– Financial Difficulties: Grey area drinking may also lead to increasing financial difficulties, especially among persons with low income levels.

– Interpersonal Conflicts: There may also be an increased rate of conflicts with colleagues, superiors, friends, and spouses.

Tips for Avoiding Grey Area Drinking

If you are dissatisfied with your pattern of alcohol consumption and are bothered that you may be experiencing grey area drinking, here are some tips on how you might address this.

– Set well-defined limits: To prevent slipping into grey area drinking, you need to set clear daily drinking limits. It is recommended to follow the alcohol intake guideline given by the food and dietary regulation.

– Develop better coping mechanisms: Instead of drinking to cope with stress, practice other adaptive coping mechanisms such as enjoying nature, sunbathing, having a cold bath, and interacting with friends and families.

– Find alternatives: It is also important to find other healthy alternatives to replace drinking when relaxing or having fun. Having healthy alternatives and more options will reduce your vulnerability to defaulting to alcohol use.

– Seek Support: Professional help and support from groups can also help reduce one’s vulnerability. Being accountable to friends and relatives can also help reduce one’s predisposition,

Seeking Help

If you worry about your present level of alcohol consumption and desire a change, then you should seek professional help; grey area drinking can be alleviated when professional help is sought. At Grace recovery center, we offer professional services and support to help you achieve optimal wellness in your physical and mental well-being journey. Contact us today for the support you need from our well-trained multidisciplinary team of professionals.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Heroin Abuse?

When most people think of drug addiction, they think about the effects on the person, their family and loved ones, their finances, and the potential to get in legal trouble from abusing drugs. However, what sometimes gets overlooked is the long-term effects that drug use can have on a person even after they get clean and start rebuilding what addiction has taken from them. Most of the time, we think of the immediate impacts of drug use because those are the ones most present at the time, and once a person goes into recovery, we think that everything will be ok. The symptoms of heroin abuse can be challenging to overcome, but Grace Recovery can help.

It’s always important to recognize the effects of these drugs so that we can get our loved ones the help they need as soon as possible and to help prepare them and ourselves for the long-term cost of drug use. After all, addiction is a lifelong disease, and sometimes, so are the consequences of using drugs or alcohol.

At Grace Recovery, we understand the importance of addiction treatment and acknowledge the effects that drugs can have over the long term. That’s why in this post, we are going to discuss the drug heroin, what it is, how it impacts the body, heroin abuse symptoms, and the long-term effects, and how to find a Los Angeles detox program for heroin.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is a drug in the opioid family derived from the poppy plant’s seeds. It has been used for many years as a drug to relieve pain and in many medical procedures until it was discovered how addictive it was in the mid-1900s. Heroin has since been made highly illegal and is now an illicit drug that many people ultimately switch to after having been addicted to other opioids.

Like all opioids, heroin acts within the body to relieve pain and provide comfort for even those with the most severe types of pain. This is particularly why it was so effective in the past and why it is still sought after today.

How Does Heroin Impact the Body

Heroin is an incredibly potent opioid that works by attaching to the pain receptors in the central nervous system and regulating the way the body feels pain. It also impacts the brain chemistry and changes the brain’s response to pain to provide relief to patients.

The reason why heroin is so addictive is due to how it impacts the body. Over time the cells in the receptors and the brain change to become dependent on the presence of heroin to make them work properly and for the body to function normally on a day-to-day basis. This chemical dependency is what eventually leads to full-blown addiction.

What Are the Long-Term Symptoms of Heroin Abuse?

There are a great many ways that long-term use of heroin can impact the body. The risk of sexual infections increases, as does immune diseases and deficiencies that can cause problems like arthritis. A person is more prone to skin lesions, infections, collapsed veins, ruptured nasal passages, etc.

If a person using heroin develops a mental health disorder or a person with a mental health disorder is taking heroin to cope, it can lead to suicidal tendencies. Prolonged use of heroin can even lead to systemic organ failure and death in some heavy users.

How to Find Los Angeles Detox Programs For Heroin

If you or a loved one are struggling with a heroin addiction, then Grace Recovery is here for you. We offer addiction treatment in Los Angeles to help you get free of heroin and get started down the path of recovery before it is too late.

We have various treatment options, from inpatient to medically assisted to dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles, so that no matter your situation, you get the personalized care you need to get clean of heroin and get started on your journey back to a normal life. At Grace Recovery, we are here for you or your loved one at any time. Contact us today.

Heroin substance abuse

What are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?

Opioids are a powerful group of medications that are used in pain management programs. These potent drugs are commonly used to help alleviate the pain and discomfort as the result of major surgeries as well as diseases such as cancer. Opioids are very effective medications, but they also carry a high potential for addiction even if used as prescribed by medical personnel. For those attempting to stop using opioids, the withdrawal symptoms they experience are often painful and harrowing.

This article will further outline what opioid medications are and how they affect the body. We will also explore the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and the importance of finding an opioid detox program to quit using opioids in a safe manner. Call Grace Recovery toll-free right now if you need opioid or heroin detox in Southern California.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that have potent analgesic properties. These drugs are derived from the poppy plant’s seeds, most commonly found in Asia and in countries such as Afghanistan. The most common opioid medication people are most familiar with includes the following:

Oxycodone
Vicodin
Percocet
Percodan
Fentanyl

Opioids also include illegal street drugs such as heroin, morphine, codeine, and opium.

As already stated, opioids are an effective tool in helping people manage the pain associated with surgeries and disease. These potent medications are designed for short-term use and are prescribed by experienced medical personnel. Because of the high addiction potential, patients are closely monitored, and their dosages are often changed depending on how they react to these medications. Even under close medical supervision, people can become dependent and even addicted to opioids.

How Do Opioids Affect the Body?

When administered, opioid drugs bind to specific receptors called opioid receptors. These receptors are found in the brain as well as the stomach and spinal cord. These medications bind to these receptors and release large amounts of dopamine in the brain. Also, these medications block pain messages from transmitting through the body. As a result, people feel relaxed and calm and will feel a profound sense of euphoria.

The pleasurable effects of taking opioids can be strongly reinforcing for the brain’s reward centers. As a result, people who use these drugs want to take opioids again to recreate those euphoric feelings. Over time, opioids take over dopamine production, and the brain will cease producing dopamine on its own. Eventually, people will take these medications to function on a daily basis.

What are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?

For those who become dependent on opioids, their natural response is to try and curb their intake or stop using these medications altogether. Since opioids significantly impact brain chemistry and functioning, the absence of these medications will create a sense of havoc in the brain. As a result, both the brain and body will experience withdrawal symptoms that can be extremely painful and uncomfortable to endure.

The most common symptoms of opioid withdrawal include runny nose, irritability, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbances. Other opioid withdrawal symptoms include rapid heart rate, blood pressure changes, and restlessness. Additional symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include tremors, muscle twitching, increased pain, and thoughts of suicide. While these symptoms may not be life-threatening on their own, they can become life-threatening if other drugs are abused, or if people have underlying medical conditions. This is why it is crucial that people seek the professional help of an opioid detox program.

How to Find an Opioid Detox Program in Los Angeles, CA

If you are struggling with the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, an opioid detox program allows you to taper off opioids in a safe manner safely. Grace Recovery is one of the pre-eminent opioid detox and treatment centers in Southern California. Our evidence-based approach, individualized treatment programs, and compassionate staff will help you address and overcome your addiction to opioids in a supportive and nurturing environment.
In addition to opioid detox and treatment, Grace Recovery offers multiple levels of care, including Los Angeles dual diagnosis treatment for those struggling with mental illness in addiction to a substance abuse issue. Our holistic approach will heal you in mind, body, and spirit. Make today the day you break free from the grip of opioid addiction. Call Grace Recovery today.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Becoming addicted to drugs is something that many people have to deal with even when they try their best to use the medication the right way, such as prescription opioids. Unfortunately, in the case of many drugs, the longer they are used, the more likely it is that a person will become addicted. Because of this, it’s important to know what options are available to help a person who has become addicted to giving them the best chance at recovery and long-term sobriety.

At Grace Recovery we know how difficult addiction can be and we want to give all our clients and their families all the information they need to get clean and sober and return to a life free of addiction. In this post we will look at Vivitrol, what it’s used for, and also answer the question “how does Vivitrol work?” and whether or not it is an effective treatment for addiction.

What Is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is the name brand of a drug called Naltrexone that is used to treat the effects of addiction. Specifically, Vivitrol is an injection that blocks some of the effects of opioids. The purpose of Vivitrol is to make a person less dependent on opioids. It is used as an additional medication in combination with traditional addiction treatment.

While Vivitrol is useful in mitigating the effects and dependence on drugs like opioids, which are highly addictive and can cause a person to become chemically dependent quite easily, it is not a cure for addiction, nor can it treat addiction alone. Instead, it is used as a supplement to professional care at a licensed treatment facility. When used in combination with medically supervised detox and clinical treatment, Vivitrol is shown to help a person get off of opioids and remain sober.

Vivitrol is sometimes used to treat alcoholism as well. Vivitrol is one of a few different options to assist in the treatment of addiction and may be prescribed for patients with issues with dependence and relapse in order to improve the chances of a successful recovery.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

The drug Vivitrol works by inhibiting the feelings that opioids cause. Essentially it prevents the feeling of pain relief and euphoria that occur when opioids are used. This helps treat opioid addiction because it blocks the way that opioids interact with the body and also makes using opioids less enjoyable.

In a similar way, Vivitrol is used to treat alcoholism because it can be used to diminish cravings for alcohol, thus reducing the urge to drink. This makes it an effective tool for adults who have experienced relapse multiple times in the past. Vivitrol should always be administered by a professional and only as part of a full treatment plan. Vivitrol alone will not treat addiction.

Is Vivitrol a Form of Addiction Treatment?

While it may seem like Vivitrol can be used as a treatment for addiction, it is important to understand that it is not an actual treatment for addiction and cannot be used to treat all types of addiction. Vivitrol is a medication that assists in addiction treatment.

Proper addiction treatment begins by going to a treatment facility like Grace Recovery where our trained medical staff will evaluate the needs of the client and determine if Vivitrol is a viable option to go along with treatment. Once the person has been evaluated, their treatment will begin by entering detox, where they may be prescribed Vivitrol help with the process and reduce cravings.

Once detox is complete, the next phase of treatment begins. Clients will stay at our inpatient treatment facility and be given individualized tailored to their specific addiction. For patients with co-occurring disorders and ongoing needs, we also offer dual diagnosis treatment and aftercare services to help our clients maintain a life of sobriety.

Oxycontin Addiction Signs

Many people struggle with addiction every day and their loved ones struggle with how to get them the help they need and what help to get them. It can be difficult to even determine whether someone is addicted to a drug without knowing the signs of addiction in the first place. Each drug affects a person differently and each individual person with an addiction will behave differently, so knowing what common signs to look out for will assist with getting them the right kind of help.

At Grace Recovery we understand that knowledge is important when it comes to dealing with addiction. In this post, we will examine what oxycontin is, why oxycontin is so addictive and the oxycontin addiction signs to be aware of.

What Is Oxycontin?

Oxycontin is part of the category of drugs known as opioids and is a derivative form of the drug oxycodone. Like other drugs in the same category, oxycontin and its parent drug oxycodone are used to relieve pain. Unlike others in the category, oxycodone is quite potent and is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

The oxycontin form of the drug is a time-release tablet that is very commonly prescribed, in some cases over the parent drug oxycodone because it can relieve pain for up to 12 hours. When used properly the drug is helpful in pain management after surgery and for coping with severe injuries and other illnesses.

Why Is Oxycontin So Addictive?

All opioids carry addictive properties because of the way the drugs interact with the body. Opioids attach to cells in the body’s central nervous system and slowly alter the way they function to the point that the body becomes dependent on opioids to function properly.

In the case of oxycontin, it is a very potent opioid that can cause addiction fairly quickly, especially if taken outside of the prescribed dosage. Users of oxycontin who become addicted will switch from taking the pill to crushing it and snorting it or diluting the powder with water and injecting the medicine directly. This is done to bypass the normal time-release function of the drug to produce an instant high.

The typical process for a person to become addicted to oxycontin is to start by using the prescribed amount. Then, if usage goes on too long, the person develops a dependence on the drug in order to function in everyday life. From there they will start to seek other ways to obtain and use the drug once they reach full-blown addiction.

The Oxycontin Addiction Signs to Be Aware Of

If you suspect that a loved one may be addicted to oxycontin, here are some of the signs to look out for:

The most immediate sign is that they are taking more of the drug than they should be or they have changed the method in which they take it. As we stated earlier, if they move to snorting or injecting the drug, these are sure signs of addiction.

Secondly, a person may suffer from mood changes such as anxiety or depression when they aren’t using the drug. They may withdraw from family and friends and focus only on ways to acquire more oxycontin. This can even lead to trying to acquire the drug through illicit means. They may even resort to harming themselves or others to get what they need.

Apart from the physical and mental changes, a person who is constantly on oxycontin will likely feel a mild euphoric effect and increased happiness when using the drug which can be a sign that someone is abusing or addicted to the drug.

How Grace Recovery Can Help With Oxycontin Addiction

The best way to get yourself or a loved one help with an oxycontin addiction is by getting them to a treatment facility like ours here at Grace Recovery. The treatment process starts in our calm and relaxing environment with our medication-assisted detox program. This is followed by inpatient rehab care to help the person learn to cope with their addiction and give them the tools they need to stay sober.

Finally, we provide aftercare services so that our clients can continue on the path of sobriety long after treatment in our facility has ended. If you or someone you know is suffering from oxycontin addiction, contact Grace Recovery today.

MAT Treatment Near Me

For those who deal with addiction or who know someone dealing with addiction, getting the right help to get sober and begin recovery can be difficult. Getting clean after long-term addiction poses a number of dangers if it isn’t done the right way.

At Grace Recovery we believe in making sure our clients get the treatment they need to safely get off drugs or alcohol and get started on the path to true recovery. In this post we will discuss what “MAT Treatment near me” is, Who should go to MAT treatment, and How Grace Recovery can help.

What Is MAT Treatment Near Me?

MAT Treatment near me refers to addiction treatment centers that specialize in offering medication assisted treatment for those dealing with addiction. MAT treatment is used when someone is addicted to opioids and it’s not safe for them to stop taking them cold turkey. Opioid abuse can have debilitating withdrawal effects which often causes someone to relapse after they quit.

The medication helps by easing the addiction, and is used in conjunction with other therapy options. MAT treatment near me is primarily used to treat opioid use disorder.

MAT treatment typically uses drugs such as methadone, buprenorphine or Vivitrol to treat opioid addiction.

How Is MAT Treatment Administered?

Usually the person suffering from addiction is given certain medications to either limit the risk of withdrawal or to help them gradually come off of another addictive substance under the care of a trained medical professional at a rehab.

Methadone is typically given as a replacement drug for opioids and intended to reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms, and to reduce cravings for another substance.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid that has been shown to be highly effective in treating heroin addiction, with few of the side effects or risks from methadone.

Vivitrol (Naltrexone) blocks an individual’s ability to feel any euphoric effect when using drugs; it also prevents someone from getting high while drinking alcohol as well.

As you can see, medication assisted treatment works to counter the effects of addiction and help the person get clean by making it easier for them to detox. Getting clean of a substance is a crucial first step in the process of recovery.

Who Should Go to MAT Treatment Near Me?

Because MAT treatment near me is a focused type of treatment, it is best suited for those individuals who have a sustained addiction to a harmful substance where the lack of it could negatively impact their health.

Certain substances alter the chemistry of the body or affect the central nervous system and therefore make attempting normal detoxification problematic. Without substances to control the effects of addiction it makes safe detox nearly impossible.

How Grace Recovery Can Help You Get Sober

The first step in getting the treatment you need is finding a facility that offers a variety of programs for whatever form your addiction may take. Grace Recovery works to treat the whole individual, mind, body, and spirit by offering a wide array of treatment options to meet individual client needs.

This includes medication assisted treatment and detoxification so that clients can safely get off of drugs. We offer treatment in our calming and safe residential inpatient treatment center where we help patients to recover from addiction with individualized treatment plans before they move on to aftercare and continued recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and you think MAT treatment near me might be able to help, then contact Grace Recovery today. We’ll get you started on the road to recovery and away from addiction.

How to Get Someone Into Rehab

Dealing with a loved one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol can be a frustrating and frightful experience. It can be difficult to approach them and to understand what the problems they are facing entail.

At Grace Recovery we understand the difficulties that people face when their loved ones are struggling with addiction. That’s why we’re here to help you understand what to do in the face of addiction and where to turn. Today, we’ll talk about how to get someone into rehab, the benefits of getting your loved one into rehab, and what you need to know about rehab centers to get the treatment your loved one needs.

How to Get Someone Into Rehab

Approaching the subject of rehab with someone who is struggling with addiction is a tricky situation. How do you know if they’re ready to get help? How do you convince them that it’s time for treatment?

You can take a few different approaches when trying to figure out how to talk someone into rehab. The most important thing is understanding what the problems they are facing entail and why your loved one should go into rehab. Otherwise, there might be some serious consequences of not getting the help they need.

Another important thing is to approach them with a kind and caring mindset . Start by asking what they think might be the problem and how they’re feeling. One of the best ways to get someone in for rehab is to simply just ask them if they want help.

If you already know that your loved one has been struggling with addiction, then it’s time to take a more assertive approach when trying to convince them about going into a treatment center.

They need some external motivation from other people who have experienced recovery themselves or through evidence-based arguments concerning why getting sober is important.

This may come in the form of an intervention, a discussion with the person and their closest social group, or even just a reminder that they have loved ones that care about them and want them to get sober.

Though they may be hesitant, it’s important to also gently remind them of the harm that drugs or alcohol is doing to them and their loved ones.

The process of talking to your loved one about getting sober may seem difficult, but it’s extremely important that they get help as soon as possible to overcome drug addiction and the effects it has on their life and move on to the path of sobriety and wellness.

The Benefits of Rehab for Your Loved One

There are many benefits that come with going through addiction recovery at a rehabilitation center such as Grace Recovery. Some of these include: an improved quality of life, being able to keep up with work or school more efficiently, increased self-esteem and confidence, less chance of relapse, and an overall sense of fulfillment.

These benefits are in addition to the immediate health benefits of being off of drugs and alcohol. Once a person begins treatment, they will see drastic improvements in their physical health, mood, and even their outlook on life.

Why Your Loved One Should Go to Grace Recovery

Grace Recovery is a treatment facility that provides abstinence based treatment in a facility surrounded by medical professionals that are devoted to the health and wellness of your loved one.

By providing treatment in a caring and supportive community based program, our goal is to give your loved ones the best chance possible to overcome addiction and move forward toward a better life in recovery.

We offer a variety of treatment options including dual-diagnosis care for clients suffering from both addiction and mental health issues, as well as medication assisted detoxification, inpatient rehab, and aftercare services.

With our well-rounded and caring approach, we know that we can help your loved one with their addiction. If you have a loved one who is suffering from addiction and is ready to get help, contact Grace Recovery today!