Is Xanax Safe to Use?

Most everyone knows that addiction is a significant issue that affects millions of people every day. You may not know that a large part of the addiction epidemic comes from prescription drugs prescribed to treat specific issues. This can make it scary to use drugs that are given to you by a doctor out of fear of becoming addicted. In cases like these, it is important to know what you are using, what it is intended for, and the potential for addiction and side effects of the drug. 

 

At Grace Recovery, we know how it is to take medication the way it is meant to be taken and that it is easy to go from taking a prescribed drug to becoming addicted even if it was never intended. That’s why we want to give our clients all the help we can to stay sober if possible and, if they become addicted, to get the help, they need to return to a life of sobriety. In this post, we will discuss the prescription drug Xanax, what it is designed to treat, whether or not Xanax is addictive, the side effects of Xanax use, and the question is Xanax safe to use. 

 

What is Xanax Used to Treat? 

 

Xanax is a prescription drug that also goes by the generic name Alprazolam. The drug is in a category known as benzodiazepines or “benzos.” Xanax is used for anxiety treatment in most cases because the primary function of Xanax is to calm certain signals in the brain and make anxiety, panic attacks, and other disorders much less frequent and more manageable. 

 

Xanax can also be used to treat certain other conditions when used as part of a combination of medications; these conditions include seizures, depression, and specific phobias. If you have any of these conditions and are prescribed Xanax, it is important to consult with your doctor about when to take Xanax, when to stop or why not to take Xanax, and if your needs change. 

 

Is Xanax Addictive? 

 

Much like many drugs that interact with the brain or the body, Xanax is highly addictive. Two primary components contribute to why Xanax is so addictive. The first is due to the fact that Xanax affects the brain in a way that makes a person become chemically dependent on the drug over time, which eventually leads to complete and total addiction. Secondly, people who abuse Xanax typically do so because they like how the drug makes them feel, regardless of whether they’ve been prescribed it or acquired it through different means. 

 

In either case, when a person continues to use Xanax for prolonged periods or starts using it in ways that it was not intended, the chemistry of the brain begins to change, and the body develops a tolerance to the drug. This makes it so that a person has to take more to achieve the same results. Eventually, a person begins taking so much that they may even result in illicit or illegal means to get more of the drug. 

 

However, if you’re asking the question, “is Xanax safe” the answer depends on how and why it is used and whether it is used properly. 

 

What Are the Side Effects of Xanax? 

 

There are a number of physical and psychological side effects that can occur from Xanax use, some of which may be severe. If you’re using Xanax normally and experience severe side effects, consult with your doctor. If you or someone you know is abusing Xanax and may have an addiction, then it is important to seek help at a licensed treatment facility to get clean and return to a life of sobriety. 

 

Here are some of the common side effects of Xanax: 

 

  • Joint pain 
  • Dizziness 
  • Fatigue 
  • Dry Mouth 
  • Changes in Weight/appetite 
  • Mood swings 
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Difficulty concentrating 

 

Among these side effects, there are also some severe side effects such as seizures, shortness of breath, or loss of balance that may occur. 

 

Is Xanax Safe to Use? 

 

If you’re prescribed Xanax, the question “is Xanax safe to use” is probably at the front of your mind. The true answer is yes; if appropriately used, as intended by a doctor, Xanax is a powerful medication that can treat a number of disorders. However, due to its potency and the way it interacts with the body, it has the potential to be highly addictive. 

If you or someone you know is addicted to Xanax, then it’s time to get help at Grace Recovery. We provide a well-rounded approach to addiction treatment that included a whole range of services from detox and inpatient rehab, to dual diagnosis care to treat both addiction and mental illness, as well as aftercare support and more so that once a client leaves our facility, they are well equipped to continue on their journey of sobriety and return to an everyday life.

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! 

How to Do an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol

Having a loved one who is addicted to drugs and alcohol is a difficult situation. Many don’t know where to turn when it comes to getting their loved one the help they need, and asking a person you love who is addicted to drugs and alcohol to get help is a tricky situation, to say the least. At Grace Recovery our goal is to help people get the help they need. In this post, we’ll discuss what a drug and alcohol intervention is, the signs a loved one may need an intervention, and how to hold one. 

What Is an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol? 

An intervention for drugs and alcohol is a process where loved ones confront the person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol with their addiction. In general, an intervention can be piecemeal as well as full-blown. For example, some interventions have just one family member participate while others may involve several different people from all over that individual’s life coming together in solidarity against the addiction. 

 

There are many reasons why those around someone abusing substances want them to get help including embarrassment; guilt; fear of getting caught up themselves; concern they or another loved one will die of an overdose due to carelessness because of drug use. What these individuals don’t realize though is most addicts feel much worse about their situation than anyone else around

Signs My Loved One Needs an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol

There are many signs that someone may be addicted to drugs and alcohol. Changes in behavior, neglect of responsibilities, breaking of social ties, and even physical or mental side effects that may be noticeable as well. 

 

If you suspect that a loved one is addicted to drugs and alcohol to the point where it is impacting their day-to-day life, then it is time for an intervention. There is no rule set in stone for when to stage an intervention, but if you notice a loved one struggling with addiction, the best time to hold an intervention is as soon as possible. 

How to Hold an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol

It can be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to staging an intervention for drugs and alcohol. What is the best way to go about this? Where should I hold the meeting and who needs to attend, etc.? There are many aspects that need consideration before beginning a staged intervention for drugs and alcohol addiction. It will take time, patience, research, and organization in order to stage a successful drug or alcohol intervention. 

 

A good place to start is by deciding on whether you want your loved ones present at the discussion (i.e., pre-planned) or if they would not be allowed at all during the process (i.e., unplanned). If there was someone else who has also noticed signs of substance they may be able to help facilitate the intervention. At Grace Recovery we provide treatment options and plans to help people get their loved ones the help they need to begin living a sober life. 

 

A good intervention is positive and loving, but firm about how the addiction has affected everyone around them; as well as admitting that there may be some issues with those present which need attention too (hence why this type of gathering includes many people). It should not be confrontational, but truthful.

 

The intervention should allow for the person who is addicted to be heard and express their feelings about what has been said, which helps them see things in a different light. Once they have apologized or promised to change, it’s time to set out an agreement of how this will happen – with support from those present (and other professionals if needed). 

Let Grace Recovery Get Your Loved One on the Path to Sobriety

At Grace Recovery our treatment plans are tailored to your loved ones’ specific needs. From detoxification to dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders and aftercare, we do our best to get your loved one on a path to a healthy, drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.

How to Get Off Adderall Safely and Effectively

It’s unfortunate, but even drugs prescribed to treat a serious and legitimate medical issue can become addictive. It can be difficult to figure out which drugs are addictive until it’s too late and once someone is addicted, it is often even harder to get off the drug safely and effectively. 

 

Adderall is one of those prescribed drugs that can become addictive, and figuring out how to get off Adderall is just as challenging as any other addictive drug. We at Grace Recovery always want to help clients get the answers they need. That’s why today we’d  like to discuss the dangers of abusing Adderall and how to get off Adderall safely and effectively.

 

What Is Adderall? 

Adderall is the name brand of a heavily prescribed combination drug made of 4 types of amphetamine. The drug is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) typically in children and young adults. The drug may also be used to treat a specific sleep condition known as narcolepsy, a disorder where a person may fall asleep involuntarily at random points throughout the day. 

 

The drug works by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. By altering these chemicals, it allows a person to focus, be more attentive, stay organized, listen, and follow tasks through to completion. 

 

The drug is classified in the category of stimulants. There is a particular issue with those without ADHD or narcolepsy taking the drug to take advantage of the stimulant effects. This is typically how the cycle of abuse begins for this particular drug, rather than a person who has been prescribed the drug being the one abusing it. Simply put, the effects are different.

Why Is Adderall Addictive If It’s Prescribed by a Doctor? 

Many prescribed medications have the potential to become addictive. In the case of Adderall, most studies have shown that those that become addicted are not normally those that take the drug for ADHD, but instead, others who abuse it for its stimulant qualities. 

 

In users without ADHD, Adderall has the effect of improving concentration, brightening mood, and decreasing appetite. It is known as an academic performance-enhancing drug as well as a “feel good” drug. This is because the drug acts on the dopamine and norepinephrine receptors in the central nervous system. After prolonged use, people become chemically addicted to the drug because of the effect on the central nervous system. The person then becomes dependent on the drug being in their system to avoid symptoms of withdrawal. This can also lead to them needing to take larger and larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect. This can lead to illegal behavior or trying to find alternate sources for the drug. 

How to Get Off Adderall Safely

The first real step in how to get off Adderall safely is recognizing that the individual has a problem. Once that is done it’s time to find a recovery center like Grace Recovery. At Grace Recovery we believe in a holistic approach that treats the whole person, body, and mind, not just substance addiction. We believe in putting our clients on a path to wellness that will last a lifetime. 

 

Treatment typically begins with our medication-assisted detox program. This helps the client get off of the Adderall in a safe and secure manner with well-managed side effects. 

 

Once detox is complete, clients will then move on to our inpatient residential care program, where they will get the care they need to help cope with life after sobriety, the tools to stay clean, and assistance moving forward with a clean and sober life. We also offer aftercare services to help maintain sobriety long after treatment ends. 

 

If you or a loved one is suffering from Adderall addiction, contact Grace Recovery and let us put you on the path to wellness today. 

 

What Are the 4 Types of Drugs?

When dealing with substance abuse and drug addiction, it is important to understand the type of drug that a person is addicted to. While commonly used drugs come in a number of different classifications, there are 4 main types of drugs when we talk about the drugs people use and become addicted to. 

 

This leads us to the question “what are the 4 types of drugs?” We’ll break down each category for you so that you have a better understanding of what the drug is and what it does. 

 

Different types of drugs are addictive for different reasons and have different type of effects on the body. The reasons a person may begin using and eventually abusing certain types of drugs can differ greatly as well. 

What Are the 4 Types of Drugs? 

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of knowing the difference in drug types, we’ll take a closer look at each of the four types so that friends and loved ones of a person suffering from addiction know what to look out for. 

Stimulants 

First on our list of “what are the 4 types of drugs” is stimulants. These are usually easily recognizable because of the effect they have on the body. They are also the most common by far, even above opioids. 

 

Stimulants often give the appearance of someone having lots of energy when they may otherwise be calm. Stimulants can raise the blood pressure, heart rate, and cause severe symptoms over prolonged use. 

 

The most common stimulants are caffeine, found in coffee and many beverages, and nicotine, the primary addictive ingredient in tobacco products. More illicit stimulants like speed and ecstasy are less common and are considered illegal drugs. 

 

Stimulants are highly addictive because they interact with the body’s central nervous system. After prolonged use, the body may become chemically dependent on the substance to function normally. In these cases, medically assisted detoxification is highly recommended to overcome the substance use disorder safely. 

 

Opioids 

Our second category is incredibly common due to many of them being readily available through prescription. Opioids are commonly used as painkillers. Medications such as Vicodin and oxycontin are frequently prescribed. More illicit opioids like heroin are incredibly dangerous as well. 

 

There are two main reasons that opioids can become addictive. The misuse of prescription drugs often leads to addiction in an effort to treat prolonged pain from injury or other means. Secondly, opioids produce a kind of euphoric “high” that causes many users pleasure, which they then become addicted to. 

 

Opioids also interact with the cells in the body similarly to the way stimulants do, with the exception that opioids interact with the opioid (pain) receptors in the body, and over time the body becomes dependent on the substance. 

Depressants 

Third, on the list of drug types is depressants. These are also widely available, with alcohol being the most common. The primary danger with addiction to depressants like alcohol is that they interact with the body’s central nervous system and slow down the functions of the body and brain. 

 

This leads to a feeling of relaxation and over time, the use lowers one’s inhibitions making them act differently than they normally would. The primary danger of alcohol abuse in particular is the slowed bodily response combined with the damage to the liver and kidneys as a result of prolonged use. 

 

Other medications can have similar effects if misused, but alcohol is the primary culprit among this type of drug. A person suffering from alcohol abuse requires specific treatment that is different from other drug addiction therapy. 

 

Hallucinogens 

Hallucinogens are less common than the other three drug types, but the effects can be quite severe. LSD is the most well-known of the different hallucinogens, but all of them work by affecting the brain and altering a person’s perception and mood. 

 

Hallucinogens increase the production of neurotransmitters in the brain and can lead to severe impairment, violent mood swings, and other odd behavior. The use of hallucinogens can even cause or worsen underlying mental issues. 

 

In these cases, it is important that the addicted person seek dual diagnosis treatment to treat the addiction and the mental health issues that accompany it. 

 

When It’s Time to Get Help Come to Grace Recovery 

We know that finding the right treatment for addiction can be difficult and scary. That’s why the trained staff at Grace Recovery focus on treating the individual and not the disease. Our holistic approach to treatment combined with group therapy and other treatment options helps to get patients off of their addictive substances and on the path to a life of wellness. 

Finding Opioid Addiction Help In Los Angeles

If you or someone you know is dealing with opioid addiction and would like help, it’s important to know where to turn. Dealing with opioid addiction can be a frustrating, and at times, terrifying experience. That’s why it’s important to have the right support and information to help guide you or your loved ones to the treatment they need and deserve. 

 

First things first, part of the path to getting clean is to find the right opioid addiction help for you. No two people are alike and it’s important to understand the type of addiction you are dealing with and the opioid treatment options that are available to you. 

 

Please continue reading to understand what opioid addiction is, why and how it affects you, as well as some of the available treatment options. 

 

  • What Are Opioids? 

 

To find the opioid addiction help you need, it is important to understand just what it is you are addicted to. Opioids are a class of drug that ranges from completely illegal substances like heroin to readily available prescription drugs like Oxycontin. 

Even though it is widely believed that all opioids are just pain-relieving drugs that are misused, this is not entirely the case. While most opioids do have pain-relieving properties in addition to other effects, they are called opioids because of the way they interact with the cells in the body. 

All opioids are related chemically by the fact that they work with the opioid receptors in the body and brain’s nerve cells to produce a chemical reaction. In most cases, the point of this reaction is to dull the experience of pain in the body due to an injury or other medical issue. However, pain management is not the only use for these drugs and not all of them are legal to possess and use. 

 

  • Why Are Opioids Addictive? 

 

There are two primary reasons why opioids are addictive. 

The first reason has to do with how the opioid interacts with the cells in the brain and body. Because opioids target the cells in the nervous system, prolonged use chemically alters the cells to be less responsive to the medication, causing you to have to take more and more of it to receive the same effect. 

The second reason is that, in addition to pain relief, opioids produce a sense of euphoria that often acts as an intoxicant and can cause people to misuse their prescriptions or to seek out illegal opioid substances. 

For this reason, there are several drug replacement or detoxification therapies available as opioid treatment options to help patients who are suffering from the physical and mental symptoms of opioid withdrawal. 

  • What Are Common Opioid Treatment Options? 

Once you decide to seek help, there are many treatment options available. One of the most common options that clients begin with is detoxification, this is the process of removing the drug from the body. This can be done as either an inpatient or outpatient process. 

Dual diagnosis therapy is another treatment option that focuses on treating both opioid addiction and the accompanying mental illness that many clients suffer from. It is important to diagnose all aspects of the addiction to find proper treatment. 

Medication-assisted treatment is another option that clients who struggle with the detoxification process may consider. This helps them to adjust gradually to the lack of opioids in their system to limit the effects of cravings and withdrawal. 

Aftercare and recovery is also an important part of the treatment process and avoiding the recurrence of drug use. This is best accomplished by a combination of therapy, social, and emotional support from the community surrounding the patient. 

 

  • How Grace Recovery Can Help You Today 

When you decide it’s time to get opioid addiction help, let Grace Recovery be the ones to guide you down the path to becoming sober and addiction-free. Grace Recovery offers a well-rounded approach to treatment including both inpatient and outpatient care, detox and dual diagnosis treatment options, and aftercare and recovery support. Contact Grace Recovery today to get the treatment you need and deserve! 

How to Overcome Opioid Addiction

One of the biggest reasons people are often hesitant to start an opioid addiction recovery program is fear or worry about the withdrawal process. These feelings are perfectly normal, however, and the good news is that they can be overcome. It all starts with learning more about what the opioid detox process entails and finding a treatment program that will support you from start to finish.

If you or a loved one is looking to beat an opioid dependency, you’re far from alone. While the modern opioid epidemic is an issue that has only gained widespread discussion in recent times, it has been growing for years. In 2010 there were an estimated 21,000 deaths from opiate overdose, and this number has steadily grown to be over double that today, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The APA also estimates that nearly one in three people now know someone who is addicted to opioids, and there are at least two million people nationwide currently struggling an opioid abuse problem.

So, there’s no better time than the present to start tackling a dependency to opioids head-on. While the detox process can be challenging, it is far from impossible to overcome. Here’s what you need to know:

What is Withdrawal?

“Addiction” is often used interchangeably with the word “dependency” because when it comes to substances, they are one and the same. When a person is struggling with an opiate addiction, their body has become dependent on the substance. Both their mind and their physical organs have grown accustomed to receiving opioids in certain minimum amounts, and when they are deprived of opioids in those minimum amounts, negative reactions occur. These negative reactions are withdrawal symptoms.

These natural negative reactions can be so unpleasant that, if the person is not in the right environment, they can try to cope with things by introducing more opiates into their body. This is how many people become increasingly heavy users of substances like opioids despite attempts to “quit”. Fortunately, the right recovery environment and treatment services can support them through the withdrawal process and prevent increased dependency.

Detox Symptoms or ‘Side Effects’

It’s really the symptoms or “side effects” of opioid withdrawal that intimidate people. But while they can certainly be unpleasant, it is important to understand that all of them are temporary. For many people, detox symptoms begin right after their last opiate dose, while for others it can take hours or even days.

Here is a list of the more common symptoms that can be expected once detox or “withdrawal” begins:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Anger or agitation
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased (more intense) opioid cravings

It may also help to know that many people do not experience every withdrawal symptom and instead only experience one to a few of them.

How Long Does Detox Last?

The detox period can vary from person to person. Just like the exact start time of withdrawal can vary, the time period during which it lasts will vary depending on a number of factors (including, but not limited to, substance use amount and frequency, weight, general health, etc.) In most cases, the most severe symptoms of withdrawal can last hours to about a day. Symptoms as a whole can last days to about a week.

Why Medical Detox Should Be Considered

The withdrawal process can also be a lot easier to deal with when medical detox is involved. While this course of treatment may not be right for everyone, for many it can ease them out of opiate dependency more smoothly and greatly reduce the likelihood of a relapse. In most cases, medical detox is an inpatient-only treatment program, although it may be achieved in rarer cases through partial-day programs.

In a medical detox setting, the patient is supported by a professional medical staff (nurses and doctors) who may use the assistance of certain medicines to help ease their withdrawal symptoms. The patient is closely monitored the entire time and supported both medically and emotionally.

Now, it is true that successful detox and addiction recovery may be achieved without this medical intervention. However, the emotional and physical pull of substances like opioids shows that medical assistance can greatly increase the likelihood of success. It is important to explore this option before making a final decision.

Getting Started

To learn more about the opioid withdrawal process and recovery, do not be afraid to reach out to experienced treatment professionals. After all, the first steps toward beating a dependency on opioids involve not just admitting there is a problem, but starting to look at recovery options. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about the withdrawal process— real treatment professionals are there to help!

Last but not least, always remember that you are not alone. Thousands of people across the country enter treatment programs every year and get through the detox process to success. With determination, the right support, and plenty of knowledge under your belt, you too can beat opioid addiction and take back your life.

How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?

Heroin is a Schedule I controlled substance. The illegal opioid is usually snorted, smoked or injected, but it can be swallowed in pill form. How long does heroin stay in your system? That depends on a few factors, including individual characteristics and the administration method. How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System: The High Heroin affects the reward centers of the brain, telling you that you should take another dose even if your reasoning tells you that it’s not safe or healthy. Because heroin is so powerful and addictive, it can make users want more as their first dose wears off. The initial heroin high delivers a rush of euphoria. This is pleasant for most people because the drug reduces anxiety, depression, and pain. Even if people have negative experiences, however, the brain’s pleasure centers send signals that make them want to use the drug again. The enjoyable high lasts for only a few minutes. Once the euphoria dissipates, people who take heroin might feel sluggish and drowsy for several hours. How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System for Drug Testing? Heroin has a half-life of 30 minutes. In other words, half of the substance leaves your system within half an hour of taking it. Different types of opioids have distinct half-lives. Some prescription painkillers stay in your system longer than heroin. But the length of time for which heroin stays in the system differs. It depends on the person’s body composition, age, history with the drug, metabolism, and hydration. The type and quality of heroin also play a role. Heroin is usually undetectable in an individual’s urine two days after their last dose. Depending on how much you took and how long you used it before you stopped, you might have a positive drug test for up to a week. The drug is undetectable in your blood and saliva fairly quickly. A blood test might be negative for heroin just five hours after the substance was consumed. A hair follicle test can detect heroin for approximately three months, but it’s not always accurate. How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System During Detox? If you have decided to stop using heroin, you’re courageous. It’s not always easy to quit because you usually feel worse before you start feeling better. When you stop dosing yourself with the drug, you may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within several hours. Those symptoms can last for weeks even though the drug leaves your system within a few days. That’s because the drug changes the way that your brain works. Your system needs time to regain balance. Until it does, you may feel as though you’re under the influence of a drug that makes you feel terrible. Physical and psychological healing from heroin abuse can take months. At Grace Recovery Community, we offer a no-nonsense heroin detox program that lets you focus on your wellness for as long as it takes to reach recovery. Even after the drug is out of your system, you can take part in holistic therapies, such as: Psychotherapy Support groups Anger management Grief and loss therapy Acupuncture Don’t let fear keep you stuck in a cycle of drug abuse. Learn how you can access healing, fulfillment and sustained recovery by calling *DM_DirectNumber format=period*.

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