Recognizing the Dangers of Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic cannabinoid abuse is a problem around the globe, and unfortunately, more and more people are falling victim to synthetic drugs. While it may appear that some synthetic drugs that are marketed as “legal” are safe to consume, unfortunately, these marketing tactics are very misleading. Failure to recognize the dangers of synthetic drugs can lead to dangerous repercussions. That’s why in this article, you’ll learn more about the dangers of synthetic drugs so you can avoid abusing these addictive substances.

Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles that’s here to help you safely overcome addiction and lead a healthier, happier life. We offer various levels of care to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery. Our comprehensive Los Angeles addiction treatment center offers a broad range of treatment options to best support your unique recovery needs. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today! 

Short-Term Effects of Synthetic Drugs

Abusing synthetic drugs has the potential to lead to lethal consequences. Synthetic drugs are not naturally occurring in the world but rather are made by people, and there is virtually no regulation for synthetic drugs. This can result in people consuming highly potent drugs that can potentially be life-threatening, not to mention highly addictive.

Therefore, there is a range of both short-term and long-term dangers of synthetic drugs that cannot be ignored. Synthetic drugs are highly unpredictable because they are produced by people. This can lead to people experiencing significant physical reactions to consuming synthetic drugs in the short term, such as nausea, rapid heart rate, and even death. 

Not to mention, there are a range of psychological and mental short-term effects involved with abusing synthetic drugs. From impairing your judgment to causing extreme anxiety, these psychological risk factors can negatively impact your behavior and cause you to engage in riskier behavior that you otherwise would if you weren’t under the influence of synthetic drugs. These short-term risky behaviors can in turn lead to life-long consequences. 

Long-Term Effects of Synthetic Drugs

As you see, abusing synthetic drugs has the potential to be life-threatening. Abusing synthetic drugs can also lead to a range of long-term effects that can destroy your physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being, including affecting your relationships with loved ones.

Synthetic drugs are also highly addictive substances, making it easy for people who abuse them to fall dependent on these substances and become addicted to them. Addiction not only robs you of your health and happiness, but it in the long term can lead you to facing other financial and legal consequences because of your synthetic drug use. This legal and financial strain can further put a strain on your mental health and overall well-being.

However, if you are struggling with synthetic drug addiction, you don’t have to live the rest of your life like this–help is available! It’s critical that you seek professional treatment for your addiction so that you can take back control of your health and quality of life. 

Top-Rated Addiction Recovery Center in Los Angeles 

Misleading marketing about synthetic drugs can lead you to believe that these substances don’t have any risks or dangers; however, synthetic drugs are not safe. If you are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, it’s critical you seek professional support to get the best possible care to support your unique recovery needs.At Grace Recovery, we are here to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery, from starting Los Angeles inpatient drug rehab to crafting a rehab aftercare plan. We understand that each client has their own unique story and recovery needs. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of treatment programs and options to help you best achieve your exact recovery needs. Contact us today to get started.

What Are the Signs of Cocaine Use?

What Are the Signs of Cocaine Use?

Cocaine addiction is a serious problem that leaves the addict in a state of confusion and a constant need for drugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cocaine is one of the most abused illegal drugs globally and can lead to dependence and adverse health effects such as cardiovascular and neurological damage. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1.7% or 4.8 million people aged 12 or older reported using cocaine in 2021.

Understanding the signs of cocaine use can prevent a sad outcome and help someone get treatment. However, knowing these signs is somewhat complicated because they are intertwined with other medical conditions. This post will clarify your cocaine use symptoms and possible treatment options.

Grace Recovery is a drug and alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles. Contact us today to learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment and medical detox in LA.

How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?

Before discussing how cocaine affects the body, let’s discuss the substance. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug from the coca plant leaves, which is native to South America. It is typically used as a recreational drug and is known for its euphoric effects, increased energy, and heightened alertness. However, it is also highly addictive and can severely negatively affect physical and mental health.

Cocaine affects the body in several ways. It increases the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, which leads to increased energy, euphoria, and increased alertness. It can also cause constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, and abdominal pain. Regular use of cocaine can lead to addiction and other harmful effects on the body, such as heart attack, stroke, and respiratory failure. Long-term use of cocaine can also lead to damage to the nose and sinuses, as well as to the lungs and other organs. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that most cocaine users are between 15 and 34 years and that the drug is responsible for many emergency room visits and overdose deaths.

What Are the Signs of Cocaine Use?

Signs of cocaine use include dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, restlessness, agitation, and talkativeness. Other symptoms include nosebleeds (if snorted), burn marks on the fingers or lips (if smoked or injected), and weight loss. Long-term use of cocaine can also lead to insomnia, depression, and paranoia. Additionally, cocaine use can cause a person to become physically and mentally dependent on the drug, and withdrawal symptoms can occur when use is discontinued. These symptoms include fatigue, depression, and an intense craving for the drug.

What to Look For in a Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program

When looking for a cocaine addiction program, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

  • Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
  • Evidence-based treatment: The program should use evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management, which are effective in treating cocaine addiction.
  • Individualized treatment plan: The program should develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient, considering their unique needs and circumstances.
  • Aftercare support: The program should provide aftercare support, such as ongoing counseling and support groups, to help patients maintain their recovery.
  • Addiction specialist: The program should have staff that specializes in addiction treatment, such as licensed counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists.
  • Quality of staff: The program should have a high level of staff trained, licensed, and experienced in treating addiction.
  • Location and accessibility: Consider the program’s location and whether it is easily accessible by public transportation or by car.
  • Cost and Insurance: Check what your insurance coverage is, if the program is covered or offers other payment options.

Grace Recovery is a Cocaine Detox Center in Los Angeles

Grace Recovery is an evidence-based detox center that gives addicts the opportunity to have a better life. Located in Los Angeles, Grace Recovery is a healing and support community that offers multiple levels of support and care to addicts, helping them through their addiction treatment. Our staff follows a holistic approach that helps patients live drug and alcohol-free.

The first step to recovering from cocaine addiction is detoxification. This process flushes out the cocaine in the system to aid in faster recovery. Grace Recovery understands this step’s importance, which is why it takes it seriously. We thoroughly evaluate the patient by collecting enough information about their medical history, educating them about their addiction, and preparing each one for the next treatment step.Besides detoxification, we offer Los Angeles residential inpatient, intensive outpatient, dual-diagnosis, and aftercare programs. We believe in rehabilitation in regaining control of your life. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to get started. Contact us at (877) 554-7223.

How Addictive is Cocaine?

There are many different types of drugs that exist, and each one of them is addictive in some way or another. The trouble is that most people don’t realize just how addictive some drugs are. Depending on the class of the drug, the way it affects the person and how much or how long they take the drug, the chances of addiction can be lesser or more significant. That being said, every case of addiction is different, so the best way to fight against addiction is to know why something is addictive and the signs that someone has developed an addiction.

 

At Grace Recovery, we know how powerful addiction is and that some substances are more addictive than others. We believe everyone has the right to treatment and to live a life free of addiction, but that starts with giving them the information they need to identify an addiction so that they can get treatment. To help our clients with getting treatment, in this post, we will discuss cocaine, what it is, why it is addictive, answer the question “how addictive is cocaine,” and how to get help with a cocaine addiction.

 

What is Cocaine?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant that has been used for well over a century in holistic medicine, modern medicine, and as an illicit drug.

 

The raw form of cocaine, the coca leaf, was ingested by native South American tribes to treat a wide variety of illnesses due to the stimulant effects of the substance. Later, in the 1900s, the chemical form of cocaine was developed (cocaine hydrochloride) and was used as a medication to treat various illnesses, including being put in tonics and elixirs. It was even used in early formulations of the soft drink Coca-Cola. It was even used as an anesthetic by surgeons before the invention of general anesthesia.

 

The modern form of cocaine is now a Schedule II drug making it highly illegal unless administered by a doctor in rare cases as an anesthetic.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Cocaine Use?

 

Because it is a stimulant, there are some tell-tale signs that someone is using cocaine. Recognizing these signs will help get someone the treatment they need to deal with their cocaine addiction.

 

The physical signs of cocaine use are shared amongst other stimulants, which means things like hyperactivity, inability to remain still, inability to focus, insomnia or long periods of being awake, dilated pupils, being quickly excited, paranoia, irritability, and mood swings.

 

These symptoms can also coincide with changes in behavior such as distancing oneself from friends and family, inability to meet obligations. Like with many addictive drugs, extended use often leads to legal trouble and financial problems.

 

How Addictive is Cocaine?

 

Answering the question “how addictive is cocaine” can be a bit tricky because each person is affected differently, but according to various sources, cocaine is listed as highly addictive. It is so addictive that it has been made illegal and is only used in the rarest of circumstances for medical procedures. The use, sale, possession, and transportation of cocaine are all illegal and carry heavy penalties, including many years in jail.

 

Great efforts have been made to prevent cocaine from being used by the general population due to its addictive nature, but it still remains present in most places in America.

 

What Causes Cocaine Addiction?

 

Understanding that cocaine is addictive is only part of the problem. The important thing is to understand why the drug is addictive. There are two main reasons why cocaine is addictive and what causes someone to become addicted to cocaine: the effect it has on the body and how using the drug makes someone feel.

 

Cocaine affects not only the central nervous system but the brain as well. Over time and with continued use, this can alter the chemistry of the brain and the body and make a person need to use the drug to function normally and become more and more resistant to its effects.

 

This can happen in as little as one use, but over time the person will require more and more cocaine to the point where they depend on it to live daily life. Even a short time without the substance can lead to withdrawal.

 

The second reason why cocaine is addictive is because of the way it makes a person who uses it feel. Many people use cocaine recreationally not for any medicinal properties, but because the stimulant properties make them feel alert, energetic, and in many cases, happy and more social. This feeling makes them want to continue to use the drug more and more.

 

How to Find Cocaine Rehab in Los Angeles, CA

 

The first thing to do is realize that you or someone you know has a cocaine addiction. Once that is done, the next step is to come to Grace Recovery. We are a holistic inpatient treatment facility that works on treating not just the addiction but the whole person.

 

We have holistic and group therapies designed to get at the root cause of the addiction as well as medication-assisted detox to make sure that the client purges the cocaine out of their system safely. We then provide aftercare services to help continue on the road to sobriety.

If you or someone you know has a cocaine addiction and are ready to get the help they need to get clean, contact Grace Recovery today!

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 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.

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.