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How to Get Through Weed Detox with the Right Help

Aliya on November 14, 2024

Often, cannabis use feels harmless at first, especially if you only intend to smoke casually. However, over time, many people realize they are trapped by their dependency on weed. They’ll face cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. Truthfully, stopping on your own is extremely difficult. The best way to successfully quit using marijuana is to receive medical help through a rehab facility. Overcoming addiction starts with a marijuana detox and then empowers individuals to stay sober by unpacking the mental and emotional impact of drug use. Notably, we can help you recover from weed dependency using a holistic care model that focuses on healing for your whole self.

What Is Marijuana Dependency?

Marijuana refers to the parts of the cannabis plant that contain the psychoactive ingredient THC. Its origin, the cannabis plant, is used both medically and recreationally, depending on the part of the plant used. CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is the non-psychoactive form of weed. It’s a common belief that weed is not addictive and that a person can’t become dependent on it. However, the truth is marijuana is highly addictive. A cannabis dependency works similarly to other drugs because it triggers responses in the brain that feel good.

How Do People Get Hooked on Weed?

Marijuana stimulates positive brain chemicals that produce effects like relaxation and euphoria. By stimulating the reward sensors, the brain associates marijuana with strong positive feelings, leading the individual to desire more. Over time, they become dependent on CBD, so they have to keep ingesting more. Marijuana dependency leads to marijuana addiction, where the person has withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.

Weed is a popular drug for adults and adolescents alike. Many young adults try weed recreationally but develop an addiction. Additionally, marijuana is a popular gateway substance. This means it’s one of the first drugs people use that leads them to experiment with harder substances like opioids.

Are Casual Weed Smokers Dependent?

It is possible to develop a weed dependency if you use marijuana regularly enough. The exact consumption factors that lead to addiction depend on the person. Smoking casually but infrequently doesn’t always lead to dependence. Yet, nobody has started using marijuana with the intention of becoming addicted. Addiction is a downward spiral that isn’t apparent until it’s too late.

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What Is Weed Detox?

In order to quit smoking weed, you have to overcome your dependence. However, this is challenging because your brain has adapted to need marijuana in order to function normally. Thus, every time you try to quit you’ll be hit with strong withdrawal symptoms that try to draw you back in. The most challenging part of overcoming marijuana addiction isn’t the long-term urges but the immediate effects of trying to quit. The best way to succeed at quitting CBD is to detoxify cannabis from your body. Medical detox in a treatment facility ensures you are safe and comfortable while you detox cannabis toxins.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms 

Uncomfortable weed withdrawal symptoms are effective at keeping people trapped in marijuana addiction. This is because they can only be alleviated by taking more of the substance. Withdrawal symptoms that you may face if you attempt to detox at home include:

  • Irritability
  • Anger
  • Loss of appetite
  • Physical aches and pains
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Fever
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Hallucinations
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

The only safe way to detox from marijuana is through a professional medical treatment. We provide cannabis detox in our rehab facilities. Our medical team stays present to monitor your health during the process. They will make the experience more comfortable and safer and can provide vitamins and nutrients to keep your body strong. Additionally, some clients can receive comfort medications during detoxification to reduce painful withdrawal symptoms.

What Is the Weed Detox Timeline?

Marijuana detox lasts between 4-8 days. After, it’s time to learn coping skills and relapse prevention motivation to stay sober through therapy and counseling programs.

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Tips for Getting Through Marijuana Withdrawal

Beating lingering marijuana withdrawal symptoms (like cravings) is tough. Yet, there are a few proven steps you can take to help make the process easier. As part of our rehab programming, we ensure each element is a strong part of our client’s healing experience.

Stick to a Routine

You might find yourself experiencing cravings in accordance with your old habits, especially when you’re not doing much. It can help you make a new routine that keeps your mind and body busy. Routine can play a pivotal role in keeping you on track with your goals.

Diet and Exercise

Addiction places stress on the body, but both diet and exercise can help reduce stress so that you can bounce back quicker. Often, substance addiction depletes the body of essential nutrients. Focus on fueling yourself with healthy ingredients in order to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Further, regular movement and exercise promote overall health but are also shown to have positive effects on cannabis withdrawal.

Building a Support System

Having a support system is crucial for your overall physical and mental health, but it’s especially important when you’re healing from addiction. When you’re in treatment for substance abuse, you’ll unpack some heavy topics, like the reasons why you began using drugs. Your counselors and therapists will be valuable resources. They’ll be happy to talk with you as you uproot feelings and emotions. However, it’s also important to have a daily support system you can turn to with questions and thoughts. One amazing part of rehabilitation is the strong connections clients make with their peers. Through group therapy, shared experiences, and time spent together, you’ll form links with people who truly understand what you’re dealing with.

Professional Help for Weed Detox 

We can help you stop smoking weed, even if you’ve tried it before or feel as though it’s impossible. There’s no shame in struggling with cannabis use and admitting you need help. We offer services to rid weed from your body and teach you more about the roots of your dependency. Through traditional and holistic therapy, we’ll teach you valuable skills to use when you get the urge to smoke so you can stay off weed. Reach out if you’re ready to learn how professional care in a treatment center can be the final step to marijuana abstinence.

How to Recognize Fake M30 Oxycodone Pills

Aliya on November 14, 2024

Fake M30 pill use is on the rise, presenting new dangers to youths and adults alike. Oxycodone is a prescription medication that is prescribed for pain, including chronic pain, post-surgery relief, and fractures. Using your doctor-prescribed legal dose reduces the risks of developing dependence on the drug. Yet, Oxycodone can be sourced illegally for recreational use and self-medication. For example, many people use Oxycodone and other prescription opioids and benzodiazepines without authorization. OxyContin, Xanax, Percocet, and Adderall are all popular drugs that are commonly misused. In order to source them, individuals turn to e-commerce sites and friend networks to find affordable options. And yet, counterfeit M30 pills contain mixed ingredients that can lead to overdose.

What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a narcotic analgesic, meaning it’s a prescription painkiller. Doctors prescribe Oxycodone for pain ranging from mild to severe, including injuries, childbirth pain relief, and cancer pain. It is sold under the brand name OxyContin, as well as Percocet, which combines Oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is also an opioid antagonist, meaning it acts similar to an opioid by stimulating the brain’s reward centers. As such, it’s highly possible to develop an oxycodone addiction that spirals from tolerance to dependence.

How Do People Get Oxycodone?

Since Oxycodone is a prescription medication, it can be sourced through your doctor or therapist with a prescription that can be fulfilled at the pharmacy. However, illicit Oxycodone can be sourced online, such as through dark web drug markets or social media.

What Do Oxycodone Pills Look Like? 

In order to understand the difference between real and fake pills, it’s important to understand: What does Oxycodone look like? It comes in a variety of bright colors, and each pill contains markings that identify it. Tablets are circle and bar-shaped.

M30 Oxycodone Pills

M30 oxycodone pills are counterfeit pills containing fentanyl or methamphetamine in combination with Oxycodone. They look nearly identical to the real pills.

Is Oxycodone Addictive?

Because of Oxycodone’s powerful effect on the brain, oxycodone use can quickly spiral into addiction. Like other opioids, regular oxycodone use can lead you to become resistant to the initial effects of the drug. With Oxycodone, these effects include pain relief, shallow breathing, and euphoria from the “high.” If you are prescribed Oxycodone for pain, your doctor will help you manage your dose, including dose increases, to prevent dependence. However, if you use Oxycodone recreationally, the powerful effects can overtake your body and trap you in a dangerous pattern of addiction.

Opioid Overdose Statistics

Oxycodone is a fairly popular choice of recreational opioid drug due to the long-acting high it produces. In fact, OxyContin is a controlled-release tablet that lasts for 12 hours, making it a common choice to crush or snort for fast results. However, abusing substances in this way is seriously dangerous because it floods the body with all the effects of the drug at once. Statistics show that opioid abuse is a severe issue across the world. In fact, the opioid crisis continues to have a devastating impact. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recorded over 93,300 overdose deaths in 2020, which is higher than ever before. From 1999 to 2023, synthetic opioid deaths increased 103-fold. Further, some substance use disorders (SUD) go hand in hand. Unfortunately, Oxycodone is also a gateway drug to heroin, as the two act in similar ways on the body.

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What Are the Dangers of Fake Oxycodone?

Fake oxycodone pills are a rising issue that adds new dangers to substance experimentation and abuse. Clearly, they are dangerous for multiple reasons. Fake M30 oxycodone often contains deadly amounts of fentanyl. People who take fake oxycodone don’t understand how they’re mixing substances or to what extent. As a result, they can easily overdose. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 70 percent of fentanyl-laced pills are potentially lethal in dosage. Additionally, fake oxycodone doesn’t undergo quality testing and can have dangerous effects on the body.

How To Identify Fake M30 Oxycodone Pills

Although M30 pills look like realistic oxycodone pills, they are laced with dangerous additional substances—most commonly methamphetamine and fentanyl. Yet, it’s incredibly difficult to tell the difference between real and fake pills. Drug trafficking organizations mimic the look of M30s down to the color and markings. As such, the only way to ensure your substances are real is to source them from a pharmacy with a prescription from your doctor.

What Do Real Oxycodone Pills Look Like?

Real oxycodone M30 pills are brown, but depending on the dose, they come in white, blue, pink, yellow, grey, and green tablets. They contain markings that show the dose and pill type.

Where Do People Get Fake Pills?

Unfortunately, students and young people are a large part of the market for illicit oxycodone pills. As such, many fake M30 oxycodone pills are sourced through social media, friend referrals, online marketplaces, and dark web drug sites.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Options

You’re not alone in feeling stuck in the cycle of substance abuse. Some people fall into the trap of prescription drug misuse because they believe it will help them excel in school. Others use them recreationally or to self-medicate their feelings. Opioids are dangerous because of their high risk of addiction and overdose. Significantly, our opioid detox centers are safe places where individuals learn to heal from their pain and achieve sobriety from drugs. Through a proven combination of traditional and holistic therapies, our substance abuse treatment provides you with the tools you need to heal.

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Who Can Help with Ketamine Withdrawal?

Ketamine is a powerful substance that has mind-altering effects and psychological withdrawal symptoms. It can feel impossible to remove the grip of ketamine from your life. The best place to achieve a total body detox from ketamine is in a rehab treatment center. At Aliya’s nationwide facilities, we provide ketamine withdrawal treatment that emphasizes holistic recovery. Because each person is so much more than their struggles, our treatment focuses on mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. As such, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient treatment. 

Ketamine Detox

Our first stage of recovery is detoxification, which removes the toxins from ketamine from the body. Because withdrawal can be intense and painful, it’s not safe to attempt it at home. Instead, in a medical facility, you will be monitored for on-track healing 24/7. Detox and acute withdrawal symptoms generally last about eight days.

Inpatient Treatment for Ketamine Abuse

After detox, clients move into residential inpatient treatment, where they live in a center and begin therapy for holistic recovery. Through group and individual sessions, clients unpack the background of their addiction struggle and learn relapse prevention skills. Further, they participate in traditional and holistic therapy options.

Outpatient Treatment for Ketamine Abuse

Clients gain more independence in outpatient treatment, starting by moving out of the center and commuting in for daily sessions. They also cut back on hours spent in treatment so they can start resuming a new normal. Yet, they continue therapy sessions and skill training, such as trigger management.

Treatment isn’t daunting, and there’s no shame in needing help. If you’re ready to overcome ketamine withdrawal, reach out to our intake team today.

I Need Help with Ketamine Withdrawal

Aliya on November 14, 2024

Ketamine is a powerful substance with medical indications, yet it is also abused as a recreational drug. Once someone becomes dependent on ketamine, it’s a rapid and repetitive cycle of addiction and withdrawal. The only safe way to overcome ketamine dependency is medical ketamine withdrawal treatment in a rehabilitation facility. You’ve come to the right place if you need help with ketamine withdrawal. Our treatment centers target healing for ketamine abuse.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a strong painkiller. Technically, it’s a dissociative anesthetic, which means it creates a sense of removal from pain. Often, ketamine is used in veterinary surgery and as a human sedative. Ketamine can be used to treat mood disorders, including major depressive disorder. Notably, ketamine therapy has gained traction as a medically supervised therapeutic treatment. Unfortunately, ketamine is also illicitly used as a dangerous recreational drug that distances individuals from feeling present in their bodies.

Is Ketamine Addictive?

Yes, ketamine is highly addictive because it’s easy to become tolerant and then dependent after a short period. When used medically, doctors will monitor doses to prevent tolerance and can help clients wean off the drug when necessary. However, recreational ketamine use increases your risk of addiction because of a lack of dose control.

What Is Ketamine Withdrawal?

Ketamine withdrawal is the process an individual experiences when they are dependent on ketamine and go too long without it. Ketamine withdrawal symptoms begin when a person tries to stop taking the drug. Because withdrawal is so painful and uncomfortable, it makes it nearly impossible to quit on your own. One characteristic of ketamine is that withdrawal from the substance doesn’t produce many physical effects but has intense psychological symptoms. The brain can become severely hooked on painkillers, making withdrawal feel life-threatening.

Physical Symptoms of Ketamine Withdrawal

Withdrawal from ketamine abuse has adverse physical effects on the body that feel uncomfortable and worrisome. Symptoms can include:

  • Nausea
  • Tremors
  • Exhaustion
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Accelerated heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Impaired physical coordination
  • Trouble breathing
  • Seizures
Psychological Symptoms of Ketamine Withdrawal

Many withdrawal symptoms of ketamine are psychological because of the strong effect the drug has on the brain. Anyone who has used ketamine has experienced an altering of the chemical messengers in the brain. Part of the detox process is working to reset brain functioning back to normal. Yet, you will likely experience psychological symptoms, including:

  • Cravings
  • Agitation
  • Anger
  • Confusion
  • Memory problems
  • Dysphoria
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Thoughts of suicide
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Ketamine Withdrawal Timeline

Because ketamine is a powerful anesthetic substance, it produces a strong physical and psychological dependency. Withdrawal symptoms will likely begin after 24 hours without the drug and can continue for days or weeks without treatment. Ketamine addiction withdrawal is broken into two distinct phases, yet the peak stage is also categorized as a significant phase of detox.

Acute Phase of Ketamine Withdrawal

Acute withdrawal refers to the first emergence of symptoms a short period after your last ketamine dose. It usually starts about 24 hours later. A common characteristic of early withdrawal symptoms is they produce the opposite effects of the drug. This can feel like a shock to the system. Markedly, how long the acute withdrawal lasts depends largely on the type of substance you’ve been taking. For ketamine, more abundant use will have a longer withdrawal timeline, but it will be between days and weeks.

Peak Stage of Ketamine Withdrawal

The peak stage of withdrawal is often the hardest part to get through. Symptoms that have been building finally peak in intensity. During the peak withdrawal phase, individuals will feel the most sick and uncomfortable. Comfort medications administered through a medical detox facility can help alleviate symptoms. When the peak stage happens depends on the drug and the individual, but generally between 40-70 hours after the last dose.

Protracted Ketamine Withdrawal

Protracted withdrawal, also called post-acute or extended withdrawal, is symptoms that continue after the detox timeline. Some individuals experience symptoms that return after they complete acute detox. Extended withdrawal can sometimes last for a year or more. Unfortunately, a huge concern of protracted withdrawal is that it can lead to relapse due to the return of cravings. Having the right foundation of rehabilitation, such as relapse prevention skills, reduces the risk of drug relapse.

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Who Can Help with Ketamine Withdrawal?

Ketamine is a powerful substance that has mind-altering effects and psychological withdrawal symptoms. It can feel impossible to remove the grip of ketamine from your life. The best place to achieve a total body detox from ketamine is in a rehab treatment center. At Aliya’s nationwide facilities, we provide ketamine withdrawal treatment that emphasizes holistic recovery. Because each person is so much more than their struggles, our treatment focuses on mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. As such, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient treatment. 

Ketamine Detox

Our first stage of recovery is detoxification, which removes the toxins from ketamine from the body. Because withdrawal can be intense and painful, it’s not safe to attempt it at home. Instead, in a medical facility, you will be monitored for on-track healing 24/7. Detox and acute withdrawal symptoms generally last about eight days.

Inpatient Treatment for Ketamine Abuse

After detox, clients move into residential inpatient treatment, where they live in a center and begin therapy for holistic recovery. Through group and individual sessions, clients unpack the background of their addiction struggle and learn relapse prevention skills. Further, they participate in traditional and holistic therapy options.

Outpatient Treatment for Ketamine Abuse

Clients gain more independence in outpatient treatment, starting by moving out of the center and commuting in for daily sessions. They also cut back on hours spent in treatment so they can start resuming a new normal. Yet, they continue therapy sessions and skill training, such as trigger management.

Treatment isn’t daunting, and there’s no shame in needing help. If you’re ready to overcome ketamine withdrawal, reach out to our intake team today.

Is It Legal to Buy Tramadol Online?

Aliya on November 4, 2024

Prescription pain medications can make a big difference in an individual’s journey toward recovery. Tramadol is one pain medication used to help overcome substance use disorder (SUD). As a prescription opioid, tramadol can be highly beneficial for pain, but it can also be addictive. Thus, it’s important to source tramadol through a doctor according to your prescription. If you’re wondering whether it’s safe and legal to buy tramadol online, we have the answers. Let’s talk about tramadol and whether it can be purchased online.

What Is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a prescription medication used to treat severe pain, including pain associated with opioid addiction. For this reason, tramadol can be used as part of a routine to overcome opioid use disorder (OUD). Along with generic tramadol, it is sold under the brand names Ultram, ConZip, and Qdolo. Notably, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves tramadol as a pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. However, its use is closely monitored because tramadol is an opioid agonist that can lead to dependence.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are prescription pain-relieving medications that target opioid receptors in the brain. Natural opiates, like morphine, are derived from the opium poppy, while synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, imitate the opioid plant.  Because opioids are strong-acting and produce a fast high, they have a high abuse potential. Opioid antagonists like tramadol are in the opioid class. Yet, they have less risk of abuse because they provide more negative effects than synthetic opioids. Also, tramadol is less capable of producing a quick high after injection, making it less appealing for recreational use.

Is Tramadol Addictive?

Yes, tramadol is an addictive medication. Even opioid pain relievers used to aid in detoxification from opioid addiction—such as tramadol—can be abused and cause dependence. For this reason, all opioid medications are controlled and regulated. Otherwise, you run the risk of swapping an addiction to one opioid for another, even if it was prescribed to help you overcome SUD.

Is It Legal to Buy Tramadol Online?

Clearly, tramadol offers many pain-relieving benefits. Understandably, you may want to get your hands on some of the medication. Can you buy tramadol online? No, tramadol must only be sourced with a prescription at a pharmacy or laboratory. Because it can be habit-forming, tramadol is only legally used as prescribed by a licensed doctor or therapist. In fact, tramadol is a Schedule IV Controlled Substance with limitations on who it can be prescribed to. The efforts to stop casual tramadol use are valuable. In an effort to reduce the opioid crisis, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requires tramadol usage to be regulated.

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Why Do People Buy Tramadol Online?

There are multiple reasons why people turn to the internet for tramadol. They may try to find a cheaper alternative. Some people try to buy tramadol online without a prescription because they’re dependent on its pain-relieving properties. It’s a common concern that individuals may self-medicate with pain medication like tramadol. Similarly, people might source tramadol online to abuse it recreationally. Because it’s so addictive, it’s dangerous to take tramadol outside of your doctor-prescribed dose.

What Are the Risks of Buying Tramadol Online?

Buying tramadol online without a prescription is illegal. If you’re able to source the drug online this way, you put yourself at risk for multiple dangers. Firstly, you might end up receiving counterfeit medications that contain mixed substances. This presents a danger to your body and mind, especially if you mix your dose with other substances. Additionally, you can end up taking uneven doses due to counterfeit mixtures. Further, if you buy tramadol online, the person or company you’re sourcing it from may operate under a lack of regulation and supervision. Thus, your medication hasn’t gone through quality control standards and isn’t safe to be consumed. Overall, it’s not safe to buy any drugs online, including prescriptions and illicit drugs.

Finding Treatment for Tramadol Addiction

No matter where you find it, tramadol can lead you to become addicted to its strong pain-relieving properties. No one intends to develop an addiction, but opioids work powerfully in the brain by binding to pain receptors. If you take an opioid outside of a prescription, you have a high risk of becoming dependent. When you’re using tramadol, and you can’t stop, you need to escalate the seriousness of your condition by entering treatment. Rehab for tramadol abuse will help you overcome your substance use disorder. You can find treatment at one of our facilities across the United States.

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Psychotherapy for Tramadol Addiction

All clients enter traditional psychotherapy as part of overcoming an addiction or mental illness. We offer evidence-based behavioral therapies, including:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)

Holistic Therapy for Tramadol Addiction

Additionally, all clients engage in holistic activities as a crucial part of their healing journey. Our goal is to provide total-body healing, including the mind, body, and spirit. Our specialized therapeutic activities target whole-self wellness. Some of the options we provide are:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Tai chi
  • Art therapy
  • Sound therapy
  • Biofeedback
  • Music therapy
  • Nature therapy
  • Equine-assisted therapy

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Tramadol Addiction

At our treatment centers, we are also able to offer medically assisted treatment (MAT). This program track is for clients who benefit from medicine to make their rehabilitation—and aftercare—smoother and more comfortable. MAT is prescribed on a person-by-person basis and can help alleviate chronic pain, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings.

Tramadol Addiction Treatment Near Me

Our treatment facilities exist to help individuals overcome their struggles with addiction and mental health. Everyone who enters rehab gets treated for holistic healing so they can leave our centers experiencing true wellness. We want to help you overcome your opioid dependency, including the urge to buy tramadol online, which isn’t safe. Please reach out about getting help for yourself or your loved one.

Can Adderall Cause Depression? Understanding Amphetamine Salts

Aliya on November 4, 2024

Adderall is a potent medication made from four types of amphetamine salts. Because its ingredient composition can be habit-forming, you must have a prescription in order to take Adderall. Using the stimulant drug outside of how it’s prescribed—even misusing your prescription by taking too much—can lead to harmful side effects. For example, many people ask: can Adderall cause depression? This depends largely on how the individual uses the drug, as well as their history of substance abuse and mental health. Let’s unpack how Adderall is connected to the formation of depression.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is the brand name for the medications amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The two work in tandem to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorders. Adderall mainly targets brain chemistry to alter an individual’s ability to function. Some of its positive effects are improved attention span, alertness, energy, and mood. While impacting neurotransmitters for cognitive functioning, it can also sometimes impact mental health. We’ll unpack this in a moment.

Who Can Prescribe Adderall?

Adderall is a powerful prescription stimulant drug that can be dangerous to use outside of how it’s intended. Only a licensed medical practitioner, like a doctor or therapist, can prescribe Adderall. Sometimes, individuals may try to source Adderall outside of a prescription. Even with one, they may try to source it for cheaper online. However, the only safe and legal way to get Adderall is through a doctor.

How Does Adderall Work for ADHD? 

As mentioned, Adderall is prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms. This stimulant drug is effective because it targets chemical messengers activating the central nervous system. Adderall blocks the reuptake of both dopamine and norepinephrine, so the individual experiences an increase in positive neural messengers.

What Is Depression?

Depression is another name for depressive disorders, which are mental disorders with symptoms of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of pleasure. Depression is a common condition across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 3.8% of the population battles depression. Notably, there are different types of depressive disorders with varying symptoms and onset. Common symptoms are:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Exhaustion or fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Hopelessness
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Low self-confidence
  • Thinking about dying
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Common Medications for Depression Treatment

Treating depression is straightforward, although your doctor or therapist may need to adjust your prescription in order to find the best fit. Some medications can be treatment for anxiety as well as depression.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants tend to be a first-response prescription for depression because they’re effective at reducing symptoms. There are many different types of antidepressants that target various brain chemicals. Antidepressants can also be prescribed for trauma, OCD, and as an anxiety medication.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a type of antidepressant that increases serotonin in the brain for improved mood. One common SSRI is Lexapro, which treats depression and anxiety.

SNRIs

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors work similarly but increase serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. SNRIs are typically prescribed after SSRIs if symptoms don’t improve.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a backup antidepressant treatment for severe cases that aren’t improved with other antidepressants. MAOIs boost serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Mood Stabilizers 

Mood stabilizers can treat a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression. As the name indicates, they help stabilize one’s mood by regulating neurotransmitters to reduce abnormal activity. They are frequently prescribed for bipolar disorders, which include depression symptoms.

Can Adderall Cause Depression?

It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of any medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists depression as one possible outcome when taking Adderall. Yet, it’s hard to pin a direct connection between depression and Adderall use, as depression is more common when Adderall is abused. One reason is that many people self-medicate preexisting depression symptoms with stimulants like Adderall. Overall, taking Adderall as prescribed lessens your risk of developing depression.

Post-Adderall “Crash”

Because Adderall can be addictive, stopping Adderall results in a “crash” phase. When you take Adderall within the parameters of your prescription, your doctor will work with you to ensure a safe weaning-off of the drug. However, if you abuse Adderall and try to stop on your own, you’ll face the inevitable crash. Essentially, an Adderall crash is uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Exhaustion or sleeping too much
  • Cravings for the drug
  • Anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression

Markedly, the Adderall crash phase can create symptoms of depression. However, receiving treatment to alleviate the withdrawal period can help.

Adderall and Dopamine in the Brain

It is believed that ADHD symptoms correlate with low levels of dopamine in the brain. Adderall boosts the levels of dopamine in the brain by blocking the reuptake of both dopamine and norepinephrine. Yet, the positive feelings you experience when you take Adderall can be hugely habit-forming. The brain craves more of the drug, so stopping leads to withdrawal symptoms.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Adderall withdrawal symptoms can last for days or weeks. Generally, symptoms of an Adderall crash occur during the first few days without the drug, but withdrawal can continue for weeks. In fact, the hardest part about becoming sober can be the withdrawal stage. Quitting on your own can be uncomfortable and dangerous. Entering detoxification at a treatment center is the best way to experience a safe drug detox.

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Signs that Adderall is Causing Depression

If you start developing symptoms of depression, it could be due to your Adderall use. Abusing Adderall is a dangerous habit with severe impacts. Sometimes, people develop depression symptoms because of their drug use, while other times, they self-medicate mental illness with substances. We offer treatment for drug addiction and mental illness at our rehab centers. Further, we provide a dual diagnosis program track for clients who struggle with both.

Who Offers Help for Adderall Abuse?

At Aliya Health Group, we put individuals first before their issues or pain. We provide comprehensive care regardless of the struggles our clients encounter in treatment. Prescription drug addiction is a serious issue, but it can be treated with medical rehabilitation. Our programming includes evidence-based behavioral therapy and holistic therapies to target the body, mind, and soul. We can help you overcome your Adderall addiction in our levels of care. Reach out today to escape your addiction and depression.

Is Xanax a Barbiturate?

Aliya on November 4, 2024

Xanax is a widely prescribed medication for anxiety disorders and panic disorders. When receiving a Xanax prescription, people often wonder about the composition of the medication. Is Xanax a barbiturate? It is sometimes confused as to whether it’s a benzodiazepine or a different class of sedative drugs. Let’s talk about Xanax and whether it’s a barbiturate or benzodiazepine.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name for the medication alprazolam. However, alprazolam is a Schedule IV Controlled Substance because it has a high risk of being abused. Thus, it’s illegal in the United States to possess Xanax without a prescription from a medical professional. Yet, people commonly source Xanax through illicit methods, such as buying it online. To clarify, Xanax is not a barbiturate but a benzodiazepine.

What Does Xanax Treat?

The prescription medication is most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves its usage for. Sometimes, it’s prescribed for insomnia and depression, depending on the person and their history of medicine use.

Benzodiazepine Addiction

Addiction is a prevalent issue with benzodiazepine abuse. When used legally as prescribed, your doctor will monitor your dose and help you avoid dependence. Similarly, they can recommend a plan to help you wean off the medication when needed. However, recreational and illegal Xanax use can easily lead to an addiction to the strong effects of the drug.

Stats and Facts About Xanax Abuse

Unfortunately, Xanax is widely prescribed but also widely abused. In fact, alprazolam, the ingredient in Xanax, is the most prescribed psychotropic medicine in the U.S. Studies estimate that Xanax is misused about 20 percent of the time.

What Are Barbiturates?

Barbiturates are depressant medications that have multiple medical uses. They belong to the sedative-hypnotic class of drugs. Some of their uses include treating seizures, insomnia, muscle spasms, and anxiety. The FDA has approved many barbiturate brands. Yet, barbiturates are less common as prescription medications than benzodiazepines because barbiturates have a higher overdose risk. Yet, they are considered a potent back-up drug when other options don’t work. As mentioned, barbiturates have a high risk of abuse. They can be sourced illicitly under one of the many barbiturates street names. These include barbs, blockbusters, goofballs, and yellow jackets.

How Do Barbiturates Work?

Barbiturates increase the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Some of the effects barbiturates can have on the body are sleepiness, relaxation, or mild euphoria. Mainly, misusing barbiturates results in feelings of drowsiness and intoxication, although sometimes it can produce a gentle high.

Are Barbiturates Addictive?

Yes, barbiturates have a strong addictive tendency because they modify the brain to desire the drug. By activating chemical messengers in the brain, barbiturates lead to dependency over time. At this stage, you experience a constant need for more. Just as with any addictive substance, the brain begins to function more normally while on the drug than without. The only option is to detox in a treatment facility.

Most Common Barbiturates

Some barbiturates are more commonly prescribed than others. They range from ultra-short-acting to long-acting formulas:

  • Phenobarbital (Luminal)
  • Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
  • Sodium Pentothal (Trapanal)
  • Amobarbital
  • Butalbital
  • Methohexital
  • Primidone
  • Secobarbital (Seconal)
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Why Do People Confuse Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines?   

It makes sense that people confuse barbiturates and benzodiazepines, as they have similarities. Barbiturates work on the GABA receptors in the brain, while benzodiazepines make the GABA receptors more efficient without directly modifying them. This different effect makes benzos generally safer when it comes to overdose risk. To elaborate, benzos are less potent than barbiturates, which is why they are prescribed as a first response. Barbiturates are an old medication with a long history of results. Yet, because of their high overdose risk, they’re considered a secondary option after trying benzodiazepines.

What Are the Risks of Barbiturate Abuse? 

Abusing barbiturates is incredibly dangerous and can lead to short- and long-term risks. Notably, you can develop barbiturate toxicity and physical dependency. Symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty thinking and processing
  • Mental fogginess
  • Decreased judgment
  • Loss of balance
  • Memory loss
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Coma

Barbiturate symptoms can be serious and life-threatening. Additionally, barbiturate addiction leads to barbiturate withdrawal symptoms when you go without the drug or try to quit. Fortunately, we can help alleviate symptoms through treatment.

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Barbiturate Addiction Treatment Options

When it comes to powerful substances like barbiturates, the best way to overcome addiction is by treating it in a rehab facility. We provide comprehensive care that helps individuals achieve healing through counseling, therapy, medication management, and future planning. Further, we believe in holistic wellness that ensures healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Getting help is a simple process, beginning with intake. Our intake team will gather information about your situation, history, needs, and goals. Then, they will create a personalized treatment plan that will carry you through the levels of care.

Barbiturate Detox

Individuals begin with detox to remove the lingering substances from their bodies. Generally, detoxification lasts 4-8 days. Our team of doctors and nurses monitor clients to ensure they’re safe. Additionally, they may prescribe medications to make barbiturate withdrawal more comfortable.

Inpatient Treatment for Barbiturates

Residential inpatient treatment is an important step towards recovery. Clients live in-center to participate in daily therapy and counseling sessions, as well as holistic activities. With 24/7 monitoring, the goal is to help the individual work towards a fulfilling life of sobriety. They unpack the roots of their drug use in sessions and learn coping mechanisms for when cravings strike.

Outpatient Treatment for Barbiturates

Outpatient treatment is the next step of rehabilitation once individuals have done the deeper work of healing and are ready to self-motivate their recovery. Thus, outpatient treatment continues to offer therapy, counseling, and holistic activities. Yet, individuals have more independence in their sobriety journey and can work towards future planning. Substance abuse like alcohol addiction or Xanax addiction doesn’t have to control your life anymore. If you’re struggling with benzodiazepines and barbiturates, our dual-diagnosis treatment center can help.

If you’re ready to enter treatment for barbiturate addiction, reach out today!

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline: How Long Does Detox Really Take?

Aliya on November 4, 2024

Addiction to synthetic opioids like fentanyl requires detoxification to remove the substance from the body. Fentanyl abuse is a serious issue spread across the globe that leads to the most drug overdose deaths. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or a loved one, you’re likely curious about the fentanyl withdrawal timeline. We’ll answer your questions about fentanyl detox and how treatment can help.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a man-made opioid drug that is prescribed to treat pain. However, the majority of fentanyl use is illicit fentanyl sourced through the black market. Natural opiates like opium and morphine are derived from plant matter, but fentanyl is created synthetically. The substance is most commonly used recreationally to produce a high.

Where Does Fentanyl Come From?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s made in laboratories. It imitates natural opiates like morphine, which are derived from the opium poppy. Most illicit fentanyl is created in Mexico and sold illegally.

Legal Prescription from a Doctor

Notably, fentanyl is also a legal prescription painkiller that can be prescribed by a doctor or administered in a medical facility. For instance, it is sometimes used post-surgery to help with pain. To misuse your fentanyl prescription or share it is illegal because of how addictive the substance is.

Illicit Fentanyl

Unfortunately, illicit fentanyl use makes up most fentanyl cases. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that illicit fentanyl leads to the most drug overdose deaths. Part of the problem is that illegal drug producers often add fentanyl to other drugs, which has dangerous risks like overdose.

Is Fentanyl Addictive?

Fentanyl is a highly addictive substance. Pain medication addiction can occur quickly with fentanyl, even after a few doses. Opioid abuse is a large problem because of the fast effect the drugs produce in the brain, creating euphoria, pain relief, and relaxation.

Fentanyl Overdose Stats

Fentanyl is the most common opioid that individuals overdose on, making it seriously risky to use. Regardless of whether it was misused through a prescription or sourced illegally, fentanyl overdose deaths have steadily increased over time. Yet, they’ve drastically peaked in recent years. The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s recent 2022 study found almost 74,000 individuals died from an overdose of fentanyl.

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What Is Fentanyl Withdrawal?

Because of the habit-forming impact of fentanyl, everyone who stops taking it after abusing it will experience withdrawal. Unfortunately, fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and discouraging in the recovery process. In fact, withdrawal often hinders people from succeeding at achieving sobriety on their own. The best way to overcome opioid addiction is through medical detox in a treatment facility.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

The exact timeline of how long opioid withdrawal symptoms last can vary depending on the person, their situation, and their history of abuse. Generally, there are stages of opioid withdrawal spanning from early withdrawal to the later “second” phase.

Early Withdrawal

The first stage of opioid withdrawal occurs when you first stop taking the drug. Once you’re dependent, if you go too long without your next dose, your body will begin to have withdrawal symptoms. Early withdrawal feels uncomfortable, painful, and debilitating. Medical opioid detox lasts between 4-8 days. During this time, your rehab center can provide you with comfort medications to make the process easier.

Acute Withdrawal

Acute withdrawal spans the timeline right after medical detoxification. Although detox succeeds in removing toxins from your system, you may still experience symptoms like cravings or aches and pains. This is because the body needs more time to heal from the damage done by substance abuse.

Subacute Withdrawal

Subacute detox is a type of detoxification for less severe cases of addiction. Sometimes, the clients who need subacute withdrawal haven’t used drugs for long, or they might have relapsed since undergoing full acute detox. Subacute detox follows the same format of 24/7 monitoring and optional medication assistance but may not last as long.

Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS)

Post-acute withdrawal refers to lingering withdrawal symptoms that last after the individual has undergone withdrawal. For this reason, it’s sometimes referred to as a second withdrawal. Notably, PAWS is more common after opioid addiction than some other pain medications. During PAWS, the chemical processing in the brain that was altered by fentanyl needs to reset. Thus, past-acute withdrawal symptoms can affect the brain and body.

Factors That Influence the Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

If an individual has engaged in polysubstance abuse, where they combine their drug use, this can impact their withdrawal experience. Opioids tend to cause a standard withdrawal timeline and symptoms, which can vary from other medications. Individuals who are struggling with addiction to more than one substance can receive help through dual-diagnosis treatment. This rehab approach looks at co-occurring disorders and how they relate.

Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious global issue. More than 16 million individuals worldwide struggle with opioid addiction, and over 2 million of them are in the U.S. There’s no shame in admitting your substance abuse has escalated and you need help. At Aliya Health Group, we have built a comprehensive treatment approach to opioid addiction. By targeting the mind, body, and spirit, our holistic approach leads to total self-healing.

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Medication-Assisted Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse

If you or someone you know needs to learn how to get off fentanyl, the answer is recovery in a treatment center. Sometimes, clients need additional assistance to help them with the withdrawal experience, including short- and long-term treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a rehab program that combines medication with therapy and counseling. Overall, MAT leads to healing by providing comfort during withdrawal and personal exploration in therapy. We provide the three FDA-approved medications for opioid addiction.

Methadone

Methadone is a popular opioid treatment medication for improving the withdrawal experience. It works by blocking the positive effects of opioid use and reducing withdrawal symptoms.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The branded medication Suboxone is composed of buprenorphine and naloxone to relieve pain and discomfort. Buprenorphine targets pain receptors impacting the central nervous system but doesn’t act like an illicit opioid due to its ceiling effect.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist used to treat both OUD and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Opioids like fentanyl block the positive effects that produce a high, making opioid use undesirable.

Inpatient Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse

Inpatient treatment is a crucial step in overcoming fentanyl addiction. Clients live in our rehabilitation centers and participate in daily therapy sessions. They attend group, individual, behavioral, and holistic therapy sessions for total biopsychosocial healing.

Outpatient Treatment for Fentanyl Abuse

During outpatient treatment, clients continue to attend traditional and holistic therapy sessions but take more independence in recovery. For instance, they move out of their center and commute in for sessions. Also, clients work with their case manager to prepare for “normal life” after treatment. They can receive support with jobs, resumes, housing, etc.

Long-Term Fentanyl Recovery

Sobriety from opioids like fentanyl is a long-lasting process. Medical treatment teaches individuals how to make drug abstinence a personal goal by helping them understand the negative effects of OUD. It also equips individuals to succeed through skills like relapse prevention and trigger management. The fentanyl withdrawal timeline may last weeks or months, but through treatment, you receive a support system for life. Don’t wait to get started with rehab through Aliya.

What’s the Difference Between Belbuca vs Suboxone?

Aliya on October 30, 2024

Opioid addiction is a serious illness that can be treated through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using medicine like Belbuca vs Suboxone. Both medications are strong treatments for symptoms related to opioid use disorder (OUD) but have different purposes. Although medication must be prescribed through your medical treatment provider, it’s good to understand each one.

Belbuca vs Suboxone: What’s Better for Opioid Recovery?

Both Belbuca and Suboxone contain the opioid antagonist ingredient buprenorphine. Belbuca is the brand name for buprenorphine on its own, while Suboxone is the brand name for the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Thus, both medications have some similarities in what they treat and their effects. When it comes to choosing one medication for recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD), there are factors to consider. Firstly, your medical practitioner will be the one to prescribe either medication to you, as both must be used with a prescription. Therefore, they will know which medication is right for your issues. But it’s good to understand both options and how they treat opioid addiction.

What Is Belbuca?

Belbuca is a brand-name opioid treatment containing buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid with a ceiling effect, meaning it doesn’t provide the same high as illicit opioids like fentanyl and heroin. Also, buprenorphine blocks the positive effects of opioids, which helps with withdrawal. Belbuca utilizes this ingredient for the purpose of alleviating severe chronic pain. This medication is prescribed for intense cases where other medications aren’t having enough of an effect. Notably, Belbuca is intended for pain relief but is also used in the treatment of opioid withdrawal because pain is a common symptom.

How Does Belbuca Work?

Belbuca medication works by binding to mu-opioid receptors that control how one feels pain, pleasure, stress, and mood. Opioids are highly addictive because they target these receptors, which have a high risk of addiction. Yet, Belbuca treats severe pain by reducing pain in the central nervous system. It comes in the form of a fast-dissolving film. Belbuca film can be placed on the cheek, under the tongue, or as a patch on the skin.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a branded medication of the ingredients naloxone and buprenorphine. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, and buprenorphine is a partial opiate antagonist. Together, this fixed-dose medication alleviates symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Suboxone comes as a film that goes under the tongue, and it is a tablet that is dissolved in the same way.

How Does Suboxone Work?

Suboxone is an effective treatment approach to opioid addiction because it blocks the effects of opioids. Notably, it decreases the symptoms of cravings and discomfort and prevents relapse by blocking a high. All of this works together to prevent individuals from getting the positive effects of opioids, thus helping in the withdrawal process. Even though it’s in the opioids class, Suboxone has a low misuse risk because it doesn’t allow for a high. It also blocks the effects of opioids, making it unpleasant to mix with other drugs.

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Main Differences Between Belbuca and Suboxone

A common question is, Is Belbuca the same as Suboxone? Belbuca and Suboxone are two medications with some similarities, but they are not the same. Belbuca is a brand-name medication with the ingredient buprenorphine, but Suboxone is the branding of buprenorphine and naloxone as a mixture.

Above all, the medications differ in their intended use. Belbuca is prescribed for chronic pain, including in people who are taking opioids or have a history of opioid abuse. Yet, it is also prescribed for people without a background in opioid addiction.

Conversely, Suboxone is a medication for individuals undergoing the opioid withdrawal process to alleviate symptoms of cravings and discomfort. Some people are prescribed Suboxone for the short process of detoxification, while others remain on the meds for maintenance indefinitely.

What Other Medications Are Used for Opioid Addiction?

Belbuca and Suboxone are only a few medications for opioid addiction. Both contain buprenorphine, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication for OUD. The FDA approves two additional ingredients for opioid treatment, which we administer in our addiction facilities.

Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that treats severe pain and opioid addiction. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings to make the process of sobriety smoother.

Naloxone

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication that binds to opioid receptors to block the euphoric effects of opioids. This makes them unpleasant to use while on the medication, which assists in recovery from opioid dependency. Naloxone also reverses opioid overdose, which is why Naloxone kits are widely circulated to prevent overdose deaths.

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Which Medication for Opioid Addiction is Right for Me?

It may feel confusing to know which medication is right for you. All opioid antagonists are extremely strong medications that must only be used in treatment through a licensed medical provider. Thus, rest assured that you won’t have to figure out your treatment by yourself. Only treatment professionals can offer medication help for OUD. At Aliya, we have a treatment track for overcoming opioid addiction. Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid abuse combines medication management with traditional and holistic therapy.

What Is Opioid Addiction Treatment Like?

Opioid treatment in a rehab center is safe and comfortable and teaches you independence and resilience. We understand that healing is a complex process. Some people need additional support from prescription medication to overcome their substance addiction. There’s no shame in that! In fact, we provide MAT for opioid recovery with medications like Suboxone and Belbuca at each level of care.

Medical Detox for Opioid Addiction

Many clients begin treatment with detoxification. This is if they’re entering treatment with substances in their system. Opioid detoxification generally lasts between 4-8 days. During detox, clients are provided around-the-clock care and monitoring to ensure their safety. We can prescribe comfort medications to make the process less painful and alleviate symptoms of withdrawal.

Inpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction

During residential inpatient care, clients live in a center and have 24/7 aid available to them. Through therapy and counseling, they unpack the deeper reasons behind their substance abuse. Inpatient treatment is the beginning stage of rehab, where the emphasis is on growth, self-awareness, and goal-setting.

Outpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction

During outpatient care, clients attend sessions during the day and return home in the evenings. The focus of outpatient rehab is more on sobriety, so individuals build skills like coping mechanisms and relapse prevention. Clients meet with their case managers to prepare for the future and work toward their sobriety goals in concrete ways. We also offer flexible rehab options as part of outpatient treatment, such as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming.

Please reach out today with any questions about pain management and medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, including questions about partial opioid agonists such as Belbuca vs. Suboxone. Once you call, we can begin an insurance verification to get started treating opioid use disorder. Prescription opioids can be dangerous, but a treatment center that offers behavioral therapy and addiction recovery can help. Addiction therapy at a drug and alcohol recovery center is safe and effective.

Prescription Drug Abuse: Why Is Gabapentin Bad?

Aliya on October 30, 2024

Prescription drugs play an important role in the process of helping individuals overcome symptoms of illness. When it comes to gabapentin, the prescribed substance helps treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain. However, when prescription drugs like gabapentin are misused, they still have strong effects on the brain but lead to dependence instead of symptom relief. Before long, your prescription medication can do more harm than good. This is especially true if you abuse it recreationally to get high.

Maybe you’ve heard about the risks of gabapentin misuse, and you’re not sure whether to use the prescription. You’re wondering why gabapentin is bad. To clarify, gabapentin is not bad when used as prescribed. However, it can be very dangerous to your brain and body if you misuse drugs. Let’s dive into the risks and dangers of illicit gabapentin use to answer your questions about when and how gabapentin use is bad.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription anticonvulsant drug that has the brand name Neurontin. It belongs to the class of gabapentinoids, which are psychotropic drugs. They work by mimicking Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurochemical responsible for sending messages to the central nervous system. Although gabapentin doesn’t have much effect on GABA receptors, it has a calming effect on the nerves. Simply put, it’s an effective treatment for conditions caused by overactivity in the central nervous system. The substance is used to treat a variety of conditions, including epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia, neurological disorders, and neuropathic pain.

Gabapentin is an important prescription for many people who struggle with seizures and nerve pain. But unfortunately, it also has a large track record of being used outside of how it’s intended. Statistics show that gabapentin is commonly used in combination with opioid abuse because it can boost or prolong the high. Combining gabapentin with other drugs like prescription opioids can lead to issues like respiratory depression, blurred vision, and other serious side effects.

Is Gabapentin a Narcotic?

Gabapentin is commonly misunderstood to be a narcotic drug because sleepiness is a known side effect. In fact, because it’s so effective in producing tiredness in individuals, doctors sometimes prescribe it for sleep disorders. Both primary insomnia and disturbed sleep can be treated with off-label gabapentin. Notably, this is because the drug increases slow-wave sleep and improves sleep quality better than some sedative-hypnotic medications. Thus, you may be prescribed gabapentin for sleep, but it’s important to only take the drug as recommended by your doctor. If you misuse gabapentin, even just to achieve sleepiness, you put yourself at risk of developing an addiction.

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

Unfortunately, yes, gabapentin can be addictive when misused. Those who use the drug as prescribed for their nerve pain can develop a dependence on the painkiller, but their dosage is carefully monitored as prevention. However, individuals who use gabapentin to get high, especially when used in combination with other substances, can become addicted. Just as with any drug that triggers the reward system in the brain, gabapentin can quickly lead to dependence. As your brain becomes tolerant to the positive effects, you need more and more to satisfy the withdrawal. This is the process of addiction.

Why Is Gabapentin Bad When Used Long-Term?  

The longer you abuse gabapentin, the more dangerous it is. You put yourself at risk of severe dependence and addiction that can lead to overdose. Also, you put your body through a lot of strain, which, over time, can lead to negative health effects. For one thing, using gabapentin outside of the prescribed dosage puts you in danger of poisoning. You have an increased risk when using gabapentin if you have kidney disease or weak kidneys. Understandably, those who have engaged in chronic alcohol abuse are at a higher risk when using gabapentinoids. Alcohol can significantly damage the kidneys, which have to work overtime to flush toxins from the body. Fortunately, many effects of gabapentin abuse can be reversed with medical treatment.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Gabapentin Abuse?

Some symptoms that indicate whether someone is abusing gabapentin include:

  • Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
  • Sourcing gabapentin without a prescription
  • Using the drug outside of your doctor’s recommended dose
  • Mixing gabapentin and alcohol
  • Mixing gabapentin and other substances, like opioids
  • Using gabapentin to feel relaxed or to get high
  • Illicitly self-medicating disorders like anxiety with gabapentin

Unfortunately, abusing the drug can lead to gabapentin overdose and death. It’s a serious concern if you or someone you know is abusing a prescription medication. The next step is seeking help at a rehabilitation facility.

What Is Gabapentin Treatment Like?

Treatment for gabapentin dependence is not scary because it prioritizes you as a person. At Aliya, we truly care about each client’s needs and develop a personalized care plan for them. Our team is knowledgeable about the dangers of substance addiction, and we know how to help. Individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD), especially an opioid use disorder (OUD), have a higher likelihood of developing a gabapentin addiction. Thus, we provide dual diagnosis treatment for those entering treatment with co-occurring addictions.

Our treatment is structured around comprehensive levels of care, from detoxification to aftercare. During inpatient and outpatient treatment, you will engage with traditional and holistic therapy programming. Simply put, the goal is to overcome your addiction by unpacking the deep roots and learning healthy behavior patterns to replace negative ones. 

Symptoms of Gabapentin Withdrawal

Although it will vary based on the individual, some common symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal include:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Nausea and stomach pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Sweating and cold sweats
  • Shaking and tremors
  • Mood swings

Notably, many symptoms overlap with those of opioid withdrawal, especially if you’ve engaged in polysubstance abuse.

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Effective Drug Rehab Near Me

You’re not alone in struggling with prescription drug misuse, and there’s relief waiting for you through treatment. At Aliya, we understand that the process of developing a substance addiction is complex. Fortunately, getting help is simple. We meet with clients to assess their backgrounds, needs, and goals. Then we get them situated in one of our rehab centers nearby. Starting with detoxification, they can progress through the levels of residential inpatient, outpatient treatment, and aftercare. Or they can enter a flexible level of care that accommodates their obligations at home. Clients engage in drug addiction counseling and holistic therapy to reach their sobriety goals. Our behavioral therapy and substance abuse treatment programs can reduce the risks of gabapentin abuse and help improve your mental health conditions.

Further, we accept most major insurance providers and can help you figure out your policy. Please contact us today to stop taking gabapentin and start the addiction recovery healing process with our healthcare professionals.

Acamprosate for Alcohol Abuse: Does It Work?

Aliya on October 30, 2024

Acamprosate is a medically administered medication for helping individuals overcome alcohol dependence. It is one of the three FDA-approved medications for substance abuse treatment. We administer acamprosate as part of our medication-assistance treatment (MAT) for alcohol addiction. When used in combination with therapy and counseling, clients experience a smoother sobriety process and learn tools to prevent relapse. You can receive acamprosate for your alcohol use disorder (AUD) at one of our treatment facilities to achieve sobriety!

What Is Acamprosate?

Acamprosate is a prescription medication for people with an alcohol addiction background to help them overcome dependence. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved acamprosate as one of three medications for substance abuse since 2004. Generally, it’s prescribed to be used as long-term maintenance after withdrawal, about a year. Acamprosate helps the brain re-adjust after a history of substance abuse by regulating chemicals in the brain that were modified by alcohol abuse. It helps individuals avoid relapsing by lessening symptoms that come after withdrawal, like mood changes, trouble sleeping, pain, and difficulty concentrating.

Medication-assisted treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious issue that affects people around the globe. Social, economic, and personal factors all play a role in why someone becomes dependent on alcohol, but it often begins young. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates almost 29 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older have an AUD. For many, overcoming alcohol addiction feels like an impossible feat. Quitting cold turkey is unsafe due to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and detox should never be done alone. Fortunately, detoxing from alcohol in a treatment center is safe and can incorporate medication assistance into the process. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is helpful because it combines medication for withdrawal with therapy to teach coping skills and self-resiliency.

What Are the Brand Names for Acamprosate?

Acamprosate is sold under the brand name Campral. It comes as delayed-release tablets that are generally prescribed to be taken three times a day.

How Does Acamprosate Work for Alcohol Abuse?

As mentioned, acamprosate’s mechanism of action modifies brain chemicals that have been changed by substance abuse. It helps reset processing in the brain to get you back to a level where you can build sobriety and motivation. Truthfully, even after you finish detoxification and move past the most severe symptoms of quitting, staying sober is difficult. Some people experience withdrawal symptoms for months to years after detox, which is called post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Acamprosate works for excessive drinking because it helps reduce symptoms of withdrawal that can lead someone to return to drinking. Thus, acamprosate can be the push you need to keep you on the path of sobriety.

What Are the Side Effects of Acamprosate?

Acamprosate side effects tend to be minimal and mild. However, if you take acamprosate and notice these symptoms, talk to your doctor about your dose:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Diarrhea
  • Itchiness
  • Feelings of anxiety or stress

Naltrexone vs Acamprosate for Alcohol Abuse

Naltrexone is another FDA-approved AUD medication under the brand name Vivitrol. Notably, naltrexone and acamprosate have different effects on a person undergoing the process of sobriety. Naltrexone has been found to be most effective at reducing cravings, and acamprosate to promote lasting abstinence. We prescribe both medications in our treatment centers, depending on the client and the factors surrounding their recovery.

Acamprosate Interactions with Other Drugs

Acamprosate is safe, with minimal side effects, no abuse potential or overdose risk, and an inability to lead to dependence. In fact, there are limited acamprosate interactions with other drugs. Notably, acamprosate doesn’t interact with detox meds like benzodiazepines, so it’s safe to use in combination. It also doesn’t interact with alcohol or food but may have adverse reactions to herbal remedies if used together.

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How Does Treatment for Alcoholism Work?

Using acamprosate as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol addiction makes the process of withdrawal and sobriety more comfortable. Acamprosate can be added to your treatment routine after you’ve begun the detoxification process. Typically, acamprosate is added through supervised administration 5 days after one’s last drink, after the withdrawal process has begun. Your addiction treatment facility will recommend a plan of action specifically for you.

Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detoxification is the first step of rehabilitation. Detoxing from alcohol on your own is dangerous and uncomfortable, but in-center, we provide comfort medications and monitor clients 24/7. Detox lasts between 4-8 days.

Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol Abuse

Inpatient rehab is the first stage of learning and healing from alcohol addiction. In residential inpatient programming, clients live in the center and participate in daily therapy and counseling sessions. The emphasis is on unpacking their pain and learning how to shape their habits to overcome alcohol dependence.

Outpatient Rehab for Alcohol Addiction

When clients are ready, they can transition into outpatient treatment, an independence-focused level of care. They commute to the center for sessions, where they continue to learn valuable skills like emotional regulation and relapse prevention. During outpatient rehab, clients work with their case managers to prepare for the future in concrete ways.

Aftercare for Alcohol Abuse

Aftercare is a final, ongoing stage of treatment for those who desire to stay connected in a supportive rehab community. Clients have the option to return to “normal life” and still attend less frequent counseling sessions. Also, they can live in our Sober Housing communities with other abstinent peers.

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Therapies for Alcohol Addiction

While medication can play a pivotal role in alcohol addiction recovery, there are other approaches to healing besides medication. We believe doing the deep inner work of unpacking trauma and the reasons why you drink leads to a true breakthrough. Knowing more about yourself allows you to make intentional choices and actions that aid in your wellness.

In our treatment facilities, clients participate in a mixture of traditional psychotherapy and holistic therapy activities. We prioritize holistic healing that targets the mind, body, and spirit because we know incomplete healing increases the risk of relapse.

Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder

Psychotherapy is traditional talk therapy for mental illness, addiction, and behavioral issues. We offer behavioral therapies for alcohol abuse. These help clients realize their negative thinking and behavior patterns and how they can adapt them for success.

Holistic Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder

Experiential therapies treat the self holistically through discovery and healing. Some of the holistic therapies we offer for the treatment of alcohol dependency include:

  • Equine-assisted therapy
  • Biofeedback
  • Mindfulness
  • Yoga
  • Sound therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Outdoor activity therapy

Alcohol Abuse Treatment Near Me    

Overcoming alcohol addiction can be a smooth and safe process through medication-assisted treatment in a rehab facility. We have alcohol rehab facilities all across the United States, so we can place you in a preferred location. Treatment of alcohol abuse is safe and effective when you work with professionals. Treating alcohol use starts with getting through alcohol withdrawal in our supportive environment.

Alcohol addiction treatment using acamprosate (Campral) is one way to make detox more tolerable. Please reach out today with your questions about acamprosate, MAT, and getting a spot in alcoholism treatment.

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Aliya Health Group

Aliya Health Group is a comprehensive network of addiction and mental health treatment centers, with locations spanning nationwide. 

We are driven by our commitment to empower individuals, families, and the community by providing education, tools, and support, to help them lead healthy, fulfilling lives in recovery. 

To Heal. To Teach.
To Empower. To Amaze.
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The Joint Commission
NALGAP
NAADAC, National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors
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Wellbriety Certified Treatment Center