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Written by: Melissa Pena Do you know what Kratom is? Have you heard how it can affect your life? The next question is, do you realize that your friends who walk with you in recovery and taking Kratom? Reach out to the people that are struggling. They might need to hear that what they are taking is dangerous. For many years, I was that person who was using other drugs to eliminate the pain. Why would I want to do this again? We must overcome the thought of self-medicating our emotions, pain, or troubles. When is enough; enough? Kratom is known to be an herbal extract that comes from the leaves of an evergreen tree. This tree is in Southeast Asia. While Kratom is sold in stores throughout the United States, it can also be purchased online. Kratom is believed to act on our opioid receptors. While in small doses, Kratom acts as a stimulant and fills us with energy. In more significant amounts, it helps to remove the pain a person is feeling. Also, in high doses, it works as a sedative and causes drowsiness. There are safety concerns for people using Kratom. While Kratom only takes five to ten minutes to work, the effect lasts up to five hours. A person is being boosted with energy, which helps their mood and relieves pain. Do you stop to think about what else Kratom is doing to your body? Kratom is known to cause weight loss, dry mouth, chills, and liver disease. Please do not forget what it is doing to your mind and nervous system. People hallucinate and have delusions, seizures, comas, and death. From 2011-2017 1800 reports included death and seizures. Also, it was stated that five to seven infants are reported to have been exposed to Kratom and went through a withdrawal. My question is, why put your body through any drug that can affect our bodies? I worked hard to overcome a methamphetamine addiction; why would I take this pill sold over the counter that causes the same reaction? I have said this through other blogs; you are worth recovery! Your family and children deserve to have a sober and sober-minded parent.
Written by: Melissa Pena Do you know what Kratom is? Have you heard how it can affect your life? The next question is, do you realize that your friends who walk with you in recovery and taking Kratom? Reach out to the people that are struggling. They might need to hear that what they are taking is dangerous. For many years, I was that person who was using other drugs to eliminate the pain. Why would I want to do this again? We must overcome the thought of self-medicating our emotions, pain, or troubles. When is enough; enough? Kratom is known to be an herbal extract that comes from the leaves of an evergreen tree. This tree is in Southeast Asia. While Kratom is sold in stores throughout the United States, it can also be purchased online. Kratom is believed to act on our opioid receptors. While in small doses, Kratom acts as a stimulant and fills us with energy. In more significant amounts, it helps to remove the pain a person is feeling. Also, in high doses, it works as a sedative and causes drowsiness. There are safety concerns for people using Kratom. While Kratom only takes five to ten minutes to work, the effect lasts up to five hours. A person is being boosted with energy, which helps their mood and relieves pain. Do you stop to think about what else Kratom is doing to your body? Kratom is known to cause weight loss, dry mouth, chills, and liver disease. Please do not forget what it is doing to your mind and nervous system. People hallucinate and have delusions, seizures, comas, and death. From 2011-2017 1800 reports included death and seizures. Also, it was stated that five to seven infants are reported to have been exposed to Kratom and went through a withdrawal. My question is, why put your body through any drug that can affect our bodies? I worked hard to overcome a methamphetamine addiction; why would I take this pill sold over the counter that causes the same reaction? I have said this through other blogs; you are worth recovery! Your family and children deserve to have a sober and sober-minded parent.
Do you know what self-care is? Have you benefited from using self-care, or is your recovery at a standstill? Do you realize that, as recovering addicts, we usually go from one addiction to the next? Not all will be deadly, but they will affect us. I went from a methamphetamine addiction to struggling with codependency. The truth is that we must care enough about ourselves and have the courage to address our issues. When I started self-care, I did not understand what it meant, and after some research and meetings, I learned what self-care was. Self-care is a primary value that we need in recovery. It teaches us to prioritize our own needs. I knew I needed to find tools and resources beneficial to my physical and emotional well-being. Here are some helpful ideas to help you start some self-care. I found new activities to help promote my wellness. I started eating healthier, walking with new sober friends, and even trying yoga. Anything that can benefit my well-being helps me to feel better about myself. We all know that getting sober, we usually gain weight. This is okay because were now living a life without drugs and are not self-medicating anymore. Furthermore, I found out I wanted to try new things. I started painting rocks and hiding them around my community. I learned that I liked reading and what better way than to sit down and enjoy quiet time? I sat and watched healthy TV shows while petting my cat. I began journaling and being honest about my feelings, triggers, and struggles. Seeing these written down helped me to stay away from the things that could cause relapse. I started attending meetings and being around other recovering addicts. I realized I was not alone in this walk. I started attending domestic violence because I was a victim and needed to learn tools to help me stay away from abusers. Lastly, I prioritized myself. I set boundaries, I learned to say no, and I learned to ask for help. Recovery is not easy, and it is not something to rush through. Recovery is an everyday process. We will have ups and downs. So, where can you start in addressing self-care for yourself? Written by: Melissa Pena
Do you know what self-care is? Have you benefited from using self-care, or is your recovery at a standstill? Do you realize that, as recovering addicts, we usually go from one addiction to the next? Not all will be deadly, but they will affect us. I went from a methamphetamine addiction to struggling with codependency. The truth is that we must care enough about ourselves and have the courage to address our issues. When I started self-care, I did not understand what it meant, and after some research and meetings, I learned what self-care was. Self-care is a primary value that we need in recovery. It teaches us to prioritize our own needs. I knew I needed to find tools and resources beneficial to my physical and emotional well-being. Here are some helpful ideas to help you start some self-care. I found new activities to help promote my wellness. I started eating healthier, walking with new sober friends, and even trying yoga. Anything that can benefit my well-being helps me to feel better about myself. We all know that getting sober, we usually gain weight. This is okay because were now living a life without drugs and are not self-medicating anymore. Furthermore, I found out I wanted to try new things. I started painting rocks and hiding them around my community. I learned that I liked reading and what better way than to sit down and enjoy quiet time? I sat and watched healthy TV shows while petting my cat. I began journaling and being honest about my feelings, triggers, and struggles. Seeing these written down helped me to stay away from the things that could cause relapse. I started attending meetings and being around other recovering addicts. I realized I was not alone in this walk. I started attending domestic violence because I was a victim and needed to learn tools to help me stay away from abusers. Lastly, I prioritized myself. I set boundaries, I learned to say no, and I learned to ask for help. Recovery is not easy, and it is not something to rush through. Recovery is an everyday process. We will have ups and downs. So, where can you start in addressing self-care for yourself? Written by: Melissa Pena
Lately, I have been watching people I love who are in recovery slip back into their old habits. It is sad to watch the ones you love slip away. Since my recovery, I watched seven lose their lives and tons fall. Some that fall come back quickly, realizing this is not what they wanted, whereas others are still out there. Statistics alone have shown an increase in drug abuse and drug disorders. Since 2000 there have been 700,000 drug overdoses. Individuals need to be aware that several different and scheduled drugs are available. Some drugs can come from the counter to drugs like fentanyl, which can kill you. In 2022 there were 37,309 million individuals that were actively using within the last thirty days, including children as young as twelve. So, if you have not had that talk with your children, think about it. This might or might not surprise you, but 47% of juveniles will use drugs before graduation. In the last thirty days, 5% of eighth graders, 20% of tenth graders, and 24% of twelve graders are using. If you are wondering what number of individuals have used in a lifetime, were looking at 138.543 million. If you think addiction is not out there or on a decrease, we are far from that. Realize that some states run a drug dispensary on every corner, and not everyone abides by the state law. Adults and kids are getting a hold of every drug, from marijuana to fentanyl to fake pills. Lately, I have been watching people I love who are in recovery slip back into their old habits. It is sad to watch the ones you love slip away. Since my recovery, I watched seven lose their lives and tons fall. Some that fall come back quickly, realizing this is not what they wanted, whereas others are still out there. Statistics alone have shown an increase in drug abuse and drug disorders. Since 2000 there have been 700,000 drug overdoses. Individuals need to be aware that several different and scheduled drugs are available. Some drugs can come from the counter to drugs like fentanyl, which can kill you. In 2022 there were 37,309 million individuals that were actively using within the last thirty days, including children as young as twelve. So, if you have not had that talk with your children, think about it. This might or might not surprise you, but 47% of juveniles will use drugs before graduation. In the last thirty days, 5% of eighth graders, 20% of tenth graders, and 24% of twelve graders are using. If you are wondering what number of individuals have used in a lifetime, were looking at 138.543 million. If you think addiction is not out there or on a decrease, we are far from that. Realize that some states run a drug dispensary on every corner, and not everyone abides by the state law. Adults and kids are getting a hold of every drug, from marijuana to fentanyl to fake pills. Reference: National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS). (2023). https://drugabusestatistics.org Written by: Melissa Pena
Lately, I have been watching people I love who are in recovery slip back into their old habits. It is sad to watch the ones you love slip away. Since my recovery, I watched seven lose their lives and tons fall. Some that fall come back quickly, realizing this is not what they wanted, whereas others are still out there. Statistics alone have shown an increase in drug abuse and drug disorders. Since 2000 there have been 700,000 drug overdoses. Individuals need to be aware that several different and scheduled drugs are available. Some drugs can come from the counter to drugs like fentanyl, which can kill you. In 2022 there were 37,309 million individuals that were actively using within the last thirty days, including children as young as twelve. So, if you have not had that talk with your children, think about it. This might or might not surprise you, but 47% of juveniles will use drugs before graduation. In the last thirty days, 5% of eighth graders, 20% of tenth graders, and 24% of twelve graders are using. If you are wondering what number of individuals have used in a lifetime, were looking at 138.543 million. If you think addiction is not out there or on a decrease, we are far from that. Realize that some states run a drug dispensary on every corner, and not everyone abides by the state law. Adults and kids are getting a hold of every drug, from marijuana to fentanyl to fake pills. Lately, I have been watching people I love who are in recovery slip back into their old habits. It is sad to watch the ones you love slip away. Since my recovery, I watched seven lose their lives and tons fall. Some that fall come back quickly, realizing this is not what they wanted, whereas others are still out there. Statistics alone have shown an increase in drug abuse and drug disorders. Since 2000 there have been 700,000 drug overdoses. Individuals need to be aware that several different and scheduled drugs are available. Some drugs can come from the counter to drugs like fentanyl, which can kill you. In 2022 there were 37,309 million individuals that were actively using within the last thirty days, including children as young as twelve. So, if you have not had that talk with your children, think about it. This might or might not surprise you, but 47% of juveniles will use drugs before graduation. In the last thirty days, 5% of eighth graders, 20% of tenth graders, and 24% of twelve graders are using. If you are wondering what number of individuals have used in a lifetime, were looking at 138.543 million. If you think addiction is not out there or on a decrease, we are far from that. Realize that some states run a drug dispensary on every corner, and not everyone abides by the state law. Adults and kids are getting a hold of every drug, from marijuana to fentanyl to fake pills. Reference: National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS). (2023). https://drugabusestatistics.org Written by: Melissa Pena
Opioid overdoses are on the rise today. Several individuals are dying from opioids. In 2021 there was a 28.5% increase during a 12-month period of individuals having drug overdoses. In 2021 75,673 individuals were determined to be addicted to opioids. This continues to rise if we do not get a grip on drug use in the United States. Do you know there are ways to help individuals with their abuse of opioids? Have you ever heard of medication-assisted treatment (MAT)? MAT is provided for individuals who want help with their drug use. MAT comes in various forms. From oral tablets to injections. Let me say it does not matter how you get clean if it comes from MAT to using a 12-step program. Several different forms of medication can be used to help individuals. The first that most are familiar with is methadone and suboxone. Several others can be used. You need to go with your doctor and see what will be best for you. Other options for MAT are buprenorphine, naltrexone, and zubsolv. Do not be afraid to open up to your doctor. I can tell you it is the best thing that I ever did. I decided I had had enough, went to my doctor, and got the medication I needed to beat my drug addiction. Medication is not the only thing I used; I also chose to do counseling. I can tell you it was the best thing that I did. Remember this, just because you use a medication does not mean you are sober. Also, remember that you might not need to take this medication for life. It depends on the work you put in for your recovery. You are worth your recovery, and someone is cheering you on. One day at a time. Let us take the first step! References: CDC. (2021). https://cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20211117.htm Written By: Melissa Pena
Opioid overdoses are on the rise today. Several individuals are dying from opioids. In 2021 there was a 28.5% increase during a 12-month period of individuals having drug overdoses. In 2021 75,673 individuals were determined to be addicted to opioids. This continues to rise if we do not get a grip on drug use in the United States. Do you know there are ways to help individuals with their abuse of opioids? Have you ever heard of medication-assisted treatment (MAT)? MAT is provided for individuals who want help with their drug use. MAT comes in various forms. From oral tablets to injections. Let me say it does not matter how you get clean if it comes from MAT to using a 12-step program. Several different forms of medication can be used to help individuals. The first that most are familiar with is methadone and suboxone. Several others can be used. You need to go with your doctor and see what will be best for you. Other options for MAT are buprenorphine, naltrexone, and zubsolv. Do not be afraid to open up to your doctor. I can tell you it is the best thing that I ever did. I decided I had had enough, went to my doctor, and got the medication I needed to beat my drug addiction. Medication is not the only thing I used; I also chose to do counseling. I can tell you it was the best thing that I did. Remember this, just because you use a medication does not mean you are sober. Also, remember that you might not need to take this medication for life. It depends on the work you put in for your recovery. You are worth your recovery, and someone is cheering you on. One day at a time. Let us take the first step! References: CDC. (2021). https://cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20211117.htm Written By: Melissa Pena
The costs of addiction are high. That we know for sure. Unfortunately, far too many people shy away from treating addiction because they are worried about the cost. Addiction treatment will require an investment of time, resources, and often money. Get to know what impacts the cost of addiction treatment. Type of Addiction Treatment Program The biggest thing that impacts the cost of addiction treatment is what kind of program patients choose. There are two major options to consider: Inpatient programs and outpatient programs. Inpatient programs are often considered to be the most effective way to overcome an addiction. These programs offer 24/7 care. Patients will be able to access medical professionals, counselors and addiction experts. Of course, the cost of 24/7 care is going to be a factor for some patients. Inpatient programs offer three meals a day and accommodations, which will increase the price. However, some patients would have to pay for these expenses anyway, which might make residential care the smartest option regardless of price. Outpatient programs are those that offer a daily or weekly schedule of treatments and therapies. Patients don't spend the night on the premises, and instead go to their own homes or a local, prearranged accommodation. Outpatient therapy, or intensive outpatient therapy, can be a good choice for those who have busy schedules. Students, parents or executives don't have to sacrifice their recovery in order to maintain their lifestyles. At the cheapest end of the spectrum are free outpatient programs. These are typically limited to groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These programs can be incredibly beneficial, but they don't offer the same results as more intensive, custom programs with individualized care. Duration of Addiction Treatment Program Another important factor that influences cost is the duration of an addiction treatment program. It might seem obvious, but a week of detox is obviously going to be more affordable than 60 days of residential care. At an absolute minimum, patients should expect to spend a week in detox. Detox is an important part of recovery, but it is only the first step. While it might seem cheaper to stop treatment after detox is complete, that would be unwise. Detox gets you sober, but it doesn't teach you how to prevent relapse and actually remain sober for a lifetime. After detox, residential or outpatient treatment can begin. The most common length for treatment is 28 days. However, patients can choose the length that best suits their needs. Some patients might do well with six months of outpatient treatment. Others will need a full 60 days of intensive, inpatient care. Others might want a short inpatient program followed by a year in a sober living community. Whatever the choice, remember that program lengths will certainly impact cost. Quality and Comfort of Addiction Treatment Program There is a staggering range between the cheapest programs for addiction treatment and the most upscale. This is done intentionally, and it offers a suitable price point for all patients. For many patients, however, the cheapest rehab will also be the least comfortable. In rehab, comfort is more than just a luxury. It is also a way to reduce stress. People who are comfortable will sleep better, see an improvement in their mood and feel more capable when considering the risk of relapse. Clearly, a luxurious rehab facility is an advantage on the road to recovery. Investing in health and sobriety is well worth the cost for the majority of individuals. In a high-quality, upscale facilities, there is also typically a high caliber of medical professionals. Patients will have access to cutting-edge treatments. Plus, they can relax, courtesy of extras like housekeeping services, massage therapy and nutritional experts on staff. Is it possible to get sober without the extras of an upscale facility? Absolutely. Is it as enjoyable, comfortable or successful in the long term? Often, the answer is no. The Role of Health Insurance The cost of addiction treatment and the amount patients actually pay can be very different. Often, this is because health insurance covers all or some of the expense of treating an addiction. The ACA, or Affordable Care Act, stipulates that substance abuse disorders are an essential element of health care treatment. This means that every health care plan in America needs to cover at least some of the costs of addiction treatment. Ultimately, each plan is different, and patients have to read the fine print. However, insurance will often cover a significant portion of treatment costs. Location of Treatment Facility Addiction treatment is a service offered to patients. Like any other service, rates can vary depending on the location. Treatment facilities located in more expensive areas tend to be more expensive than those in very affordable areas. If cost is the only factor, then prospective patients might choose to attend rehab in a very rural area. Of course, cost is rarely the only factor. Many patients opt to attend treatment programs in a convenient location. Sometimes, that means paying a premium to be in a desirable area. The Opportunity Costs of Skipping Addiction Treatment In economics, opportunity costs are an important part of the equation. An opportunity cost is the loss of gain from an alternative choice. If you opt not to invest in addiction treatment, the opportunity costs will be astronomical. Sometimes, patients balk at the cost of treatment. Even after considering the many factors involved, and the role of insurance, some patients still decide to skip treatment. It is dangerous to think of recovery in a dollar amount. After all, continuing an addiction costs so much more in the long run. Financially, continuing substance abuse means reducing income potential, losing work opportunities and likely spending more on health care in the future. Other costs include fewer meaningful relationships, reduced cognitive function and a lack of purpose in life. The cost of addiction treatment varies for each individual. Many different factors contribute to the final expense. Whatever the cost, the investment in health and lifelong sobriety is always worth it.
The costs of addiction are high. That we know for sure. Unfortunately, far too many people shy away from treating addiction because they are worried about the cost. Addiction treatment will require an investment of time, resources, and often money. Get to know what impacts the cost of addiction treatment. Type of Addiction Treatment Program The biggest thing that impacts the cost of addiction treatment is what kind of program patients choose. There are two major options to consider: Inpatient programs and outpatient programs. Inpatient programs are often considered to be the most effective way to overcome an addiction. These programs offer 24/7 care. Patients will be able to access medical professionals, counselors and addiction experts. Of course, the cost of 24/7 care is going to be a factor for some patients. Inpatient programs offer three meals a day and accommodations, which will increase the price. However, some patients would have to pay for these expenses anyway, which might make residential care the smartest option regardless of price. Outpatient programs are those that offer a daily or weekly schedule of treatments and therapies. Patients don't spend the night on the premises, and instead go to their own homes or a local, prearranged accommodation. Outpatient therapy, or intensive outpatient therapy, can be a good choice for those who have busy schedules. Students, parents or executives don't have to sacrifice their recovery in order to maintain their lifestyles. At the cheapest end of the spectrum are free outpatient programs. These are typically limited to groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These programs can be incredibly beneficial, but they don't offer the same results as more intensive, custom programs with individualized care. Duration of Addiction Treatment Program Another important factor that influences cost is the duration of an addiction treatment program. It might seem obvious, but a week of detox is obviously going to be more affordable than 60 days of residential care. At an absolute minimum, patients should expect to spend a week in detox. Detox is an important part of recovery, but it is only the first step. While it might seem cheaper to stop treatment after detox is complete, that would be unwise. Detox gets you sober, but it doesn't teach you how to prevent relapse and actually remain sober for a lifetime. After detox, residential or outpatient treatment can begin. The most common length for treatment is 28 days. However, patients can choose the length that best suits their needs. Some patients might do well with six months of outpatient treatment. Others will need a full 60 days of intensive, inpatient care. Others might want a short inpatient program followed by a year in a sober living community. Whatever the choice, remember that program lengths will certainly impact cost. Quality and Comfort of Addiction Treatment Program There is a staggering range between the cheapest programs for addiction treatment and the most upscale. This is done intentionally, and it offers a suitable price point for all patients. For many patients, however, the cheapest rehab will also be the least comfortable. In rehab, comfort is more than just a luxury. It is also a way to reduce stress. People who are comfortable will sleep better, see an improvement in their mood and feel more capable when considering the risk of relapse. Clearly, a luxurious rehab facility is an advantage on the road to recovery. Investing in health and sobriety is well worth the cost for the majority of individuals. In a high-quality, upscale facilities, there is also typically a high caliber of medical professionals. Patients will have access to cutting-edge treatments. Plus, they can relax, courtesy of extras like housekeeping services, massage therapy and nutritional experts on staff. Is it possible to get sober without the extras of an upscale facility? Absolutely. Is it as enjoyable, comfortable or successful in the long term? Often, the answer is no. The Role of Health Insurance The cost of addiction treatment and the amount patients actually pay can be very different. Often, this is because health insurance covers all or some of the expense of treating an addiction. The ACA, or Affordable Care Act, stipulates that substance abuse disorders are an essential element of health care treatment. This means that every health care plan in America needs to cover at least some of the costs of addiction treatment. Ultimately, each plan is different, and patients have to read the fine print. However, insurance will often cover a significant portion of treatment costs. Location of Treatment Facility Addiction treatment is a service offered to patients. Like any other service, rates can vary depending on the location. Treatment facilities located in more expensive areas tend to be more expensive than those in very affordable areas. If cost is the only factor, then prospective patients might choose to attend rehab in a very rural area. Of course, cost is rarely the only factor. Many patients opt to attend treatment programs in a convenient location. Sometimes, that means paying a premium to be in a desirable area. The Opportunity Costs of Skipping Addiction Treatment In economics, opportunity costs are an important part of the equation. An opportunity cost is the loss of gain from an alternative choice. If you opt not to invest in addiction treatment, the opportunity costs will be astronomical. Sometimes, patients balk at the cost of treatment. Even after considering the many factors involved, and the role of insurance, some patients still decide to skip treatment. It is dangerous to think of recovery in a dollar amount. After all, continuing an addiction costs so much more in the long run. Financially, continuing substance abuse means reducing income potential, losing work opportunities and likely spending more on health care in the future. Other costs include fewer meaningful relationships, reduced cognitive function and a lack of purpose in life. The cost of addiction treatment varies for each individual. Many different factors contribute to the final expense. Whatever the cost, the investment in health and lifelong sobriety is always worth it.
Detox is an important first step on the road to recovery. Detox symptoms are common, but they don't need to be painful. There are many ways to handle detox symptoms that help mitigate discomfort. Most of these methods are best administered by medical professionals in a detox facility. Gastrointestinal Distress Detox symptoms vary greatly from one patient to the next. In addition, the type of addiction makes a big difference. Detoxing from cocaine feels very different from a heroin detox. Across the board, however, gastrointestinal distress is very common. Gastrointestinal distress comes in many forms. Some patients experience vomiting, abdominal cramping or nausea. Those who are recovering from an opiate addiction will likely struggle with diarrhea, since opioid drugs cause constipation. Fortunately, there are many different ways to help calm gastrointestinal distress. In a detox facility, patients can take over-the-counter medications that will minimize discomfort. Patients in a detox facility will also have access to delicious, nutritious food. These meals and snacks are often chosen specifically because they won't make intestinal distress worse. Most importantly, addiction experts will know which medications are safe for those in recovery. Imodium, for example, contains a small amount of opioids. Therefore, it is not recommended for a patient recovering from a heroin addiction. This is a small detail, but it can make a big difference on the road to successful and lasting recovery. Dehydration Dehydration is another very common detox symptom. Dehydration happens for a number of different reasons. To start, many patients in detox just don't feel thirsty, or their cravings are more pronounced than their thirst. In addition, many detox patients struggle with vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. This makes dehydration worse, and it can also discourage patients from drinking liquids. To top it all off, temperature fluctuations are likely. That means patients might be sweating even if they are not exercising or in a hot room. Combined, these factors add up to serious dehydration. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to combat this particular detox symptom. Patients can drink electrolyte beverages. Sipping them slowly can increase salts as well as hydration without upsetting the stomach further. In a medical environment, patients can also receive an IV of fluids. This is the most effective way to quickly rehydrate. Hydration is very important, and dehydration worsens symptoms and makes detox seem harder than it needs to be. Muscle Aches or Overall Pain Withdrawing from drugs or alcohol can lead to pain. This is especially common among those who are detoxing from opioid painkillers, but it can happen to anyone. People who detox at home may think that pain is a part of the process. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be. One of the major benefits of medically supervised detox is being able to take prescription or over the counter medications. While it is possible to take certain medications at home, it helps to have them administered by someone who knows their full effects. Medical professionals are careful to monitor patient intake. Plus, they know which medications are most effective during detox. It can be hard to explain the severity of symptoms, so it helps when experts know exactly what patients are describing. Medical professionals also know which medications could potentially hamper recovery. They will be careful to avoid anything that might be contraindicated or that could worsen cravings and temptations for patients. Insomnia The majority of detox patients report some kind of sleep issue. This is completely normal, and it should be expected. Detoxing doesn't end at night, and symptoms can make it tough to fall asleep or stay asleep. Discomfort is one of the biggest reasons for insomnia. However, there are other issues to consider. Some patients are simply worried about the future, which is a normal part of the recovery process. However, it does make it harder to fall asleep. Some patients find it easy to fall asleep, but they aren't getting restful, quality sleep. Temperature fluctuations or discomfort means more tossing and turning. After waking up in the night, it can be hard to get back to sleep. A safe, comfortable accommodation is a great way to improve sleep. Patients who have a comfy bed, a quiet environment and a secure room will often report better sleep overall. Medical professionals can also administer non-addictive sedatives or sleeping aids that make it easier to feel rested each day. Irritability and Mood Swings The process of detox isn't easy. It can feel overwhelming to patients, and it can impact emotions in a severe way. It is common to experience irritability, and it is normal to be upset. There are many ways to improve mood. Detox is tough, but certain amenities can make it easier. Having a comfortable environment is key. It also helps to have access to activities. Something as simple as a walk outside or few minutes of socializing with peers can lift moods. Patients also benefit from structure, since surprises can be upsetting. Knowing what the day's schedule looks like in advance can make it easier to prepare for every step of the process. Mental Health Concerns Many people mistakenly believe that all detox symptoms are physical. In reality, that could not be further from the truth. In fact, some patients almost exclusively struggle with psychological and emotional symptoms. Mental health needs to be a priority during any drug or alcohol detox. During detox, patients may experience depression or anxiety. Some patients may even struggle with feelings of paranoia or have suicidal thoughts. Although these feelings can occur for anyone, they are most likely to crop up among patients who already struggle with mental illness. Experiencing these mental health conditions at home, or alone, is never safe. In a detox program, patients will have the necessary support and attention. Some patients may benefit from counseling or pharmacological assistance to help ease these mental health detox symptoms. Detox symptoms can seem scary, but they don't have to be. The right support and help in a medically supervised detox can make the entire process much safer and more comfortable for patients.
Detox is an important first step on the road to recovery. Detox symptoms are common, but they don't need to be painful. There are many ways to handle detox symptoms that help mitigate discomfort. Most of these methods are best administered by medical professionals in a detox facility. Gastrointestinal Distress Detox symptoms vary greatly from one patient to the next. In addition, the type of addiction makes a big difference. Detoxing from cocaine feels very different from a heroin detox. Across the board, however, gastrointestinal distress is very common. Gastrointestinal distress comes in many forms. Some patients experience vomiting, abdominal cramping or nausea. Those who are recovering from an opiate addiction will likely struggle with diarrhea, since opioid drugs cause constipation. Fortunately, there are many different ways to help calm gastrointestinal distress. In a detox facility, patients can take over-the-counter medications that will minimize discomfort. Patients in a detox facility will also have access to delicious, nutritious food. These meals and snacks are often chosen specifically because they won't make intestinal distress worse. Most importantly, addiction experts will know which medications are safe for those in recovery. Imodium, for example, contains a small amount of opioids. Therefore, it is not recommended for a patient recovering from a heroin addiction. This is a small detail, but it can make a big difference on the road to successful and lasting recovery. Dehydration Dehydration is another very common detox symptom. Dehydration happens for a number of different reasons. To start, many patients in detox just don't feel thirsty, or their cravings are more pronounced than their thirst. In addition, many detox patients struggle with vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. This makes dehydration worse, and it can also discourage patients from drinking liquids. To top it all off, temperature fluctuations are likely. That means patients might be sweating even if they are not exercising or in a hot room. Combined, these factors add up to serious dehydration. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to combat this particular detox symptom. Patients can drink electrolyte beverages. Sipping them slowly can increase salts as well as hydration without upsetting the stomach further. In a medical environment, patients can also receive an IV of fluids. This is the most effective way to quickly rehydrate. Hydration is very important, and dehydration worsens symptoms and makes detox seem harder than it needs to be. Muscle Aches or Overall Pain Withdrawing from drugs or alcohol can lead to pain. This is especially common among those who are detoxing from opioid painkillers, but it can happen to anyone. People who detox at home may think that pain is a part of the process. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be. One of the major benefits of medically supervised detox is being able to take prescription or over the counter medications. While it is possible to take certain medications at home, it helps to have them administered by someone who knows their full effects. Medical professionals are careful to monitor patient intake. Plus, they know which medications are most effective during detox. It can be hard to explain the severity of symptoms, so it helps when experts know exactly what patients are describing. Medical professionals also know which medications could potentially hamper recovery. They will be careful to avoid anything that might be contraindicated or that could worsen cravings and temptations for patients. Insomnia The majority of detox patients report some kind of sleep issue. This is completely normal, and it should be expected. Detoxing doesn't end at night, and symptoms can make it tough to fall asleep or stay asleep. Discomfort is one of the biggest reasons for insomnia. However, there are other issues to consider. Some patients are simply worried about the future, which is a normal part of the recovery process. However, it does make it harder to fall asleep. Some patients find it easy to fall asleep, but they aren't getting restful, quality sleep. Temperature fluctuations or discomfort means more tossing and turning. After waking up in the night, it can be hard to get back to sleep. A safe, comfortable accommodation is a great way to improve sleep. Patients who have a comfy bed, a quiet environment and a secure room will often report better sleep overall. Medical professionals can also administer non-addictive sedatives or sleeping aids that make it easier to feel rested each day. Irritability and Mood Swings The process of detox isn't easy. It can feel overwhelming to patients, and it can impact emotions in a severe way. It is common to experience irritability, and it is normal to be upset. There are many ways to improve mood. Detox is tough, but certain amenities can make it easier. Having a comfortable environment is key. It also helps to have access to activities. Something as simple as a walk outside or few minutes of socializing with peers can lift moods. Patients also benefit from structure, since surprises can be upsetting. Knowing what the day's schedule looks like in advance can make it easier to prepare for every step of the process. Mental Health Concerns Many people mistakenly believe that all detox symptoms are physical. In reality, that could not be further from the truth. In fact, some patients almost exclusively struggle with psychological and emotional symptoms. Mental health needs to be a priority during any drug or alcohol detox. During detox, patients may experience depression or anxiety. Some patients may even struggle with feelings of paranoia or have suicidal thoughts. Although these feelings can occur for anyone, they are most likely to crop up among patients who already struggle with mental illness. Experiencing these mental health conditions at home, or alone, is never safe. In a detox program, patients will have the necessary support and attention. Some patients may benefit from counseling or pharmacological assistance to help ease these mental health detox symptoms. Detox symptoms can seem scary, but they don't have to be. The right support and help in a medically supervised detox can make the entire process much safer and more comfortable for patients.