Recently there has been talk on a connection between alcoholism and debilitating Alzheimer’s disease, but is there any truth to the connection? Both alcoholism and Alzheimer’s are life changers, and both affect the brain, but can a predisposition to booze lead directly to a diagnosable condition? Let’s learn more about the relationship between this chronic condition and alcohol.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a chronic neurological disease that can have negative impacts on memory, mood, thinking, behavior, and more. It is a progressive form of dementia, which means the disease will only get worse if not treated, and often worse even when treated. There is no one cause of Alzheimer’s – currently researchers believe the condition is caused by a mixture of genetic factors, environmental factors, and lifestyle choice – including alcohol consumption.

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia diagnosis, accounting for approximately 60- 80% of dementia cases in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s estimated that one-third of American adults over age 85 are diagnosable for Alzheimer’s according to the National Institute of Aging. The condition is currently treatable, but incurable.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s presents itself in many types of symptoms, but most affect the sufferer’s cognitive abilities. Let’s review ten early symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s.

• Disruptive memory loss
• Difficulty completing previously familiar tasks and chores
• Confusing times, dates, and places
• Difficulty in solving routine problems and following plans
• Trouble in reading, writing, or speaking
• Poor judgment control
• Decreased short-term memory (Can’t find misplaced items)
• Personality or mood shifts (rage, depression, paranoia)
• Withdrawal from normal daily activities
• Vision problems

There are more signs and symptoms, but these ten are hallmarks of the disease.  

What Does Alcohol do to the Brain?

Most people do not drink enough alcohol to do any permanent damage to the brain and most medical experts believe small amounts of alcohol are relatively harmless. In fact, new research indicates small amounts of alcohol might help protect the brain against neurological breakdown, including Alzheimer’s.

However, large amounts of alcohol and continuous alcohol use have several detrimental effects to the brain and neurological system. Alcoholism can cause debilitating Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and Korsakoff’s psychosis, both commonly referred to as ‘wet brain’ which we will get into later.

Alcoholism blocks certain chemical signals, accelerates other signals, and plays havoc on your neurological system. Alcoholics are known to have reduced ‘gray’ and ‘white’ brain matter in their brains, just like Alzheimer’s. Alcohol’s effects on neurotransmitters can also cause them to ‘burn out’ which can cause a variety of neurological impairments. Females may be more impacted than males in these effects.

Wet Brain

Wet brain is a diagnosable neurological disease which is caused by lack of Vitamin B, particularly thiamine. You can develop wet brain without being an alcoholic, though alcoholics account for most diagnosable cases. Both wet brain and Alzheimer’s are associated with a loss of brain matter and both have similar symptoms, but they are two separate conditions.

Differences Between Alcoholism and Alzheimer’s

Alcoholism and Alzheimer’s present similar effects on the brain, but there are some differences, namely in the progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s is progressive, which means it will get worse over time. While alcoholism is also a progressive disease, its effects on the brain generally stop or slow down when the user stops drinking. Though alcoholics can suffer permanent brain damage from alcohol, an otherwise healthy individual who stops drinking will regain cognitive function and rebuild their gray and white brain matter over time.

The Connection Between Alcoholism and Alzheimer’s

Is there an actual connection between alcoholism and Alzheimer’s? Of course. Though they are two separate conditions, they both diminish brain size and can cause neurological deterioration. Alzheimer’s research and study groups Alzheimer’s Disease International and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) poured over dozens of different reports and studies that explored the link between alcoholism and dementia and most all the studies reached the same conclusion – those who binge drink or are chronic alcoholics are much more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease, compared to their moderate or light-drinking peers. The studies reviewed used different sample sizes, different ages, different races, and more, but almost all found a correlation between Alzheimer’s and heavy alcohol use.

This is not a surprising conclusion since alcohol weakens a brain’s function, which can make you more predisposed to dementia and Alzheimer’s. Think of it this way, you could get diagnosed with dental disease even if you take good care of your oral health, but you’re much more likely to be diagnosed if you don’t take care of your teeth and gums. You can never drink a drop of alcohol and still be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but you’re much more likely to diagnosed with Alzheimer’s (and earlier) if you wreck your brain with alcohol.

Both alcoholism and Alzheimer’s disease destroy a brain and can cause several symptoms like confusion, forgetfulness, and mood swings. According to dozens of studies reviewed by Alzheimer’s Disease International and NICE, alcoholism cannot be pointed to as a sole cause of Alzheimer’s, but those who drink heavily are much more likely to develop the condition. It will always be difficult to tell if alcoholism is the direct cause of diagnosed Alzheimer’s, but the connections between the two conditions remain strong. If you want to avoid early-onset Alzheimer’s, you need to let go of alcoholism first.

The post Can Alcoholism Cause Alzheimer’s Disease? appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.

The study found in the journal Pediatrics, which was published by Henry Spiller, both the author of the study and the Director of the Central Ohio Poison Center, highlighted that 86% of children under the age of six were exposed to this opioid medication, with 89% of those exposures being accidental.

More startling findings from the study showed that between 2007 and 2016, roughly 11,2000 calls were made to poison control centers regarding children who have been exposed to buprenorphine. The whole buprenorphine exposure rate per 1 million rose by 215.6% between 2007 and 2010, then decreased between 2010 to 2013, and finally increased again by 8.6% in 2016.

What is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine, which often goes but the brand name Subutex, is a medication commonly used for the treatment of opioid addiction. Classified as a partial agonist, meaning that this substance binds to opioid receptors in the brain but does not produce the effects of a true opioid, buprenorphine has proven to be effective in weaning individuals off of opioids and helping them manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

While buprenorphine is carefully controlled, as it is often prescribed through medication-assisted treatment centers, it can still pose several dangers to those who use it. For starters, if buprenorphine is misused, it can become addictive. Additionally, through misuse, it can also produce effects including sleep problems, constipation, numbness, stomach pain, vomiting, and problems concentrating.

Despite these effects, buprenorphine is still viewed as being a safe option for opioid addiction treatment when used as prescribed.

How is Buprenorphine Affecting Children?

When an adult uses buprenorphine as prescribed, he or she is not at risk for suffering from respiratory depression, which is a common side effect of all opioids, including this one. However, when children come in contact with buprenorphine, they simply cannot handle this medication in the same way that adults do. As a result, they can experience respiratory depression and have problems related to their breathing when under the influence of buprenorphine.

The vast majority of children wind up gaining access to buprenorphine within their own homes, either through unlocked medicine cabinets or because it is within arms reach. Professionals believe that this specific type of medication might not appear to be as dangerous as others, as it is not an opioid like hydrocodone or OxyContin. However, this could not be farther from the truth, as this new study highlights just how dangerous buprenorphine exposure is to children.

Almost a quarter of children who experienced buprenorphine exposure had to spend time in an intensive care unit.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, it only takes a small bite of a buprenorphine tablet to send a child to the emergency room. Symptoms of a child who has been exposed to buprenorphine can include the following:

• Drowsiness
• Unconsciousness
• Vomiting
• Slow breathing
• Respiratory distress
• Increased heart rate
• Agitation

In addition to children, teenagers are also becoming more and more exposed to buprenorphine despite knowing the risks of consuming it without a prescription. While adolescents are not likely to experience respiratory depression like children are, they can increase the side effects of buprenorphine by combining it with one or more addictive substances, like alcohol or other prescription painkillers. And while adolescents only accounted for 11% of all exposures to buprenorphine, 77% of them were done intentionally with 12% of them being included in suicides. Another 25% combined buprenorphine with at least one other addictive substance. Additionally, 60% of buprenorphine abuse occurred within male adolescents, but 60% of suicides within this age range occurred amongst women.

Spiller states that we should expect to see more exposure to buprenorphine amongst children and adolescents, as more people are obtaining opioid addiction treatment and being prescribed this medication.

Prevention Measures

The author of the study encourages a form of exposure prevention that matches up with the children’s age group. This can include developing “unit-dose packaging” so that pill bottles are eliminated from homes, decreasing the risk of being exposed to several pills at a time.

A tried and true measure is also recommended – locking medicine cabinets. Despite the several known risks of keeping medications out and accessible, people still continue to neglect the need to protect their families from potentially dangerous medications. In fact, the majority of buprenorphine exposure in children occurs within the home. These children either get their hands on medications that their parents leave out or pills that visitors bring along with them.

A buprenorphine subcutaneous implant was approved for use in 2016, which has the potential to eradicate children’s exposure to buprenorphine. The implant, which would be connected to the body, completely eliminates that need for pills that children and adolescents could possibly get in to.

Other ways to encourage prevention include utilizing childproof locks and ensuring that they are in place, as well as effectively disposing of unused medications (such as through a community take-back day or by bringing them to a drop box).

The need for prevention measures is critical, as not only have countless children suffered from exposure to buprenorphine, but seven children under the age of six have died as a result.

If your child becomes exposed to buprenorphine, do not waste any time getting to the closest emergency room. Doing so can prevent further damage to your child.

How You Can Help

If you are taking buprenorphine, chances are you have already received some level of addiction treatment for opioid abuse. However, it is never too late to find ways to help decrease the exposure of buprenorphine in children.

Should you be prescribed buprenorphine, it is critical that you keep it out of arms reach of children and adolescents. In fact, it is helpful to ensure that no one else but you can access this medication, as even adults can turn to the use of it if desired. Therefore, you should always find ways to protect your buprenorphine, either through locking it in a medicine cabinet, ensuring it has childproof caps or utilizing any other recommendation listed above.

When you know better, you do better. Continue to be informed about all of the medications that you are taking so that you are not only ensuring your own wellbeing at this time, but also making it a point to protect your loved ones.

If you or a loved one is struggling with any kind of opioid abuse, do not wait to get help. Remaining addicted to dangerous substances can not only endanger an individual but also put the children and adolescents around him or her at risk for danger, too.  Contact us today at 866-663-3030 to discuss your treatment options.

The post How the Opioid Epidemic is Affecting Children appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.

Feeling this way is completely understandable, especially when little is known about what treatment centers can truly provide and when there is a misconception that rehab is just a place where people sit around all day and talk about their feelings. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Today, countless treatment centers include several different therapies into each client’s recovery plan, one of which often includes recreation therapy. At Pasadena Recovery Center, we make it one of our main priorities to ensure that clients are given the time and space to utilize recreation as its own form of therapy, as it can not only keep clients happy and feeling satisfied but can also prompt several different benefits for his or her wellbeing.

What Kind of Therapy Do We Offer?

At Pasadena Recovery Center, we provide several different forms of recreational therapy for our clients, as we strive to offer as much balance as possible for those who are recovering from addiction. The most popular recreation therapies we provide have proven benefits for those enrolled in our program.

Yoga

Yoga is, by far, one of the most popular forms of recreation therapy not only at Pasadena Recovery Center but also throughout other treatment centers in the country. This form of recreation is both physically and psychologically beneficial for those who participate, as it produces effects include stress relief, mindfulness, exercise, and emotional healing. So, not only is yoga fun to participate in, but it also doubles as another therapeutic medium for those in recovery.

Acupuncture

Through the use of small needles that are inserted into specific points on the body, individuals can experience acupuncture and its many rewards. Not only is this “activity” relaxing and calming, but it can also help do things such as decrease withdrawal symptoms, help manage cravings, and relieve pain. When an acupuncture session has been completed, an individual often leaves feeling much lighter and more at peace, as well as spiritually fulfilled.

Massage

Not all recreation therapy has to involve typical physical activities such as playing a sport. Instead, at Pasadena Recovery Center, we value all services, including massage, as being recreational.

Massage therapy has been widely used throughout the field of addiction, as it not only helps with some physical concerns that many recovering substance abusers have (such as pain, nausea, and headaches), but it also promotes a number of benefits. For example, massage therapy has proven to decrease anxiety and agitation, release dopamine in the brain, lower heart rate, and build trust.

Music Therapy

As we all know, music brings people together from all across the world. That is not only because of catchy choruses but also because music has the power to heal in several different ways. Pasadena Recovery Center utilizes music to gather individuals together, help them develop bonds, utilize instruments to express emotions, and to simply just have a good time. Some clients even use music as a way to communicate topics that are hard to discuss, as it can be used as a powerful outlet.

Nature Walks

Like music, nature has the ability to promote healing just through its current state. When we take nature walks, we take time to explore the outdoors, get connected to nature by being mindful of our surroundings, and tap into feelings such as gratitude and serenity. Plus, being outside can be freeing and fun, as well as fulfilling for those who have experienced feeling out of touch and detached.

Softball League

Sports have always been viewed as some of the most exciting recreational activities. In fact, almost everyone who has come to Pasadena Recovery Center has participated in at least one sport within his or her lives. So, naturally, providing a sport that everyone can play and easily catch on to is one of the best ways that we incorporate recreation therapy into our programming.

Our softball league allows all clients to get out and play. It serves as pure, simple fun that can also promote socialization, teamwork, and positive self-esteem.

The Importance of Recreation Therapy

Recreational therapy is more than just about having a good time or finding ways to better cope with some of the emotions that can be experienced during treatment. Instead, recreation therapy is as important as other forms of therapy, as it can help individuals learn how to live their lives and still have fun without having to drink or drug.

As we offer many different kinds of recreation therapies, it is our goal to show clients how they can have fun when they leave the confines of our treatment center. While here, we utilize recreation therapy to help them build the skills and confidence needed to go back into the world and begin participating in new activities that they never used to participate in due to their active addictions. Learning how to do this can prevent relapse, all while allowing an individual to see that there is life after addiction.

Get Help

Just because you have struggled with addiction does not mean that you do not deserve to be happy. By reaching out to Pasadena Recovery Center, you can begin turning your life around bit by bit, and learn how to have fun along the way.

While you heal all aspects of yourself, including your physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being, you will begin to see the world in a much different light. And it is our job to help guide you in ways that help you feel comfortable establishing goals for yourself and achieving them. Part of what we focus on is ensuring that you do not leave treatment feeling like all you can do in your life is go to therapy, go to meetings, work, sleep, and repeat. Living sober can be so rewarding and incredibly beneficial for your health.

If you have been struggling with an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, do not hesitate to reach out for help. We can show you the way to a happier, healthier life that is no longer dictated by addictive substances. So, make the call right now. Contact Pasadena Recovery Center to get moving in the right direction and take flight on your new journey of sobriety, recovery, and wellness.

Do not wait. Call us today. We can help.

The post What Our Recreation Therapy Offers appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.

When individuals who have ADHD are prescribed Adderall, they tend to experience effects opposite to those who do not have ADHD. Their use of Adderall produces a release of dopamine, which actually works to calm their symptoms (such as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, and forgetfulness). But when someone who does not have a clinical diagnosis of ADHD begins to abuse Adderall, he or she will experience many different results.

The biggest draw to Adderall is that it produces a stimulant effect. This means that, when abused, Adderall causes individuals to experience a boost of energy and excitability. This effect is by far the most common reason people abuse Adderall, especially those who require more energy than they can produce on their own (such as students prepping for exams, medical professionals working night shifts, and those who want to continue partying into the wee hours of the morning).

Adderall addiction is extremely dangerous and can leave an individual with severe, long-term side effects. The abuse of Adderall can also lead to death.

What Are The Symptoms of Adderall Abuse?

When someone is addicted to Adderall, he or she is bound to display several different symptoms of that addiction. Some of the most common symptoms that occur when Adderall is being abused include the following:

• Extreme talkativeness
• Excitability
• Social withdrawal
• Aggression
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Weight loss
• Incomplete thoughts
• Paranoia
• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Fast speech
• Anxiety

Signs of Addiction

There are several markers for addiction, and most of them apply to those who are addicted to Adderall.

For example, someone who is addicted to Adderall might begin obsessively thinking about this drug, how to obtain it, and when he or she is going to be able to use it again. He or she might also start doing things such as doctor shopping, which is the act of visiting several different doctors to obtain as many Adderall prescriptions as possible. And, he or she might begin illegally purchasing Adderall from others.

Those addicted to Adderall can begin displaying secretive and deceitful behaviors. They might put in a lot of effort to hide their Adderall abuse, including hiding any paraphernalia or pills. They also might start tricking those around him or her into aiding in his or her use, such as by asking for money for gas when it’s really being used to buy Adderall.

Other signs of addiction include abusing drugs like Adderall in different formats, such as crushing it and then snorting it. Also, individuals might increase how much they are using over time in order to achieve the desired effects that Adderall produces. And, one of the most obvious and concerning parts of Adderall addiction is that many people begin putting their addiction before everything else in their lives (such as family, friends, children, employment, hygiene, etc.).

When an addiction to Adderall is in full force, an individual will start to experience symptoms of withdrawal when they are unable to use. These symptoms can be upsetting to the user and include depression, extreme sleepiness, headaches, increased appetite, anxiety, aches, suicidal thoughts, and problems concentrating.

Effects of Adderall Addiction

Since Adderall is a stimulant, it can also impact one’s heart health. While abusing Adderall, individuals can experience hypertension, heart disease, and tachycardia. And, if an individual already has a heart condition, he or she can suffer from a heart attack, seizure, or a stroke.

Long-term and/or heavy abuse of Adderall can lead to a multitude of health problems outside of those associated with the heart, including the following:

• Panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Lethargy
• Tremors

Additionally, long-term Adderall abuse can change the way in which the brain works. This is because when Adderall is being abused, the substance causes neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine to stop producing on its own. As a result, one of the most common effects associated with Adderall addiction is depression, because users have caused damage to those neurotransmitters and their function.

Treatment For Adderall Addiction

Thankfully, Adderall addiction can be treated. Many treatment facilities will utilize medication-assisted treatment to help those ending their Adderall addiction better manage their withdrawal symptoms, however, this is not a widely popular approach. Detox from Adderall can be painful, but in most cases, it can be handled with minimal interference.

The majority of treatment for Adderall addiction occurs through psychotherapy. Depending on the needs of the patient, treatment can be conducted in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Either way, individuals will participate in a variety of different therapeutic modalities. The most popular, however, is individual therapy.

Occurring between the individual and a licensed therapist, individual therapy will work to help the individual better understand the origins of his or her Adderall addiction and strive to effectively cope with those causes. Additionally, pressing emotional issues and experiences will be identified and addressed. This one-on-one time is priceless for those who are attempting to end their addiction to Adderall.

Group therapy is also a popular form of psychotherapy. It includes other addicts looking to recover from drugs like Adderall who come together to work through their recoveries. During group therapy, one or more therapists will put in motion a specific topic or activity, and participants can interact with one another based on the direction that the meeting is going in.

Other types of therapy are available for those who are addicted to Adderall, such as experiential therapy, art therapy, music therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and much more.

Getting Help For Adderall Addiction

We understand how hard it is to be addicted to a drug as powerful as Adderall. Many of us are able to relate on a personal level, which is why we put our hearts and souls into helping you overcome the challenge that is Adderall addiction.

Through the help of others in recovery, therapeutic professionals, and medical experts, you can begin to address the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of your Adderall addiction. You can work through your compulsive behaviors surrounding your addiction and begin replacing them with behaviors that will support long-term recovery instead.

So do not wait any longer. You do not have to continue on with your Adderall addiction, and you do not have to do it alone. By reaching out to us right now, we can help you finally break free of addiction and live a happy, healthy life.

The post What Does an Adderall Addiction Look Like? appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.

That’s why rehabs offer a multitude of different kinds of treatment programs. One of those programs is short-term rehab, which is a great fit for many addicts and alcoholics who are looking to recover from their active addictions.

How Do I Know If I Need Treatment?

Some addicts and alcoholics know, without a doubt, that they need treatment. They might even know that for years prior to actually reaching out and getting it. Others, however, might be unsure if their addiction “qualifies” as needing rehab, or they might be in denial about how serious their substance abuse is.

You might be one of those people who is not sure if you need treatment, and that is OK. Some of the most common indicators that treatment is right for you can include the following:

• You are unable to control the amount of drugs and/or alcohol you consume
• Your substance abuse has caused consequences within your life, however, you continue to use anyway
• You consistently think about using substances, how to get more substances, and when you can use next
• You experience symptoms of withdrawal when you lessen the amount that you use or stop altogether
• You need more and more of your preferred substance in order to achieve the same effects (known as tolerance)

If any of these points apply to you, taking the time to get help is a good idea. While this can be scary and unpredictable, and even though you might feel guilty or shameful, getting treatment is the best thing you can do for yourself.

What is Short-Term Rehab?

Short-term rehab refers to the length of time that you spend in treatment. For some, short-term rehab lasts for a week (e.g., if they are just detoxing), while for others, it goes up to 28-30 days. You might be wondering how you can possibly stop your life for seven days, never mind 28-30 days. However, when it comes time to get help, it is most often necessary to put everything else on hold. While you are in short-term rehab, you will have access to several different forms of therapy to help you get sober and stay that way.

What Can I Expect in Short-Term Rehab?

Some short-term rehab programs are conducted on an outpatient basis, while others are done within an inpatient setting.

• Outpatient short-term rehab

If it is determined that outpatient short-term rehab is a good fit for you, there are few things that you can expect. To begin, since your treatment is being done in an outpatient setting, you are able to go to and from the treatment center, still, go to work or attend school, and uphold your responsibilities within your home. However, most short-term outpatient programs will require you to spend 10-12 hours each week at the center. For many, outpatient short-term rehab lasts anywhere from 4-8 weeks.

Through your outpatient program, you will partake in several different kinds of therapy sessions. You will have regular individual therapy sessions with a therapist who can help you identify and address the issues that are specific to you. You will also participate in group therapy, where you will work with others in treatment to build a strong foundation of recovery. You can expect your treatment program to be based on 12-Step principles, as most short-term programs utilize them to guide their services. And, when it comes time to complete your outpatient, short-term rehab, you can expect to be encouraged to continue following the 12-Steps by attending local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.

• Inpatient short-term rehab

Inpatient short-term rehab can be a good choice if you need a more intense approach to your recovery than what can be offered through outpatient rehab. Here, you will reside at the facility and can expect a stay ranging from 28-30 days. Some individuals stay just a little longer (maybe a week or two more), however, this is still considered short-term rehab.

While you are in inpatient short-term rehab, you will do many of the same things that those in outpatient short-term rehab do. You will also go to individual therapy sessions where you will work through issues related to your own personal addiction and its origins. You will participate in group therapy sessions so that you can utilize others in a productive manner to affect positive change. You will attend classes on addiction education and maintain a structured schedule.

Throughout your inpatient short-term rehab, you will also incorporate the 12-Steps into your recovery. You and other patients will likely go to 12-Step meetings on campus and within the community. As you get to the end of your stay, you will work with your therapist and others who have aided in your treatment to develop an aftercare plan that supports your continued commitment to recovery.

Benefits of Short-Term Rehab

While you are in short-term rehab, regardless of if it’s inpatient or outpatient, you can obtain several benefits. Not only will you have access to experienced professionals who can provide you with top-of-the-line care, but you will also be given the time and space to actively focus on yourself with little to no distractions. You will also be able to connect with others who are also addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, and work to develop bonds and friendships that can be vital throughout your recovery. Depending on your situation, your family can participate in your recovery by attending family therapy sessions or spending a few days or a week doing intensive therapy with you. And, short-term rehab can also be beneficial as it does not cost nearly as much as long-term rehab and may be covered by insurance.

Get Help Now

If you are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, please get in touch with us right now. We know how hard it can be to make the decision to get help, which is why we are ready to support you through this process.

Do not waste one more second wrapped up in your addiction. Contact us right now to get started on rebuilding the happy, healthy, and sober life that you deserve. We can help.

The post How Long is Short-Term Rehab and What Can I Expect? appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.

Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid substance that is commonly used to treat physical pain. When prescribed by a doctor and taken exactly as directed, it can be extremely helpful for many people who are experiencing pain. However, taken in any other form other than how it is prescribed can be deadly. Even experimenting with fentanyl one time can lead to death.

Test strips, however, can help those who abuse drugs determine if there is fentanyl within their drugs. Many needle exchange programs already provide test strips so that those who come in to use can ensure what is in the substance they believe they have acquired.

Experts believe that test strips may be ineffective in the long run, as they have not received federal approval, nor has there been enough studies conducted to prove their accuracy. Because of these reasons, many public officials are afraid to provide them to the public.

Despite some controversy, fentanyl test strips are currently being offered to drug users within California. They work similarly to that of a pregnancy test – individuals mix drug residue with water and dip the test strip into the solution. Within five minutes, they will have a result. One line indicates the presence of fentanyl, two lines indicate no fentanyl.

So far, fentanyl test strips have aided in putting a finger on the pulse of this crisis. For example, tests passed out by the Los Angeles Community Health Project have shown that 40% of heroin in the Hollywood area contains fentanyl. This has led to an increase in overdose deaths in this area.

Having fentanyl test strips at needle exchanges has served as an excellent starting point, however, many believe that they need to be offered in more places. There is some pushback to this idea, however, as the Los Angeles Health Department is concerned about the accuracy of the tests. One of the greatest concerns is that the test is too sensitive. However, many believe that it is better to air on the side of caution when it comes to drug abuse.

Johns Hopkins University recently conducted a study that indicated that fentanyl test strips were accurate nearly 100% of the time. It also determined that 70% of drug users changed their behaviors surrounding abuse when they were aware that fentanyl was laced into their substances. For example, they would moderate their use by taking smaller doses knowing that it is more potent with fentanyl in it than without.

Prevalence of Fentanyl in The United States

Almost any day of the week, you can Google “fentanyl” and see several news headlines about people who were arrested for trafficking it or who were under the influence of it when engaging in risky behavior. Many times, you will see headlines that report an increase in fentanyl-related deaths in certain parts of the country.

Just recently, two men were arrested and charged with transporting 118 pounds of fentanyl throughout Nebraska. According to reports, this amount of fentanyl is capable of killing over 10 times the state’s population. In New Jersey, a mother and son duo has been accused of trafficking fentanyl and other substances. Throughout the state of Ohio, deaths caused by fentanyl have increased 1000% since 2013.

Fentanyl is easily considered the most trafficked and transported substance in America. In fact, dealers who never even participated in fentanyl distribution now do, as they can cut their stashes of heroin and other illicit substances like cocaine with fentanyl to expand their profits. Sadly, this is one of the main reasons behind the rise in untimely and unexpected overdoses.

Below are some current statistics related to fentanyl abuse and addiction within the United States:

• CDC WONDER reports that in 2016, more people overdosed on fentanyl than any other drug. In fact, fentanyl had the greatest increase in opioid-related deaths.
• The National Center for Health Statistics reported that 63,600 overdose deaths occurred in 2016, which 20,000 of them caused by fentanyl. They also reported that fentanyl-related deaths increase 88% between 2013 and 2016.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the economic burden of the opioid epidemic (which includes fentanyl) costs $78.5 billion each year.

More About Fentanyl

Fentanyl is not just another prescription painkiller like OxyContin is. It is an incredibly potent medication that is 35 times stronger than heroin. And 50-100 times stronger than morphine. And, in today’s world, it is often found in several other substances of abuse.

When abusing fentanyl, individuals can quickly go into respiratory distress and stop breathing, which can lead to death. This is an especially greater risk when an individual is abusing drugs like heroin and cocaine that have fentanyl in them. And, even though naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan) has proven to help many people come back from a potentially deadly overdose, many times it is not effective when exceptionally strong opioids like fentanyl are coursing through the body.

The most common signs of fentanyl use include the following:

• Confusion
• Respiratory depression, distress, or arrest
• Sedation
• Euphoria
• Drowsiness

The longer that fentanyl is abused for, the more likely an individual is to suffer severe consequences of that use, such as unemployment, divorce, loss of child custody, poverty, and homelessness. Additionally, an individual increases his or her risk of overdosing on fentanyl as he or she continues to use more and more of it to obtain the desired high.

The only way to properly treat a fentanyl addiction is by obtaining professional care at a rehab center. There, individuals can detox while being monitored 24/7 by medical professionals, receive therapy from licensed and experienced therapists and psychiatrists, and develop plans on how to move forward after sobriety has been accomplished.

Get Help Today

Having an addiction to fentanyl can feel like being trapped on a hamster wheel. It keeps going faster and faster until you eventually fall off. If you have come to the realization that you need professional care to kick your fentanyl addiction to the curb for good, call us today. We can provide you with several different treatment options that can help you restore your wellbeing, lay a strong foundation for recovery, and begin taking the right steps to achieve your goals.

You are not alone. You do not have to continue to abuse fentanyl, as there is hope. Call us right now to get the support and guidance you need.

The post California Will Pay For People to Test Their Drugs for Fentanyl appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.

The presence of addiction can make it so everything that once defined your spirit has vanished. For example, you might have always felt fulfilled by walking the beach, participating in a hobby, or just spending quality time with your family. You might have once had a personality that was defined as being exuberant and welcoming. You might have even surrounded yourself with people who were good for you. Sadly, when addiction is occurring, these simple things that once were a part of who you were within your soul no longer exist. And, if you were addicted for a long period of time, you might wake up and realize that you do not know what fulfills your spirit anymore.

Addiction can be treated by receiving care for the physical aspects of this disease, as well as therapy for the psychological aspects of it. A full, comprehensive approach to addiction treatment will also work to restore your spirit through several different methods, one of which being yoga.

Yoga for Addiction Treatment

Yoga has provided millions of recovering addicts an outlet to help them maintain their recoveries, as well as uplift and fulfill their spirits. And while it can be extremely beneficial, yoga works best when it is combined with other forms of addiction treatment.

Some of the many ways in which yoga is beneficial to those who are recovering from addiction include the following:

• Physical pain relief
• Improved self-awareness
• Increased self-confidence
• Heightened levels of energy
• Spiritual healing

Yoga has been scientifically shown to help decrease stress and help increase levels of gammo-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps the brain better handle anxiety and depression. Stress, anxiety, and depression are easily some of the biggest concerns for those who are in recovery, making yoga a reliable and intriguing activity to partake in.

Yoga and 5 Types of Breathing Exercises

A major part of yoga is learning how to control breath and utilize it in ways that promote effective physical and psychological responses. We utilize breathing skills in our everyday lives already, such as when we are worked up about something. Usually, we (or someone else) will say, “take a deep breath” in an effort to bring about calm. Breathing can send helpful signals to the brain that promote relaxation and clarity. In yoga, there are many different kinds of breathing exercises that you can learn and apply to your life. Some of these exercises are described below:

Dirga Pranayama

Dirga Pranayama is known simply as the “three-part breath”. During this specific breathing exercise, you will breathe through your nose, working to fill your belly, then your chest, and then into your throat, and exhale. Dirga is meant to help bring a sense of calm and relaxation to those who utilize it, making this breathing exercise most effective for those who struggle with anxiety or high levels of stress. It can also be helpful for those who have a racing mind that they strive to settle.

Ujjayi Pranayama

Known as “warrior’s breath”, Ujjayi Pranayama is a strong type of breathing. First, you will inhale deeply, and then exhale while making an “H” sound. The reason why this breathing is so strong is because it involves the use of the abdomen muscles for the breaths in an effort to create heat.

When Ujjayi Pranayama is utilized, you can experience an increase in energy, increase in the amount of oxygen in the blood, tension release, regulated blood pressure, and a greater sense of self-awareness.

Bhramari Pranayama

Bhramari Pranayama often called “bee breath” is a type of breathing exercise where you make a humming sound while using your fingers to push into your temples while you exhale. Inhale quietly, then exhale while humming and moving your fingers deeper into your temples.

Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama include stress and anxiety relief, decreased anger, healing of bodily tissues, stimulation of pituitary glands, decreased blood pressure, and induction of sleep.

Kapalabhatti Pranayama

This type of breathing exercise focuses on a short exhales that are forceful. Also known as the “skull shining breath”, you inhale through your nose and exhale as quickly as possible by pushing the air out of your nose. Then, you allow your next inhale to happen naturally, and continue the exercise. Kapalabhatti Pranayama is known to help increase energy.

This specific type of breathing exercise is highly effective in helping cleanse the respiratory system and the body of toxins, all while working to help restore overall wellness in the body.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is a popular breathing technique used to help give yourself from clarity and peace of mind. You accomplish this by putting your index and middle fingertips on your forehead, your ring and pinky finger on your left nostril, and your thumb over your right. Then, you breathe in from one nostril while exhaling from the next, until you have exhaled ten times.

Nadi Shodhana can do a number of things, such as balance hormones, reduce allergies, increase ability to concentrate, balance the left and right sides of the brain, and invigorate the nervous system.

All of these breathing exercises are extremely beneficial in their own ways for those who are recovering from addiction. When in recovery, yoga can not only help you spiritually but also by helping address physical and mental issues that you might be experiencing.

Including Yoga into Your Recovery

As previously mentioned, yoga is an excellent resource if you are in recovery, however, it should never be viewed as the singular source of support or treatment for this disease.

As you continue to recover from your drug and/or alcohol addiction, it is important to prioritize things that will help boost your overall wellbeing, such as yoga. Luckily, we are able to access yoga through a number of different means, such as through the internet or on an app. You can have yoga right at your fingertips regardless of what you might be experiencing on any given day or week. And, once you develop an understanding of breathing exercises and other techniques, you can begin to use them in a number of different settings to help you center yourself.

Getting Help

If you have an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, you do not have to let it persist. By reaching out to us right now, we can help you overcome the challenges you are facing and help you connect with a number of different services that can encourage your healing and wellbeing. Call us today.

The post 5 Types of Breathing Exercises You’ll Learn in Yoga appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.

Hailing from UCLA, Dr. Fong serves as the Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior on the UCLA campus. There, he is the co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, which looks at hidden causes of pathological gambling in an effort to establish effective treatments. Additionally, Dr. Fong is the director of the UCLA Addiction Medicine Clinic, which is a teaching clinic that focuses on all addictive disorders, as well as the director of the UCLA Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, where top-level training is offered in addiction psychiatry.

Prior to Dr. Fong’s work at UCLA, he earned his undergraduate at Northwestern University in Chicago, as well as completed his medical school there. He then came to UCLA to finish his residency in adult general psychiatry.

With millions of people struggling with all types of addiction, ranging from heroin addiction to sex addiction, learning as much as possible about this disease can help shatter stigmas through education. And, as mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and depression continue to permeate throughout the citizens of the United States, learning more about how and why these conditions develop and sustain themselves is equally as important. Dr. Fong will also discuss cannabis during his presentation, which continues to be viewed as a controversial drug due to its potential medicinal values and its ability to serve as a “gateway drug”.

Dr. Fong will share his professional opinions and stances regarding these topics, as well as information and evidence that can help those who are in the throes of addiction.

Please join us at Pasadena Recovery Center, located at 1811 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA on June 26th, 2018 to hear Dr. Fong’s presentation. From 2:00-3:30 PM, Dr. Fong will share his experience and education as they relate to these topics.

Admission to this event is $20. Please RSVP to Michele Rubin at 626-345-9992 ext. 116 by June 15th. Keep in mind there is limited availability for this event, so register as soon as possible! We hope to see you soon.

The post Timothy W. Fong, MD Offers Special Presentation on Cannabis, Mental Health & Addiction at Pasadena Recovery Center appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.

Most commonly, individuals in need of addiction treatment turn to inpatient programs, outpatient care, or even the likes of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Every one of these forms of treatment has proven to be successful in their own ways. For instance, those who attend inpatient treatment tend to experience more success in their recovery, as studies show that the longer an individual remains in treatment, the longer his or her recovery will last. Outpatient programs are excellent treatment resources, too, as not everyone who has an addiction requires lengthy care. And, for those who find it challenging to get into either one of these programs for financial reasons or work complications, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings can be an effective way to kick-start one’s recovery.

One recovery option that is not nearly as discussed is SMART Recovery. SMART recovery is defined as the following:

“SMART Recovery is a nationwide, nonprofit organization which offers free support groups to individuals who desire to gain independence from any type of addictive behavior.”

This program, which is offered via local meetings across the United States, has helped countless individuals struggling with addiction.

What Qualifies as Addictive Behavior?

When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol or is addicted to other things such as gambling, sex, or gaming, he or she will display behaviors that qualify as addictive behaviors. Since SMART Recovery works to help those with all types of addictive behaviors, it is important to understand some of the most common behaviors.

One of the top addictive behaviors people display includes obsessively thinking about the substance/thing that they are addicted to. This tends to lead into beginning to compulsively give into the urges or desires that he or she experiences, causing the addiction to become an everyday occurrence.

Other addictive behaviors include being visibly out of control in regards to intake of substances or engagement in activity. For example, someone who is a heroin addict might swear up and down that they will only use a certain amount of the drug but instead consume much more than what has been discussed.

Denial about the addiction, hiding behaviors from others, and finding ways to rationalize behaviors are also common in those who are addicted to something.

SMART Recovery offers services to people who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and those who struggle with addictions such as gambling addiction, sex addiction, shopping addiction, and food addiction, to name a few. The truth is, anyone can exhibit addictive behaviors, and it is imperative that when these behaviors occur, there is hope to break this dangerous cycle. That is what SMART Recovery is for.

SMART Recovery Defined

SMART Recovery stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. This program, while similar to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous in that they are conducted for free through local meetings, is not spiritually based, as other 12-Step programs are. Instead, SMART is based on scientific findings and detailed research. The program will constantly adjust based on the newest findings regarding the science of addiction.

Those in SMART Recovery are constantly encouraged to empower themselves so that they can achieve their recovery goals. Popular therapeutic modalities utilized in SMART meetings include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement.

A 4-Point Program

The cornerstone of SMART Recovery, however, is its four points. Individuals can utilize these points to structure their recovery on. They include the following:

1. Building an maintaining motivation
2. Coping with urges
3. Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
4. Living a balanced life

Building with motivation

The first step of the 4 points requires individuals to want to get sober and stay that way. When in one of the first meetings that you attend, you will likely develop a list of your goals in SMART as well as compare and contrast pros and cons of using or being sober.

Coping with urges

SMART Recovery offers several different strategies to combat urges to use, however, some of the most effective ones are known by the acronym DEADS. They include the following:

D – Delay: Allow some time to pass when you have an urge. All urges pass with time, so learning how to sit in that uncomfortable space until it passes can bring you significant success.

E – Escape: Always remember that you can walk away from any person, place, or thing that is triggering your desire to use. Simply just leave to protect your sobriety.

A – Accept: Strive to accept the fact that you will experience urges to use again. Accept it as something that occurs within your life and is normal.

D – Dispute: Using other exercises learned in the program, you can, according to the SMART Recovery Handbook, “diagnose past addictive situations and develop useful tactics for disputing them when they occur again”.

S – Substitute: When an urge to use comes on, utilize effective “substitutes”. Substitutes can include positive thinking or partake in some form of physical activity to keep your mind off of your desire to use.

Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

One of the most critical aspects of maintaining sobriety and continuing a healthy recovery includes knowing how to manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Therefore, SMART Recovery strives to offer you the tools you need to handle uncomfortable feelings, upsetting thoughts, or addictive behaviors.

Living a balanced life

Similar to other 12-Step programs, you will take a personal inventory regarding what is most important to you. Additionally, you will learn how to develop healthy, attainable goals so that you are not only planning your day-to-day but for your future as well.

How Do I Know if I Need SMART Recovery?

If you are someone who struggles with an addiction of any kind, you probably know (even if it is subconsciously) that you need help to overcome your addiction. And, while most treatment options out there include inpatient or outpatient treatment, there are other resources available that can be just as helpful, depending on the severity of your addiction and your willingness to recover.

SMART Recovery can be effective for anyone who puts his or her heart and soul into the program, however, it may not be the top treatment pick for everyone. And, in some cases, it might not be the appropriate form of treatment for an individual. For example, someone who is addicted to heroin will likely fair better in a facility where detox options are available and intensive care can be provided. That is not to say that those addicted to heroin are not welcome in SMART Recovery, but just to mention that some addictions can require more hands-on treatment.

SMART Recovery is an excellent option for someone who does not need as intensive care as inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment but still requires help to end addictive behaviors.

If you are considering SMART Recovery to help put a stop to your addictive behaviors, contact us right now. We can help you decide if this program is right for you and your own personal needs.

The post What is SMART Recovery? appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.

As conversation (and often times controversy) swirl around the prescription painkiller and heroin epidemic, many people are being affected by the abuse of these substances. From the users to their families, co-workers, and friends, drugs like Vicodin and fentanyl can cause irreparable damage to everyone’s physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing. Because of the prevalence of this problem throughout the United States, it is important to be as educated as possible about this topic in order to truly understand how the disease of addiction infiltrates the lives of millions of people nationwide.

Part of this education includes knowing information about common, yet dangerous, substances of abuse. With the opioid epidemic in full swing, people often refer to all of these drugs as “opioids” or “opiates”, often interchangeably. To put it simply, opiates and opioids, while capable of producing similar effects, are not the same. And while many people might use these words on a regular basis, it is important to understand that there are significant differences between them.

What are Opiates?

Opiates are a group of substances that are derived from the opium poppy, which is naturally occurring. Historically, opium poppy grew in masses throughout Southwest Asia, and as the demand for it grew, it spread throughout several other countries. Now, it is cultivated across the globe.

Examples of opiates include heroin, codeine, morphine, and opium. Opiates can be used in their purest form, or they can be used in the development of other drugs.

Unfortunately, opiates are highly addictive and are commonly abused throughout the country. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that in 2016, 948,000 Americans had used heroin within the past year. Prevalence of heroin abuse has increased over the years, as 214,000 were using in 2002 and 626,000 were using as of 2016. Additionally, as previously stated, more than two million people are currently abusing prescription painkillers, some of which include opiates.

What are Opioids?

Unlike opiates, opioids are not derived from the opium poppy. Instead, they are often semi-synthetic or synthetic, meaning that they are partially or fully manmade.

The term “opioid” was developed in the 1950’s as a way to describe drugs that are opiate-like. This does not mean that opioids are less dangerous than opiates; rather it just helps explain the difference between the two. Opioids are tremendously addictive, can cause severe physical and psychological complications, and can lead to death. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the top opioids involved in overdose deaths include methadone, oxycodone, and hydrocodone, respectively.

Opiates in Depth

The most common opiates that are abused in the United States, without a doubt, include heroin and morphine. These opiates can produce several different effects and dangers when abused, and can potentially lead to death.

Heroin

Also known as smack, horse, or China white, heroin comes in either a white or brown powder or as a sticky, black substance. It can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Heroin is most commonly injected, which gives users the most instantaneous high. However, it also increases their risk of contracting blood-borne diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, which are both very common ailments for those who abuse this substance.

Short-term effects of heroin abuse include itching, nausea, vomiting, euphoria, and slowed heart and breathing rates. When heroin is abused for a long period of time, risks become more significant and can include collapsed veins, kidney or liver disease, and infection surrounding the heart. Additionally, if abused with another substance like alcohol, a user can quickly overdose as his or her organs slow down in function.

Morphine

Morphine comes in capsules, tablets, or liquid, and goes by street names such as Mister Blue and Dreamer. It is often abused for its ability to produce euphoric effects, similar to that of heroin. However, it can be an extremely dangerous substance to abuse, as it can also produce effects such as gastrointestinal problems, organ damage, poor circulation, respiratory depression.

The abuse of morphine can also lead to overdose, which may or may not be fatal.

Opioids in Depth

Oxycodone and hydrocodone are some of the most popular opioids in circulation. Millions of people are prescribed these substances for issues such as chronic pain and pain due to cancer, however many more abuse oxycodone and hydrocodone for self-medication purposes.

Oxycodone and hydrocodone

Oxycodone and hydrocodone come in pill form and can be abused by swallowing it or crushing it and then snorting it. When abused, oxycodone and hydrocodone produce the same euphoric effects as opiates like heroin and morphine do.  And, the effects that these substances have also mimic those of opiates.

Effects most commonly tied to the abuse of oxycodone and hydrocodone include slowed breathing, nausea, vomiting, confusion, changes in sleep patterns, and problems being awakened.

Oxycodone is known by the brand name OxyContin, while hydrocodone is known as Vicodin.

Treatment for Opiate and Opioid Addiction

Regardless of if an individual is addicted to an opioid or an opiate, the typical course of treatment is usually the same.

Most treatment for these types of addictions begins with detox, which helps clear the body and mind of dangerous substances of abuse (such as opiates and opioids). Detoxing off of opiates and/or opioids is notoriously painful from both a physical and psychological standpoint. However, when conducted in a professional treatment center, patients can be made as comfortable as possible during this time.

Once detox is completed, patients can begin the process of therapy. Through the application of numerous different forms of therapy, ranging from individual and group therapy to experiential and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), patients will develop coping skills, identify the underlying causes of their addiction, and process the emotions that have led to or developed in response to their addiction. When it comes time to complete the treatment program, patients will be provided with an aftercare program that includes professional suggestions on how to maintain sobriety and practice recovery in the patient’s everyday life.

Get Help Today

If you are addicted to opiates or opioids, or any other substance, please reach out to us right now. We understand the pain that you are experiencing, and we know that we can help. Please contact us today.

The post The Difference Between Opiates and Opioids appeared first on Pasadena Recovery Center.