Category: Drug Detox

Drug detoxification (informally, detox) is variously the intervention in a case of physical dependence to a drug; the process and experience of a withdrawal

Adderall side effects in females

TL;DR – Adderall can cause similar side effects in females as in males, including insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss, anxiety, dizziness, and nausea. Hormonal fluctuations may also affect its efficacy and side effects in females.

Even though Adderall effectively treats ADHD, men and women alike can experience a wide range of side effects. However, some Adderall side effects are unique to females, which is why it’s essential to understand what these side effects are and what to do if you experience them.

Any woman who abuses Adderall and similar stimulants should seek treatment as quickly as possible. Before you start taking Adderall, keep in mind that this particular drug is considered highly addictive by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The following offers a more comprehensive overview of Adderall’s side effects commonly found in women.

What You Should Know About Adderall

Adderall is the primary drug used to treat ADHD, a chronic health condition that results in hyperactivity and attention difficulty. While the drug is mainly designed to reduce ADHD symptoms, it’s also regularly used by people looking to lose weight.

This medication is trendy on college campuses by students who believe that they will obtain higher grades with the enhanced concentration that Adderall can provide. A small number of people who abuse the drug will inject or snort the drug, which is designed to make the effects of the drug more potent.

How Adderall Affects Females

The amount of Adderall that a woman should take depends on her body weight. If doses aren’t varied based on body weight, the total amount of processed amphetamine within the body increases by upwards of 30%. Keep in mind that estrogen will also determine how effective Adderall is when taken by females.

When estrogen is at an elevated level, the effects of Adderall are heightened. Estrogen can be at elevated levels during menopause, puberty, or pregnancy. When a woman takes a standard dose of Adderall during pregnancy or menopause, she can experience a “high” sensation. The body may even become physically dependent on the drug, which is dangerous and can lead to addiction.

Primary Side Effects of Adderall in Females

Some of the side effects that a person can experience after taking Adderall are more common among women, mainly the result of how a woman processes this substance. The main side effects that you could experience when taking a standard dose of Adderall include:

  • Decreased libido
  • Increased anxiety
  • Headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Issues with bowel movements
  • Sleeping difficulties, which can consist of having trouble staying asleep

How Adderall Can Affect a Pregnancy

If you are currently pregnant and are considering taking Adderall for ADHD or to lose weight, you should avoid using this medication for the duration of your pregnancy. Even though there haven’t been many studies centered around the effects of Adderall on pregnancy, the limited amount of research indicates that taking any form of amphetamines could be unsafe during pregnancy.

Taking illegal amphetamines like methamphetamine could result in relatively low birth weight, withdrawal symptoms following the birth, premature birth, and physical harm to infants or fetuses. Infant mortality is also a possibility. On the other hand, Adderall has proven to be somewhat effective at treating the adverse symptoms associated with menopause.

Adderall

Severe Side Effects Associated with Adderall

Because women have a higher chance of experiencing side effects when taking Adderall, the possibility of going through severe side effects is also increased. Stimulants like Adderall will invariably increase body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. You’re also more likely to lose your appetite and have issues with falling asleep at night.

It’s important to understand that standard usage of Adderall can still lead to changes being made within your brain in regards to how emotions are regulated. When taken for a prolonged period, Adderall could cause damage to the heart muscles, lungs, vascular system, and similar internal organs, which could worsen your health considerably.

Possibility of Adderall Leading to Shortness of Breath

Some of the more severe Adderall side effects that females may experience include fainting, shortness of breath, and difficulties with breathing. These side effects could create additional health complications and potentially death if left untreated. If you go through any of these symptoms, it’s highly recommended to obtain medical treatment as soon as possible.

Possibility of Adderall Leading to High Blood Pressure

Because Adderall is considered a stimulant, it can cause high blood pressure in women. While most people will experience elevated blood pressure at one time or another, this side effect can pose a problem if you’re also suffering from a severe cardiac issue or heart abnormality. When you take Adderall, the medication may cause your heart rate to increase at a rate of 3-6 beats every minute. This increase may be even higher depending on your current health. If you have been diagnosed with any heart condition, you must speak with your doctor before you decide to use Adderall for your ADHD.

Possibility of Adderall Leading to a Heart Attack

Adderall is a powerful stimulant that everyone shouldn’t take. Even a single use of this medication could result in cardiac arrest, which isn’t necessarily as severe as a heart attack. A cardiac arrest can develop without forewarning and occurs when a person’s heartbeat suddenly stops. If you don’t use Adderall as prescribed, the possibility that you experience a cardiac arrest increases substantially. The side effects that might occur when you take a higher dose of Adderall than you were prescribed include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Hypertension 
  • Stroke
  • Chest pain
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Heart attack
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Insomnia

Signs that a Loved One Is Abusing Adderall

Unlike some drugs, it’s not always easy to identify that someone is abusing Adderall. Some students and younger people will take Adderall to increase their concentration levels and productivity. The main signs of being on the lookout for if you believe that someone close to you is abusing Adderall include:

  • Excitability that’s uncharacteristic
  • Secretive behavior
  • Aggression
  • Working or concentrating too hard
  • Withdrawing from social situations
  • Talking too much
  • Not finishing thoughts
  • Mania
  • Unexplained financial issues
  • Taking pills frequently
  • Need to refill prescriptions at a quicker rate than anticipated
  • Memory problems
  • Fast weight loss

Treatment Options Available to Females

There is a wide range of effective treatments available to women abusing Adderall or who have become addicted to the medication. These treatments can primarily be broken down into medical detoxification, outpatient treatment, and inpatient rehab, all of which can help you work towards recovery and are available at ReCreate Life Counseling.

Medical Detoxification

Medical detox programs are designed to help any woman dependent on Adderall progress safely through the withdrawal symptoms that naturally occur. When a body becomes dependent on any drug or medication, when deciding to stop taking medicine, you will experience withdrawal symptoms that can worsen your health and make relapse more likely. Medical detox allows you to go through this process under 24/7 medical supervision. You will also likely receive small doses of medications that can ease the withdrawal symptoms and help you progress to the next stage of treatment.

Outpatient Treatment

Intensive outpatient programs are designed to help you learn how to manage your addiction and lead a sober lifestyle without requiring you to stay in a residential facility. This form of treatment is available on a part-day or full-day basis and usually takes place several days each week. During treatment, you should still meet all of your work or school responsibilities.

Women who attend this treatment program will be in an environment tailored to fit their specific needs. The treatments administered during an outpatient rehab program include family therapy, group counseling, behavioral therapy, and individual therapy.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab provides you with all of the same treatments available in outpatient rehab. However, the main difference is that these therapies are provided in a residential setting, which you will be required to stay at on a 24/7 basis for the duration of the program. This is the most intensive form of treatment and is designed to accommodate women going through a severe addiction to Adderall. You’ll be in a drug-free environment among other people who are going through the same journey as you.

Even if you take Adderall as prescribed, the side effects among females can be severe and lead to abuse or addiction. When this occurs, you or your loved one must admit that treatment is needed. Call ReCreate Life Counseling today if you have any questions about our programs or would like to begin your path towards recovery.

Published on: 2021-11-26
Updated on: 2024-04-07

Why is Hotboxing Dangerous?

Sometimes, it isn’t enough to ingest drugs because some people aren’t satisfied with their experience results. In this case, they look for ways to increase the effects, but because they are dangerous drugs, the results can be hazardous as well.

What Is Hotboxing?

Hotboxing is when people smoke in an unventilated location. In most cases, people choose marijuana for this purpose. Unventilated spaces can be found in several places, including attics, tents, bathrooms, or a basement. When people engage in this activity, they believe that they aren’t doing anything dangerous because marijuana comes from the earth. However, when you are hotboxing, the location is not ventilated, and this increases the effects of the marijuana on the user. This is precisely what users are hoping for, but it can also cause them to experience very unpleasant side effects.

The most common place for this activity is in a vehicle. A couple of friends sit in a car with the windows rolled up. The smoke fills the tiny space as they recreate the famous hotboxing scene from a Cheech and Chong movie. Unfortunately, when people engage in this activity over a long period of time, it can lead to other health complications.

If Hotboxing Is Dangerous, Why Do People Do It?

Sometimes, the only place people can find to engage in this activity is where they aren’t likely to be found. Therefore, the best place is an unventilated location. People just like watching the smoke buildup and swirl around them in other cases. They may not want anyone else to smell the marijuana, so they do their best to ensure that the smoke does not travel. In most cases, they do it because they believe that the high will be enhanced. They hope that because there is so much extra smoke around them in an enclosed area, it will allow the extra smoke to increase the high.

Do Contact Highs Exist?

The truth is that marijuana smoke contains several chemicals, including quinoline, chromium, cadmium, acetaldehyde, nickel, formaldehyde, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic amines, hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia arsenic. With these chemicals in the air, it is easier to obtain a contact high.

Researchers demonstrated this fact in a study at Johns Hopkins University in 2015. The researchers placed six nonsmokers and six smokers in a room together. The smokers were given ten joints to smoke over the period of an hour in an unventilated room. They also placed smokers and nonsmokers in a ventilated room together. The nonsmokers in the unventilated room did experience a contact high. In addition to that, the researchers could not measure a significant difference in the cannabinoid levels of the smokers in the unventilated room.

The Jamaican Hotbox

The Jamaican or the Hawaiian hotbox is another way of participating in this activity. To create the effect, the user needs to increase the humidity in the room, so this strategy limits the number of places that it can be done. To engage in the Jamaican hotbox, users enter the bathroom and turn the shower on. They allow the steam to accumulate, and then they light their apparatuses. Because the humidity level is higher, it causes the atmosphere to be foggy, and many people like it this way. Bathrooms usually fail at filtering out the smell of marijuana, so air fresheners are usually necessary after the Jamaican hotbox.

Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana indeed comes from a naturally occurring plant, but this doesn’t mean that marijuana is a safe drug to take. Marijuana comes from the cannabis Sativa plant, and it contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is the ingredient that creates the psychoactive effect in marijuana. Although it is a substance that nature created, nature also created the psychoactive effects, so users can begin to experience delusions, dizziness, and cognitive impairments in a short period of time.

If someone engages in this dangerous activity, it can lead the user to marijuana addiction. This means that a user’s body and mind depend on the drug, so he cannot stop taking it even though he may desire to do so. These users do not control how much marijuana they use, and they believe that they need it to survive.

As users become addicted to marijuana, their systems develop a tolerance for the drug. This means that the body becomes accustomed to the effects they experienced when they first began taking this drug, and they want to continue to experience these same effects. Over some time, the effects lose their strength. To feel the same way they felt when they first began taking this drug, they must increase the amount of marijuana they are ingesting. When this occurs, users must seek treatment for the addiction.

The Effect of Hotboxing on the Brain

When a user smokes marijuana, the THC travels to the lungs and bloodstream. Then, the blood takes it to the body’s organs and the brain. The THC connects with the nervous system’s cannabinoid receptors and influences the activities of these nerve cells. Several cannabinoid receptors are located in the brain where memory, coordinated movement, time perception, sensory perception, concentration, thought, and pleasure occurs.

Short-Term Effects of Marijuana Use

The short-term effects of marijuana use include the following:

  • Loss of coordination
  • Troubles with problem-solving and thinking
  • Distorted perceptions
  • Difficulties with learning and memory

Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Use

The long-term effects of marijuana use include the following:

  • Psychological dependence or addiction
  • Physical dependence
  • Withdrawal symptoms after abstaining

The Effect of Hotboxing on the Body

The Short-term effects include the following:

  • Hypertension
  • An increase in appetite
  • An increase in the heart rate
  • Cough
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Sedation

The Long-Term Effects of This Activity

Long-term effects include the following:

  • A suppressed immune system
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Bronchitis

After chronic use of marijuana, users may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:

  • A decrease in appetite
  • Difficulties sleeping
  • Irritableness
  • Restlessness
  • Nausea
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness
  • Headache

The Effect of This Activity on Mental Health

The body and the brain are not the only areas that experience negative consequences of marijuana use. Smoking marijuana can also lead to psychotic reactions, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, and anxiety. When marijuana smokers are young, they have an increased risk of committing suicide. A study conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse discovered that, as people ingest marijuana, they begin to experience increasing instances of suicidal thoughts.

The research demonstrates that people do not need to be regular users of marijuana to experience this effect. For example, studies published in JAMA Network Open demonstrated that study subjects experienced depression after ingesting marijuana. However, these subjects were not ingesting marijuana regularly. The research increasingly shows that the use of marijuana and mood disorders are linked.

Even though marijuana use and mental health disorders are linked, it does not mean that marijuana is the cause of the mental health disorder. The existence of a mental health disorder is a risk factor for drug use. That’s because people experiencing mental health disorders often tend to medicate their symptoms with the drug rather than obtain help from medical professionals.

Hypercapnia

Hotboxing marijuana can also lead to hypercapnia. Hypercapnia is also known as “hypercarbia,” when a person’s blood contains too much carbon dioxide. It is a situation that occurs when a marijuana user isn’t taking in enough oxygen at the same time that the person is not expressing enough carbon dioxide. The fact that unventilated locations keep an adequate supply of oxygen from entering the room leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in users’ bloodstreams. When a marijuana user engages in this activity over the long term, it can lead to lung disease.

Treatment

The first thing that you or your loved one must do is admit that you have a problem. Once you do this, you can help your loved one enter a treatment center. As was mentioned above, prolonged marijuana use can cause withdrawal symptoms if your loved one suddenly stops taking the drug on their own. At a treatment center, the staff will administer medications so that your loved one will tolerate the symptoms long enough for your loved one’s body to rid itself of the toxins that marijuana leaves behind. This will be done in the detoxification process, but your loved one will receive behavioral therapy after it is over.

Treatment centers use a variety of counseling options, including individual therapy, group therapy, and 12-step programs. Your loved one will receive treatment from a therapist in a one-on-one counseling session in individual therapy. Group therapy also greatly benefits those addicted to marijuana, so your loved one will also be required to enter this type of therapy. You may even be able to join your loved one in family therapy.

Published on: 2021-11-25
Updated on: 2024-11-08

What is the Fastest-Acting Benzodiazepine?

Benzodiazepines are one of the most potent prescription medications and treat anxiety and panic disorders and sleep-related disorders. They are also commonly used to treat the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal while in medical detox.

Also commonly called benzos, this kind of prescription tranquilizer has a very high likelihood of abuse and addiction. Since they can be so habit-forming, they are rarely prescribed for long-term use. The strength of benzos ranges quite a bit. One of the lowest potency benzos being Valium, and one of the highest is Xanax.

What is the Fastest-Acting Benzodiazepine?

The Fastest Acting Benzodiazepine

There are two benzodiazepines available that tie for the quickest acting. They are Valium, or diazepam, and Tranxene, or clorazepate. These prescription medications will begin working within the first 15-30 minutes after taking them. Ativan and Xanax are very close second and typically begin working 30 minutes to an hour.

The method of use will also determine how quickly you will feel the effects. The numbers above are related to taking the dose orally. Many benzos are available or are often abused via injection. In this case, the effects will happen almost immediately after they enter your system because they reach your brain much faster.

How Long Do Benzodiazepines Stay in Your System?

All benzodiazepines act similarly on the body but with different strengths and reaction times. They work on the body by affecting a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid. Neurotransmitters are responsible for sending messaged throughout the brain and the spinal cord. GABA is an inhibitor. This means it suppresses the functions of the spinal cord and brain. Essentially it is a central nervous system depressant that causes a calm and relaxed feeling on the body when taken. This is why they are so helpful in treating the symptoms of anxiety disorders and seizures.

Valium, one of the fastest-acting benzos, can stay in a person’s system for up to 10 days after taking it, but that is just true for the drug itself. The agents that are metabolized by the liver can stick around for much longer. The runner-up Xanax only stays in your system for approximately ten days.

High Risk Associated With Benzo Use

Like mentioned before, there is a very high risk associated with benzo use resulting in abuse and addiction. It does not matter which one is being taken. Once dependence and abuse have happened, stopping the drug can be very painful and even dangerous. This is called withdrawal. At this point, your body has become used to having the drug in your system and no longer knows how to function without it anymore properly. In its most severe form, it can cause seizures, strokes, coma, and even death.

When withdrawal is a possibility, we highly recommend getting help through a medically assisted detox. Here, a team of medical professionals, doctors, and addiction specialists will be able to treat your symptoms of withdrawal as soon as they occur. The main goal of detox is to provide a pain-free and safe process for you in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Overcome Benzo Abuse at Recreate Life Counseling

Once detox has been completed, we recommend you participate in one or more of our treatment programs; During this time, we will help you understand the cause of your abuse and addiction and provide you the tools you need to avoid these drugs in the future once you have returned home.

If you or a loved one is suffering from benzodiazepine abuse or addiction, just remember that there is a way out, and you do not have to go through this alone. Reach out to Recreate Life Counseling as we have addiction specialists ready to answer all your questions and help you find the best treatment option.

Published on: 2021-08-20
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Was Juice WRLD Addicted to Pain Pills?

The rapper Jarad Anthony Higgins, also known by his stage name Juice WRLD, died on December 8, 2019, at around 3 am. Juice WRLD landed in his private jet in Chicago at Midway International Airport where police were waiting for his arrival. They suspected that the plane contained narcotics and weapons. Once police searched the plane they discovered 41 bags of marijuana, 6 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 2 9mm pistols, a .40 caliber pistol, as well as ammunition.

While police were searching the plane, Juice WRLD went into cardiac arrest. Higgins’s girlfriend, Ally Lotti, admitted to the police that he takes a lot of Percocet and has a drug problem. An attempt to save his life was made when police administered Narcan to try and reverse the effects of his overdose. He did temporarily wake up but was later pronounced dead after taken to the hospital.

Was Juice WRLD Addicted to Pain Pills?

What Was the Cause of Juice WRLD’s Death?

The official cause of death from the Medical Examiner’s office was the result of oxycodone and codeine toxicity overdose. It is said that Juice WRLD took a large number of drugs in an attempt to hide them from the police, but it tragically took his life in the process.

While his music career was quickly taking off as a rock/rap fusion artist, he was also suffering from substance abuse. His drug use started at a young age with codeine as a young sixth grader and graduating to Percocet pain pills when he was just 14 years old. The lyrics in his music often showed an insight into his battle with drugs like pain pills and his addiction to them. He often talked about his Percocet, Xanax, Codeine, and Klonopin use in his songs.

Juice WRLD Rapped About His Struggle With Opioid Pain Pill Abuse

His songs like “Lucid Dreams, “Lean Wit Me”, and “Legends” shed a lot of light on his substance abuse and addiction. Juice WRLD knew that he had a problem with pain pills and other drugs. Unfortunately, like so many others who struggle with addiction, it can take multiple attempts to get sober even when you know how much it has taken over your life. In his case, his addiction caught up to him and ended his life before he ever got the chance to seek real treatment. He often talked about going to detox, getting himself healthy, and his desire to stop for his girlfriend, family, fans, and himself. He wanted to be the best person he could, but the hold that pain pills had on him was greater.

Juice WRLD Was Addicted to Oxycodone in Percocets

The drug Oxycodone, or Percocet, is what contributed the most to his overdose death. It is a highly addictive drug and contributes largely to the opioid epidemic currently sweeping through our country.  Oxycodone is generally prescribed for moderate to severe pain, but like so many, Juice WRLD abused it for its euphoric high that gives a wave of relaxation and happiness. When too much Oxycodone is taken at once, the body is unable to process it all. This causes low blood pressure, seizures, difficulty breathing, coma, and finally death. Oxycodone, and another pain pill, addiction is a serious and deadly issue and treatment should be sought as soon as possible.

Addiction Does Not Discriminate – Time to Get Help

Juice WRLD’s career was just taking off when his life ended. This is a perfect example that anyone can be afflicted with a substance abuse problem, even those with money, fame, and a bright future ahead of them. Addiction knows no boundaries and doesn’t discriminate. It is never too early to seek treatment for drug addiction, in fact, the earlier the better. You do not have to let drugs like pain pills take away your entire life before you choose to make a change. We at Recreate Life Counseling are here to help you or a loved one who may suffer from addiction.

Published on: 2021-04-16
Updated on: 2024-09-13

Mixing Modafinil With Adderall

Adderall is a brand name for two combined drugs, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is a prescription stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD). It helps to increase your capacity to pay attention, stay focused, improve listening skills, and also control behavior problems in more problematic cases. In some instances, it is also used to treat sleeping disorders like narcolepsy to help them stay awake throughout the day.

Modafinil is better known as its brand name, Provigil is a drug that promotes wakefulness and alertness. This drug is used to treat sleep disorders such as excessive sleepiness. This can include disorders like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and even for those who have difficulty maintaining a normal sleep routine. It does not cure these conditions but it does help people to stay awake when they have a sleep disorder.

Mixing these Two Drugs Together

Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Modafinil

Mixing Modafinil and Adderall is something that is very commonly asked by people because they believe that doubling up on these two drugs will improve their ability to perform at a high level. The idea behind this is that if both are used together, you will get double the amount of benefits. This is most certainly not the case and there can be serious risks to taking Modafinil and Adderall together.

While Modafinil is not a true stimulant like Adderall, it acts very similar in many different ways and can be a risk when taken alongside Adderall. When the two are combined, it can cause over-stimulation and also increase the side effects of one or both drugs. As an example, you are more likely to feel anxious, nauseous, and get a headache when these two are taken together. It is never a good idea to mix these two drugs, especially when just one of them can be dangerous and addicting enough.

More About Modafinil and Adderall

Once a person has resorted to mixing these two drugs to get a better high, it is not long before addiction will set in. Once someone has become addicted to Modafinil, Adderall, or both, stopping is likely very hard to do on their own as it will lead to withdrawal. This is the body’s reaction when something it became used to functioning with suddenly gets taken away. Withdrawal for these two drugs are similar and can include things like intense cravings, depression, anxiety, irritability and agitation, extreme fatigue, insomnia or long periods of sleep, and brain fog.

When someone decides to stop using these drugs, they may think that quitting cold turkey is the right answer, but this is not recommended. These are powerful drugs that are very hard to stop and stay off of. Participating in detox treatment is important to stay clean long term because it has been proven to be effective. After detox treatment has been completed, the person needs to go to a treatment center for additional treatment. It is important to address both sides of the addiction to ensure longevity by treating both the physical and psychological aspects so that recovery is successful.

Treatment for Stimulant Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one has an Adderall and Modafinil dependency or addiction, you can utilize one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling. We offer many different treatment programs to meet your specific needs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society.

Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and addiction professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it.

Published on: 2021-02-10
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome from Suboxone

There are two main phases of drug and alcohol withdrawal – acute and post-acute withdrawal. Post-acute withdrawal is the second phase of drug and/or alcohol withdrawal, and it typically consists of mild and irritating or disruptive symptoms – not potentially dangerous symptoms, as one might experience during acute withdrawal.

The symptoms associated with acute withdrawal can be severe, and they must be treated accordingly in a drug and alcohol detoxification program. These symptoms typically resolve within one to two weeks, and once a client is deemed physically stabilized he or she transfers directly into an inpatient treatment center. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience symptoms of post-acute withdrawal while they are in inpatient treatment. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be extremely disruptive and can hinder the recovery process. For this reason, post-acute withdrawal symptoms must be thoroughly and adequately treated.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome from Suboxone

What is Suboxone Used For?

Suboxone, a medication that is often used to treat the symptoms associated with severe opioid addiction, can be extremely habit-forming in and of itself. The post-acute withdrawal symptoms associated with Suboxone can be extremely severe and long-lasting. These symptoms will vary depending on the person, the dose of Suboxone that was being abused, and the presence of any pre-existing mental health conditions (along with several additional factors).

Suboxone and Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

At Recreate Life Counseling, we pay special attention to symptoms associated with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) involving Suboxone and treat them as soon as they arise. We understand that a common symptom of PAWS can negatively affect the ability to stay sober long-term. The most common symptoms include:

  • Irritability and agitation
  • Severe mood swings
  • An inability to concentrate
  • A lack of motivation to complete daily tasks
  • An inability to fulfill personal responsibilities
  • Tiredness, fatigue, and inexplicable physical exhaustion
  • Sleep-related issues
  • Depending on the substance, gastrointestinal issues (like chronic constipation)
  • Lack of a sex drive
  • A lack of enthusiasm regarding activities that were previously enjoyed
  • Mild depression
  • Mild anxiety

More About Suboxone and PAWS

At Recreate Life Counseling, we treat the symptoms of Suboxone-related PAWS as soon as they arise. We understand the negative impacts that these symptoms can have on the recovery process when they are not adequately treated, therefore we prioritize providing the medical and psychological care necessary. If you have been abusing Suboxone either on its own or along with another chemical substance, we are available to help.

Opioid Treatment at Recreate Life Counseling 

Recreate Life Counseling offers comprehensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization services in Boynton Beach, Florida. Our recovery program is located in the heart of Southern Florida, an area that has long-since been considered the “recovery capital” of the country. This is not only because of the sunny, relaxing, and coastal location lends itself to long-term healing, but because there are innumerable recovery-related resources available throughout this specific region.

If you have been suffering at the hands of an opioid addiction of any type or severity, we are available to help. Simply give us a call and our admissions counselors will set to work developing a viable intake plan. We understand that choosing the right treatment center can be an overwhelming process, and for this reason, we are available to assist you every single step of the way. As soon as you decide to reach out, we will conduct a no-obligation insurance benefits check to determine how much of your treatment experience is covered by your current provider.

Dealing with the financial component of clinical care can be stressful – for this reason, we work with many major regional and national providers to ensure that the highest level of addiction treatment is easily accessible to all those who need it. To learn more, give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you more and answering any additional questions you might have.

FAQ

  • How does anesthesia assisted detox return receptors to PRE-dependence state?

Published on: 2020-11-10
Updated on: 2025-02-15

What is the Most Euphoric Benzodiazepine?

TL;DR – Ativan is the most is the most euphoric Benzodiazepine.

Benzodiazepines are a drug that belongs to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. They work on the central nervous system by enhancing the effects of a receptor called GABA. Benzodiazepines attach themselves to these GABA receptors which in turn slows down nerve stimulation and produces a calming effect. Benzos affect areas of the brain that are responsible for memory, sleep, emotions, rational thought, and some breathing functions too.

Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders, or epilepsy. Some of the effects on Benzos can be reduced anxiety, sedation, and muscle relaxation.

Benzo

Types of Benzodiazepines Available

Benzodiazepines are classified into three different categories based on their half-life: short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. To determine a Benzodiazepine’s strength, you must consider the drug’s potency and half-life. Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to break down and completely exit the body.

The Benzodiazepines with a shorter half-life are often felt more intensely and take effect more rapidly, which often attracts these drugs to abusers.

High-Potency Benzodiazepines

Short Half-Life

Long Half-Life

Low-Potency Benzodiazepines

Short Half-Life

Long Half-Life

  • Diazepam (Valium)
  • Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
  • Clorazepate (Tranxene)
  • Flurazepam

Lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax) are the most potent Benzodiazepines. Both of these drugs produce a rapid and intense high or euphoria. Another high potency Benzodiazepine, which is not prescribed in the U.S., is flunitrazepam (Rohypnol). Rohypnol has a relatively long half-life and is often used as a date rape drug. This drug is an illicit substance that is sold only on the streets.

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Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction

Benzodiazepine abuse is when an individual takes doses larger and more frequently than prescribed to experience the euphoria it produces. Sometimes abusers will crush the medication so it can be snorted, smoked, or injected.

According to the National Institutes of Health:

BZD misuse and abuse is a growing problem. Approximately 2.3% to 18% of Americans have misused sedatives or tranquilizers for nonmedical use in their lifetime. Nearly 10% of these individuals met the criteria for abuse or dependence. In 2010, there were an estimated 186 000 new BZD abusers. Emergency departments (EDs) have seen a sharp 139% increase in BZD-related visits. Older age and the presence of other drugs were associated with more serious outcomes, including death. The number of admissions to treatment programs for BZD abuse nearly tripled from 1998 to 2008. During this same time, the number of all substance abuse treatment program admissions only increased by 11%. (NIH )

Benzodiazepine abuse can lead to addiction and cause several adverse effects and dangers. Some of these effects can include: dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, motor vehicle accidents, confusion, falls and injuries, vertigo, and birth defects. It has also been linked to suicidal ideation and suicide.

One of the biggest and most dangerous effects of Benzodiazepine addiction is the acute withdrawal that comes with abruptly stopping the medication. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause grand mal seizures, which can be deadly, and delirium tremens. The safest way to detox off of Benzodiazepines is in a medically supervised treatment environment. These facilities can monitor you and give you the appropriate medications to help with the withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling offers evidence-based addiction treatment programs. Our cutting edge addiction treatment will lead you on a road to long-lasting recovery. Our mission is to offer our clients individualized treatment plans to help recreate their lives. You don’t have to suffer any longer, call us today.

FAQ

  • What is the Most Euphoric Benzodiazepine?

Published on: 2020-11-06
Updated on: 2025-02-09

Is Codeine or Tramadol Detox More Painful?

Mixing two opiates is never a good idea, but some users try to take Tramadol and codeine together for a stronger high which is very dangerous. Codeine is a pain medication that is prescribed to treat mind to moderate pain and is also commonly prescribed to be used as a cough suppressant.

Codeine is naturally derived from the poppy plant like other narcotics such as opium and heroin. Codeine is a narcotic opioid analgesic medication. Like other opioids such as hydrocodone or morphine, it binds to the opioid receptors in the brain that are integral is transmitting the sensation of pain throughout the brain and body. Codeine decreases comfort and increases tolerance to pain.

Is Codeine or Tramadol Detox More Painful?

What Are Tramadol and Codeine?

Tramadol, like Codeine, is also an opioid analgesic and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Unlike Codeine, Tramadol is a synthetic opioid and not naturally derived from the poppy plant. This prescription medication comes as in pill form, either extended-release tablet or capsule or immediate release. Tramadol also connects to the opioid receptors in the brain to treat pain.

Dangers of Mixing Tramadol and Codeine

As previously mentioned, opioids and opiates work on the central nervous system’s opioid receptors to block out the sensations of pain on the body. Unfortunately, the opioid system also oversees the body’s reward pathways. This makes opioids like Codeine and Tramadol are highly addictive because it also releases endorphins that cause the body to be “rewarded” when a person gets high on Codeine or Tramadol. Both drugs cause feelings of euphoria, calmness, pleasure, and an overall sense of well being that people can get easily addicted to. Codeine and Tramadol can cause addiction both mentally and physically, making the body and the mind both crave the drug.

Detox and withdrawal from an opioid or opiate are going to be painful, especially when abuse and addiction come into the mix. Codeine and Tramadol are no exception. Common detox symptoms for both of these opioid drugs include:

  • Sweating
  • Muscle and body aches
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Stomach pain and cramps
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Mental fog
  • Depression
  • Drug cravings

What Does Opioid Detox Feel Like?

While the experiences of detox may vary from person to person, Tramadol is a slightly stronger opioid medication, so the detox from this drug is likely to be more painful. Tramadol is also something that is being abused more today. From 2005 and 2011, the amount of tramadol related emergency visits increased by about 250%.

Whether you are taking Tramadol as prescribed or if you are abusing it, detox from this drug is likely to occur. Detox from this drug can be similar to having the flu. The first withdrawal symptoms will begin within hours after the last dose has left the person’s body or if the dose has been reduced. Symptoms can last for several weeks. Certain factors determine the intensity and duration of detox including

  • How often you have been using the drug
  • How long you have been using it
  • How much you take at a time
  • If you mix different drugs
  • Any underlying mental health conditions
  • Your personal medical history
  • Your age
  • Your gender

Opioid Addiction Rehab Program

Detoxing from drugs on your own is very risky no matter what the drug is. Medically assisted detox becomes necessary when a person becomes physically, mentally, and emotionally dependent upon a drug. It involves a supervised detox process where medical professionals and doctors create a personalized detox program specifically for you and monitor you to help ease the side effects to a minimum while your withdrawal from the drugs.

Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off of your drug of choice is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling. Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world. If you want the help then we are here to assist you in any way we can.

Published on: 2020-11-04
Updated on: 2024-07-08

How Long Are Benzos Detected in Urine?

Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, like Xanax and Valium are central nervous system depressants that are used to treat things such as anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, and used as a muscle relaxant. Benzos act on specific receptors called gamma-aminobutyric acid- A, or GABA – A, receptors. They work by attaching to these GABA – A receptors and make the nerves in the brain less sensitive to outside stimulation.

How Long Are Benzos Detected in Urine?

How Does a Urine Test Work for Benzodiazepines

A positive urine test for benzodiazepines will show up as early 2 hours after a person has taken the drug. The length of time a Benzodiazepine will stay in your system is dependent upon the type of benzo you take. Long-acting benzos like Valium can stay in your urine for up to 10 days. Intermediate-acting benzos like Xanax, Ativan, Restoril, Klonopin, and Rohypnol can show up in your urine for up to 5 days. Short-acting such as Halcion and Dalmane only show up in your urine for up to 2 days.

Taking a urine test with urinalysis is the most common way to check for benzodiazepines. The amount of hydration does affect a urine test. Higher fluid intake can dilute the drugs in your system and even create a result that is a false negative.

How Long Do Benzos Stay in Your System?

A person’s metabolism also affects the outcome of a urine test. Every person’s metabolism rate is different and can vary depending on their age, gender, ethnicity, and whether the person has a liver or kidney problem. A person who has a slower metabolism means they metabolize the drug slower and it will take a longer time to leave the body. People with a faster metabolism break down the drug much quicker. Other factors also play a part in how long benzos that in a person’s urine such as:

  • Body mass
  • Duration of use
  • Amount used
  • Urine’s pH
  • The properties of the drug

Multiple other tests can be done to detect benzodiazepines in a person’s system. Blood tests are more invasive than urine tests, however, blood tests have a shorter window of time that a urine test. A hair test can also be done. Drugs accumulate in the outgrowths of a person’s hair follicles. Saliva tests can detect drugs like Xanax up to 3 days after ingestion. Saliva tests have a longer window than blood tests but shorter than urine tests.

Long-term misuse of benzodiazepines will lead to dependency and addiction. After someone has become dependent on this drug, and the drug is removed from the body, the brain will severely struggle to restore its normal balance. This results in a very uncomfortable and even dangerous withdrawal process. Withdrawal symptoms can occur after as little as 1 month of use. The severity of withdrawal relies on a range of variants.

Treatment for Benzo Addiction

If you or someone you love is ready to take the necessary steps to get sober, the best way to start is with a medically assisted detox process. Due to the brains rewiring after prolonged use, withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense. Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off Benzodiazepines is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling.

Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it.

FAQ

  • How long does Xanax stay in your system?

Published on: 2020-10-07
Updated on: 2024-04-18

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