Category: Mental Health

Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

What Drugs Did Lil Peep Overdose On?

Substance abuse has always been a major player when it comes to rap music and rap culture. There are very few rap artists who have never written and rapped about their struggles with substance abuse, or about the role that chemical substances play in their lives. While many rap artists romanticize drug misuse, some portray drug addiction in a realistic light. Eminem, for example, has openly rapped about his struggles with addiction and his subsequent recovery.

What Drugs Did Lil Peep Overdose On?

Did Drug Abuse Cause Lil Peep’s Death?

Not all rap artists can overcome addiction, however – Lil Peep, for example, lost his battle with drug addiction in 2017. The young musician was born in Pennsylvania in 1996, and he was raised in New York, which is where he first began releasing music. He quickly moved from SoundCloud (a free platform) to performing in clubs, and soon he had gained rampant popularity for his unique style of rap-rock.

Like many other people across the country who struggle with addiction, Lil Peep simultaneously struggled with mental illness. He was diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder at a young age, his mental illnesses undeniably played into his substance use. Most people know that Lil Peep passed away at a young age, whether or not they are fans. However, not many people know what drugs he overdosed on.

What Drugs Did Lil Peep Overdose On?

Lil Peep was on tour in Arizona when he experienced a fatal drug-related overdose. Before his death, he had posted about drug use on several social media outlets, letting his fans know that he was taking prescription medication (specifically Xanax), cannabis concentrate, and cocaine. He alluded to the fact that he took psilocybin mushrooms as well (magic mushrooms).

His manager found him unresponsive on his tour bus, and even though he called emergency first responders immediately Lil Peep was later pronounced dead at the scene. The toxicology report concluded that the young rap artist had a combination of chemical substances present in his system at the time of death.

The actual cause of death, however (the drugs that lead to his overdose), was a combination of Xanax and fentanyl. Fentanyl is a notoriously deadly synthetic opioid, one that is between 50 and 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl has been solely responsible for the deaths of many well-loved musicians and celebrities. However, combining fentanyl with a benzodiazepine like Xanax is far more dangerous, and more often than not doing so results in overdose or overdose-related death.

What are the Numbers and Statistics About Overdoes in America?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a study conducted in 2019 found that 16 percent of all overdose deaths that involved opioid narcotics also involved benzodiazepines. Every day, an average of 136 Americans over the age of 12 lose their lives to accidental opioid overdose. Rates of opioid abuse are higher among men and women who struggle with underlying mental health conditions – just like Lil Peep.

The good news, however, is that recovery is always possible. If you or someone you love has been struggling with an opioid abuse disorder of any type or severity, you must seek professional help immediately to prevent overdose. Call Recreate Life Counseling today to learn more about how to get started with a program of recovery.

Recreate Life Counseling and Drug Addiction Recovery

At Recreate Life Counseling we offer age and gender-specific treatment options for people of all ages and walks of life who are struggling with drug addiction and who might be at risk of overdose. Our main priority is ensuring that all of our clients leave our treatment program with the tools they need to stay sober long-term. To learn more about our comprehensive drug addiction treatment program, call us at any point in time – we are standing by to help in any way that we can.

Published on: 2021-05-28
Updated on: 2025-03-04

Flushed Face Because of Codeine Abuse

Codeine is a narcotic painkiller that is generally used to treat mild or moderate pain. It is also frequently used as a cough suppressant, and combined with other chemical substances like acetaminophen – an over-the-counter fever reducer. Codeine is more commonly used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold than it is to treat pain. However, it can be very effective as a short-term solution for mild pain related issues that are going to subside in a short period (like a common toothache or pain related to a somewhat invasive surgical procedure, for example). When codeine is taken in a cough syrup form, it is taken every 4 to 6 hours or as needed – taking more than the recommended dose can result in a host of serious side effects, including physical and psychological dependence.

All opioid narcotics – including codeine – can be habit-forming when they are taken other than as recommended or prescribed. If you or someone close to you has been struggling with codeine abuse or addiction, there is help available. To learn more about the steps you need to take to get and stay sober long-term, reach out to Recreate Life Counseling today.

Flushed Face Because of Codeine Abuse

Symptoms of Codeine Abuse and Addiction 

There are many symptoms associated with opiate abuse and addiction, and several symptoms that are relatively unique to codeine abuse. These codeine addiction symptoms can include the following:

  • New or worsening psychological symptoms, including anxiety or depression
  • Irritability and agitation
  • Severe mood swings
  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • A noticeably disrupted sleep schedule, usually marked by sleeping more than is normal
  • a harshly decreased appetite, which often leads to noticeable weight loss
  • Severe stomach cramping or stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chronic constipation
  • Slow to breathing and respiratory depression
  • Blurred vision
  • Severely itchy skin
  • Cold and clammy hands and feet
  • A low-grade fever and a flushed face

While there are many symptoms unique to codeine abuse and addiction, having a flushed face is one of the more prevalent. If you are someone you know has a constantly flushed face, it could be a telltale indication of a codeine abuse disorder.

Does Codeine Cause a Flushed Face?

Why does codeine abuse cause the face to flush and appear hot, red, and irritated? Some individuals experience a unique biological response when taking opioid-based narcotics of any kind. Their systems release an abnormal amount of histamine in response to opioid use, which causes the skin to flush and break out in red, itchy bumps. it is not uncommon for men and women to experience hot and flushed skin even when taking codeine exactly as prescribed by a medical professional. If you do experience face flushing of any severity, however, you must reach out to your healthcare provider immediately and explain your symptoms in detail. This could be a symptom related to a more serious reaction, and it should never be ignored.

Recreate Life Counseling and Codeine Addiction Recovery 

At Recreate Life Counseling we have extensive experience treating men and women of all ages who have been suffering at the hands of a codeine abuse disorder of any severity. We understand how difficult it can be to come to terms with the fact that you have been misusing a prescription that was originally given to you by a trusted medical professional – or that you have developed a physical and psychological dependence over time, even if you have been taking codeine exactly as instructed.

However, there is never any shame in seeking professional help when it comes to opioid addiction – especially because addiction is a progressive and chronic disease, one characterized by symptoms that will only get worse over time if left untreated. If you would like to begin your journey of physical, emotional, and mental healing, reach out to us today for more information.

Published on: 2021-01-22
Updated on: 2024-07-08

What Happens When You Inject Meth?

Methamphetamine or “Meth” for short is a very addictive and powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system and produces an intense and powerful euphoria in its users. It is a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting powder that dissolves easily in water or alcohol. Meth is also called ice, blue, or crystal.

Methamphetamine was developed from its parent drug amphetamine and was originally used in inhalers and nasal decongestants. The National Institute on Drug Abuse discusses methamphetamine and what it does:

Like amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria. However, methamphetamine differs from amphetamine in that, at comparable doses, much greater amounts of the drug get into the brain, making it a more potent stimulant. It also has longer-lasting and more harmful effects on the central nervous system. These characteristics make it a drug with high potential for widespread misuse. (NIH )

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant that is rarely prescribed legally. Medically, it is sometimes indicated for the treatment of ADHD and as a short-term weight-loss aid, but it is more widely used as an illicit substance.

What Happens When You Inject Meth?

Injecting Meth and The Dangers

Meth” can be ingested by either oral consumption, snorting, smoking, or injecting it. Injecting meth, shooting up, or “slamming” is the most dangerous way to ingest the substance. Shooting meth produces a quicker and more intense high than ingesting it any other way. Users will feel the effects usually within 30 seconds of injecting it. This intense rush produces a euphoric high for several minutes. After the initial rush, the energy-based high will last up to eight hours from adrenaline rushing through the body.

Why Injecting Meth Is Very Dangerous

When an individual shoots meth, the effects are felt immediately and are very intense. This intense euphoric high increases the likelihood of an addiction developing. It also increases the user’s tolerance meaning that they will have to continue to take more and more of the substance to experience the same high. Continuously increasing the amounts of meth will cause damage to their bodies and minds to get worse and worse, and the individual is at more risk of experiencing an overdose or fatal overdose.

Injecting any substance puts the user at risk of developing communicable diseases and blood infections because it is very common for users to share needles. Shooting meth can also cause damage to the veins including scarring and vein collapse. The chemicals found in meth will cause inflammation and burning in the veins, and users are also at high risk of developing abscesses.

Side Effects of Injecting Methamphetamine

Injecting meth can also have detrimental legal, financial, and social consequences, but the mental health issues it causes are the most devastating. Meth causes very serious mental health damage. An individual will often start using meth as an escape from untreated depression and anxiety, and it greatly worsens the severity of both. Meth drains the production of dopamine in an individual’s brain.

This causes severe depression after the high has worn off. There are also several long-term mental issues that meth use can cause. Memory loss, suicidal thoughts, mood and personality changes, hallucinations, loss of the ability to feel pleasure, violent and aggressive behaviors are just some of the long-term mental effects.

Shooting meth can also cause several long-term medical issues. Some of the long-term medical effects of meth use can include:

  • Nerve damage
  • Seizures
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Jaw clenching
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Paranoia
  • Heart problems
  • Skin infections
  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Stroke
  • Withdrawal

Using meth in any form is dangerous, however, injecting the drug can quickly have devastating effects on its user. Methamphetamine use and abuse have become increasingly popular in this country, and people are becoming addicted and suffering vastly from its effects. Methamphetamine addiction is not easy to recover from, but it can be done.

Treatment for Meth 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. Our cutting edge addiction treatment will lead you on a road to long-lasting recovery. You don’t have to suffer any longer. Call us today.

Published on: 2020-12-07
Updated on: 2024-05-13

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

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

Does CBD Help Relieve Opioid Withdrawal?

Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat mild to severe pain. Opioid withdrawal is a dangerous condition resulting from opioid addiction or dependence. The National Institutes of Health define opioid withdrawal as:

Opioid withdrawal occurs when a patient who is dependent on opioids suddenly reduces or stops taking opioids. It can also be caused when a patient has an opioid in his/her system and is given an opioid partial agonist like buprenorphine or antagonists like naloxone or naltrexone. The etiology of opioid withdrawal is complex.

Opioid withdrawal is very uncomfortable and a lot of addicts will tell you that they have stayed sick or continued to use opioids strictly out of the fear of the debilitating withdrawal symptoms that come with opioid addiction.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

There are four stages of withdrawal: anticipatory, early acute, fully-developed acute, and PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome). Some of the symptoms of early opioid withdrawal (early acute) can include:

● Anxiety
● Insomnia
● Agitation
● Muscle aches
● Runny nose
● Sweating
● Yawning
● Increased tearing

Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can typically start about 24 hours after an individual’s last use, but that time can vary depending on which opioid the person was dependent on. Some of the symptoms of late opioid withdrawal (fully-developed acute) can include:

● Vomiting
● Nausea
● Abdominal cramping
● Diarrhea
● Goosebumps
● Dilated pupils

Once the physical withdrawal symptoms have subsided the post-acute withdrawal stage (PAWS) starts. PAWS are psychological symptoms of opioid dependence that can persist for up to 24 months after the acute withdrawal phases end.

Does CBD Help Relieve Opioid Withdrawal?

What is CBD And What Is It Used For?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. CBD is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of marijuana (cannabis). CBD is derived from the hemp plant (cousin of the marijuana plant) although it is an essential component of medical marijuana.

CBD does not have the psychoactive properties that THC does, so it does not get you high. There are different kinds of CBD. It comes in different concentrations and is sold in a number of ways. Full-spectrum CBD does contain a small amount of THC in it, but it is less than 03%.

In 2018, a CBD oral solution, Epidiolex, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain rare forms of epilepsy in children under 2. CBD is also believed to influence opioid receptors that regulate pain and also glycine receptors which regulate serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone.

CBD is useful for various mental and physical conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Some of the other conditions that CBD may help with are cancer-related symptoms, epilepsy, depression, drug addiction and withdrawal, glaucoma, muscle spasms, anorexia, Parkinson’s Disease, acne, heart health, and high blood pressure.

Can CBD Help Get Through Opioid Withdrawal?

Although CBD has not been approved for the treatment of opioid withdrawal and dependence, the future looks promising and it may be helpful. Some researchers and users say that CBD can help you or a loved one get through opioid withdrawal if used appropriately.

Based on preclinical research and emerging human research, cannabidiol (CBD; a major constituent of the cannabis plant) is a promising pharmacotherapy for the treatment of opioid withdrawal. Most recently, CBD decreased cue-induced craving and anxiety (two common withdrawal symptoms) among abstinent heroin-dependent individuals relative to placebo. As of June 2018, Epidiolex, an oral formulation of plant-derived pure CBD, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating severe forms of epilepsy and can be prescribed for other off-label indications. Epidiolex has a low side effect and a high safety profile. Given the recent FDA approval of Epidiolex, and a growing interest to develop existing pharmaceuticals to address issues related to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and its recovery, the investigators are proposing a pilot study to examine the safety of Epidiolex in a human laboratory model of clinically relevant withdrawal. The study will be a residential within-subject comparison; methadone-maintained participants will undergo spontaneous withdrawal and receive placebo dosing and active cannabidiol. Data collected for this study will establish: (1) the safety of administering two dosing regimens of Epidiolex within the investigators’ withdrawal paradigm and (2) the feasibility of the investigators’ withdrawal paradigm for demonstrating clinically meaningful increases in withdrawal. (John Hopkins University )

As stated above, CBD is effective at alleviating pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression, which are some of the symptoms that can come with opioid withdrawal. However, CBD has not yet been tested or approved as an official treatment for use with opioid withdrawal or opioid use disorder.

Effective Treatment for Opioid Addiction

If you or someone you love requires help with opioid dependence, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling offers evidence-based addiction treatment. We specialize in individualized treatment programs to get you on the road to a lasting recovery.

Published on: 2020-10-04
Updated on: 2025-03-04

Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal?

Detox, which is also known as detoxification, is the process of expelling drugs from your system. This is the first step in the recovery of nearly all drug and alcohol addictions. It is your body’s ways of cleansing itself from the dangerous substances that are polluting it. Withdrawal is the physical and mental effects that happen to a person when they either lower their intake of a substance or stop taking it altogether.

Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal

How Painful is Opiate Withdrawal?

While the experience will vary from person to person, most people will say that the most painful experience is opiate withdrawal, which includes heroin. Heroin withdrawal can begin as early as a few hours from the last dose and will often feel like a very serious case of the flu, peaking during the second or third day. The symptoms can last even up to a couple of weeks. Common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea
  • Cold sweats
  • Anxiety
  • Crawling skin
  • Body cramping
  • Muscle aches

Even after the initial withdrawal symptoms from detoxing wears off, Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is very common with heroin addiction. PAWS can last for up to 24 months after drug use has stopped and includes symptoms like poor sleep and concentration, heightened anxiety, panic attacks, depression, mood swings, restlessness, and even memory loss.

How Painful is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

This does not mean that benzodiazepine withdrawal and detox is less important or painful if the circumstances are different. Benzo withdrawal also comes with a list of symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, muscle discomfort, sweating, cravings, and tremors. In more severe cases, a person can even experience hallucinations and seizures. The big difference between benzos and heroin is that benzos have a shorter half-life. This means the length of time the substance stays in the body after consumption ultimately resulting in a shorter withdrawal timeline.

Withdrawal is Different from Person to Person

While it is said that withdrawal from heroin is more painful than detox from benzodiazepines, all withdrawal and detox from a drug are different from person to person and different factors go into what each person will go through. These factors include:

  • 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

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. We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs.

Treatment for Drug Addiction

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.

FAQ

  • Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal?

Published on: 2020-08-25
Updated on: 2024-12-23

What Does Ativan Feel Like?

Ativan is a benzodiazepine that relieves feelings of anxiety but also can lead to addiction and dependence. Getting off Ativan safely after abusing it for a long period is not recommended and requires a medical detox.

The National Institute of Health, NIH , describes Ativan also known as Lorazepam as an anxiolytic. It has a chemical formula of 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one. It is a practical water-soluble and virtually white powder. These orally ingested tablets have 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of lorazepam. Lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and polacrilin potassium are the dormant elements present.

With no significant impact on the respiratory or cardiovascular systems, solo elevated quantities of Ativan have a tranquilizing action on the central nervous system. With an indisputable bioavailability of 90 percent, Ativan is instantly absorbed.

Within 2 hours of being consumed the highest amounts of intensity take place in the plasma. That high amount of intensity from a 2mg dose of Ativan in plasma is about 20 ng/mL. 12 hours is the average half-life of unconjugated Ativan in plasma and is 18 hours approximately for its foremost metabolite, lorazepam glucuronide. Studies show that its effects can last about 20% longer if injected with no regard to the age of the subject.

Ativan

How Does it Feel to Use Ativan?

The indicated use of Ativan is meant to combat anxiety disorders that stem from depression and short-term relief from the symptoms of anxiety associated symptoms. The stress or anxiety from a regular daily routine is not to be treated with an anxiolytic such as Ativan. Short-term relief is under 4 months of use. When a patient using Ativan consumes it as prescribed under the close supervision of a physician, they will not be feeling high as the drug directly serves one purpose and that is to balance out the previously unbalanced nervous system.

When comparing the high of Ativan, it can be directly correlated to that of Xanax as they are both used to treat anxiety, though Ativan leaves the central nervous system more quickly. If a person takes a high dose and is not suffering from some form of anxiety or depression stemming from anxiety this subject can get the euphoric sensations to peak within 30-60 minutes of using. That high can last between 5-8 hours where the subject will experience feelings of an amplified sedation effect.

Is Ativan Addictive?

Though Ativan is not a narcotic it can have the same adverse effects which can cause addiction and chemical dependency. When taken over long periods it can cause mental health troubles and cognitive issues. When abused the person will begin to risk issues of memory the ability to speak properly. It has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The reason its maximum prescription term is 4 months is due to its extremely addictive properties.

Someone that has used Ativan longer than the 4 months it’s supposed to be used can expect liver damage. The enzymes in the liver will increase causing it to inflame and in turn damage the tissue of the liver. Once jaundice begins the eyes and skin frequently begin to turn a yellowish color. When you stop using Ativan after a long period, painful withdrawal symptoms can develop that often last weeks.

How Can Recreate Life Counseling Help You?

Recreate Life Counseling is a drug and alcohol rehab center that is prepared to help with Ativan addiction. We take delight in our personalized treatment programs that are tailored to meet the needs of men, women, and families affected by addiction. Our Delray Beach or Boynton Beach, Florida locations, offer partial hospitalization which is a day and night treatment with community housing and we also offer intensive outpatient therapy. It is our purpose to bind the client’s support to rebuild their natural life.

We are dedicated to assisting the habituated individual start off and continue in the recovery route. We will construct a treatment schedule in a way that is beneficial to the vision you or your loved one has for a dependency-free life. Neither you nor a loved one must be addicted to Ativan. Call now to speak with one of our experts or come in for a tour.

Published on: 2020-05-13
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Benefits of a Service Pet for Recovering Addicts

Staying sober is harder than getting sober. This statement is something that most addicts and treatment professionals agree on. Detox and quitting their drug of choice is extremely difficult and dangerous as physical withdrawals can last from days to weeks to months. Once the initial detox is over, the question then is, what next? The goal is to not relapse and to ultimately create a life that you don’t want to let go of.

To obtain long term sobriety, the addict must address and heal the mental and emotional causes of their substance abuse. Many addicts suffer from a mental illness and their substance abuse is a form of self-medication. Anxiety, social isolation, depression, loneliness, and suicidal ideation are all effects of mental illness. When not addressed during recovery, the chance of relapse multiplies. Depending on how long they have been self-medicating as a way to avoid their feelings, the addict will have no idea how to move forward and tackle emotions and fears daily.

Benefits of a Service Pet for Recovering Addicts

How can a Service Pet Help You in Recovery?

Service dogs are a proven way to help the addict recover and stay sober. Psychiatric service dogs are trained to help those with mental health disorders or disabilities and are trained specifically to meet the individual’s needs based on their mental illness as well as the severity of the disorder. If there is not a specified mental health disorder, the recovering addict can still be helped by the companionship of a service pet because they help relieve anxiety and lessen symptoms of depression. Some of the many benefits include: reducing negative emotions, coping mechanisms for stress, mood boosters, encouraging responsibility and healthy habits in daily life.

Addicts can be prone to a negative mindset, which hinders their recovery and causes anxiety, shame, guilt, and loneliness. The unconditional love of a service pet can soothe the addict and reduce their feelings of isolation. This encourages a more positive outlook on their life and environment and the addict will begin to develop healthy daily habits and hobbies. Addicts are encouraged to develop interests in healthy activities that will take them outside of their minds. As we all know, the mind can be our own worst enemy, and service dogs can help change the addict’s mindset. Taking care of a service dog requires grooming, bathing, playing with, feeding, and walking their pet. This allows the addict to think of positive ways to plan out their day because they have someone else to care for.

Get into Good Habits to Erase the Bad Ones

Caring for their service pet can also create positive reinforcement for the addict and they will see the benefits of positive daily habits. The addict will see that if they care for their pet each day, the pet stays happy and healthy. The addict, in turn, sees it is possible to take care of themselves and maintain their health and happiness, and therefore their sobriety.

Social isolation is much less of a choice when the addict has a pet to care for. Service dogs require daily walks, during which the addict might be “forced” to stop and engage in simple conversations. Having a scheduled activity that they are responsible for will, in turn, get the addict to wake up, shower, get dressed, make their bed, and put food out for their pet. In doing these little things for someone else, the addict will start developing a routine and begin caring for themselves as well. All of these are steps that can either help in pulling a person out of depression or keep it at bay.

The simple fact that the addict now has someone to love and that depends on them to stay alive can keep the addict motivated to make better choices and avoid relapse. Many addicts have low self-worth and self-esteem. They might think of themselves as unloved or unlovable. A cat that playfully runs around and paws at you or a dog that barks loudly and jumps up and down when you enter a room is unconditional love. This is a feeling that the addict has been chasing their whole lives and they will be motivated to stay sober.
Service pets can also increase an addict’s sense of trust and loyalty.

Addicts can have experiences that have caused them to become distrusting of the world. Animals are known for their loyalty and of course, they cannot be dishonest! A service pet can change this outlook for the addict and allow them to start having faith in others, but in a safe way. This is part of one of the most beneficial factors of working with a service pet – PTSD symptoms. Their calming and soothing effect on people – just the rhythm of their breathing or cuddling with their soft fur – can bring peace. The combination of this peaceful presence with the security that a dog, for example, can bring, is a great way to heal from PTSD.

Recreate Life Counseling is Here to Help

Recreate Life Counseling in Boynton Beach is an outpatient treatment center that teaches the addict how to achieve, maintains, and enjoy a new way of life in long term recovery. We offer a PHP program of Day / Night Treatment with Community Housing. We engage the addict in therapy and activities that will teach life skills and behaviors to prevent relapse. It is so important to one’s sobriety to have the ability to care for yourself and someone else, and our staff teaches the addict how to do this in a healthy and safe environment. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, please reach out and a Recreate Life Counseling staff member will be happy to help you begin your new life in recovery.

Published on: 2020-03-21
Updated on: 2024-10-28

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At Recreate Life Counseling, we understand that the journey to recovery can be daunting without the proper support. We're here to listen, understand your challenges, and offer personalized guidance as you consider a life free from the grips of addiction and/or mental health conditions. Our admissions team is ready to assist you, whether you're looking for treatment, need advice, or simply want someone to talk to!

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