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It is important to pay special attention to symptoms associated with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) involving Suboxone and treat them as soon as they arise.
Sober living houses (SLHs), also called sober homes and sober living environments, are facilities that provide safe housing and supportive, structured living conditions for people exiting drug rehabilitation programs.
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.
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?
Anesthesia-assisted detoxification (AAD) is a medical procedure used in the treatment of opioid dependence. It involves the use of anesthesia to induce a state of sedation or unconsciousness during the acute withdrawal phase, allowing individuals to bypass the intense discomfort typically associated with opioid withdrawal.
It’s important to note that AAD itself does not directly return receptors to a pre-dependence state. Opioid receptors in the brain are affected by chronic opioid use, leading to changes in receptor activity, neurotransmitter release, and the overall functioning of the brain’s reward system. These changes contribute to the development of dependence and addiction.
During AAD, anesthesia is used to manage the acute withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and distressing. By providing sedation or unconsciousness, AAD aims to make the withdrawal process more tolerable and help individuals safely transition through the acute withdrawal phase.
After the AAD procedure, individuals may still have residual opioids in their system, and their receptors may not be fully returned to a pre-dependence state. The process of restoring the brain’s normal functioning and receptor activity takes time and can vary from person to person. Additional treatment, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or counseling, may be necessary to support ongoing recovery, address cravings, and facilitate the healing process.
It’s important to note that AAD is only one component of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid dependence. Behavioral therapies, counseling, social support, and other evidence-based interventions are typically recommended to address the underlying factors contributing to addiction and support long-term recovery. A healthcare professional experienced in addiction medicine can provide personalized guidance and develop a treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
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 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?
Xanax is detectible in a Blood test for 1 day after use, 1 month in a hair test, 2.5 days using Saliva tests, and up to 4 days (up to a week for heavy users) using Urine tests.
While it may not be groundbreaking news today, addiction and alcoholism are not a choice, but deciding whether you want to get clean and sober or not is a choice. The diseases of alcoholism and addiction can both be remedied by working a program of recovery such as Alcoholics Anonymous, which is where the 12 steps and the 12 traditions originate. Before we talk about the 12 steps and 12 traditions, it is important to talk about where they come from.
Alcoholics Anonymous is the group that created the concept of the 12 steps. Its concepts of recovery and sobriety have been essential in changing the conversations surrounding addiction since it was created about 80 years ago. Alcoholics Anonymous was created to help those who are struggling with a drinking problem that is destroying their lives. It works on the premise that alcohol is an illness that can be managed like any other chronic illness.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) give those struggling and also recovering a place to come together with other people dealing with the same things and it also provides a set of guidelines, also known as the 12 steps that are meant to act as a guide of recovery and everyday life. These 12 steps and the concepts were adapted into other recovery-based organizations such as CA, Cocaine Anonymous, and NA, Narcotics Anonymous.
What Is The Difference Between 12 Steps and 12 Traditions
The difference between the 12 steps and the 12 traditions is not that big these two things are intertwined with each other. The 12 steps are the guidelines by which to get sober and recover. The 12 traditions act as the principles behind the steps and are meant to keep people focused on the primary purpose. Another way to put it is, the 12 steps are meant to keep your life in order and the 12 traditions are meant to keep the support group, AA/CA/etc., in order. They are also meant to ensure the future of the groups. 12 steps equal individual focus while 12 traditions equal group focus.
Studying and practicing the 12 steps in recovery and everyday life is essential to personal growth. The principles behind these steps are universal and adaptable to more than just recovering from addiction or alcoholism. They can be applied to every aspect of a person’s life.
More About the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions
The 12 traditions act as guidelines for promoting growth and harmony as an organization and fellowship as a whole. Experience, as well as trial and error with perfecting this model, has shown that unity as a whole depends very much on adherence to the traditions.
Research has shown that those who have participated in formal treatment and attended a support group, such as AA, have a much better chance of staying sober than those who do not. The only requirement to get involved in a support group and be successful with the steps is a desire to stop using any mind-altering substances. While the 12 steps and 12 traditions are spiritually based, no one has to feel excluded. There is no exclusion from those who are a different religion, denomination, or organization.
Get the Help You Need
If you or someone you love thinks they have a drinking or a drug problem and want to get help getting sober, you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals here are Recreate Life Counseling is available around the clock for you. We offer many different treatment plans to help you continue in your journey of sobriety. Now is the time to make the change. Let Recreate Life Counseling help you do it!
Many of us went through the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program in middle school or junior high school; a program developed to help promote healthy living and beneficial lifestyle choices. This program was first founded in 1983 and has since served as a useful tool in preventative education when it comes to drug use, alcohol use, gang involvement, and other forms of violence. Still, many of us chalk the program up to a mandatory part of middle school – not something we will need to refer to in our adult lives. The message is simple and straightforward – don’t do drugs.
This may seem like an easy concept to grasp. However, as we get older and we begin experiencing more of life, we might come to find that the tools we learned early on come in handy more often than we initially expected. The truth is that peer pressure is a very real issue, and it is not one that will resolve as soon as you graduate high school. Throughout your entire life – no matter who you are, where you live or what you do – you will be offered chemical substances from time to time. What do you say when someone offers you drugs?
Being Offered Drugs in Addiction Recovery
When someone offers you a chemical substance of any kind, the most important thing to communicate is that you are not interested – not now, not ever. Saying something like, “Not right now,” or, “Maybe later,” could send mixed messages, and it could result in the same person asking you a second time. Here are some examples of firm responses:
No thank you, I’m clean and sober.
I do not do drugs – addiction runs in my family, so I stay away entirely.
I do not do well when I use substances; believe me, you don’t want to see me like that!
Oh, I’ve done my fair share – drugs don’t agree with me. Thanks anyways.
I have struggled with a drug problem in the past, so I completely abstain.
It is important that you immediately set a personal boundary that you will be able to stick to. This is part of relapse prevention, and it is a skill you will learn while you’re inpatient addiction treatment. While in treatment your counselor or therapist will help you figure out viable responses in case you should ever find yourself in a precarious situation. This way you will be prepared for the situation and you will already know exactly how to respond if and when someone offers you a mood or mind-altering substance.
Another important thing to consider is who you are hanging around with. Are you spending a lot of time with people who regularly offer you chemical substances? If so… why? Are you spending time with people who were in recovery with you and who recently relapsed? In early recovery (and throughout the entire recovery process) you should be trying to surround yourself with other like-minded people who have ample recovery under their belts and who take sobriety seriously. You are the company you keep!
Learning to Say “No” When it Comes to Drugs
At Recreate Life Counseling, we teach every one of our clients the tools they will need to stay sober for years to come, including the ability to set and maintain healthy personal boundaries. Learning to say “no” is a crucial part of recovery and doing so is a skill that must be learned. Those who have struggled with drug addiction are prone to saying “yes” to chemical substances – of course, this habit needs to change for long-term recovery to be achieved. To learn more about Recreate Life Counseling, please reach out today with any questions you may have.
FAQ
What are good reasons to say no to drugs?
There are numerous compelling reasons to say no to drugs. Here are some important considerations:
Health and Well-being: Drug use can have severe physical and mental health consequences. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, organ damage, impaired cognitive function, increased risk of accidents and injuries, and a decline in overall well-being. Saying no to drugs helps protect your physical and mental health, allowing you to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Personal Fulfillment: Substance abuse can hinder personal growth and success. Drugs can negatively impact academic or professional performance, relationships, and overall life goals. By saying no to drugs, you prioritize personal development, allowing yourself to reach your full potential and pursue your aspirations.
Legal Consequences: Drug use and possession can lead to legal issues, including criminal charges, fines, and potential incarceration. Getting involved in illegal activities can have long-lasting negative consequences on your record and limit future opportunities.
Financial Impact: Substance abuse can be financially draining. The cost of acquiring drugs can quickly add up, leading to financial instability and difficulty meeting other essential needs. Saying no to drugs helps you avoid the financial burden associated with substance abuse.
Relationships and Social Connections: Drug abuse can strain relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Substance use can lead to conflicts, trust issues, and isolation. By refusing drugs, you prioritize maintaining healthy relationships and fostering positive social connections.
Personal Freedom: Drug addiction can lead to loss of control and dependency. Saying no to drugs allows you to maintain personal autonomy and freedom, preventing substances from dictating your actions and decisions.
Setting a Positive Example: Saying no to drugs sets a positive example for others, especially for children and younger individuals who may look up to you. By making responsible choices, you can inspire others to make healthy decisions as well.
Remember, saying no to drugs is a personal choice that aligns with your well-being and values. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, seeking professional help and support is essential. Reach out to healthcare professionals, addiction specialists, or helplines for guidance and resources.
Valium, also known as Diazepam, is used to treat anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, as well as sedation before medical procedures. It works by calming the nerves and the brain. Valium belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Benzos are central nervous system depressants, and so is alcohol, such as Vodka. These two substances work the same on the brain. So when they are mixed and taken at the same time, this can be very dangerous and can lead to overdose and death. According to SAMHSA:
In 2014, approximately 20.2 million adults aged 18 or older had a past year SUD. Of these adults, 16.3 million had an alcohol use disorder and 6.2 million had an illicit drug use disorder (Figure 1). An estimated 2.3 million adults had both an alcohol use disorder and an illicit drug use disorder in the past year. Of the adults with a past year SUD, 4 out of 5 had an alcohol use disorder, nearly 3 out of 10 had an illicit drug use disorder, and 1 out of 9 had both an alcohol use disorder and an illicit drug use disorder.
Because both vodka and Valium work on the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, they both stimulate similar effects especially when taken in high doses. Both vodka and Valium increase the bioavailability of the drugs so when they are taken together, it increases the risk of an overdose. When you mix them, it increases the potency of both substances.
Side Effects of Mixing Valium and Alcohol
Separately, both Valium and vodka create alarming side effects. When combined, this synergetic effect can be even more dangerous. Common side effects with Valium abuse include:
When vodka and Valium are mixed, there can be plenty of dangerous and unpleasant side effects such as:
Confusion
Dizziness
Disorientation
Sedation
Stumbling
Nausea
Diarrhea
Changes in appetite
Restlessness and/or excitement
Memory problems
Drowsiness
Depression
Decreased mental ability
Loss of motor function
Poor coordination
Loss of consciousness
Is Valium Safe? What About Alcohol?
Valium is considered a relatively safe prescription drug when taken as prescribed. Some people mix Valium with vodka to purposely intensify the effects of the calming effects of each substance. It isn’t always easy to tell when someone is abusing these two substances. If you or someone you love are ready to take the steps to get sober, the best way is, to begin with, a medically assisted detox. The withdrawal symptoms from alcohol like vodka and Valium can be extremely dangerous and painful. These symptoms include muscle pain and cramps, seizures, and even coma, just to name a few. Medically assisted detox is very much recommended to safely get the substances from your system.
Once you’ve detoxed from Vodka and Valium, the best way to remain sober and avoid relapse is the use of one of our many treatment programs offered at Recreate Life Counseling. We offer many different treatment programs so we can ensure that you will find a program that fits best for you. We combine our treatment programs with therapeutic education and guidance to help each patient safely reintegrate into your life.
Overcome Addiction With Drug Treatment
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 Recreate Life Counseling help you do it.
Hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations. These drugs alter the user’s thinking and perception in such a way that they significantly distort one’s reality. Most hallucinogens out there are classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. This means they have no known medicinal uses as far as the law goes and also have a high potential for abuse which includes physical and psychological dependence. Common examples of classic and most widely known hallucinogens include:
LSD
Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin)
Peyote (Mescaline)
DMT
On the other hand, the most common examples of dissociative hallucinogen drugs include:
Hallucinogens have many different short terms and long term side effects as well as adverse effects on the brain. Research into hallucinogens says that classic hallucinogens work by partially interrupting communication between the chemical systems throughout the brain and the spinal cord. Many hallucinogens also interfere with the action of the chemical in the brain called serotonin which regulates things like
Mood
Sensory perception
Hunger
Sleep
Intestinal muscle control
Body temperature
Sexual behavior
Dissociative hallucinogens interfere with the actions of the brain chemical glutamate, which regulates the following:
Pain perception
Emotions
Learning memory
Responses to memory
There are to long-term effects that are commonly associated with the use of hallucinogens. The first is known as Persistent Psychosis, which is a series of continuing mental issues including visual disturbances, disorganized thinking, paranoia, and mood changes. The other is known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder or HPPD. This includes a recurrence of certain drug experiences like hallucinations and other visual disturbances. Flashbacks like these often happen without warning and can persist for more than a year after the use of the drug. These symptoms can sometimes even be mistaken for other problems like a brain tumor or a stroke.
Bad Trips Can Be Dangerous
Another reason not to use hallucinogens is because of something called a “bad trip”. Many different things can increase the probability of having a bad trip, but anyone using hallucinogens is at risk of having this happen. Bad trips can vary a bit from mild to intense and can cause overwhelming and frightening hallucinations and delusions that lead to accidents. These accidents can also occur during a normal trip, however during a bad trip people can develop delusional beliefs that can put them in danger like a person believing they can fly. Delusions such as these are serious and death has happened in these situations. Like previously mentioned, anyone can experience a bad trip, but some things can increase the risk including:
Taking higher doses of the drug
Being in a negative headspace before using and while using the drug
Being somewhere with excessive stimulation
Using depressants like alcohol at the same time
Being by yourself while using the drugs
Not drinking enough water.
As the effects of the hallucinogen begin to wear off there is a range of effects a person will feel. After feeling extremely high up from the drugs for so long, a person will often crash and feel the opposite by feeling extremely down. A person will feel extreme depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and even psychosis.
Get the Help You Need
We offer many different addiction treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. sober from drugs 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 what is ailing you. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it.
Cocaine is an extremely addictive and powerful central nervous system stimulant drug that is derived from coca leaves. In the early 1900s, the purified chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, was isolated from the plant and was used as a main active ingredient in many elixirs and tonics that were used for medical purposes. Today, cocaine is a schedule II drug. This means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. As a street drug, cocaine looks like a white, powdery substance.
Cocaine works by sending high levels of dopamine to the parts of the brain that control pleasure. High levels of dopamine cause high levels of energy and alertness that creates a high feeling. Cocaine has many short-term and long-term side effects on the body.
The long-term and chronic side effects of cocaine abuse include:
Permanent damage to the heart and brain
High blood pressure
Liver, kidney, and lung damage
Destruction to the nasal cavity
Hallucinations
Tooth decay
Extreme exhaustion
Disorientation
Infertility
Irritability and/or mood changes
Psychosis
Severe depression
Malnutrition and weight loss
While weight loss is one of the “side effects” of cocaine abuse, it’s a dangerous health issue and only adds to a list of side effects that severely damage the body over time. It’s not healthy and leads to weight loss that weakens the body. If anyone is contemplating using cocaine as a weight-loss tool, they are playing with fire.
Cocaine and Weight Loss
There is a general association of weight loss with cocaine use due to its appetite suppressing abilities. It has always been thought that cocaine users to eat less because it is an appetite suppressant, but it can actually change the way the body digests food and stores food for later by changing the way the body metabolizes food.
This causes users to become unnaturally thin and malnourished. Oddly enough, a cocaine user’s body will continue to get thinner and thinner even though they tend to eat diets consisting of higher amounts of high-fat and high-calorie foods. Having a severe and speedy dip in weight can wreak havoc on a person’s heart, liver, and kidneys. According to an article posted by NIH:
The cocaine-dependent men in our study reported increased food intake, specifically in foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates, but there was no concomitant increase in body weight. In short, our findings challenge the widely held assumptions that cocaine use leads to weight loss through a global suppression of appetite. Rather, they suggest a profound metabolic alteration that needs to be taken into account if we are to understand fully the deleterious physical consequences of repeated use of this drug.
Eating solid and healthy meals is difficult if you’re using cocaine, and it starts to show on your body rather quickly because you can become malnourished. Once you’re addicted to this dangerous stimulant, it’s important to reach out for professional help.
Overcome Cocaine Addiction
Consequently, when a person gets sober, a user could experience excessive weight gain once cocaine use has stopped. It is helpful to know that overeating during early sobriety is very common and should level out.
The best and safest option to get off cocaine is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling. We offer partial care and outpatient 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. Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face and the health risks are not worth a short high.
You do not have to face getting sober from cocaine 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!
FAQ
How much weight do people typically lose when using Cocaine?
The use of cocaine can have various effects on the body, including changes in appetite and weight. However, the impact on weight loss can vary significantly among individuals, as it depends on several factors such as the frequency and duration of use, dosage, overall health, lifestyle, and individual metabolism.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that can suppress appetite, leading to decreased food intake. Some individuals may experience significant weight loss as a result of reduced caloric intake while using cocaine. However, it’s important to note that weight loss associated with cocaine use is not a healthy or sustainable method for managing weight.
Additionally, cocaine use can have detrimental effects on overall health and well-being. Prolonged and excessive cocaine use can lead to serious physical and mental health issues, addiction, and a range of adverse consequences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or experiencing unhealthy weight loss, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Medical and addiction specialists can provide appropriate guidance, support, and treatment options for addressing both the substance abuse issue and any associated health concerns.
Xanax, or alprazolam, is a very powerful benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders and can even be used as a muscle relaxant during medical procedures. It was created to take the place of barbiturates believing benzos would be less addictive. However, this is far from the truth. It is extremely addictive when used long term. Xanax is the most commonly prescribed Benzodiazepine in the United States. According to the NIH:
Between 1996 and 2013, the number of adults who filled a benzodiazepine prescription increased by 67%, from 8.1 million to 13.5 million. In 2015, 23 percent of people who died of an opioid overdose also tested positive for benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines such as Xanax are not typically primary drugs that are abused. This means they are commonly used in combination with other drugs. They are commonly mixed with narcotic pain medications, alcohol, stimulants, and illegal opiates such as heroin.
Potentiation of Xanax
When a user mixes two or more different drugs at the same time, they heighten the risk of experiencing effects that are different than what they would feel taking a drug individually. There are different kinds of reactions a person will have depending on what is mixed together. The four major groups are:
Antagonism: This happens when one drug reduces the effect of another drug. For example, taking Xanax while taking cocaine at the same time will reduce the effects of both the cocaine and the Xanax taken.
Synergism: This happens when two or more drugs work jointly to produce a therapeutic effect.
Interactions: With a person, metabolism will occur in multiple places in the body and can either facilitate or slow down the elimination of the drug from one’s system.
Potentiation: Happens when the effects of one drug strengthen the effects of another drug. For instance, taking Xanax with alcohol will produce and enhancement of the depressant effects in both things that are taken.
The potentiation of Xanax occurs when a person abuses Xanax with other central nervous system depressants mixed in for a synergetic effect. This can include drugs like narcotic pain medications, alcohol, sedatives, cannabis, and other benzo products. When taken on their own, central nervous system depressants result in reduced blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and reaction time that will result in effects such as poor coordination, poor balance, impaired reflexes, and impaired judgment. When taking central nervous system depressants with other depressants, you will potentiate these effects. Different potentiating effects are depending on the doses of each drug. It is important to know that the amount of a drug that can produce an overdose is decreased when combined with other central nervous system depressants.
Get Help Now With Xanax Addiction
If you or someone you love are 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 and even deadly when you abruptly stop. These symptoms include seizures, coma, hallucinations, muscle pain, and cramping, and even suicidal thoughts, to name a few. Medical detox is always recommended and your doctors will come up with the best plan for you to safely detox the benzos from your system.
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 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. Benzodiazepine 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.
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
What potentiate’s Xanax?
I must emphasize the importance of using medications responsibly and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Combining medications or substances to potentiate the effects of Xanax (alprazolam), which is a benzodiazepine, can be extremely dangerous and is not recommended. Such combinations can significantly increase the risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, and even death.
Some substances that can potentiate the effects of Xanax include:
Alcohol: Combining Xanax with alcohol can greatly intensify the sedative effects of both substances, which can be very dangerous.
Opioids: Combining Xanax with opioids is extremely risky and can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.
Other Sedatives: Combining Xanax with other benzodiazepines, sleep aids, or sedating medications can enhance the sedative effects and can be dangerous.
Certain Antifungals or Antibiotics: Medications like ketoconazole, itraconazole, or certain antibiotics can inhibit the enzymes that break down Xanax, leading to increased blood levels of the drug.
Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also inhibit enzymes that metabolize Xanax, leading to increased blood levels.
Herbal Supplements: Certain herbal supplements such as St. John’s Wort or kava kava can interact with Xanax and affect its potency.
It is crucial to recognize that potentiating the effects of Xanax or any medication through the use of additional substances or methods without the guidance of a healthcare professional is highly irresponsible and dangerous. If you or someone you know is considering altering the use of prescribed medications or combining them with other substances, I strongly urge you to consult a healthcare professional to discuss the risks and understand the potential consequences. It’s also important to be aware of and prioritize safety and the responsible use of medications.
What chemicals potentiate benzodiazepines, antagonize them or have an adverse reaction when mixed?
Mixing benzodiazepines with other substances can have unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before combining any medications or substances. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and medical history. However, here are some general points to consider:
Potentiating Effects: Some substances can enhance the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, leading to increased drowsiness, respiratory depression, and other adverse reactions. These substances include alcohol, opioids (e.g., heroin, oxycodone), other sedatives or hypnotics (e.g., sleep aids), muscle relaxants, and antihistamines. Combining these substances with benzodiazepines can increase the risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and overdose.
Antagonistic Effects: Certain substances can counteract the effects of benzodiazepines and reduce their effectiveness. Naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist, can partially reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. However, naloxone does not reverse the respiratory depression caused by benzodiazepines, so caution should still be exercised.
Mixing benzodiazepines with other substances can have unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before combining any medications or substances. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and medical history. However, here are some general points to consider:
Potentiating Effects: Some substances can enhance the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, leading to increased drowsiness, respiratory depression, and other adverse reactions. These substances include alcohol, opioids (e.g., heroin, oxycodone), other sedatives or hypnotics (e.g., sleep aids), muscle relaxants, and antihistamines. Combining these substances with benzodiazepines can increase the risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and overdose.
Antagonistic Effects: Certain substances can counteract the effects of benzodiazepines and reduce their effectiveness. Naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist, can partially reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. However, naloxone does not reverse the respiratory depression caused by benzodiazepines, so caution should still be exercised.
Adverse Reactions: Combining benzodiazepines with other substances can result in serious adverse reactions. For example, combining benzodiazepines with stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can place strain on the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Mixing benzodiazepines with certain antidepressants or antipsychotic medications can lead to increased sedation, cognitive impairment, and other complications.
It’s important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about all medications, substances, and supplements you are taking. They can evaluate the potential risks and benefits, provide appropriate guidance, and help ensure your safety. Remember, the information provided here is for general knowledge, and individual circumstances can vary. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
: Combining benzodiazepines with other substances can result in serious adverse reactions. For example, combining benzodiazepines with stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can place strain on the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Mixing benzodiazepines with certain antidepressants or antipsychotic medications can lead to increased sedation, cognitive impairment, and other complications.
It’s important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about all medications, substances, and supplements you are taking. They can evaluate the potential risks and benefits, provide appropriate guidance, and help ensure your safety. Remember, the information provided here is for general knowledge, and individual circumstances can vary. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
What can cause a Xanax overdose?
An overdose of Xanax (alprazolam) can occur when the drug is taken in excessive amounts or when it interacts with other substances. Several factors can contribute to a Xanax overdose, including:
High Dose: Taking a dose of Xanax that is higher than prescribed or recommended can increase the risk of an overdose. The therapeutic dose of Xanax varies depending on the individual’s needs and tolerance, and exceeding that dosage can be dangerous.
Combining with Other Depressants: Combining Xanax with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, opioids, or other benzodiazepines, can greatly enhance the sedative effects and increase the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
Tolerance and Dependence: Individuals who have developed tolerance or dependence to Xanax may require higher doses to achieve the desired effect. Taking larger amounts to compensate for tolerance can lead to an accidental overdose.
Misuse and Recreational Use: Using Xanax for non-medical purposes, such as recreational use or self-medication, greatly increases the risk of an overdose. Xanax misuse can involve taking larger doses or combining it with other substances in an attempt to achieve euphoric effects.
Polydrug Use: Combining Xanax with other drugs, including prescription medications, illicit substances, or over-the-counter medications, can have unpredictable interactions and increase the risk of an overdose.
Symptoms of a Xanax overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slurred speech, respiratory depression, and even loss of consciousness. If you suspect a Xanax overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.
It is important to take Xanax as prescribed by a healthcare professional, avoid combining it with other substances without medical guidance, and promptly report any concerning symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider.
Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, is an active ingredient cough suppressant in cough medicines. Dextromethorphan (DXM) on its own can cause a high, however, it is most often found in cold and flu medicines that can enhance the effects of DXM when taken synergically. Other ingredients found are things like acetaminophen or pseudoephedrine. When this is taken as directed, the drug is very safe and effective. However, when it is taken in large doses, it can cause a psychedelic effect. The effects can range from similarity to marijuana to ecstasy to PCP. The high will generally begin to start within 15-30 minutes after consumption and last anywhere from 3- 6 hours. According to an article written by the DEA:
There were 12,077 case mentions, 9,223 single exposures, and one death related to dextromethorphan preparations (not otherwise classified or in combination with other substances) for 2016.
Recreation use of DXM cough syrup is extremely dangerous and also has a high likelihood of being abused. If you or a loved one abuse DXM recreationally, getting help for your addiction is very important if you want to be healthy.
What Does A DXM Cough Syrup High Look Like?
DXM has been known to become habit-forming and has an intoxicating effect when taken in high doses. Repeated use of high doses can do serious damage to a person’s body. Not only is the risk for overdose very likely, but it also impairs a person’s cognitive function and memory. It is very possible to abuse this drug and it can even cause a life-threatening overdose. When a person is high on DXM, the symptoms will include:
Numbness
Impaired motor skills
Audio hallucinations
Visual hallucinations
Dissociative experiences
Nausea and/or vomiting
High blood pressure
Increased heart rate
An agitated state
An elevated body temperature
Signs and symptoms of a dextromethorphan overdose include:
Breathing problems such as irregular or shallow breathing
Bluish colored lips and fingernails (due to lack of oxygen)
Blurred vision
Vomiting
Stomach or intestinal pain
Blacking out
Restlessness
Hallucinations
Anxiety
Paranoia
Convulsions
Dizziness
Extreme tiredness
Changes to blood pressure
Heart palpitations
Elevated body temperature
Muscle twitching
If someone is overdosing on DXM cough syrup, they will require immediate medical help. There are no drugs that can counteract an overdose on this drug so the only way to survive is with the help of medical professionals. This is so the patient can be stabilized and monitored until they are no longer in a life-threatening situation.
How Can I get Sober from DMX Abuse?
If you or someone you love are ready to take the necessary steps to get sober, the best way to start is with a medically assisted detox process. Withdrawal symptoms are very likely with a person who is abusing or addicted to DXM cough syrup. They will experience things like insomnia, cold flashes, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle and bone aches, weight loss, as well as strong cravings for the drug which makes it that much harder to get off of them on your own. Medical detox is always recommended and your doctors will come up with the best plan for you to safely detox the DXM cough syrup from your system.
Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off this drug 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 this drug 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.
Addiction and abuse aren’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.
