Category Archives: Rehab

How to Deal with Suboxone Withdrawal

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How to Deal with Suboxone Withdrawal

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication that contains both buprenorphine
 and naloxone. Both of these drugs are often given to addicts recovering from opiate addiction. Suboxone helps addicts overcome any drug cravings, thereby assisting them in the recovery process. Doctors should slowly taper the dosage of suboxone until you no longer need it to cope with the consequences of drug addiction.

The buprenorphine found in Suboxone is similar to what is found in other opiates, like morphine and heroin. As an opiate, buprenorphine can cause your body to become physically dependent on the drug, so when you suddenly discontinue suboxone, it will cause your body to undergo withdrawal. Withdrawal is your body’s way of attempting to recover from excessive drug use. Suboxone withdrawal can range from mild symptoms to serious, possible life-threatening effects.

Signs and symptoms of withdrawal:

  • Uncharacteristic irritability or agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Profuse sweating
  • Excessive tears
  • Runny nose
  • Frequent yawning

However, these symptoms are usually overlooked and may be passed off as symptoms of the flu or other mild diseases.

How to deal with Suboxone Withdrawal

I don’t know. Coffee, ibuprofen, lots of water, natural sleeps aids such as melatonin, hot baths, massage?

As a recovering opiate addict, I tried both a methadone maintenance and suboxone (at different times in my addiction). And quite honestly, the withdrawal sucks. That is totally an understatement.

Some years ago, I kicked methadone. Cold turkey. Not recommended. I stayed away from opiates for a little while but, soon enough, I was back at it. I thought the pain and discomfort of kicking for over a month would be enough to keep me from going down that road again. So, when things got bad again, I decided to get on suboxone. I don’t deny that this can be helpful when detoxing from other opiates (yes other because, after all, suboxone does contain an opiate called buprenorphine). But it is meant to be used short term, as in a week at the most, and with a rapid taper. There will be some discomfort at the end, but nowhere near what it’s like to go cold turkey.

While I was researching suboxone for the purpose of writing this blog and time and time again, I kept finding “information” which stated that, if tapered off of suboxone, you won’t experience any withdrawal symptoms and that if you do, you only think you do; it’s all mental. That’s plain old bullshit. I was on a very low dose of suboxone when I decided to go to treatment. I was taking maybe 4mg a day for the last several months of my active addiction. I tried to taper myself completely but the withdrawals came, and with a vengeance. I could not face suboxone withdrawal again. My solution was going into a medical detox and inpatient program.

If you are facing suboxone withdrawal, you may want to consider doing what I did. There are programs that specialize in suboxone detox that can assist you in the process with very little discomfort.

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

How to stage an alcohol intervention

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How to stage an alcohol intervention

Staging an alcohol intervention is a life changing event for families and loved ones of addicts and for the addicts themselves. Alcohol interventions can be very emotionally charged and hard to deal with. Before anyone stages an alcohol intervention they should know what they are doing and what they are getting into. Anyone wanting to stage an alcohol intervention should know how to first.  Here is how to sage an alcohol intervention:

1.       For an alcohol intervention talk to an alcohol intervention counselor first

Alcohol counselors or alcohol interventionists are trained in successful alcohol interventions and know the various emotional pitfalls that are involved in an alcohol intervention. People can react in various amounts of ways when confronted with an alcohol intervention, for instance; denial, anger, evasion or even violence. For anyone wanting to stage an alcohol intervention they should contact an alcohol clinic in the area and speak with a counselor about alcohol intervention strategies. They should mention the history with the alcohol user and the facts about any past efforts to try and get through to them. Be honest when talking to an alcohol counselor so they can provide advice and will best able to be there to help you with the alcohol intervention when it happens.

2.       For an alcohol intervention involve friends, family and co-workers

The more people who are close to the alcoholic who are involved in the alcohol intervention, the stronger it will be. Making a list of important people who can participate in the alcohol intervention is a great way to begin to stage it. Let the people involved help plan the alcohol intervention and keep them aware of what the alcohol intervention will entail exactly. Each participant should practice what they will say to the drinker during the alcohol intervention. Practicing the alcohol intervention at least one with everyone is also a good idea.

3.       Find a time and place to stage the alcohol intervention

Finding a good time and place to stage the alcohol intervention is key. An alcohol intervention should be somewhere safe and secure, such as a friend’s house, a parent’s house or a hotel room. An alcohol intervention place should have enough space to hold every participant and no small children should be around. Pick a time also when the alcoholic is sober and reasonably calm. In addition, it is important to have a treatment center set up for the drinker to go once the alcohol intervention is over to. If the alcohol intervention is successful then the alcoholic can simply pack a bag and go there immediately.

4.       During the alcohol intervention be firm but loving

When it comes time for the alcohol intervention it is important that all members of the alcohol intervention stay firm but loving. Being and honest and supportive is key to an alcohol intervention. During the alcohol intervention the alcohol counselor will greet the drinker and explain the purpose of the alcohol intervention. Each person will have their chance to stand up and speak to the alcoholic either reading from their prepared speeches or talking directly to them. In each case during the alcohol intervention it is important that the alcoholic realizes the impact they are having on those around them. AT the end of this ask the alcoholic if they will go to an alcohol rehab.

5.       Adhere to disciplinary measures set out during the alcohol intervention

Being prepared for the possibility that the alcoholic will not confront their problem is paramount for an alcohol intervention. No matter how overwhelming the evidence the drinker has to decide for themselves that they want to get help. Making clear consequences during the alcohol intervention may persuade the drinker to get help. Sticking to these consequences made during the alcohol intervention is very important. Being prepared to severe contact with the drinker is part of the alcohol intervention. It sounds harsh but that is what may make or break the success of an alcohol intervention.

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

Alateen and Al-Anon Resources

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Alateen and Al-Anon Resources

Alateen and Al-Anon Resources

Addiction is known as a “family disease”. This is because it doesn’t just affect the addict or alcoholic. Loved ones of the addict/alcoholic are often caught up in the destruction as well. Luckily there are groups that address the family members of an alcoholic or addict specifically. Alateen and Al-Anon resources can be very helpful to the families of recovering alcoholics.

The family group idea is nearly as old as Alcoholics Anonymous. Early AA members and their wives visited AA groups around the country. The visiting wives often told the mates of the newer members of Alcoholics Anonymous about how they benefited from trying to live by AA’s Twelve Steps, and how it had helped to improve family relationships that often remained difficult after the alcoholic had become sober. Al-anon was founded in 1951, and the Twelve Steps were adopted as guiding principles.

Teenage children in the families of alcoholics soon realized that their problems differed from those of adult members. In 1957, Alateen grew out of this need. There are now over 1,700 Alateen groups worldwide.

Alateen and Al-Anon Resources: On the Web

Local Alateen and Al-Anon resources can be found through the website at http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/. The website can tell you about group meetings, what you can expect, and where to find a meeting in your area. Group members share their experience, strength, and hope with each other. Anyone who has been affected by another person’s drinking or drug use is welcome to join. There are no dues or fees in Alateen and Al-Anon meetings.

There are also a number of on-line meetings that can be used to supplement attendance at regular face-to-face meetings.

Alateen and Al-Anon Resources: On the phone

Alateen and Al-Anon meetings can also be found by calling the hotline at 888-4AL-ANON (888-425-2666) from 8 am to 8pm ET, Monday through Friday. There are also phone meetings which, like the online meetings, can be used to supplement regular face-to-face Alateen and Al-Anon meetings.

Alateen and Al-Anon Resources: Starting your own group

If there is no Alateen or Al-Anon group in your community, you may want to start one, along with one or two other people who need and want help. Any two or more relatives or friends of alcoholics who meet to solve their common problems may call themselves and Al-Anon or Alateen group, provided they have no other affiliation is a group.

You must decide on a group meeting place, day, and time. Then contact the World Service Office at Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. announcing your decision to start a group. You will be given registration information and instructions on how to complete it. The form can be downloaded from the website. When your group is registered, a group number is assigned and a packet containing introductory materials will be sent to the group’s current mailing address. After the registration process is completed the group contacts the local district or Al-Anon Information Service (AIS) to be included in the local meeting directory and the area web site.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

What is alcohol rehab and why should I go?

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What is alcohol rehab?

What is alcohol rehab?

Alcohol rehab is the shortened term for alcohol rehabilitation centers. Addicts and alcoholics go to alcohol rehabs to try and stop drinking or using drugs. Alcohol rehab is one of the most effective and powerful ways to break the cycle of alcoholism and addiction. This is why so many alcoholics and addicts choose to go to alcohol rehab when they want to stop drinking and getting high. Alcohol rehab is entirely focused on helping alcoholics and addicts overcome not only their physical addiction but also their psychological addictions to alcohol and drugs. During alcohol rehab, an addict and alcoholic will usually go through stages the first being alcohol detox. After alcohol detox, the addict or alcoholic will go to inpatient or counseling and aftercare. Each one of the processes in alcohol rehab is made to treat a different part of addiction and alcoholism in order to address the physical, psychological and/or social aspects of the disease. An alcohol rehab usually incorporates healing, healthier living and emotion and therapeutic support.

So why should you go to alcohol rehab?  Here are some reasons why you should go to alcohol rehab.

  • The biggest reason you should go to alcohol rehab is because it could save your life. It is no surprising fact that many people die at the hands of their alcoholism and drug addiction. Going to alcohol rehab and getting the benefits of what it is could literally save your life.
  • Another great reason to go to alcohol rehab is that it gives you some time away from the alcohol and drugs. A lot of the times if we are struggling with addiction or alcoholism it can be very hard or nearly impossible to stay clean even 24 hours. At alcohol rehab you will be in a safe place where you don’t have to worry about the staying clean part. You can get some time away in a safe alcohol rehab and get some actual clean time under your belt.
  • Going to alcohol rehab gives you a better chance at staying sober for the long run. Going to alcohol rehab can set you up for long-term sobriety by introducing you to 12 step meetings, people who can help you in your recovery or even introduce you to a therapist and counselor that can help you to continue growing in recovery
  • Going to alcohol rehab is a great way to get connected with other people who have the same goal to stay sober. People who are in alcohol rehab often share information and stay in touch which is a great way to get support in recovery. Have a support network in recovery within alcohol rehab and after it is imperative to staying sober.
  • Going to alcohol rehab can give you your life back. You can gain back everything you have lost if you go to alcohol rehab. This means relationships, your job, your dreams, your health and you can even gain some things you didn’t have when you went in the beginning. For instance you may have new hobbies such as yoga or reading.

 

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

5 Signs You May Need Rehab

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I want to go to rehab

5 Signs You May Need Rehab

Most of the time when people are drinking too much, they don’t ask themselves tough questions. They believe that they have fooled everyone around them into thinking that their drinking is under control. Usually, however, the only person they are fooling is themselves. Those occasional twinges of guilt or introspection can easily be drowned by having a few more drinks, so the drinker is often the last to admit that he or she really has a problem.  If you are having one of those moments where you think you might have a problem, these 5 signs you may need rehab could help.

5 Signs You May Need Rehab: Your drinking is causing problems

One of the first signs you may need rehab is when your drinking starts causing problems in your life. If you are having problems in your relationships, legal problems, financial difficulties, or other issues due to drinking, and you still continue to drink, you may need rehab.

5 Signs You May Need Rehab: You make promises to yourself or others about your drinking that you can’t keep.

A major sign you may need rehab is making promises to yourself or others about your drinking that you later break. You may promise yourself that you won’t ever get that drunk again or you will no longer drink and drive. You tell your family that you will cut down on your drinking or quit. You may even really mean it when you make these promises. But inevitably, you end up right back where you swore you’d never be (i.e. drunk behind the wheel or suffering from a major hangover).

5 Signs You May Need Rehab: You lie about drinking or hide the evidence

This sign you may need rehab is somewhat related to the previous one. You make promises about your drinking, you don’t keep them, and then you lie about it. Or maybe you haven’t made any promises, but you feel like you need to consume how much or how often you drink. On some level, you know that others will not approve of what you are doing.

5 Signs You May Need Rehab: You drink or use drugs in the morning to cure a hangover or deal with the “shakes.”

One of the biggest signs that you need rehab is using alcohol or drugs to cope with a hangover. Hangovers and shaking hands are symptoms of acute withdrawal from alcohol, and it means your body has become dependent on alcohol.

5 Signs You May Need Rehab: You avoid social situations that do not involve alcohol.

Many problem drinkers are unable to enjoy themselves without drinking. They will avoid any activity that doesn’t involve alcohol, or they will drink even though it is inappropriate in a certain social situation.  Sometimes unconsciously, problem drinkers seek out other people who drink like they do so they can justify how much they are drinking. Isolation is also a common behavior among problem drinkers. If you notice this behavior in yourself, you may need rehab.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.