Addiction Recovery

What is Alcoholism and the way teenagers use it?

Welcome to the topic, “What are Alcoholism and the way teenagers use it”?

Alcoholism is the most common form of alcohol abuse and involves the inability to manage drinking habits, resulting in several diseases. Alcoholism affects mental and physical health and can cause work, friends, and family problems.

Warning Signs of Alcoholism

Alcoholism symptoms can encompass health effects, such as bad hangovers and alcohol-induced accidents, as well as social effects, such as doing or saying regrettable things while drunk.

Common signs of alcohol include.

• Being unable to control alcohol consumption
• Behaving differently after drinking
• Drinking alone or in secret
• Felling the need to keep drinking more
• Increased heart rate
• Increased body temperature
• High blood pressure
• Mood swings
• Hand tremors
• Anxiety

Causes and effects of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a common habit that has numerous effects on people in the United States today. Alcoholics may become argumentative, angry, withdrawn, or depressed. They may also feel more tense, sad, confused, and anxious.

What causes teenagers to drink?

Peer pressure is one of the major causes of why teenagers choose to drink alcohol. Teens are more likely to binge drink and are more vulnerable to developing a problem with alcohol than adults. Alcohol can impair brain development because teenage brains are still developing and some areas of the brain undergo the most dramatic change.

Drinking alcohol can affect brain development in those under 25; young people under 15 years are particularly at risk. Alcohol is a sedative drug that slows down the functioning of the brain. Alcohol is one of the foremost causes of disability and death globally.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is an enduring illness in which you can’t control or stop your drinking even though it’s disturbing your health, your job, or your social life.

How do you know if you’re an alcoholic?

AUD is characterized by loss of control over alcohol, consuming it even when doing so much damage to your health, work, school, or relationships. Alcohol abuse is described by the harmful outcomes of an individual’s drinking.

Test of Alcoholism

Alcohol testing is used to detect the presence of alcohol or its metabolites in a person to determine if they are currently drinking or if they consumed alcohol in the past. Evidential breath alcohol testing instantaneously indicates the existing levels in the person’s breath, and by proxy, their blood.

Treatment

The following are recognized treatment options for alcoholism.

Do it yourself

Some individuals with alcohol abuse manage to abstain or reduce their drinking without any professional help. Drug for cravings Naltrexone may help reduce the urge to have a drink and Acamprosate may help with cravings.

Options for Treatment

There are several treatment options for alcohol abuse but most addicts know the 12-step treatment program or 28 days rehab program. Various treatment programs are effectively working, thanks to important advances in the field over the last few years. A trusted rehab center will be quite effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse.

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Do Phone Apps Help with Addiction or Make it Worse?

There is a debate within the addiction field as to whether smartphone apps can help people struggling with addiction. Many experts believe that apps are effective in helping people quit smoking, for example, frequently offering gamified rewards for completing levels or tasks. While some apps simply provide access to recovery groups and support programs, others take a more hands-on approach using targeted games and rewards systems. The creators of these apps are mainly coming out of the tech world with great success, but there seems to be an emerging skepticism about their true effectiveness. Here are some phone apps that are designed to help in addiction recovery.

Sober Grid

This app is the first choice of many recovering alcoholics due to the gamified rewards system it provides. It tracks individual challenges with goals and rewards that can be traded for gift cards, merchandise, and even cash. Other features include a chat function, text messaging, and email reminders. The app doesn’t replace the need for a sponsor or even in-patient treatment, but it is used to improve self-awareness and stimulates a support network among recovering addicts.

Pear reSET

Based on the 12-step program, Pear reSET is another widely used app to help people quit addictive substances. The free app allows users to track their “sober days,” connect with others in the same situation and makes it easier to find support groups. It also provides motivational messages and has a chat feature for further encouragement. While not a perfect solution on its own, many recovering addicts still find this app very helpful when combined with other programs such as in-patient treatment or intensive outpatient programs.

Nomo

This rewards app is designed to make the process of quitting smoking to a “whole new level.” It integrates social elements such as texting, gamified challenges, and even rewards, along with other features. Those who need something more in-depth than most of the other apps mentioned can look into this app which helps support groups exchange personal experiences and lessons they’ve learned while quitting. Addiction treatment centers across the country also currently use this app to help their clients stay on track with recovery.

RecoveryBox

This app was developed by behavioral scientists and is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help its users. It’s designed to analyze behavior through challenges and rewards that can be tracked online or using a mobile device. It also allows users to cope with stress, stay away from triggers, and promote a positive mindset. The in-depth questionnaire helps the app figure out the best learning style for each user, which can allow it to become an ideal companion in recovery programs.

SoberTool

This app is another gamified app based on CBT techniques. It allows users to track their progress in the form of progress bars, earning points, and hitting milestones. A leaderboard tracks their progress from one day to the next, helping them stay accountable. The app also offers a social network where members can connect with others and share tips and tricks to help them stay sober.

Conclusion

While there is a lot of debate on whether phone apps are helpful in addiction recovery, there are many people who swear by them. They provide an intimate level of support that’s often difficult to come by in traditional treatment programs. The challenge isn’t with the app itself but with the individual making use of it and its potential to become an opposing force in recovery if misused. Therefore, the Sands Treatment Center is dedicated to providing a holistic approach to addiction treatment and helping its clients remain in control.

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Opioids Vs. Opiates- Comparison of Drugs with Treatment

The terms “opiate” and “opioids” are frequently interchanged to refer to any pain-relieving medicine that binds to opioid receptors, be it of natural or chemical origin.

An opioid is a drug class of synthetic or semi-synthetic agents for medical contexts, whereas “opiate” applies to opium alkaloids or natural analogs.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, all medications that operate on opiate receptors are classified as opioids irrespective of how they’re synthesized.

Opioids will include illegal narcotic heroin, synthetic opioids like Fentanyl, and legally prescribed painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many more.

Before things get much more complicated, let’s start with the most contentious comparison: “Opioid vs. Opiates.”

We’ll also go over how both medicines are utilized for therapy and point you in the direction of some expert aid for opioid addiction treatment, so keep reading!

 

How Do We Differentiate Between Opioids and Opiates? 

What Exactly Are Opioids?

According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), we can put them under two categories:

Natural opioids are found in nature, derived from the poppy seed of specific plant species. These drugs reduce pain by acting on the body’s nerve receptors.

Synthetic opioids are drugs that operate on the same receptors in the body but are manufactured in a lab. Methadone and Fentanyl are popular synthetic opioids.

Therefore, the word “opioid” applies to both natural and synthetic versions of these molecules.

Then, What Are Opiates?

According to the CDC, “opiates” explicitly refer to natural opioids. Opiates are narcotic drugs that profoundly affect the nervous system, generating sensations of euphoria and relieving pain.

Among the most common medications in this category are:

• Heroin
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Opium

Enkephalins and endorphins are opioid-like substances produced by our bodies. Endogenous opioids give a “natural high” that is not addictive.

 

Addiction Problem

Opioids

Opioids are dangerously addictive due to their potent euphoric effects. One can instantly get dependent on opioids because of their high degree of tolerance.

This implies that when the brain adjusts its function to cope with levels of opioids in blood, eventually, greater dosages are required to get the intended effects.

After some time, there may be a transition in the brain’s structure and functionality, performing better when opioid is present in the bloodstream. As a result, withdrawal symptoms will occur when the medicine is stopped.

These symptoms may be agonizing, and withdrawal usually necessitates a medical detox treatment.

Opiates 

An overdose happens when breathing drops to the extent where there’s an insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. Even if this is the first time the substance has been misused, there are chances of morphine and heroin overdose.

Even if this is the first time the substance has been misused, there are chances of an overdose, especially when it comes to heroin and morphine.

Codeine, an opiate, is frequently used with Tylenol for cough. However, combining codeine with Tylenol can be dangerous and result in addiction and overdoses, especially when combined with other narcotics.

Opiate abuse can be deadly because of insufficient oxygen to the brain for an extended period.

 

Drug Use Disorder and Prescription Drugs

Most of those hooked on opioids did so after their doctors gave them pain relievers. Whether the individual began misusing the medicine or raised daily doses as the tolerance rose, this resulted in a massive catastrophe that has been ongoing since the early 1990s.

Not everyone prescribed opioids get addicted to or misuse them, but studies show that this is a continuing epidemic worldwide that must be addressed.

Misusing opioids, whether prescribed or illicit, may have catastrophic consequences, causing abuse, addiction, and then death. If you or your loved one is in pain, there is help available.

 

How to Use Opioids Safely

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioid pain drugs are typically safe when taken for a short period or as prescribed by a doctor.

Opioids, on the other hand, can be abused because they provide psycho-active effects and euphoria.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), psychedelics are any chemical that a person consumes or ingests that might impact their mental states, such as sensation, intellect, memory, mood, or emotions.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 71,000 Americans died due to drug overdose in 2019. An opioid was implicated in over 70% of these fatalities.

 

Opioid Addiction Treatment in South Florida

If you or your loved one is struggling with opioids or any form of addiction, you are not alone.

You can reach out for help before it’s too late.

If you are looking for addiction treatment centers in South Florida, there can’t be a better option than The Sands Treatment Center.

To book an appointment or reach out for free consultation, dial (844) 200-2509.

You can also visit their website thesandstreatmentcenter.com for more info.

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What Are the Long Term Benefits of the 12-Step Program?

The 12-step recovery program in South Florida is a popular therapy that has been around for many years. It is designed to help people struggling with addiction get out of trouble and regain sober life. While it might not be an easy journey, it’s worth it. The 12-step program has many benefits for addiction recovery, which include:

 

1. Gives You Hope and a Sense of Direction

 

Typically, most patients struggling with addiction don’t have a clear vision of how they want their life to be. The 12-step program gives them a sense of direction and hope. It allows them to make changes in their life that will affect their future.

 

2. Helps with Self-Acceptance

 

One of the issues most patients deal with during addiction recovery is the issue of self-acceptance. They often struggle with how they feel about themselves and how other people see them. The 12-step recovery program in South Florida helps to develop a sense of self-acceptance as a patient works on developing a new way of thinking about themselves and their lives.

 

Additionally, the program requires you to be active. It encourages the patient to take action in their recovery process. It shows them that they can make changes in their lives and do it independently.

 

3. Helps Patients Integrate Positive Behaviors into their Lifestyle

 

One of the most critical aspects of addiction recovery is to develop a new, positive way of living. The 12-step program helps to create this new way of living. It teaches the patient that they can change their lives for the better and do it independently.

 

The program also helps patients learn how to incorporate positive behaviors into their lifestyles. This means learning how to live with moderation and avoiding excesses in their lives. In addition, the program gives them a sense of self-control, which is very important for anyone looking for addiction recovery.

 

4. Instills a Sense of Accountability

 

The 12-step program teaches people accountability. It helps them learn that they are responsible for how they live their lives and that they need to take responsibility for their choices.

 

They learn to take full responsibility for their actions, which is an essential step in recovery from addictions. This is a crucial lesson that many people fail to learn, and it can lead to relapse in recovery if it is not understood properly.

 

The program also helps patients make changes without relying on others or taking medication as a crutch. These changes are made by working on themselves and developing good habits that will help them live a good life in the future. Most people find it difficult to change how they live, and the program helps them do so.

 

5. Helps Achieve Long-Term Sobriety

 

The 12-step program teaches people to live a sober life and be happy and healthy. They learn how to deal with their problems, which is something that many people do not discover on their own. The program also teaches them the importance of being honest and truthful, essential for anyone looking for addiction recovery.

 

Generally, the 12-step program is very effective for those looking for recovery from addictions in South Florida. It helps them to stay sober and to develop healthy relationships with others.

 

End Of Article

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Is Medical Assisted Therapy an Effective Method of Treatment?

There are many concerns about assisted therapy when it comes to medication-assisted treatment. Some argue that it is not an effective treatment method, while others claim that it can benefit some patients. 

In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of medication-assisted therapy and give you an idea of what you should consider before deciding whether or not it is an effective treatment for your specific situation. 

Advantages of MAT 

1. More Affordable Than Other Forms of Treatment 

Typically, assisted therapies cost less than traditional therapies. This is because they use low-cost equipment acquired at most home improvement stores. 

Many of these therapies also don’t require surgery or hospitalization. Instead, they involve visiting your doctor regularly, taking medications as prescribed, getting physical therapy, using assistive devices such as wheelchairs and crutches, etc. 

When all of these treatments do not work well enough to alleviate your symptoms, it is time to look into more advanced medical technology. If you already have insurance coverage, check if you qualify for any discounts related to orthopedic care. You might even find that paying out-of-pocket for medical interventions is cheaper in the long run. 

2. Can Treat Chronic Health Conditions Effectively 

If you suffer from chronic conditions, medically assisted therapy may be ideal for you. These diseases can cause pain, discomfort, and limitations on everyday activities. They can also lead to secondary complications like nerve damage, blood vessel issues, joint deformities, amputations, and infections. Medication alone usually does not provide adequate relief for these problems. 

MAT can help heal injuries, relieve pain, and restore function and mobility when used correctly. The goal is to maintain strength, flexibility, and overall wellness. A healthy lifestyle and regular visits with a physical therapist can ensure that your body continues to improve throughout the rest of your life. 

3. Can Reduce Reliance on Prescription Drugs 

The use of medication has significant benefits for both the individual patient who needs them and society. Most importantly, medications can keep people healthier longer. 

However, some individuals in Pompano Beach feel that they aren’t comfortable relying on prescription drugs. That is why they often try alternative methods of healing first. These techniques include massage therapy, acupuncture, hypnosis, yoga, and meditation. 

Other options include non-prescription treatments (e.g., dietary supplements) and natural remedies. It is important to talk to your doctor about how other approaches may benefit you. 

Disadvantages of MAT 

1. Can Leave Residual Side Effects 

Most medical procedures carry risks and dangers associated with them, whether performed in a hospital or a private practice. For example, some patients may become nauseous during a spinal fusion surgery session due to the anesthesia injected into their bodies. 

Others may experience postoperative nausea due to receiving too much spinal fluid around the surgical site. Medical practitioners inject foreign substances into the spine to fuse vertebrae in other cases. 

These injections may cause additional pressure and stress on an already fragile area of the vertebral column. They may also produce inflammation which could affect nerve activity adversely. 

2. Not Ideal for Everyone 

Medical-assisted therapies will only benefit those who need them. And, since they are still relatively new, there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove that they can cure disease or prevent its recurrence. 

There may also be adverse reactions when certain types of surgeries are done. For example, back surgeries can sometimes end up causing leg paralysis. However, as the number of medical alternatives increases, more doctors are becoming familiar with different treatment approaches. 

Because of this, many new healthcare innovations are now available that were previously thought to be impossible. So, if you are considering turning to a more holistic approach for maintaining your health, make sure that you discuss your plans with your physician.  

The choice between medical and alternative therapies comes down to two factors: how effective you expect each method to be and the side effects. Your doctor in Pompano Beach knows what’s best for your condition. 

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Anxiety, Depression, and Drinking in the Age of COVID

Ever since the declaration of the COVID pandemic back in early 2020, we have all been affected in a variety of ways. 

People have lost their jobs, small businesses have shut down, tourism has taken a massive hit worldwide, and many have seen a decline in their mental health. 

As a crutch to deal with personal issues, people have started resorting to drinking to help alleviate their symptoms but have developed bad drinking habits and even dependency on substances as a coping mechanism. 

Let us look at how COVID has negatively impacted the populace at large. 

Anxiety and Depression Rates Due to COVID Have Peaked 

It takes a mental toll not being able to see members of your family and became apparent pretty soon following the implementation of strict lockdowns in various countries worldwide. 

Due to serious medical conditions, family members admitted to hospitals have passed away alone because of the strict rules against visits. 

Such measures have also invited in open hostility from various groups that have emerged, such as those who refuse to be vaccinated and wear masks, arguing that governments have embraced authoritarianism by controlling civil liberties and making existence difficult for everyone. 

Unable to engage in meaningful social interactions, many have noticed an increase in their symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

COVID 19 has created a state of mass confusion and panic around the globe, and people have lost faith in the government, blamed science for its limitations, and succumbed to ill feelings about the prolonged house arrest. 

The uncertainty due to COVID is the major reason people have suffered so much. 

Rising infection rates and mortality rates are constantly being broadcasted on the news, and people are left bracing for what might come next. 

We are still unsure how long it will last, the long-term consequences of such a dramatic change in our lifestyles, and we have internalized a sense of incoming catastrophe that can quickly spiral into overwhelming panic and despair. 

These reasons contribute to the emergence of mental health issues like anxiety and depression and have aggravated these preexisting issues in others who have even resorted to taking their lives. 

Regardless of how you feel about the situation, we cannot deny that it has been a complete mess, and people have become alienated from one another. 

Alcohol Has Become a Major Crutch 

Drinking has become a means to cope with personal issues. 

In states of intoxication, our nervous system slows down. We become temporarily disconnected from reality and therefore free of the constant stress that’s become the new normal in the last couple of years. 

Instead of facing our issues head-on or joining alcohol treatment programs, many have succumbed to the dependency on alcohol to drink away their worries and fears. 

Being constantly under the influence has damaged personal relationships and contributed to feelings of anger and other irresponsible tendencies such as self-sabotage and self-destructive behaviors. 

Alcohol addiction has made it easy for people to find a way to drown their sorrows using a quick fix without developing the necessary coping mechanisms to deal with their issues. 

Many have developed an alcohol addiction, while others have backslid and reverted to their old and destructive habits. 

Since people develop a tolerance to substances, they require more and more to achieve the same effect. 

This creates a vicious cycle of constantly chasing the next high and has also resulted in serious conditions such as insomnia, tremors, and alcohol withdrawals.  

Anxiety Disorders and Depression 

Depression is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, which is why there are a host of medications available for treatment, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs. 

While effective, to accelerate the healing process, people must resume their daily lives to regain a sense of normalcy. This has been stripped away by COVID, increasing depressive symptoms such as isolation, suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, and loss of interest in daily life activities. 

People suffering from social anxiety disorders have retreated into their shells and suffered from a lack of human interaction. They have fallen into vicious patterns of self-blame, loneliness, and despair. 

Drinking, again, helps people deal with such issues. Still, the consequences of using alcohol as a crutch have only provided a temporary solution and had other dangerous side effects like dependency. 

COVID 19 has created mass confusion and panic and affected people’s lives negatively to the point where they’ve developed anxiety and depression, or in the case of preexisting conditions, aggravated their condition immensely. 

The Sands Treatment Center has a variety of alcohol treatment programs and should be supported in their attempts to help those in need. 

We must strive to be kind to others and offer support wherever possible because it is hard to know who’s going through what problems in their lives. 

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Why Are The 12-Steps Effective?

When Alcoholics Anonymous was first founded, many scientists and researchers were initially skeptical that 12 principles rooted in spirituality could cure millions of addicts and their severe dependency on harmful and illegal substances. 

Much to everyone’s surprise, the 12 step recovery program took off with such enthusiasm that there are now over 100,000 groups worldwide, and they are very successful in helping addicts kick their drug habits for good. 

The Sands Treatment Center near Pompano Beach, South Florida, is a great example. 

Let us explore why the 12 step recovery program is so effective. 

The 12 Steps Give Hope 

It gives hope for those truly suffering and wanting to change because it’s comforting to find others who are facing the same struggles as you are. 

In the first meeting, you can expect to find a group of people in similar circumstances as yourself trying to quit their drug habits because they’ve realized how much it’s negatively impacting their lives. 

The core message is that your life matters and that there’s no reason to give up because you have all the support you need right here, and others can help you pick right up if you fall off the wagon. 

There is Greater Accountability 

It’s not easy to quit a serious drug addiction alone. If there’s no one else to hold you accountable, chances are you’ll backslide and may end up self-sabotaging yourself back into the destructive habits you’re trying to quit. 

But if you’re part of a 12 step recovery program, you’ll find that people share similar stories of backsliding or relapsing and that there’s no toxic judgment that can leave you stuck in a vicious circle. 

However, people will still push you to restart the 12 steps if you relapse to help you regain the initial progress you made. 

What are friends for, right? 

There Are New Bonds of Friendship 

Often, people suffering from drug addiction tend to alienate those around them and start to feel like no one understands their struggle. 

People can be unintentionally judgmental and not understand or have the patience to deal with your addictions. 

12 step recovery programs offer new friendships, where people are in a similar boat as yourself, and so understand well the struggles, the highs and lows that go with treating serious drug addiction. 

You may find lifelong friends in your recovery program because people who are there through your hardest of times are the ones that stick around forever. 

Despite being potentially traumatized, they will understand your journey, and your newly cemented bonds of friendship can propel you to kick your drug habits for good. 

The 12 Step Recovery Program is Highly Practical 

The 12 step recovery program is not just a safe space where people can talk about their feelings and daily struggles; it is also very practical in its step-by-step approach to accelerate your healing process. 

The first step helps you overcome denial by admitting that you have a problem and need help. You surrender yourself in front of a higher power and a witness so that it liberates you from the shackles in your mind. 

The second step creates clarity so members realize that they cannot expect to create a new outcome by partaking in the same self-destructive habits they are trying to let go of.  

Once they recognize the need for surrendering to a higher power, members can come to terms with the traumatic incidents in their lives and finally stop living in reaction to the past. 

They can let go of destructive emotions like bitterness, resentment, and nihilistic tendencies that they realize are toxic and life-draining forms of self-hatred. 

You isolate your triggers, bring awareness around them and create a space where they slowly but surely start to lose their power over you. 

Towards the end of the 12 step recovery program, members will find that they’ve developed a greater degree of self-control, have more awareness around the root cause of their pain, and can finally open up to being fully rehabilitated. 

Final Thoughts 

Once you go through such a radical change, you’re likely to carry the message with you about the effectiveness of the 12 step program, help others who are still suffering and propagate the healing effect to the greater community at large. 

The Sands Treatment Center near Pompano Beach in South Florida has an excellent recovery center where people can join to begin their rehabilitation process. 

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