OPIATE ADDICTION

Opiates all work in basically the same manner: They bind to the natural opioid receptors in your brain and mimic some of the specific chemical signals that correspond to either pleasure or pain. Legal opiates, when administered correctly, can therefore be powerful agents for managing and mitigating pain. Because opiates both relieve pain and come with major psychological powers, though, they can be very easily abused.

This level of abuse can come from legal painkillers when administered incorrectly, but also from any illegal opiate use—if only because the illegal opiates are so extremely powerful, much more potent than legal ones.

SIGNS OF OPIATE ADDICTION

Those struggling with opiate addiction may have a number of psychological symptoms. Some of these include anxiety attacks, euphoria psychosis, depression, lowered motivation and irritability.

There can also be behavioral symptoms, including using opiates for a longer period of time, or in greater quantities, than was prescribed by the physician. Trying to decrease opiate doses, unsuccessfully, is also a potential sign of addiction.

Some potential physical symptoms, meanwhile, include improved alertness, constricted blood vessels, increased blood pressure and heart rate, increased energy, increased sexual arousal, insomnia and restlessness, and physical agitation.

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OPIATE DETOX CENTERS

Opiate addiction is powerful in its grip and potentially lethal in its effect. The good news is that recovery is possible—but it is not necessarily easy, and will require a clinical approach. The first step is to detox—something best done in an addiction detox facility.

The reason for this is simple: Kicking an opiate habit is exceedingly difficult, and the withdrawal effects can be dire. They include:

• PHYSICAL CRAVINGS
• NAUSEA AND STOMACH PAIN
• COLD SWEAT AND CHILLS
• AGITATION
• ANXIETY
• SHAKING AND QUIVERING
• INSOMNIA
• PAIN IN THE BONES

By locating a treatment center such as Elijah’s House, you can ensure that you are receiving around-the-clock supervision, and also getting access to pain management techniques to help you keep your withdrawal symptoms at bay. In some cases, non-habit-forming medications may be administered to suppress these withdrawal effects.

NON-MEDICAL USE

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2014 reported in the last month, 4.3 million Americans engaged in non-medical use of prescription painkillers.

DRUG OVERDOSE

The Center for disease control reported that almost 60% of all drug overdose deaths in 2010 included pharmaceutical drugs.

HEROIN USE

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 9 in 10 individuals who used heroin also used at least one other drug.

OPIATE REHAB

Detox is necessary, but it is also just the beginning. After detox, ongoing treatment is imperative, as recovery is a lifelong journey. Those struggling with opiate addiction will have the option of either inpatient or outpatient treatment; speak with an addiction recovery specialist to determine which path is best for you. Also ensure that you find a rehab facility that offers aftercare and long-term sobriety services.

Opiate addiction can be life-ruining and in some cases life-ending. To start the healing process, learn more about detox. New Start offers personalized attention and a compassionate approach. To speak with a member of the New Start team, give us a call at your earliest convenience.

ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Understanding alcoholism requires us to understand not just its lethalness, though, but also its cause—and its potential treatments. Consumed in temperate amounts, alcohol is considered by some as relaxing and even offers minor health benefits. Alcohol affects individuals differently: It can be either perfectly healthy or lethally dangerous, simply depending on the level of moderation you use in your consumption. Consumed in excess, though, alcohol is more than unhealthy: It’s a poison and a dangerous drug, one that kills more than 100,000 each year

HOW ADDICTIVE IS ALCOHOL?

The preliminary effects of alcohol are fairly mild, and might include impaired coordination, vision, balance and judgment. Larger quantities of alcohol can cause higher levels of impairment, and even lead to unconsciousness or, for cases of full alcohol poisoning, death.

But what about actual alcoholism? This disease is progressive and life-threatening. It is characterized by:

• An increased, constant craving for alcohol;
• An increased tolerance for alcohol;
• Physical dependence on alcohol; and
• Inability to control one’s alcohol consumption.

Alcoholism can also lead to a number of other serious maladies—including brain damage, heart damage, liver damage, high blood pressure, pneumonia, tuberculosis, enlarged blood vessels and more.

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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ALCOHOLISM?

One of the troubling things about alcoholism is how insidious it is—how covert. Often, the signs and symptoms of alcoholism are completely unnoticed even by close friends and loved ones. Alcoholics tend to be quite secretive about their disease, which can make it all the harder to spot.

Compounding matters is the fact that alcoholism does not seem to have any one root cause. Rather, it results from a combination of factors, which might be genetic, environmental, psychological and social. Genetic factors are seen by scientists as especially crucial, but really, the cause of alcoholism varies from one person to the next, and sometimes cannot be fully identified.

For those worried that their friend or loved one is an alcoholic, however, there are some telltale signs to watch out for. Some of them include:

• Repeated neglect of family, social or professional obligations;
• Drinking in dangerous and inappropriate situations, like while operating a vehicle;
• Extreme secrecy;
• Legal problems on account of drinking;
• Relationships that become strained or ruined because of drinking; and
• Spending copious amounts of money on alcohol.

Obviously, if you witness these behaviors in others, it is critically important to urge treatment in a professional facility.

ALCOHOLISM STATISTICS

Consider some alcoholism statistics. Alcoholism—a disease that entails the chronic abuse of alcohol—is something that impacts roughly one in 12 adults in the United States. For those who struggle with alcoholism, there is hope for healing and wholeness—but recovery almost never happens on one’s own. Almost always, clinical detox and treatment are necessary to begin the lifelong recovery process.

EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Alcohol is more than unhealthy: It is a poison and a dangerous drug, one that kills more than 100,000 each year.

ALCOHOLISM

Alcohol abuse is generally very common, and alcoholism affects roughly one in 12 adults in the United States.

AFFECTING COLLEGE STUDENTS

1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related incidents.

TREATMENT FOR ALCOHOLISM

Several factors complicate treatment. One is that alcoholism is never truly cured; recovery is an ongoing, lifelong process. Another is that the goal of treatment is abstinence from drink, which is challenging. Finally, most alcoholics employ denial about the nature and extent of their disease.

Yet recovery is possible—particularly for those who seek professional care. The first step is to detox, allowing the body to be rid of harmful toxins. From there, recovery in an inpatient facility or perhaps through an outpatient program is urged, as is ongoing aftercare and involvement in support groups.

Detox is that first step. For those looking for a new Beginning—and a chance at real, lasting recovery—finding a professional detox center is urged. Elijah’s House Treatment Center is proud to offer a variety of alcohol detox services. Contact us today to learn more about these important first steps toward alcohol recovery.

You may not be familiar with the term benzodiazepines, but you’re probably familiar enough with what they are. Essentially, these are tranquilizers. They are more commonly known by their specific brand names, like Xanax and Valium. And they represent the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, often leading to Benzo addiction in patients.

While these drugs can prove helpful when properly prescribed and correctly administered, they can also be abused. The only way to conquer this addiction is through a clinical recovery program.

BENZO ADDICTION

UNDERSTANDING BENZO ADDICTION

Doctors prescribe these drugs for a number of perfectly legitimate medical reasons—including treatment for anxiety disorders, insomnia and sleeplessness, alcohol withdrawal and seizure control. Benzos can offer muscle relaxation for those with acute pain, and in some cases are used as anesthesia before surgery.

These drugs are active on the nervous system, lowering anxieties and muscle tension and ultimately providing a feeling of sedation.

Yet these drugs are also commonly abused. This is partly because they are so widely available and so easy to obtain. Benzos rarely lead to death all on their own but can be lethal when mixed with alcohol; they do yield some severe symptoms, including drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and—in some cases—even coma. They can lead to intense physical dependence; withdrawal from benzos can be painful and challenging.

BENZO ADDICTION STATISTICS

This class of drugs makes up the most widely-used pharmaceutical category in the United States. Benzos account for more than a third of all drug-related visits to the emergency room. They also rank as one of the top five reasons people seek substance abuse treatment.

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HOW ADDICTIVE ARE BENZODIAZEPINES?

It is shockingly easy to become addicted to tranquilizers, and indeed, most benzo addiction is completely inadvertent. It is even possible to follow a doctor’s orders down to the letter, taking benzos only as prescribed, and still end up with an addiction problem. Stopping benzo use “cold turkey,” meanwhile, would yield serious withdrawal symptoms. That’s why clinical detox is ultimately recommended.

WHY ARE BENZODIAZEPINES SO ADDICTIVE?

But why exactly are benzodiazepines so addictive? It might surprise you to learn that benzos get their addictive power in much the same way as cannabinoids and opioids. That is to say, benzos can cause dopamine surges—actually rewiring the body’s reward system until addiction is formed.

MOST-WIDELY USED

Benzos are the most-widely used pharmaceutical category in the United States.

VISITS TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM

Of all drug-related visits to the emergency room, benzos account for more than a third.

TOP 5

Benzos are one of the top 5 reasons people seek substance abuse treatment.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BENZO ADDICTION?

So how can you tell if your friend or loved one is struggling with addiction to these dangerous drugs? In addition to the list of symptoms above, consider some of the following warning signs of benzo abuse.

A person with benzo addiction might be:

• Suddenly or strangely detached from life
• Unusually sedate, uncaring about things that should be more urgent or important
• Uninterested in setting goals or advancing in life
• Withdrawn from personal relationships or from hobbies that used to excite them
• Willing to visit multiple doctors to get benzo prescriptions, possibly for illegitimate symptoms

RECOVERING FROM BENZO ADDICTION

Addiction recovery is possible, yet it never happens independently. To start down the road to recovery, it is necessary to check into a clinical detox facility, and then pursue a benzo addiction recovery program.

Start the process today by learning more about detox. Contact the Elijah’s House team and ask about our work with benzodiazepine addicts. Hope and healing are possible—and the best way to embrace them is to get medically-supervised detox in one of our beautiful residential facilities.

One of the oldest drugs in the world, cocaine is also a leading source of dangerous, even life-threatening addiction. Indeed, cocaine addiction can cause extreme physical and psychological symptoms. Use of this highly addicting stimulant causes countless overdoses and Emergency Room visits every single year.

The good news is that cocaine addiction does not have to be terminal. There is hope for healing and recovery, whether for you or your addicted loved one. The first step is to understand what you are up against—how cocaine addiction really works.

COCAINE ADDICTION

UNDERSTANDING COCAINE ADDICTION

Cocaine addiction is a psychological or physical dependence that arises from the user’s strong desire or need to use cocaine. Though snorting cocaine is the most common method, there are some users who inject it—an especially dangerous practice. Cocaine can also be smoked. The method of cocaine delivery determines how long its effects last—anywhere from five minutes to half an hour or more.

Cocaine is a stimulant and may give the user an intense high; a cocaine addict may seem more excited, alert or confident than normal. Yet the physical and psychological side effects far outweigh this sense of high. They include:

• NOSEBLEEDS
• FAST HEART RATE
• ENLARGED HEART
• HEART ATTACKS
• CARDIAC ARREST
• UNUSUAL AGGRESSION
• EXTREME EXCITEMENT
• OVERCONFIDENCE
• PARANOIA
• DEPRESSION
• EXHAUSTION
• APATHY

HOW ADDICTIVE IS COCAINE

Part of the reason why cocaine is so dangerous is that it is so addictive. In terms of the intensity of the psychological dependence that it creates, cocaine is second only to methamphetamine. Cocaine works by stimulating key pleasure centers in the brain—and once you start using cocaine, it can be increasingly hard to replicate those pleasurable feelings, hence the need to use higher and higher doses of cocaine.

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CAUSES OF COCAINE ADDICTION

As with so many addictions, cocaine addiction does not have any one, single cause. Its root can be any one of the following factors, or a combination of them:

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry
• Brain structure
• Effects of the drug on the brain’s pleasure centers

What is sobering about cocaine addiction is that it is an equal opportunity offender. Anyone could potentially develop an addiction to this powerful drug—but there is always hope for healing and recovery.

7.5 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE

It’s estimated that 7.5 million young people (15 to 34) have used cocaine at some point in their lives.

EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS

In the United States, there are close to 500,000 cocaine-related Emergency Room visits every single year.

5,400 PEOPLE DIED

More than 5,400 people died from cocaine overdose in 2014.

RECOVERY FROM COCAINE ADDICTION

Indeed, no case of cocaine addiction—no matter how extreme—is beyond the scope of recovery. The important thing is to pursue addiction recovery in a clinical setting.

This begins with clinically supervised cocaine detox. You must detox before recovery can begin, yet it is not advisable to attempt a home recovery. The withdrawal symptoms are simply too potent to manage on your own. Instead, seek professional detox and care from a facility like Elijah’s House Treatment Center.

From there, it is imperative to locate a good inpatient treatment program, and to engage in aftercare support groups long after the initial program is completed.

HEROIN ADDICTION

Opiate addiction has reached truly epidemic proportions. Across America, people of all ages and from all walks of life are finding themselves addicted to these potent narcotics—and often, it is inadvertent, leading to heroin addiction. Opiates are commonly prescribed as painkillers, used for mitigating discomfort following major surgeries. Even when taken according to a doctor’s directions opiates can become addictive—and when the addict needs a higher, more potent dose, he or she may turn from painkillers to more dangerous, illegal opiates. Heroin is at the top of the list.

The good news is that, no matter how deep or dark heroin addiction may seem, it is never hopeless. Recovery is always possible—but before you can seek addiction recovery, you must first understand what you are up against.

UNDERSTANDING HEROIN ADDICTION

Heroin does indeed belong to the opiate category. It is a narcotic painkiller, synthesized from morphine. It is also one of the most dangerous and addictive substances in the world—made all the more dangerous due to its relatively inexpensive, easily accessible nature.

Heroin works by impacting the brain’s reward center. The reward system is effectively “rigged” when heroin artificially triggers the release of various feel-good chemicals, such as dopamine.

The problem is, it doesn’t take long before this is effectively the only way for the brain to receive pleasure—and as such, larger and larger doses of heroin are needed for the addict to feel any kind of joy or happiness; anything but deep depression.

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HOW ADDICTIVE IS HEROIN?

Heroin is exceedingly addictive. Even a single dose of heroin can send a person down the road to major addiction; indeed, overuse of prescription painkillers is sometimes all it takes to create physical and psychological dependence.

The reason heroin is so addictive is because of the way it rigs the brain’s reward system. It makes it all but impossible to feel any joy or happiness apart from increasingly large doses of heroin—sending the user into a deeper and deeper hole.

9 MILLION PEOPLE

More than 9 million of the world’s 13.5 million opiate users are heroin addicts.

HEROIN-RELATED OVERDOSE

In 2013, more than 8,200 people died from a heroin-related overdose.

28,000 ADOLESCENTS

In 2014, an estimated 28,000 adolescents had used heroin in the past year, and an estimated 16,000 were current heroin users.

CAUSES OF HEROIN ADDICTION

One of the difficult things about diagnosing and treating heroin addiction is uncovering the root of the problem. With drug addiction, there are usually various factors in play, not any one thing to which the addiction can be attributed. These factors can be genetic, social or environmental. Previous struggles with prescription painkiller addiction is perhaps the clearest sign of a potential heroin addiction problem.

RECOVERY FOR HEROIN ADDICTION

Heroin addiction is life threatening, yet it is never hopeless. No matter the depth of the addiction, recovery is always possible. The important thing is to seek professional help. Rather than attempting a home detox, seek clinical detox from a facility like at Elijah’s House Treatment Center, and then pursue an inpatient heroin addiction treatment program.

Start the process today. Embrace a life of ongoing recovery and long-term sobriety. Get in touch with one of our addiction recovery specialists at Elijah’s House Treatment Center right away.

How potent is methamphetamine—or, as it’s more commonly abbreviated, meth? Potent enough that it has earned the nickname of “the most dangerous drug on Earth,” both for the ravaging effect it has on the body but also for its ease of use and its wide availability.

Though meth comes in two common forms—crystal meth and powder meth—the effect on the user is never anything less than brutal and can be life-threatening. The good news is that there is hope for those in the throes of meth addiction; that hope comes when you seek clinical detox and then a meth addiction recovery program.

First, though, it is important to know what you’re up against, and to develop a deeper understanding of meth addiction.

METH ADDICTION

Though meth comes in different forms, it has roughly the same effect in all of its guises. It provides the user with something like euphoria—an extreme sense of happiness and well-being. The user also experiences a rush of confidence, alertness and energy. Meth’s effects can last anywhere from eight to 12 hours.

One of the reasons for the meth epidemic in this country is the fact that it’s so easy and cheap to make. Though cooking meth takes a couple of days, it can be done primarily with simple and inexpensive household ingredients. Note that even the act of cooking meth is extremely dangerous, as the fumes emitted can be highly toxic.

When meth is first consumed, it triggers the brain to release large amounts of dopamine, which provides a prolonged experience of pleasure. Over time, though, dopamine is depleted and dopamine receptors are destroyed, and meth users become addicted to it because they can no longer experience dopamine naturally.

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SIGNS OF METH ADDICTION

It is not uncommon for meth addiction to occur in those facing other mental illnesses—including depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder. Some signs and symptoms of meth addiction include:

• DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
• EUPHORIA
• LEGAL PROBLEMS
• SOCIAL ISOLATION
• SECRECY / HIDING
• IMPULSIVENESS
• RISKY BEHAVIOR
• VIOLENT ERUPTIONS
• AGGRESSION
• BINGING / CRASHING
• TREMBLING AND SHAKING
• NAUSEA AND VOMITING
• INSOMNIA
• OPEN SORES
• HAIR LOSS
• LOSS OF SKIN ELASTICITY
• LIVER DAMAGE
• PARANOIA AND HALLUCINATIONS

METH ADDICTION STATISTICS

METH USE

The 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shared approximately 1.2 million people reported using methamphetamine in the last year.

COST OF METH ABUSE

The RAND Corporation noted in a 2009 report that methamphetamine abuse costs the Nation about $23.4 billion in 2005.

12 MILLION PEOPLE

The 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that over 12 million people have tried meth at least one. That is approximately 4 percent of the population.

METH DETOX CENTER

It is possible to kick a meth habit and journey toward recovery. The essential first step is to check into a detox center, like Elijah’s House Treatment Center. Withdrawing from meth “cold turkey” can be extremely difficult and is accompanied by a number of serious side effects—including suicidal thoughts, anxiety, irritability, night sweats, decreased energy and deep depression.

In a clinical detox environment, though, there are medical professionals to assist in the process—ensuring that it is both as painless and as effective as possible; that symptoms of withdrawal are managed and that the process is completed efficiently.

 METH REHAB

The next step is to check into a rehab facility. This is imperative: Nobody finds meth recovery alone  and checking into a rehab treatment center is the only way to ensure both the right kind of clinical care and also the necessary structures for support and community.

If you or someone you know is gripped by addiction to meth, we urge you to seek help as soon as possible. The path to recovery begins with detox. To learn more about the detox or rehab processes, contact an Elijah’s House Treatment Center Specialist today.

METHADONE ADDICTION

Methadone is a laboratory-made, artificially created opioid, most often used as a painkiller for those dealing with severe pain. Methadone is also used as a potential treatment for those in the throes of opiate addiction, including those addicted to prescription painkillers and to heroin. However, methadone is also an addictive and dangerous substance in and of itself—and often, well-intentioned methadone use spirals quite inadvertently into methadone addiction.

Recovery is possible—but the road to recovery can be a long one, encompassing both clinical detox and inpatient treatment. The first step is to understand what methadone addiction is and how it works.

UNDERSTANDING METHADONE ADDICTION

Methadone works on the same opioid receptors that morphine does—and for that matter, heroin. This is what allows it to be such an effective substitute for these addictive narcotics, making it a useful tool for those in opiate addiction recovery. It is also, what makes it addictive in its own right.

Methadone is a legal drug. Because it is used to curb addiction, it is not as heavily enforced or regulated as other drugs—yet it is mightily powerful and can create intense physical and psychological dependencies.

What is most troubling is that those using this drug to curb their opiate habits are at the highest risk for methadone addiction because they already have histories with opiate abuse.

Addiction to methadone can be intense. The brain develops a tolerance for methadone’s effects, which means that higher and higher doses are needed to achieve the same high and to stave off withdrawal pains.

It is imperative to seek professional treatment for methadone addiction. Though it may seem hopeless, it never is: With the right clinical detox and treatment programs, recovery is possible for anyone. Contact Elijah’s House Treatment Center to start the process today.

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33%

Methadone accounts for nearly a third of opioid-associated deaths.

120,00 PEOPLE

About 120,000 people take Methadone to control their heroin addiction.

4,418 DEATHS

The number of deaths in the United States involving methadone poisoning was 4,418 in 2011 which was 26% of total deaths from opioid poisoning.

CAUSES OF METHADONE ADDICTION

As with any addiction, determining a specific cause is difficult. Genetic, environmental, and social factors can all play a role, to varying degrees and in different combinations. Past exposure to opiates, and histories of opiate abuse, are especially big giveaways and often point toward a greater propensity for methadone addiction.

TREATMENT FOR METHADONE ADDICTION

Methadone addiction is never hopeless, and no one is beyond recovery. Because the drug is so powerful, and because the withdrawal symptoms can be so significant, it is critical to seek clinical care.

Inpatient and outpatient programs can both be helpful for providing lifelong recovery from methadone addiction—especially when aftercare and long-term sobriety programs are also sought.

The first step, though, is to seek clinical detox. Detox rids the body and mind of methadone’s effects and provides a foundation for ongoing recovery. Begin that process today. Call the addiction recovery specialists at Elijah’s House Treatment Center and you will be on your way to recovery.

OXYCONTIN ADDICTION

Whether you know it by the brand name OxyContin or its component oxycodone, this drug is still a potent and highly addictive opiate. Although pharmaceutical companies have taken steps to reduce addiction risk and prevent people from misusing this prescription drug, it still poses a threat. No one starts using prescription painkillers with the intention of becoming addicted, but it can happen very quickly, even when using them as prescribed. However, OxyContin addiction is treatable and help starts by finding a detox program like Elijah’s House Treatment Center.

UNDERSTANDING OXYCONTIN ADDICTION

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opiate painkiller. It is the basis for prescription drugs such as OxyContin, which is typically prescribed for pain relief after major surgery, injury or illness. For those who suffer from severe pain, OxyContin can help take the edge off while they recover. But the danger comes with prolonged use. The body begins to build a tolerance to the drug and higher amounts are needed to achieve the same results. This can quickly spiral into addiction.

OxyContin is provided as a pill form, but some people crush it up and either snort or inject it to get a faster high. This can be very dangerous as it leads to risk of infection, organ damage and overdose.

HOW ADDICTIVE IS OXYCONTIN?

Much like heroin, another opioid, OxyContin is highly addictive. It essentially rewires how the brain perceives not only pain, but also pleasure and reward. The drug binds to pain receptors in the brain and can produce a feeling of euphoria. OxyContin is a time-release formula, but as the body builds up a tolerance or the drug is misused, people often take it more frequently and in higher doses. When it is chewed or crushed, this releases the drug into the blood stream faster, but can also exacerbate side effects such as slowed heart rate, shallow breathing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, this can be fatal.

When used as directed and under the supervision of a physician, this can help reduce addiction risk, but it does not eliminate it. Should addiction develop, undergoing drug detox at a facility like Elijah’s House and then entering a drug rehab program can help people to get on the road to recovery.

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OXYCONTIN ADDICTION STATISTICS

OxyContin addiction is a growing problem as statistics show. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) estimates that in the United States around 1.9 million people struggle with opioid abuse or dependence. This leads to around 46 deaths per day from prescription painkillers. Teenagers are not above the risk either, and this can sometimes be where addiction starts. The ASAM reports that approximately 1 in 30 high school seniors have misused OxyContin.

1.9 MILLION

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) estimates that in the United States around 1.9 million people struggle with opioid abuse or dependence.

1 IN 30

The ASAM reports that approximately 1 in 30 high school seniors have misused OxyContin.

5%

The American Journal of Psychiatry reports that at least 5 percent of all drug addicts have used OxyContin before abusing a more potent narcotic.

WHAT ARE CAUSES OF OXYCONTIN ADDICTION?

While there is no single cause of OxyContin addiction, it generally stems from legitimate use for pain relief following surgery or serious injury. It may also be prescribed for those battling cancer or other illnesses. The longer you use OxyContin, the more of a tolerance builds up in your body. This means that in order to keep getting relief from pain, you end up taking more and more. This is where addiction kicks in. When people have trouble accessing prescriptions for OxyContin, they may turn to other opioids such as heroin, which can create an even more serious problem.

Though everyone’s situation is different and what leads one person to develop an addiction to OxyContin may not be the same as someone else, one thing holds true – there is help available. OxyContin addiction does not have to control your life. Undergoing supervised detox at Elijah’s House can be the first step in helping you move toward an addiction rehab program and long-term recovery. Call Elijah’s House Treatment Center today to learn more.

VICODIN ADDICTION

Vicodin is one of the most well-known prescription drugs that is commonly misused. Although healthcare providers are beginning to crack down on prescriptions and monitor use more closely, Vicodin is still widely used to treat severe or chronic pain, making people more susceptible to Vicodin addiction.

Painkillers are not meant for long-term use. Over time your body begins building up a tolerance to Vicodin and you have to take more and more to feel the same level of relief. Eventually you may continue feeling pain even when taking high doses. By this point you most likely have already developed a Vicodin addiction and may have trouble stopping use.

Trying to quit and detox your body on your own can be dangerous as well as uncomfortable. Entering a clinical detox program at a facility like Elijah’s House Treatment Center can help you to safely and more comfortably undergo the detox process so that you can continue on with your recovery.

UNDERSTANDING VICODIN ADDICTION

Vicodin is a combination of the drugs hydrocodone, which is an opioid and therefore potentially highly addictive, and acetaminophen, which you may know by the brand name of Tylenol. These drugs work in combination to provide pain relief, but in addition to hydrocodone having addictive properties, acetaminophen can lead to liver damage if taken in high dosages. You may not realize the damage that you are doing to your body because you can’t necessarily see or feel it immediately, but in time it will catch up with you.

Short-term side effects of Vicodin can include pain relief and euphoria, but also nausea, constipation, confusion, drowsiness, and slow breathing. A significant risk with Vicodin addiction is that too much can slow your breathing and heart rate to dangerous and potentially fatal levels.

HOW ADDICTIVE IS VICODIN?

Since Vicodin contains hydrocodone, which is an opioid, it falls into the category of being potentially highly addictive. Even when used exactly as directed, it can still lead to addiction simply due to the nature of the drug. This is why it is critical to monitor your use and pay attention to signs of addiction. If you do feel that either the Vicodin is not working as it should, or you are becoming addicted, talking to your doctor is essential. He or she may recommend a detox program to help curb the effects and wean you off of it.

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SPOTLIGHT ON VICODIN ADDICTION STATISTICS

Vicodin addiction is more prevalent than you may realize. According to a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2010 about one in 12 high school seniors reported using Vicodin for nonmedical use, and around 20 percent of people aged 12 and older (approximately 52 million Americans) use prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes at some point in their life.

Another study in 2010 found that “of about 700 patients who consistently took opioids for a year or longer, more than one-quarter were dependent on the drugs.” Dependency can lead to addiction.

1 IN 12

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported in 2010 about one in 12 high school seniors reported using Vicodin for nonmedical use.

20%

Around 20 percent of people aged 12 and older (approximately 52 million Americans) use prescription drugs for non-medical purposes at some point in their life.

2 MILLION

Estimates suggest that nearly 2 million individuals across the U.S. suffer from Vicodin addictions.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VICODIN ADDICTION?

Addiction can occur when pain is not adequately managed and people try to correct this on their own by simply taking more Vicodin or taking it more often. Since Vicodin is an opioid, it changes how your brain functions and perceives pleasure and pain. You may get hooked on the euphoria Vicodin can bring about and other natural stimulants may pale in comparison. Some people start misusing Vicodin even if they don’t have pain simply for this euphoric high.

There is hope and help available, however, and Vicodin addiction does not have to plague your future. No matter how much you are taking or how long you have been taking it, a clinical detox program can help you to rid your body of these toxins and begin the healing and recovery process. Contact Elijah’s House Treatment Center today to learn more about detox treatment and how it can be the first step in long-term recovery.

XANAX ADDICTION

If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety or insomnia, you may have been prescribed Xanax. Or, if you’ve gone in for a medical procedure and felt a little anxious, the doctor might give you Xanax to relax. Xanax is known as a benzodiazepine. More simply put, it is a form of tranquilizer. These drugs are often prescribed for short-term use due to their risk for misuse and addiction. In addition, over time the body builds up a tolerance and they are less effective unless higher doses are taken. Xanax addiction is a widespread problem, but one that can be treated through clinical detox and drug rehab.

UNDERSTANDING XANAX ADDICTION

Xanax works by depressing the central nervous system. It inhibits communication between some of the receptors in the brain therefore causing you to become more relaxed and drowsy. For those who suffer from panic attacks, Xanax can help them to better manage their condition and calm themselves when an attack strikes. While it does have its legitimate benefits, Xanax misuse can develop quickly. It can be easy to get hooked on the laid back, drowsy feeling it produces.

Taking too much Xanax can lead to addiction and undesirable side effects. You may experience:

• DROWSINESS
• CONFUSION
• BLURRED VISION

In more serious cases, you could end up in a coma. Xanax addiction can even exacerbate the initial symptoms they are intended to relieve such as insomnia and anxiety.

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XANAX ADDICTION STATISTICS

Xanax, and benzodiazepines in general, are some of the most commonly misused prescription drugs. A 2011 report found that more than 60,000 people in treatment for substance use disorders were addicted to benzodiazepines. The number of people misusing this drug is in the hundreds of thousands, as not everyone seeks treatment even though Xanax addiction treatment is available.

60,000 PEOPLE

A 2011 report found that more than 60,000 people in treatment for substance use disorders were addicted to benzodiazepines.

125,000

The number of ER visits because of Xanax abuse neared 125,000 people in 2010.

MOST COMMONLY PRESCRIBED

Xanax is the most commonly prescribed and abused benzo in the United States.

HOW ADDICTIVE IS XANAX?

When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be a safe treatment option, but should be monitored by a doctor. Given that extended use can quickly build a tolerance requiring higher dosages to achieve the same effects, the potential for addiction exists. Many people are drawn to the feeling that Xanax gives them and rely on this drowsy, relaxed state to push through the day, even though it can be detrimental to their physical and mental health.

If addiction does develop, however, participation in a clinical detox program can help to counteract these effects. Ridding the body of Xanax can allow for stronger focus on recovery and healing with a clear mind. Contact Elijah’s House  for more information about detox programs for Xanax addiction.

CAUSES OF XANAX ADDICTION

While some people become addicted to Xanax after being prescribed the medication for anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, or another legitimate medical condition, others use it recreationally for the relaxing effect it has. Nonmedical use of Xanax and similar medications is prevalent especially among young adults. A 2014 study found that over the course of their lifetime, 26.30 percent of people ages 18 to 25 had used psychotherapeutic drugs for nonmedical purposes. Among those ages 26 and older, it was a close 20.90 percent.

Trying to detox from Xanax on your own at home is not recommend. Withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, depression, increased anxiety, confusion, nausea, and insomnia. Some people mistake these symptoms as their condition getting worse and increase their dosage of Xanax to try to curb them, thus enhancing their addiction. Treatment at a clinical detox facility like New Start Recovery can support you in safely coping with withdrawal symptoms and cleansing your system of these substances so you can focus on recovery. You’ll be able to clear your mind and begin healing your body in a comfortable environment with treatment that is tailored to your individual needs.