Opioid addiction is an epidemic across the nation. Opioid withdrawal is the main reason many people continue using these dangerous drugs. Opioids are a deadly drug leading to many overdose deaths across the country each year, and those who are struggling can attest to the desire to stop using but fear enduring withdrawal symptoms from opioid drugs. How can someone tell if they or a loved one are going through opioid withdrawal? How long does it last? Is it safe to do cold turkey? These are all valid questions for anyone who struggles with opioid addiction or has a loved one who does. 

Signs of Opioid Withdrawal

Opioids are a class of drugs both prescription and illicit that are used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Usually after surgery or for those who suffer from chronic pain conditions. These drugs can include oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl and heroin. when the body becomes dependent upon these dangerous drugs, it can lead to needing more and more, resulting in an addiction to opioids. Eventually, when a person tries to stop using them they experience opioid withdrawal symptoms. 

There are both physical and emotional signs that can be seen when it comes to opioid withdrawal. Someone who is going through it may show physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, experiencing nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea. They may also experience other physical symptoms that can include:

•  Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Dilated pupils
• Stomach cramps

Along with the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal there may be some psychological and emotional symptoms that can be witnessed. This can include angry outbursts, depression, and anxiety. 

How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?

Everyone will experience opioid withdrawal differently but the symptoms listed are a general overview of what could be expected. Every person’s body heals differently at different paces so there is no set timeline to give on how long opioid withdrawal will last for everyone. However, there is a general timeline of what can be expected.

Symptoms of opioid withdrawal usually begin to present themselves within the first 24 hours of the last use of opioids. These are the mild symptoms like itching and runny nose, muscle aches and pains, and irritability. After a day or so, the symptoms tend to peak, and then, by 72 hours, the symptoms begin to dissipate. Within a week, the opioid withdrawal symptoms should be near gone and an individual can begin to feel better. However, sometimes these symptoms can last for a prolonged period of time and cravings can become intense. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome can occur and lead to added complications. This is why it is suggested to receive professional help before going through opioid withdrawal.

Is Opioid Withdrawal Fatal?

It is a common misconception that while opioid withdrawal is severely uncomfortable and unpleasant, it is relatively safe. On the contrary, people can and often do die from it. Due to withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, many people end up experiencing dehydration and elevated sodium levels in the blood which then, in turn, results in heart failure. These fatal and tragic situations are preventable. Receiving proper medical care when going through opioid withdrawal is the only way to ensure safety and proper physical recovery from opioid addiction.

How Detox Helps Opioid Withdrawal

Anyone who has undergone withdrawal from opioids can express how uncomfortable it was. Often, they feel as though it is completely unbearable. Many times, the symptoms alone lead a person back to using the drugs that led them to such a predicament to begin with. Detox helps to alleviate these symptoms and make the process a lot smoother, and easier to endure. This helps to ensure that the person has the best start to recovery not only by making withdrawal easier but during the process, they can learn different coping skills to combating addiction once the process is over. Having minimal discomfort, while learning new skills can ensure a person has the best start to recovery they could have. 

Detox also helps by providing a person with proper medical supervision while they are going through it. As previously stated, opioid withdrawal can and often is fatal. Being monitored both psychologically and medically helps to prevent complications from things like depression and anxiety as well as diarrhea and vomiting. Proper medical care is vital to making it through withdrawal from opioids with little to no long-lasting health complications, or fatality,

If someone is considering ending opioid abuse and addiction, help is available and it is highly suggested that a proper detox regimen is implemented to ensure their safety and success for a life in recovery. 

Detox Safely from Opioids

Someone who struggles with addiction to opioids is running a major risk. Addiction to opioids is dangerous and often leads to death, jail, and many other consequences. Getting proper help is necessary to achieve recovery. Lexington Addiction Center can help. We offer comprehensive care that is personalized to an individual’s needs. If you or a loved one are struggling, reach out and call us today. Begin a life of recovery from opioid addiction.

Addiction to substances comes with its own dangers. What happens when someone tries to stop using drugs and alcohol? What is PAWS? Is PAWS dangerous? How does someone manage the symptoms? These are all valid questions when someone is deciding to end using substances and begin a healthy, drug and alcohol-free life. The detox process may bring forth some other symptoms, however, these symptoms can be monitored and treated if done professionally and medically. This makes the process so much easier, and then true recovery can begin.

What is PAWS?

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a condition that occurs in those who struggle with substances. When the normal, or acute, withdrawal timeline has been surpassed sometimes it can seem as though there has been a relapse in some of the symptoms.it may also seem as though the symptoms never went away. This is what PAWS is. Milder, yet persistent symptoms of withdrawal that an individual may experience for a longer period of time than the physical withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of PAWS may include things like disruption in sleep, anxiety, depression, other mood changes, and inability to concentrate. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and make it very difficult to accomplish daily tasks. 

What Drugs Cause It?

PAWS is caused by a number of different substances that are addictive. Benzodiazepine addiction, for instance, can lead to PAWS becoming a reality for an individual who decides to stop using them. Other drugs like cocaine and meth can lead to difficulty with impulse control for weeks after the substance has been stopped. PAWS is disrupting to an individual’s life, and symptoms are best managed and monitored professionally.

PAWS and Alcohol Withdrawal Effects

Withdrawal from alcohol can be a dangerous thing to go through alone. High blood pressure, seizures, muscle pain, and cramping can all be symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol. Along with these physical symptoms, an individual may experience symptoms such as depression, anxiety, nervousness, and other mental health concerns. When the general timeline for alcohol detox has been surpassed, the symptoms may persist. It may feel as though there is no way to find relief. However, these symptoms of PAWS can be managed. PAWS is something that can last a while, so having professional monitoring and management is the best possible solution for anyone who is going through the process of recovery from alcohol addiction.

PAWS and Opioid Withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal in and of itself is a process that can be extremely uncomfortable. The symptoms associated can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, cold chills, sweating, insomnia, restlessness, poor appetite, heart rate and blood pressure changes, and muscle cramping and weakness. Along with these physical symptoms, severe depression, and anxiety can occur, making it difficult to stay away from the drugs that caused these symptoms to begin with. When someone accomplishes the feat of enduring the opioid withdrawal time frame, these symptoms can also persist and seem to be never-ending. PAWS is a condition that can be long-lasting, and uncomfortable. This is why it is highly suggested that an individual have medical and mental health professionals at their disposal to manage and monitor any symptoms. This is in order to prevent complications. Depression and anxiety as well as physical symptoms like restlessness and insomnia can be managed if done correctly and professionally. 

Detox for PAWS

Detox is a necessary process to go through when deciding to begin recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. While the symptoms can sometimes be unpleasant, once the physical symptoms subside and the body begins to self-regulate back to normal, a person can begin to feel whole again. PAWS is a possibility, and the symptoms may be long-lasting, however, the symptoms can be managed and the person could begin living a normal and productive life with minimal interruption due to the symptoms. Experiencing depression and anxiety, along with other long-term symptoms of withdrawal can often lead someone back to using drugs and alcohol. Having symptom management helps as a catalyst to preventing this from happening so that individuals can find and maintain recovery.

Addiction is a dangerous ailment and can lead to fatal consequences. This is why getting proper and professional help as soon as possible is highly suggested. Not only to manage any withdrawal and detox symptoms but also so that an individual can regain control of their life and begin living a happy and healthy lifestyle without the chains of addiction to substances. 

Ending Addiction

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a real possibility for someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. These symptoms can make it extremely uncomfortable to go about daily activities, even once the substance use has ended. Without proper management, there can be some complications that could potentially be dangerous. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, we can help. At Lexington Addiction Center we offer comprehensive care for those who are struggling. Our on-staff team of professionals can help to manage withdrawal symptoms, monitor for PAWS, and address any potential symptoms that may arise. Reach out today and begin recovery from addiction.

Having both short and long-term effects, the effects of meth abuse can result in impacts on someone’s day-to-day life. These effects could be detrimental to those struggling with meth abuse and addiction, and lead to behaviors they normally would not engage in. Meth is an illicitly produced stimulant drug often abused for its euphoric effects. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has minimal health benefits and is highly addictive. 

Facts About Meth Abuse and Addiction

Using methamphetamines, or meth,  can result in severe impacts on health, up to and including toxicity and overdose. The effects of meth abuse can lead to health complications and the development of mental health conditions that can make it hard to live a productive life, even after the abuse of this drug ends. Addiction to meth is detrimental to the overall quality of life for those who are struggling.

Leading to changes in the way the brain works, the effects of meth abuse can cause hallucinations, aggression, paranoia, anxiety, and mood changes in those who use it. Some of these behaviors can be a result of its stimulant effects. Those who abuse meth tend to need less sleep and begin acting in ways out of character for them.

Short-Term Effects of Meth

Abuse of this drug can have some short-term effects. The short-term effects of meth abuse can include increased attention, decreased need for restful sleep, decreased appetite, a euphoric rush, rapid heartbeat, hyperthermia, and increased breathing. All of these short-term effects of meth abuse can lead to health risks and complications, including convulsions or seizures. 

Long Term Effects

Addiction is one of the more impactful long-term effects of meth abuse. Addiction to meth can lead to severe health complications.The compulsive need to use meth can also lead to drug toxicity and overdose. It can also lead to poor dental hygiene and lead to deterioration of teeth causing infection. 

Those who use meth can develop a tolerance and the effects of meth abuse can result in needing more and more of the drug in order to achieve the desired effects. When this happens, it can result in overdose. Methamphetamines cause a rise in blood pressure and heart rate which could also result in cardiac problems. 

The effects of meth abuse can also affect a person neurologically. Methamphetamines change the way the brain functions, leading to a decline in brain activity. Dopamine, the chemical in the brain responsible for pleasure senses, can be affected by meth abuse. When this happens, it can be extremely difficult for the brain to revert back to normal production of this essential chemical. 

Meth Withdrawal

The effects of meth abuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is abruptly stopped. These symptoms often are the opposite of the effects the drug initially produces in users. There can be both physical and psychological effects that are best managed when monitored professionally. These symptoms can include: 

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Disturbed sleep
• Lack of motivation
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Cravings
• Hallucinations

These symptoms can make it extremely difficult to end the abuse of the drug. The cravings often lead those who try to stop using the drug on their own back to using it in order to alleviate their mental desires and obsession over the drug. This is why it is best to be medically and professionally monitored when trying to end the abuse of meth.

How Detox Helps

The effects of meth abuse can lead to possible health complications. When ending the abuse of this drug, being professionally monitored and managing the symptoms of withdrawal can help to prevent some of these health complications from worsening. Meth abuse and addiction can have effects on cardiac function, and when ending the abuse of this drug blood pressure changes can occur, so being able to address issues such as this can make the process safer.

How We Can Help

Lexington Addiction Center can help by not only providing professional and medical monitoring while going through the detox process, we also offer professional guidance through therapies to help learn new and positive skills. These skills can be vital to combating the effects of meth abuse. The changes in the brain’s chemistry can have effects that can change the way a person thinks and acts, so being able to learn these skills can add to the ability to recover from addiction to the substance. We offer psychotherapy, trauma therapy, family therapy, as well as holistic approaches, and 12-step and life skills training. 

Healing From Meth Addiction

Meth addiction can result in some severe impacts on someone’s life. It can lead to broken family relationships, legal consequences, as well as a decline in overall health and well-being. Healing from meth addiction is possible. If you or a loved one are struggling with meth addiction, Lexington Addiction Center can help. We offer care to those seeking to heal from addiction to meth, and help them to learn new skills to live a productive life. Call us today and begin the next phase of your life.

When someone decides to stop abusing heroin, it is the best decision they could make for themselves. But going cold turkey from heroin can be an awful experience to endure. It may look like an easy process, but in reality it is a dangerous process to go through alone. Having medical supervision is best when deciding to find recovery from heroin addiction. An individual’s decision to end heroin abuse is an attainable goal, especially when done safely and effectively.

Going Cold Turkey From Heroin

While it seems like an easy and convenient process to go cold turkey from heroin in the comfort of home, it isn’t necessarily the best decision to do so. When quitting heroin, there are some pretty uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that occur. Some symptoms of going cold turkey from heroin include:

• Muscle pain and spasms
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Blood pressure changes
• Heart rate changes
• Insomnia
• Headache

These symptoms often lead people to relapse which could make the situation much more dangerous. Often, when an individual decides that going cold turkey from heroin at home is what they wish to do, they end up turning to heroin to alleviate these symptoms and it can lead to fatal consequences.

Effects and Risks

When going cold turkey from heroin, there are some risks involved. These risks range from mild to extreme. Some can be long-term, and even fatal. 

Blood pressure

Blood pressure changes can occur as a result of going cold turkey from heroin. When blood pressure gets too high or too low, it can result in some severe health complications and harm an individual long term.

Seizures

Due to the health effects of going cold turkey from heroin, a seizure can be a side effect. Having professional and medical monitoring as someone goes through heroin withdrawal can make all the difference. This is why it is so highly suggested to do so under medical supervision.

Delusions

When using substances like heroin, the brain tends to change. As the body is expelling the toxins, the brain is simultaneously trying to correct itself. This can lead to an altered mental state, resulting in delusions. Being monitored by professionals can prevent these delusions from becoming out of control.

Relapse and Overdose

The most severe risk someone could take when going cold turkey from heroin in the comfort of their home could result in relapse and potentially fatal overdose. Due to the symptoms of heroin withdrawal, individuals tend to return to using heroin after a period of not using it. This can lead to overdose. They tend to use the same amount as they did prior to stopping, and because the body isn’t as dependent on it, processing the drug is harder and it results in overdose. This can be fatal.

Why Relapse Occurs When Using Cold Turkey Method

Outside of the physical symptoms of withdrawal that can occur as a result of going cold turkey from heroin at home, one of the biggest contributors to relapse is mental cravings. As previously stated, the brain changes when it becomes dependent on a substance. Because the brain is so sensitive, when the body becomes dependent and the brain changes when the substance is abruptly removed or stopped, the brain goes into overdrive trying to fix itself. It craves the substance and in turn, the person begins to obsess and feel as though they need the drug. This can occur even after the physical dependence has come and gone.

Why Detox is Best

Medical detox compared to going cold turkey from heroin is the best decision. Having medical professionals available to assist as these symptoms arise, day or night, and being able to alleviate the symptoms can prevent the potentially harmful effects of heroin detox from occurring. Professional medical detox is a lot safer, and a lot more comfortable than going cold turkey from heroin at home. Risking some of these symptoms occurring can lead to severe consequences that can be long-lasting. Some of the symptoms can lead to devastating and fatal results. 

The best solution when deciding to end heroin abuse is to seek professional help and guidance to achieve recovery and begin living life again. Recovery is possible, especially if the detox process is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Detox From Heroin Safely

When struggling with heroin, it can be a dangerous game. Not only can it create havoc in the lives of those who struggle, but it can also affect their loved ones. Heroin is extremely deadly and leads to some pretty severe consequences. If you or a loved one are struggling with heroin, Lexington Addiction Center can help. We have a team of professionals standing by that can help to guide you through the process of achieving recovery. Contact us today and begin living a new life!

Just about anyone who struggles with depression can tell you how difficult it is. But can alcohol abuse lead to depression? Is there a link? Alcohol is a depressant. It can affect many facets of the body, including the mind and mental health of anyone who struggles with it. Being aware of what alcohol abuse is, how it affects the body, and how it affects depression can only help someone to have a clear understanding of why their depression symptoms seem to be worse when drinking.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

When asking if alcohol abuse can lead to depression, it is crucial to understand exactly what constitutes alcohol abuse. If someone is having trouble moderating alcohol consumption, this may be an indication that it is a problem stemming from abusing the substance. Moderate drinking, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is up to one drink a day for women, and up to two drinks a day for men when it is a day that alcohol is consumed.

This does not mean that if a woman drinks one drink per day, every day for a year straight that they are safe from the long-term effects. Even drinking in moderation can cause harm. Alcohol abuse is when excessive drinking occurs. This can be daily or binge drinking occasionally. Drinking above the recommended limit can lead to alcohol abuse. 

Impacts of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse can impact the body in different ways. In the heart, it can cause cardiomyopathy, which is the stretching and drooping of the muscles in the heart. It can also lead to irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and stroke. In the liver, it can lead to steatosis (fatty liver), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and alcoholic hepatitis. Alcohol abuse can also lead to the pancreas producing toxins that can lead to swelling of the blood vessels, and inflammation in the pancreas, disrupting the proper digestion of food. This is known as pancreatitis. It can also inhibit the immune system. This can make someone more susceptible to disease and illness. 

Outside of the health impacts of alcohol abuse, it also affects the brain. The impacts on the brain can be lifelong, and life-altering. This can include depression.

Link Between Alcohol and Depression

In the short term, someone could feel elated, or happier when drinking. However, when moderate drinking turns into alcohol abuse, it can lead to depression in those who are struggling with the substance. Being that alcohol is a depressant, it affects and decreases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, both of which help to regulate mood. With the levels of these two mood regulators being decreased, the mood can be lowered, or depressed. When the chemicals in the brain that are essential to regulating mood are altered long-term, this can become a “normal” state for the brain to be in.

So, when serotonin and norepinephrine levels are constantly at a lowered level, and someone begins to feel depressed, this can turn into a daily normal state for them. Those who suffer from alcohol-related depression can have severe impacts on everyday life, including work, school, and family relationships. Depression is a difficult mental health condition to live with, and seeking professional help is highly suggested.

Effects of Alcohol on Depression

The effects of alcohol on the brain are the reason why alcohol can actually cause depression symptoms to worsen. In a person who is already struggling with regulating mood, when the essential brain chemicals are altered, these symptoms can worsen. Alcohol abuse can lead to depression worsening over time.

When alcohol is mixed with depression symptoms, it can cause the seemingly normal problems endured during the depression to become overwhelming and lead to some worse feelings of depression and associated symptoms like anxiety. Someone suffering from depression should avoid alcohol so as not to aggravate the already present depression symptoms. 

Alcohol Detox

Alcohol abuse can not only lead to depression but can also cause dependence. The chemical properties of alcohol, when consumed long-term, can cause a state of normalcy in the body. When this happens, the body becomes dependent on those chemicals to function properly. When the chemicals are abruptly removed, it can lead to alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from headache and nausea to tremors and seizures. These symptoms can be dangerous, and this is why it is extremely important to seek proper care when deciding to end alcohol abuse and begin a life free from the substance.

Recovering Near Lexington, KY

Alcohol abuse leads to addiction. When someone is addicted to alcohol it can be a hard habit to break, and it can lead to some pretty devastating consequences. However, there is hope. At Lexington Addiction Center we offer a personalized plan to help those struggling with alcohol overcome the addiction and find hope again. If you or a loved one are struggling, reach out to us today. Contact us now to take your first steps to lasting recovery!

Drug and alcohol addiction impacts the lives of not only the person with addiction but their loved ones as well. Family members, co-workers, employers, and friends might wonder how to convince someone to go to rehab.

Getting a loved one to rehab isn’t easy. And, ultimately the decision is up to the person in need of recovery. At Lexington Addiction Center in Kentucky, we’re here to help those who struggle with addiction get the best treatment possible. We also provide support to their loved ones throughout the treatment process.

How to Convince Someone to Go to Rehab

Discussing rehab with a person who is addicted can be an emotional process. Therefore, you need to consider a few things before approaching your loved one. Instead of bringing up the subject of rehab out of blue, it is best to take a proactive approach. That way, you are prepared and less likely to allow emotions to overwhelm you.

The following tips can help you convince someone to go to rehab:

Learn About Addiction and Treatment

It is crucial to learn about your loved one’s addiction and treatment options. First, by learning about addiction, you gain an understanding of the problem. Oftentimes, family members and friends might come across as judgmental or perplexed. They might say things like “why can’t you just stop?” or “you’re choosing to be addicted.”

The truth about addiction is much more complex. Your loved one never intended to become an addict. No one does. The following can help you learn more about addiction:

• Watch videos or read stories that recovering addicts and their loved ones have posted online to share
• Research addiction online, especially the specific substance your loved one uses
• Attend an open AA or NA meeting, which is open to observers or others who aren’t in recovery themselves

Next, learn about treatment options. By learning more about how addiction is treated, you can come up with options that your loved one might be more receptive towards. Many treatment centers offer specialized treatment services that might suit your loved one’s needs better than others.

In addition, ask yourself the following to better understand what level of treatment is appropriate for your loved one:

• Have they been in treatment before or is this the first time?
• If they were in treatment before, did they complete the program? If not, why?
• Have they been sober for a time and are currently relapsing?
• Do they have a co-occurring mental health disorder?
• What substance are they addicted to? Do they use multiple drugs?

Learning more can also help you to gain control over your “knee-jerk” emotional responses to your loved one’s behavior.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

Addiction and rehab can be emotionally charged topics. You want to be sure that your own emotions are in-check before approaching a loved one. Of course, when the intervention occurs, emotions will come out. Therefore, you also want to plan how you will deal with these emotions in the moment.

First and foremost, you need to come from a place of concern. Talking to someone about rehab is not about shaming or blaming them. Rather, it is about recognizing a problem and helping your loved one get the help they deserve. The following can help you get your emotions in check:

• Talk to a trusted person about your concerns. You might want to consider someone outside of the situation so that they can be neutral and let you talk openly or vent.
• Discuss your feelings and emotions with a professional. Therapy can also help the loved ones of those addicted. Family members are especially prone to struggle when they live with an addict.
• Attend a support group for friends and family of addicts. There are many support groups for the loved ones of addicts. Al-Anon is one of the most well-known, however, there are several other groups as well. Many groups now meet up via online chat platforms.
• Plan what you will do if your emotions do become overwhelming. Preparation is not just about preventing emotional outbursts. It is also about what you will do if emotions start getting out of control. For instance, you might need to take a break to calm down while another loved one jumps in.

Connect With Professionals and Plan an Intervention

Contact an addiction treatment center to learn more about how to convince someone to go to rehab. Many treatment centers will offer valuable information for you, even if you aren’t a client or your loved one chooses another facility. It’s best to make connections and pick a few treatment centers that you think your loved one would attend. That way, when you do have an intervention, you can present options for them or point them in the right direction

Some centers even offer professional interventionists to assist you in an intervention. Planning an intervention with professional guidance is always best. However, if you can’t find a professional interventionist, most prospective rehab centers you are recommending to your loved one will often offer advice and tips over the phone.

Remember You Might Not Succeed

While you might have learned all you can about how to convince someone to go to rehab, the choice will not be up to you. If your loved one doesn’t want help, you can’t force them into it.

However, it is important to remain positive and remember that getting someone into rehab is also a process. And, you might need to have several conversations over the course of months or years to succeed. Just remember, the next time you talk to them about rehab might be the time they finally choose to go.

Help a Loved One Find Rehab Today

Talking to a loved one about going to rehab isn’t easy. However, you don’t need to do it alone. Lexington Addiction Center in Kentucky is here to help you and your loved one through the treatment process. We’re available to answer your questions about your loved one’s addiction and treatment needs. Contact us today to speak to our team.