NH’s First Residential Mental Health Treatment Center for Men and Women

Canterbury NH – Granite Recovery Centers was pleased to welcome Presidential Candidate and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for an important discussion focused on the mental health crisis and to learn more about our new residential mental health treatment program.

“I am pleased Governor Christie took the time to discuss the challenges of mental illness that are impacting so many Granite State families,” said Eric Ekberg, CEO of Granite Recovery Centers, “We hope other candidates take the time to educate themselves as well.”

After touring the facility, Governor Christie participated in a round table discussion with members of the Granite Recovery Centers leadership team. Following the roundtable, Governor Christie offered a call to action.

“As far as I’m concerned, the mental health crisis and the substance misuse that often follows is the public health issue of our time,” Said Christie, “We need to do better, and I thank the people at Granite Recovery Centers for being the tip of the sword in New Hampshire.”

For more information about our treatment programs, visit our website or contact us directly by calling 855.712.7784 or emailing admissions@graniterecoverycenters.com.

Media Contact: Josh McElveen | Cell: (603) 540-7031

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At Granite Recovery Centers, we tackle addiction and mental health disorders to help people walk out a happier, healthier person. If you think your problem may derive from a mood disorder, you should learn more to help identify and manage it. Here is everything you need to know about mood disorders.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, or affective disorders, are characterized by significant emotional disturbances such as depression, hypomania, or mania. These mental health disorders are prevalent and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), mood disorders are divided into two categories: bipolar and related disorders and depressive disorders. Within these two categories, there are various mood disorder subtypes. Some mood disorder subtypes include:

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder refers to what most of us would call depression. It is a mood disorder that causes a person to experience intense moments of extreme sadness. The sadness may also come with feelings of emptiness, fatigue, and not wanting to do things the person previously enjoyed. They may suffer from crying spells and feelings of nothingness. The sadness can get so bad that someone may even consider suicide or, worse yet, follow through with suicide.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) refers to chronic depression that lasts in the background of a person’s mind for years, if not decades. People with this disorder likely won’t be happy very often. However, they may not be completely devastatingly depressed, either. They get through each day with a lingering feeling of negativity perpetually tagging along with them. They may come across as sad or lethargic to other people. Dysthymia is easy for people who don’t understand to dismiss as “the blues,” but it’s much more.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I refers to a disorder categorized by manic episodes that include fits of laughter and extreme energy bursts. This disorder can sometimes lead to extremely impulsive and even dangerous behavior. People with bipolar I may have periods of coming down after an episode.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II refers to bouts of depression as well as bouts of mania. However, people with bipolar II do not have extreme manic episodes. They may still behave impulsively, but it may not be quite as alarming. People with bipolar II may appear to have mood swings that change quickly.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder refers to angry outbursts in children, similar to a tantrum, that is inappropriate for the child’s age. The outbursts usually come out of nowhere with little to no cause. This disorder is specific to people under the age of 18.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Some women experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which is a disorder that affects certain women about a week before their period. They may get irritable and depressed. Luckily, most symptoms should disappear by the onset of a woman’s cycle.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is reminiscent of bipolar disorder because people experience mood swings that range from depressed to manic. However, they are not as intense as the mood swings in bipolar disorder. This does not mean that the results cannot be devastating, especially if the condition goes untreated for an extended period.

Signs of a Mood Disorder

It’s important to note if you suspect you or someone you love has a mood disorder. When you identify the problem, you take the first step to getting help. Here are some of the signs of a mood disorder:

Eating More or Less: Many people with a mood disorder see an effect on their eating habits. Someone may eat significantly more or less. It’s a warning sign if you notice drastic weight loss or weight gain in a short period.

Fatigue: Many people with a mood disorders appear tired most of the time. They may also seem to sleep in bed all day.

Insomnia: Other people with mood disorders may never seem to sleep. They may stay up all night unable to sleep and then go through the next day extremely exhausted.

Anxiety: Mood disorders can lead to severe anxiety that makes someone afraid to go about their daily life.

Severe Guilt: People with a mood disorder may feel excessively guilty or guilt for things that are unnecessary.

Irritability: When emotions build up, people with mood disorders may act out angrily. This can include screaming and other inappropriate behavior.

Feelings of Emptiness: A black cloud can follow people with mood disorders that involve depression. They may not feel great about life and their place in it.

Suicidal Thoughts: In the worst cases, people may develop suicidal tendencies. If someone is suicidal, they may take action one day. Anyone who suffers from suicidal thoughts should get help right away. Call the police in any emergency cases. Afterward, talk to someone at a rehabilitation center who can help.

If you notice some of these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, you must take action. You should make an appointment with a therapist if the symptoms are mild. The therapist will tell you if they think talk therapy is enough or if you should talk to a psychiatrist about medication. If there are serious cases that include suicidal thoughts or self-harm, a rehabilitation center is the best solution.

Mood Disorder Causes

One may develop a mood disorder for many reasons, and multiple causes can contribute. Some of the possible causes include:

Genetics: Some mood disorders are passed down from one person to another. This means that the person is born with the disorder and may even demonstrate symptoms early in life. Just because a condition is passed down genetically does not mean it needs to be exactly like the parent’s disorder. People can have unique symptoms.

Trauma: Some people develop a mood disorder after serious trauma that happens in their life. Trauma can include abuse, an accident, war, or health concerns. The trauma may alter the brain, or it can cause new behavior.

Chemical Imbalance: Some chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters affect a person’s mood. When too many or too few of these chemicals are activated, it can create mood instability. In most cases, the imbalance will be corrected by medication prescribed by a psychiatrist.

Life Change: Some people do not respond well to change. Change can involve a move, divorce, a new job, or a baby. The change can be traumatic in itself and lead to a mood disorder. Once again, the changes could lead to new behavior, too.

Drug/Alcohol Abuse: Drugs and alcohol are bad for the body. They are also bad for the mood. Drugs and alcohol can make mood disorders worse if you already have them. They can also create a mood disorder in time. Addiction can lead to depression and mania that could become part of the personality.

Mood Disorders and Addiction

Mood disorders can lead to addiction. This is because people with a mood disorder may be feeling so poorly that they want to hide the pain of the depression or manic feelings with drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, the addiction may only enhance mood disorder.

Many people who are irritable when sober will get even more irritable when intoxicated. Drugs and alcohol can also perpetuate depression. This can make someone want to use it even more. This becomes an endless cycle that may require help from a rehabilitation center.

Mood Disorder Treatment

Mood disorders require treatment and usually extended care. There are several different forms of treatment, and they are typically most effective when used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.

1. Rehabilitation

In extreme cases where a mood disorder has led to harmful behavior or addiction, rehabilitation may be the best solution. In rehab, the patient will get medical attention for anything life-threatening, and they will also get mental health care for any mood disorders that caused this behavior. The patient will be in a safe space that will keep them safe from themselves. They will also have adequate care while they go through any withdrawal they may be experiencing.

2. Talk Therapy

Talk therapy is a form of therapy that encourages the patient to express themselves, especially when it concerns their mood disorder. Topics include triggers, coping mechanisms, and finding support. Therapy can be one-on-one or in a group setting. Therapy is often covered by insurance, but there are also free services for anyone needing help.

There are numerous philosophies to therapy. Many of them involve training the brain to identify triggers and problematic behavior. From there, the goal is to replace the negativity with new thoughts that are more productive. Eventually, changed behavior will lead to changing emotions.

3. Medication

Medication can control the neurotransmitters in your brain that affect mood. Serotonin and dopamine are two of the most important neurotransmitters, and medication can increase or decrease their levels.

4. Holistic Treatments

Many people prefer to go the holistic route. Holistic therapies do not involve any medical treatments or medication. Instead, the treatments focus on meditation, energy, and clean living. One of the simplest holistic treatments involves eating well and exercising. These small actions can have a serious effect on your mood and your behavior without the need for any medication. However, this works best for mild cases.

If you or someone you love suffers from a mood disorder, you should take action immediately. Talk to the professionals at Granite Recovery Centers, especially if the mood disorder has led to addiction. Mental health professionals will be able to handle both the addiction and the mood disorder in a way that builds the individual as a whole person.

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You want to live a purposeful life and gain financial independence after rehab. However, circumstances are different for everyone. Finding meaningful employment may be challenging if you were unemployed when you entered treatment. If you are returning to a job, you may be worried about what to expect.

On the other hand, getting a new job can also be an uphill task, mainly because your resume will have a gap. It becomes even more difficult if your potential employer discovers you are a recovering addict. But all is not lost. Rest assured that getting a job after recovering from addiction is possible. Read on to find out how.

Finding Work After Rehab

According to research, getting employed after rehab can help you avoid substance abuse because the job will instill purpose and meaning into your life.

Notwithstanding, Massachusetts General Hospital’s Recovery Research Institute study found that about 9.2% of recovering addicts with substance use disorder (SUD) choose not to look for jobs.

The main reason is that they fear being stigmatized. Nonetheless, it pays off if you overlook the stigma and start rebuilding your life. Here are some tried-and-true strategies for resuming your career after rehab.

Use Your Network

When looking for a job, nothing stops you from talking to friends, relatives, and even former work colleagues. Furthermore, you can also use the network you created while at the rehabilitation center. Just be open and tell everyone that you are job-hunting.

For example, you can talk to your sponsors, doctors, therapists, counselors, and support group members. Just identify individuals who can help shape your future positively. Apart from informing you about job opportunities, these people can also offer references to potential employers. It’s good they’ll already know you’ve recovered from your addiction.

Use Assistance Programs

The best way to restart your career after rehab is to look for local and government agencies that aid recovering addicts in getting jobs. You may receive help with everything from job placement to your job search. Some agencies can even pay for transportation to a job interview and back. Better still, local and government agencies run educational and training programs for people recovering from alcohol and substance abuse.

Good examples are the services and programs the Department of Mental Health and Addiction in Connecticut offers. The department provides soft and employable skills courses and other resources related to employment opportunities for recovering alcohol and drug addicts.

You can check for similar or even better programs in your state. The advantage of such programs is that they are specifically tailored to serve the needs of recovering addicts. Besides, you won’t be alone. So, there’s no need to worry about stigmatization or discrimination.

Put Your Well-Being First

There is a famous quote in Alcoholics Anonymous: “Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic.” Addiction is a chronic brain disease. It can be treated and managed but not cured. In simple terms, recovery is a lifelong process. Therefore, you must keep working on your recovery for the rest of your life by attending counseling sessions, therapy group meetings, and joining support organizations like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Whatever type of job you are looking for, it should not take precedence over activities to maintain your sobriety. Prioritize the activities that contribute to your well-being. At best, you can look for a job that seamlessly fits your recovery program. If anything, there’s no need to look for a job, get it, start working, and then slip back to drug and alcohol use. Your job should also contribute to your recovery by keeping you busy and ensuring your financial freedom.

Knowing Your Legal Rights

As a recovering drug addict, most people may be reluctant to hire you. But according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.), no employer should discriminate against you because you are a recovering addict. Doing so is illegal. Furthermore, no one can discriminate against you simply because you’re enrolled in an addiction recovery program.

Go Online

The internet has many resources to help you restart your career after rehab. These resources can also help you live a meaningful life. For example, Indeed also has a webpage where you can search for a job after rehab.

The advantage of using job boards for recovering addicts is that potential employers post those knowing fully well that they target people with drug-abuse histories. So, you’ll be the right candidate for the job — no stigmatization or discrimination. Other websites that can get help you include the National H.I.R.E. Network, The Salvation Army, The National Skills Coalition, and The Department of Labor’s One-Stop Career Center.

Choose Flexible Jobs

In early recovery, coping with a full-time job that requires a serious commitment may be tricky. Too many responsibilities can stress you out and lead to a relapse. Remember that too much pressure is a trigger to go back to your drug or alcohol use.

It’s better to start slowly and scale up as you continue with your recovery process. You can look for a job with light duties or a part-time job to allow you time to attend recovery group meetings and get used to working again. You could also work online for the time being to avoid interacting with your old drinking buddies.

Volunteer Frequently

Some employers are unwilling to hire people in rehab programs and those in recovery. To get around this, you can offer to volunteer to prove your worth. By volunteering, you’ll find something to occupy your time while, at the same time showing your boss that you can deliver, no matter if you are in the drug recovery process. You never know. When you can convince your boss that you can work, they can decide to absorb you into the company.

Volunteering is also a way of injecting new life into your resume. Most potential employers prefer those who work not for money but for passion. Volunteering will show them you are passionate about what you can do and are not in it for the money.

Additionally, if you are occupying your time doing positive and productive things, you are less likely to slide back into destructive behaviors. You’ll also learn new skills and enjoy many health benefits, such as increased fitness, decreased levels of stress and depression, and improved cognitive capacity.

Don’t Tell a Potential Employer About Your Past

You may be asked questions about your past when you are called for an interview. One mistake to avoid is mentioning your struggle with addiction, how you went to rehab, and how you are now recovered and ready to work. You might think doing this will show your honesty, but it may work against you. Mentioning your struggle with addiction will give the interviewers a negative impression of you.

Note that the law protects your privacy even during a job interview. As a result, even the interviewers should refrain from forcing you to reveal something you do not want to. Specifically, the E.E.O.C. (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) regulates the questions you can be asked in an interview.

Under the E.E.O.C. guidelines, your potential employer can’t ask whether you use legal drugs, like prescription medications or alcohol. They are also not allowed to ask questions that may reveal that you are struggling with SUD.

This doesn’t mean the E.E.O.C. protects people who use illegal drugs; it only means that potential employers should not ask people about their legal drug use. But the E.E.O.C. guidelines allow potential employers to ask whether you’ve used illegal drugs or have any criminal records or convictions.

Do Not Let Setbacks Demoralize You

As you start rebuilding your life after rehab, you’ll encounter many setbacks when looking for a job. Some employers will discriminate against you without your knowledge.

Some of your friends and family members may discourage you from searching for a job by telling you you are unemployable. However, you must keep your eyes on the goal. Don’t waste time or argue with negative people. If you fail an interview, pick yourself up and head for the next one.

Keep focusing on your ability, efforts, and energy. And remember to surround yourself with people who understand and encourage you. If you want to improve your skills, go ahead, and take some short courses to boost your resume.

Can You Get Your Original Job Back After Rehab?

The possibility of getting your job back after completing your rehabilitation program depends on your agreement with your boss before leaving for your treatment, job policies, and the laws protecting employees.

If you go for treatment without informing your employer — maybe if you’ve been taken to the rehab by your family member — then you must have evidence to present to your employer after leaving the rehab. Remember that all addiction treatment plans are evidence-based, long-lasting, comprehensive, and must be documented. So, you’re expected to have something to show your boss when you want to return to work.

Before Leaving for Treatment:

• Explain to your boss that you are going to rehab and how long you will be away.
• Be honest about how severe your condition is.
• Provide your employer with the latest updates on any projects you are working on.
  • This will help with assigning someone to take them over temporarily.
• Explain how you intend to compensate for the lost time when you return.
• Ensure your employer knows you intend to return to work after the treatment.
• Once you start the program, update your employer about your progress.

You can use the Employee Assistance Program provided by the company you work for to find out if there are any rehab facilities and counseling services nearby. The company’s human resource manager should determine how the rehab program will affect your work and how to help you recover lost time. If you do everything professionally and with honesty, your employer will likely support your treatment and readily accept you back after rehab.

Tips for Returning to Work After

Treat your rehab program as a life lesson. Work hard on your recovery by involving yourself in productive activities to distract you from drugs and alcohol. Dedicate yourself to work knowing that, although your employer can’t fire you because you are recovering from addiction, they are free to fire you if your performance declines.

When you return to work after rehab:

• Utilize the coping skills you learned in treatment when stressful situations arise.
• When possible, reduce interruptions that may impact your concentration.
• Manage your time effectively with tools like calendars and to-do lists.
• Establish short-term goals and work toward achieving them.
• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthy and maintain a balanced diet.
• Keep your mind and body healthy by getting enough sleep.
• Avoid places and situations where you know there will be drugs or alcohol.
• Recovery is an ongoing process, so keep working on your program.

Most employers do allow their employees to return after rehab. Some employers sponsor their employees to enroll in rehabilitation programs like Granite Recovery Centers. In most cases, this happens when the employees are extremely good at what they do. Your job security after rehab depends so much on your employer. It would be best to discuss your treatment with your employer before leaving.

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Unfortunately, not all individuals use Neurontin as prescribed. Sometimes, people take more than the prescribed dose, leading to severe outcomes and even deaths. The considerable rise in the number of people abusing this drug is due to its significant relief levels. Substance misuse of gabapentin can produce a marijuana-like high effect, a sense of calm and relaxation. It can also enhance the euphoric effects of heroin. Gabapentin is accessible and is sold for less than a dollar for each pill, which has increased the chances of potential abuse. Here are more in-depth details about the abuse of gabapentin and the treatment options available.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an FDA-approved prescription drug usually available with the brand name Neurontin. You can get gabapentin through tablets, capsules, or an oral solution. It’s approved to relieve pain from shingles and to treat seizures by reducing the abnormal excitement of the brain’s nerve cells. The drug can also be used to relieve restless legs syndrome.

When taking Gabapentin, follow the pharmacist or doctor’s prescription to avoid under or overdosing. Although it’s recommended that individuals swallow the pills, people who abuse gabapentin may take the pills with benzodiazepines and opioid drugs to enhance the euphoric effects. Others may decide to crush the pills alone and snort the powder.

Gabapentin Abuse Potential

Medical experts have prescribed gabapentin for off-label use for years because it was presumed to have little or no abuse potential. However, this has changed, as several reports have revealed increased gabapentin abuse in recent years.

Although gabapentin isn’t a controlled substance at the state level, some states have chosen to classify it as Schedule V due to the increased misuse cases. Clients abusing this drug say it produces a euphoric feeling like using cannabis. Some main motivations for using gabapentin include self-medication, recreation, and self-harm. Also, abuse tends to occur in individuals already addicted to opioids as they seek to enhance the effects of these drugs. Others may use this drug to manage the withdrawal symptoms of misusing other drugs. However, using gabapentin simultaneously with drugs like opioids or alcohol is dangerous. It increases the risk of severe side effects, such as serious breathing problems, especially for people with respiratory-related risks.

Side Effects of Gabapentin Abuse

If you think your loved one is misusing gabapentin, it may be difficult to distinguish the side effects of abuse from regular use. Typically, clients abusing Neurontin have intense side effects, both physical and psychological, that can escalate to suicidal thoughts.

If you suspect someone is misusing gabapentin, look out for the following warning signs:

• Irritability
• Low Energy
• Memory Loss
• Anxiety
• Throat Irritation
• Extreme Drowsiness
• Feelings of Hostility
• Constipation
• Fluid Retention in the feet, arms, and legs
• Depression
• Dry Mouth
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Lack of Coordination
• Mood Changes

Can You Overdose on Gabapentin?

In a recent study by the CDC about gabapentin overdoses, up to 9.7% of 58,362 overdose deaths showed positive traces of gabapentin in 2019 and 2020. There is a high chance of an overdose if a client illegally uses gabapentin or takes more than the doctor’s prescription. Also, people who abuse this drug to get that high feeling have an elevated risk of overdose. Therefore, gabapentin overdose is either on purpose or accidental. Unfortunately, there is an increased risk of gabapentin overdose, especially when a client has an existing mental health condition like depression.

Using too much gabapentin results in more pronounced versions of the usual side effects. Since this drug is a central nervous system depressant, an overdose slows down the brain and leads to the following side effects:

• Slurred Speech
• Vomiting
• Loss of Consciousness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Dizziness
• Double Vision
• Lethargy
• Drowsiness

Also, please be aware that using gabapentin with other drugs can easily lead to an overdose and a fatal outcome.

Can You Become Physical Dependent on Gabapentin?

Continued misuse of Neurontin can make your body physically dependent on this drug. If you suddenly decrease the amount or stop taking gabapentin, you’ll experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Since Neurontin has a short half-life of about five to seven hours, clients can experience withdrawal symptoms in one to two days after discontinuing high levels of gabapentin in young to middle-aged individuals.

Signs and Symptoms of Gabapentin Addiction

If you suspect your loved one may be using this prescription medication for recreational purposes or abusing it and has become addicted to the drug, here are some additional warning signs that they can display:

• Seeking more pharmacists or doctors to get more doses.
• Changes in social circles or habits
• Refusal to quit using gabapentin despite financial, legal, and social consequences.
• Switching doctors if the original one refuses to prescribe the drug again.
• Exaggerating symptoms to the medical expert
• Taking extra doses of the medication
• Changes in grooming habits or hygiene
• Forging prescriptions

Withdrawal Symptoms of Gabapentin Addiction

The withdrawal symptoms exhibited by clients addicted to gabapentin are like those of abruptly discontinuing benzodiazepines and alcohol. A person may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Blurred vision
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating
• Pain
• Headaches
• Increased heart rate
• Itchy skin

Note that the withdrawal process may vary from person to person. Below are factors affecting gabapentin withdrawal symptoms:

Genes

A person’s genes play a critical part in the likelihood of developing gabapentin dependence or the severity of the dependency, which impacts the withdrawal symptoms.

Length and Amount of Use

People who have consistently abused or misused gabapentin are more prone to drug dependency and might experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Individuals who have taken high Neurontin doses have a higher likelihood of greater dependence, which significantly impacts the withdrawal symptoms.

Medical Conditions

Persons using Neurontin to treat medical conditions such as seizures may be highly prone to experiencing the same symptom if they abruptly stop using gabapentin.

Treatment Options for Gabapentin Addiction

People who are addicted or dependent on gabapentin should not abruptly stop taking it. Instead, they should gradually taper off it to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. However, this may not be as simple as it seems for most people, so a detox program under medical professionals is the best option. In addition, if you are struggling with Neurontin misuse or other substance use disorders, you can receive treatment to help you recover. A rehab center enables you to learn healthy coping skills and the most effective and safest ways of avoiding a relapse. The treatment programs in these facilities include diverse types of care, as outlined below.

Detoxification

Trying to detox from Neurontin without proper medical support and guidance can damage your overall health and even be deadly. Still, it may be difficult to convince yourself or someone close to you to quit using this drug or seek professional assistance. However, detoxification provides the highest comfort and safety during this period.

Intake at detox centers begins with a medical assessment of the client’s mental and physical health and a treatment plan that suits their unique circumstances. In the program, clients receive around-the-clock medical support and are closely monitored and given the necessary medical treatment and psychiatric attention. This helps the client feel comfortable and safe during the acute phase of withdrawal symptoms. In addition, experienced addiction treatment specialists will help you lay a foundation for long-term recovery from SUD. Detoxification programs typically take three to 10 days to complete.

Inpatient Gabapentin Treatment

Residential treatment requires that clients stay in the rehab facility. During the entire duration of the program, clients follow a structured schedule to establish consistency daily. You have round-the-clock medical experts and supervision. You’ll also receive individual, couples, family, group, recreational, and nutritional therapy. Inpatient rehab treatment offers a safe environment away from home where you can have personal free time, meditation, and fitness time, which helps facilitate the necessary changes to overcome gabapentin addiction. The program can range from 28 days or more, depending on the severity of the addiction. Residential rehab programs may be ideal for clients who need more structure to overcome addiction or someone struggling with chronic relapse.

Outpatient Gabapentin Treatment

In outpatient rehab programs, clients can live at home and attend the program at the facility. The program has resources and treatment methods like residential rehabs and individual and group counseling sessions facilitated by a professional. However, the intensity can vary depending on your needs and includes comprehensive care for physical and mental health concerns. Outpatient treatment programs are ideal for a client who caught the addiction early and wants to address it before it significantly impacts their brain. It’s also suitable for people who require less-structured programs, need to attend work or school or care for kids.

Continued Care Options

Once you’ve gone through the medically assisted detoxification process, the work doesn’t end there. Overcoming gabapentin addiction or other substance use disorders requires continuous care and effort. The longer the treatment takes, the less likely you can experience relapse. Below are two common and effective continued care options for clients in recovery.

Sober Living Programs

A sober living program offers transitional houses for individuals recovering from SUD. These homes provide a safe and substance-free living environment for people who recently completed a detoxification program. The aim is to help those in recovery achieve sobriety and an independent sober lifestyle.

Services offered in sober living programs include:

• Structured living
• Family support
• Tiered recovery programs
• Personal monitoring
• Regular drug testing

Aftercare

Aftercare programs implement strategies and interventions to ensure individuals recovering from Neurontin addiction get back into society. Clients meet every week with their peers and take part in group sessions. They use these meetings to share their struggles and success as they learn how to live a drug-free life. Aftercare programs help to promote relationship-building skills, personal growth, and long-term sobriety. As a result, it ensures clients stay sober after completing treatment.

Seek Help for Gabapentin Addiction Today

Deciding to seek help may be difficult, but the first step towards overcoming SUD is accepting that you have a problem. If you are addicted to gabapentin, especially if you have been mixing it with other drugs or alcohol, you may feel like there is no way out. But with support and resources at your disposal from an experienced team in a rehab center, you can overcome Neurontin addiction. The prospect of withdrawal symptoms may seem unbearable, but with the help of professionals, you can safely and comfortably get through detox and rehab.

Whether you or a family member is struggling with gabapentin misuse, overdose, addiction, or withdrawal symptoms, Granite Recovery Centers can help. Our professionals provide the support you need to get and stay sober. Contact us today to talk about your personalized program to get well.

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While inpatient and outpatient rehabs focus on substance use treatment and recovery, each option offers unique attributes and benefits. It is essential to recognize that one option is not quantifiably better than the other. The choice depends on multiple factors and the general nature of the situation. Exploring and understanding the differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab is the best way to determine which option is right for you or your loved one.

What Is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is more commonly referred to as residential treatment because you live at the treatment facility throughout your substance use treatment. Inpatient rehab is usually the preferred option for individuals with more severe dependency on alcohol or drugs. Additionally, many of these facilities can treat people who suffer from co-occurring mental disorders, which could be contributing to substance use disorder.

Inpatient rehab programs are designed to help clients avoid the influences and temptations that could be triggers for substance use. A drug-free environment can be more conducive to the treatment process. Inpatient facilities tend to offer intensive care and 24-hour support from clinical and medical professionals.

Ideally, inpatient rehab programs offer support throughout each stage of treatment. Beginning with initial detoxification and continuing with treatments and therapies designed to teach clients how to manage substance use disorder. In addition, residential treatment programs aim to assist clients in leading drug- and alcohol-free lives following treatment.

Inpatient rehab programs can span anywhere from 30 days to 6 months or longer. Short-term residential treatment programs are generally 28 to 30 days. While long-term residential rehabs usually offer 3 to 6 months of treatment.

What to Expect During Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab facilities provide around-the-clock care, meaning you will never be or feel alone while learning to lead a drug-free life. Residential treatment programs generally follow a structured daily schedule consisting of individual and group therapy sessions, physical exercise, chores, and study materials focused on every facet of substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Inpatient treatment programs typically treat substance use disorder’s physical and psychological effects. In residential treatment, medical attention is always available, which can be especially important for clients with co-occurring mental health disorders or conditions that may have contributed to their substance abuse.

Because residential treatment clients must live in the facility, inpatient rehab tends to involve a more substantial commitment than outpatient rehab programs.

What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient rehab usually involves daily treatment through counseling, therapy, and group sessions at a facility or clinic. In addition, clients in an outpatient treatment program can live at home or in a sober living facility while attending treatment, allowing them to continue working or attending school without disruption.

The main difference between outpatient and inpatient rehab is the support available. Outpatient rehab is usually less intensive than the alternative. For example, many outpatient programs offer group or individual counseling in a step-down approach to care, which means that sessions might become less frequent and intensive in the later stages of the treatment program.

What to Expect During Outpatient Rehab

As mentioned, many clients seek outpatient rehab because outpatient programs can be seen as less disruptive. While the level of treatment in an outpatient program can be less intensive than inpatient treatment, the types of therapy and counseling provided are the same. In addition, some outpatient programs also offer treatment for clients with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.

Appointments can also be made on the weekends or evenings to accommodate work or school schedules. However, it is crucial to remember that outpatient treatment does not guarantee a drug- and alcohol-free environment.

How Inpatient Rehab Differs from Outpatient Rehab

Entering an inpatient rehab program involves staying in a facility 24/7, which isn’t necessary with outpatient rehab. The length of your stay in an inpatient facility depends on the seriousness of your dependency on drugs or alcohol. Short-term treatment programs can be provided in skilled nursing facilities or stand-alone rehabilitation hospitals. Anyone who seeks treatment through these facilities can obtain comprehensive care from a wide range of medical and health service professionals, including:

• Rehabilitative Specialists and Physicians
• Social Workers
• Counselors
• Nursing Staff
• Nutritionists
• Care Coordinators

Being admitted to an inpatient program means intensive care will be provided for at least three hours daily. In addition, some inpatient facilities offer residents alternative health and wellness programs and resources, such as holistic healing, yoga, and meditation. Residential treatment facilities also provide healthy and well-balanced meals and some nutrition instruction programs.

Outpatient rehab, while less intensive, still offers professional support for those seeking recovery. Outpatient programs often have specific attendance requirements for individual and group therapy sessions, workshops, meetings, and other recovery support programming. Depending on the type of outpatient program, appointments will be scheduled from one to five days per week. Keep in mind that different types of therapy might require separate appointments. Your care providers will expect you to maintain your drug-free life while at home.

Identifying Which Type of Rehab Is Right for You

Now that you know everything about inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab, you should be able to determine which type of treatment is right for you and your specific situation. If you decide to attend outpatient treatment, you can go through the treatment process while still living at your own home and amidst your loved ones. Outpatient rehab programs are less intensive, which might be preferable for clients with less severe substance use disorders.

While attending outpatient rehab, taking care of your family, attending school, and maintaining your work responsibilities is possible. Therapy sessions tend to occur before or after work. Remember that you don’t have to continue living at home if you choose outpatient rehab. Sober-living homes are available in this scenario, which may make it easier for you to maintain a drug-free lifestyle as you go to treatment.

On the other hand, inpatient treatment programs may be right for you if you need to step away from your every day responsibilities to focus entirely on the treatment process. Self-care is essential to preventing relapse, which can be aided by inpatient rehab.

If you’re unsure of your ability to get through the treatment program alone, inpatient rehab places you in a facility with people experiencing the same issues. Having a supportive environment could be helpful during treatment. In addition, inpatient rehab facilities have trained staff on hand to ensure that everyone remains as comfortable as possible.

Some of the amenities that you could have access to during inpatient rehab include on-site laundry facilities, flat-screen HDTVs, and swimming pools. While considering all your options, it’s essential to understand that each individual has different needs. Some programs account for these differences by providing individualized care.

Care Provided at Granite Recovery Centers

At Granite Recovery Centers, we offer a variety of treatments and therapies to help you on your journey to sobriety. We know one size does not fit all. So, we tailor our treatment programs to meet the unique needs of our clients. Granite Recovery Centers treatment programs feature a full continuum of care, including medical detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), medication-assisted treatment, intensive outpatient (IOP), and sober living.

You will find exceptional recovery support treatment teams at each of our facilities. Many of our staff members are living proof that recovery is possible. GRC facilities offer on-site kitchens that provide our clients with nutritious snacks and meals, individual and group counseling, and dual-diagnosis treatment solutions. In addition, our treatment centers offer a unique blend of evidence-based clinical therapies with a comprehensive 12-Step curriculum.

Whether you choose an outpatient or inpatient rehab program, both options will help you learn how to live free from alcohol or drugs. In addition, both treatment options can assist you in progressing through detox and changing your attitudes regarding the substances you’re currently dependent on. Finally, the treatment program you enter should also give you the skills to continue avoiding relapse and triggers once you’ve completed the program.

The post Inpatient Rehab vs. Outpatient Rehab appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

As with any human behavior, the brain plays a leading role in addiction. Chronic substance use alters the brain’s normal functioning, especially concerning the neurotransmitter dopamine. Drugs and alcohol send a surge of stimulus to the cluster of nerves below the cerebral cortex called the nucleus accumbens, causing a flood of dopamine to be released. Research has shown that high levels of stimulation and increased pleasure sensation powerfully encourages the repetition of behaviors and habits that become deeply rooted and self-perpetuating. This overstimulation progressively weakens nerve pathways and connectivity, leading to impaired judgment, decision-making, and impulse control. Freedom of choice diminishes, and the brain becomes highly focused on seeking the substance of choice. Addiction hijacks the brain, and what may have begun as a choice becomes a prison.

What is Addiction?

Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a “psychological or physical dependency” (often both) on drugs and alcohol. Addiction is characterized by uncontrollable drug use and has been defined as a “chronic, relapsing disorder.” However, the term can also apply to behavioral disorders like sexual or gambling addictions. Individuals suffering from this disorder exhibit behaviors of compulsively seeking their drugs of choice even when doing so has detrimental or even deadly consequences.

The medical community considers addiction a brain disorder because it changes how the brain’s circuit’s function. For example, addiction inhibits people’s ability to control themselves, alters their reactions to stress, and diminishes their capacity to respond to other rewards. These effects may not be permanent, but they can last long after the person stops using the substance.

Addiction inhibits the brain’s ability to function normally. From this point of view, addiction is comparable to diseases, such as diabetes and heart conditions. They all prevent organs in the body from regular and healthy functioning. This interference can be harmful and sometimes deadly, but addiction is a treatable disorder. If addiction remains untreated, the changes in the brain can last for years or even decades. Treatment can prevent addiction leading to death.

As the brain becomes addicted to a substance, the user begins to experience symptoms. For example, substances use causes intoxication. However, if the substance becomes unavailable in some way, the user will start to experience withdrawal symptoms. Over time the user will also develop a tolerance.

When a substance is used for a long time, it is common for the user to develop a tolerance. Developing tolerance to a substance refers to its effects lessening as a result of prolonged use. For example, a substance that initially resulted in an extreme high inevitably becomes less satisfying when used chronically. To experience the same high, the user needs more and more of the substance. Tolerance also increases the frequency of the need to use. Although tolerance is not the same as addiction, it often leads to addiction. The medical description of a disease is when changes within the body lead to negative symptoms, which accurately describes addiction.

Many people do not believe that addiction is a disease of the brain. Instead, they think people become addicted to substances because they lack the willpower to overcome addiction. Others believe that addiction is a moral failing, which leads to the question, “Why don’t they just stop using?” These beliefs are fueled by stories about people who have been able to stop ingesting a substance without the benefit of a treatment center, but most people do not fit into this category.

The First Time

The first time that people ingest a substance is indeed a voluntary act. However, when a substance is used regularly over an extended period, it changes the wiring of the brain, and eventually, using becomes involuntary. As a result, the brain’s circuitry is altered, and the user’s ability to exert self-control becomes seriously impaired. This occurrence is a significant factor that leads to addiction.

Brain imaging studies have been able to demonstrate that this is true. Scientists have placed people addicted to substances into a brain imaging machine and found that there were changes in the areas of the brain that dealt with behavior control, memory, learning, decision-making, and judgment. These changes cause people to act impulsively when seeking their drugs of choice.

How a Brain Normally Works

The human brain is comprised of billions of cells called neurons. Neurons are organized into circuits and networks. Each neuron controls the flow of information. When a neuron receives multiple signals from connected neurons, it sends a signal out to other neurons in the circuit.

The brain’s interconnected circuits work as a team. For example, a circuit will be in charge of performing a specific function. These neurons send signals back and forth to each other and other parts of the brain. They also send messages to the nerves and the spinal cord.

To send a message, a neuron must release a neurotransmitter. But first the neurotransmitter crosses the space or “synapse” between the sending and receiving neurons. After crossing the synapse, the neurotransmitter becomes attached to the next neuron, and the neuron that receives the neurotransmitter changes.

The Way the System Works with Substances

When substances are present, neurons cannot send, receive, and process signals from neurotransmitters as they usually do. However, if the chemical structure of a substance is like the brain’s neurons, it can activate them, but it will activate them differently than the neurons ordinarily would. Therefore, substances begin to send abnormal messages throughout the body.

If the substance is cocaine or methamphetamine, it causes neurons to release vast amounts of the brain’s natural neurotransmitters. This interferes with the job of the brain’s transporters, which is to take neurotransmitters that have been released back into the neuron that released them. This limits the number of signals that neurons send to each other. With this interference, the neurons cannot normally communicate with each other.

Dopamine’s Role in the Addiction Process

When a human experiences pleasure, the brain knows that the activity that created the pleasure is something it wants to encourage the person to do repeatedly. In a healthy brain and body, the activities are also healthy and beneficial to the human being. So, the brain uses dopamine to increase the likelihood of people repeating positive behaviors. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that the reward circuit releases.

After people engage in a pleasurable experience, dopamine surges so that the brain and body will remember that something significant has just occurred. As dopamine surges throughout the brain, its neural connectivity changes, making it much easier for the person to act repeatedly without thinking about it. When this occurs, a habit has just been formed.

Along with euphoria, substances also cause the brain to release copious amounts of dopamine, so consuming the substance becomes attached to the resulting pleasure and everything that went into obtaining the substance. In addition, these dopamine surges teach the brain to choose to seek out the person’s substance of choice rather than engage in activities that are healthier for them.

When people addicted to substances encounter the things that have become attached to the euphoria of substance use, the person’s reward circuit releases cravings that are too strong for the person to ignore. The substance does not need to be within the person’s reach. This reflex can remain with those addicted to substances for many years. For example, someone may have been addicted to heroin but overcame the addiction several years ago. If this person returns to the neighborhood where they engaged in heroin use, they may experience cravings.

Drug and Alcohol Overdose Statistics

Overdose deaths in the United States have increased annually for over two decades. In 2021, there were 106,699 overdose deaths in the U.S. This is a vast increase from roughly 19,000 overdose deaths in 1999. From 1999-2021 over one million overdose deaths have occurred in the United States.

Many are under the impression that substance abuse and overdose deaths decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the very opposite is true. The U.S. experienced its highest-ever increase in overdose deaths in the first year of the pandemic. In 2020 the rate of fatal overdoses rose by 30%, with nearly 92,000 lives lost.

A Guide to Withdrawal

The detox period, also referred to as “withdrawal,” involves a combination of physical and psychological responses to suddenly stopping or reducing the use of a substance on which the body has become dependent. The brain and body need to maintain a state of equilibrium (homeostasis) or balance. Prolonged substance use affects the brain’s reward system and impacts this balance. When the body and brain have become dependent on a substance, and that substance begins to recede from the system, the balance is thrown off, and withdrawal symptoms begin.

Withdrawal symptoms can differ significantly depending on the substance or substances. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening. Physical symptoms of substance withdrawal may include dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and tension, twitches, tremors, and shakes. Psychological withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety and panic attacks, irritability, difficulty falling and staying asleep, confusion, fatigue, depression, and thoughts of suicide. The most dangerous withdrawal symptoms include heart attacks, strokes, delirium tremens (DTs), seizures, and hallucinations.

If your body has become dependent on a substance or substances, you have likely experienced withdrawal symptoms at some point. And the idea of going through the full withdrawal process can be intimidating and seem impossible, but with help, there is hope. Drug and alcohol detox programs offer support and care, and medical detox programs provide medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent potential complications.

As the name implies, medical detox is supported by medical doctors and other medical professionals. At Granite Recovery Centers, we pride ourselves on knowing recovery inside and out and understand that while the detox process is no cakewalk, the road to recovery begins. Our medically supervised detox options make the withdrawal process as comfortable and manageable as possible.

Types of Treatment Available

Detox programs help people get clean. However, in order to remain clean, most people require further treatment. Granite Recovery Centers treatment programs provide a full continuum of care utilizing a hands-on treatment approach. Our process is comprised of two major components: evidence-based clinical psychotherapies in conjunction with our 12-Step based R.E.S.T. program.

Wellness Recovery Action Plan “WRAP’

The Wellness Action Recovery Plan^®, or WRAP^®, is a prevention process for anyone seeking to change themselves and their lifestyle. WRAP^® is an evidence-based program primarily focused on substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. The WRAP^® program has been researched and thoroughly examined to ensure its accessibility and effectiveness, and it is a go-to source for relapse prevention planning and execution.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a commonly practiced evidenced–based therapy process that can help people in many ways. CBT focuses on teaching clients skills that will allow them to identify and interrupt ineffective and negative thought patterns. The aim is to change automatic negative thinking processes and provide the opportunity to make better decisions in times of stress, frustration, and other challenges.

Seeking Safety

Seeking Safety is an evidence-based model used for treating co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder. The main objective of this treatment model is for clients to learn how to establish safety, hence its name. The curriculum addresses a new topic every week, covering subjects such as Grounding, Asking for Help, Compassion, and Coping Skills that will help clients learn to understand and manage their disorders.

Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)

Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) is a curriculum-based rehabilitation program developed and published by Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, “SAMHSA,” for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This evidence-based practice aims to improve self-management skills for short and long-term remission.

Recovery Education and Skills Training (R.E.S.T.)

R.E.S.T. is a comprehensive lecture, discussion, and action-based curriculum integrating 12-Step principles with evidence-based clinical practices and the personal experiences of men and women in recovery. R.E.S.T. is a five-level structured program with principles established from each level building upon the levels before. As clients progress, the format of R.E.S.T. presents fewer lectures and more discussion-based material. This allows clients to identify with the material inwardly and verbally express that identification along with any questions, comments, and concerns. Clients will eventually be given the opportunity for self-examination through an individualized therapeutic writing process. The final portion of the R.E.S.T. curriculum focuses on past and present resentments and other unresolved feelings.

Is Treatment a Cure?

Addiction is a chronic disease that cannot be cured but can be treated successfully. Treatment means you can stop the harmful effects of substance use on your brain. Then, you will be fully capable of taking over your life again.

Addiction is a relapsing disorder, so it isn’t surprising that some people return to substance use. However, relapsing is a part of the recovery process. The key is to continue with treatment. When you do, you are less likely to relapse in the future.

Addiction doesn’t have to have an unhappy ending. Although treatment is not a cure, it can help you or your loved one live a productive life. At Granite Recovery Centers, we will treat your substance use and mental health disorders if you have one. We offer you a stay in our inpatient or outpatient program, and when you are finished with treatment, we can place you in our alumni program.

If you are seeking treatment or have questions you would like answered, we are available 24/7 at 855.712.7784 or through our contact form.

The post How Addiction Hijacks the Brain appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

For individuals struggling with addiction, developing coping skills is crucial. Coping skills can help individuals manage their emotions, deal with stress, and avoid relapse. There are many coping skills, and individuals must find the ones that work best.  

Types of Coping Skills 

In modern society, there are many different types of coping skills that people can use to manage their emotions and stress. Asking for help from a professional or participating in therapy can greatly benefit individuals struggling with addiction. Most organizations that offer addiction treatment also have support groups available. These groups can provide individuals with the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from others who are going through similar situations.  

Here are some of the most common types of coping skills. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

Your thoughts and beliefs affect your emotions and behavior. Therefore, changing the way you think about situations can help you cope better. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help you learn how to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. This means that you can develop more positive coping mechanisms. 

To adopt this coping skill, you will want to find a CBT therapist to help you understand your thoughts and behaviors. Addiction counselors and therapists specializing in CBT can help you identify and teach you how to change your negative thoughts. Once you have identified the negative thoughts and behaviors, you and your therapist can work on changing them.  

Relaxation Techniques 

Relaxation techniques can help you manage stress and anxiety. When you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed, these techniques can help you feel calmer. There are many different relaxation techniques that you can try. Some people find that deep breathing exercises help them relax, whereas others find that progressive muscle relaxation works better.  

You may try a few different practices before finding the one that will work best for you. Once you have found a method that helps you relax, make sure to practice it regularly. The more you practice, the better you will be at using it when you are feeling stressed. For instance, if you find that deep breathing exercises help you relax, try doing them for a few minutes daily. That way, you will be more likely to remember to do them when you feel stressed.  

Exercise 

Exercise can help improve your mood and reduce stress. It can also help you sleep better, reducing stress and improving your overall health. When struggling with addiction, finding an exercise routine that you enjoy and can stick to is vital. If you do not like going to the gym, other options are available.  

You can go for a walk, jog, or bike ride to get some exercise. You can also look for workout classes that you enjoy, such as dance or yoga. Workout videos can also be great resources for finding exercises you can do at home. The important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy so that you are more likely to stick with it. 

Support Groups 

When addiction stress starts to feel overwhelming, talking to others who are going through the same thing can be helpful. Support groups provide individuals with the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from others who are struggling with addiction. These groups can be very accommodating in offering social support and helping individuals develop positive coping skills. 

Asking for help is not always easy, but it is crucial to managing stress and addiction. If you are interested in finding a support group, there are numerous resources to assist you in finding one that is right for you. You must decide what group category you want to join and what you hope to attain from the experience.  

How to Develop Coping Skills 

Developing healthy coping skills is essential for those in addiction recovery. These skills can help you manage stress and triggers, stay sober, and improve your health. There are many different coping skills that you can learn. Experimenting with different coping skills is vital to find the ones that work best for you.  

Here are a few ways to develop coping skills. 

Make Connections 

As you work to recover from addiction-related stress, it is essential to make and maintain healthy connections with others. These connections can provide support, love, and understanding. Lean on your friends and family members for help when you need it. Through these relationships, you can also learn healthy coping skills from others. 

Be active in social activities and join support groups for people in addiction recovery. These activities can help you feel connected to others and provide opportunities to learn new coping skills. Also, faith-based organizations can be a great source of support and connection as you work to recover. 

Identify Your Triggers 

One way to manage stress is to identify what triggers your urge to use drugs or alcohol. Once you know your triggers, you can develop coping skills to deal with them. Some common triggers include fatigue, social situations, anxiety, and boredom. You will want to have a few different coping skills to deal with each type of trigger. 

Planning what you will do when facing a trigger is crucial. This plan can help you stay on track and avoid using drugs or alcohol. If unsure what to do, contact your support system for help. The support of others can be crucial in moments of temptation. 

Avoid Seeing Crises as Insurmountable 

In addiction recovery, it is essential to avoid seeing every problem as a crisis. This can be difficult, but it is crucial to remember that you have dealt with difficult situations before and can get through this one. Take things one day at a time and remember that even if things are tough right now, they will eventually get better. 

Try to look beyond the current problem and see the larger picture. This can help you understand the situation and remember that this shall pass. Additionally, try to keep a sense of humor. Humor can help you navigate challenging situations. As your ability to cope with stress improves, you will find that you are better able to handle difficult situations.  

Mindfulness and Meditation 

Whenever you feel stressed in the addiction recovery process, taking a step back and focusing on the present moment can be helpful. One way to do this is through mindfulness, which is practicing paying attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can be done through activities like mindfulness meditation, which involves sitting quietly and focusing on your breath. 

You may also want to try other relaxation performances, such as deep breathing practices or gradual muscle relaxation. These can assist in easing the physical symptoms of stress and promote a sense of calm. If your thoughts are constantly racing, journaling or talking to a therapist about ways to better cope with stress may be helpful. 

Wait to Respond 

Misusing drugs or alcohol can lead to impulsive behaviors that make controlling your reactions to things difficult. To better manage your responses, it can be helpful to pause and take a few deep breaths before responding to someone or something. This will give you time to think about what you want to say or do, and it can help prevent you from acting impulsively. 

If you get angry or defensive easily, it may be a sign that you need to work on managing your emotions. Ensure that you are calm before responding to people or situations. This doesn’t mean that you have to bottle up your feelings. However, taking a step back and assessing the situation before reacting can be helpful. 

Challenge Your Thoughts

How you think about yourself, others, and the world can impact how you feel. If you have negative or distorted thoughts, it can lead to feeling down or stressed. To help challenge your negative thoughts, start by identifying your thinking patterns. Once you know your thoughts, you can begin to question them. 

For instance, if you are considering using drugs or alcohol, you may want to ask yourself why you are considering this action. Is it because you are feeling stressed? Anxious? Sad? Once you identify your emotion, you can start looking for other ways to cope with it. This can help prevent you from acting impulsively and making decisions you may regret later. 

Self-Care 

When substance abuse takes hold of your life, it can be challenging to focus on anything else. This can worsen the cycle of addiction because it can lead to feeling even more stressed and overwhelmed. To promote healing and recovery, focusing on taking care of yourself is essential. This means getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Additionally, it is necessary to find healthy outlets for stress relief, such as yoga, meditation, or journaling.  

Practicing self-care habits to maintain your sobriety and promote healing is essential. The positive effects of taking care of yourself will ripple out and impact every other area of your life. You may find that you have more energy to devote to your recovery and other areas of your life. Feeling good physically and mentally makes it easier to resist temptation and make healthier choices.  

The Benefits of Coping Skills When Dealing with Addiction 

Addiction can be a difficult thing to overcome. It can be hard to stay clean and sober when faced with the temptation to use again. However, there are benefits to using coping skills when dealing with addiction. 

Here are some of the benefits of using coping skills when dealing with addiction: 

Helps You to Avoid Relapse 

If you can identify your triggers and have a plan for how to deal with them, you are less likely to relapse. Having coping skills in place can give you the confidence and tools to stay sober. This can be especially helpful if you are in early recovery and are working to stay sober long-term. 

Helps You to Deal with Difficult Emotions 

Dealing with addiction can be emotionally challenging. Coping skills can help you to deal with difficult emotions healthily. For instance, with drugs or alcohol, your emotions may be numbed, but with sobriety comes the reality of having to feel all your emotions again. These feelings can be difficult to deal with, but coping skills can help you deal with them healthily. 

Helps You to Build a Support System 

Building a supportive network of people who understand what you are going through is vital when you are in recovery. Coping skills can help you to develop and maintain healthy relationships with others. This is an integral part of recovery and can help you to stay sober in the long term. Substance abuse can damage relationships, so it is essential to rebuild them healthily. 

Helps in Determining If You Are Ready for Sobriety 

One of the benefits of using coping skills is that it can help you determine if you are ready for sobriety. If you cannot effectively deal with your triggers and emotions, you may not be prepared to give up drugs or alcohol. You must be honest with yourself and get help to stay sober.  

Addiction coping skills are essential for anyone in recovery. They provide a way to deal with triggers and cravings, manage stress, and build a support network. Many coping skills can be used, so finding what works best for you is essential. Granite Recovery Centers is here for you and ready to help you develop those coping skills to get you on track to a life of sobriety. Contact our team today and see how we can help you be the best and most sober version of yourself.

The post Coping Skills appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

An athlete who has had a significant injury can be at risk of developing an addiction to prescribed medication. The pain of the injury is often so severe that the person would do anything to try to stop it. This type of intense pain can lead to drug use, alcohol use, and other addictive behaviors in order for the person to avoid the pain. From prescribed medication to alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, addiction is one of the most prevalent issues in the sports world today.

Some athletes who have suffered painful injuries in their career have gotten hooked on prescribed medication drugs, with many of them questioning how or why they became addicted in the first place. Risk factors for this type of behavior include genetics, environment, and traumatic experiences that can cause a person to think about their pain.

The Physical Pain of an Injury

The physical pain of an injury can be one of the most intense pains a person will ever experience. When a person has an injury, they often use drugs to help cope with the physical pain. Upon taking these drugs, a chemical reaction releases certain chemicals throughout the body. Some of these chemicals are endorphins, often called the “happy hormones.” These hormones are released to make up for the sudden drop in serotonin levels due to pain and stress. However, these happy hormones can cause injured athletes to become addicted, which is why some of them use drugs and alcohol to increase their endorphin sensitivity.

The Mental Pain of an Injury

The physical pain of an injury can often cause mental pain. When an injury happens, an athlete may become depressed, feel anxious, and feel like they have lost control. It is common for athletes to develop anxiety disorders following significant injuries. Anxiety disorders are often a consequence of the intense emotions that come injuries and the considerable amount of physical pain they can bring. These feelings of mental distress can lead to substance abuse or other addictive behaviors in order to cope with the mental suffering as well as the physical pain felt after being injured.

“What If” Questions

An athlete may have an internal dialogue of “what if” questions when an injury occurs. These questions often focus on the negative and can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. An individual may be asking, “What if this doesn’t get better?” or “What if the pain never stops?” This kind of questioning does not give a person any solutions. When all the solutions are negative, the athlete feels they have no option but to seek anything that can relieve their mental suffering. For individuals to feel better emotionally, they feel the need to use drugs or alcohol in order to cope with the mental stress of “what if” questions.

Loss of Control

In order for an injured athlete to feel in control of their life and pain, they need to be able to make changes. If there is no way for the injured athlete to do this, they can feel like they’ve lost control of their life. An injury during one’s prime years as an athlete can completely throw off their plans for achieving everything they wanted. In many cases, this loss of control can cause a person to seek out substances like drugs or alcohol in order to feel more in control.

Loss of Authority or Responsibility

When an injury occurs, an injured athlete’s sense of authority is taken away from them. Sometimes, the athlete will not have anyone else to rely on during their recovery. This can lead the injured athlete to believe there is no authority over them or that they have no responsibility for anyone around them. In order for them to cope with the loneliness they feel in this situation, they might turn to drugs or alcohol to fill that void.

The Feeling of Loss

It is common for athletes who become injured to experience a feeling of loss in other parts of their life. Whether it is a loss of trust, a loss of identity, a loss of time, or even the loss of friends, family, or a relationship that no longer has meaning, it can make the athlete feel like they are losing control over their life and their ability to cope. This brings on intense emotions, which can often cause an injured athlete to seek other ways to help them cope with these losses.

Lack of Self-Worth and Achievement

When an injury occurs, it is common for an athlete to feel that their accomplishments have been for nothing. They no longer feel like they can complete any of the goals they had set in the past. This often leads to low self-esteem and a feeling of worthlessness, which can cause the athlete to view themselves as a failure instead of the success they once were. These feelings are common after injuries and may lead people to think about drugs or alcohol to cope.

The Loss of Relationships

Many injuries leave an athlete feeling isolated from those around them. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. When an athlete is depressed due to their suffering, they are more likely to turn to substance use in order to cope with that depression. Over time, people begin to isolate themselves due to the pain they feel. Then, it becomes easy to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their feeling of isolation.

Treatment for Addiction Due to Injury

First and foremost, if you are addicted or using drugs to cope with pain, then seek help from a professional. There are many treatments for addictions that can include medication and counseling. Do not self-medicate with drugs or alcohol when dealing with an injury. This will only make things worse in the long run. You need to be as healthy as possible while dealing with injuries. If you are not in the best of health, it will take you longer to heal. If you feel like taking drugs or drinking alcohol to cope with your injury, try to find another outlet. If you are still able to exercise, this can help with the pain and keep you from taking drugs or alcohol. If exercise is not an immediate option, then meditation, socializing, or a creative hobby might help.

Share your experience with others who have been through an injury while they were addicted or using drugs or alcohol as a way of coping. These people may know how you feel and can give you advice on how to get through it. Do not be afraid to ask for help. It is easier than dealing with addiction by yourself.

Set goals like attending meetings and counseling sessions. When attending meetings, you are setting a goal to be sober, which is important in recovery. Try to find a counselor and professional therapist who will help you with your addiction and injury at the same time, so you do not have to go to two different therapists. You do not want to confuse them or yourself by trying to juggle two separate treatment plans. If your injury is minor enough that it can improve with physical therapy, look into that instead of going for regular doctor visits every week.

Injuries

Injuries are often a major cause of addiction for athletes, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you follow these tips and seek help, you can start healing from your injury as well as heal from your addiction. Just remember that it’s OK to give yourself a break if you are tired or need a rest. That does not mean your recovery has stopped or failed. You will have bad days, but focus on the positive and talk to someone you trust when you feel like taking drugs or drinking alcohol again.

Medical Detox

The reality is that no matter what type of addiction someone has, there will be withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop. When addicted individuals want to refrain from drugs, they usually try to do it on their own, but it rarely goes as planned. In most cases, the withdrawal will only make the person crave more drugs and fall back into addiction. Some athletes have been struggling with addiction for years and want to get clean but don’t know where to start. The best answer is finding a medical detox center that offers therapy and medication-assisted treatment in order to help with withdrawal symptoms and get through the first few weeks of recovery without relapse.

This method is very effective because it combines all the treatment methods that a person might need. One of the best detox methods is the use of medications to help with withdrawal symptoms as a first step in getting through detox and beginning recovery.

Why Athletes Need Drug Rehab After Injury

An injured athlete is typically in so much pain that the only way to alleviate their pain is through drugs. It is important to remember that this does not have to happen. There are many types of addiction, but with medication-assisted treatment and therapy combined with traditional treatments like counseling sessions.

Keep in mind that addiction is not just a physical issue but an emotional and mental one as well, so treating addiction will involve all aspects of the human body and mind.

Prevent and Treat Addiction

Drugs can be used for treatment in a number of ways. Prescription drugs like non-opioids can be given to clients with chronic pain to prevent them from developing an addiction. Drug rehab with medication-assisted treatment is important after an injury because it helps prevent addiction before it even begins and immediately helps a patient come off of any harmful substances they may be on at the time of care.

The second is using more natural methods for treatment. Clients can utilize non-addictive alternative remedies and get counseling to help them work through their addiction issues in a safe and effective way.

Granite Recovery Centers

Injuries can cause athletes to turn to prescription drugs to escape their pain. It is important to turn to counseling and therapy instead of drugs to deal with the trauma of such an injury.

If you are an injured athlete and have been battling an addiction to prescribed medication or any other drug, call us at Granite Recovery Centers. Our team of professionals is always available to help you conquer your addiction and provide physical therapy and counseling. Our staff is ready to answer any questions you may have, and we are happy to help you find the best treatment option for you or your loved one.

The post How Injuries Can Lead to Addiction appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Drugs and other medications can be expensive, leaving many people feeling like they’re at the mercy of their physicians. Doctor shopping is an addiction that involves visiting different doctors or emergency rooms to obtain multiple prescriptions for drugs or even medical devices. This can be frustrating for both the client and the doctor. This practice has become a significant concern for the medical community, has led to the creation of new laws and regulations, and has even created the need to teach doctors how to identify potential doctor shoppers.

What Is Doctor Shopping?

People who engage in doctor shopping will visit numerous doctors’ offices with the intent of obtaining a prescription for narcotic painkillers and other drugs. In some cases, doctor shoppers may also obtain a prescription for a medical device that can be used to help relieve pain. Doctor shopping isn’t limited to narcotic pain medications, even if this is the most common reason for doctor shopping. Pain medications aren’t the only things doctor shoppers will go after, even though they may be the most sought after. Doctor shoppers may also seek out and obtain prescriptions for antidepressants, sedatives, muscle relaxers, and stimulants.

Forms of Doctor Shopping

Doctor shopping can occur in several ways. One common scenario is for those suffering from an illness or injury to visit their current doctor, explain their symptoms, and request a prescription for pain medication. As clients leave the doctor’s office, they’re met by a person who has set up shop outside the medical office. The doctor shopper then explains that he or she is a real doctor and wants to see the prescription. This will usually be enough for clients to give the doctor shopper their prescription.

Cost

Doctor shopping is a costly habit. Obtaining prescriptions can cost thousands of dollars in excess costs. Many people who doctor shop won’t even be aware of the costs associated with their shopping habits. This is because their prescriptions are frequently filled at pharmacies and drugstores, which don’t charge for switching doctors. In addition to the fees associated with doctor shopping, people who engage in doctor shopping will almost always require an increase in their dosage. This can be due to tolerance built up or an addiction growing over time.

How to Identify a Doctor Shopper

There are some signs to look out for that can indicate a person is doctor shopping.

• A person who will obtain multiple prescriptions from different doctors: Doctor shoppers often rush to obtain their prescriptions and will do whatever it takes to get them as soon as possible. This can mean going from doctor to doctor or even visiting an emergency room multiple times.
• A person who’s overly friendly with the medical staff: It’s normal for clients to have a friendly relationship with their doctors, especially if they’ve been seeing them for some time. If people are overly friendly with the staff, it could indicate that they are trying to build up a rapport that allows them to reach out to the medical staff at their leisure.
• A person who will pay multiple visits to the same doctor: If a person visits multiple doctors, it doesn’t mean he or she needs to use the same one each time. A person that will constantly come back to the same doctor could be a doctor shopper.

How to Avoid Doctor Shopping

One way to avoid doctor shopping is through prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). These programs collect data on people who have received prescriptions for narcotics. This makes it difficult for doctor shoppers to get multiple doctors’ prescriptions.

Effects of Doctor Shopping

The effects of doctor shopping aren’t limited to the person who does the shopping. The family and friends of a doctor shopper can be negatively affected as well. The effects of a single doctor shopper can typically be overlooked. However, when doctor shopping becomes a habit, the family and friends of the person doctor shopping begin to feel the burden. There are several ways that doctor shopping can affect those around you.

• The cost of doctor shopping: Doctor shopping often costs thousands of dollars. This is because the person who shops for doctors will need to purchase a larger quantity of drugs to get the same results as the person who isn’t. This can end up being a strain financially.
• The health effects of doctor shopping: The drugs that doctor shoppers use can harm their health. This means they could lose control over their addiction and end up on the streets trying to get money for more drugs.
• The time that doctors must spend dealing with doctor shoppers: The staff at a medical office will have to spend time dealing with doctor shoppers. This can be an inconvenience, and some people may prefer to avoid this expense.

How to Help a Doctor Shopper

There are several ways to deal with a doctor shopper.

• Rehab: The drug rehab program at Granite Recovery Centers is a good way for doctor shoppers to seek treatment. This focuses on treating people addicted to the drugs rather than punishing them. Our drug rehab program is meant to help people recover from their addiction and learn how to live without drugs. We offer a 12-step program aimed at helping clients with their addictions. At Granite Recovery Centers, we offer an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and an Intensive Residential Program.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): An intensive outpatient program is the most effective way of dealing with addiction. This program allows clients to progress through rehab while continuing to work or attend school. This lets them continue their normal lives while they’re in treatment.
• Residential Program: The intensive residential program is a more long-term treatment option. This means clients must stay in rehab for anywhere from one week to six months. Intensive residential treatment will be sufficient to help them overcome their addictions. This option is great for people looking for long-term rehabilitation to overcome the addiction permanently and embark on sober living.
• Detox: The detox program is another form of treatment in which clients can participate. The detox plan will let you go through the painful process of withdrawing from your drug of choice without feeling any pain. This means you will be able to leave the program without experiencing withdrawal. This can be done in a facility and is an excellent way of overcoming a doctor-shopping habit.

Sobriety

Most doctors will recommend that if you have a substance use disorder, your first step should be to abstain from any substance that could pose a problem for you. At Granite Recovery Centers, we offer programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This program encourages people to support one another as they work through their drug problems. The meetings aren’t just for doctor shoppers; they can be a great way to deal with addiction in general.

Support

The support of family and friends will go a long way when dealing with a doctor shopper. This kind of support will provide them with the tools they need to combat their addiction. This can help to make a person’s recovery that much easier.

Outreach

Another way of helping a person who is doctor shopping is called outreach. It is usually performed by people who have been in recovery or by medical professionals. This means they can help doctor shoppers get into a treatment program and deal with their addiction.

Education

Learning more about substance use disorder and the issues that stem from it, such as doctor stemming, is critical to spread awareness throughout the medical industry. This way, doctors can keep an eye out for suspicious behavior before it occurs. Education on the subject can help families and friends support their loved one, and it might even give a person the self-awareness that they have a problem developing. The financial and psychological toll that addiction, especially in severe stages, is astronomical, and sometimes even fatal. Proper education and awareness will allow individuals and their loved ones to see the importance of treating their addiction and getting to the main root of the problem.

Medical Intervention

Intervention is a common tactic that can serve as a vehicle to spark willingness to change for someone with an addiction. Medical intervention means that the doctor will provide a treatment plan to help you overcome your addiction, and often requires a detox of the substance that can be incredibly uncomfortable. In these situations, medications can help to alleviate the severe physical and mental symptoms throughout withdrawal.

Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Therapy

Doctor shoppers need help in more ways than one. Then need first to start dealing with the addiction and then to work on improving their mental health. The therapy that you receive at our centers will help you understand your addiction better and will help you improve both mentally and physically. Our mental health program offers services like these.

Psychological Therapy

As our client, the psychological therapy you receive will help you work through your addiction. The psychological therapy targeting doctor shopping will also help you deal with the emotional pain of addiction.

Mental Health Therapy

Mental health therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), is very beneficial for doctor shopping. You can start to concentrate on working on the feelings that stem from their addiction rather than the addiction itself.

Group Therapy

The group therapy you will receive allows you to work through your emotions and deal with your addiction. This lets clients focus on helping each other and gaining some objectivity. Group therapy lets you see that you are not alone.

If the Doctor Shopper Is a Family Member

If the doctor shopper is a family member, it can be tough to deal with their ongoing addiction issues. However, there are ways of doing so and things they can do to help the individual overcome the addiction, and also help the family and friends heal from the unrest it can cause.

Be Supportive

The most important thing family members can do is be supportive. This means that family members should be there when needed. Their support can make all the difference when it comes to achieving positive results.

Give Them a Break

Those with substance abuse disorders need time and patience to overcome their addiction, so having compassion for your loved one is of utmost importance during this fragile time. Everyone involved needs space to heal and time to focus on getting better. Cutting them some slack will allow them to focus on their addiction without pressure or guilt.

This is by no means a “pass” or giving someone an excuse for bad behavior, and they will likely need to make amends for the hurt they may have caused while in active addiction. If they choose to follow the 12-Step program outlined by the Big Book and in our R-E-S-T program, the time to right these wrongs will come in time when they have more mental and spiritual clarity.

Accept the Situation

Family members should also learn to accept the situation. If they don’t, they will be consumed by the feelings that come with their loved one’s addiction. This will be very difficult, and they may feel like they are losing their family. However, if they can accept the situation, they can help the doctor shopper overcome the addiction.

In conclusion, doctor shopping is a problematic issue that has been on the rise, and it’s a serious addiction that requires treatment to overcome. If you or your loved one is struggling with an addiction, there are many resources that you can use to help you overcome your addiction.  At Granite Recovery Centers, we help provide the best and most effective treatment available. Contact us as soon as possible to begin your recovery process.

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