However, kava itself can pose serious risks to people, particularly individuals who are either in the process of drug addiction rehabilitation or have just completed their drug rehab program. You can decide for yourself if kava is right for you by understanding what it is and what detriments it may have for people who are recovering from drug addictions.

Exploring Kava: Drug or Herbal Remedy?

Kava is a tropical plant that grows naturally in the Pacific Islands, including Tonga and Hawaii. Its scientific name is Piper Methysticum, which means “intoxicating pepper.”

People who are native to the Pacific Islands have used kava for generations for purposes like pain relief, insomnia and relief from anxiety. It is still commonly used in these countries for tribal ceremonies. It is most commonly ground up into a paste, mixed with water and then strained and consumed.

Kava has gained popularity around the world because of the medicinal effects it offers for common conditions like minor to moderate pain and anxiety. Scientists believe it works by targeting the neurotransmitters for pain, anxiety and other distressing symptoms in the brain. People who use it believe that kava is a safer and gentler alternative to prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen.

Is kava a drug, however? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate kava or classify it as anything more than an herbal supplement. This lack of official FDA kava classification can lull people into a false sense of security and make them believe that taking it in any amount and for any length of time is safe.

Risks Associated With Kava Use

Despite being a natural herbal supplement, kava carries with it numerous hazards that should give anyone, especially those in recovery, pause. In particular, it can heavily damage the human liver if people use too much of it or use it for too long.

While scientists believe that kava is not especially addictive and is relatively safe for most healthy people to take, they note that its continued use can cause liver toxicity if a person uses too much of it. In that respect, kava is no different than many over-the-counter medications, including acetaminophen, that can cause liver damage with prolonged use.

Scientists are not entirely sure how and why kava causes liver toxicity. They do know, however, that many people who have used kava in significant quantities or for long periods have gone on to develop liver damage.

Kava can negatively interact with other medications that people may take for conditions like anxiety or depression. It can enhance the pharmacological effects of these commonly prescribed medications and create distressing side effects, such as intense sleepiness, panic attacks, and pain.

People who are recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD) may likewise encounter negative side effects if they use kava. Recovering addicts can be drawn to the supplement’s ability to enhance feelings of sleepiness or relief from pain. Taking kava in addiction recovery can also lead to withdrawal when kava use stops.

Kava has several other noteworthy side effects that could give people reason for alarm. They include nausea, dizziness and severe headaches. Some people have also reported difficulty with normal daily tasks, such as driving, after using kava.

Because scientists continue to study the potential side effects and long-term harm of kava, they do not recommend that pregnant women or mothers who are breastfeeding use this tropical natural supplement. They advise recovering substance addicts likewise to check with their physicians to review any potential kava addiction risks.

In fact, while some debate exists about kava and sobriety and whether recovering addicts should use this supplement, scientists do know that kava can produce effects that mirror those of alcohol. In that respect, the kava dangers for recovering addicts can be significant because this supplement can take the place of alcohol, which does not resolve the issue of substance abuse.

Even more, there are risks of kava misuse. One instance may be a recovering addict arguing that kava is a supplement and therefore not risky like illicit drugs or alcohol. Recovering addicts may falsely say that taking alternatives to kava in recovery could drive them back to drinking or using drugs again. Scientists have numerous kava safety concerns when it comes to recovering addicts.

Kava Risks in Recovery and Why Kava Is Not Recommended for Recovery

While the FDA does not classify kava as a drug in the same class as illicit substances like heroin or cocaine, it still details its pharmacological effects, such as sleepiness and nausea, which are not helpful for people in recovery. The FDA also warns of the risk of liver damage.

If nothing else, the effects of kava can compel people who are already prone to substance abuse into transferring their dependence to kava. They may get so used to taking kava to help them sleep or find relief from pain or anxiety that they cannot get through a day without taking it.

Even more, kava acts by depressing the central nervous system, impacting the gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitters in the brain and increasing the production of dopamine. Dopamine induces feelings of calmness and boosts users’ moods. These effects can make it difficult for people who are already inclined to abuse drugs to resist kava.

When people become dependent on kava, they must then go through the same withdrawal process as they did when they stopped using other substances, such as alcohol or codeine. Even people who have used kava only for a short period can experience severe withdrawal symptoms that they find distressing. They may need professional help to stop using kava and learn to live without taking it every day.

Alternatives to Using Kava in Addiction Recovery

While taking kava can be too risky for people who are going through or have just finished substance abuse recovery, they can use a number of other safer and nonmedicinal resources to help them find relief and comfort from physical, mental and emotional distress. One of the more helpful options available to them is mindfulness.

Mindfulness involves calming the mind while sitting or lying still and focusing on the present moment. People often combine mindfulness with meditation as a way to relieve distress, feelings of panic, or depression.

Mindfulness has shown promise in lowering blood pressure and helping people better regulate their emotions. It can also improve cognitive function and promote objectivity. People who are recovering from drug addiction may feel like they sleep better and have more control over their thought processes and physical reactions when they practice mindfulness regularly.

Progressive relaxation is another technique that recovering addicts can rely on rather than kava for daily relief. This method involves tensing the muscles in key areas of the body, such as the legs, feet and arms, then taking a deep breath, exhaling and progressively releasing the tension in each tensed area.

Progressive relaxation distracts the mind and compels it to focus on the sensation of tensing and releasing. It also promotes calmness and better sleep.

Exercise is another method that can promote better health and pain control in recovery. Scientific studies show that exercising for 30 minutes a day improves heart health and blood flow in the body. It also burns adrenalin and increases dopamine production which is key to helping the brain remain calm.

People who exercise each day often report sleeping better and for longer periods each night. They also feel more confident in the way they look and may avoid the urge to fall back into dependency.

Finally, proper nutrition can promote better health and become a healthy alternative to kava. Good nutrition helps the body heal itself and avoid developing conditions like high blood pressure and arthritis. People in recovery looking for an alternative to kava can focus on improving their daily nutrition.

Seeking Professional Guidance

As tempting as it might be to use kava for relief from symptoms like pain and anxiety, when you’re recovering from a substance use disorder, you may find it helpful to seek professional guidance first. Chances are you may not know for sure how kava can interact with any medications you already take on a daily basis. You may also not know for sure how it can impact your overall health, particularly if you have high blood pressure or Parkinson’s disease.

Your ultimate goal in recovery is to remain as healthy and safe as possible without falling back into your old habit of using drugs or drinking. Kava can induce side effects that mimic the high that you obtained while dependent on these substances.

Rather than risk taking something, even a natural supplement like kava, and undermining what you achieved in rehab, consult with your recovery team to find out if kava is really the best option for you. The healthcare providers on your team can tell you if you run the risk of misusing kava, what negative impacts it can have on your health, and why it may compromise the medications you already take daily. Working together with the doctors, nurses, therapists and nutritionists assigned to you during your drug rehab stint may help you come up with a more solid plan to find relief from distressing symptoms.

Your healthcare providers may help you identify forms of meditation that you can practice at home or work to help ease feelings of anxiety. You may also learn to use sensations, like coldness from ice, to distract your mind and calm panic attacks. There are also exercises you can engage in to avoid using kava and still gain some sort of relief from your discomfort.

Conclusion

Kava may initially seem like a harmless natural supplement to take for conditions like pain and anxiety. However, it can pose serious side effects, especially for people who are in recovery. People who are recovering from a substance use disorder may find it best to seek professional guidance before using kava or use alternatives, such as meditation and exercise, to gain relief from their anxiety, insomnia, and other health conditions.

If you need help with your substance use disorder, our team at Granite Recovery Centers can help. We offer a variety of treatment programs for substance use, alcoholism and dual diagnosis. Contact us today to get started on your recovery journey!

The post Is Kava a Drug? Revealing the Pharmacological Effects of Kava appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

People who go through significant trauma while growing up may have a shorter life expectancy. When combined with factors like genetics and social conditions, adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, can also be risk factors for addiction. Drug or alcohol dependence is often, at least partially, a comfort-seeking response to the trauma someone experienced as a child. Find out more about ACEs, the research, and the risks. Learn how Granite Recovery Centers can help with your recovery.

Who Is Affected by ACEs?

According to the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study, more than 60% of adults have been through at least one adverse childhood experience. The more ACEs in a person’s past, the greater the chance of a shorter lifespan, poor health, and substance use.

About 20% of the ACE study participants had three or more adverse childhood experiences. Women of all races had a greater chance of having four or more ACEs than men. Four or more traumatic experiences raise a person’s risk for depression, coronary heart disease, asthma, and stroke.

Types of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Researchers identified three categories of ACEs: abuse, home difficulties, and neglect. Within each category, there are ACE subtypes.

Abuse

An adult or older sibling in a household may have verbally, physically, or sexually assaulted a child. Their actions made the child afraid or caused physical injury.

Verbal/Emotional

This occurs when parents repeatedly swear at their children, humiliate them, or call them worthless. For example, an older family member constantly belittles or isolates a younger sibling from friends.

Physical

This includes hitting, choking, battering, or withholding food and water. If this happens to children regularly, it will likely have lasting adverse health effects.

Sexual

If someone at least five years old touches children inappropriately or initiates other sexual conduct, it qualifies as sexual abuse. This has a high probability of causing health issues later in life. This type of abuse can continue for years before it ends or is discovered by authorities. This abuse often occurs at the hands of a family member or close friend.

Trouble at Home

Children who grow up amid violence and abuse, even if someone else was the target of the abuser, have another ACE factor. Perhaps one of the parents physically or emotionally abused the other. The perpetrator could also have been a live-in boyfriend or another adult.

This ACE category also includes growing up around substance use. For example, maybe a child had an alcoholic parent or lived with an illicit drug user, and it causes considerable stress.

If someone in the home has a mental illness, such as depression or anxiety, that may also be traumatic to a child. In extreme instances, that person may have attempted or completed suicide.

Divorce could also be an ACE, especially if it were adversarial. For example, perhaps the child’s parents separated multiple times but kept getting back together, only to have the cycle of fighting continue.

Another trouble at home may have been a family member going to prison. The stigma of being related to a criminal, or simply the absence of that loved one, could have a lasting adverse effect on a child.

Neglect

Neglect may be emotional or physical in nature. Sometimes, it is both. For example, if parents often ignore their children, never speaking to them, praising them, or saying they love them, that is emotional neglect. Perhaps they never comforted their children when they were upset, or they rarely attended to the children’s emotional needs.

If children are frequently unfed, unwashed, or unprotected by caregivers, they are victims of physical neglect. Sometimes, the parents do not take them to the doctor when they get seriously hurt. In other situations, the parents never notice if their children attend school regularly.

Both types of neglect can be traumatizing to a child. Like the other ACEs above, these traumas can leave a lasting mark on a child’s emotional and physical well-being.

Health Risks Associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences

ACE can increase health risks, but researchers have identified a significantly greater risk in those with four or more ACEs. Without appropriate treatment, this elevated risk puts people in danger of physical and mental health conditions, a shorter lifespan, and debilitating addiction. Specifically, the significant health risks include the following.

Mental Health Issues

ACEs cause an elevated risk for mental health issues. These include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even suicide ideation. Fortunately, medication and treatment are available.

Physical Injury

With a greater risk for physical injury, people with ACEs may suffer a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and burns more frequently than others. Professional therapy to address the root of the problems can help.

Pregnancy Problems

Women with several ACEs in the past are more likely to experience unplanned pregnancies. They also have an elevated risk of complications with pregnancy and birth.

Infectious Disease

Survivors of childhood trauma have a greater tendency to put themselves at risk for infectious diseases. Careless or risk-seeking behavior makes them more vulnerable to severe diseases like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, or other STDs.

Chronic Illness

Many people with cancer, diabetes, and cardiopulmonary disease are victims of ACEs. The damage done by trauma can make people more vulnerable to chronic illness.

Addiction and Other Risky Behavior

ACEs change the brain in ways that make someone less resilient and less likely to have strong impulse control. ACEs can damage parts of the brain that communicate pleasure and provide rewards. As a result, people sometimes begin to abuse substances that help them feel better. They may also put themselves at significant risk more frequently than others because they have trouble controlling their impulses.

Lost Opportunities

Early childhood trauma often leads to lost opportunities. For example, affected people may be unable to hold a job or advance in their career fields due to substance use disorder or chronic illness. As a result, they may have to drop out of college or skip it altogether. This makes it more difficult for them to improve their standard of living.

How Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect the Brain

ACEs have long-lasting effects because they cause changes in the developing brain. Prolonged stress sets off coping mechanisms in the brain that help the person survive both physical and mental trauma.

For example, living in fear could interfere with how the brain’s prefrontal cortex controls logical thinking. It could also cause the amygdala, which regulates emotional responses, to work overtime. These changes could affect how a person responds to difficult situations.

How Do You Address the Effects of Childhood Trauma?

Changes in the brain do not have to control a person’s entire life. Even as an adult, a person’s brain can still adapt for the better.

Other factors such as genetics, environment, and the support of friends can help people with multiple ACEs cope with them more effectively. In addition, therapy can be a significant factor in lowering the risks to a person’s mental and physical health.

At Granite Recovery Centers, some of our most successful strategies for addressing ACEs include:

• Individual and group therapy
• Treating every client with respect
• Providing medication-assisted treatment
• Finding healthier coping mechanisms

Research shows that a person with more ACEs is more likely to develop a substance use disorder during adolescence. That heightened risk continues into adulthood. In addition, the likelihood of SUD increases with the number of ACEs a person experiences. That’s why we believe that trauma-informed therapy is critical to treatment.

By identifying the ACEs in a client’s past, therapists can better design a client’s treatment individually. In addition, this approach helps get to the root of the client’s problems, whether a substance use disorder, a mental illness, or in many cases, both.

Once ACEs are identified, we help clients learn healthier approaches to addressing childhood trauma. For example, exercise and fresh air are safer and healthier than drug or alcohol use. Spending time socializing with friends, pursuing interests or hobbies, or going back to school are all opportunities for clients to positively change the trajectory of their lives.

How Granite Recovery Centers Can Help

No two life journeys are identical. Likewise, no one’s experience of childhood trauma is the same as another’s. That is why we strive to work with each client on an individual and group basis in the therapy we provide.

We also offer several therapeutic options to suit individual needs. They include the wellness recovery action plan, an evidence-based treatment approach, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Each client’s therapist helps determine a course of treatment tailored to the client’s situation.

We believe family involvement is critical to successful treatment and encourage family members to be present. Additionally, we want our clients to feel safe and comfortable while at our facilities. We work hard to maintain our reputation as a quality addiction and mental health treatment provider. Get in touch with Granite Recovery Centers today to learn more.

The post Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Learn How to Forgive a Loved One With Substance Use Disorder

Loving someone with a substance use disorder or addiction can be one of the hardest things you ever face in your life. You may feel betrayed, hurt, and angry. You might even feel guilty or responsible for their overindulgence. At times, you may feel hopeless and defeated by the seemingly endless cycle of promises to change followed by relapse. It can also be emotionally and physically draining. If you have ever had to deal with this issue, take comfort in knowing that there are ways to help your loved ones recover and forgive them.

What Is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance use disorder is a pattern of using drugs or alcohol that causes harm to you or others. Drug use disorder may involve using illicit drugs like heroin or cocaine or prescribed medicines like sedatives and painkillers for non-medicinal purposes. People with substance use disorders cannot control how much and how often they use drugs or drink alcohol. They may feel that they need the drug or drink to function normally.

They may not be able to stop even if it’s causing serious problems with work, school, relationships, health, and other areas of their lives. The disorder can range from mild to severe. People with mild disorders may stop using the substance without help. Those with severe disorders need professional treatment to stop.

What Are the Signs of Substance Use Disorder?

Signs and symptoms of substance use disorders can vary greatly depending on the particular substance involved and other individual factors. However, some common signs and symptoms may indicate a substance use disorder.

Physical signs:

• Bloodshot eyes, pupils appearing larger or smaller than usual
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Deterioration of physical appearance and/or poor grooming habits
• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

Behavioral signs:

• Drop-in attendance and performance at work or school
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
• Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
• Frequently getting into legal trouble (DUIs, fights, public intoxication)
• Unusual excitement or hyperactivity

How Substance Use Disorder Impacts Loved Ones 

Substance use disorder is a disease that impacts friends and the entire family, not just the person struggling with the addiction. Loved ones may be negatively affected by their actions, behaviors, and decisions. The following covers some of the negative effects.

They May Lose Interest in Their Family and Friends 

When individuals have a substance use problem, they spend most of their time thinking about obtaining and using drugs. It can become all-consuming, causing them to neglect important relationships and responsibilities. For example, individuals may not show up for work or social events because they are high on drugs or alcohol.

They May Become More Irritable or Aggressive

If you are a loved one of someone with a substance use problem, you may already be aware that they can be moody, irritable, or aggressive when they are under the influence. You may also know that the person may lie to you to get more money for drugs or alcohol. You may also experience emotional abuse by becoming depressed or anxious due to the stress caused by your loved one’s behavior.

Financial Impacts

Individuals in relationships with substance users may experience some form of financial abuse, such as having money stolen from them or missing bills due to their partner spending money on drugs or alcohol. Additionally, even if your loved one has not gone to jail due to their substance use issues, your finances have likely been impacted by their addiction in some way. For instance, you may have had to pay legal fees following an arrest for drunk driving or possession of illegal substances.

Codependency

Codependency is a term used to describe how people in relationships with someone who has an addiction can become addicted to their loved one’s behavior. While many people think of codependency as being limited to spouses or romantic partners of people with substance use disorders, it can also affect siblings, children, and parents.

Some people dealing with addiction may not realize that their behaviors impact more than just themselves. The spouse, children, parents, and other family members of a person struggling with substance use may find themselves codependent, enabling their loved one to continue using the drugs. The codependent person may also be at risk for developing a substance use disorder themselves.

Other negative emotional impacts include: 

• Anger at the person abusing substances
• Embarrassment over their behavior in public situations
• Shame at being connected to someone with a substance use disorder
• Resentment at having to carry the burden of their problems
• Guilt over not being able to convince them to stop using drugs or alcohol
• Fear for their safety or well-being

How to Forgive Your Loved One

Forgiving a loved one who has a substance use disorder can be challenging, especially if their actions have hurt you. However, forgiveness is an important part of healing for both the person and the loved one. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to forgiving someone with a substance use disorder.

Forgiveness takes time and effort, but the payoff is worth it. When you forgive someone, you release yourself from anger and resentment, which can be toxic emotions that will only cause you to feel more pain and suffering in the long run. Here are some ways to help you learn to forgive your loved one.

Understand What Substance Use Disorder Is and How It Affects the Individual 

When someone is diagnosed with an illness such as cancer or heart disease, they are usually treated with compassion and understanding by their family members and friends. No one expects them to get better all on their own. The same should be true for those struggling with addiction because addiction is a disease.

As a close loved one to the affected person, it is good to understand how the substance use disorder affects the individual. Most people with a substance use disorder cannot simply stop using drugs and alcohol on their own because they are addicted to those substances. Addiction is not just a bad habit; it is a medical condition that changes the brain and causes uncontrollable drug cravings, seeking, and use that persists even in the face of severe negative consequences. Understanding how addiction works can help you realize that your loved one’s behavior isn’t intentional, and they truly cannot help themselves sometimes.

Take Time for Yourself and Live as an Example 

When someone has a substance use disorder, it can consume all of your time as you try to be supportive and available for them. If you don’t take time for yourself, your health and well-being will suffer. You’ll get worn out and resentful.

Make sure you spend time doing things that bring you joy and relaxation, like taking a walk or reading a book. You might also consider getting involved in support groups so that you can talk through your feelings with people who know exactly what you’re going through. You can’t control the addict’s behavior, but you can control your reactions to it. The key is learning to respond appropriately to inappropriate behavior. Take care of your physical health by eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

Understand That You’re Not Alone

It’s easy to feel isolated when your loved one has a substance use disorder. You may be afraid of what others think or fear that no one will understand what you’re going through. But many people have been in this situation before. It may help to talk about your experiences with someone who has gone through them, and this may also give you a soft heart to forgive your loved one.

Also, be supportive. You can be there for your loved ones without defending any negative behavior or covering up for them. It can be a fine line to walk as you do not want to enable their addiction or dismiss destructive behavior, but it is important to be supportive during this time. Support comes in many forms, such as watching over them at home and helping them follow a healthy lifestyle.

Think About What Happens If You Don’t Forgive

Remaining angry and resentful will only cause you to feel bad about yourself. And as long as you continue to hold onto these feelings, your relationship with your loved one will suffer. Think about all the times when your loved one has done something for which they deserve forgiveness. Maybe they’ve been there for you in the past, or maybe they’ve apologized in the past and seemed sincere.

Seek Treatment for Them

Another crucial step to forgiving your loved one with a substance use disorder is to seek treatment for them. There are different types of treatment for substance use disorders, and it’s important to find the one that best fits your loved one’s needs. The treatment options available at Granite Recovery Centers include all of the following:

Residential or Inpatient Programs: Residential programs require your loved one to live at the rehab facility throughout treatment. These programs offer 24-hour medical care and intensive therapy. Under this program, clients may also take part in holistic therapy, yoga therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. 

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): These treatment programs allow your loved one to live at home while attending treatments during the day. PHPs typically run from four to six hours per day, Monday through Friday. However, there could be additional program schedules on weekends. 

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): IOPs are similar to PHPs but usually last fewer hours, about three per day and three days per week. These programs allow your loved one to continue working or attending school while receiving treatment for their addiction. These programs generally offer group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and other services like medication management and psychiatric services. They provide more flexibility than inpatient treatment but offer comprehensive care for substance use disorders. 

Relapse Prevention Therapy

We have an evidence-based approach to treatment that has been effective in helping clients overcome substance use disorder. Relapse prevention therapy is one of these proven methods for treating substance use issues. Relapse prevention therapy seeks to help an individual stop abusing drugs or alcohol and teach relapse prevention techniques that can help people avoid a full return to substance use even after they’ve achieved sobriety. The goal of RPT is to help clients gain awareness of their thoughts and behavior patterns and learn how to recognize events and situations that trigger problematic behavior. The therapy explores how these triggers can cause individuals to think or act in ways that may lead to relapse. The philosophy behind RPT is that relapse does not occur suddenly without warning. Rather, it happens gradually and involves four stages: emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral. RPT helps clients identify which stage they are in at any given time.

12-Step Approach 

The 12-step facilitation approach is a method of substance use disorder treatment centered on helping patients cope with their addictions by using the principles of the program. At Granite Recovery Centers, we call this program REST, abbreviated for Recovery Education and Skills Training.

The model suggests that individuals who have lost control over drug use can abstain from these substances with help from a higher power and other recovering clients. The program also suggests that each member of the group should be a sponsor for one another, sharing their own experiences with addiction and recovery as a way to offer support.

Why Is It Important to Forgive Your Loved One?

Forgiving someone is important because it allows both of you to live in the present instead of dwelling on past hurts and disappointments. Forgiveness allows you to let go of the anger and resentment towards your loved one so that you can be more present in their life, even if they haven’t forgiven themselves yet. It also gives you the freedom to focus on yourself instead of focusing on them constantly. It will also allow for healthier relationships with other people in your life because forgiveness helps heal any emotional wounds.

Forgiving a loved one who has a substance use disorder is not only beneficial to your mental and physical health, but it will also help in the healing process. You can visit Granite Recovery Centers for different treatment options for your loved one, or call us today to schedule an appointment.

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• Acetaminophen – A non-aspirin fever reducer and pain reliever
• Dextromethorphan – A cough suppressant that alters part of the brain and thus reduces cough
• Doxylamine succinate – An antihistamine that relieves runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy throat and nose, and watery eyes

Do not use Nyquil to treat ongoing coughs from smoking, long-term breathing problems or asthma. Like other over-the-counter drugs, continuous use of Nyquil may cause serious side effects, dependence and, in some cases, withdrawal symptoms.

How to Take Nyquil

Ensure that you read and follow all instructions on the packaging label. Use it as directed by your pharmacist or doctor.

If you are taking Nyquil in liquid form, measure the dose using the given measuring spoon. Nyquil is also available as extended-release capsules.

The dosage recommendation you get from your doctor is based on your response to treatment, age, and medical condition. Avoid taking it more than prescribed, longer than prescribed, or increasing your dose. Improper use may lead to abuse and harm like brain damage or seizure.

If your condition continues for more than one week or worsens, let your doctor know as it may not be the right medication for you.

Warning

One of the ingredients found in Nyquil is acetaminophen. If you consume too much acetaminophen, it can lead to liver disease. If you have liver problems, take only small amounts of acetaminophen. Children should also take fewer amounts. Consult with your doctor on how much acetaminophen you should take.

Do not combine Nyquil with other drugs unless under your doctor’s orders. Since acetaminophen is found in many cough and cold medications, check all the labels on your medicine. If you find that it is present, ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Minor Side Effects of Nyquil

Prolonged use of Nyquil can have adverse effects on your health. However, many people using this prescription do not experience serious side effects. Some of the side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth, throat or nose
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Nervousness
• Nausea

Doctors recommend this medication if they feel that the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects. If you experience the above side effects, talk with your doctor.

Serious Side Effects of Nyquil

In some cases, you may experience the following more serious side effects:

• Trouble urinating
• Shaking
• Mood changes
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizure

Tell your doctor so that they may take appropriate action. Some patients report significant allergic reactions when they take Nyquil. Seek medical attention if you experience allergic reactions like:

• Breathing trouble
• Rashes
• Swelling or itching of the throat, tongue or face
• Severe dizziness

Precautions to Consider

The following are some precautions you should take by speaking with your doctor before taking this medication:

• Existing health problems: High blood pressure, seizures, kidney problems, overactive thyroid, asthma, diabetes, heart problems, glaucoma, constipation, etc.
• Allergies: Any form of allergies
• Certain diseases: Nyquil contains aspartame, alcohol or sugar, so if you have liver disease, phenylketonuria, alcohol dependence, diabetes or a condition that requires you to limit the use of these substances, proceed with caution and seek your doctor’s advice
• Older individuals: Older people have a higher sensitivity to Nyquil; low blood pressure, constipation, dizziness and drowsiness increase the chances of falling
• Surgical procedures: Advise your doctor before any intensive surgeries
• Avoid operating heavy machinery: May cause blurred vision and drowsiness, so do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or engage in something that requires alertness
• Avoid breastfeeding: Nyquil can pass into breast milk and lead to undesirable effects in an infant

Interaction With Other Drugs

Drug interaction can alter how your prescription works, and in some cases, it may increase the risk of significant side effects. Ensure that you record all your medications and show them to your doctor. Do not stop or change the dosage without your doctor’s approval.

Some MAO inhibitors lead to serious drug interaction when taken alongside Nyquil. They include:

• Methylene blue
• Selegiline
• Isocarboxazid
• Moclobemide
• Procarbazine
• Safinamide
• Phenelzine
• Rasagiline
• Tranylcypromine
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Sleeping and anxiety drugs
• Muscle relaxants
• Antihistamines
• Opioids like codeine and hydrocodone
• Ketoconazole
• Rolapitant

Nyquil contains medications found in other products, so using such products alongside Nyquil may increase the overall side effects. Nyquil may also interfere with your lab tests, leading to false results. Before undertaking a lab test, make sure your doctor knows that you use Nyquil.

Nyquil Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

The consistent use of Nyquil over a long period may lead to dependency and addiction, especially if you are using it against to your doctor’s advice. Addiction cases may result when you use any drug more often than is recommended to achieve the desired effect.

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

When this medication is used alone, the chances of getting Nyquil addiction are low. However, when combined with other drugs such as alcohol and marijuana, you may experience dangerous health complications such as:

• Confusion
• High blood pressure
• Impaired motor control
• Seizures
• Hallucinations

Individuals who have Nyquil use disorder can develop liver and kidney damage. In some cases, they also experience memory problems. By the time you realize that you are addicted to Nyquil, it may be much more difficult to quit using it. The sudden stop of Nyquil use might lead to significant withdrawal symptoms, so before stopping, seek the advice of your doctor.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms occur within a few hours after stopping, and they peak within three days. Some common Nyquil withdrawal symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• Seizures
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Vomiting and stomach cramps
• Cold flashes
• Weight loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Cravings

The good news is that Nyquil addiction is treatable if you follow all the recommended detox procedures.

Overdose

There is always a risk of an overdose when you use Nyquil other than prescribed by your doctor. The following symptoms are predominant in an individual who has overdosed:

• Nausea
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Sweating
• Hallucinations
• Abdominal pain
• Flushing
• Extreme tiredness
• Confusion
• Agitation

Children may be excited at first, followed by loss of consciousness, drowsiness, seizures and coordination loss. If you come across an individual who has overdosed, call 911 or a poison control center right away.

Often, addiction leads to an overdose, knowingly or unknowingly. To prevent future cases of Nyquil overdose and other health complications, seek medical rehabilitation to help you quit using the drug. A rehabilitation facility like Granite Recovery Centers can guide you on your road to recovery.

Granite Recovery Centers

Your recovery journey starts at Granite Recovery Centers. We’ve been helping adults with substance use disorder and mental health issues for over 10 years.

Our full continuum of care features primary residential treatment, sober living, medical detox, intensive outpatient counseling, and much more. Our active and growing alumni community is evidence of our success, so you can trust us with your health. 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.

Our Facilities

• Inpatient drug rehab – Our inpatient drug rehab centers offer intensive, round-the-clock monitored support in helping you get sober. We help you gain appropriate skills and insights to maintain your long-term sobriety. We have residential programs at Green Mountain Treatment Center, the Granite House, and New Freedom Academy Canterbury, all in New Hampshire. Our caring medical staff can ease your withdrawal symptoms and motivate you to continue rehabilitation with therapy.
• Canterbury Behavioral Health – At NFABH, we offer clinical psychotherapeutic support that features group therapy, motivational interviewing, grief and loss therapy, one-on-one individual therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and co-occurring mental disorders treatment. In addition, we provide nutritious meals at our gender-separate living accommodations.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Green Mountain Treatment Center offers a serene, secluded environment that allows our patients to live with their peers in scenic surroundings. We incorporate individualized treatment plans, a 12-step-centered curriculum, medical detox, clinical modalities and holistic therapies. You also get to enjoy an on-site gym, transport services, meditation and yoga, workshops and education programs, and gender-separate programs.
• Sober Living – These homes offer early recovery programs with ongoing support from our professionals. You get to interact with your peers as you all seek to enjoy a successful recovery journey.
• Alumni program – After your recovery process, you get the unique opportunity to join our ever-growing alumni community. Regular meetings let you share your experiences with your peers and also engage in motivational programs. You are part of our tribe.

Granite Recovery Centers provides drug rehabilitation programs to help individuals who want to leave substance abuse and dependence behind them. Seek our services today if you need help to overcome substance use disorder. The journey may be difficult, but it is worth the effort.

Conclusion

Although it is rare to become addicted to Nyquil, there is always a chance when you use it with other drugs like alcohol or marijuana. Do not take Nyquil other than prescribed by your pharmacist or doctor. If you endure significant withdrawal symptoms after stopping its use, seek the intervention of your doctor.

The post Is Nyquil Addictive? Signs and Symptoms of Abuse appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

The problem is that these pills aren’t as benevolent as they sound. They are often needed and can helpful in the short-term, but can also lead to a substance use disorder. Granite Recovery Centers has helped people fight this disorder and move forward with their lives.

How Long Do Sleeping Pills Stay in Your System?

Every medication and drug that a person takes stays in their system for a significant amount of time. The problem is figuring out how long the drug is going to stay in the body, which is a harder question to answer, but we’re going to do our best to explain how long something like a sleeping pill will stay in your system.

The first thing you should know is that the amount of time a sleeping pill stays in your system slightly depends on you.

Your body can sometimes determine how long something will stay inside you. For example, your health could play a part, and so could your age. A person’s ability to get rid of toxins could also play a part, and this affects many other factors. For a body to get rid of toxins, it needs good circulation, a properly hydrated self, and exercise, and the body shouldn’t be suffering from chronic stress.

Of course, it’s easy to see why each person’s ability to get rid of a drug varies, just like a person’s reaction might vary.

Still, there are a few standards worth mentioning. The following are a few sleeping pills that people take and how long they might take to leave your body:

• Xanax, one of the most popular sleeping pills, can take about three days to leave the body.
• Valium, another popular sleeping pill, has one of the longest staying times. This particular medication could stay in the body for weeks before the body can get rid of it.
• Ambien, and other similar medications, have a shorter half-life, which means it should go away within 16 hours.

Half-Life of Sleeping Pills

The half-life is something you want to pay attention to when you’re prescribed a sleeping pill. The shorter the half-life, the faster your body can get rid of it.

Ambien has a three-hour half-life whereas Valium could have anywhere between a 20- to 80-hour half-life. If you take any of these medications, find out how long the drug is going to stay in your body. Other factors that could affect how long a sleeping pill stays in your system are your liver and kidney health. These are vital organs that assist in cleaning up your body. If these organs aren’t doing too well, your body is going to have a harder time getting rid of this drug that you’re taking to get a good night’s sleep. The dosage prescribed to you could also be a factor. Ideally, you’ll get by with the smallest dosage available, but that depends on the severity of your sleeping problems.

There’s one more thing you should know regarding the amount of time that a sleeping pill is going to stay in your system. If you need to take them or if you’ve been taking them, the content of these sleeping pills can go beyond your bloodstream. When someone is trying to taper off a sleeping pill, they are trying to get it out of their bloodstream, but the content can move elsewhere in the body.

For example, the content of the drug could get into your hair and it can stay there for at least 90 days.

Sleeping pills can also absorb into fat tissues, which preserves the contents of a sleeping pill. If this happens to you, then you’ll be able to detect the contents of the sleeping pill you were taking in your saliva or even in your urine. Normally, the content of the sleeping pill you’re taking doesn’t make its way into your fatty tissues, but it can if you’ve been taking this pill for a long time.

Normally, though, you can’t detect any traces of the sleeping pill you were taking after about a month of quitting, except for those few exceptions we mentioned when the contents made their way into your hair or your fatty tissues.

Help For Those in Need

Part of what we do at Granite Recovery Center is to help people expel the drugs they’re using.

We use our evidence-based treatment options to help people get back to a life they recognize, and we can do that for you if you give us a chance. It may be difficult to imagine someone developing a substance use disorder linked to sleeping pills, but it is possible. One factor that could explain this phenomenon is the amount of time that the drug can stay in your system.

As mentioned earlier, you need to find out the half-life of any sleep medication you’re taking.It is also a good idea to find out how long you need to take this medication. Learn how you can get past your sleep issue and someday function without the medication. You might need it now to deal with a sleeping disorder, and that’s a priority since a good night’s sleep is important for your overall health. A good night’s sleep has been linked to better mood control, a stronger immune system, and even helping with memory retention.

We take great care when creating a treatment plan for someone with a sleeping pill substance use disorder. The human body can very easily get used to the substance. Sometimes the amount of time a sleeping pill stays in the body can connect to how long a person has been taking it.

Dealing With Withdrawal Symptoms

Quitting when it’s become a substance use disorder isn’t easy. It’s something we have seen countless times. It requires specialized assistance and plenty of patience.

Once a person has become dependent, that person has to slowly get off the medication. Tapering off the sleeping pill is the best way to reduce some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with this issue.

The following are a few examples of the withdrawal symptoms we’ll help you avoid or reduce:

• Body spasms
• Seizures
• Insomnia
• Delirium
• Anxiety
• Cravings
• Irritability
• Depression
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Hand tremors
• Nausea/vomiting

You can see why we take extra precautions when building a treatment plan. At Granite Recovery Centers, we know the difficulties people face when they stop taking sleeping pills, especially if that cessation is not planned correctly.

We’re ready for any of the withdrawal symptoms possible and do our best to help your body get rid of the substance. We may have a general idea of how long that process might take, but we can’t be certain.

Part of the reason we make it a point to interview you and to get to know your specific situation is so that we have a better idea of what to expect

How to Beat Insomnia and Get More Sleep

We know why people use sleeping pills. As we mentioned, we know how important sleep is, but we’re also not blind to the sleeplessness epidemic hitting many people in this country.

Many people are suffering from insomnia. Some people can’t sleep because of the chronic stress that they’re dealing with. This stress could come from anywhere. Some are dealing with stress because of work. Others are dealing with financial stress.

People can take steps to improve sleep before it becomes a big problem and sleeping pills are necessary.

The following are some things you could do:

• Creating and sticking to a sleep schedule
• Turn off electronics a half hour before sleep
• Use a white noise machine to help drown out noise
• Ensure your bedroom is dark
• Exercising more during the morning so that your body is ready to rest by the time you go to bed
• Keep the temperature in your room cool
• Consider soothing scents in your room like lavender or vanilla

If you or your loved one is ready to address a sleeping pill substance use disorder, then we urge you to talk to us. Granite Recovery Centers has compassionate people ready to guide you or your loved one to a better place. It’s going to be challenging, but we have been successful before, and we can help you or a loved one.

The post How Long Do Sleeping Pills Stay in Your System? appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Ritalin is actually the brand name for the drug called methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is one of the approved treatments for ADHD, but it has other uses as well. For instance, it can be used to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy. Although Ritalin is abused by adults and kids, the drug’s close ties to ADHD make it both a highly controversial and a highly important drug in today’s world.

The CDC estimates that around 10% of children have been diagnosed with ADHD. Many of those children are prescribed Ritalin to cope with its effects. Even though Ritalin can be an effective tool to fight the effects of ADHD, it does come with risks. There are many ways to use Ritalin outside of what is prescribed, and the drug is addictive. At Granite Recovery Centers, our mission is to transform lives, especially if you are struggling with a Ritalin addiction. Call one of our experts today to see how we can walk with you through your addiction and help you get your life back.

Use of Ritalin

As mentioned above, Ritalin is one of the primary drugs used in the treatment of ADHD. According the CDC , ADHD diagnoses have almost doubled since the year 2000, and 62% of those diagnosed also took medicine to treat the diagnosis. While the number of people diagnosed with ADHD has stagnated over the past few years, there are still a lot of people prescribed to take Ritalin each year.

While Ritalin is most often prescribed and used for the treatment of ADHD, there are other reasonable uses of the drug as well. Ritalin is a stimulant, which means that it works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Stimulants, like Ritalin, can help increase your ability to pay attention, to stay focused on an activity, and to control behavior problems. Ritalin can also help you to organize your tasks and improve your listening skills. Other than ADHD, Ritalin can be used for certain types of sleeping disorders.

To make the most of Ritalin, you should take it consistently and at the same times each day so that the doses can work together to provide the best results. One of the key aspects of Ritalin usage is that you should not, without talking with a doctor, suddenly stop taking Ritalin after prolonged use. Even when taken as prescribed, Ritalin is an addictive drug that can have disastrous long-term effects. If you or a loved one find yourself trying to quit Ritalin after prolonged use, contact us at Granite Recovery Centers so that we can help you with this difficult task.

Abuse of Ritalin

The DEA has classified methylphenidate as a Schedule II controlled substance. Schedule II controlled substances are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse. Using Ritalin, even as prescribed but especially outside of its prescribed usage, can potentially lead to severe psychological and physical dependency. Schedule II controlled substances are considered dangerous for a wide variety of reasons, and the abuse of Ritalin can lead to severe side effects and addiction.

Ritalin, in general, has been a very successful drug in the treatment of ADHD, but the more often it is used by children and teens, the more often it is abused as well. Ritalin is often abused either to provide a “high” or as a performance enhancer. Since Ritalin is a brain-altering drug that affects the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine, the drug produces a natural high that many people seek.

Ritalin seems to be more dangerous, however, as a performance enhancer. For instance, high school and college students are known to take large doses of the drug while studying for exams. As a stimulant, it can both help you stay up late and keep you focused through long study sessions. Adults who are in high-stress, high-demand jobs have also been known to use Ritalin to maintain focus in stressful situations, to stay awake longer without breaks, and to have their minds working at optimal levels. Here are just a few of the things that Ritalin can do as a performance enhancer:

• Improve concentration
• Increase mental sharpness
• Help a person manage a heavy workload or a high-stress environment
• Stimulate weight loss
• Stay up later to accomplish more

The bottom line is that Ritalin is an oft-prescribed drug with highly addictive characteristics and a history of being hard to stop. Just like what can happen with strong pain killers, many people find themselves addicted to Ritalin after taking it in the prescribed way in the beginning. At Granite Recovery Centers, we can help you recover from a Ritalin addiction after an initial detox to the physical and psychological problems that come along with an addiction.

Side Effects of Ritalin Abuse

 There are an almost unbelievable number of side effects that are possible with Ritalin use. Here are a few of the more common side effects:

• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Muscle tightness
• Drowsiness
• Uncontrollable movement of a part of the body
• Restlessness
• Decreased sexual desire
• Heavy sweating
• Back pain

There are other, even more serious side effects as well. Some of the more somber include depression, difficulty breathing, mood changes, fainting, and seizures. If any of the more moderate side effects listed above occur, monitor them closely. If any of the more serious side effects happen, see a doctor immediately. Those most dire side effects include:

• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive tiredness
• Slow or difficult speech
• Fainting
• Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• Seizures
• Changes in vision or blurred vision
• Agitation
• Believing things that are not true
• Feeling unusually suspicious of others
• Hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• Motor or verbal tics
• Depression
• Abnormally excited mood
• Mood changes
• Frequent, painful erections
• Erections that last longer than four hours
• Numbness, pain, or sensitivity to temperature in the fingers or toes
• Skin color change from pale to blue to red in the fingers or toes
• Unexplained wounds on the fingers or toes
• Fever
• Hives
• Rash
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Itching
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

It is a lot to list, but it is important to know when to call a doctor and when to get help if you are struggling with any of these side effects, especially if you want to quit using Ritalin after prolonged use. We will help create a recovery plan for you and your needs so that you can get back to your life as quickly as possible.

How Long Does Ritalin Remain in Your Body?

Most central nervous system stimulants, like Ritalin, have relatively short half-lives compared to what is found in many other drugs. This is why it is important to take multiple doses per day, and it is also part of the reason why the drug is addictive. With a shorter half-life, a drug has to be taken more regularly to have the desired effect. When a drug is taken more frequently, your body often builds up resistance to the drug so that more of the drug must be taken per dose.

There are currently two types of Ritalin on the market. The first is the immediate-release form of the drug. This form of Ritalin has a half-life of one to four hours, which means, to keep the drug working, you would have to take it more often than one time per day. The second is the extended-release form that lasts about 10 to 14 hours in your system. Here are some factors that could affect how long Ritalin remains in your system:

• Age: The younger you are, the more quickly the drug will leave your system.
• Body Mass: The more body mass you have, the quicker your body will be drained.
• Use with Alcohol: Taking Ritalin while drinking alcohol is not encouraged, but if it is done, Ritalin will stay in your system longer.

Ritalin can be detected in numerous ways, including:

• Urine screens can detect Ritalin between one and three days after use.
• Saliva tests can detect Ritalin one to three days after use.
• Blood tests are rarely, if ever, used to detect Ritalin.
• Ritalin can be detected in your hair follicles for 30 days after use.

Ritalin’s Interaction With Other Drugs

It is also important to note that Ritalin interacts with other things in a way that can make side effects even worse. For instance, you should not take caffeine, ACE inhibitors, some blood pressure drugs, and seizure medications. Ritalin is a highly addictive drug, and that addiction can be triggered in numerous ways. Taking Ritalin with other drugs can be a push towards addiction, so be careful with these types of medicines:

• Seizure medications
• Warfarin
• Antipsychotics
• Blood pressure drugs
• Cold or allergy medications
• Antihypertensive drugs

Prior to starting on Ritalin, you should call your doctor and discuss what else you are taking and how Ritalin could affect your life. It is a strong stimulant that affects your brain, so it is really important to check and to cross-check these issues. Cold and allergy season is difficult, but cold and allergy medicines cannot be taken with Ritalin just like alcohol should not be either.

Granite Recovery Centers

If taken correctly, Ritalin can be a game-changer for someone who is struggling in school or work with ADHD. It can also just as quickly ruin a person’s life. At Granite Recovery Centers, we want to help you make sure that it does nothing more than help.

As mentioned before, coming off of Ritalin is a very difficult thing, and we can offer multiple programs, including a medical detox option. On top of that, there is often an underlying condition when a person is addicted, and our incredible staff can help you get on the road to recovery from those issues. 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.

You have relied on the drug for long enough, and now, you can rely on us as we help you get your life back and live a life as “recovered” and not “recovering.” If you or someone you know could benefit from our help in dealing with Ritalin abuse, give us a call at Granite Recovery Centers today.

The post How Long Does Ritalin Stay In Your System? appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Opioid Epidemic

Demerol is an opioid although you may also see it referred to as a narcotic. These terms mean the same thing; they are drugs that relieve pain and dull your senses. “Narcotic” used to be the term more frequently used, but now, most people refer to these drugs as “opioids.” As you’ve probably heard, there is an opioid epidemic in the U.S. Raising awareness about this issue and learning what you can do to spot and treat an addiction early on can help reverse the devastating trend. Overdosing on Demerol and other opioids can result in death.

Part of what made Demerol a popular street narcotic is the euphoric feeling it provides and the sweet banana taste of the liquid medicine. The effects of Demerol are similar to those of morphine. Like with other drugs, an overdose on Demerol causes unpleasant and life-threatening symptoms. These overdose symptoms are worse when it has been mixed with other drugs.

Opioids caused 46,802 overdose deaths out of 67,367 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2018. The economic impact of opioid addiction is estimated to be $78.5 billion per year in the U.S. Around 21–29% of people who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain start to misuse them.

What Happens During a Demerol Overdose?

There aren’t always obvious signs that someone has overdosed on Demerol. The drug slows down vital organs, and this might not be obvious, even to the trained eye.

Symptoms of a Demerol overdose include:

• Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate
• Drowsiness
• Inability to stay awake
• Low blood pressure
• Weak muscles
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cold, clammy skin
• Respiratory depression
• Blue lips or fingernails
• Muscle twitches
• Seizures
• Cardiac arrest

Although others may be unaware that someone is experiencing an overdose on Demerol, the individual can usually tell because they’re feeling the sensations in their body. Take symptoms like a slow heart rate and shallow breathing seriously. It’s important to not take chances when you’re going through an overdose. You should immediately seek emergency medical care.

Respiratory depression is a common symptom that people experience when they overdose on Demerol. When respiratory depression isn’t treated, it could cause brain damage or death because your brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen. Signs that respiratory depression is occurring are shortness of breath, shallow breathing, sleepiness, headaches, seizures, depression and confusion. Your fingers, toes or lips may turn blue as well. Some people actually have fast breathing during respiratory depression because their bodies are struggling to remove the excess carbon dioxide from the bloodstream.

Cardiac arrest is when your heart stops beating. Some people experience symptoms before cardiac arrest, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, vomiting and chest pain. If your loved one has collapsed or lost consciousness, they might be experiencing cardiac arrest.

How much Demerol causes an overdose depends on your age, weight, height and tolerance level. The amount of Demerol that causes an overdose is much lower when it’s mixed with alcohol or other opioids.

You should never use silverware to measure your medicine. Only use the measuring cup that came with your medicine or a syringe to accurately measure your dosage. A person could overdose from mistaking a tablespoon for a teaspoon. Not all silverware is of the same size either. When it comes to medicine that comes in pill form, don’t split pills unless your doctor has told you it’s safe to do so. Some pills can cause harmful effects when you split them.

How Do You Treat a Demerol Overdose?

Only medical professionals can treat a Demerol overdose. If you are concerned that you may have overdosed on Demerol, you need to contact emergency services and focus on staying calm. Take slow, deep breaths to the best of your ability while you wait for EMS to arrive. Feeling panicked could worsen your symptoms, which is why it’s important to stay calm. Don’t take any other drugs in an attempt to calm yourself because their interaction with the drug already in your system will make the overdose worse.

If someone you love is going through an overdose, help them stay calm and say encouraging words to them while you wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Ask your loved one how much Demerol they took, what other drugs or medications they have taken, how they took the drugs and what their most prominent symptom is. This information will help medical professionals quickly and effectively treat the overdose.

How the medical responders treat your Demerol overdose depends on the symptoms you’re experiencing and the severity of those symptoms. If you have respiratory depression, they may give you stable airflow. In order to remove some of the drug from your system, they might pump your stomach.

In the hospital, you may be given naloxone, which is a medicine that treats opioid overdoses. It counteracts respiratory depression and cardiac difficulties.

What You Need to Know When You’re New to Demerol

If you were recently prescribed Demerol, some of the side effects you may experience are similar to those of an overdose. As long as you’re taking the correct dose, you’re not having symptoms of an allergic reaction and you’re not missing any of your doses, you should be safe. Signs of an allergic reaction to Demerol are itching, swelling, rashes, trouble breathing and severe dizziness. You need to seek medical care promptly when you have an allergic reaction.

Side effects of Demerol are:

• Pain or redness at the injection site
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness

You usually don’t need to seek medical attention for these side effects of the dose that your doctor gave you. Serious side effects that are a cause for concern include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Hallucinations
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Mood changes
• Vision changes
• Tremors

You should let your doctor know if you have serious side effects. Your physician may lower your dose or try a different prescription.

Addiction Is Possible Even While Taking Your Prescribed Dose

Because Demerol has addictive qualities, it’s possible to become addicted even when you followed your doctor’s orders. If you have become addicted, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, cravings for Demerol, a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, poor performance at work or school and taking the drug when you’re not supposed to.

Most addictions start off mild but gradually strengthen. The best time to enroll in rehab is when the addiction is still mild because it’s easier to overcome in the earlier phases. Hope isn’t lost if your Demerol addiction has become moderate or severe. We have seen plenty of people overcome moderate to severe addictions.

Withdrawal symptoms of Demerol include:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Chills
• Dry mouth
• Runny nose
• Runny eyes
• Increased blood pressure
• Hallucinations
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

Why You Can’t Quit Demerol on Your Own

Never take yourself off of Demerol abruptly. You need the guidance of a medical professional to safely wean yourself off of the medication whether you were taking it as a prescription or as a street drug. Your withdrawal symptoms could be severe if you attempt to gradually decrease your dose on your own. Stopping Demerol suddenly can also cause severe withdrawal, which is why your doctor gradually lowers your dose.

Once you have successfully stopped using Demerol, you should safely dispose of any unused portion of the medication. This removes temptation from yourself and others to misuse the drug. Demerol should never be taken without a doctor’s instruction, not even if you have taken it before without problems.

Demerol Detox

When you have overdosed on Demerol, you will typically need to go through detox to cleanse it from your system. Detox is the first step of Demerol rehab as well. It assists in breaking the physical side of your addiction. You must then go through either inpatient or outpatient rehab to treat the mental side of your addiction. It takes more time to overcome from the psychological aspects of substance use disorder. How long a person needs to be in rehab depends on the individual. The more severe the addiction, the longer you should stay in rehab. As you progress, you can spend less time in rehab. 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.

Inpatient rehab requires that you live at the facility while receiving treatment. Most inpatient programs take 28–90 days. You can take time off of work without losing your job to go through an inpatient drug rehab. For most people, 30 days isn’t enough to truly break their bad habits. We recommend continuing treatment for at least 90 days.

Once you are out of inpatient rehab, you should immediately attend an outpatient program to maintain sobriety and continue the journey to lasting change. Outpatient programs typically only require a time commitment of 10–12 hours a week, but some are more involved.

Granite Recovery Center offers inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, aftercare and alumni programs for Demerol addiction. If you have more than one mental health disorder, we also provide dual diagnosis treatment. We highly recommend aftercare once you’ve finished a rehab program because it helps keep you on track with a minimal time commitment. You only meet around once a week to discuss your progress toward your goals and any struggles you’re experiencing in life. Studies have found higher sobriety rates among people who go through aftercare.

Consider Gender-Specific Treatment for Your Demerol Addiction

Gender-specific rehab can also be more helpful because it is structured with the unique needs of men and women in mind. Men typically take longer to open up than women. Because of society’s views on gender roles, men are raised to not show what they perceive as weakness or vulnerability.

Women who develop substance use disorders have often been victims of sexual assault, so a woman who has this type of past trauma will feel safer in group therapy that only has women. Granite Recovery Center offers men’s and women’s rehab if you think you would benefit more from gender-specific treatment.

Our treatment centers have been operating for more than 10 years. The approach we take in treating drug addiction incorporates psychotherapy and a 12-step curriculum. Some people associate 12-step treatment with religion or with Alcoholics Anonymous, but it’s far broader than that. People of all religions and of no religion can go through 12-step treatment. It has been found effective in treating other types of addiction too.

Demerol is a drug that should only be used following a doctor’s guidance because of its potentially harmful and addictive qualities. If you feel uncomfortable with being prescribed an opioid, you can ask your doctor about alternative options in managing your pain. If you have become addicted to Demerol, whether you obtained it through a doctor or other means, you can enroll in drug rehab to take back control over your life.

The post Can you Overdose on Demerol? | Overdose Signs appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Benadryl works by preventing histamine from being produced by the body due to allergic reactions to medication or peanuts. Benadryl causes a sedative effect upon consumption, which is why most people struggling with insomnia turn to the drug as a sleep aid. Because the drug is easily accessible in pharmacies and grocery stores, it has become one of the most abused drugs over the years.

Benadryl Precautions

Benadryl addiction can go unnoticed for long periods since the symptoms may be similar to those of other conditions, such as psychosis. Most people turn to the drug to help them fall into a peaceful sleep. A full-blown addiction is present once the body gets accustomed to the drug, meaning a person constantly needs to use it to achieve the same results. When taken together with other drugs, such as antihistamines and anxiety medication, it may result in drowsiness and other unpleasant effects. When consumed by those advanced in age, Benadryl can cause dementia, confusion, hallucinations, and increased heart rate.

Unless a doctor gives permission, those with conditions like asthma, cardiovascular diseases, hyperthyroidism, kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, and any other health issues should avoid using Benadryl at all costs. The transition to addiction may also be overlooked as many people believe the drug to be safe since it is readily available to anyone, including children under the age of 18.

Signs and Symptoms of Benadryl Addiction

Like most drugs, over-dependence on Benadryl can interfere with brain functions. Long-term use results in psychological dependence on Benadryl, meaning the person consuming the drug cannot function normally without taking the substance. The body’s increased tolerance to the drug makes the body demand more than the initial dose, making a person take more of the substance to fall asleep. The user constantly feels the need to use Benadryl to feel euphoric and relaxed.

Exercising caution when consuming this popular over-the-counter drug is essential if you want to avoid the adverse side effects that come with addiction to Benadryl. It would be best to watch out for several warning signs to avoid becoming addicted to the drug. The major symptoms include:

• The inability to fall asleep before consuming Benadryl
• Anxiety and confusion when skipping a dose
• Dependence on Benadryl to function normally
• Body tolerance to Benadryl
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• An inability to cut down on Benadryl consumption
• Finding it difficult to concentrate and to focus on simple tasks
• Overall body weakness
• Feeling the need to take Benadryl to achieve the high
• Mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Nightmares
• Low blood pressure
• Depression
• Shivering

Benadryl Addiction Side Effects

Despite having numerous benefits in the medical world, Benadryl has its share of negative side effects when abused. Some effects are short term whereas others can last a lifetime. A user can either encounter psychological effects, physical effects, or both.

Some of the physical effects to watch out for include:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty urinating
• Memory impairment
• Itchy skin
• Restlessness
• Angina or chest tightening
• Poor coordination
• Body weakness
• Erectile dysfunction
• Kidney and liver damage
• Increased heart rate

The psychological side effects of Benadryl addiction include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Nightmares
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Memory loss

Who Is Prone to a Benadryl Addiction?

Developing an addiction to Benadryl may be unintentional since it is used to treat various medical issues. Those taking the drug as a solution for insomnia can easily become addicted. Benadryl is prescribed for patients with Parkinson’s disease to help with tremors and muscle spasms, so they are also at risk of developing an addiction to the drug. Schizophrenic patients are prone to developing an addiction since Benadryl helps them manage the side effects of taking antipsychotic drugs. Those dealing with anxiety turn to Benadryl due to its ability to put them in a state of complete and utter relaxation though this reason for use often leads to addiction. Benadryl is very cheap and can be procured, even without a doctor’s prescription, making it prone to abuse.

Interaction of Benadryl With Other Drugs

Whether intentional or unintentional, pairing Benadryl with other drugs is a bad idea because it may lead to dangerous effects and can even cause loss of life. Most people pair the drug with muscle relaxants, alcohol, opiates, and benzodiazepines and experience effects like flushed skin, cramping, memory impairment, an irregular heartbeat, and constipation. Those intentionally mixing these drugs seek a euphoric high, but they could end up hooked on the drug.

The Aftermath of Benadryl Overdose

Consuming more than the recommended dose leads to overdose. An overdose manifests with adverse effects like dry eyes, ringing in the ears, enlarged pupils, blurred vision, restlessness, increased heart rate, seizures, confusion, mood swings, intense depression, paranoia, fainting, randomly falling asleep, red skin, tremors, throwing up, loss of balance, difficulty urinating, and drowsiness. In an attempt to get a euphoric high, many people accidentally overdose on Benadryl, which, contrary to expectations, brings about many uncomfortable effects.

When to Seek Benadryl Treatment

It is important to seek treatment for a Benadryl addiction before it interferes with your professional and personal life. The effects of a Benadryl addiction do not stop with the individual but spill over to family, friends, and work. Someone may find himself or herself in conflict with his or her loved ones. Because of the need to fund the habit, addicts may become deceitful and even steal. Over time, dependence on the drug affects an individual’s performance at work, causing him or her to lose a job. Addicts may also find themselves in a difficult financial situation resulting from the misuse of money to fund their addictions or because of job loss. Even completing simple everyday tasks becomes impossible once someone becomes dependent on Benadryl.

Losing sight of one’s career and life goals means it’s time to seek help before you spiral out of control. Once you lose touch with reality, close friendships, and relationships, bouncing back may take years, so it is important to address the issue before getting to this point. In extreme cases, this powerful antihistamine is known to interfere with the mental state of an individual. In children, Benadryl can have the opposite effect. Instead of inducing sleep, it can bring about psychosis, agitation, and hyperactivity.

Treatment Options for Benadryl Addiction

Depending on the severity of Benadryl addiction, a patient may either be checked in to a rehabilitation program or have to undergo detoxification. For patients with a mild addiction, taking fewer doses of the drug and taking it less frequently is one effective measure to curb addiction. Completely cutting a person off the drug at once may result in undesired withdrawal symptoms, which may, in turn, cause him or her to relapse.

Alternatively, Benadryl addicts can undergo therapy to help them overcome their addictions and to give them fresh starts. During treatment, patients under intense counseling attend meetings, group therapy, and support groups and participate in other health-focused activities to help them take charge of their individual lives.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Some of the withdrawal symptoms experienced by those trying to quit abusing Benadryl include:

• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Irritability

Slowly tapering off Benadryl reduces the severity of these withdrawal symptoms.

Benadryl Addiction Treatment at Granite Recovery Centers

At Granite Recovery Centers, we transform the lives of substance use disorders through our intense recovery programs. We have an intensive outpatient program, structured sober living programs, and residential addiction treatment centers to guide patients through recovery. Since addiction stems from underlying issues, like unhealthy coping skills or mental problems, those enrolled in our programs must undergo psychotherapy. Though we have a great detox program, most patients dealing with Benadryl abuse are not enrolled in the program unless the addiction is extreme or unless they mix Benadryl with drugs like methamphetamine or heroin.

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.

To achieve long-term success, we offer counseling, among other therapeutic care plans, to patients dealing with Benadryl addiction. After undergoing residential treatment, patients receive follow-up care through our aftercare program and intensive outpatient program.

Residential Treatment Program for Benadryl Addiction

Without help from experienced professions, recovering from Benadryl addiction can be challenging. This is why Granite Recovery Center offers a residential treatment program aimed at successfully liberating individuals from Benadryl abuse. Those enrolled in the program undergo individual counseling and intense all-day therapy sessions. Granite has different types of therapy programs, like group therapy, yoga, and Gestalt therapy, which are all aimed at helping individuals become healthy both in mind and body. These programs also help individuals to uncover the actual causes of their addictions to address the problems from the roots. Granite’s residential treatment program is highly recommended for those with a severe case of Benadryl addiction.

Dealing With Benadryl Addiction Using Granite’s 12-Step Integrated Approach Program

After treatment, relapsing can occur, but through the 12-step program, patients can maintain their sobrieties. The 12-step program has successfully been used, together with other therapies, to help people overcome their addictions. By combining different therapy methods with each step, patients can analyze and process different emotions properly with a well-trained professional. The idea behind two integrative treatment methods is to ensure that the patient undergoing psychotherapy understands the 12-steps to increase the two interventions’ effectiveness since it focuses on change strategies that go hand in hand with physiotherapy’s cognitive behavioral models.

The Intensive Outpatient Program for Benadryl Addiction

Unlike our residential treatment program, those who enroll in the intensive outpatient program live at their individual residences but attend therapy sessions at our facility in New Hampshire. This program is for those addicts fresh out of the residential treatment program to provide them with the professional help they need to prevent a relapse. With the outpatient program, Granite Recovery Center incorporates various types of methods like depression treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), group therapy, individual therapy, Yoga therapy, and Gestalt therapy to help individuals come to terms with, and to get over, their Benadryl addictions. The advantage of utilizing Granite’s outpatient program is you get to have some level of independence while still reaping the benefits of having professionals guide you in your recovery journey.

Get Professional Treatment From Granite Recovery Center

Though Benadryl addiction may start with a person innocently seeking a solution to an allergic reaction, it may quickly spiral out of control, and before he or she realizes it, he or she is a full-blown addict. Because Benadryl is readily available, many people accidentally become addicted to it. However, they may first live in denial because it may be hard to imagine that an addiction to Benadryl is possible. Denial keeps addicts stuck in an abuse cycle, which prevents them from getting the help they need. Once you realize you have an unusual dependence on the drug, seeking professional help should be a priority as ignorance may eventually cost you more. You can put an end to the addiction cycle by reaching out to Granite Recovery Centers.

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