• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Fibromyalgia
• Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain (DPNP)
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain

Common adult doses range from 20–60 milligrams a day, and the maximum daily dose is 120 milligrams. It can take several weeks before you notice the full benefits of duloxetine. However, some physical symptoms may begin to improve much earlier. Energy levels, appetite, and sleep can get better within two weeks, but mood can take up to eight weeks to start improving.

Patients under the age of 25 tend to have an increased suicide risk when using Cymbalta. It’s crucial to monitor patients of any age who use the drug as an antidepressant for suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially when starting or changing the dose.

Cymbalta Regulations and Abuse

Cymbalta is not a controlled substance because it has a low risk of misuse or physical dependency. Yet, you still need a doctor’s prescription to get duloxetine. The drug is available in the form of a delayed-release capsule.

Cymbalta is rarely misused, but when it is, individuals snort it or attempt large doses in a short amount of time. When abused, Cymbalta can heighten side effects, including hallucinations, nausea, and severe skin reactions.

According to research, people who stop duloxetine or Cymbalta too quickly may develop antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. This happens because brain receptors need time to adjust to lower levels of serotonin and norepinephrine.

How Cymbalta Affects the Brain and the Body

Duloxetine functions by altering the balance of serotonin and norepinephrine. These are critical neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. These chemicals help control emotional responses and how the body senses pain.

Cymbalta blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, so more of these neurotransmitters stay active between nerve cells. This helps rebalance brain chemistry and relieve depression symptoms. Duloxetine also has pain-relieving, or analgesic, effects for conditions like fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy.

The Half-Life of Cymbalta

Duloxetine has an average elimination half-life of about 12 hours in healthy adults. Once the last dose of Cymbalta is taken, it can take up to 60 hours (about 2.5 days) for most of the drug to leave the body. Antidepressant discontinuation symptoms usually begin after most of the medication has cleared and the brain is adjusting to lower serotonin and norepinephrine levels.

How Long Does Cymbalta Stay in Hair, Blood, and Urine?

People may be concerned about Cymbalta appearing in urine, hair, and blood tests. The drug is an antidepressant, and external perceptions of this might have nasty effects for some. Standard workplace drug screenings usually don’t test for duloxetine or other antidepressants.

Duloxetine begins to leave the bloodstream within hours, and most of the drug is gone in about 60 hours. It’s not usually measured on routine urine or hair tests, so a positive result for Cymbalta is uncommon unless a specific antidepressant panel is ordered.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Quitting Cymbalta Abruptly

Stopping Cymbalta or duloxetine suddenly can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, sometimes called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. These symptoms can last for weeks or even months. It’s safer to work with a doctor to taper the dose slowly instead of stopping on your own.

Signs of discontinuation syndrome include:

• Severe nausea
• Brain zaps or shivers
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nightmares
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Vertigo
• Irritability
• Tingling sensations of the skin

The Importance of Aftercare

Supportive treatment and aftercare can help people who are struggling with Cymbalta or duloxetine discontinuation. Some people still have symptoms, even when they taper slowly. Examples of aftercare include:

• Dual Diagnosis Support: Patients may have co-occurring mental or physical illnesses, and both should be treated together for better outcomes during Cymbalta or duloxetine withdrawal.
• Mental Health Tracking: Regular check-ins with your doctor or therapist help monitor mood, sleep, anxiety, and depression while your duloxetine dose is adjusted or slowly tapered.
• Therapy Sessions: Counseling explains how Cymbalta and other antidepressants affect the brain and teaches coping skills for mood swings, cravings, and withdrawal-related distress.
• Professional Guidance: You don’t have to manage Cymbalta withdrawal alone; a doctor, psychiatrist, or counselor can guide safe dose changes and add extra support if symptoms worsen.
• Black Box Monitoring: Cymbalta has a black box warning for suicidal thoughts, especially in younger people, so any new or worsening suicidal thinking should be evaluated urgently.

Granite Recovery Centers

Granite Recovery Centers helps individuals find relief from substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions, such as ADHD. While at the treatment center, you learn about potential side effects and how drugs, including Cymbalta and duloxetine, affect your mind and body.

There is comprehensive support for Cymbalta discontinuation through specialized mental health treatment and, when appropriate, medical detoxification. Our well-trained and experienced professionals create personalized care plans. They monitor your progress to make withdrawal safer than attempting to manage symptoms alone.

The center’s supportive environment is conducive to self-improvement. It also reduces triggers that might worsen depression or anxiety. Emotional support, therapy, and careful monitoring of withdrawal effects give your brain time to recover.

Our dedicated staff provides round-the-clock support throughout your recovery journey. This creates a therapeutic community, so you never feel alone. If you or a friend is experiencing Cymbalta side effects or duloxetine discontinuation symptoms, reach out to us to learn more about treatment options that can support your recovery.

FAQs About Cymbalta and Duloxetine

What is duloxetine used for?

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, and chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults.

What are the common side effects of duloxetine?

Common duloxetine side effects include nausea, dry mouth, sleep changes, dizziness, sweating, constipation, and fatigue. Serious mood or behavior changes should be reported right away.

How long does Cymbalta stay in your system?

Duloxetine has a half-life of about 12 hours. After the last dose of Cymbalta, most of the drug leaves the body within about 60 hours, or roughly 2.5 days.

Start Your Recovery With Granite

Cymbalta and duloxetine can stay in your system for days, and stopping suddenly may lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and mood changes. You don’t have to manage this on your own. With careful medical guidance, a gradual taper, and emotional support, many people can safely discontinue Cymbalta and begin to feel more stable and in control again.

Granite Recovery Centers can help you plan a safe duloxetine taper, manage withdrawal, and address any co-occurring mental health or substance use issues. To get started, call us today at (855) 712-7784.

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

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.

The post Returning to Work After Rehab appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

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.

The post Gabapentin Abuse and Treatment appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

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.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are depressants that cause the user to become sedated or fall asleep. They also relieve anxiety and prevent the person from experiencing seizures. These medications increase the activity that occurs at the receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows down the actions of the brain’s neurons, so it slows the brain and the nervous system down.

• Klonopin is a benzodiazepine that doctors prescribe to control seizures. Physicians also prescribe it to relieve panic attacks.
• Xanax is also a benzodiazepine that physicians prescribe to treat panic disorder and anxiety disorders.

Panic Attacks

When someone is having a panic attack, they suddenly begin to experience fear, but there isn’t necessarily anything tangible to fear at that moment. They feel as though they aren’t in control of the situation, and they begin to experience several symptoms. The physical symptoms include the following:

• Tingling or numbness in the hands
• Cold chills
• The sensation of heat
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Difficulties breathing
• Pain in the stomach or chest
• A rapid heartbeat

People may not know when or where these attacks are going to occur, so they develop a fear that these attacks can happen at any time. In order to prevent attacks, they may alter their lives in highly inconvenient ways. For example, if they experienced a panic attack in one portion of the city, they may avoid that area even if the alternative route takes them out of their way. Some people are so fearful that they don’t ever leave their homes.

Benzodiazepine Prescriptions

Many people are receiving benzodiazepine prescriptions in the United States. In 1996, 4.1% of adults received a prescription for this medication, and this number increased by 2013 to 5.6%.

Mixing Xanax and Klonopin

Both Xanax and Klonopin are benzodiazepine tranquilizers. When people experiencing anxiety take these medications, they decrease the abnormal electrical activity that exists in the brain. When people take Xanax, they report feelings of being sedated. They also describe a calming feeling. This is not the high that people get when they take a stimulant like cocaine; it is a relaxing feeling. They could also fall sleep after taking this drug. Klonopin and Xanax both cause users to experience similar feelings, so a user might decide to take both of them at the same time so that they can create even stronger feelings.

Of course, there are differences between these two drugs. People feel the effects of Klonopin for a longer period of time than those of Xanax. Since the half-life for Xanax is so short, users will feel its effects sooner than they feel the effects of Klonopin. These two medications are often mixed to give users the relaxed feeling they crave or to relieve tension. People may combine these drugs because they want the pleasant feelings they experience to last longer than either medication can provide.

Tolerance

Benzodiazepines cause users to become tolerant over time. This is what is occurring when the user starts to experience less of a reaction to the medication than was experienced the first time that the drug was ingested. When this occurs, the user must increase the amount of Xanax or Klonopin to feel what was felt the first time. Tolerance for one of the drugs may have started, so people may combine these medications so that they can increase the feelings again.

When People Misuse Xanax and Klonopin

Misusing Xanax causes people to experience nausea, vomiting, confusion, a lack of focus, impaired memory, loss of muscle coordination, blurry vision or double vision, sleepiness and slurred speech. When people misuse Klonopin, they experience the same negative side effects. If the user decides to take both of these drugs together, these side effects will be even more pronounced. In most cases, benzodiazepines are not dangerous, but if the user decides to take more than one at a time, the combination can become much more hazardous. The symptoms of an overdose on Xanax include the following:

• Loss of consciousness
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion
• Drowsiness

If a person who takes Xanax also takes Klonopin, the possibility of overdosing increases. That is because Klonopin is a sedative as well, and sedatives inhibit CYP3A, a pathway that allows Xanax to be broken down. Because it is harder for the body to break down the Xanax when this occurs, it increases the risk of an overdose.

Severe Symptoms of an Overdose

The most severe symptoms of an overdose when mixing benzodiazepines include the following:

• Coma
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Slower breathing
• Lower blood pressure

Suicide and Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines often cause people to experience extreme mood swings, and this leads some users to attempt to take their own lives. Some people also use these drugs when they want to kill themselves by overdosing on purpose. In 2013, 3,724 people died by use of alprazolam or Xanax, and three years later, this number increased to 6,209.

Long-Term Risks Associated with Mixing Xanax and Klonopin

When you mix Xanax and Klonopin, there is a higher risk of severity for long-term consequences if you ingest this mixture on a regular basis. For example, brain damage results when people indulge in Xanax and Klonopin repeatedly, and it may lead to serious psychological disturbances.

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis means that someone is experiencing a break with reality. Several mental disorders have this as a symptom. When people are experiencing psychosis, it means that they are either having delusions or hallucinations.

• Delusion: A belief that the affected person holds strongly, but it isn’t true and may be a contradiction of reality. One example of a delusion is known as a “somatic delusion.” With somatic delusions, people wholeheartedly believe that they are in the middle of a terminal illness, but the reality is that they are healthy.
• Hallucination: A sensory perception that is not stimulated by an actual event. This means that people see, smell, hear or feel something that isn’t really there. For example, people experiencing auditory hallucinations may hear other people talking in the room with them when they are actually alone.

Delusions and hallucinations can be very disconcerting to the people experiencing them, and individuals may try to hurt themselves. They may even hurt other people, so delusions and hallucinations are considered medical emergencies.

Psychotic Disorders

Mixing Xanax and Klonopin may cause psychotic disorders, including the following:

• Schizophrenia: This is a mental condition that usually causes psychotic symptoms.
• Psychotic depression: Psychotic depression is major depression, but the person experiencing the condition also has psychotic symptoms.
• Delusional disorder: Delusional disorder causes people to believe things that are entirely untrue.
• Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings that go from very high to very low and back again. During the times when people with bipolar disorder are experiencing positive moods, they tend to also experience psychotic symptoms. These people feel great and believe that they have the power to do anything. Depression can also cause psychotic symptoms, and these people may believe that people are out to get them.
• Other mental disorders: Along with psychosis, people can experience many other mental disturbances when they mix Xanax and Klonopin. Users have been known to experience panic attacks, mood swings, irritability, depression, tension and anxiety.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms for two benzodiazepines are much worse than those for just one medication. When these withdrawal symptoms begin, they can be very dangerous. Both Xanax and Klonopin reduce the brain’s activity, but when people stop taking these drugs, the brain becomes overactive. This may cause seizures, convulsions or death. As people’s moods change at this time, it can lead them to think about suicide. Withdrawal symptoms can begin in as little as five hours after the last use of the drugs. Stopping the use of Xanax and Klonopin together can cause several other withdrawal symptoms, including the following:

• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety
• Tension
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Panic attacks
• Aches
• Spasms
• Pain in the muscles
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Heart palpitations
• Sweating
• Headaches

Treatment at Granite Recovery Centers

If you or a loved one has been mixing Xanax and Klonopin, stop what you have been doing and get help. As was mentioned above, refraining from mixing Xanax and Klonopin after repeated use can lead to worrying withdrawal symptoms, so it would not be a good idea for you to detoxify on your own. 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.

t would be extremely uncomfortable for you to go through the detoxification process without the help of a medical professional. Withdrawal symptoms are the signals that your body sends to remind you to give it more of the drugs. If you cannot tolerate these symptoms until your body stops sending them to you, you will have no choice but to return to your drug use. We will prevent this by administering FDA-approved medications during the withdrawal process. Discomfort is not the only thing that may concern you. As was mentioned above, the possibility of experiencing psychotic symptoms may worry you enough to avoid detoxifying from substances on your own, but you may not be convinced that you should enter a drug treatment center. The safest thing for you to do is come to Granite Recovery Centers so that you will be cared for in our detox program and remain for treatment so that you avoid substance misuse in the future.

Contact Us Today

Granite Recovery Centers offers substance use disorder and addiction treatment. Depending on the severity of your drug misuse, we can place you in a 30-day, 60-day or 90-day program for treatment in our inpatient treatment program. If you or your loved one is ready to embark upon a new chapter of reclaiming your life, call us today at Granite Recovery Centers. We’re here to lend a compassionate ear and help you find the right help to overcome drug misuse.

The post Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Klonopin appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

It’s an oral medicine that balances neurotransmitter levels in the brain to boost the user’s mood and overall mental health. When taken in high doses, Wellbutrin produces effects similar to those of recreational drugs like cocaine. For this reason, some people abuse the drug leading to an addiction.

Causes of Wellbutrin Addiction

According to a CDC report, 13.2% of people aged 18 and above uses antidepressants. Most doctors will advise their patients to take the drug for about six months or until the depressive symptoms are gone. However, some users may choose to continue using the medicine to enjoy the effects even after the prescribed period. Others will choose to take the medication in increased dosage or at closer intervals to get high. Over time, they end up becoming dependent on the medication.

Wellbutrin increases the concentration of dopamine in the brain, which improves mood and suppresses depression symptoms. Hence, most people abuse the drug in an attempt to hasten the mood boost effect. Others choose to use the drug for recreational purposes. The manufacturer recommends that users swallow the medicine whole.

On the contrary, some users chew the pill or crush and snort the powder. Others dissolve the drug in water and inject it into the body. When you swallow the pills whole, they will have to go through the digestive tract, which reduces the speed at which it reaches the bloodstream, minimizing the effects. If you snort or inject the drug, you introduce it directly into the bloodstream. Due to the high level of the drug in your body, you risk becoming addicted and suffering an overdose.

Signs of Wellbutrin Addiction

Always be on the lookout for drug abuse signs if you or your loved ones take Wellbutrin. The addiction risk is even higher for people who heavily drink alcohol or those with a history of drug abuse. Even people who don’t intend to abuse the drug may become addicted when they use it for too long.

Note that many cocaine users will go for Wellbutrin when they can’t get access to enough cocaine. This is because the prescription drug is easy to obtain and also a cheaper alternative. The medication produces a similar stimulant effect to that of cocaine but at a lower intensity.

After abusing the drug, some people begin to show signs of elevated mood. They become more talkative than usual, and they show signs of increased energy and activity. If someone is addicted to Wellbutrin, they will have trouble sleeping and stay awake for long hours. Others will show a sudden increase in self-esteem. It also leads to loss of appetite and euphoria.

Additional Signs & Symptoms

When someone becomes addicted, they begin to seek prescriptions from several doctors. Others will try sourcing the drug from illegal websites and store them in unlabeled containers. Wellbutrin addiction could also lead to loss of family, friendships, and other relationships. Such people begin to enjoy more time alone, taking the drug and enjoying the effects. As a result, most of them are highly likely to neglect family responsibilities.

Addiction can also make you lose your job or perform poorly at school. The drug won’t let you concentrate on schoolwork or your career as you used to. As the urge to use the drug grows, it creates a continuous need for the medication, so most people spend all their money acquiring it. Other common symptoms of Wellbutrin addiction include:

• Constipation
• Muscle pain
• Hallucinations
• Seizure
• Decreased sex drive
• Delusions
• Aggression

Watch out for such signs, and seek medical help as soon as possible. Note that, if a person becomes so addicted to the drug, such that they consume it at a higher dose, it could lead to cardiovascular collapse, which causes death. Though death-related cases due to Wellbutrin abuse are limited, there are still 0.5% reported cases of death due to an overdose.

Wellbutrin Addiction Treatment

Understanding Wellbutrin addiction symptoms paves the way for users to seek treatment. Note that you should never attempt quitting the drug without medical assistance since it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. When you abruptly stop taking the medication, you might begin to experience:

• Extreme agitation
• Suicidal thoughts
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea
• Irritability

The symptoms will vary based on the level of addiction. To avoid such issues, it’s a good idea that you seek help from a rehab facility like Granite Recovery Centers. In such institutions, you will interact with specialists who will help treat the addiction and address any underlying issue that could trigger drug abuse. Wellbutrin treatment process may involve the following.

Medical Detoxification

At Granite Recovery Centers, you will undergo a safe medical detox program to eliminate toxins in your body. Keep in mind that every patient’s detox need is unique. The doctor begins by first conducting a thorough examination to assess the drug level in the blood and determine the amount of medication needed for detox. You may also need to undergo a dual diagnosis to help understand whether various mental issues have noticeable impacts on the addiction. 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.

The specialists can administer other medications to stabilize the patient and minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms. The doctor will also inform you what the detox process entails in preparation for treatment. After detoxing, you will continue with therapy to help you cope with the situation. You can enroll in some of the following treatment programs.

Inpatient Program

For patients with high Wellbutrin addiction levels, you might need to consider the inpatient treatment program. You live within the rehab center for close monitoring and intensive care within the facility. This treatment plan allows you to work on your recovery away from the outside world’s everyday temptations. Granite Recovery Center provides a supportive environment where addicts receive the skills and insights needed to stay away from drugs and lead a sober life.

The treatment length will vary from one patient to another. You will need around three to 10 days for detox, followed by 30 to 90 days of therapy sessions. Patients should follow a specific schedule that includes physical exercises, study, and individual and group psychotherapy sessions during this period. The main goal here is to help patients understand the triggers and causes of their addiction and adopt new approaches to help them remain substance-free throughout the treatment and beyond.

Within the facility, you will interact with other people struggling with the same issue as you. You can share insights and work together towards recovery. Based on your progress and ability to meet goals, your doctor will decide when you are free to move to a less intensive treatment program.

Outpatient Program

If your addiction level isn’t extremely severe, the doctor may advise you to opt for an outpatient program. For this option, you stay at home and only come to the rehab facility for treatment several days a week based on the scheduled appointments. Patients are likely to achieve long-lasting sobriety through an outpatient treatment plan just like the inpatient one.

Note that the path of recovery from drug addiction can be very challenging. In case you finish the inpatient treatment but you still feel that you need professional support and counseling, enroll in an outpatient treatment program. A specialist will guide you on how to transition from the rehab facility into everyday life safely.

The treatment involves holistic and individual therapies, skills-building sessions, and a 12-step rehab program. During the sessions, you will discuss with your therapist to identify the addiction problem’s root cause. You will then learn some behavioral modification techniques that will help you refrain from drug misuse.

For this option, you can go to work or attend school as you work on recovery. Since you have more freedom, you might need to undergo regular screening to ensure credibility. Note that drug addiction treatment is a continuous process, and you will only succeed if you consistently honor your outpatient treatment appointments.

Partial Hospitalization Program

If you still need intensive care to treat Wellbutrin addiction but don’t wish to stay within the facility, you can opt for the partial hospitalization program. This option works well for patients with great support from their family members. Instead of residing within the rehab facility, you come in for treatment sessions several hours a day and head home later.

Most times, the treatment runs for five days each week. Together with your therapist, you will develop a personalized plan to guide you through recovery. You still have access to group therapy, where you can communicate and share opinions with others. If you have issues that you feel uncomfortable sharing in a group, you will hold face-to-face meetings with your therapist to address such concerns.

If you are struggling with Wellbutrin addiction and other mental health conditions, you will receive medication to help you cope with the situation. A psychiatrist will guide you on how to manage the drugs better to avoid misuse. Note that drug addiction also affects people around the patient. During the partial hospitalization program, you will undergo family therapy sessions to teach your loved ones how to better cope with your condition. They will also learn how to offer you better support to speed recovery.

Sober Living Homes

Most patients find it hard to adjust to their daily lives after leaving the rehab center. Once you complete the inpatient treatment, you can choose to reside in sober living homes for a while till you fully recover. These are houses designated for people struggling with addiction. Although you might not get the same care level as in an inpatient facility, a sober living home environment promotes healthy coping skills and habits.

You will live along with other people who share similar experiences and goals, which helps reduce loneliness, an inherent part of the addiction cycle. When using the drug, you may have cut out friends or withdrew from family members due to the fear of judgment or rejection. In sober living homes, you will create better relationships, so you have someone to confide in if you face difficulties during recovery.

When someone becomes addicted to drugs, they might disengage from basic skills more often than not. In sober living homes, you will try to regain various skills like exercising, eating healthy, cleaning, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You have a chance to apply for jobs, and because you are living in shared spaces, you will learn some financial and social skills.

Also, these homes offer more independence and control over the recovery process, giving patients a more positive feeling towards the treatment. You have a chance to do all the things you enjoy, provided that you make responsible choices.

You will still undergo regular and random drug testing to ensure complete abstinence. Besides the peer-to-peer support, the rehab center will offer therapy sessions as well. You can reach out to your doctor for advice if need be. This is the last part of Wellbutrin addiction treatment, and it promotes lifelong sobriety.

Summing Up

Consuming high Wellbutrin dosage can change how your body functions making it hard to stay away from the drug. With time, you might become addicted and begin to abuse the drug. Note that overcoming any form of drug addiction requires multiple episodes of treatment. If you or your family member struggles with Wellbutrin or any other substance addiction, you can seek help from us at Granite Recovery Centers. Our facilities aim to provide patients with a smooth transition into a purposeful, independent, and drug-free life.

After treatment, your specialist will advise you on the best care program that provides the proper support. Our rehab center even has an alumni program that allows the patients to keep in touch, maintain friendships and strengthen their recovery. With the appropriate treatment, professional therapies, and aftercare programs, soon, you will regain freedom from Wellbutrin addiction.

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Uses of Vyvanse

Apart from treating ADHD and BED, Vyvanse can also help you manage other conditions. With a doctor’s prescription, you can use Vyvanse to manage lethargy, help in hypoactive delirium and boost focus if you have a neurological disorder that can cause cognitive issues.

Due to how Vyvanse metabolizes in your system, most physicians don’t like issuing it for stimulant purposes. You can also use it to treat depression or too much sleepiness during the day, but this is an off-label use.

Understanding How It Works

You can take Vyvanse as a tablet or capsule. Its dosage strengths include 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg and 70mg. Once you swallow this drug, it gets absorbed into the blood. Over time, it will break down before it’s excreted in the urine.

After getting into your system, Vyvanse can increase your energy level, attentiveness and alertness. Vyvanse begins metabolizing almost immediately in your body; you’ll feel its effects for up to 12 hours. However, this will largely depend on the dosage you took. Given that it’s a Schedule II controlled drug in the USA with medicinal benefits, it also poses a high risk of abuse and dependence. This means it can cause both physical and psychological dependence, which is not good for your health.

What Are the Stimulant Effects of Vyvanse?

If you take a stimulant drug, it will interfere with your body and brain’s normal functions. For instance, taking Vyvanse will make you have increased heart rate and blood pressure. Some people abuse stimulants because of the drug’s ability to make them more confident and reduce appetite. A considerable percentage of people who use stimulant drugs are teens or college students who want to stay awake for more extended periods while studying.

What Happens to Your Brain or Body After Taking Vyvanse?

Vyvanse has symptoms that extend beyond its stimulant properties. It will increase the processes of your central nervous system. This is because it’s an amphetamine that changes how your brain balances some chemicals like dopamine that are responsible for your feelings of pleasure. Over time, this process becomes a routine, and you will find it hard to discontinue its use. If you use the drug for recreational purposes, expect to be anxious, irritable and sleep-deprived if you try to quit. It may also make you have hallucinations, paranoia and delusions.

What’s the Half-Life of Vyvanse?

This refers to the period in which Vyvanse takes before its concentration reduces to half. A drug is often gone from your body completely after about five half-lives. Vyvanse doesn’t have a long half-life; it can take a maximum of one hour for half of the drug to leave your system. This means it can last about 5.5 hours for the whole drug to be out of your system. However, not all the drugs will get out of your system as some metabolites remain after the process. When this happens, the metabolites will have their half-life between 9 and 11 hours. At times, though, they can stay in your body for up to two and a half days.

How Long Will It Last in Your System?

Urine sampling is the quickest way of detecting Vyvanse levels in the body. It gives more accurate results than blood tests. Smaller traces can be detected in urine, and a positive result will show up even if the patient used the drug three days prior.

Saliva tests can be carried out too. However, the positive result shows a maximum of 40 hours after use. Saliva tests still give a higher detection level than in blood.

While in your blood, Vyvanse will test positive depending on its half-life. This can take about 8 to 12 hours after use. A blood test is more difficult and expensive than doing a urine test, so prepare well if you wish to be tested.

In your hair follicles, traces can test positive 90 days after use. Hair follicles give positive results for drug use for a more extended period after use, but conducting a hair follicle test is a much more expensive affair.

Factors That Influence the Duration Vyvanse Takes in Your System

Various factors contribute to the duration in which Vyvanse stays in your body. These factors include the following:

• The amount and number of times you use it: When you take a higher dosage, the duration of Vyvanse staying in your body increases. Remember, the frequency that you use this drug will determine how long it stays in your system. For example, if you use it daily, the effects will accumulate in your body and prolong the duration it stays in your body.
• Your health and activity levels: If you’re using this drug while unhealthy and inactive, it lasts longer in your system. However, if you’re active and healthy, it will metabolize faster. Exercising affects your basal metabolic rate, which affects the time your body takes to break down various substances. Note that your health determines the duration of drug stay since Vyvanse is excreted through urine. For instance, if your kidney has problems, the time will increase, making Vyvanse stay in your body for long.
• How you administer it: You can either chew the Vyvanse tablet, swallow the pill or mix the contents from the capsules with water or yogurt. All these methods will be effective, but the drug’s duration to metabolize before excretion differs.
• The presence of alcohol or other drugs in your system: In case you are using Vyvanse alongside other medications, the time taken for the medicine to stay in your system will vary with the time taken while using Vyvanse alone. The drugs will affect the metabolic rate of Vyvanse, which can increase its bioavailability. Some of the drugs that can interfere with its metabolism include antidepressants, tricyclic and MAOI.
• Body mass index: Your body mass index can affect the duration Vyvanse is in your body. If you have a higher body mass and fat, metabolism will take place more slowly. When this happens, the detection time will increase since the drug will stay longer in your system. However, a faster metabolism will increase the rate at which the drug gets eliminated from your system.
• Your age: The more you grow old, the slower your metabolism gets. If you’re in your youth, the drug elimination process takes place faster than when you get older. Slow metabolism means the drug detection will take longer.

How to Use Vyvanse

It’s advisable to only use Vyvanse under your doctor’s prescription. It would be best to take this drug once a day in the morning since it can affect your sleep pattern. You can also take it with or without food. If you have either BED or ADHD, it’s best to start using a lower dose and increase the levels depending on your body’s response.

Since Vyvanse is a capsule or tablet, you shouldn’t have problems taking it. If you fear swallowing medication, mix the pills with juice, yogurt or water. After a period of time, your doctor might advise you to discontinue its use to check your progress and the symptoms. Some other conditions, such as kidney complications, may force your physician to cut down the dosage.

Vyvanse is a controlled drug because it may lead to abuse. For this reason, your doctor has to examine the possibilities of abuse before prescribing it. They may also check on you to ensure that you don’t become Vyvanse dependent.

If you’re using this medication, ensure that you keep it safe from people who can abuse, steal or misuse it.

Precautions When Using Vyvanse

While using this drug, avoid using it with antidepressants like monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOI. If possible, use it after 14 days from the last day of MAOI use.

If you have an allergic reaction to Vyvanse or any of its active ingredients or if you have ever reacted to any stimulant drugs, don’t use it.

How You Can Abuse Vyvanse or Become Addicted

Usually, taking this drug through following a doctor’s prescription is safe for your health. However, as a stimulant, it possesses a high risk of abuse. If you take a higher dosage than your doctor prescribed, you may experience drug tolerance. You will take more doses to feel better. With time, you could become drug-dependent or develop an addiction. If you are using this drug for weight loss or to improve your concentration, you’re more likely to meet the threshold for addiction quickly because you don’t have a doctor’s supervision.

How to Increase the Metabolism of Your System After Using Vyvanse

You can help your system to speed up the elimination of Vyvanse by doing the following. Note that these are general methods that you can use to flush out other medications, too, since there is no specific one for Vyvanse.

• You can drink a lot of water after using the drug. If you are a female, drink around 2.7 liters; a man should drink about 3.7 liters in a day.
• Stay hydrated with water and drinks rich in antioxidants like cranberry juice or tea.
• While taking Vyvanse, avoid drinking alcohol until it’s entirely out of your system. Alcohol will reduce the elimination rate of Vyvanse.
• Do aerobics to help you sweat out the drug from your system. You can also go to the sauna.
• Bathe with Epsom salts.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet during this period to aid your body’s natural detox process.
• Increase your fiber intake to increase the chances of excreting the drug.

Signs That You Are Abusing Vyvanse

Using Vyvanse increases your risk of developing both physical and mental disorders. If you’re using it, be on the watch for addiction to avoid risking your life. Some of the signs you may notice include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Rapid weight loss
• Desire to snort the drug
• High levels of anger
• Difficulty sleeping

If you abuse Vyvanse for long, you may become dependent and need the assistance of a professional counselor from a drug rehab program to see you through.

Getting Assistance for Vyvanse Addiction

If you are addicted to Vyvanse, the chances of experiencing various side effects in your body are high. In order to prevent these harmful effects, it’s best to ask for assistance from a residential treatment program. You can also opt for an outpatient treatment program and get help from professional team members who will guide you through therapy.

If you need help dealing with your Vyvanse addiction, we can help you on your path to drug addiction recovery. Call us today at Granite Recovery Centers and take the first steps toward the path to wellness. 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.

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About Vicodin

Vicodin is a medicine used to treat mild to moderate pain with hydrocodone and acetaminophen as the active ingredients. Hydrocodone is an opioid. It is a highly prescribed medication around the world. Vicodin comes in pill form or liquid form with the liquid form being the more concentrated option. It generally comes with either 5 mg, 7.5 mg or 10 mg of hydrocodone. It should be eaten with food for people who suffer from stomach issues.

Side effects of Vicodin include:

• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Constipation

On rare occasions, you may experience more problematic side effects, such as sleep apnea or seizures. If this happens, tell your doctor immediately. The risk of serious side effects is low.

Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin definitely has the potential for abuse and addiction, especially for people with other addiction issues. One of the main ingredients of Vicodin is hydrocodone, which is an addictive substance. Hydrocodone is a man-made opioid that stimulates the same pleasure points in the brain as heroin. People who start with Vicodin may graduate to more intense opioids.

Signs of Vicodin Abuse

There are a number of ways to tell that you are starting to abuse Vicodin. If you recognize several of the signs in yourself, it’s time to take action. Here are some of the signs of abuse:

1. Tolerance
   It’s normal for a drug to not work as well after an extended period of time. This is a sign that your body is not responding to the drug as it did before due to developing a tolerance. You may have to start taking more in order to feel the effects. If you start taking more without getting approval from your doctor, this is considered misuse.

2. Taking Drug Outside of Prescription
   Vicodin is prescribed to many people. Your doctor prescribes a certain dosage for a reason, and you should stick to it. If you are told to take a certain dose twice a day, you should only take it those two times a day.

3. Cravings
   It’s a bad sign when you find yourself constantly craving Vicodin. If you start thinking about it while at work or doing other daily activities, it’s a serious indication of a problem. Rather than satisfying those cravings, listen to your body telling you that you are crossing the line from normal use to something more intense.

4. Financial or Legal Trouble
   When you allow your Vicodin use to impact your future by taking up all of your money or leading to a DUI, you will be forced to address these issues to any future employer and the people in your life. It’s even more of a sign of a problem when you continue to use it even after you get arrested. Let any legal ramifications be a serious warning sign and take action to help yourself.

5. Nodding Off
   One of the main signs that someone is using too much Vicodin is nodding off. You may notice your loved one sleeping at inappropriate times, too, because Vicodin is a depressant and will make the user feel sleepy. It can even get to the point where they can’t properly get through their daily responsibilities.

Vicodin and Alcohol

Vicodin by itself usually isn’t too debilitating. However, mixing it with alcohol can make it especially dangerous. Both Vicodin and alcohol contain depressant properties. When combined, they can reduce respiratory function to the point of being dangerous. You don’t want to end up falling asleep and not waking up. Also, Vicodin enhances the effects of alcohol on the body. A person taking Vicodin may get drunk much faster than normal when they are on Vicodin. This means that they can get very drunk and hurt themselves before they realize it, and they are more dangerous behind the wheel than if they had just been drinking.

Mixing Vicodin and alcohol is also worse for your body. It will create negative effects on your heart and liver more quickly than alcohol alone.

Vicodin Withdrawal

You can absolutely experience withdrawal from Vicodin. If you talk to your doctor in advance, they will likely reduce the dosage of the pill to help wean you off of it and reduce potential withdrawal symptoms. In time, you won’t need it anymore. If you go cold turkey, it may be more difficult. The withdrawal symptoms are not so severe as to cause serious conditions or death. 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.

Vicodin Treatment Options

You have options if you are seeking treatment for a Vicodin addiction. The key is to find the option that is best for you. Here are just some of the options available to you.

Rehabilitation

One of the best treatment options is inpatient rehabilitation. With this option, you will stay in a facility for an extended period of time while you detox and deal with the root of your addiction issues with the help of professional medical staff. You may have to make accommodations at home and at work for the time you are in rehab. Also, rehabilitation is on the expensive side. Talk to your insurance provider about what options you have, or talk to a social worker about state-funded options. By enrolling in comprehensive treatment, you can safely rid your body of the drug and learn resources to deal with cravings and triggers. Facilities like Granite Recovery Centers provide evidence-backed treatment to help patients prevent relapse and maintain long-term sobriety.

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings are a safe space for people who suffer from addiction to narcotics, and it can be a great way for people to find support. There are 12-step programs available for free in most cities and towns. You can visit a meeting as often as you’d like to find support for your goal of sobriety. There will be other people there who understand what you’re going through, and you’ll be able to express yourself to a number of people who understand.

Therapy

Many people who suffer from addiction also suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, or another emotional disorder. To get to the bottom of the issue at hand, a therapist can help. You can talk to them about your addiction issues and the other things happening in your life, both past and present. Most therapists use a specific theory to guide the treatment. Some of those theories include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that identifies your triggers. Triggers are things that make you want to reach for the Vicodin bottle against your better judgment. Once you identify your triggers and other patterns, you can make an effort to change.
• Rational Emotive Behavior Theory: This is a theory that emphasizes mind over matter, indicating that it’s important for positive thoughts to overpower other thoughts. A therapist will help teach you how to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. The idea is that positive actions will happen as you train your mind to avoid drug misuse.

Medication

While you don’t want to replace your Vicodin addiction with another medication addiction, taking a medication with a very low chance of addiction might be the best option for you. There are a number of medications that help prevent addiction by addressing emotional issues. Talk to your doctor about your addiction problems so that they know to prescribe something with an extremely low chance of addiction. There are also drugs specifically designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Holistic Treatments

Some people want to focus on alternative treatment methods. These treatments may utilize more emphasis on your connection to the universe and yourself. It may also incorporate things like meditation and cleansing practices to make the environment around you as positive as possible. This can be a good addition to traditional treatment methods.

Life After Treatment

When you get home from treatment, you may be off Vicodin. However, the pain may still be there. One of the first things you’ll have to do is look for alternative solutions to the pain problem that caused your Vicodin usage in the first place. Many people will turn toward holistic options. Others will turn to less addictive drugs. Still, others will try chiropractors or physical therapy. There are options, so don’t be afraid to explore alternatives. The point is to reduce your need for the actual substance.

You will also need to continue your care when you get home. Be sure to plan ongoing treatment with a therapist or support group. You should also work to develop a strong support system. Try encouraging your support system at home with family and friends. You also need to have faith in yourself and your recovery. This can be difficult if you experience any guilt about your addiction. However, you can learn to love yourself again. Try saying positive affirmations and celebrating yourself and your accomplishments. Avoid other substances and focus on your overall health to promote a clean environment and mindset. When you are healthy on the inside, you will want to be healthy on the outside as well.

Granite Recovery Centers

Anyone can come back from a Vicodin addiction. Do not think that admitting to your problem and getting help is a sign of weakness. It’s actually a sign of strength to take a journey to better yourself. Start your journey by talking to one of our professionals at Granite Recovery Centers. We are known for our success stories.

With professional help, you can take control of your life again. Get the right head start by taking some time to yourself to detox and undergo helpful therapies. There will still be work to do when you get back home, but you’ll have a sturdy foundation underneath you.

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