Do Addiction Recovery Centers Work?

Do Addiction Recovery Centers Work?

No two people will ever have the same experience, which is true for people who struggle with substance abuse. You can’t expect that addiction treatment for one person will have the same impact on another person.

This is what makes substance abuse treatment so specific and unique; each treatment must be geared towards the individual to see positive outcomes. A good addiction recovery center will offer these specialized treatment plans and various therapies and activities to help you work toward recovery.

Not everyone in the same treatment facility is being treated for the same addiction. Some struggle with alcohol addiction, while others struggle with opioids. Many people can benefit from all that addiction recovery centers offer, but it comes down to the individual and their dedication to recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, consider entering a recovery center to get treatment. Keep reading to learn more about the success that can come from these programs when you’re dedicated and supported.

How Do You Measure a Treatment Program’s Success?

Everyone defines success in their own way. Each person will have their own set of individual goals they are reaching for in their recovery process.

Some people might want to work on cutting back on their usage and working on coping skills when put in triggering situations. Others might seek complete sobriety and access to sober living to build more sober friendships.

Success rates will not be very straightforward because measuring success is difficult. Additionally, it can be difficult to keep track of clients over the years to see how they are doing. Due to this, other matters can indicate how successful an accredited addiction recovery center might be.

Quality Treatment Services Matter

One of the most important indicators of success in a recovery center is the quality of care each client receives there. Success will mean something entirely personal for you, which means you want to find an addiction treatment center that has your best interests and goals in mind.

If you want to go to therapy and delve deep into your past and why you are where you are, you will want to find a place that takes mental health seriously and incorporates it into the dependency treatment process daily.

Having the option to participate in group therapy, receive medication-assisted treatment options, have access to evidence-based medical treatment, and be offered 24/7 inpatient care or outpatient services is essential.

Drug Rehab Doesn’t Always Mean Sobriety

Often it’s assumed that recovery is equal to sobriety or that the only goal of drug rehab is sobriety. This is not the case for everyone!

While most inpatient programs start with a total detox, there are recreational drugs like alcohol and marijuana that can often be used without developing an addiction. Drug addiction rehab might still be extremely beneficial if your goal is to limit your use, cut back some, and find new hobbies and avenues for happiness.

Better Coping Skills

Drug rehab programs can be really helpful as they prepare a person for the real world. Being in rehab can feel like a bubble: there are no drugs or alcohol to get access to, everyone is there to support you, and you may meet others in support groups who are struggling with the same things as you.

To succeed in the real world, you must develop coping skills to combat addiction. Saying “no” isn’t always as easy as you think, but there are ways to work towards staying sober or doing what’s best for you.

When you enter back into everyday life, you might come across people who are not a great influence in your life, situations that involve drugs or alcohol, or stressors that can disrupt your mental state. Coping skills learned in rehab can be used to fight back against the triggers and make the right choice a bit easier.

Personal growth

Another way to measure success is to note your personal growth. If you were someone who went out every night to the bars and then found that after rehab, you have no desire for that activity, that means that you’ve experienced growth in your addiction recovery process. These moments may seem small, but they mean everything when it comes to progress.

Personal growth is becoming aware of how you no longer crave substances, feel more confident being yourself in social settings, and find joy in safer and more wholesome activities. All of these moments result from what you’ve learned about yourself during addiction treatment and can be major milestones in your personal addiction treatment journey.

Mental and Physical Health Care

A goal of addiction treatment is to improve both your mental and physical health. Addiction can have a detrimental effect on the mind and body, so you might begin to see progress in your journey as your mental and physical health improve.

Though addiction recovery centers offer mental and physical health services, these are usually just the first steps. Therapy sessions can help you understand why you might be struggling with addiction, and improving your physical health can encourage you to fight back harder against addiction.

It’s not uncommon for individuals who enter residential treatment to receive a dual diagnosis for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression. In this case, behavioral health therapy administered by licensed and qualified providers can be integral in inpatient care at the rehab center and outpatient aftercare.

All aspects of your body are connected and will influence your addiction, but you have to work every day to maintain this kind of success. Exercising daily and seeking mental health help after exiting a recovery center can prolong your success and motivate you to get better.

Relapses Happen

Relapses will happen, and are not to get discouraged by. The first time you enter an addiction treatment facility may not be the only time.

You might get treatment the first time that helps but doesn’t stick. Addiction is a difficult and scary disease to live with, and it can be very difficult to overcome all of the pressures of addiction treatment.

If you’re not ready to aim for sobriety, treatment centers are still a good place to get preliminary help that could benefit you in the future. You might learn how to work towards preventing relapses and ways to identify triggers. You might meet someone in rehab who you look up to and can reach out to them when you’re feeling down or like you might use.

It’s important to understand that relapses do not mean you are a failure and should give up on treatment. It just means that you’re one step closer to finally getting it.

Learn Ways To Prevent Them

Addiction treatment professionals are fully aware that addiction treatment doesn’t work overnight. Many people with addiction will struggle for years before they can become sober and enter into recovery. Treatment facilities will often teach you ways to prevent relapses before they even happen, knowing that they are very likely to occur,

Being embarrassed by a relapse will do nothing for you in the long run. Learning from it, asking for help, seeking treatment, and trying again is the best way to feel confident in your mission. Understanding your specific triggers and avoiding negative people in your life can eliminate the ability to relapse.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and people who want to ensure you are healthy and happy is another easy way to prevent relapses.

If you have a relapse, many recovery centers also have outpatient treatments that can help. And if you’re ever worried about relapsing, there are plenty of helplines you can call to receive support and encouragement from others in the community.

Find Support in Community

At recovery programs, you will likely meet others who have similar goals. They might be aiming to cut back on their use, enter into sober living, get into school or hold a job, or find other people to build a sober community with.

Drugs and alcohol have become so embedded into our culture that finding people who are not only okay with but also supportive of your sober lifestyle might not be so easy. In addiction recovery centers, you will likely build bonds with people seeking the same thing as you — a safe and happy lifestyle free from the shackles of addiction.

You can look to these people when you are struggling and who can help you continue to be successful after exiting treatment.

Get Help With Soba Recovery

If you can enter an addiction recovery center, you will want to build a community and better understand your mental psyche. You will learn to define your own version of success while in addiction recovery, and you should feel confident that you know what’s best for you.

Taking each day slow will only benefit your addiction recovery journey. Figure out what suits you, what you need to avoid, and how you can accomplish your goals, and you will understand just how difficult measuring success can be. It’s not something you can generalize, and it’s deeply personal to each individual who enters treatment.

At Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, this kind of individual and specialized treatment is used to improve the chances of personal success. Not only do we do an in-depth intake process that helps us better understand your needs, but we constantly work with you to update them accordingly and keep you on track.

Reach out to a Soba representative today to better understand how a recovery center can work for you.

Sources:

Substance Misuse And Substance Use Disorders: Why Do They Matter In Healthcare? | NCBI

Assessing Success—A Commentary On The Necessity Of Outcomes Measures | NCBI

Focus: Addiction: Relapse Prevention And The Five Rules Of Recovery | NCBI

Is Alcoholism a Mental Illness?

Is Alcoholism a Mental Illness?

Mental illness is often the result of struggles that arise, leading people to be unable to care for themselves properly. Mental illness can be impacted by various environmental, mental, societal, and physical factors.

Alcoholism falls under addiction, which is classified as a disease, and though it can be difficult, it is a disease you can find a cure for. Unfortunately, there is no medication or specific treatment that cures it; it comes down to your specific needs.

Both alcoholism and mental illness are highly stigmatized in today’s society. You may have a mental illness that is not related to alcoholism, but if you suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), you classify it as a mental illness.

The best thing you can do is to seek specialized treatment to treat all underlying mental illnesses that may or may not be contributing to your alcohol use.

Keep reading to learn more about how alcoholism and mental illness are intertwined.

Alcohol and Mental Health

To best understand how alcohol and mental health coexist, it’s best to understand how alcoholism can happen and the different stages. Alcohol is a commonly used substance that doesn’t always lead to substance abuse, but having other mental health issues can contribute to substance misuse.

By getting to the bottom of the correlation between these two, you can begin to see why you or a loved one might struggle with both.

What Is Mental Illness?

Because alcoholism is a mental illness, it’s important to understand what it entails. Mental illness prevents a person from behaving or coping normally, meaning the ability to regulate emotions or make good decisions can feel more difficult.

Mental illness can bring forth pain not visible to the eye, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It can also be very difficult and, for some, embarrassing to come forward about their struggles with mental illness. This means that not everyone gets the correct help to feel better.

As a result, more people turn to self-medicating to numb their pain. Alcohol and other substances have effects that can trick you into thinking that you’re no longer depressed or anxious. This is where the tie between mental illness and alcoholism comes into play.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is unfortunately common and sometimes difficult to see happening right in front of you. There are different levels of alcoholism that all impact the brain and your life. Catching on early can really help to find the root of the problem and get you treatment sooner than later.

Problematic Drinking

What may have once been social drinking and very casual can become problematic. At this stage of alcoholism, it may not even be noticeable to the person drinking that things are taking a turn for the worse. But those around might begin to notice changes in behavior and increased drinking.

Financial and health issues may begin to arise during this period. Withdrawal symptoms are prevalent enough that when there is a lack of alcohol in the system, the person will feel cravings for it. This person will need alcohol to do just about anything, including wake up and get to work or function in social settings.

Severe Alcohol Abuse

After the problematic stage, you enter into severe alcohol abuse. At this point, the user is dependent on the substance and will experience rough withdrawal symptoms if they don’t drink daily. This stage impacts both the physical and mental health of a person.

You might experience more irritability, anger, stress, anxiety, depression, and aggression. It will be more difficult to control these feelings; others might view you as unpredictable. People around you may mention the issues they see, but often apprehensively.

At this stage, it is common to see people pulling away from their friends and family who want the best for them because it goes against what alcohol demands.

Obsessive Alcohol Abuse

Full-blown alcoholism has set in at this point. The user will need alcohol in their system at any point of the day to ‘function.’ This is because they have been programming their brain to expect alcohol, so when there isn’t enough in the body, the body feels like it’s going to shut down.

Often, an alcoholic will be so consumed with ensuring when they get their next drink that, it’s the only thing on their mind.

How Does Alcohol and Mental Illness Impact Each Other?

Alcoholism and mental illness is not a cause-and-effect situation. Instead, they often co-occur because of the way that they can both contribute to each other. Mental illness can contribute to substance use, and substance use can greatly impact mental health.

Co-Occurring Diagnosis

A person might use substances to try to minimize their feelings of depression, but at the same time, those substances can increase anxiety or paranoia. Over 50 percent of people with substance use disorder also have one or more mental illnesses.

Having a co-occurring diagnosis can be both helpful and difficult at the same time. When you know what you’re trying to treat, you can get the proper treatment to help both disorders. Though, having a co-occurring diagnosis means you’re more likely to struggle more intensely, with both disorders feeding into each other.

Affecting the Brain

In recent years, studies have looked more deeply into the impact alcohol has on the brain. It has been found that the more you drink, the more likely your brain’s makeup is to alter and significantly become less functional.

Your brain becomes dependent on the alcohol you’re feeding it, so without alcohol in the system, your brain will react negatively. It thinks that something is wrong if there is no alcohol in the body, convincing you that you need more to be okay.

Alcohol affects the prefrontal cortex and cognitive function, the basal ganglia, which supports motor function, and the extended amygdala, which controls reward recognition. If these parts of the brain are being impacted, it will increase the cravings an alcoholic feels.

Avoiding Treatment

As mentioned above, it can be difficult to find the right treatment when you struggle with a co-occurring diagnosis. Many people go undiagnosed for their mental illness or substance abuse, so when they go to get treatment for the other (if they do), they aren’t given the proper treatment plan.

This can lead to fewer people seeking out treatment. Especially if they had tried in the past but found that all the plans they tried were unsuccessful. If you aren’t considering all aspects of your mental health, you may not find success easily.

Is Alcoholism Considered a Mental Illness?

The short answer is: yes. Alcoholism and alcohol use disorder are considered to be mental illnesses. This became the case in 1980 when the American Psychiatric Association identified it as a primary mental health disorder in the DSM. This means that it’s not a choice to become an alcoholic and that there are treatments that can help you fight back and enter recovery.

Alcoholism is not just a problem for a certain kind of person in a specific setting. It can affect anyone at any stage in their life. Treatment is necessary to overcome substance abuse.

Getting Treatment for Alcoholism with Soba Recovery

At Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, you don’t have to worry about getting the right treatment plan because we work with you to understand your needs better. During the screening process, we will dive into your past medical and mental health issues to see if you could be struggling with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder.

Not only will your substance use be treated through medically-assisted treatment (MAT) and therapy, but your mental health will be considered and treated as well. If you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, staying in an inpatient or detoxification program is in your best interest. This will give more responsibility to you and your actions.

During treatment, you are taught how to cope with your mental illness, improve your health, and regulate your thoughts and emotions better. All of this will become much easier as you progress through your recovery.

Soba Recovery offers inpatient services for those who need 24/7 around-the-clock care, outpatient care for those who still need to maintain some of their responsibilities, and sober living for people looking to find support in their community with like-minded individuals. If this could benefit your recovery journey, reach out to a Soba representative today!

Sources:

Alcoholism and Psychiatric Disorders | NIAAA

Alcohol-Use Disorder and Severe Mental Illness | NCBI

Alcohol and the Brain: An Overview | NIAAA

Relationships and Addiction: Navigating a Healthy Partnership

Relationships and Addiction: Navigating a Healthy Partnership

People can enter into addiction at any stage of their life. They might be happily married to their high school sweetheart and not fall victim until 20 years in, or they might become dependent during college while going on dates and trying to form connections.

For those that have struggled with addiction or have been in relationships with people who have substance use problems, it’s well-known just how difficult maintaining a healthy and happy relationship is. No matter how much you love your partner, addiction will always feel like it’s stealing your partner away.

Learning how to navigate a healthy relationship while dealing with alcohol or drug addiction is almost as much work as working on your addiction. Drug or alcohol addiction and the destructive behavior it can cause can impact a relationship just as much as a relationship can impact a person’s addiction. To benefit one, the other must be worked on simultaneously.

Keep reading to learn more about navigating a healthy partnership during addiction by understanding how to maintain good behaviors and communicate appropriately.

The Reality of Substance Abuse and Relationships

Many people can recount their relationships with family members, friends, or partners lost due to substance abuse and its impact on mental health.

Unfortunately, many people who struggle with addiction will have a story about someone that is no longer a part of their life because of their substance use. That person may have had to draw healthy boundaries to meet their own needs instead of focusing solely on another person’s addiction recovery.

Addiction does not hold back and can convince you to do many things that are not good for your well-being. While substance abuse is extremely difficult to deal with as an addict, addiction also affects the person in a relationship with the abuser.

Partners of addicted people often experience intense anxiety about their safety and health, might financially struggle if they are supporting their loved one, and feel guilt about facilitating addiction or not intervening successfully. These issues make it difficult to set boundaries and can lay the foundation for an unhealthy relationship.

The cycle of guilt and sorrow that forms with addiction can seem never-ending. This weighs heavily on a partnership. Often, the partner of someone with substance abuse must also do what is best for them and their health, and that can be leaving the relationship to work on finding happiness.

This difficult decision can mean negative reactions from the person struggling, resulting in a spiral, but it’s the reality for many. This is why healthy relationships and patterns are important. If you cannot practice healthy habits, you might not be ready to be in a relationship until you learn to take better care of your well-being.

Challenges That Addiction Brings

When in a relationship with someone struggling with addiction, many unique challenges may arise that a normal relationship pairing wouldn’t quite understand. Of course, in any normal, healthy relationship, issues come and go. Addiction makes things tricky.

Normal healthy partners aren’t constantly worried that their partner is potentially in danger or harm every time they go out. They might not have to take care of finances, bills, rent, food, child care, or schooling alone and might have better communication and trust. These are all issues that can arise in a relationship involving addiction.

Lack of Trust

For people struggling with addiction, lying and being deceitful might come with the territory. This can cause many issues in a relationship, but the implications can be much more dangerous when drugs and other substances are involved. A lack of trust can form between two people when substance abuse becomes prevalent.

A lot of denial goes into addiction, and it’s very hard for someone with substance use disorder to be truthful about their using habits and other aspects of their life. They might lie about where they are going, who they are going out with, where certain money is going, how their job or school is doing, and so much more.

These lies can add up and become overwhelming. Not only are they difficult to keep track of, but they diminish your trust in your partner, which is detrimental to a relationship.

Financial Issues

With substance use disorder comes financial issues. Drugs and alcohol cost money, and things can sure get expensive. In an equal relationship, money and finances must be a part of daily communication to function as a partnership.

With addiction, money can seem to fly out the door. There can be an imbalance of power when an addicted partner uses money their partner has earned and uses it to support them.

This kind of struggle can be overwhelming and lead to further issues in the relationship. It can sever trust and prevent people from helping you in the future.

Safety concerns

Not only are there safety concerns for the partner addicted to substances, but also for the partner who is not. You can cross paths with many people when you get involved with drugs and other substances. Some people might get into financial trouble with others as a result of their use, and this can be a concern for their partner.

Additionally, drugs and alcohol can push someone into dangerous situations where they could seriously harm themselves or others, including instances of physical abuse. No one should have to put themselves at risk due to another person’s drug use, and in many cases, the danger is what really drives people away.

Emotional Connection and Instability

On top of safety and finances, relationships are hard work. People crave intimacy and emotional connections with their partners, which isn’t always given when a person struggles with substance abuse. It’s difficult to be in a relationship with someone who isn’t putting all of their energy into it and is actively creating more distance due to drug use.

Someone using drugs and alcohol might not be fully present in a relationship until they have done work for themselves to enter into recovery. In contrast, the addicted partner might also struggle with codependency and rely on their partner completely.

This partner may suffer from low self-esteem due to their addiction and experience an inability to practice healthy self-care. Until they want to change and seek help, you may not see a stable and healthy relationship form.

Learning To Create Balance

To maintain a healthy relationship while struggling with addiction, it may come as no surprise that you need to work really hard. Finding someone who supports you throughout your recovery process is essential.

Still, you need to put in the work too! You can’t expect your partner to do everything for you and support you through everything if you aren’t trying your hardest to get better.

Recovery comes first

You can only maintain balance if you are actively working towards recovery. Recovery needs to be your main goal because the only true way for your relationship to prosper and be healthy is for you to find a solution to your addiction-related issues. Your partner will need to see that you are doing the work, so they know all of their efforts are worth it.

For people in a relationship with someone struggling with addiction, you have to allow them to focus on their recovery. Supporting them, showing up for them, and holding them accountable can help them throughout the process, even if it’s difficult.

This will give them additional confidence in themselves to overcome their addiction, knowing their loved ones are behind them.

Open and Consistent Communication

One of the biggest issues of having a relationship with someone in active addiction is lying and deceit. A way to combat this is to work on open and honest communication. Once you disrupt the trust your partner has been building with you, you can begin to see the cracks form in the relationship.

When you are open in your communication, you don’t need to hide your struggles from your partner. You can communicate your issues and not feel alone trying to deal with them. One of the many benefits of being in a partnership is that you have someone who will be on your side, and with addiction, the more people in your corner, the more likely you are to be successful.

Lead With Kindness

Being in a relationship while struggling with addiction can show your partner the really dark sides of you. You may have to remind yourself that they have your best interest in mind and that how you feel in a moment isn’t necessarily how you feel about your partner.

If you are thoughtful in your reactions to each other and situations that arise, you are more likely to overcome them with grace. Recovery is not easy on anyone, but it’s absolutely worth the few bumps in the road that it comes with. You and your partner will look back one day and know that the love and respect for each other were always there and just waiting to blossom!

Starting a New Relationship During Addiction

It’s not recommended to seek out a new relationship when struggling with addiction. If you are going to try to enter the recovery stage, you need to focus on yourself.

Recovery is not easy, and being by yourself can help keep you more focused on your goals. You might be more vulnerable during this stage of your life, and trying to enter into a relationship could give you further complications.

Reach Out for Help With Soba Recovery

Having your partner’s support can mean so much in your recovery journey, but getting professional help will push you deeper into recovery. If you are serious about recovery from the effects of drug or alcohol addiction, you can get help at Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas! You can access 24/7 around-the-clock care from treatment providers who want to see you thrive.

One thing about a partnership is that you often have many shared responsibilities within your household and in your relationship. Not everyone can drop everything and enter into inpatient care, but that doesn’t mean you can’t access care. Reach out to a representative to learn more about the following services that Soba provides to learn how you can get help today!

Inpatient Treatment Programs

For those struggling with addiction and needing more care than others, inpatient services are highly recommended. You get access to medically-assisted addiction treatment if you need it, both individual and group therapy and support group sessions, and a sober and supportive community. Inpatient services allow you to be around others struggling with the same problems.

At Soba, you build relationships with medical professionals and the community around you. 24/7 care allows you to get support whenever you need it, which can benefit many struggling people.

Outpatient services

Not everyone can drop what they are doing and enter into inpatient care. Outpatient care offers a solution to this issue. If you have commitments you cannot abandon, you can work with an outpatient program to develop a specialized treatment plan.

Outpatient services still offer therapy, group sessions, activities, and other treatment services to people who need more flexibility when receiving it. Depending on your work or school schedule, you can come in the mornings or late at night.

Sober Living

While living apart from your significant other might not be the goal, sober living can be helpful for some who are in recovery. When you live in a sober facility, you are eliminating the stressors of the outside world, where drug abuse and alcohol abuse could bring an anxiety-inducing situation.

Sober living spaces are supportive of your needs during recovery and give you a space that should be stress-free. Once you can get back out into the real world, you can build even more on your partnership. This time apart might just be what they need to see that you are serious about making strides in your recovery process!

A healthy relationship takes time as it is, but with addiction, it might take a bit longer. There’s no shame in that! Take all the time you need and build up your trust and communication to see your relationship flourish.

Sources:

Romantic Relationships And Substance Use In Early Adulthood: An Examination Of The Influences Of Relationship Type, Partner Substance Use, And Relationship Quality | NCBI.NIH.gov

Substance Abuse and Intimate Relationships | American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

How Social Relationships Influence Substance Use Disorder Recovery: A Collaborative Narrative Study | NCBI

What Is Substance Abuse and How To Recognize It

What Is Substance Abuse and How To Recognize It

Whether you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it can be challenging to come to terms with the reality of the situation. You may not want to admit that you are struggling, and asking for help might be out of the question.

Recognizing that you need help is one of the hardest parts of struggling with addiction, but it is the first step toward recovery.

But what about when you suspect a family member has an issue? Some signs may become apparent when someone is dealing with substance misuse. Knowing what to look for may help you determine if an issue deserves some recognition.

Of course, no two people will have the same journey regarding substance abuse. Therefore the signs may vary.

For people that have been dealing with addiction for a while, it can be difficult to seek substance abuse treatment, but it’s completely worth it. Keep reading to learn more about substance abuse and how you can recognize a person struggling.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse can cover a broad spectrum, with addiction falling at its most challenging end. Some people might dabble in drugs or alcohol use recreationally and never experience an addictive cycle.

Others are not so lucky. Of course, other factors are often at play. Developing a substance use disorder can be a slow and steady process.

Substance abuse can be defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder that involves drug-seeking behaviors that tend to neglect any harmful consequences that come with the usage. People with substance abuse problems tend to not care about what happens following drug use — and might be using the substances as an escape.

Despite any adverse outcomes, this person will continue to use the substance to sate their cravings.

People with drug abuse often struggle with mental health disorders and other substance-related health issues. To best treat a substance use disorder, both your physical well-being and mental health must also be treated.

What Is Substance Dependence?

Substance dependence is when substance use continues even though the negative consequences of substance use have begun to show. So, the person using these substances knows there have been adverse side effects but cannot stop on their own.

You might be dependent on a substance if:

  • You have built up a tolerance so that the substance hardly affects you unless you take larger doses or more frequent doses
  • You spend most of your time using, recovering, and then finding more of the substance to repeat the cycle
  • You begin to stay away from family, friends, and coworkers
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms that make you feel sick
  • You continue to use the substance even though you are aware of the issues

What Substances Are Often Abused?

Most illegal drugs can become addicting. Many substances that we associate with a “quick” relief or “numbing” effect have the potential to become very dangerous — and faster than some people think.

Substances like the following can end up in abusive cycles that are difficult to break:

  • Alcohol
  • Cocaine
  • Cannabis
  • Amphetamines
  • Opioids like fentanyl, heroin, and morphine
  • Prescription drug
  • Hallucinogens
  • Inhalants
  • Methamphetamines

Not all of these drugs are addictive the first time you use them, but the slope sure is slippery. It’s important to recognize when a recreational activity you sometimes participate in becomes an everyday obsession.

What Causes Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is not caused by one specific thing. Many factors can lead you to drug or alcohol abuse, including trauma, genetics, and your environment.

Some people begin experimenting with various substances when they are young adults and don’t quit. Their experimentation quickly turns to addiction or drug misuse, as they seek new and different ways to get a “high.” Others turn to substances to numb their pain or to deal with past trauma.

Some factors that influence substance abuse are:

  • Environmental stressors
  • Social pressure
  • Genetics
  • Psychiatric problems

It might not always be obvious when someone is struggling with substance abuse. It’s important to check in on your friends and family if you think there is a reason to be concerned.

Signs of Substance Abuse

Many new and different behaviors might arise if you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse. It’s important to keep an eye out for sudden changes in how a person acts. These changes can hint that something is going on underneath the surface.

A person with substance use disorder might show a variety of signs, both physical and behavioral, that point to substance abuse. To get help, sometimes you need someone to show you that they care about you and notice that you are having difficulties. It can be hard to ask for help yourself.

Physical Signs

People may begin to show signs of substance use disorder in how they look and hold themselves. Different drugs and substances will impact everybody differently, so you might be unable to tell what exact drug is involved immediately.

Some physical signs that someone is dealing with substance abuse are:

  • Abrupt weight changes, either losing a lot of weight fast or gaining a lot quickly
  • Dental hygiene issues
  • Changes in texture and health of the skin (dryness, acne, itching)
  • Fatigue that results in oversleeping or sleeping too much
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Dilated or constricted pupils
  • Sunken-in face with dark under-eye circles
  • Sudden health problems

Behavioral Signs

Substance abuse can impact your behavior and turn you into someone you may not even recognize. Changes in a person’s behavior are a great sign that they might be struggling with substance abuse.

Illicit drugs can have a rough impact on a person. They can have a serious impact on the brain and how it functions.

Some behavioral signs that can help you to recognize drug abuse are:

  • Inability to focus or think clearly, or other mental impairments
  • Lethargy and confusion
  • Aggression and irritation
  • Changes in attitude
  • Changes in social network
  • Changes in habits or priorities
  • Abnormal social media activity
  • Becoming involved in dangerous activities and crime
  • Lack of empathy towards friends and loved ones
  • Hiding away from people close to them

You know yourself and your loved ones best. Are you seeing any of these worrying signs? If a behavior change becomes concerning, it might be time to look into the kinds of addiction treatment options out there.

You can also provide your loved one with resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline or take advantage of this helpline yourself. There are also other public health or human servicesinitiatives that may be available in your area.

How To Treat Substance Use Disorder

Treating substance use disorder looks different for everyone. No two people have the same story and will require different treatment and care. It’s important that you seek treatment to begin your path to recovery.

There are different levels to both substance use and substance use disordertreatment programs. Some people struggle more severely than others regarding substance use disorder and may require more help. The point of treatment is to work with healthcare professionals to develop a plan that can work with you to meet your needs.

Most treatment facilities will offer various addiction treatment options, such as inpatient and outpatient, to ensure that everyone can receive the treatment they need. Inpatient treatment might seem more intense than outpatient treatment because there is a strict timeline to follow each day and 24/7 monitoring.

During these programs, you will attend group and individual behavioral therapy sessions and support groups. You’ll have a chance to understand your behavioral health and why you have substance problems in a supportive, friendly environment filled with people with similar stories.

Many other treatment services are provided for someone struggling with substances, like detoxification, which is fully monitored by staff and meant to provide a safe space for someone to come off of a substance.

Getting Help With Soba Recovery Center

If you are someone who thinks they might be struggling with substance abuse, it’s better late than never to seek treatment. Recognizing that you need help is a huge step in your journey to recovery. When you enter a recovery center, you can take your life back, one day at a time.

At Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we can offer you a variety of treatment services so that you can find your perfect fit and work towards recovery. You will be treated by health professionals, health careproviders, and addiction specialists who will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve and maintain sobriety.

You’ll be able to work on your recovery in a safe, supportive environment. With locations in San Antonio, TX, and Mesa, Arizona, you can be assured of professional and intentional care.

Don’t wait any longer and get help with your substance abuse. Reach out to a Soba Recovery representative today if you have any questions.

 

Sources:

Substance Misuse And Substance Use Disorders: Why Do They Matter In Healthcare? | NCBI

Substance Use Disorder Defined by NIDA and SAMHSA | State of Wyoming

Commonly Abused Drugs | University of San Francisco

Types of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centers and Which Is Best

Types of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centers and Which is Best

It can be overwhelming when looking to enter a rehabilitation center, whether for yourself or a loved one. Various rehab treatment centers might specialize in different addiction recovery treatments.

Some centers might offer more treatment options than others, but it’s important to go with one that will work with you or your family member to meet your needs better. Not every treatment option is going to fit. It’s important to get your questions answered to find quality care.

We will go through the few substance abuse rehabilitation treatment options out there and help you determine which might be right for you.

What Is a Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Center?

A substance abuse treatment center is where people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction receive specialized treatment. To better understand and treat an addiction, you have to understand the deep complexities that come with it.

In a rehab program, those looking to break the bonds of their addiction can work on their mental health, physical health, and emotional health with the experienced aid and support services of healthcare professionals.

There are solo and group therapy sessions to attend during your time at a rehabilitation center to help you progress towards recovery. You may stay overnight at the rehab center or choose an outpatient rehab program.

Many services are provided at an addiction treatment center to help you successfully overcome opioid or other drug abuse.

Finding the right rehabilitation center doesn’t need to be complicated. A substance abuse assessment can help determine what kind of recovery treatment services you need.

What Treatment Programs Are in a Rehab Center?

Not all drug rehabrecovery programs are going to be the same. Some might offer different services than others, so research the treatment facility. You can do so by looking online at the website or by reaching out to a representative and discussing the current drug addiction treatment options.

There may be short-term or long-term care options to help improve the quality of life for someone with a substance abuse addiction. Usually, a drug rehab center will offer, at the minimum, a detoxification program, inpatient treatment, and an outpatient program.

From there, sub-programs might exist depending on specialized needs, like intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or partial hospitalization programs (PHP).

Detoxification

Not everyone who enters a rehab facility will need to undergo the detoxification program. Detox is for people who may experience severe withdrawal symptoms and need extra assistance and monitoring to stay safe during the process.

Detoxing from drug use like heroin can be extremely dangerous. Your body has already adapted to having these substances in your body. Entering into treatment and ending the substance abuse behavior can sometimes cause your body to go into shock.

You might experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, tremors, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion. The right substance abuserehab center will ensure the proper safety procedures to help you safely get through this rough patch.

While detoxing is essential on the road to recovery, it can be dangerous. For those with a history of heavy substance abuse, it is recommended that you seek residential treatment for 24/7 care by trained medical professionals.

Inpatient Programs

Inpatient programs can range in how they are run, but they are typically highly structured. Inpatient treatment providers allow patients to stay overnight and undergo constant monitoring and treatment to help overcome their addiction.

People who would benefit from an inpatient program might have severe substance abuse problems and perhaps another dependency, like alcohol abuse.

Inpatient programs allow you to release all outside triggers and stressors contributing to your addiction. You do not have to think or worry about the outside world while working on your recovery.

During inpatient, you go through evidence-based treatment that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, building community with other patients, and working on coping skills. You’ll have the right tools to assimilate into the real world while gaining the resources necessary for life-long sobriety.

Inpatient programs are strict and thrive off of a schedule. You will learn about time management and how to function properly in society. For severe struggles with day-to-day function and the ability to press pause in your life, this type of treatment might be a great option for you to get back on the road to recovery.

Outpatient Programs

On the flip side, not everyone can drop what they are doing to get treatment. For less severe substance abuse addictions, outpatient programs come into play. Outpatient programs do not require you to stay in the facility overnight. After your treatment sessions, you get to return to your home or sober living arrangement.

There are different intensities of outpatient programs, and they can change depending on your needs. If you require intensive outpatient care, those programs are available. This might be good for you if you need all the support you can get but cannot commit to 24/7 care.

Sometimes outpatient programs are a great stepping stool to return to society after being inpatient. You might come from an inpatient program, enter partial hospitalization, and then head into a standard outpatient program.

A substance abuse assessment can help the addiction rehab team decide on what program is the best fit for your situation.

Support Groups and 12-Step Programs

Additionally, rehabilitation centers will often have support groups and 12-step programs. No one can handle recovery alone. These groups help people feel a sense of belonging and community. You’ll meet other people struggling with similar issues and want to see you thrive.

Addiction can be very lonely, but you are not alone. These kinds of mental health treatments focus on sticking to sobriety long after you have undergone any kind of addiction treatment program.

You will meet like-minded individuals who want to achieve a healthy lifestyle. This group setting can boost accountability and give you the support you need to stay healthy.

Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorder Programs

Some rehabilitation centers have specific programs for treating dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders. Sometimes people who struggle with addiction and substance use also struggle with mental health disorders.

You might find that people dealing with addiction can sometimes suffer from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or even depression and anxiety. In these cases, you will receive relevant medication-assisted treatment.

To work on your addiction and enter into recovery, you also need to help heal your other traumas. If you have untreated mental disorders, these might negatively affect your addiction.

Programs that safely and effectively treat both disorders can be extremely beneficial to those that need them.

Which Treatment Program Is Best?

The short answer is: it depends. Everyone is different and requires treatment that is specific to their needs. There are many types of programs. It’s an important point to remember when looking into rehab centers.

What works for you might not work for the next person, and that’s okay. You should consider what your needs are and what you’re capable of agreeing to. Not everyone can commit to 24/7 inpatient care, which is why there are multiple outpatient treatment programs to choose from.

The great thing about a rehab center like Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, is that the staff will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. You don’t have to stress about picking the best one.

Once you have gone through the substance abuse assessment, the medical team can help you understand your options. They will let you know your treatment options and discuss length, timing, pricing, and insurance provider coverage (if applicable).

Whatever you choose to do will be the best choice for you. You can reach your sobriety goals as long as you put in the work and dedication towards recovery.

Getting Help at Soba Recovery Center

If you want to begin and maintain your sobriety, Soba Recovery Center of San Antonio, Texas, is the place for you. With multiple treatment programs available, including intensive outpatient, inpatient, detoxification, partial hospitalization, and sober living, you have many options to help you get healthy and happy.

The goal at Soba Recovery is to provide professional care that puts your needs first. With a personalized treatment program, you don’t have to worry about what’s best for you because the professionals at Soba have taken care of all the details.

Working towards recovery is difficult, but we can help make it easier. Reach out today to a Soba representative if you have any questions about our services and care. Recovery takes a community. Look at our rehabilitation facility to see how you can get the help you need.

 

Sources:

Substance Misuse And Substance Use Disorders: Why Do They Matter In Healthcare? | NCBI

Substance AbuseIntensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence | NCBI

Group Interventions | NCBI

What Services Are Available for Outpatient Rehab?

What Services Are Available for Outpatient Rehab?

When you look into addiction rehab services, it might not be clear right away what type of treatment would be best for your specific needs. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

The best way to figure out what treatment would suit you or a loved one is to talk about your addiction with someone at a rehab center. At treatment centers like Soba Recovery Center, you will always undergo an intake before entering any treatment. This allows for an addiction specialist to better understand your needs.

There are other options for people who don’t have 24 hours and seven days a week to spend in treatment. This option includes outpatient rehab, which allows you to remain somewhat independent and responsible in your daily life while you are receiving treatment. Let’s take a closer look at outpatient rehab and the services offered.

What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient rehabilitation is a treatment type for substance abuse that doesn’t require overnight stays. It provides individuals with a more flexible option for treatment, as not all people can press pause on their life to get treatment.

If you are participating in an outpatient treatment program, you will likely come to treatment services for a few days out of the week. You’ll typically arrive at the treatment facility in the morning and leave for the day in the afternoon.

Unlike inpatient rehab, you will go home after completing your treatment and continue your normal life. For many with families to take care of and a job or school to attend, this kind of treatment style allows them to work on their sobriety in a supportive environment.

Why Might You Choose Outpatient Treatment?

An outpatient treatment program allows people to continue with their responsibilities while also getting help. Just because you have a lot on your plate and can’t commit to 24/7 care doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the time and attention to devote to recovery.

In addition to the other benefits of outpatient rehab, it can also be a more affordable option. Inpatient services can be more expensive due to the around-the-clock care. If you work nights and need to keep your job, an outpatient treatment option can provide you with a way to work and maintain sobriety.

Types of Outpatient Rehab Programs

There are several different programs that you might look into when considering outpatient addiction treatment services vs. inpatient treatments. Some people might require more structured and intensive care than others.

Others might be transitioning out of inpatient programs and are looking for a program that will provide the coping skills and continuing care and act as a bridge back into sober living and everyday life.

When you chat with someone from Soba Recovery, you can devise the perfect treatment plan for you. If you require outpatient care, we can review our options to best determine the right fit for you.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

For those that can and need to, partial hospitalization programs are wonderful for providing intense structure and daily treatment. You would typically spend your days in this program and return home each night.

During the day, you’ll find that the schedule of a partial hospitalization program is packed pretty full. Each person is getting 20 hours or more per week of care to help them on their path to recovery.

While in a partial hospitalization program, you would attend different therapies and group activities and receive any medically assisted treatments if needed. People who enter a PHP likely need the most supervision compared to other treatment options, but not necessarily the around-the-clock care of other treatment options.

The structure that the PHP gives allows the patients to really focus on building routines and discipline in their lives.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs are the next step down from a PHP. While you typically spend between 10 and 20 hours receiving treatment, it might feel a little less structured and with less medical support, though they are still available.

Though it might feel a little less structured than a PHP, if you are an IOP, you will still be monitored strictly to ensure that you make the strides needed to immerse yourself into society again fully. The IOP can be catered to your specific needs to help you get and stay sober.

Standard Outpatient Program

With a standard outpatient program, you might be at the last stage of your treatment but need a little extra support. Take all the time that you need.

You may only come to the center a few days a week for a couple of hours to participate in therapy, medically-assisted treatment, or group activity. The treatment varies and focuses on your re-entrance into society based on your specific needs.

Outpatient Services

When undergoing treatment through an outpatient program, you will be offered various services that could help your recovery. Everyone’s needs are different, so you might not require all of these services during your treatment program.

Each service has its own value and might not be the right fit for you. That’s why it’s good to know about the options, so you have a good idea of how your recovery can look.

Medically-Assisted Treatment

You can be provided with medically-assisted treatment during your outpatient program for those still undergoing withdrawal symptoms from their substance use.

You may be provided with medication that can help you better deal with withdrawal symptoms and help wean you off your drug. Not everyone requires this level of care. It depends on the substances you’ve been putting into your body.

Individual Therapy

During your outpatient stay, you’ll attend individual therapy. Mental health and addiction go hand-in-hand. Individual counseling sessions are a great way to help you get to the bottom of your addiction. It provides healthy outlets to cope with triggers and stress while working through past trauma.

Addiction doesn’t just happen randomly; many factors can lead to drug abuse, such as relational tension with family members and mental health conditions. Therapy can help you better work through it.

Addiction recovery might be difficult if you can’t heal yourself from trauma and get to a good place to love yourself openly. During these sessions, you can work with your therapist to find ways to stay sober when you leave treatments.

You can also specifically go through types of therapy that are relevant to your recovery, like trauma therapy, eating disorder therapy, family therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Group Therapy

On top of individual therapy, you will also attend group therapy meetings. These support group sessions serve as a great way to build a community. In these group therapy sessions, you will have access to other individuals who are struggling with similar issues.

Group therapy allows you to build relationships with others trying to treat their addiction. It can often bring a sense of accountability to your treatment and help you feel less alone in your recovery.

Everyone in group therapy wants to see everyone else doing well and succeeding in their treatment. This therapy provides people with a support system, the motivation to be better, and a way to help others just by their presence.

Struggling with addiction can be isolating and lonely, but when you are surrounded by other people dealing with the same thing, it’s easier to feel supported and nurtured.

Education and Planning

On top of therapy, during outpatient treatment, you will receive education and planning that will help you when you re-enter society. When on the outside, you could face triggers, stressors, peer pressure, and bad situations.

You will need to know how to manage those situations and your reactions to those situations to work on harm reduction.

Getting Help at Soba Texas

You don’t need to know what kind of treatment is right for you before entering into treatment. The whole point of an addiction rehab facility is to provide you with all the help you need, from start to finish.

At Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we will build a personalized treatment plan that considers your specific needs. We can assess your addiction and requirements and put you into the proper program.

Getting help may feel overwhelming and scary. If you have any questions about Soba Recovery Texas and the treatment options available to you beyond outpatient, don’t be afraid to reach out to a Soba representative today and get some answers.

 

Sources:

Substance Misuse And Substance Use Disorders: Why Do They Matter In Healthcare? | NCBI

Substance AbuseIntensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence | NCBI

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) | SAMHSA

What To Expect from Drug Rehab and More

What To Expect from Drug Rehab and More

There can be a lot of guilt and shame surrounding substance use disorder. No matter how you may feel, the truth is that you are not alone. Rehabilitation treatment facilities exist to provide treatment and support to individuals who want to get better.

Entering into drug rehab is the first step toward addiction recovery, but it’s quite a step to take. There are many different forms of rehab programs that you can enter into, so finding the right fit for your specific needs is critical.

Luckily, at rehab centers such as Soba Recovery, we are here to help find that fit with you so that you can work towards a happier life. Learn more about what to expect from drug rehab and the kinds of treatment programs you or a loved one can encounter on your path to recovery.

What Is Drug Rehab?

Rehab is a substance abuse treatment process that people who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction can undergo to enter recovery and sobriety. This process is different for everyone.

It will encompass various therapies to get to the heart of the addiction and provide the best foundation for full sobriety.

Addiction is not a choice. It takes a severe mental and physical toll on people and affects every facet of their lives. Drug rehab offers assistance with the help of trained medical professionals and addiction specialists to create a treatment plan catered to your specific needs.

At an accreditedresidential treatment rehabilitation facility, you will find yourself supported by people with your best interests in mind.

How Long Does Rehab Take to Complete?

Depending on your substance abuse level, your treatment needs may differ from others. You might benefit from detoxing before entering inpatient or starting with outpatient for five days a week.

This will all be sorted out when you come in and go through an intake form with someone at the rehab facility.

The goal of a rehab center is to help you beat your addiction. However long that may be, addiction treatment programs will work with you to give you the care you need.

What Can I Expect from Drug Rehab?

Entering a drug rehab center is truly different for everyone. It’s normal for an addiction treatment center to seem like a scary place. But, for those ready to take the next step, a rehab center is where you want to be. It’s a safe place for you to sort out your addictive habits.

Most drug rehabs will offer different drug addiction treatment options, including a detoxification process, inpatient drug rehab, outpatient, and even aftercare, like sober living opportunities.

Before you can figure out what treatment you will receive, you have to meet with the medical professionals on staff to help them better understand your needs.

Intake During Check-In

You must first undergo an intake assessment before you check yourself into a drug rehab facility. This helps to determine if you need treatment for alcohol addiction and drug abuse and if you have other mental health issues to address.

During this time, the center will discuss your treatment options. They may advise you to undergo a medical detox or medication-assisted treatment to safely detox from the substance you are using before further treatment.

Depending on your health insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses may vary. While completing the intake process, discuss insurance coverage and treatment expenses with your provider. Treatment elements like partial hospitalization and prescription drugs can affect your out-of-pocket costs.

Detoxification

People struggling with alcohol abuse or drug abuse may be dependent on it. To begin the path to recovery, you must quit all substance abuse. Unfortunately for many people, trying to stop using their substance can prove incredibly difficult. The reasons vary.

Some people worry about what their life will be like without the substance, while other people fear potential withdrawal symptoms. These fears and the potential for uncomfortable situations can cause some people to give up on recovery before they ever begin.

At rehab centers like Soba, you can receive 24/7 care as you undergo medical detox. You’ll be in great hands with frequent monitoring and check-ins during this emotional process. You won’t have to do this alone.

Inpatient

An inpatient program comes after the detoxification process. Inpatient programs are monitored 24/7. These intensive programs stick to a schedule to help give you a sense of structure and routine as you adjust to sobriety.

You will have required therapy sessions, individually and as part of a group, with activities and medical treatment available if needed.

If you struggle to take care of yourself, inpatient treatment services might be a great fit. You’ll have the structure you need to get your recovery on firm footing while being surrounded by like-minded individuals.

If you want support and to feel less alone, this is where you can find it.

The focus in inpatient is to help you regain your confidence. Heal your trauma and work on the decisions that led you to addiction in a safe place like Soba.

Inpatient treatment can last for however long you need, with some staying for several weeks before transitioning into other less intense programs. Whatever your journey, you are supported and encouraged to take the time you need to heal and improve.

Outpatient

There are other options for those struggling with addiction who cannot afford to take time off work for weeks or have children and pets that they need to be responsible for, there are other options out there. Just because you can’t drop everything to get help doesn’t mean you don’t deserve it.

Outpatient services are also for people who aren’t ready to return to society after completing inpatient. Outpatient treatment still requires you to commit to attending and participating, but they are more flexible to allow you time back with friends and family and at work.

Dip your toe into the real world while still retrieving consistent treatment.

With outpatient rehab, you might need to come into the treatment center at 9 AM and be part of group therapy for two hours before a break and your individual therapy session. This might happen twice or five times a week, depending on whether you’re in an intensive outpatient program.

Therapy

There are a variety of different types that you could encounter. Depending on your needs, you might want to pursue marriage therapy and counseling, family therapy, trauma therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, therapy for other co-occurring disorders, or group therapy.

Therapy is a great way to understand some of the roots of your issues with addiction by working on your mental health, analyzing your behavioral health, and addressing any existing mental health disorders.

It can help you heal and move on so that you can focus on your future. Group therapy is great because it helps you build a community with other people who are going through similar struggles.

Therapy is essential in the recovery journey; you will receive it at all points of your experience with a quality rehab center.

Sober Living

Once you have completed your drug rehab journey, it’s not actually over. Committing to your health, mental well-being, and sobriety is a difficult task. It can feel impossible if you aren’t surrounded by people supporting you.

With support groups and sober living programs, you can continue to be around other sober individuals who can help hold each other accountable as you all work through your addictions.

Aftercare is so important because addiction and substance cravings don’t stop overnight. Some days will feel easier than others. Having a relapse prevention plan in place, and knowing the resources you have at your disposal to help you get through those rough patches, can go a long way in helping you maintain your sobriety.

Finding Help With Soba Recovery Center

We understand that getting help at a drug rehab center can feel overwhelming and intimidating. Here at Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we want to make it as easy as possible for you.

There is no shame in asking for help, especially when the help you are asking for is to fight for a better life. Pick up the phone and give us a call.

The best thing that you can do for yourself is to start the process of getting help. Reach out to a Soba representative if you have questions regarding the services we offer for addiction treatment.

Whether you need to start with detoxification or jump to an outpatient program, we can develop a personalized treatment plan for your substance use. Don’t put it off any longer if you want more structure and assistance.

You could be living your best life sooner than you think.

 

Source:

Substance Misuse and Substance Use Disorders: Why do they Matter in Healthcare? | NCBI

Pathways to Long-Term Recovery: A Preliminary Investigation | NCBI

Continuing Care Research: What We’ve Learned and Where We’re Going | NCBI

Xanax Addiction: How To Spot a Problem

Xanax Addiction: How To Spot a Problem

In recent years, the term “Xanax” has been popularized in modern culture to a point where many people are desensitized to it. Xanax is not just a random street drug, and it’s definitely not something to laugh about.

Xanax, a benzodiazepine, is a prescription drug that helps anxiety but can sometimes be abused by the patient.

Spotting a drug addiction to Xanax can be difficult if you aren’t sure what you are looking for. Understanding the signs and learning ways to help someone struggling with a Xanax addiction could be the difference in them living a long and happy life.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is a benzodiazepine (aka benzos) that can help people with behavioral health issues like severe anxiety disorders or panic disorders because of the calming effects it can have. The generic name for Xanax is alprazolam.

This drug is characterized as “fast-acting” and is classified as one of the most highly addictive drugs because of the brain alterations that it makes in such a short period of time.

That’s why this drug is only recommended for short periods of time — to help keep someone from experiencing a physical dependence on the drug. Even with this risk, it’s the most prescribed psychiatric drug in the United States because its effects are so impactful. With supervision and open communication, Xanax can be taken safely and does help many people overcome their everyday anxiety.

Many people who are prescribed Xanax do use it properly. This means the right amount of Xanax is taken for the right amount of time. Xanax works as expected and may never become an issue for the person. But that’s not always the case.

Some people take Xanax for the short-term yet fall into addiction quite easily, while others might have used it once or twice and began seeking it out from illegal sources.

What Are the Potential Positive Effects of Xanax?

Using Xanax produces many different effects to help support mental health, all of which aim to relax your body.

Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that helps to slow your body down. This prescription drug works by increasing the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. GABA promotes calmness in the body by decreasing the excitement in the brain that triggers panic attacks or anxiety.

Some effects that prescribed Xanax may have are:

  • Easing of muscle tension
  • Help with insomnia
  • Feelings of calm
  • Anxiety relief

What Are Some Unintended Side Effects of Xanax?

Like with any addictive drug, there are unwanted side effects that can come from using too much of the drug for too long or, as with any drug, from taking higher doses or too much in one sitting.

Some side effects to look out for are:

  • Drowsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Blurry vision
  • Lack of coordination
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Appetite changes
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Dry mouth
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Excessive sweating
  • Constipation
  • Issues with memory
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
  • Decline in mental health

Of course, not everyone will experience these side effects, but the more often you use Xanax can influence these reactions.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Xanax?

When someone is using Xanax, it is never a good idea to quit it cold turkey. This can be very dangerous for the user as your body has become accustomed to your benzodiazepine use. Some who quit Xanax without tapering off might be sent into shock without it.

Someone who is withdrawing from Xanax may experience:

  • Insomnia and trouble staying asleep
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stomach cramps
  • Headaches
  • Irritability and anger

Some even more serious withdrawal symptoms that someone might experience are:

  • Delusions and delirium
  • Psychosis
  • Severe anxiety

If you are someone who has been prescribed Xanax, you should talk with your healthcare providers about coming up with a plan to reduce your usage instead of quitting on your own.

For those that get their Xanax illegally, you still generally not quit cold turkey. It might be more difficult to lower your dosage if you don’t have it readily available to you, so reaching out to addiction treatment centers can help you with the process.

Xanax and Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder

If Xanax abuse becomes prolonged, it can eventually lead to sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder. In order to be diagnosed with this disorder, you need to exhibit at least 2 out of 11 of the symptoms.

These symptoms include:

  • Repeated issues showing up for important events due to Xanax usage
  • Using Xanax in a hazardous setting
  • Wanting to stop using it but being unable to
  • Using Xanax even though it brings you distress and frustration
  • Spending a lot of time trying to obtain Xanax
  • Using Xanax for longer than prescribed or needed
  • Using despite one or more negative personal outcomes
  • Craving Xanax
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
  • Stopping participation in work, family, or social events
  • Building up a tolerance to Xanax so that you need more to feel the effects

These symptoms need to co-occur within a 12-month period for someone to be diagnosed with this disorder. It’s still classified as a substance use disorder. Fortunately, there is Xanax addiction treatment.

How To Recognize a Xanax Problem

Trying to recognize Xanax addiction is not always easy, as is with any substance abuse issue. If you don’t know what to look out for, you may never see the signs. If you are aware that someone you know is being prescribed Xanax, and you know they have addictive tendencies, don’t be afraid to reach out to see how they are doing.

As helpful as Xanax may be for mental wellness, it can become a slippery slope into addiction for some people.

Xanax is commonly prescribed to people. It’s typically easy to get, which makes it that much easier for it to potentially cause a problem.

College-age students are at higher risk of coming into possession of Xanax without having a prescription. Some people might think that it is a “fun” drug to use and mix with other substances, but it can be deadly to combine Xanax with other drugs like opioids and alcohol.

Signs of Xanax Abuse

There are different ways for you to recognize whether or not someone is struggling with Xanax addiction. No two people will present their symptoms or issues in the same way, but Xanax has certain effects that might be prevalent.

If you think that someone you love is struggling with an addiction to Xanax, consider reaching out to representatives at Soba Recovery Center to voice your concerns and come up with a plan for treatment.

Find others who love and support this person and try to have a safe and open conversation about your concerns and their wellbeing. Choose friends or family who can contribute to a judgment-free zone to better encourage someone with a benzodiazepine addiction to seek help.

Withdrawn From Family and Friends

Someone who is struggling with Xanax addiction might find that they are avoiding facing their friends and family. They might begin to feel intense shame or guilt over their usage and don’t want to face their loved ones.

Sometimes facing people who know you best is difficult because they know what to look out for. It’s harder to pretend everything is okay. A person who is addicted to Xanax may become defensive about their addiction. Loved ones without the right tools or resources in place may unknowingly create more tension.

Needing More Xanax To Feel the Effects

As someone becomes more dependent on Xanax, their tolerance will go up. If you notice that someone is using more Xanax than they are prescribed or using it every day without a prescription, they may have a problem.

A person’s body adapts to Xanax. Over time, someone might find that they need more Xanax to feel the same way. This pattern can lead to an addiction.

If you or someone you love begins to take more Xanax without medical supervision, it could lead to an addiction. Tolerance is one of the easiest ways to determine whether or not someone has an addiction to Xanax.

Experiencing Financial Issues

Someone who is struggling with Xanax might need more Xanax than they are prescribed, which could lead to illegal sourcing. This can be dangerous for many reasons. Many Xanax pills that are bought off the street aren’t actual Xanax pills, which could lead to a dangerous situation. Additionally, it can be quite expensive to keep up with a Xanax addiction.

A loved one might ask you for money or show signs of financial distress when using Xanax improperly. It’s important to pick up on these subtle signs to determine whether or not someone is in need of addiction treatment.

Having Erratic Emotions

A sign of Xanax abuse is emotional instability. A person who has a Xanax addiction might have intense mood swings, become easily irritable, and sometimes become aggressive. Someone who is using Xanax may be emotionally unpredictable, which can be alarming.

You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them, trying to anticipate their next mood swing.

Someone struggling with their addiction might also experience severe depression and suicidal thoughts, especially if they are trying to cut back on their usage and stop altogether. The process is not easy, and it can feel isolating. Showing support to your loved ones who are struggling can help encourage them to seek treatment.

Getting Help with Soba Recovery

Xanax addiction is not something people can typically overcome on their own. They need a safe place to detox, find support, and get the right addiction treatment.

At Soba Recovery Centers in San Antonio, Texas, you’ll receive professional addiction treatment geared specifically to your personal needs.

If you are struggling with Xanax withdrawal symptoms, you can enter into a detoxification treatment that will safely allow you to come off of the drug. Afterward, there are both inpatient and outpatient services available, depending on your treatment needs.

Whether you are looking for sober living in a supportive community atmosphere or need intense treatment that allows more freedom like partial hospitalization, we have got you covered.

Addiction is not a choice. It’s scary, difficult, and debilitating. Get back to feeling like yourself again. If you or a loved one need assistance overcoming Xanax addiction, reach out today and learn more about what Soba has to offer.

 

Sources:

Alprazolam (Xanax) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal | NCBI

Sedative, Hypnotic or Anxiolytic Drug Use Disorder | Harvard Health

How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted to Meth?

How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted to Meth?

Methamphetamines are nothing to joke about. It is a dangerous substance. Any amount of meth use is too much meth use.

If you’re concerned about someone and aren’t sure if it’s due to meth addiction, keep reading to learn more about the drug, its effects, and how long it can take someone to become addicted to it.

What Is Meth?

Meth, otherwise known as methamphetamine, is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system in a person’s brain.

You may hear other names for meth, including:

  • Crystal meth
  • Speed
  • Zoom
  • Crank
  • Glass
  • Rock candy
  • Crystal

Meth was created by combining amphetamine and other chemicals over a century ago. In fact, meth was originally prescribed as a decongestant and a weight loss aid. It didn’t take long to notice that meth was a highly addictive drug and an extreme danger to people.

Methamphetamine use is unlike alcohol or marijuana. Most people can use these substances without them turning into an addiction. Alcohol and marijuana can be safe in small quantities in controlled environments.

Meth, however, is a serious drug that can lead to addiction, ongoing health issues, and even death.

Meth users don’t usually start off using meth as their first drug. It’s often a drug that comes after experimenting with other kinds of drugs. Sometimes people turn to meth once other hard drugs stop producing the high they crave.

The effects of meth are strong and intense, usually more so than other drugs. If someone has built up a tolerance to a different substance, meth might still be able to give them the high that they are looking for.

You can ingest crystal meth through injections, swallowing a pill, snorting it, and smoking it. It might look different depending on the ingredients used to create it, like little shards of glass or an odorless powder, with colors ranging from pink to white to brown.

It’s one of the most addictive substances you could get your hands on. Any use of meth is considered abuse.

What Are the Effects of Meth?

When you smoke or inject meth, you experience an initial “rush” of euphoria that increases your heart rate and blood pressure while enhancing pleasure-inducing neurotransmitters. When you snort meth, you experience the euphoria but not the “rush.”

Injecting meth produces the most intense feelings. The stimulant effects can last for 30 minutes, followed by a steady high that lasts anywhere from eight hours to a full day. Many people who use meth will be high for several days before coming down.

Some effects of meth use are:

  • Paranoia
  • Elation
  • Alertness
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Aggression
  • Talkativeness
  • Hyperactivity
  • Agitation
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight Loss
  • Tremors
  • Irritability
  • Irregular heartbeat

How Long Is Meth in Your System?

Meth can last up to 24 hours in your blood, creating the feeling of being high. Depending on how you take it, it might affect you more rapidly. An injection is the quickest way to become high.

It can remain in your urine between four days and one week and up to 90 days in your hair. Though it might not make you high during these extended periods on its own, the impact that meth can have on your health long-term is still there.

What Is the History of Meth?

There was one point in history when the effects and impacts of amphetamines were unknown. Since its creation over a century ago, meth has been used legally, though not for very long. During this time of uncertainty, right as this drug was being created, meth tablets were being distributed to German soldiers during World War II so that they could fight all day and night.

Military amphetamine was also available to American and British soldiers to help them fight off fatigue and boost their overall morale. Unfortunately, it also led to violent behavior.

Afterward, amphetamine was prescribed as Benzedrine to treat colds and asthma and began to be used recreationally during the 1950s. This then began a domino effect of substance abuse. The side effects of anger and aggression quickly became apparent.

In 1971, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA) made amphetamines a Schedule II controlled substance because of their risk for abuse and dependence. Still, there is. Desoxyn –the pure form of methamphetamine that occasionally will be prescribed to someone who is struggling with ADHD. Regardless, it’s still highly monitored and poses a risk for substance use disorder.

Can You Become Addicted After One Use?

In order to be diagnosed with an addiction, there needs to be repeated misuse of a substance. Therefore, by the definition of “addiction,” you can’t technically be addicted to meth after just one use.

However, meth is a highly addictive substance, and using it once can cause you to crave more. It is very easy to become addicted to meth, which is why some people believe you can become addicted after just one use.

Once you start using meth, it becomes difficult to stop. Your body is constantly chasing a high that can only be reached by using methamphetamines. Without meth addiction treatment, you can spiral into severe meth addiction.

What Are the Signs of Meth Addiction?

Once a person becomes addicted to meth, there are some things you might begin to notice. Of course, there are immediate side effects of meth that are noticeable when you’re in the presence of someone using meth, but meth addiction has more social and financial effects.

If you believe someone is struggling with a meth addiction, you might notice some of the following:

  • Bouts of paranoia
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Burn marks
  • Skin sores
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Rapid eye movement
  • Facial tics
  • Abnormal sleep patterns
  • Twitching
  • Financial strain
  • Hiding from friends and family
  • Missing social gatherings
  • Struggling to retain a job
  • Lack of hygiene
  • Decline in mental health
  • Increased body temperature
  • Wakefulness
  • Dry mouth

If you notice any of these signs in someone or are experiencing them yourself, it might be time to reach out and enter into addiction treatment. You can improve your well-being with the right professional help.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Meth Addiction?

Using meth over an extended period of time will result in multiple unwanted side effects. Like any substance abuse, it starts to catch up with both your mind and body. Identifying your issues with meth early can help you avoid many of these outcomes.

We understand it is difficult to ask for help. There is a lot of stigma around meth use and addiction. Opening up about your struggles is never easy. That’s where Soba Recovery Center comes in. No one should suffer through the long-term effects of meth addiction.

After all, the long-term effects of meth abuse are frightening. People who develop skin sores might pick and scratch at them, making them more susceptible to infection. Long-time use of meth can also result in severe tooth decay and gum disease (otherwise known as “meth mouth”.)

Many people lose their teeth if they do not get treated soon enough for their addiction. If you snort meth, you are more likely to develop chronic nosebleeds from damage to your sinus cavities and nasal passages.

People who inject meth can suffer from collapsed veins and put themselves at more risk of developing a blood-borne pathogenic disease, such as HIV or AIDS, as a result of sharing needles. Additionally, people who use meth are at a higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease than others.

Meth already increases heart rate and blood pressure, but extended use of meth can lead to serious heart problems later on in life. Meth usage can lead to stroke or a heart attack because it overwhelms the system, especially when used in high quantities. Meth has a negative effect on the brain and the dopamine in a person’s body when used long-term.

Other long-term effects of meth use to look out for are:

  • Inability to complete daily tasks
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Sleep issues
  • Psychosis
  • Organ damage
  • Delusions
  • Impulsivity
  • Heart failure
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Loss of close relationships
  • Homelessness
  • Financial issues

What Are the Drugs Often Used With Meth?

If you are using meth, it’s likely that you are also struggling with other substances. You might be using them at the same time as meth, which can be very dangerous.

Mixing drugs with meth can create an even more intense feeling. If this drug mixing occurs due to tolerance to meth, finding ways to experiment with the high is an unfortunate reality. It can lead to death.

Alcohol

Alcohol and meth work somewhat opposite of each other. Alcohol is a depressant and meth is a stimulant. Using both at the same time often results in a person drinking more as the effects of alcohol are masked by the effects of meth.

When you use both at the same time, you increase your risk factors for things like liver failure, hallucinations, cancer, and even sudden death.

Opioids

A “speedball” is when someone combines both opioids and meth to create an ultra-intense high that is hard to replicate otherwise. For daily users, this is something that might give them a shot at a new level of high that they are searching for.

But, when these substances are combined, it is more likely to cause that person to overdose. Speedballs greatly limit a person’s ability to function, increasing the risk that they will injure themselves or others.

Xanax

People who use meth frequently are known to experience some level of anxiety. Xanax is commonly prescribed for people with anxiety and panic disorders and is used to offset the effects of meth. So, while meth might make you feel anxious and sad, Xanax helps alleviate those feelings of stress.

This combination can lead to serious heart problems including heart failure. Meth speeds your heart up while Xanax slows it down, so they are constantly fighting with each other to overpower one another. Over time, this can cause damage to your heart.

What Is the Treatment for Meth Addiction?

Meth addiction is often severe, and there is no easy way to “cure” it. However, when you enter into addiction treatment, you are giving yourself the best chance at recovery.

You will need professional healthcare assistance to overcome meth cravings. Trying to become sober from meth use can be fatal. That’s why we offer a variety of different treatment options, so you can find something that works for you.

Treatment programs for meth addiction will likely involve a detox. Trying to quit meth on your own can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. With detoxification treatment, you get 24/7 surveillance and access to medical professionals to help keep you safe during your meth withdrawal.

Afterward, you can move on to either an inpatient or partial hospitalization program to begin working on other aspects of your addiction. It’s not just about drug use. Behavioral health is an essential part of treatment that can help set you up for sobriety in the future.

Get Help at Soba Recovery Center

If you’re wondering where you can get this kind of treatment, look no further. Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, can offer you the support you need to overcome meth addiction with both inpatient and outpatient services.

Admitting you have a meth addiction can be scary. Don’t let your fear hold you back from living your best life. If you feel like you lack support from the people around you, finding community through group therapy and sober living at Soba Recovery Center can help change your outlook on recovery.

Get the sense of community you need and the support of health professionals who care.

If you or a loved one are struggling with meth abuse or addiction, reach out to Soba Recovery Center. The sooner you seek help, the quicker you can start feeling like yourself again.

 

Sources:

Methamphetamine | DEA

Current Research on Methamphetamine: Epidemiology, Medical and Psychiatric Effects, Treatment, and Harm Reduction Efforts | NCBI

What are the Long-term Effects of Methamphetamine Misuse? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

​​How Methamphetamine Became a Key Part of Nazi Military Strategy | TIME

How To Help Someone With Drug Addiction and Depression

How To Help Someone With Drug Addiction and Depression

People who are addicted to substances and deal with depression have two forces working against them at all times. Substances are often used to ease the pain of mental health conditions like depression.

If you get stuck in a cycle where your substance of choice is the only thing that feels like it alleviates your depression symptoms, it’s easy to fall into full-blown drug addiction.

Recognizing the signs that someone you know might be struggling with both, and offering up your support and guidance to the right resources, can lead to someone getting treatment. To do that, you need to understand depression, its causes and signs, and the symptoms that go with it. Then you can learn about ways to intervene and help out — while avoiding a strain on your relationship.

What Is Drug Addiction and Depression?

Drug addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic disorder that disrupts your daily functioning because of compulsive drug-seeking behaviors. People who struggle with drug addiction become reliant on how that drug makes them feel. They will often do whatever is necessary to get ahold of more.

When occasional recreational substance use becomes an addiction, people can experience both mental and physical decline.

Depression is a mental disorder that impacts people both physically and mentally. Depending on the drug and the frequency, mental health and behavioral changes can range from minor to severe. It doesn’t take long for these drugs to impact how you function and take care of yourself.

You might not care that much about your own well-being, leading to risky behaviors that harm yourself and others. Many people with depression find themselves experiencing a lack of motivation, an inability to care for themselves properly, and a general disinterest in their own lives and the lives of others.

When someone is struggling with one of these disorders alone, it can be difficult, but together, the combination can potentially become fatal that much faster. Unfortunately, these two conditions often go hand-in-hand. Of course, these actions cause a rift in long-term relationships. But there is hope.

How Do They Connect?

There are a few crossovers between depression and drug addiction. You don’t always become addicted to drugs due to your depression, or vice versa, but it does happen. People who suffer from substance use disorder are more likely to be depressed because what comes with addiction can be very difficult.

Addiction can cause a loss of friends and family, financial struggle, and even homelessness. The reality of drug addiction can cause someone to experience situations they never imagined for themselves, which often leads to further feelings of hopelessness. Drug addiction causes increasing isolation from the positive things and people that matter and can cause depressive symptoms to keep spiraling downward.

People who are depressed might look to self-medication in order to limit some of their symptoms. For instance, many people who struggle with depression will use alcohol to forget and numb the pain or marijuana to provide some sort of relief from the stress of life. Again, the two are not mutually exclusive, but treating one without the other might not always provide the best results.

How Can You Tell if Someone Needs Help?

If a close friend or family member is beginning to show signs of either depression or drug addiction, it isn’t always so obvious. Everyone can express these signs in different ways. Not all depressed or drug-addicted people behave the same way. However, there are a few different signs that might come to light in regards to your friend’s well-being.

These are a few of the more common signs of addiction and depression:

  • A person might begin to withdraw from friends and family.
  • They might become easily irritated and angered, snapping out of nowhere.
  • They might not speak to you for days, weeks, or even months, seemingly disappearing.
  • Not showing up for events or gatherings without being under the influence.
  • Missing work, school, or other important events.
  • Having erratic sleep schedules and more frequent health issues.
  • Asking for money or showing other signs that they are struggling financially.

How To Help

If you recognize that someone you love might be in need of support and assistance, figuring out how you can help is the hardest part. Everyone is different and reacts to support and the idea of seeking treatment in different ways.

For the best outcome, it’s important that you don’t imply or state that you are angry or disappointed with them, but rather that you love and want to help them. You may not understand what your loved one is going through, but you can still offer your non-judgemental support.

Asking for help is sometimes impossible, and while a person might not appreciate it at the moment, offering help that someone desperately needs is always worthwhile in the end. There are a few ways that you can help someone who is struggling with drug addiction and depression without bombarding and overwhelming them.

Understand that not everyone is going to immediately jump at the idea of entering into an inpatient rehab program. However, showing them the options that are available to them can help plant the seed to get them started in the right direction when they feel ready.

Show Support

Being a shoulder to lean on, offering your time, and letting people talk are just a few ways for you to show support. Showing up for your loved one is what they truly need right now. Both depression and drug addiction can be isolating diseases. Knowing someone is in your corner can make the fight worth it.

No one likes the symptoms of depression or being addicted to drugs for the entirety of their life. Getting out of these conditions alone is not always possible.

Suggest a sober living environment to detox and move forward in a safe place. Attend support meetings with your loved one, help them find the right professionals that can hold them accountable for their actions, and check in to let them know that you are thinking of them during the long road to recovery.

Find a Treatment Center

Not everyone who struggles with both depression and drug addiction has the energy to look for treatment centers. They may lack the energy or motivation to even get out of bed and start their day.

Offer a list of substance abuse treatment centers to make sobriety and treatment feel possible. Find a place that will take into consideration the needs of your loved one and address your concerns, as well as create a personalized treatment plan to guide you and yours to success.

A treatment center that will truly help will have many options for treatment, including detoxification treatments and partial hospitalization. Your loved one’s struggles will not be the same as yours, so talking with these centers about their treatment can help pinpoint what might be the most impactful way to spur them to action.

Getting Help at Soba Recovery

When your friend enters the Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, they can be sure to get personalized plans geared to their needs. Drug addiction and depression need to be treated both separately and together in order to get to the root of the problem and come up with working solutions. You cannot treat one without the other.

With both inpatient and outpatient services, we can work with your loved one to figure out what treatment plan will address the issues at hand while we work toward sober living. Medical professionals and therapists are available at all times when help is needed. Those with severe addiction are monitored 24/7.

If Soba Texas seems like a place they’d like to be, reach out to a representative and discuss all of their options. Of course, once we get to know your loved one better, we can come up with a plan that fits their situation to help ensure long-lasting success.

 

Sources:

Drug Misuse and Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Depression | NIMH

Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness | National Institute on Drug Abuse