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Nashville, Tennessee, has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. The overuse of opioids has resulted in a rise in addiction and overdose deaths in the city. As a response to this crisis, many people in Nashville have begun to seek out opioid detox programs like the ones offered at Southeast Addiction Center Tennessee and our partner inpatient facilities.

Opioid withdrawal is a challenging process, but the good news is that Southeast Addiction Center’s Opioid Detox in Nashville gives you a safe and comfortable means of getting through it.

Our Opiate Detox in Nashville, TN

Our opioid detox in Nashville, TN is a comprehensive and evidence-based program designed to help individuals safely and comfortably detox from opioids. Our experienced team of doctors, nurses, and therapists provide care and support during the detox process to ensure a safe, comfortable, and successful recovery.

We offer a range of treatment options to ensure a comprehensive approach to recovery. From medication-assisted treatment to individual and group behavioral therapy, we provide access to the resources necessary to ensure lasting sobriety. Our holistic program focuses on healing the body, mind, and spirit for a more fulfilling life.

We understand that battling opioid substance use disorder is a difficult journey, and we are dedicated to helping individuals achieve sobriety and live a life free from addiction. We offer extended care and ongoing support to ensure that individuals stay on track toward long-term sobriety. Our comprehensive treatment program and dedicated team of healthcare professionals provide a safe and comfortable environment for detox and recovery.

More About Opiate Detox Programs

Opioids are a class of drugs that are used to relieve pain. They work by blocking signals of pain in the brain, while also causing a feeling of pleasure. Common opioids include prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and codeine, as well as heroin, fentanyl, and morphine. These drugs can be highly addictive and are often abused for their euphoric effects. Long-term use of opioids can lead to tolerance, dependence, and severe addiction.

Our opioid detox program in Nashville is designed to help people safely withdraw from opioids and begin the process of recovery. Treatment plans typically involve a combination of medication, counseling, and support groups. Medications are used to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal and to help with relapse prevention. Counseling sessions provide an opportunity to address underlying issues that may have contributed to the addiction. Support groups offer the chance to connect with other people who are going through similar experiences. We also offer family therapy to incorporate loved ones in the recovery process.

Our opioid detox program in Nashville is the first step toward recovery and restoration. With the right support and resources, people can find the strength and courage to overcome their addiction and begin to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Benefits of Going To Our Opioid Detox in Nashville

Detoxification can be a difficult, dangerous, and uncomfortable process that can cause a variety of physical and psychological symptoms.

Common physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:

• Agitation
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Profuse Sweating
• Runny Nose
• Watery Eyes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle Aches and Pains
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Yawning
• Loss of Appetite
• Insomnia
• Cold Flashes
• Goosebumps

It is important to remember that these symptoms will pass. However, it’s strongly suggested that you go to an opioid detoxification program to ensure you get through the acute withdrawal phase as safely and comfortably as possible.

Medical professionals at our opioid detox center in Nashville are available to help clients safely and comfortably manage their withdrawal symptoms. It is important to note that everyone experiences detox differently and that the duration and intensity of the detox process can vary from person to person.

During the detox process, individuals will be monitored and provided with medications to help alleviate the intensity of their symptoms. Once the physical withdrawal symptoms have been managed, individuals can begin to focus on the psychological aspects of their drug addiction.

How Long Will I Be in Detox?

Opioid detox usually takes at least 3-7 days, depending on the severity of the addiction and the type of substance that was used. During the first few days of detox, patients may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, chills, and anxiety. To ensure the safety of the patient during withdrawal, they will be monitored closely throughout this process.

During the detox process, patients will receive medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal, as well as counseling and support to help them cope with the changes in their lives. After detox, patients will be ready for the next step in their recovery process, which is typically residential treatment or a partial hospitalization program.

At this stage, patients are given the opportunity to start rebuilding their lives and addressing the underlying issues that led them to opioid addiction in the first place. The road to recovery can be a long and difficult one, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to break free from opioid addiction and move forward with one’s life.

Medication-Assisted Treatment For Opioid Detox

Opioid addiction is a serious issue affecting many individuals in Nashville, TN. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available for those seeking to detox from opioid addiction. One of the most effective is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Our MAT program combines medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, or Vivitrol with evidence-based therapies to provide a comprehensive approach to opioid detox and recovery. We do not currently work with methadone but can refer you out to providers that do.

MAT is a safe and effective way of helping individuals detox from opioid addiction. The medication used in MAT is carefully monitored and adjusted to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort during the detox process. It helps reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for individuals to successfully complete the detox process. In addition, MAT with medications such as suboxone can be an effective part of a long-term recovery plan, as it helps reduce the risk of relapse and improves the chances of successful recovery.

How Much Do Nashville Opiate Detox Centers Cost?

The cost of opioid detox services in Nashville typically ranges between $800 and $2,000 per day, depending on the facility and the length of treatment. Southeast Addiction Center Tennesee offers a range of payment options, such as insurance, private pay, and occasionally sliding scale fees for those in need. We also offer outpatient detox that is considerably less expensive. Many times individuals with insurance will have little to no out-of-pocket costs. The best way to find out the cost to you is to call us for a free assessment.

Our Nashville treatment center also provides case management services and referrals to other types of treatment such as medication-assisted treatment or residential treatment. It is important for individuals to explore all of their options for treatment in order to find the best fit for their needs and budget. With the right support and resources, individuals can begin the journey to recovery with the help of a detox center in Nashville.

Do Your Research

Finding the right opioid detox center in Nashville, TN can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your needs. The first step is to do your research. You can find a wealth of information online about the various detox centers in the area and determine which one is right for you. It is also helpful to ask for referrals from friends, family, and your healthcare provider to help narrow down your options.

When researching detox centers, it is important to consider the type of medical care and support services offered, as well as the cost of treatment. Make sure the detox center is licensed and accredited by the appropriate state and federal agencies. Ask the detox center staff questions about the detox process and any potential risks associated with opioid detox. It is also helpful to speak with a professional addiction counselor to help you understand your treatment options and make an informed decision.

By taking the time to research and ask questions, you can find the right opioid detox center in Nashville, TN for your individual needs. Doing so can help ensure that you receive the highest quality care and support services during your detox process.

Additional Opiate Detox Resources in Nashville

There are a number of organizations in the Nashville area that provide resources to individuals struggling with opioid addiction.

• Southeast Addiction Center Tennesee is a Nashville-based rehab center that provides outpatient detox and Medication-Assisted Treatment as well as inpatient detox through its partner facilities. Call us 24/7 for help.
• Tennessee Recovery Navigators is a non-profit organization that offers peer-based recovery support services, including opioid detox resources. They provide support to individuals in their journey to recovery, offering resources for detox, counseling, and aftercare.
• The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse provides a variety of services to individuals in the Nashville area, including a directory of MAT addiction treatment providers.
• Nashville CARES is a well-known organization in Nashville that provides a variety of services to individuals in the area, including counseling and recovery support services. They provide individuals with the resources they need to successfully navigate the recovery process. Overall, there are a variety of organizations in Nashville that provide opioid detox services to individuals struggling with addiction. With the help of these organizations, individuals can access resources to help them in their journey to recovery.

Hydrocodone is an opioid that is often prescribed to help an individual cope with severe pain, but it is a medication that is both addictive and can cause severe side effects. It belongs to a group of painkillers known as narcotic analgesics that interacts with the central nervous system to relieve long-term, chronic pain. It is also often combined with acetaminophen to prolong pain relief.

Like most medications, hydrocodone has some common side effects such as:

• Stomach Pain
• Dry Mouth
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Back Pain
• Ringing in the Ears
• Insomnia
• Uncontrollable Shaking
• Constipation

More severe side effects include:

• Chest Pain
• Hallucinations
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Swelling of the face, throat, or lips
• Hives or Itching

Increased Itching Due to Use

It is not entirely understood why opiate pain relievers like hydrocodone cause a person to itch severely. There are some theories that the use of hydrocodone triggers an immune response, even if it is used as prescribed. This immune response affects receptor proteins on the surface of mast cells, which are white blood cells found in connective tissues within the skin.

For people who experience itchiness when taking hydrocodone, it appears that the person’s cells react as if they were allergic to the medication. This causes a histamine response that leads to itching and hives.

Another theory states that the itching may come from the activation of opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Sensations of itching may be caused by the transmission of sensations from the skin to the brain which results in intense itching sensations.

It is also believed that injecting opioids into the skin—which may not be hydrocodone but other opioid drugs like fentanyl, heroin, codeine, or oxycodone—can cause an allergic reaction or itching sensations within the skin. Injecting drugs may lead to abscesses, sores, or injuries to the skin that causes itching.

Treating Itching

If a person is using hydrocodone as prescribed for pain management, side effects like itching can be extremely inconvenient. Some ways to treat itching include:

• Antihistamines: these are medications are over-the-counter and are used to treat allergic reactions, itching, and hives.
• Topical steroids are used to address physical symptoms of itching.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are another common medication that helps treat itching or hives.
• A doctor may also prescribe different anti-anxiety medications as itching may be a result of opioid-induced nerves or anxieties.

Opioid Use Disorder

Though itching is often a side effect of normal hydrocodone use, it may also be indicative of a more severe condition. Substance abuse, specifically with opioid medications, is extremely dangerous and may even be life-threatening. Increased side effects, such as itching and hives, could mean that you or a loved one are abusing hydrocodone or other opioids.

If this is the case, seeking professional help is critical as continued abuse may lead to an opioid overdose or death. Side effects of an opioid overdose include:

• Pale or clammy face
• Limp body
• Blue or purple lips and fingernails
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Slowed or stopped heartbeat or breathing

An opioid overdose is very dangerous, especially if you are alone or if no one around you carries Naloxone. Naloxone is the only medication that reverses the effects of opioids, allowing a person more time to get medical help.

Treating Opioid Addiction

If itchiness is caused by hydrocodone or opioid abuse, there is a more severe underlying issue. Drug addiction is no joke, and seeking professional help is the most beneficial way to overcome this disorder. An addiction treatment center will work with you to determine what your specific symptoms are and how to best help you.

In some cases, detoxification may be a necessary first step. Experiencing opioid withdrawal can be difficult, but ridding your body of any opioids is an important way to begin this process. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness

Withdrawal from opioids can be helped through medication-assisted treatments. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone were designed specifically to address withdrawal symptoms and make this process much easier to get through. Anti-anxiety medications like Clonidine can reduce nerves, agitation, muscle aches, and other side effects that cause complications during this process.

Once a person is done with this process, working with professionals through different treatment programs can be helpful. Different programs like SMART recovery, group therapy, narcotics anonymous meetings, intensive outpatient treatment, or inpatient treatment can provide different resources to an individual seeking help with reaching long-term sobriety.

It is also important to talk with your healthcare provider about taking prescription opioids for pain if they have led to addiction. There are different medications that can be used to treat pain that are less addictive.

Get Help Now

There is no shame in seeking professional help for opioid abuse, and there are many different resources out there that can help you find a treatment program that best addresses your needs. Call today to find a rehab program and start your sobriety journey now.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 50 resources to support Black Men who are struggling with addiction or mental illness.

A Look At The Statistics

Over the past decade, overdose death rates have increased for all demographics in America. That being so, the overdose death rates for Black Men have risen significantly more than those of other groups. During 2020 alone, the rates of overdose deaths for Black men aged 65 and older were almost seven times higher than those of their white counterparts. Black people (both men and women) aged 15 to 24 saw an 86% increase in overdose deaths during 2020 alone.

This is the progression of a long-standing trend that has been building for decades. Between 1999 and 2018, the largest increase was among synthetic opioid overdoses in Black Men. In 1999, there were 0.1 synthetic opioid overdoses per 100,000 Black Men. This had increased to 36 synthetic opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 Black Men by 2018.

This trend has been compounded by the recent pandemic and the problem is still escalating. In October of 2021, the Pew Research Center conducted a study that found that 42% of Black adults perceive drug addiction as a “major problem” in their community. This is contrasted to just 34% of White adults that feel drug addiction is a “major problem” in their community.

Mental health struggles similarly affect Black Men disproportionately to their white counterparts. In 2019, 11.8% of Black teenagers attempted suicide in America. This is in sharp contrast to 7.9% of White teenagers who attempted suicide during this same time. Additionally, according to SAMHSA’s 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 16.2% of African Americans reported having a mental illness in 2018. Among them, 22.4% reported having a “serious mental illness” that interfered with their lives.

Socioeconomic status has a role to play in the prevalence of mental health issues of any demographic, and it is certainly at play among Black Men. As of 2018, 20.8% of Black people in America were living below the poverty line. Black Men living below the poverty line are 2 times as likely to report mental health struggles than those living above the poverty line. The stigma of mental health struggles within the Black community can also contribute to the reluctance of Black Men to seek help for their mental health challenges.

While the reasons for these disparities are many, there is also a wealth of resources available for Black Men who are struggling with substance use disorder, mental illness, or both.

Addiction Recovery Resources for Black Men

• The No Shame Movement: This is a national movement that aims to destigmatize mental health and addiction struggles within the Black community in America. They provide resources and a community of other Black Men who are working to overcome their mental health and/or substance abuse struggles.
• Young People in Recovery: This is a non-profit organization that has chapters all over the country. As the name implies, this is a community of young people who are in recovery from substance abuse. For information on their Tennessee chapter, email Kayla Cribbs at [email protected]
• The SAFE Project – Samuels Story: This is an autobiographical account of Samuel, a Black Man who grew up among violence, drugs, and alcohol. He details his challenges with addiction, and most importantly, what he did to overcome addiction and change his life.
• The Temper – Black Recovery Memoirs: This article details 12 autobiographical memoirs written by Black People about struggling with addiction and finding recovery.
• Online Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment, and Recovery: This website acts as a hub for information about addiction, addiction recovery, and the African American community.
• Concerned Black Men of America: This is a community outreach and community building organization that was founded by Black people, for Black people. Their main focus is to re-invigorate the inner city communities that have been hit hardest by drug addiction and violence, but they provide many different types of programs all across the country.
• Addiction in the African American Community: The Recovery Legacies of Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X: Written by William White, Mark Sanders, and Tanya Sanders and first appearing in the Journal Counselor in 2006, this paper takes an inside look at the history of addiction in Black communities in America. They include quotes and stories from Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X that tell the stories of addiction recovery throughout the history of Black America.
• Recovery Dharma – BIPOC: This is a section of the Buddhist-inspired Recovery Dharma fellowship that is specifically for and by Black and Indigenous People of Color.
• The Transformation Center: This is a Maryland-based non-profit organization that works to help Black People in the local community. Their website also has an expansive resource page that lists helpful resources all across the country.
• Word In Black: This is a community of Black news publishers from all across the country who have come together to publish stories that are uniquely for, and by, Black people.
• Black Recovery Stories Speaking to Individual and Collective Wellness by Emily Lordi: This is an in-depth article looking at the impact that addiction and mental health have had on Black America over the past several decades.

Mental Health Resources for Black Men

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, this is a 24/7/365 crisis line that can provide care to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide. Dial 988 from any phone within the US.
• Call Blackline: This is a crisis line devoted to Black people who are struggling with mental health issues. Call 1-800-604-5841 for help.
• Crisis Text Line: This is a text-only crisis hotline that can be reached anytime, 24/7/365, by texting HOME to 741-741.
• SAMHSA Black & African American Resource Guide: This is an extensive guide that provides a wealth of resources for Black Men who are struggling with mental health issues. These resources include educational materials, recovery programs, and federal initiatives aimed at helping Black Men who may be struggling.
• Black Men Heal: This is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing helpful mental health resources for Black Men and is specifically centered on the needs of Black and Brown communities.
• The Steve Fund: This organization is wholly dedicated to improving access to mental health resources for Black Men and Women in America. They provide dozens of resources including webinars, internal and external resources, and a crisis text line which can be reached by texting STEVE to 741-741.
• Therapy for Black Men: This is a therapy and mental health advocacy organization that is dedicated to the destigmatization of mental health services for Black Men.
• Lee Thompson Young Foundation: This foundation was created by the family of Lee Thompson Young, a Black American actor and entertainer, who took his own life after struggling for years with bipolar disorder and depression.
• Black Mental Wellness: This is an advocacy organization whose stated goal is to provide a Black perspective on mental health challenges. Their website provides resources, and evidence-based information and works to decrease the stigma of mental health issues within the Black community.
• Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective (BEAM): As the name suggests, this is a Black-specific mental health alliance that works to provide resources for Black people who are struggling with mental health issues. BEAM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that can help connect someone to the help they need.
• Ourselves Black: This is a mental health advocacy organization for Black People, by Black People. They provide stories of recovery, positive coping practices, and a range of resources for Black People who are facing mental health challenges.
• Transparent Black Guy: This is an Instagram account dedicated to celebrating Black Men and supporting Black Men’s mental health.
• In Our Own Voice: African-American Stories of Oppression, Survival, and Recovery in Mental Health Systems: Written by Vanessa Jackson and made available online by the National Empowerment Center, this 37-page historical retrospective tells the story of the struggles of Black America in overcoming mistreatment and discrimination within the mental health institutions of the time as well as the authors’ personal story of recovery from mental health challenges.
• Melanin & Mental Health: This organization works to connect Black People with culturally-competent therapists anywhere in the country. Their website provides a resource page that lists dozens of helpful resources to accelerate healing. 

Videos for Black Men

• Black Men Speak & Men of Color: This is a project dedicated to spreading a message of hope and healing through the art of storytelling. Their media page provides videos of recorded talks and stories.
• Stories of Hope & Recovery – Jordan Burnham: Jordan shares his story of addiction, mental health issues, and a suicide attempt. He also shares how he changed his life and overcame his addiction.
• TED MED – Let’s Quit Abusing Drug Users: This TED Talk by Professor Carl Hart discusses treating addiction as the disease that it is and removing the stigma behind the addiction.
• TEDx Talk by Phillip J. Roundtree – Black Mental Health Matters: Phillip Roundtree tells his own personal story of recovery from trauma and mental health challenges in this inspiring video from TEDx Wilmington.
• TEDx Talk by Billy Johnson – Rediscovering Hope Through Self-Forgiveness: Billy Johnson retells his journey from the dark depths of self-imposed hell to an awakening that has empowered him to forgive himself and discover a new way of life.

Podcasts for Black Men

• The Breakdown with Dr. Earl: Dr. Erlanger Turner (Earl) is a trained psychologist and university professor who explores a variety of mental health-related topics in the Black community.
• Black Mental Matters: Co-hosted by founder Vince Bailey and Makeba Reed-Johnson, this podcast tackles a wide range of issues that Black Americans face every day. Their website also provides an extensive resource page that provides a wide range of mental health and addiction recovery resources.
• Let’s Talk Bruh: This podcast is a haven for discussing any and all issues that affect the contemporary Black Man.
• Black Mental Health Podcast: Hosted by Reginald Howard, this podcast is aimed at sharing stories of recovery from mental health issues.
• All Black Men Need Therapy: This podcast is focused solely on the challenges faced by Black Men and how mental healthcare is more crucial now than ever in the Black community.
• Getting Your Sh*t Together with Cynthia: This podcast details the challenges of getting sober as a Black person in your 30s. Hosted by Cynthia, the podcast focuses on the challenges of sobriety, mental health, and life in general in today’s Black America.
• The Friend Zone: A podcast about mental health, mental wealth, and mental hygiene hosted by three friends Dustin Ross, HeyFranHey, and Assante who all have personal experience with mental health challenges in the Black community.
• Ourselves Black Podcast: This is an initiative of the website Ourselves Black that provides weekly podcasts about a variety of Black-centric mental health issues and stories.
• Dear Black Boy: The Therapeutic Podcast for Black Men: This podcast is all about uncovering and healing mental health issues. This includes mental health disorders as well as mental health conditions formed through trauma. 

Apps for Black Men

• REAL: This app provides a wide range of tools for improving mental health and developing new coping skills. They provide tools in the app as well as live events streamed through the app.
• The Shine App: Now a part of Headspace Health, the Shine app provides daily meditations, self-care exercises, and virtual community workshops that can help Black Men support and improve their mental healthcare routines.
• The Safe Place: As a self-described “minority mental health app geared towards the Black community” Safe Place provides culturally-competent mental health exercises and can help connect someone with further care if they choose.
• MindRight: This is a text-based app that provides daily inspiration and motivation through text messages.
• Somewhere Good: This is a novel app that focuses on audio as the main method of interaction. With a wealth of voice memos, recorded monologues, and dialogues, this app is geared towards slowing down and connecting with your community.
• Liberate: Created by Julio Rivera, this app is intended as a virtual community to heal, meditate, and grow with like-minded Black people all across the world.
• WEconnect: This is a personal growth and wellness support app that also helps connect you with other people who are looking to improve their mental health.
• Minds of the Culture: This is a Black mental health app designed by Dr. Chanda Reynolds. The app includes journaling exercises, a Black therapist directory, and a variety of videos to help improve your mental wellness.

Tennessee-Specific Addiction & Mental Health Resources for Black Men

• Tennessee REDLINE Call 1-800-889-9789: Since 1989, Tennessee REDLINE has acted as a referral service that connects people with substance abuse treatment near them. They are available 24/7/365.
• Black Mental Health Alliance of Nashville: This is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to improve access to mental healthcare for Black People in and around Nashville.
• NAMI Chattanooga: This is the Chattanooga chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Their website provides multiple resources in and around Chattanooga for anyone struggling with mental health issues.

The Associations Between Alcohol And Sugar

If you’ve ever been in a treatment facility, you’ll likely have seen a lot of sugary drinks and snacks around. But did you know why? Many recovering alcoholics struggle with cravings for sugar. But why is this? What’s the relationship between sugar and alcohol addiction? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the biological mechanisms behind why recovering alcoholics crave sugar and how it can be managed in a healthy way. We’ll also look at how to make healthier food choices that still satisfy sweet cravings without compromising an individual’s progress in recovery. Finally, we’ll discuss the importance of understanding and managing these cravings as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

The Role of Sugar in Alcoholism

In recovery, it is not uncommon for people to experience cravings for sugar. While there are many theories as to why this happens, one of the most commonly accepted is that sugar plays a role in alcoholism. Some research says that sugar itself can be addictive. 

The reason why sugar may play a role in alcoholism is because it can help to replenish the body’s store of glycogen. Glycogen is a type of sugar that is stored in the liver and muscles. It is used by the body for energy, and when it is depleted, people can feel tired and weak. Therefore, eating sugary foods can help to boost energy levels and improve mood.

Alcohol is also just sugar that has been digested by yeast. The products of this digestion are C02 and alcohol. In some ways, this digested sugar acts similarly to sugar in the human body. When the body is used to a lot of sugar and stops getting it abruptly, it looks for ways to replenish it. 

However, while sugar can help with energy levels in the short-term, it can also contribute to problems in the long-term. For example, eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which can be difficult to lose once sober. Additionally, sugar can cause blood sugar levels to spike and crash, which can lead to feelings of irritability and fatigue. Therefore, it is important for people in recovery to find a balance when it comes to consuming sugar.

How Sugar Cravings Affect Recovery

Recovering alcoholics often crave sugar because their bodies are trying to replenish the nutrients that were lost during their drinking binge. Alcoholics tend to drink more than they eat, so their bodies are lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. Sugar cravings are the body’s way of telling the alcoholic that it needs nourishment.

If an alcoholic gives in to their sugar cravings, it can lead to a relapse. The sugar high from eating sweets can be similar to the feeling that alcohol gives, and this can be dangerous for someone in recovery. It’s important for recovering alcoholics to find healthy ways to satisfy their cravings, such as eating fruit or drinking juices instead of sugary drinks— although these can be ok from time to time, as almost anything is better than drinking for those who are alcoholics. 

Ways To Manage Sugar Cravings In Recovery

It’s no secret that sugar cravings can be a major challenge when trying to recover from alcoholism. While quitting drinking may help to reduce the frequency and intensity of sugar cravings, they can still be a bothersome problem for many people in recovery.

Here are some tips for managing sugar cravings in recovery:

1. Avoid trigger foods and drinks: Foods and drinks that contain high amounts of sugar are likely to trigger cravings. Therefore, it’s important to avoid or limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages.
2. Eat regular meals: Eating regular, balanced meals can help to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce the likelihood of experiencing sugar cravings.
3. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to increased hunger and cravings for sugary foods. Make sure to get plenty of restful sleep each night to help avoid this issue.
4. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to minimize cravings by releasing feel-good endorphins and increasing blood flow throughout the body (including the brain).

Many of these tips are the same tips for a healthy lifestyle in general, but that makes sense. If you’re healthy overall, you’ll reduce cravings because your body is working properly. One reason cravings happen is because of an imbalance in your body chemistry. Things like eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help you feel good all the time and without the highs and lows of alcohol abuse— and sugar.  

Get Help With An Alcohol Addiction And Learn Healthy New Ways To Live

Recovering alcoholics often crave sugar due to the neurological changes that occur during long-term abuse of alcohol. While it can be challenging to break this craving, there are various strategies and lifestyle modifications that can help recovering alcoholics curb their cravings for sugar. At Southeast Addiction Rehab in Tennessee, we can teach you these strategies. 

Ultimately, with support from family and friends, as well as professional help like ours, every alcoholic has the opportunity to achieve sobriety and start down the path towards a healthier life. If you would like to learn more, please give us a call at (615) 326 6449. 

We are looking forward to speaking with you. 

Getting sober is a tough, tiring process, but so worth it. If you are ready to overcome alcoholism, it is important to remember that you didn’t become addicted to alcohol in one day. It took months or even years to do so. As difficult as the recovery process may be, you can get the support you need to get through it. The Southeast Addiction team is here to help.  We also want to share some alcoholism quotes to help throughout your journey, too.

“One day at a time.”

When it comes to overcoming an alcohol addiction, you must take things one day at a time. On some days, you may even need to take things one hour at a time. There are many obstacles you will run into during recovery. However, remembering that you only have to get through today and then tomorrow will come can make a huge difference in how well you are able to overcome those obstacles.

“Take the steps, not an elevator.”

In recovery, there isn’t an easy way to get through it. When you are overcoming an addiction, you are going to have struggles, challenges and good times. However, you can’t get to any of it through the way of an elevator. It takes work and time, so you will need to take the steps. 

The 12 steps have helped millions of people to get and continue to stay sober. They have helped millions of people to create a life filled with positivity, meeting goals, building life skills and accomplishing things daily. If you want to start working on the 12 steps, you’ll want to find a sponsor who has worked them and has a sponsor themselves.

“You’re responsible for your behaviors, not your disease.”

You can’t control whether you developed alcoholism. Alcohol addiction is a disease just like cancer. However, you are responsible for the way that you behave and act due to your disease. For example, you are responsible for whether you tell the truth or lie to your loved ones. You are responsible for choosing to become defiant with your parents or listening to them. Remember, you are responsible for your behaviors, not the disease. 

“Recovery is a journey not a destination.”

Recovery is a journey not the destination. What does this mean? Well, when you get sober, that doesn’t mean you are cured or recovered from the addiction. In fact, getting sober and staying sober is only a part of recovery. The rest of recovery is building a solid foundation to your lifestyle, making better life choices, improving your relationships, making amends and living the life you deserve. 

As you can tell, it is much more than just stopping your consumption of alcohol, because quitting drinking won’t make all these things happen, you must do the work to continue to maintain your recovery and grow in it.

“Serenity isn’t the absence of conflict, but your ability to cope with it.”

A lot of people start drinking alcohol or getting high to cope with difficult situations in life. Unfortunately, drinking and getting high don’t usually help to handle these situations, it only makes things worse. 

If you abuse alcohol or drugs because you have trouble coping with tough times in life, addiction recovery is needed. 

When in recovery, you will learn about the Serenity Prayer. This is where you learn to let go of what you can’t control, control what you can and have the wisdom to know the difference. With this being said, it is important to keep in mind that living a serene lifestyle doesn’t mean you never have conflicts or obstacles. It means that you are able to handle these things with more precision and calmness.

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

It is never too late to be what you might have been. Read that again. Every day of our lives we make choices that lead us to the next day. We make decisions that change the route of our life in one way or another. When people live an addictive lifestyle, they often make negative decisions that impact their life for the worse instead of for the better. 

If you have been living an addictive lifestyle, remember that you can reach out for help at any time. It is never too late to make a positive choice in life, no matter what all has gone wrong. Even if you have hit rock bottom, you can still create a positive life for yourself. Reach out to us, here at Southeast Addiction Center in TN, to get the help you need. 

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matter compared to what lies within us.”

Unfortunately, many people let addiction define their life and their true self. If you have done this, you aren’t alone. However, now is the time to realize that what lies behind you and before you are only tiny pieces of who you are. You are not your addiction. You are not the chances that you have of staying in recovery. But, you are your true self – capable, strong, wise, kind and much more. You are the person you create no matter what you have done in your past. 

“You, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve love and affection.”

You may have struggled to accept love and affection throughout your life, especially in your addictive lifestyle. However, it is important to learn and remember that you, yourself and everyone else in this universe deserve love and affection. Sure, you may have made some bad choices in your life, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to have a good life now and in the future. 

In fact, today our team wants you to repeat these alcoholism quotes to yourself, especially this one. It will help you to realize that you aren’t alone and that you are human. You can have love, strength, sobriety, serenity and much more in your life of recovery.

Use These Alcoholism Quotes to Begin Your Life in Recovery

Are you struggling with alcohol addiction? If so, the alcoholism quotes that we noted here today are meant to help you overcome an addictive lifestyle. They are also meant to help support you while you are on your journey in recovery. 
If you are ready to take the turn into a recovering lifestyle and let go of your addictive lifestyle, use these alcoholism quotes to begin your life in recovery. Contact us today, here at Southeast Addiction Center in TN by calling (613) 326-6449, to get into a detox and recovery program.

Dogs really are man’s (and women’s) best friend. They are absolutely loyal, they’re never in a bad mood, they’re always happy to see you— and they help human beings with a wide variety of tasks, including medical tasks like seizure recognition and diabetes aid. They provide companionship, raise moods, and are perhaps the only beings on the planet that provide absolute perfect love. We really don’t deserve dogs, but if there is a higher power they are a direct gift from a benevolent being. 

Do You Think A Service Dog Might Help With Your PTSD? 

Dogs really are man’s (and women’s) best friend. They are absolutely loyal, they’re never in a bad mood, they’re always happy to see you— and they help human beings with a wide variety of tasks, including medical tasks like seizure recognition and diabetes aid. They provide companionship, raise moods, and are perhaps the only beings on the planet that provide absolute perfect love. We really don’t deserve dogs, but if there is a higher power they are a direct gift from a benevolent being. 

There’s really nothing better in this world than a dog, and just about any responsible dog owner will tell you the same. 

One of the most important jobs dogs can help with is recognizing and helping to ameliorate the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As many as nearly one fourth of veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan have come home with some form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and although having any dog has been shown to improve symptoms of this disease, a dog specifically trained to help with PTSD can be a game changer. 

Below, we’ll help explain the steps to getting a service dog trained to help with PTSD as well as how they might be able to help. 

How Can A Service Dog Help With PTSD? 

Service dogs help with specific tasks that help sufferers manage PTSD, such as interrupting anxiety behaviors and nightmares, redirecting focus away from triggers to focus on the dog rather than the anxiety and terror, they reduce the likelihood of suicide (many people who have considered suicide have sometimes stayed alive solely for their pets), and they can perform safety checks and even in some cases call for help when needed. 

Service animals for PTSD can also help lead their handlers to safe places when experiencing acute symptoms of PTSD such as severe anxiety, dissociation, and flashbacks. They can retrieve medication, and the routine of caring for an animal can help to remind those suffering from PTSD to eat and sleep at appropriate times. 

This is to say nothing of the companionship, stress-reducing effects of having a dog around, and the unconditional love they provide. 

How To Get A Service Dog For PTSD

Service dogs can be expensive. Each dog is not only highly trained, but trained to work with a specific person, in this case, one suffering from PTSD. It is a lifelong bond. Thus, service dogs trained to work with PTSD patients can cost upwards of $20,000. 

But in some cases the VA will pay for a service dog for veterans. The first step is meeting with your doctor or healthcare provider, who will assess your need for a service dog. Once a need is established, your healthcare provider can submit an application for a service dog. It’s almost as if the dog is prescribed, like a doctor would prescribe a drug, and it’s spoken of as being “prescribed a service dog”.

The VA generally doesn’t pay for the routine upkeep of having a dog, such as food, veterinary care, travel, etc. But there are organizations who do, such as the Center for Compassionate Care. 

Alternatively, if you for some reason can’t get a service dog through the VA, there are other options and organizations that provide service dogs to people with PTSD, such as Paws For Patriots, Battle Buddy Foundation, Canine Angels, and many more. A quick Google search will offer you many links. 

Treatment For PTSD And Addiction

Just as it is well known that dogs and joy go hand and hand, it’s also well known that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and addiction also go hand in hand. Those who have PTSD have a higher rate of drug and alcohol addiction and abuse, and these syndromes overlap in complicated ways. 

If you are suffering from PTSD and addiction, those of us here at Southeast Addiction Tennessee can help. We want to stress, always, that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and addiction are diseases, and they are treatable. These diseases can be managed, and you can live a happy, healthy life. 

We can help you get the doctor’s order you need to qualify for a service dog, and we can help you along every step of the way on your journey to health and recovery. We want to help protect those that protected us so bravely overseas, and we want to help you live the happy, healthy life you deserve— with a dog or without. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and mental illness, Southeast Addiction Tennessee can help. Give us a call at (615) 326-6449

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that involves experiencing or seeing a traumatic event. If you suffer from PTSD, you might experience emotional distress, anxiety, nightmares, intrusive thoughts and flashbacks. The PTSD flashback is a concern that may people have. These can take over their life and invade every corner of your life, too. If you or a loved one struggle with a PTSD flashback, our Southeast Addiction Center team wants to help you work through them and better manage them. You can reach out to us for assistance with flashbacks or other PTSD-related symptoms today.

Defining a PTSD Flashback

A PTSD flashback is just one of the many symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder that you might have. These flashbacks involve memories, thoughts and feelings related to the trauma you witnessed or experienced. 

During these flashbacks, you might feel that you are right in the situation where or when they happened. It can be tough to focus on anything that is happening in the moment when you have a PTSD flashback. There are many things that can trigger this type of flashback, as well. 

What PTSD Flashbacks Look Like

A PTSD flashback can show up in your life in so many ways. It can affect you psychologically,, emotionally or physiologically. Some of the things that you might notice with flashbacks if you have PTSD or trauma-related issues include:

• Feel like you are reliving the trauma 
• Thoughts about the trauma take over your mind
• Fear that you will be in another similar traumatic experience
• Nightmares about the trauma which can cause exhaustion and fatigue
• Feeling like you are losing control of your life and of the present
• Dissociating from reality due to trauma triggers
• Hyperarousal (sweating, rapid heart rate, shakiness, high alertness, fast breathing, etc.)
• Feeling anxious, agitated, numb, fearful, sad or having a flat-affect

Do you experience any number of these symptoms? If so, you may be having PTSD flashbacks. Luckily, there are professionals here at Southeast Addiction Center who are trained and experienced in helping people to overcome these flashbacks and other post-traumatic stress related issues. 

What Causes PTSD Flashbacks 

As noted above, there are numerous things that can cause or trigger a PTSD flashback. If you have gone through a life-threatening, scary, accidental or abusive event, you may have PTSD flashbacks because of that event. Some of the specific causes of many people’s flashbacks include:

• Long-standing trauma such as violence, abuse, neglect, etc. 
• Intense or severe accidents such as a car accident
• Terrorist attack 
• War
• Natural disaster
• Family history or personal history of trauma 
• Family health disorders or challenges
• Trauma-related work such as mental health professionals, correctional officers, or military personnel 
• Not having good coping skills or social supports 

Have you been a part of any traumatic event? If so, we don’t want you to worry. Our team can help you to work through the memories, thoughts and feelings regarding these events. That way, you can stop having the event impact your life so much. 

How PTSD Flashbacks Might Impact Your Life

As just noted, a PTSD flashback may be impacting your life in many negative ways. It can affect your relationships, routines, personal needs, work and so much more. Some of the common ways that a PTSD flashback influences a person’s life include:

• Isolating them from social interactions
• Trouble focusing at school or work
• Not remembering details of the event (as a self-protection measure)
• Feeling helpless, suicidal or hopeless
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Schedule and routine challenges
• Engaging in self-harming or self-destructive behaviors (such as cutting or drinking alcohol)
• Emotional numbness
• Avoiding anything related to the trauma (people, places, things, etc.)
• Sleep difficulties (restless sleep, nightmares, trouble falling asleep, etc.)
• Lack of self-confidence
• Disconnected feeling from others who you were previously close to
• Not having interest in hobbies or other activities
• Eating disorders

It can be very tough to deal with any PTSD flashback. However, you don’t have to go through this on your own. Our Southeast Addiction Center team is here to help make things better in your life.

Getting the Help You Need for PTSD Flashbacks

Have you been dealing with PTSD flashbacks? Maybe, it is a loved one of yours that deals with post-traumatic stress disorder. Either way, there are some great ways that you or your loved one can get help for PTSD flashbacks and other post-traumatic stress related issues. Some of the best options include:

• Getting help from friends and family
• Turning to a religious or spiritual network (ex. Higher Power)
• Talking to a doctor to manage physical and/or mental health symptoms
• Going to therapy (group, individual, nutrition, etc.)
• Doing grounding exercises (ex. 5-4-3-2-1 method is a great one)
• Setting up and sticking to regular routines
• Taking care of yourself (ex. reading books, learning new things, doing something relaxing every day)
• Welcoming positive changes into your life
• Avoiding using drugs and/or alcohol
• Getting help to stop self-harming or self-destructive behaviors
• Making sure your loved ones are aware of what you are going through, so they can support you in your recovery

These are just some of the many things that have helped millions of others work through and overcome PTSD flashbacks. Now that you have these tips, you can also use them to start improving your state of mind, thoughts, feelings and overall lifestyle. 

Treating PTSD Flashbacks 

Remember, you are not alone in handling the PTSD flashbacks. Here at Southeast Addiction Center, our team is trained and ready to help treat any PTSD flashback issues. Some of the treatments that we offer to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms include:

• Dialectical behavioral therapy or DBT
• Cognitive processing therapy or CBT
• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy 
• Other trauma-informed care treatments 
• Various other recovery services

Are you ready to start having fewer PTSD flashbacks? If so, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team about these treatments today. We are ready and willing to help you work through any of the post-traumatic stress symptoms you are having including the PTSD flashback issues. 

Overcome PTSD with Help Today

It can be extremely tough to deal with a PTSD flashback, especially if you are trying to do so on your own. The good news is that you don’t have to keep going at this problem by yourself. Here at Southeast Addiction Center, our team can help you to overcome PTSD. 
Contact us today to begin working through PTSD flashback and other post-traumatic stress related issues.

Alcoholism can show up in many different ways. While there are some stereotypes surrounding what an alcoholic is, that stereotype isn’t always true. For example, there can be a high-functioning business man or woman who is an alcoholic. Everyone around them thinks everything is fine, but underneath the surface, this person is struggling with something so deep they don’t let those around them see it. 

You may be wondering whether you or someone you know is an alcoholic? Well, there are different signs, symptoms and other things that you may notice that could signify someone needs help overcoming an alcohol addiction.

If you know that you need help to quit drinking alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team here today at Southeast Addiction TN.

Definition of an Alcoholic

An alcoholic is someone that drinks alcohol well beyond the amount where they can control it or themselves. They can’t stop drinking voluntarily and may need professional treatment to help them overcome the alcohol use disorder or addiction. 

While there are some alcoholics who drink daily and always seem to be intoxicated, that isn’t always the case. There are also some alcoholics who drink a couple times a year, but everytime they do, they get blackout drunk because they can’t control how much they drink. There are also those who drink regularly and then drive while under the influence of alcohol. There isn’t just one way that this addiction presents itself. 

Causes of Alcoholism

There isn’t just one cause for alcoholism. However, through research and studies, some of the causes for this type of substance abuse disorder/addiction may include:

• Family history of alcoholism (genetics)
• Trauma (from childhood or adulthood)
• Early start to drinking (usually in teenage years)
• Peer pressure 
• Life stressors

No matter what has caused you to develop an alcohol addiction, our Southeast Addiction TN team is ready to help you overcome it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today to get the help that you need.

Casual Drinking or Alcohol Abuse

Are there people who can drink alcohol casually? Sure. However, there is a different between casual drinking and alcohol abuse. 

As just noted, there are people who are able to have a casual drink here and there. They may have a glass or two of wine at dinner with some friends. Generally, this isn’t a problem, unless it leads the person to want more alcohol or to be rude to or isolate others. 

There are also millions of people who abuse alcohol or who are an alcoholic. This happens when someone has a psychological and/or physical compulsion to consume alcohol. For example, someone may have a couple beers with a friend and not be able to stop drinking, so they go to the bar and end up drinking most of the night. 

If you or someone you know is starting to develop an alcohol addiction or you already have one, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Southeast Addiction TN team today. 

Health Issues Related to Alcoholism

Unfortunately, alcoholism affects more than just the addiction aspect of a person’s life. There are numerous health issues that are related to alcohol abuse such as:

• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Cirrhosis 
• Heart disease
• Weakened immune system
• Nerve damage
• Pancreatitis
• Seizures
• Cancer
• Anxiety disorders
• And much more

If an alcohol use disorder has caused you to already develop health issues, you don’t have to let things get even worse. In fact, some people who get into an alcohol addiction treatment program find that some damage is reversed. Reach out to our team today to find out more about how treatment may be able to help you.

Defining Excessive Drinking

It should be noted that there are generally 2 types of excessive drinking which include:

• Heavy drinking – 2 or more drinks daily or over 14 drinks weekly (men) or 1 or more drinks daily or over 7 drinks weekly (women)
• Binge drinking – 5 or more drinks in 2 hours (men) or 4 or more drinks in 2 hours (women)

If you find yourself drinking heavily or binge drinking, there are resources out there that can help you to quit doing this. You can start by contacting our Southeast Addiction TN team today. 

Warning Signs of Alcoholism

You are wondering whether you or someone you know is an alcoholic. Some of the top warning signs of alcoholism include:

• Cravings
• Not having interest in things you once enjoyed
• Drinking by yourself or in secret
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Drinking instead of doing other things you should be doing
• Experiencing irritability or mood swings (especially when you can’t drink)
• Feeling guilty about how much money you spend on alcohol or about how much you drink
• Drinking often, first thing in the morning, or when you are supposed to be doing other things
• Drinking continuously despite family, health, and/or financial issues it causes
• Not being able to control how much you drink

Do you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care about? If so, there are many treatment programs that can help you to not only quit drinking, but create a better lifestyle for yourself, too.

Dealing with Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Unfortunately, most people who struggle with an alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction will have some withdrawal symptoms when they quit drinking. This is primarily due to the mental and/or physical dependence on this substance. 

With this being said, here at Southeast Addiction TN Center, we have detox services that can help you to handle or relive some or all of these withdrawal symptoms. Some of the many withdrawal symptoms that our team can help you with include:

• Stomach pains
• Cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Delirium tremens (rare but serious)
• Chills
• Agitation
• Fever
• Confusion
• Hallucinations

If you are dealing with an alcohol addiction, we highly recommend you get professional detox treatment before you quit drinking. That way, you aren’t facing these withdrawal symptoms on your own. 

Are You an Alcoholic? Get Help for This Addiction Today!

Do you recognize the symptoms above? If so, you could be struggling with an alcohol use disorder or alcoholism. You are not alone and there are people who want to support you in recovery. You might be worried about the withdrawal symptoms, but you don’t have to go through that process alone either. In fact, our treatment team can help to relieve or even dissipate some of the withdrawal symptoms that you might experience.

Are you an alcoholic? If so, contact us today, here at Southeast Addiction TN Center, to start getting the alcoholism treatment that you need.