Author: Gerry Alaby

Orange Tesla pills, imprinted with the Tesla logo, are an energetic supplement designed for increased energy and mental focus. The pills are orange in color, round, and about the size of a regular tablet. They contain natural stimulants like Vitamin B12, green tea, caffeine, and other herbal ingredients like guarana and eleuthero root extract. The natural stimulants provide a general boost of physical and mental energy while helping to improve focus and concentration.

Furthermore, they have no known side effects, making them a safe and natural choice for boosting energy and alertness. However, orange Tesla pills could be lethal if they contain powerful drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, or cocaine. Taking an unknown pill can be risky, as the drug dealer’s dosage and strength are unknown. It is important to be aware that an overdose could be fatal.

Furthermore, orange Tesla Pills are purportedly a form of street-manufactured MDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, commonly known as ecstasy. While the drug is not generally recognized as a medical intervention, users anecdotally report that it produces a euphoric, uplifting experience similar to other forms of MDMA. Additionally, users report enhanced effects compared to conventional MDMA, such as increased energy and clarity of thought. While no scientific evidence supports these claims, they indicate a connection between orange Tesla Pills and MDMA and ecstasy.

What’s in Orange Tesla Pills?

Orange Tesla Pills are energy supplements marketed as an alternative to coffee. They claim to provide a concentrated burst of energy, focus, and increased mental clarity and alertness. The main ingredients include a proprietary blend of herbs and vitamins, including:

• Guarana
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Rhodiola Rosea
• Vitamin B12

Orange Tesla pills are not proven to be effective energy boosters, and a medical provider should be consulted before taking them and can be especially harmful to young people.

Are Orange Tesla Pills Safe?

Orange Tesla pills are not FDA-approved or regulated by the drug enforcement administration and are likely unsafe. According to the BBC, because the drug is not regulated, it could contain dangerous ingredients or have unknown side effects. We recommend consulting a doctor before taking any medication or supplement.

Laced MDMA Pills

Laced pills are created when a drug is combined with other substances, often to increase the drug’s effect or change its flavor. They can contain various other substances, including other drugs, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and even household chemicals. Laced MDMA pills also pose a serious risk to users as the added ingredients could be dangerous and cause various health issues.

While these pills may appear identical to regular MDMA pills, the effects could be more unpredictable, and adverse reactions are likely. Orange Tesla pills are believed to contain a combination of ecstasy/molly, methamphetamine, and other stimulants and can also include fentanyl. Due to the unpredictable nature of laced pills, it is impossible to know how strong the effects of an orange Tesla pill may be. Laced drugs can lead to serious health risks, including overdose, seizures, and even death.

Death

Orange Tesla Pills can kill people due to their high potency. The pills contain powerful stimulants and depressants, including amphetamines, MDMA, ecstasy, and caffeine. In high doses, these substances can cause severe respiratory depression, irregular heartbeat, and changes in body temperature, and can be life-threatening, ultimately resulting in death. People are at exceptionally high risk if they have existing health problems or mix the pills with other drugs or alcohol.

Public Health has compiled stats on the dangers of the hallucinogen orange Tesla pills, which includes the following:

• 43% of users become dependent on the drug
• Psychological harm
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Feelings of depression
• Trouble concentrating
• Increased heart rate

Damage to Organs

Orange Tesla tablets have been linked to severe organ damage, which can be irreversible even with a full recovery, including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Tesla Pill-related death or organ damage is a serious concern. The active ingredient in Tesla Pills is often a variety of highly toxic industrial chemicals, which can cause organ damage or death if not used cautiously. Ingestion of even small amounts of these chemicals can be hazardous, and it is not recommended to ingest orange Tesla pills. If you take the orange Tesla pill, monitoring your health and seeking medical attention if you experience any of the above symptoms is essential.

Other Dangers of Orange Tesla Pills

In addition to the side effects stated by Public Health, orange Tesla Pills can also lead to numerous health problems, including high blood pressure and heart problems due to the caffeine in them, increased risk of stroke or seizures due to the stimulants, and kidney and liver damage. Other possible side effects include dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, difficulty sleeping, increased blood pressure, and irritability. They may also cause dehydration and a rise in body temperature and pulse. Ingesting a large amount may lead to an overdose, possibly resulting in seizures and death.

The combination of Tesla Pills and alcohol is not recommended. Alcohol is a depressant and can magnify the effects of the orange Tesla pill, causing potential physical and mental harm. Avoiding this combination is best, as it increases the risk of severe consequences, including heavy intoxication, decreased coordination, and impaired judgment.

Why Do People Take Orange Tesla Ecstasy Pills?

While the orange Tesla pills are known to cause an intense euphoric feeling, providing a sense of well-being and happiness along with an increase in energy levels and focus, abusing them at large-scale events such as music festivals, and raves are on the rise. This is due to the known increase in libido, making sexual activity more pleasurable and improving social skills making attendees more outgoing and talkative in social situations. There has also been a noted increase in users’ sensory perception, which leads to brighter colors, sharper sounds, and a heightened sense of touch.

Harm Reduction Strategies

Harm reduction strategies include educating yourself and those around you about drug use and its associated risks. Avoid mixing different drugs and driving or operating heavy machinery under the influence.

Test strips should be used to test for fentanyl in the drugs before taking them. These strips detect if fentanyl is present in a pill, usually in the form of a line or other symbol appearing on the test strip. Make sure to follow a proper testing procedure and read the results carefully.

If fentanyl is present, discard the drugs and seek medical care. It is crucial to test for illicit drugs, as fentanyl can be dangerous and potentially fatal. In addition, the drug glows under blacklight, which makes it easy to spot in dimly lit clubs and bars.

Treatment For MDMA Abuse

Our premier Nashville rehab center can benefit those attempting to quit orange Tesla pills or overcome other substance abuse issues. Southeast Addiction Center offers highly useful therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group therapy. These proven treatments provide individuals new ways to cope with cravings, relapse prevention, and identify underlying causes of addiction. Furthermore, by offering a supportive environment, monitoring medication levels, and providing detoxification services, rehab centers allow people to effectively focus on their recovery and regain control over their lives.

If you are a loved one is abusing orange Tesla pills or other forms of MDMA, Southeast Addiction Center in Nashville has industry-leading treatment programs to tackle pill abuse. Our caring admissions team is ready 24/7 to guide you through the process. Call us at (888) 981-8263 or email us at [email protected]. Contact us to get help now.

While some may wonder, “Can you smoke Adderall?”, it is important to understand that smoking the drug can be incredibly dangerous. While you can smoke Adderall, the effects can be harmful, considering the drug is meant for oral consumption. Smoking Adderall can cause lung damage, addiction, and other health problems.

Not only that, but the dangers of smoking Adderall can weaken the body’s response to the effects of the drug, which causes abusers to take high doses of it. These dangers are why it is also wise to only take prescription drugs in the manner prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional.

What Happens When You Smoke Adderall?

Adderall is medically classified as a stimulant because of its direct impact on the central nervous system. As such, stimulants are mostly commonly swallowed in pill or capsule form. Since medical advice does not advise smoking Adderall, doing so is considered binge use, which can lead to addiction and possible mental illness and other mental health issues. Binge use of Adderall is when individuals take large amounts of the stimulant within a short time to stay awake, focus, or improve concentration, which puts abusers at a further increased risk for adverse side effects.

When an individual smokes Adderall, they are at risk for the following side effects of Adderall abuse and the following cardiac consequences may occur:

• Damage to the lungs and respiratory system
• Lung cancer
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Other cardiac conditions

Several short-term effects can occur from the effects of Adderall abuse as well.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Psychosis

Smoking Adderall brings on long-term risks as well.

Those include:

• Addiction
• Respiratory problems
• Cognitive impairment
• Withdrawal symptoms when the medicine is stopped
• Other health issues

Smoking prescription drugs is not only illegal, but it can be detrimental to living a healthy lifestyle.

Is Smoking Adderall Highly Addictive?

Smoking Adderall can result in highly addictive behavior, just like other forms of substance abuse. The heat from smoking Adderall destroys the active ingredients in the pill, which can result in an ineffective dose. While smoking the medication can lead to an intense high because it doesn’t last, and Adderall abuse occurs. This leads to the risk of addiction, misuse, and possible overdosing because of the onset of cravings.

Can Smoking Adderall Cause Permanent Damage?

While there are short and long-term effects to smoking Adderall, the dangers of smoking Adderall should not be overlooked. This drug addiction use can also lead to permanent damage. The body’s permanent responses to Adderall can include the following:

• Irreversible cardiovascular problems
• Irreparable damage to the lungs
• Persistent inflammation of the respiratory system
• Other chronic respiratory issues

More About Adderall

Stereotypes exist about Adderall, and one of the most common is that it is a “smart drug” that can improve an individual’s thinking and reasoning abilities beyond their normal levels. Some people believe it is only prescribed to children with disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or that it is simply a street drug consumed by college students for increased focus while studying. A 2018 National Library of Medicine study cites that 20% of college students abuse prescription stimulants, most not prescribed to them, including Adderall.

While Adderall can help improve focus and concentration, it is not prescribed as a remedy for school or work-related stressors and can lead to Adderall addiction treatment. Furthermore, abuse of Adderall can lead to addiction and health-related problems with long-term consequences to health and lifestyle.

Signs of Adderall Withdrawal

The most common symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Extreme headaches
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Increased appetite
• Night terrors
• Irregular heartbeat
• Concentration issues
• Muscle and joint pain
• Weight loss
• Thoughts of suicide

Adderall Treatment Programs

Because our amphetamine addiction treatment programs offer various treatment options, individuals can take control of their Adderall substance abuse disorder while receiving varying levels of care to combat the side effects of Adderall withdrawal.

• Detox: Through our medical detox program, clients are medically monitored at our treatment center as they withdraw. Detox can be mentally and physically challenging, even if individuals are ready to commit to sobriety. Before coming to Southeast Addiction Center, some clients faced instances where they attempted detox without a licensed professional, which became a crisis. However, our facility prioritizes professional care and medical attention as top concerns for detox patients. This ensures a safe and effective path throughout the treatment.
• Inpatient treatment: We use the terms inpatient and residential treatment at our rehab centers interchangeably to reference our comprehensive level of care. Clients live at our facility 24/7, where our experienced and compassionate staff connects with our clients on a more personal level to build each client’s self-esteem while empowering them to live a productive and sober life as they go through and exit drug rehab.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): PHP addiction treatment provides intensive individual, group, and family therapy, medication management, and support services to individuals struggling with Adderall addiction. This treatment occurs daily, where patients return home in the evenings to fulfill personal obligations.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP): IOP is less intensive than PHP because patients receive treatment 3-5 days a week in 3-hour sessions. Clients do not live at the facility where they receive treatment.
• Aftercare/Outpatient: Aftercare and continuous support are critical to maintaining sobriety. Support can include ongoing family and individual therapy or counseling, continued participation in support groups or 12-step programs, and regular check-ins with a therapist.
• Sober Living Homes: Our sober living homes offer structured homes that are alcohol and drug-free facilities designed for newly substance-free individuals to step down from either the PHP or IOP programs to independent life. These homes provide additional accountability through drug tests, curfews, and other accountability checks.

Regardless of the treatment program, clients receive an initial evaluation to determine their substance use disorders’ severity. From there, their therapist works with them to identify any underlying or pre-existing conditions that may need to be treated along with their substance abuse problem.

All of our treatment programs come with a set of standards:

• Treatment is provided by a licensed professional trained in and has expert knowledge of the care of addictive behaviors and drug abuse.
• Each treatment program follows an individualized approach based on the client’s initial assessment. The therapist maintains contact with the client throughout the treatment process and into aftercare.
• Because each treatment program is individualized, the program is responsible for delivering high-level care to each person. All plans are validated treatment approaches, which include a combination of therapy, medication-assisted treatments, and supportive forms of support like 12-step groups.

Get Help For Adderall Addiction Today

Following your healthcare provider’s prescribed dosage of Adderall is important because it helps you to avoid the risk of harmful side effects of Adderall as well as addiction. Because Adderall is a stimulant drug, repeatedly taking more than the prescribed dosage can cause serious health issues, including high blood pressure, seizures, heart attack, and death. Also, abusing Adderall can lead to dependence, impacting individuals’ mental and physical well-being.

Seeking medical guidance from a healthcare provider is necessary for receiving effective treatment for Adderall addiction. Contact Southeast Addiction Center in Nashville, TN, if you or someone you know suffers from Adderall addiction. We’re ready to help 24/7. Call us at (888) 981-8263 or email us at [email protected].

Are you tired of seeing your loved one struggle with drug addiction? Do you feel like nothing is working to get them the help they need? 

Drug interventions have become a popular approach for tackling this issue, but do they really work? In this week’s blog post, we’ll explore the effectiveness and limitations of drug interventions so that you can make an informed decision about how best to support your family member or loved one. 

What Does Drug Treatment Consist Of?

The first thing to understand about interventions, is they are designed to help people who are struggling with addiction to get the treatment they need. The goal of a drug intervention is to get the person into treatment so they can overcome their addiction and live a healthier life.

So what does treatment consist of? 

Treatments all have one common goal: to get the addict to remain sober over the long-term. Treatment can be inpatient or outpatient, and it typically includes detoxification, counseling (also known as rehabilitation), and reintegration.

Detoxification is the process of getting rid of the addictive substance from your body. This can be done through natural means or with medication. Counseling helps you learn about your addiction and how to cope with triggers and cravings.

Reintegration is the process where the addict uses what they learned in rehabilitation to stay sober in the greater world.

Inpatient treatment is typically more intensive than outpatient treatment, but it can be more effective for some people. Inpatient treatment usually lasts 30 days or more, and it includes 24-hour supervision, meals, activities, and therapy.

Outpatient treatment usually lasts for several weeks or months, and it includes daily meetings with a therapist and other support group members.

What Is A Drug Intervention?

A drug intervention is a structured, planned meeting in which friends and family members confront a person about their substance abuse. The goal of an intervention is to get the person into treatment and on the road to recovery.

Interventions usually involve a group of people who are close to the person with addiction. This can include friends, family members, co-workers, employers, or anyone else who has been affected by the person’s drinking or drug use.

The group meets with the addict and delivers a set message: that his or her drinking or drug use is causing problems and needs to stop. Each member of the group takes turns expressing their concerns and sharing how the addict’s behavior has hurt them.

Oftentimes a professional interventionist is involved. The interventionist helps keep the conversation focused and may offer suggestions for treatment options.

The goal is to get the addict to agree to seek help, though he or she may not be ready to commit to treatment at the end of the meeting. It’s likely a professional interventionist can create better outcomes.  

Do Drug Interventions Work?

Critics of drug intervention argue that they don’t work. They claim that addicted individuals are not motivated to change and will only enter treatment if they hit rock bottom. Additionally, they argue that even if an individual does enter treatment after an intervention, there is no guarantee that they will be successful in recovery.

Supporters of drug intervention counter these claims by pointing to research that shows interventions can be effective. One study found that individuals who participated in an intervention were more likely to enter treatment than those who didn’t participate in an intervention and that “Overall psychosocial interventions have been found to be effective.” 

So, what’s the verdict? Do drug interventions work? Yes, we think they can be extremely effective. There is no silver bullet to tackling addiction, but interventions can be an effective last-ditch effort to get a loved one into treatment. 

However, they do not work 100 percent of the time. Addicts can continue to struggle with addiction despite multiple interventions. Ultimately, whether or not an intervention works depends on the individual

Tips For A Successful Intervention

When it comes to addiction, professional help is always the best route. The best thing to do is to hire a professional interventionist. Here are a few more tips to stage a successful intervention:

1. Plan ahead and make sure everyone is on the same page. This includes having a list of talking points and making sure everyone knows their role in the intervention.
2. Choose a location that is comfortable for everyone involved, but also somewhere that your loved one will feel safe and open to talking about their addiction.
3. Be prepared for anything. Your loved one may react in a variety of ways, so it’s important to be ready for anything. Have resources available in case they agree to seek treatment and be ready to provide emotional support if they don’t.
4. Avoid ultimatums or threats during the intervention. This will only serve to further alienate your loved one and make them less likely to listen to what you have to say. Instead, focus on expressing your love and concern for their well-being.
5. Have a solid plan in place for after the intervention. If your loved one agrees to seek treatment, make sure you know where they’re going and how you can support them through recovery. If they don’t agree, be prepared with other options such as therapy or support groups for yourself and other family members

Get Your Loved One Into Drug Treatment Today

Drug interventions have helped many people and families struggling with addiction, but it’s important to remember that they are not a cure-all solution. It takes hard work and dedication from the individual to make long-term changes in their behavior.

While drug intervention may give an addict the initial push towards sobriety, it often requires ongoing support in order for them to stay sober in the long run. 

If you or someone you know is facing an addiction issue, consider reaching out to us at (615) 326 6449 and we can provide further guidance on how best to address the situation.

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.