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In the United States, alcohol is legal for people over a certain age. However, that doesn’t make it safe. Just as with other substances, there are health risks and other dangers when using them. 

When talking about alcohol, the frequency and amount someone drinks is important. There are many ways to describe how people consume alcohol. Some people are able to drink in moderation. However, there are also those who binge drink, get blackout drunk and consume large amounts of alcohol over time. 

If you or someone you know is consuming too much alcohol and needs help to stop, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Southeast Addiction TN. We have various addiction treatments that can help you to get sober and into a healthier, substance-free lifestyle. 

Defining Heavy Alcohol Use

What is heavy alcohol use? This is a drinking pattern that is harmful for the person’s well-being and overall health. It happens when a male has 4 or more alcoholic beverages every day or over 14 drinks in a week. If a female has 3 ore more alcoholic beverages every day or more than 7 drinks in a week, they are a heavy alcohol user.

If you or someone you know is a heavy drinker, you shouldn’t wait for things to get worse or just expect the pattern to cease over time. There are treatments that can help you to get control over your drinking starting today. 

Remember, the longer or the more you drink alcohol, the worse side effects you are likely to have. 

Effects of Alcohol Use

There are numerous short and long term effects of alcohol. Learning more about these effects can help you and others to see just how damaging this substance can be. 

Short Term Effects of Heavy Alcohol Use

Even if you only abuse alcohol for a short while, you will still be at risk of experiencing some negative effects. Some of these effects might include:

• Unintentional injuries – judgment, visual functions, alertness, muscle coordination, and attention may be impaired leading to a higher risk of accidents and/or injuries
• Hangovers – these are unpleasant but can include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, dizziness, increased thirst, fatigue, muscle pain, rise in blood pressure, and sensitivity to light and sound
• Electrolyte imbalances and/or dehydration – the effect alcohol has on the kidneys can cause these imbalances that even in mild cases can lead to low energy, increased thirst, headaches, increased urination, and dehydration 
• Slow brain functioning – alcohol does negatively impact the brain and this can lead to issues with memory, judgment, speech, balance, concentration, communication, and other impairments 

If you or someone you know has already experienced any number of these short term effects of alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out for help to stop drinking today. You don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom or for any of the long term effects of alcohol to occur. You can get treatment before things get worse. 

Long Term Effects of Heavy Alcohol Use

Just as with the short term effects, alcohol is going to impact a person’s body and brain. There are numerous organs and systems in the body that will be affected by long term alcohol use and/or abuse. There are also many neurons and cells in the brain that can be impacted by alcohol abuse, too.

In regard to the brain, alcohol can lead to the following issues:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Addiction
• Other mental health disorders
• Changes in personality, sleeping habits, mood
• Learning impairments
• Memory loss
• Attention issues
• Decreased cognitive functions 
• Dementia 
• Confusion 
• Muscle coordination issues

If you have already experienced some of these issues, they may be able to be reversed if you start getting sober today. Even if some issues can’t be fixed, there are treatments that may be able to help you.

In regard to how alcohol affects the body, there are many other health issues that may occur such as:

• Heart issues such as strokes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and/or heart failure or heart attacks
• Liver issues such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and alcoholic hepatitis
• Pancreas issues such as inflammation and digestion problems
• Stomach issues such as stomach lining damage, irritation to the stomach, bleeding, gastritis, ulcers, and gut leakage
• Skin issues such as dandruff, inflammation, hives, rosacea (skin blushing), and psoriasis

If you are dealing with any of these issues on your body, there may be ways to treat them. It all starts with detoxing from alcohol to cleanse your body and start the healing process. If you want help to get the recovery process started, please reach out to our Southeast Addiction TN Center today. 

Alcohol is Often More Dangerous Than Other Substances

So many people believe that because alcohol isn’t illegal, it must be safe. That is not true. Alcohol is a harmful drug and it affects nearly every part of a person’s body. It affects cells, organs, DNA and much more. It increases the risk for cancer, dementia, heart disease and many other disorders and diseases. 

Research shows that when comparing alcohol to other drugs, alcohol is one of the most harmful substances. In fact, studies have shown that about 1 person dies from a drunk driving accident every hour. That isn’t even accounting for other alcohol-related deaths such as chronic health problems, other accidents and overdosing. 

Get Help for Alcohol Addiction Today

Do you or someone that you care about struggle with alcohol abuse? Maybe, you already know that you have an addiction or you just know that alcohol is destroying your life piece by piece. You are not alone. There is help available and our treatment team can help you to get sober and reduce the risk of any further damage being done to your body, finances, relationships or life in general. 

It may help to know that about ⅓ of those who go into an alcohol addiction treatment program see great progress in their life in 1 year or a little less. Other people may need continued treatment to make more progress. However, there is one thing for sure, the sooner you cut alcohol out of your life, the sooner you can develop a healthy, substance-free, happy lifestyle.

Are you ready to get sober and into recovery? If so, contact us today here at Southeast Addiction TN Center to get help for alcohol abuse and/or addiction right away.

How Psychotherapy Works

Psychotherapy is used to treat addiction because it is often successful. It works by helping patients work through their feelings, which influence their addiction. The person also talks to a therapist about what might be triggering them and how they can stop it in the future.

Although psychotherapy is a leading addiction treatment method, many people do not understand how it works. In this article, we answer the question, “how does psychotherapy work?”

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy focuses on the feelings, thoughts, and problems that trigger addiction. Everyone has triggers that influence their actions. In this case, a simple trigger can push someone struggling with addiction to use drugs, for example.

When a person talks to their therapist about their feelings, they are in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help with:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Addiction

When a person has an addiction, they may enter psychotherapy to talk about the causes of their addiction and how to stop.

Psychotherapy can take place in several types of sessions. A therapist might meet with a person for individual therapy, once a week in which they talk about the addiction. They usually meet with two or three other people, who also attend therapy sessions. Individual psychotherapy can be done through phone calls or an in-person visit. Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which several people discuss their lives and how they deal with issues in their lives.

How Does Psychotherapy Work For Addiction

Psychotherapy works by helping people identify what triggers their addictive behavior, and then helping them to create a plan to avoid those situations. When they develop an addiction, it affects how they behave in certain situations. They have strong urges that can cause them to act out in a negative way. The truth is if you want to know how does psychotherapy work, the best way to find out is to experience it.

If a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they may want to completely stop. After they complete a treatment program, they will be able to avoid situations that cause them to act out in a negative way. The first step of psychotherapy for addiction is figuring out what triggers their behavior. The therapist can help them figure out what situations are risky for their addiction. This often involves writing down situations in which they might abuse drugs or alcohol.

Long Term Outcomes

The main goal of psychotherapy is to prevent the person from relapsing. If they do relapse, they can use their plan to avoid triggers in the future and get back to a healthier place. The person may not be able to completely avoid triggers, but they will be better prepared for when this happens.

There are several long-term benefits to psychotherapy for addiction:

• Reduced anxiety
• Increased ability to work
• Better overall health improvements

When looking at long-term outcomes, there are general questions that people seeking treatment have. Here are a few of the important questions.

Can Someone Stop Psychotherapy?

It is not recommended that someone stop psychotherapy entirely. Stopping therapy increases the chances of relapsing. Over time, a patient can reduce the number of sessions per week needed to maintain their positive health gains.

Is Psychotherapy Affordable?

Psychotherapy can be affordable and is recommended for long-term care. There are many ways to access psychotherapy at affordable rates. There are programs that can help patients get into psychotherapy no matter what their financial situations.

Should I Try Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is one of the most effective methods for treating addiction, so it is a good idea to try psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you find out what triggers your negative behavior and how to avoid them in the future. You will also learn how to recognize when your behavior becomes dangerous and find ways to cope with this before it leads to an addiction relapse. It is usually best to talk with a therapist once per week for several weeks, or up to two years total, depending on your needs.

For many people struggling with addiction, psychotherapy is an effective way to address it. Addiction cannot be cured, but psychotherapy helps people learn to manage it. With continued treatment, they can return to a healthier lifestyle. If you need help with addiction and want to try psychotherapy, contact Southeast Addiction Centers in Tennessee for confidential help.

The Truth About Crystal Meth Side Effects

Crystal meth side effects— both short and long term– can have devastating consequences for the habitual user. This is largely to the nature of the drug itself. Crystal meth, or methamphetamine, is a very addictive stimulant. Strong cravings can develop after just couple of doses.

Lastly, crystal meth delivers an intensive euphoria that many users cannot help but chase. No wonder the side effects of crystal meth happen so quickly to many people.

Methamphetamine: What You Need to Know

Crystal meth is man-made and comes in a crystal-like form. This drug is illegal and people use it to get high. Around 12 million people throughout the United States reported using crystal meth in 2011.

The numbers have gone up and down through the years. Users can smoke, heat, inject, or snort crystal meth. The most important thing to remember is that people who abuse this drug can get treatment. They can ask for help from Southeast Addiction and turn their life around.

Do you suspect someone you know is using crystal meth? If so, it may be helpful to learn about the 5 most common crystal effects on body. This way, you can have a better idea of whether this person is abusing this drug. If they are, you can talk to them about the addiction and help them to get treatment.

Paranoia is One of the Crystal Meth Side Effects

One of the most common crystal meth side effects is paranoia. People who use crystal meth often experience this side effect. The main reason for this is due to how the drug affects the person’s brain. When someone uses crystal meth, they may experience hallucinations and delusions. When these symptoms arise, it is known as psychosis.

Does the person you suspect is using crystal meth hear voices, have a false sense of dangerous actions, see objects or see people? If so, they are likely hallucinating or having delusions. The psychosis can even lead to violence.

If you are noticing these things, you should do what you can to help this person get into addiction treatment. In about a week after the person stops using crystal meth, their psychosis will likely resolve itself. However, some people who use the drug long-term may have this symptom for much longer.

Anxiety is on the List of Crystal Meth Effects

If you know someone who is using crystal meth, it is likely they will have anxiety. However, it can be tough to determine whether someone is using this drug based on this symptom alone. There are so many different things that can cause anxiety.

When someone is using crystal meth, their anxiety will likely have come out of nowhere. You may have known this person a long time and suddenly they are anxious about everything. Maybe you thought this person was a bit anxious, but then their anxiety went away. Later on, the anxiety came back full force, meaning they were using less crystal meth but then started using more.

If the person in your life is using crystal meth, please be there to support them. Let your loved one, friend or the other person in your life know that you want to help in any way you can. Offer to help them get into the Southeast Addiction treatment center. Let this person know about the information you found out regarding the treatment program. The more you know ahead of time, the less worried they might be.

Erratic Behaviors May Signify Use of Crystal Meth

Another one of the most common crystal meth side effects is erratic behavior. This behavior is one of the crystal meth effects on body that is most obvious. Most people who use this drug will display erratic behavior almost immediately. Since crystal meth affects a person’s system quickly, you may notice this person in your life seeming perfectly fine to being outrageously out of character very quickly.

If you notice someone in your life has erratic behaviors, be sure to look at their life. If you find out they are using crystal meth, it is best to let them know you are there for them. Please do your best to get them to call Southeast Addiction for treatment.

Moderate to Severe Weight Loss

Another one of the most common crystal meth side effects is moderate to severe weight loss. The main reason for this is because people who use this drug will often get substantial energy boosts. They may rush around and do a lot of activities. In addition to this, many people who use crystal meth won’t eat much. The combination of these things will cause them to lose weight.

If you know someone who has lost a lot of weight without trying, this could be the reason. If you suspect crystal meth led to the person’s weight loss, be sure to talk to them calmly. Confronting someone and making accusations might make things worse.

Experiencing Tweaking to the Point of an Altered Perception of Reality

When someone is using crystal meth for a long time, their body gets used to the drug. They don’t get the high they had in the past, which can lead to tweaking. The person is likely going to have delusions or even an altered sense of reality. For most people, when this happens, the person will be ready to admit they need help. If you notice that someone in your life is tweaking, this would be an excellent time to find treatment information for them. You should check into Southeast Addiction.

Getting Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment at Southeast Addiction

Now you know the 5 most common crystal meth side effects. If you recognize these in your friend, loved one or someone else in your life, do your best to support them. Let them know you are there for them and want to help.

Contact Southeast Addiction Center to get information about crystal meth side effects and treatment for them today.

A Look Into The Addictive Personality

What is an addictive personality? If you have had issues with drinking alcohol or using drugs, you may be wondering whether you have an addictive personality. The truth is there are many different traits involved in an addictive personality. Some people will check almost every box to meet the criteria. Others will only have a few of the traits mentioned here today. Regardless, it is important to know that if you do have an addictive personality, our Southeast Addiction Center team is here to help.

Addiction Personality Signs

When trying to determine whether you have an addictive personality, there are some signs that you should notice. Before reading about these signs, it is also important to know that if you see these signs in someone you care about, you should support them in getting addiction recovery help.

Some of the signs of an addiction personality include the following:

Anxiety and depression

Comfort eating and binge eating

Drinking for relaxation or socialization purposes

Impulse spending

Gambling, obsessing and taking high risks

Using drugs or alcohol to cope

Not feeling satisfied with anything for long

Not being able to stop drinking or using drugs

These are just some signs that you may have an addictive personality. If you connect with any of these signs, we want you to know that you will not be alone. We are here to support you in overcoming addiction, transitioning into a recovering lifestyle, and improving your life starting right now!

What Is An Addictive Personality In Regard to Genetics

There has been tons of research done regarding genetics and addictive personalities. Some of this research proves there are links between an addictive personality and genetics. For example, many people with an addiction have parents who struggle with addiction, as well.

Growing up in an addictive environment can play a huge role in whether someone develops an

addiction themselves. If you grew up with any family members who had an addiction, those relationships likely influenced the start of your addiction. For example, maybe your mother would come home drunk a lot of the time. When she was hungover the following day, she may have told you to take care of your younger sibling. This pressure may later lead you to drink alcohol or use drugs.

Even if genetics led you into an addictive lifestyle, you don’t have to continue down this path. You can reach out to us here at Southeast Addiction Center. We would love to help you break free from the grasp your family history has on your addiction.

Addictive Personalities and Impulse Control

Another thing to discuss regarding addictive personalities is impulse control. It is human nature to want to be stimulated and to get what you want. However, people who have an addictive personality often have trouble waiting to get the things they want. This impatience may be why they decide to get drunk. It could help them to achieve a more relaxed mindset when they are stressed out. Another example is when someone chooses to take pain medications to relieve their pain. Being out of pain helps them to relax, sleep better, and have more fun in life.

The problem is that when someone with an addictive personality can get the things they want after using drugs or alcohol, they fall into an addiction. Their mind and body start believing that these substances help them to achieve their wants and needs. After a while, the addiction takes over and there is no impulse control left.

If you have been wondering why do addicts lie, a lack of impulse control is part of the answer. Someone with an addictive personality will often lie to get what they want. If you have lied to your loved ones or friends, please do not feel ashamed. It is part of the addiction. However, you can choose to move forward, make amends, and get into a recovering lifestyle. We can help you with that starting today.

Compulsions and Addictions

Many people believe compulsions are addictions. Others believe compulsions lead to addictions. The truth is there are connections between these two things, even though they aren’t the same thing. For instance, a person who struggles with alcohol addiction might be attempting to deal with trauma. Studies show that there are significant links between trauma and addiction.

On the other hand, someone who has a compulsion might feel anxious about their trauma, yet they might never abuse drugs or alcohol.

Usually, addictions start because the person feels pleasure after drinking or using drugs. Compulsions don’t usually have pleasure involved.

Get Help with Your Addictive Personality Today

Now you have a better idea of whether you have an addictive personality. If you have connected with the characteristics mentioned above, you do likely have this type of personality. However, this does not, by any means, make you a bad person. Addictions have a way of taking hold of a person’s life and not letting go. You don’t need to feel ashamed and you certainly are not alone.

What is an addictive personality? As you read above, you may have an addictive personality. That might not change. However, we can teach you ways to manage your personality and live your best life in recovery. Contact us here at Southeast Addiction Center today. We want to help you get the treatment needed to manage your addictive personality.

Is Benzo Withdrawal Sometimes Fatal?

Yes, it is possible to die from benzodiazepine ‘benzo’ withdrawal. However, several factors determine this, including: 

• The type of benzodiazepine taken (long, intermediate, or short-acting) 
• If the benzo medication is taken with other drugs (especially depressants such as alcohol) 
• Your drug abuse history (how frequently you’ve abused drugs)
• Individual body chemistry (benzo tolerance) 

The more the above risk factors come into play, the more likely someone will experience a potentially fatal withdrawal. 

It should be noted that it’s more common to experience a fatal overdose on benzos than to experience a deadly withdrawal, though both are possible, depending on the individual situation. 

When you stop taking benzodiazepines, it is important that you taper off the medication to manage the symptoms of withdrawal that you experience. As you consider seeking recovery, you may wonder if you can die from benzo withdrawal. Here is more information about benzodiazepine withdrawal and what you can expect.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines, also referred to as benzos, are pharmaceutical medications that work as a sedative. Benzos raise the level of the neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. GABA is responsible for transmitting messages between the nerves in your brain. Benzos work by inhibiting this nerve activity.

Psychiatrists and doctors prescribe benzodiazepines for patients with seizures, anxiety, panic disorders, and PMS, among other conditions. Benzodiazepine dependence occurs with long-term use, as benzos are habit-forming. As a result, patients need higher doses over time, as lower doses become less effective.

Some common benzodiazepines are:

• Valium (diazepam)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Serax (oxazepam)
• Klonopin (clonazepam) 
• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Tranxene (clorazepate)
• Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
• Paxipam (halazepam)
• Doral (quazepam)
• Restoril (temazepam)

How Benzodiazepines Affect The Body

Benzodiazepines are classified as sedatives. They work by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. GABA is responsible for transmitting messages between the nerves in your brain. Benzos work by inhibiting this nerve activity.

Psychiatrists and doctors prescribe benzodiazepines for patients with seizures, anxiety, panic disorders, and PMS, among other conditions. Benzodiazepine dependence occurs with long-term use, as benzos are habit-forming. As a result, patients need higher doses over time, as lower doses become less effective.

The Difference Between Overdose and Withdrawal

When individual overdoses on benzodiazepines, they have too much medication in their bodies for their systems to process at once. This causes a toxic dose of benzo medication to severely destress the nervous system, leading to potentially fatal decreases in breathing rates.

Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Overdose 

In most cases, if left untreated, benzo overdose leads to fatal outcomes. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an overdose is vital to understanding when to seek immediate help. 

Here are potential benzodiazepine overdose symptoms: 

• Blurred vision 
• Trembling or tremors 
• Uncontrollable muscle twitches 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Confusion and dizziness 
• Disorientation 
• Impaired mental process 
• Loss of consciousness or coma 

The best way to address a benzodiazepine overdose is with professional medical help. Usually, in a hospital setting, such as a partial hospitalization program (PHP). 

What is Benzo Withdrawal?

When someone withdraws from a benzodiazepine, their body struggles due to the lack of the drug usually present in their systems. Withdrawal symptoms typically manifest in opposition to the effects of the drug in question. This means that benzo withdrawal symptoms will make people feel more anxious and on edge. 

This is why it’s never recommended to stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly, as the withdrawal can come on quickly due to the short half-life of the medication. 

The most common benzo withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Panic attacks 
• Irrational irritability 
• Excessive sweating 
• Increased heart rate 
• Increased blood pressure 
• Insomnia 
• Confusion 
• Extreme anxiety 

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline 

Benzodiazepines have different half-lives, which means that the amount of time required for the medication to entirely leave your body varies. 

For example, Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine often metabolized within eight to 12 hours. In comparison, Clonazepam is long-acting and remains in your body for up to two days. The detox from short-acting benzos lasts around five days. This process could take one or two weeks for longer-acting ones. The physiological dependence caused by benzodiazepines can cause withdrawal that is somewhat unique from other substances.

A person in benzodiazepine withdrawal my also exhibit these symptoms:

• Mood changes
• Muscle pain
• Shaking
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Congestion
• Seizures
• Hallucinations

It is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly reduce the dose that you usually take. Having symptoms of withdrawal are indicative of dependence. 

To avoid adverse withdrawal symptoms, it is important to taper off any medication slowly with the help of your medical provider or a treatment center with expertise in detox. Benzodiazepines cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can have an impact on your ability to manage recovery.

The severity of your symptoms of withdrawal from benzos will depend on a number of factors. The amount of time you take them and the dose are important factors that determine the likelihood and the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms.

Can You Die From Benzo Withdrawal?

You can die from benzo withdrawal that is not medically monitored and managed. Since benzo withdrawal symptoms can be very serious, such as seizures and psychotic symptoms, these symptoms can be fatal. For example, if you have a seizure in a bathtub or experience psychosis walking near traffic on a city block, the withdrawal symptoms can cause confusion and significant injury or loss of life.

In addition, for individuals that have a history of suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms can leave them feeling depressed, hopeless, and self-destructive. For this reason, medical professionals recommend seeking help when stopping or detoxing from benzodiazepines. 

Is It Dangerous to Detox From Benzodiazepines Cold Turkey?

It can be dangerous to detox from benzodiazepines cold turkey, without a plan to slowly reduce the amount of the medication that you take. If you take a low dose of benzos and do not have a long history of dependence, it might be possible to go cold turkey. However, this isn’t recommended, as no one can accurately predict what symptoms they may experience during withdrawal. 

If you regularly take benzodiazepines and suddenly stop taking the medication, the onset of withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepine dependence can occur at any time within the first two weeks of stopping. You might feel fine the first day, only to experience seizures and panic attacks a few days later. 

In terms of the risk of fatality, doctors are often most concerned about seizures. Severe seizures can cause brain damage and possibly death. During detox from benzodiazepines, medical professionals will take steps to prevent seizures. This can include administering medication and intervening to provide additional care or transferring you to the hospital if you experience seizures.

Many people experience the rebound effect during the withdrawal period. This is where the anxiety and insomnia symptoms that psychiatrists prescribed benzodiazepines for would seem to come back with intense feelings of anxiety and restlessness. This in no way means that the detox failed or that you should continue to take benzodiazepines to cope with these symptoms. The symptoms will go away.

Managing Benzo Detox Safely 

It can take weeks, sometimes months, to taper off benzodiazepines in a safe and manageable way. Tapering is the only way to stop taking benzo medications, especially if you’ve been taking them for a while. 

Never attempt to withdraw from benzos alone. Instead, it is better to detox from benzodiazepines with professional help. 

The exact method and time required for detox depend on many factors, including your medication and dosage. Yet, most detox programs for benzodiazepines include similar steps:

1. Supervision of detox and withdrawal symptoms by medical professionals
2. Monitoring of vital signs
3. Using medically-assisted detox as needed
4. Offering individual and group therapy sessions
5. Psychotherapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy

What Else Should I Know?

Benzodiazepines have different half lives, which means that the amount of time required for the medication to fully leave your body varies. Alprazolam is a short acting benzodiazepine often metabolized within eight to 12 hours. Clonazepam is long acting and remains in your body for up to two days. The detox from short acting benzos lasts around five days. This process could take one or two weeks for longer acting ones.

Can you die from benzo withdrawal? Yes, it is possible to die from benzodiazepine withdrawal if you experience seizures, psychotic symptoms, or suicidal ideation while not under the care and supervision of medical professionals. It is important that you do not try to stop taking benzos without a plan and proper care.

Detoxing At Southeast Addiction 

Yes, it is possible to die from benzodiazepine withdrawal if you experience seizures, psychotic symptoms, or suicidal ideation while not under the care and supervision of medical professionals. 

It is crucial that you do not try to stop taking benzos without a plan and proper care. Contact the addiction treatment helpline at Southeast Addiction to speak with a representative today.

Sources: 

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Treatment and Recovery

National Library of Medicine – A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal

How Does Vivitrol Help with Opioid Treatment?

The decision to combat addiction by seeking opioid treatment is crucial. Due to the ongoing opioid epidemic, approximately 128 overdose fatalities are reported daily. As highly addictive and potent substances, opioid abuse is fairly common throughout the population, as many are introduced to prescription narcotics post-surgery or to treat an injury. Common opioids include oxycodone, fentanyl, and heroin, among others. As depressants, opioids actively diminish organ functioning, specifically the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, which is a leading cause of overdose fatality. Fortunately, advances in addiction treatment have produced various medicines proven to support opioid abstinence, one of which is Vivitrol.

What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is a medication used to block the effects of opioid ingestion, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse. As an opioid antagonist, Vivitrol binds to the brain’s opioid receptors thereby blocking effects of subsequent opioid use such as euphoria and pain relief. Vivitrol is most commonly injected into the muscle once per month, with the receptor blockage lasting approximately 28 days. Occasionally referred to by its generic name, naltrexone, Vivitrol is the only opioid addiction medication that is not considered a controlled substance and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid dependence.

Vivitrol For Opioid Treatment

Before Vivitrol treatment begins, it is important that the individual successfully completes detox. Detox is the initial stage of recovery that works by depleting the body of all traces of the addictive substance. Opioid withdrawal symptoms are intensely uncomfortable and possibly dangerous. These dangers mean that the user probably requires medical supervision while detoxing. These facilities provide proper medical supervision and assure that the individual is comfortable and safe during the detox process. If a caregiver administers Vivitrol before the end of detox, adverse reactions such as intense withdrawal symptoms, coma, and death can occur.

Among Medication-Assisted Treatments, Vivitrol is a low maintenance option as it requires only one shot per month; however, due to this simplicity, Vivitrol is one of the more expensive treatment options. Unlike similar addiction medications, such as Methadone or Suboxone, Vivitrol is non-habit forming and has no withdrawal symptoms. This medication does, however, have a few minor side effects. These side effects include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• Restlessness

Ongoing Vivitrol Treatment

Typically used to assist in the initial phases of treatment, Vivitrol administration can be continued as long as the supervising physician sees it as necessary. Injections can usually be stopped once the individual’s opioid cravings have ceased. It is important to note that Vivitrol is only one single component within the addiction treatment process as a whole. Professional addiction centers are a highly recommended next step. These facilities often provide both inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation. Depending on the individual’s unique circumstances, they would have the ability to choose the best treatment scenario to suit their situation.

There are many benefits to entering an addiction treatment center. Once begun, an individual will feel a sense of solidarity alongside their peers and mutual accountability will be formed. These facilities also offer necessary therapies such as individual therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group therapy, among others. These therapies successfully assist in locating the root source of addiction and help an individual develop healthy coping strategies to be used post-treatment. Clinical supervision is also typically provided to assess and treat co-occurring disorders which are extremely common in those struggling with addiction.

Vivitrol Shot vs Vivitrol Pills

Vivitrol is the brand name for the injectable version of naltrexone, while Depade and Revia are brand names for naltrexone in pill form. The most common usage for Depade or ReVia is to take one pill orally per day under medical supervision, however, the prescribing physician may increase the dosage and schedule the medication to be taken every 2 to 3 days as to easily facilitate these supervised clinical visits. Both the injection and pill carry the same potential side effects which are headache, diarrhea, nausea, joint pain, fatigue and restlessness. Like the injection, naltrexone pills should only be taken after the successful completion of detox to avoid serious health risks such as intense opioid withdrawal symptoms, coma, or death.

Without insurance, Vivitrol costs approximately $1,000 per injection whereas Depade and Revia cost approximately $118 for a 30-day supply. Although most insurances will cover a partial amount, Vivitrol is the more expensive option. However, studies have shown that individuals receiving Vivitrol injections have higher rates of abstinence and recovery due to the easy maintenance of receiving once-monthly injections compared to a daily, or semi-daily, oral pill. The decision ultimately rests on what the individual receiving treatment is comfortable with and what the supervising clinician deems necessary.

Why Seeking Opioid Treatment is Necessary

The opioid epidemic shows no signs of slowing down as it continues to affect communities

across the nation. All opioid drugs are highly addictive. They are also extremely potent. This combination makes professional help a necessity if dependence starts to form. Due to the potency and highly addictive nature of opioids, receiving professional help is extremely important if it is feared that an addiction has begun to develop. Attempting to cease use independently is often ineffective but also increases the likelihood of relapse and overdose. Because withdrawal symptoms are intense and uncomfortable, especially with opioids, medically supervised detox is a highly suggested first step.

Eventually, the process rids the body of all traces of opioids. Once this happens, physicians can prescribe drugs like Vivitrol. This will help reduce cravings and give the patient a greater chance for recovery. If the physicians deems it necessary, the they can continue to use Vivitrol throughout the treatment process. These programs provide many beneficial services. These services include things like:

• Behavioral Therapy
• Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders
• Positive, encouraging environment
• The presence of understand professionals and peers

Let Us Help You

We understand the obstacles you face in overcoming opioid addiction. In comparison with other substances of abuse, opioids are among the most addictive. Additionally, they are one of the most dangerous when left untreated. Fortunately, due to advances in addiction treatment, there are various forms of opioid treatment available to assist on the road to recovery. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with an opioid addiction, we are here to help. We will gladly answer any and all questions you may have regarding addiction and treatment services. Call us today and begin the journey towards the rewarding, drug-free life you deserve.