Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism You Shouldn’t Ignore

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism You Shouldn't Ignore

Alcohol may not seem like a risky substance, given its legality and common consumption at celebratory events and in social settings. However, there are several signs associated with alcoholic behavior indicative of a serious problem, one that you shouldn’t avoid. 

Nearly thirty million people ages 12 and up struggle with an alcohol addiction. The high rate of availability and social acceptance of alcohol and alcoholic behavior increases the risk of developing an addiction and decreases the likelihood of getting help when someone with a legitimate problem might be referred to as “the life of the party” or “a really fun person.”

Understanding key alcoholism symptoms and other red flags can make it easier to determine when you or someone close to you needs help.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Signs of alcohol addiction can be behavioral, psychological, or even physical. Signs and symptoms can look different from one person to the next, but in general, you might consider help if you meet the following:

  • You find yourself unable to stop drinking once you start, even if you go out with the intention of just having one drink or staying home with the intention of just having one glass of wine
  • You regularly struggle with withdrawal symptoms, commonly known as a hangover, and you end up drinking more to make those symptoms go away
  • You spend most of your time, energy, and money drinking, obtaining drinks, or recovering from drinking
  • You neglect personal or professional responsibilities because of drinking, like coming into work late habitually or forgetting to pick up your children from school because of a hangover
  • You have experienced injury or harm because of your behavior, like getting into a car accident, falling down the stairs, or contracting an STD because of risky sexual behavior
  • You spend money intended for bills and other legitimate purchases on alcohol, causing problems at home
  • Your friends or family have mentioned that your alcoholic behavior is impacting them, and it’s a problem
  • You have gotten into legal trouble or financial strain as a result of alcohol abuse, like a DUI
  • You are experiencing relationship problems as a result of alcoholic behavior with your partner, spouse, children, or even close friends
  • You have tried to stop, but you can’t do it no matter how hard you try
  • You are aware that alcohol abuse is impacting your life in a negative way, but you still can’t or won’t stop

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you notice several of them, it’s important that you consider professional help from a treatment facility that specializes in medication-assisted detox services and comprehensive residential care.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Alcoholism Symptoms

Even minor signs of alcohol addiction can point to the potential for a much larger problem. Without treatment, alcoholic behavior can quickly become alcohol abuse, a serious illness that has mental and physical health ramifications. 

Short Term Risks

Alcoholic behavior has several short-term risks:

  • Increased risk of car accidents, falls, burns, and drownings
  • Increased violence, including partner violence and suicide
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Risky sexual activities like unprotected sex with multiple partners
  • Miscarriage or stillbirths for pregnant women

Long Term Risks

There are long-term risks if you ignore alcohol abuse too:

  • Alcohol addiction
  • Social problems like unemployment or family issues
  • Mental health problems, namely anxiety or depression
  • Memory problems
  • Weakened immune system
  • Cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver disease
  • Heart disease
  • Digestive issues
  • Stroke 

Get Help for Alcoholic Behavior with Laguna View Detox

With Laguna View Detox, we offer addiction treatment in California for those struggling with alcohol abuse. With our facility, you can start with alcohol detox services. Alcohol comes with a serious risk of withdrawal symptoms that can cause health complications like hallucinations and delirium tremens. 

As a certified Orange County drug detox center, we can offer FDA-approved medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol abuse. As a premier treatment center, we ease you into the rest of your ongoing residential care. With residential care, you can tackle signs of alcohol addiction no matter their severity. 

We have professionals available at all hours to ensure you receive optimum care. With a range of therapies, clients can benefit from personalized treatment with education, individual therapy, group therapy, and family programs that are essential to recovery. With ongoing support and aftercare, we encourage recovery long term. 

Laguna View is here for you. If you are noticing signs of alcohol addiction, call us now to learn more.

What are the Physical Symptoms of Chronic Alcohol Abuse?

What are the Physical Symptoms of Chronic Alcohol Abuse?

Long-term alcohol use and abuse can result in significant physical and physical health difficulties. Unlike some other substance addictions, alcohol addiction develops over time. It typically requires many months or even years of frequent, regular drinking, often to excess, for physical and biological changes to occur in the body based on alcohol consumption. For long-term alcohol abuse, the physical symptoms of chronic alcohol abuse can be difficult to manage.

 

Once these changes have occurred and tolerance for the effects of alcohol has developed, it can be challenging and often dangerous for someone to give up alcohol without the support and guidance of a Southern California addiction treatment program.

 

How Does Alcohol Effect the Body?

It is common knowledge that prolonged substance use and abuse can significantly impact your body and influence several life-sustaining functions. What many people do not realize is that different substances affect your body in different ways. Additionally, they can have both physical and mental health impacts that last for varying durations of time, depending on the substance used.

 

Many people believe the short or long-term impacts of alcohol use and abuse won’t be an issue if they are just a casual drinker, but unfortunately, this is not the case. Many substances, including alcohol, can start to affect your health immediately, and the effects may continue long after “one-time” experimentation. One such substance is alcohol. Because alcohol is a legal “drug,” many do not realize the dangers of chronic alcohol abuse.

 

What are the Physical Symptoms of Chronic Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol addiction will look different from person to person and based on how much or how often you drink. Other factors related to alcohol abuse that will affect your physical health include how long you have experienced symptoms of alcohol addiction. Although each drug can produce symptoms of addiction that are unique to that substance, several common indications of substance addiction occur in the majority of cases, regardless of the substance used. Common symptoms include appetite changes, dramatic weight changes, altered behaviors, lack of energy, new or worsening financial problems, problems at work or school, lack of personal hygiene, and new or worsening medical health problems.

 

Some of the more common signs of alcohol addiction include lack of control over how much one drinks, preferring to drink alone, continuing to drink despite adverse effects related to alcohol, mood swings, and other emotional disturbances. If left untreated, you will typically experience withdrawal symptoms if you attempt to reduce or stop drinking. Common examples include agitation, tremors, nausea, racing heart, and sweating.

 

Many people believe that drinking, especially if they only do so in moderation or on a casual basis, is not or will not evolve into a problematic relationship with alcohol. It is also a widespread misconception that if you do not “drink often enough,” you cannot develop an addiction to alcohol. Unfortunately, in many cases, the reverse is often true. Even if you only drink on occasion, doing so regularly over a long period can lead to increased alcohol tolerance. It can also increase the desire to achieve the feelings of calm and relaxation produced by alcohol intoxication. Once you become dependent on the effects of alcohol, it can be far more challenging to achieve lasting sobriety without addiction treatment.

 

How to Find a Comprehensive Alcohol Treatment Program in Laguna Beach, CA

Unlike many chronic illnesses, you can successfully defeat alcohol dependence by seeking addiction treatment and completing detox and rehab. At Laguna View Detox Center, we realize the decision to begin an alcohol addiction treatment program comes with difficulty. Despite the changes in the last decade to how society and treatment providers view addiction treatment, there are still many challenges and misconceptions surrounding chronic alcohol abuse and the desire to seek help to get sober.

 

 At our Laguna Beach, CA, alcohol rehab, we will work closely with you to develop an individualized detox and treatment program based on your specific treatment needs and goals. Our Orange County inpatient rehab programs are designed to help ensure the best opportunity to attain and maintain sobriety. 

Contact our admissions team at Laguna View Detox Center today if you are ready to start your journey to a life without substances.

Signs My Spouse is Abusing Drugs

Signs My Spouse is Abusing Drugs

Is my husband an addict? What are the signs my spouse is abusing drugs?

 

If you are asking either of these questions, you might need help. Drug addiction is a severe problem, and there is nothing worse than worrying about someone you love and feeling helpless, not sure what you can do, and constantly worrying that everything you say will make it worse.

 

What are the Signs of Substance Abuse?

So you start by looking up “signs my spouse is abusing drugs” or checking on the signs that someone is becoming an addict.

There are many signs of substance abuse. These can include:

  • Legal troubles, like a DUI or theft
  • Financial troubles, like money disappearing from your purse or bank account, especially money that is set aside for other things
  • Personal hygiene problems, like not showering for days, not shaving. Their eyes might look different, their teeth might start changing, or you might notice things like marks between their toes or on the elbow
  • Physical problems indicative of withdrawal like fever, shaking, nausea, diarrhea, etc.

 

What are the Signs My Spouse is Abusing Drugs?

There are many signs that your spouse is becoming an addict. If you are looking for signs my spouse is abusing drugs, they could include behavioral, psychological, physical, and emotional signs.

Avoidance 

One major sign is avoidance. If your spouse is suddenly avoiding you, family or work obligations, or questions about their activity, it might be indicative of a problem. If your spouse suddenly has a new group of friends or has pulled away from their old group of friends, but they don’t want you coming with them when they go to socialize, and they don’t want to talk to you about how it was, it might be worth further investigation.

Attitude

You might notice a change in their attitude. When someone starts abusing drugs, it can have a profound impact on their personality. You might have a spouse who was always very calm and reserved but is now angry or snapping for no reason. They might seem withdrawn from family activities or social activities.

Activities

Their activities could change as well. This might include simple daily activities like sleeping. If your spouse is suddenly sleeping at odd hours, awake all night when they shouldn’t be, it might be a problem related to substance abuse. Their activities might also include paranoid activities like constantly checking that every door in the house is locked, peeking through the windows anytime there’s a sound outside, and yelling at you for answering the door without warning them first.

 

How to Convince a Loved One to Get Help

If you notice signs of addiction and your spouse, it can be difficult to convince them to get help, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. There are many ways you can go about this:

  1. First, you can try to speak with them yourself, setting aside a designated time for you to have an important family discussion. They may or may not be ready for this, and they may or may not be ready to admit they have a problem. If they are ready, this might be the first step toward getting them the help they need, followed immediately by entering an appropriate drug treatment center.
  2. If you are afraid of confronting them individually, or you’ve already tried, and it didn’t get you anywhere, you might consider using a professional. There are professionals in each state who can set up things like family discussions and interventions. These discussions can take place in your home or at their office, or anywhere that’s comfortable. You can enjoy guidance from these professionals throughout the planning and execution process. This makes it easier for you to better understand how to word your comments, what to share, and who to invite. 

 

How to Find a Drug Treatment Center for My Spouse

If you are ready to find a treatment center after confirming your spouse is becoming an addict, consider Laguna View Detox. We understand that breaking free from addiction can be very difficult. We also appreciate the role that family plays in helping someone overcome their addiction. If you have looked up “is my husband an addict” and confirm that it’s time to get help for your spouse, we provide care not just for the individual but for you as the spouse.

 

It’s important that you participate in certain aspects of the treatment, particularly family therapy or ongoing care. Understanding how addiction works, how it influences the mind and body, and what you can do to better serve your spouse as they work through it is imperative to their long-term success. That is why our team has dedicated staff members ready and willing to offer personalized treatment based on whatever you and your spouse need. 

Contact Laguna View Detox to learn more about our inpatient rehab programs in Southern California.

Are Benzos Addictive?

Are Benzos Addictive?

If you or someone close to you has struggled with addiction or abuse related to prescription drugs like benzos, it’s important to know that you can get help to overcome your addiction. Many people who are given prescriptions wonder whether there are side effects, but too often people forget to ask: are benzos addictive? 

 

What are Benzos?

Benzos or benzodiazepines are a type of drug used for sedation. A doctor can prescribe benzodiazepine for things like panic attacks or anxiety disorders, seizures, muscle spasms, insomnia, or anesthesia. You might hear talk of benzos based on their generic name or their prescription name. Benzodiazepines include:

 

Generic name

Prescription brand name

Alprazolam Xanax
Chlordiazepoxide Librium
Clonazepam Klonopin
Clorazepate Tranxene
Diazepam Valium
Lorazepam Ativan
Oxazepam Serax
Temazepam Restoril
Triazolam Halcion

 

Benzos work very quickly, usually taking effect within 30 minutes. But they also stop working quickly, with side effects wearing off in a matter of hours. But how do benzos work, and are benzos addictive? Benzodiazepines work by slowing down brain activity. Benzos reduce the transmission of GABA in your brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is a neurotransmitter which means it sends chemical messages between your brain and your central nervous system. When you take benzos, they slow down these transmissions, which produces a sedative effect that’s quite calming.

 

Are Benzos Addictive?

So, are benzos addictive? Yes, very much so. Unfortunately, they are considered effective and safe in the short term, helping with short-term anxiety attacks or short-term bouts of insomnia or muscle spasms. However, if you take them regularly, take more than you are supposed to, or take them in any way other than the intended purpose, they can become addictive.

 

What are the Signs of Benzo Abuse?

If you are worried about a benzo addiction, check the common signs of benzo abuse. The signs of benzo abuse or benzo addiction start with withdrawal symptoms. Individuals addicted to benzos will start to show withdrawal symptoms if they don’t take another dose regularly. The withdrawal symptoms can include confusion, vertigo, dry mouth, and blurred vision.

 

But these are not the only signs of benzo abuse. Addiction to any drug comes with psychological, physical, behavioral, and financial symptoms. 

 

Individuals struggling with benzo abuse might see multiple doctors to get the same prescription concurrently, lie about their symptoms, or exaggerate claims of anxiety to get a prescription. They might steal prescriptions from other people, especially teenagers who have easy access to their parent’s medicine cabinet.

 

Individuals struggling with benzo addiction might not have money when they otherwise should stop engaging in social activities or hobbies that they once loved. You might notice they don’t hang out with friends or family as much, and they constantly seem tired or relaxed, a little drowsy, and unable to focus. School, work, or personal responsibilities may no longer be the most essential thing in their lives.

 

You might notice someone taking higher doses more often than is prescribed. Usually, someone struggling with benzo abuse will try to hide how much they take or how often they use it. They might have prescriptions under someone else’s name or buy pills individually from friends who have prescriptions.

 

What are the Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal

If you are abusing benzos, your body will become accustomed to the drug and start to manifest withdrawal symptoms if you don’t take the same dosage regularly. Common side effects include muscle weakness, difficulty remembering what went on while you were under the influence of benzos, blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, vertigo, and dry mouth. You might even experience low blood pressure, headaches, or shaking.

 

If you are showing signs of benzo abuse or symptoms of benzo withdrawal, it is vital that you reach out to a medical professional who can help you detox from benzodiazepines and get your brain back on track with regular communication.

If you or someone you love is dealing with a benzo addiction and has signs of benzo abuse, you can get help at Laguna View Detox. At our Laguna Beach luxury treatment facility, we start your path toward recovery with medically assisted detox services in Southern California. In our safe and secure treatment center, we can help you transition through benzo withdrawal symptoms and begin to overcome your benzo abuse. We understand that every individual struggles with addiction differently, so our team works with you to compose a personalized treatment plan complete with evidence-based practices to help you build a solid foundation early in your recovery and ongoing holistic treatment to help you achieve long-term success. Contact us today to get on the path of recovery.

What are the Signs of Opioid Addiction?

What are the Signs of Opioid Addiction?

If someone close to you has exhibited unexplainable changes to their behavior and appearance, they might show signs of opioid addiction. Similarly, if you have been given a prescription but now you are struggling with things like cravings, you might be curious whether you exhibit signs of opioid use and if it’s time to get help.

 

Which Drugs are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs derived from the Opium poppy plant. Today, however, there are many synthetic opioids used for medical purposes and used illegally. Opioids can be divided into three categories:

  1. Illegal opioids include heroin
  2. Synthetic opioids created in a laboratory and not derived from the Opium poppy plant include Fentanyl
  3. Prescription opioids include Vicodin, Oxycontin, codeine, morphine, and others

 

How Do Opioids Affect the Body?

Prescription opioids are used as pain management or sedation drugs. Morphine might be used as a sedative during surgery, and Vicodin might be prescribed for pain management. Street drugs like heroin or illegally acquired Fentanyl serve the same purpose: to sedate and numb pain.

 

Opioids block pain signals sent between your body and brain and concurrently help you feel more relaxed and happy. Every time you take opioids, you stop your body from producing its regular levels of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals naturally produced to make you feel high, like after exercise, trying something new, or giving an excellent presentation at work. The more you take opioids, the less your body produces endorphins naturally. This means that the same activities which once gave you a natural high no longer do. So for you to feel good again, do you have to take more opioids more often.

 

If you have significant pain, the same thing happens where your body stops sending pain signals, but the more often you take opioids, the higher the dos you require to block the same level of pain in your body.

 

What are the signs of Opioid Addiction?

Opioids are highly addictive. Whether you take things like Vicodin after surgery or street drugs like heroin, you can exhibit symptoms of opioid use almost immediately, and you run a significant risk of addiction. Most people who are given legal opioids in the form of a prescription don’t necessarily know the inherent dangers of that prescription.

 

Signs of opioid addiction can take behavioral, physical, or psychological forms.

 

Someone struggling with addiction might show behavioral signs of opioid addiction, like a sudden mood change. You might notice decreased libido, drowsiness, a lack of hygiene, significant weight loss, or changes in sleeping patterns. That same person might change their social habits, no longer associate with friends and family, or engage in the same activities or hobbies they once loved.

 

Physical signs might include withdrawal symptoms where someone exhibits drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, constipation, or nausea that is otherwise unexplained. 

 

Other signs of opioid abuse include risky behavior like stealing or financial problems. If someone has a prescription, they might go to multiple doctors outside of their health care coverage to get various prescriptions simultaneously. This usually goes hand-in-hand with the uncontrollable cravings a person experiences and the inability to stop.

 

What Opioid Treatment Program is Most Effective

If you notice symptoms of opioid use in yourself or someone you love, look for an opioid treatment program that offers medically supervised detoxification as the first step. With opioid addiction, the most effective program combines detoxification with inpatient therapy. The first two days of an opioid detox are often the hardest, and it is here that many people relapse. But medical supervision at an inpatient facility can give you prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to ease the discomfort of your withdrawal symptoms to get through the biggest challenges of your detox.

 

Once that is done, you want a facility like Laguna View Detox, which helps you manage those signs of opioid addiction through a residential program. Residential programs have a higher success rate for recovery and allow you to live at the facility for the duration of your immediate recovery. With 24-hour supervision and guidance, your schedule is structured with a full day of individual and group therapies, evidence-based practices customized to your needs, and holistic activities designed to improve your coping skills and stress management strategies long-term.

 

So, if you are ready to get help with opioid addiction, find a treatment program at Laguna View Detox that is customized to your needs and offers detox and inpatient programs in Laguna Beach designed to accommodate your schedule. 

Let Laguna View Detox ease your symptoms of opioid use and start you on the path to recovery. Contact us today for addiction treatment in Southern California.

Which Three Classes of Prescription Drugs are Most Commonly Abused?

Which Three Classes of Prescription Drugs are Most Commonly Abused?

Many people with prescriptions ask: which three classes of prescription drugs are most commonly abused? This includes depressants, stimulants, and opioids. 

 

If you or someone close to you has abused prescription drugs, it might be time to get help. Thankfully, treatment is available no matter which of these three types of prescription drugs you have struggled with.

 

Why is Prescription Drug Abuse Common?

Prescription drug abuse is common for many reasons. Firstly, people are given prescriptions for highly addictive substances that alter their brain chemistry, change the release of hormones from the reward center, or shut down pain signals. People might readily accept a prescription without recognizing the significant risk of addiction that comes with it. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of supervision or monitoring for drug addiction after a prescription has been given. The more often you take pills from a prescription, and the more often you get prescriptions, the worse this addiction can become, even if you don’t intend it.

Genetics

Another factor influencing why prescription drug abuse is so common is a genetic predisposition. Some people are genetically predisposed to addiction, and they don’t know it. So, they get a prescription for a legitimate health reason and find that they struggle with addiction within a few weeks.

Addiction History

Other individuals have previous drug addictions that have changed their neurological makeup. Previous struggles with addiction might place you at a much higher risk of addiction should you receive a prescription down the line, even if you don’t know it.

Mental Health

People who have undiagnosed mental health issues like depression or anxiety might find that their prescription drugs help numb the pain or block the symptoms of those undiagnosed conditions. So, they turn to the prescription long after it is medically required for its original intent because it works so well on secondary problems.

Ease of Access

Prescription drugs are easily accessible by other members of the family. Prescription drug abuse is increasingly common among young adults who can access their parents’ medicine cabinets. Getting ahold of prescription drugs from the bathroom is easier than finding drugs on the street.

 

Facts about abused prescription drugs:

  • Over 5 million people have misused a prescription stimulant in the last year.
  • An estimated 0.3% of the U.S. population in 2020 over the age of 12 had a prescription stimulant use disorder in the last year.
  • Over 6.2 million people have misused a prescription sedative in the last year.
  • Over 9.3 million people have misused a prescription opioid in the past year.
  • An estimated 0.8% of the U.S. population in 2020 over the age of 12 had a prescription opioid use disorder in the last year.
  • In 2020, 16,416 people died from an overdose involving opioid prescriptions.
  • Over 4.8 million people have misused prescription benzodiazepines in the past year.

 

But not all prescriptions are abused. Which three classes of prescription drugs are most commonly abused? 

 

Which Three Classes of Prescription Drugs are Most Commonly Abused?

Which three classes of prescription drugs are most commonly abused? Of all prescription drugs, the most often abused are depressants, opioids, and stimulants. Of all prescription drugs, the most often abused are prescription names like Vicodin, Ritalin, and Xanax. 

Depressants

Depressants are used to depress activity in your brain. Depressants include benzodiazepines, sleep medications, and barbiturates. They are used to treat general anxiety disorder as well as sleeping problems. Prescription names include Xanax, Lunesta, and Valium.

Opioids

Opioids come from morphine and are designed to block the pain signals between your body and brain. They are used as pain-relieving medications or sedating medications. Opioids are typically used during surgery as anesthesia and prescribed as a pain reliever after a procedure. Prescription names include Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, Codeine, and morphine.

Stimulants

Stimulants help stimulate brain activity and increase energy and attention. These are typically prescribed to treat conditions like ADHD but are commonly abused in any situation where people want extra energy. Prescription names include Ritalin and Adderall.

 

How to Find Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment

If you need help with these three types of prescription drugs, we are here. Our facility offers comprehensive detoxification in Los Angeles with medical supervision for these three types of prescription medications. Many of these medications come with significant side effects, so detoxing at home can be difficult and dangerous. Our Laguna Beach treatment facility offers comprehensive treatment that starts with detox and moves you seamlessly into our inpatient program, where you can learn necessary coping skills and identify underlying factors that contributed to your addiction. We can help you transition into an outpatient program that fits your schedule and gives you ongoing support. 

At Laguna View Detox, we can help you on your path to recovery. Contact us today for inpatient substance abuse treatment in Southern California.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Adderall Abuse?

What are the Long-Term Effects of Adderall Abuse?

If you or someone you love has been given a prescription for Adderall, it is important to understand the long-term effects of Adderall and what risks that prescription brings. 

 

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant prescribed to treat symptoms of impulse problems or ADHD. Sometimes it is used in conjunction with other medications. 

 

What is Adderall Used to Treat?

Adderall is prescribed for children and adults. It is mostly given to treat ADHD, helping people improve focus and concentration. It is a stimulant, so it improves focus and concentration in people with ADHD by stimulating their central nervous system. While it does not fix ADHD, it can help reduce symptoms. Even when prescribed by a doctor, there are still long-term effects of Adderall for people who use it regularly. 

  • An average of 50 million prescription drugs were given to treat ADHD in 2011, up 40% from the year 2007.
  • In 2021 adults became the biggest consumers of Adderall, while before, Adderall was mostly prescribed for children.

 

Adderall binds to your dopamine receptors and norepinephrine receptors in your brain and the epinephrine receptors in your adrenal gland. So, when you take your prescription, it gives your body a boost of chemicals that make you feel good in your brain. This helps improve your focus, concentration, and alertness, but it also means that you feel high or euphoric because of all the feel-good chemicals, which can lead to addiction. 

 

Is Adderall Addictive?

Yes, Adderall is addictive. For many who are prescribed Adderall, there might be questions about the long-term Adderall use effects. Adderall is considered a stimulant. As a stimulant, it can increase anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and your risk of things like seizures. It is so addictive that you need a prescription to use it legally. 

 

What are the Long-Term Effects of Adderall Abuse?

The long-term Adderall use effects will vary from person to person. Because the drug is a central nervous system stimulant, every time you take a prescription pill, your central nervous system is stimulated or activated. Your central nervous system controls many daily functions and can have a negative impact on how your body regulates temperature, how your muscles function, how you breathe, how your heart works, how your vision works, and other issues.

 

In most cases, long term Adderall effects start with regular side effects such as:

  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Increased heart rate
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Weight loss
  • Appetite changes
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Headaches

 

The side effects are things that can compound with time. If, for example, you are using Adderall over the course of several months and you continue to deal with insomnia, loss of appetite, and irritability, those three symptoms might get worse the more you use Adderall. 

More serious side effects can include:

  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hallucinations
  • Hostility or aggressions
  • Paranoia
  • Pain
  • Unexplained wounds
  • Seizures
  • Vision problems
  • Muscle twitches

 

How to Find Adderall Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love is dealing with the long-term effects of Adderall and looking for help, Laguna View Detox is here. Our facility focuses on supplying comprehensive treatment for drug addiction on a personalized level. We don’t just treat your addiction to Adderall, we treat your body, mind, and soul as one. A big part of this treatment plan is to help you detox from Adderall or any other drugs you are on.

 

After you have completed your detox, then you begin the long road toward recovery. This looks different for everyone. Your recovery might include personalized individual therapy and group therapy and family therapy to help better explore the family dynamics or communication issues that may have contributed to your drug use.

 

We supply treatment for coexisting disorders. If you have tried to self-medicate for things like depression, anxiety, or you have relied on Adderall long-term instead of other, drug-free coping mechanisms for your ADHD, our team of caring, compassionate professionals can help you rebuild your approach. 

 

Our facility uses the most up-to-date, evidence-based practices as part of your ongoing therapy and aftercare plan. In addition to this, we use a handful of holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, sober activities, addiction education, and more. These holistic therapies give you the tools you need to deal with things like stress or triggers in your daily environment without turning to drugs.

Reach out to Laguna View Detox to get help with long-term Adderall effects today.

Can Ritalin Cause Withdrawal?

Can Ritalin Cause Withdrawal?

Perhaps you have been given a prescription for your child or yourself for Ritalin, but you don’t know much about it. Maybe someone close to you uses it. Now you want to know: what is it, and can Ritalin cause withdrawal?

 

What is Ritalin?

 

Ritalin is a drug often prescribed to treat ADHD. It is an amphetamine, classified as a stimulant. It works just like other stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine by changing the amount of activity and substances produced in the brain. Ritalin can slow down activity for hyperactive people and help them increase their focus and behavior for those with appropriate disorders. But for people who don’t have this particular problem, it might cause increased focus and productivity beyond what is expected, much the same as increased productivity and focus achieved by other stimulants, coffee being a basic and healthy example. The effects of Ritalin last between three and four hours but only 2.5 hours in adults. 

 

How is Ritalin Used?

 

Ritalin is prescribed as a pill, taken 2-3 times per day before meals. Ritalin is often abused at a higher rate than similar drugs like Adderall because the effects kick in much sooner. For this reason, people who are looking to achieve increased productivity or focus and do so by abusing drugs will choose Ritalin over Adderall. 

 

For those who abuse a prescription or abuse someone else’s prescription, the effects can be much different such as overstimulating the brain of someone who doesn’t have ADHD. Like many amphetamines, colloquially called uppers or speed, Ritalin will increase concentration and alertness. It is a schedule two controlled substance because of its high risk for abuse. It is often abused by athletes, students, and professionals who don’t have ADHD in order to increase their productivity.

 

Even with a prescription, you should not avoid the signs of withdrawal from Ritalin or addiction. 

 

Is Ritalin Addictive?

 

Yes, Ritalin is addictive. Ritalin is a Schedule II drug, meaning the United States government recognizes that it has legitimate medical uses, but also runs a risk of being abused.

 

Ritalin prescriptions increased dramatically through the 1990s and on word with a subsequent rise in Ritalin abuse and addiction. Recreational drug use results in larger doses with pills crushed and injected or snorted, enhancing the effects and the addiction. 

 

People taking Ritalin with or without a prescription, in an abusive fashion can experience many symptoms and side effects like:

  • Suppressed appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Anxiety
  • Seizures
  • Headaches
  • Agitation or mood changes
  • Paranoia
  • Insomnia
  • Hallucinations
  • Fatigue
  • Depressed respiratory function
  • Nervousness
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Panic attacks 

 

People who are addicted to Ritalin will show some of the same behavioral and psychological signs as addiction to other stimulants or other drugs like irritability, dehydration, depression, panic attacks, lying or stealing in order to get extra pills, going to multiple doctors to request the same prescription, or trying to get Ritalin pills from other people. Given the addictive nature of Ritalin, many people wonder: can Ritalin cause withdrawal?

 

Knowing the signs of withdrawal from Ritalin will help you identify when an addiction is present. 

 

Can Ritalin Cause Withdrawal?

 

So, can Ritalin cause withdrawal? Yes, it can. Like any other drug, misuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Sweating
  • Dehydration
  • Vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Exhaustion
  • Nightmares
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Restlessness
  • Panic attacks
  • Exceptional hunger
  • High blood pressure or rapid heartbeat
  • Swelling in the extremities
  • Muscle pain
  • Seizures

 

Ritalin withdrawal is serious and should not be handled alone. 

 

Knowing the signs of withdrawal from Ritalin will help you determine when you should get help from a detox center. 

 

How to Find Ritalin Detox Centers Near Me

 

Knowing the answer to the question, can Ritalin cause withdrawal, is just the first step. If you or someone you love is suffering from Ritalin withdrawal, it is important to get an appropriate detox center to help. 

 

At Laguna View Detox, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment in a luxury facility steps away from the beach. We know that breaking free of addiction can seem impossible on your own. That is why we offer individualized plans for each person, complete with medically supervised detox from our professional and caring staff, and long-term life skills training through evidence-based practice and holistic treatment. 

 

If you are ready to get help with your Ritalin withdrawal, let Laguna View Detox lend a hand. We want to aid you on your journey to recovery.

What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine Use?

What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine Use?

If you or someone you know is using ketamine, you might need to know the side effects of ketamine used and when it is time to get professional help.

 

What is Ketamine?

 

Ketamine is a drug typically used as an anesthetic by medical practitioners and veterinarians. Ketamine changes the way chemicals in your brain control Visual and audio input. This literally enables you to detach from reality and fall into a more relaxed, dissociative state. For that reason, it is an anesthetic commonly used during surgery. Compared to other anesthetics, ketamine doesn’t slow down your breathing rate or heart rate but increases it.

 

Like any prescription drug, ketamine can be used illegally to try and achieve that same high, but this brings with it many potential side effects. So, what are the side effects of ketamine use? 

 

Is Ketamine Addictive?

 

There are many side effects of ketamine use, but the most serious is the risk of addiction. Ketamine is considered a schedule 3 drug that medical professionals or veterinarians can legally administer, but used outside of that, it comes with a significant risk of addiction.

 

Like most drugs that cause hallucinations or detachment from reality, ketamine addiction can prevent people from going about their daily life, being productive, engaging in activities or responsibilities like work or school. It can also impact memory, cognition, and speech. Ketamine use can very quickly compound and become a ketamine addiction when someone is reliant or dependent upon ketamine to avoid their daily lives, and they can do nothing other than search for and use more ketamine. This happens gradually, especially as individuals increase the dosage they take. 

 

What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine Use?

 

The side effects of ketamine use can worsen depending on how much ketamine is used and how often. 

 

Short term, the most common side effects of ketamine use include:

  • Confusion or clumsiness
  • Reduced sensitivity to pain
  • Increased heart rate
  • Slurred speech
  • Blurred vision
  • Hallucinations
  • Vomiting
  • Panic attacks, anxiety, or violence

 

The way ketamine causes the most common side effects and which side effects are caused will vary based on the individual. The amount of ketamine taken, how strong it is, and if any other drugs are taken at the same time can influence the severity of symptoms.

 

Long-term side effects of ketamine use include the risk of overdose and ketamine bladder syndrome. High amounts of ketamine or long-term ketamine use put you at risk for incredibly high blood pressure, resulting in convulsions and loss of consciousness. Long-term side effects of ketamine also include:

  • Abnormal kidney or liver function
  • Abnormal pain
  • Bladder problems
  • Personality changes 
  • Depression and mood changes
  • Poor sense of smell
  • Problems concentrating or remembering things

 

More serious is ketamine bladder syndrome. This is a significant problem brought about by ketamine abuse. This painful bladder condition can result in bladder ulcers, incontinence, and difficulty holding in urine. 

 

Ketamine Addiction Treatment Centers in Laguna Beach, CA

 

If you have noticed the side effects of ketamine use and addiction in your life, it might be time to get help. Long-term side effects of ketamine use can be treated at an addiction treatment center. A good ketamine addiction treatment center will help you get the right detox program and long-term coping skills to remain sober.

 

Luxury ketamine addiction rehab centers like Laguna View Detox know that achieving and maintaining sobriety means you need to realize your full potential, find purpose in life, and develop long-term coping skills that give you an alternative when environmental triggers, stress, or anger get in the way.

 

Our luxury rehab center gives you medically assisted ketamine detox and the medical assistance you need for any co-occurring disorders. Our safe and secure environment helps you complete detox safely and comfortably and then participate in residential treatment programs with a combination of evidence-based practices and holistic treatment modalities. We seek to give you a foundation for success and recovery with customized treatment programs and dedicated, caring staff.

Let Laguna View Detox help you escape your addiction with our ketamine addiction treatment center. We are here to help you on your path to sobriety and healthy living.

Why Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorders are Related

Why Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorders are Related

It’s not unusual for people to turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with their mental health issues. They may be reluctant to reach out for any number of reasons. They may be afraid of what people will think of them, they may not feel their issues are that bad, or they may not have the time or money to deal with them. Instead of getting the help they need, they turn to illicit substances to reduce their symptoms.

 

While drugs and alcohol may provide temporary relief, they typically make mental health worse in the long run. People who use may experience soaring highs followed by devastating lows that lead them to a vicious cycle. 

 

Anxiety is a mental illness that is commonly self-medicated with alcohol and other types of drugs. This article will look at how anxiety and alcohol use disorders are related. 

 

What is Anxiety?

 

I think it’s safe to say that we have all experienced anxiety at some point in our lives. We are familiar with the stress, the racing heartbeat, the nervousness, and all the other symptoms that come with it. 

 

Most of us can relieve anxiety by dealing with our problems, meditating, breathing deeply, and using other relaxation techniques. But for some, it’s not that easy. 

 

Some people experience feelings of anxiety that may not come about for any specific reason. It can last for several days, weeks, or months. It can get in the way of their ability to enjoy life or even perform basic tasks. 

 

When anxiety is as bad as this, a person should seek professional help. But many choose not to. They self-medicate with alcohol instead. 

 

What is Alcohol Use Disorder? 

 

Many of us occasionally enjoy an alcoholic beverage, but some don’t know when to stop. They drink to the point where they build a tolerance to alcohol, so they need to increase their drinking amount to get the same effect. 

 

After a while, they may also develop withdrawal symptoms. Their bodies get so used to having the alcohol in their system that they can’t function without it. When they are sober, they react by shaking, becoming feverish, getting headaches, experiencing high anxiety, and more. 

 

Other symptoms of alcohol use disorder include:

 

  • Slurred speech
  • Dangerous behavior
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Legal issues
  • Troubled relationships
  • Mood swings
  • Problems with coordination
  • Blackouts 
  • Dizziness
  • Financial difficulties

 

Knowing When It’s Time to Get Help with Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorders

 

It is typical for people to drink when they feel anxious. Alcohol is a sedative that depresses the central nervous system producing a calming effect. And this may be okay when done in moderation. But when someone has an anxiety disorder and drinks constantly, an addiction may start to form. 

 

Moreover, in the long run, alcohol use can make anxiety worse. Prolonged drinking has been known to increase anxiety disorders. In fact, even drinking in moderation can worsen anxiety after a few hours. 

 

If you find yourself turning to alcohol often to reduce anxiety symptoms, it’s time to get help. If you are experiencing the symptoms of alcohol use disorder listed above, don’t wait another day. 

 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help

 

There are many rehabs that offer help for anxiety and alcohol use disorders, and it can take hours to find the one that’s right for you. You can save some time by checking out Laguna View Detox first. 

 

Laguna View Detox is a luxury rehab facility located in the peaceful and upscale community of Laguna Beach. We offer detoxification, inpatient treatment, and an aftercare and alumni program. Our caring staff provides the ultimate in-care for each patient. 

 

When it comes to treating anxiety and alcohol use disorder, we take a dual diagnosis approach. This entails treating the addiction and its underlying cause of anxiety simultaneously. A variety of therapies can be integrated, and we will find the one that works best for you. Our program is proven to provide long-lasting recovery results. 

Anxiety and alcohol use disorder is a slippery slope. Don’t let it set the path for your life. Call Laguna Beach Detox today. We will provide a plan that helps you leave your dependency issues behind you.