Use Your Gilsbar Health Insurance to Treat Your Addiction

how to use your Gilsbar health insurance to treat your addiction

One of the most significant decisions in your recovery journey is deciding how to get sober. There will be no shortage of opinions on how you should accomplish this goal, so it’s important to remember that this is your journey. Treatment can be an expensive option, but using your Gilsbar health insurance can lower the stress around this aspect of getting sober. Choosing the right treatment facility can feel like an overwhelming decision. Starting your information gathering by researching only those facilities that accept your health insurance can make the process substantially easier.  At Laguna View Detox, we know that the decisions around early recovery can be stressful and we are here to help you navigate these early steps. 

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction 

While the signs and symptoms of addiction vary by the drug being used, there are commonalities. Addiction is a disease of mind, body, and spirit. For this reason, the signs and symptoms show up in different ways. The human body is not meant to regularly ingest drugs and alcohol. Even when a drug is prescribed, the prescribed benefits can quickly be erased if the drug is abused. The physical symptoms of drug and alcohol use show up across the body in various ways. Those who use opioids may seem to regularly have the flu, complain of body aches, or seem euphoric depending on their supply. Others who use stimulants will seem to be moving more quickly. Nearly everyone who uses drugs and alcohol will exhibit mood swings and changes in appearance. Beyond the physical signs, you may experience hopelessness, depression, anxiety, and problems in your relationships. Finally, there are the consequences of drug and alcohol use. Most who find themselves addicted to drugs and alcohol experience significant problems at home and at work. It is hard to focus on maintaining relationships or even employment when your primary focus is to use drugs and alcohol. 

 

Why You Should Utilize Gilsbar Health Insurance to Go to Rehab

Beginning your journey in a rehab treatment facility will provide you with additional support during what may be the most difficult days of your sobriety journey. Choosing a facility that accepts your Gilsbar Health Insurance will allow you to focus more on the work to be done and less on the finances of it all. Over time, you have likely stopped paying attention to caring for yourself, your finances, and your relationships. In rehab, you’ll go through detox to rid your system of drugs and alcohol so that you’re free to do the work of learning how to live a sober life. You’ll learn how to care for your body and your mind by learning skills including nutrition, meditation, and movement. At Laguna View Detox, we’ll help you to learn tools that will help you to cope with life and relationships without using drugs and alcohol. Through group and individual therapy, you’ll explore the beliefs that have been holding you back from a sober life while you develop new coping mechanisms. You’ll also have the chance to receive treatment for any co-occurring disorders and learn more about your overall health. 

 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help With You or Your Loved Ones Addiction Today 

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock care to help you break free from addiction.  As one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County, we provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment. Our staff includes some of the best in the industry, and we’ll create a holistic treatment plan tailored to you. We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare.  Contact us today and start your recovery journey in one of the most beautiful areas of California.

Recover From Alcoholism at a Highmark Alcohol Rehab

Recover from alcoholism at a Highmark alcohol rehab

Deciding to get sober is one of the most impactful decisions that you can make in your life. While it may seem like the easiest decision for someone else, that’s not always true. Even when you know that it’s time for you to get sober, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed with understanding the options available for getting sober. It’s important to know that you can blend together the different paths to create the path that’s the right fit for you. As you begin to gather information, you’ll learn about different rehab facilities, different treatment levels, and varying options for aftercare. Selecting a Highmark alcohol rehab can simplify some of the decisions by ensuring that some or all of your car in alcohol treatment is covered by your health insurance. 

Many Highmark plans will cover some portion of your treatment.  At Laguna View Detox, we know that the information-gathering stage can feel overwhelming and we’re here to help prevent it from becoming a barrier to your sobriety. 

How Can a Highmark Alcohol Rehab Help With Alcoholism?  

Receiving treatment at a Highmark alcohol rehab is the first step in your successful journey toward sobriety. You can expect to receive a wide range of services including individual and group therapy, skills groups, and more. We understand that you may have lost touch with how to care for yourself and carry out your responsibilities. Alcoholism and addiction are diseases that affect the mind, body, and spirit. A Highmark alcohol rehab will provide you with treatment to address all three. We’ll help you to reconnect with your body so that you understand the importance of nutrition and movement. Likewise, we’ll help you incorporate tools like meditation and mindfulness as coping mechanisms that will help you refrain from turning to alcohol in times of duress. Finally, in therapy, we will help you to identify the beliefs that have been preventing you from getting sober, develop new coping mechanisms, and treat any co-occurring disorders. 

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Quit Alcohol on Your Own

Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs to withdraw from. The safest way to withdraw is under medical supervision. This is especially true if you have been drinking daily for an extended period of time or have previously tried to quit drinking unsuccessfully. When you stop drinking alcohol abruptly, your body may respond with a cluster of symptoms referred to as Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). 

 

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome can be very mild or can progress into more severe symptoms. At a Highmark alcohol rehab, you can expect to be monitored by licensed clinicians. This monitoring allows us to proactively treat any changes that we note and help you to avoid any complications during withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal begins with mild symptoms such as anxiety, noise and light sensitivity, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. However, it can progress to more serious symptoms, such as delirium tremens (DTs) or seizures, that can be fatal. Because severe alcohol withdrawal can be so dangerous, it is important that you are monitored during detox. 

 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help You With Addiction Today

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock care for your alcohol problem.  We are one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County. We provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment in one of the most beautiful areas in California. Our staff includes some of the best in the industry, and we’ll create a holistic treatment plan tailored to you. We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare.  Contact us today and let us help you break free from alcohol!  

 

Does Amerihealth Cover Drug Rehab?

Does Amerihealth cover drug rehab?

Once you decide to get help with your drug problem, you will have to gather a lot of information. You’ll start to explore how to get free of drugs and alcohol, including drug rehab treatment centers, peer support recovery group meetings, sober living, and more. As you explore these options, one of the most critical questions will revolve around your resources. While you may have reached a point where you can’t afford to keep using drugs and alcohol, you’ll still need to know what you can afford for treatment. Many plans will cover some portion of your attendance at a treatment center, which is part of Amerihealth’s rehab coverage. Understanding your insurance benefits can be confusing and can feel overwhelming when your list of decisions is long. At Laguna View Detox, we’re here to support you on your journey, which includes helping you understand the benefits available to you. 

Does Amerihealth Cover Drug Rehab?

While every policy’s specific benefits are different, Amerihealth rehab coverage is included with nearly all Amerihealth plans. While you can usually verify this directly with Amerihealth, we can also help you wade through this information. Even if Amerihealth does not cover your treatment’s entire cost, they will typically cover a portion of the cost. Once you know what is covered, we can help you create a treatment plan that serves you and help you strategize how to pay the remainder of the costs. You might have a Health Savings Account (HSA), a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), or other benefits available to you that will assist with the cost. 

Signs I Need to Go to Drug Rehab

If you take an honest look at your drug use and see that you have a problem, it’s likely time to go drug rehab. If you’ve tried stopping in the past and have been unable to do so, the extra support of rehab can be just what is needed. If you use different drugs and also drink alcohol, drug rehab can offer you a way to safely detox. Withdrawing from drugs, especially alcohol, without medical supervision can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. Our staff will monitor you closely and employ comfort measures to ensure that you detox safely. 

 

You are the only one who knows if you have a drug problem. Start by taking a look at your drug and alcohol use. Is your drug and alcohol use serving you?  What are you losing or missing out on in the name of getting high or drunk? It’s not always about hitting rock bottom. Take a good look at your drug and alcohol use and ask yourself the following: 

  • Have I been unable to quit using drugs on my own?
  • Have I tried to cut down on my drug use or drinking unsuccessfully?
  • Am I using more drugs than I intend to use?
  • Do I have to use more drugs to get the same effect?
  • Are my drug use and drinking causing me health problems?
  • Is my drug and alcohol use or being sick after interfering with my life?
  • Is it affecting my relationships or my career?
  • Has anyone in my life asked me to quit?

Answering yes to some or all of these questions is an indication that you have a problem and should consider drug rehab. In the end, the most crucial question is about how drugs and alcohol are affecting your ability to live your life. 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help You With Addiction

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock care for your alcohol problem.  We are one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County. We provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment in one of the most beautiful areas in California. Our staff includes some of the best in the industry, and we’ll create a holistic treatment plan tailored to you. We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare.  Contact us today and let us help you break free from alcohol!  

 

Facts and Stats About the LGBTQ Community and Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is an issue that faces all of society. Unfortunately, certain groups have been marginalized when it comes to talking openly about the facts and statistics surrounding substance abuse. One such group is the LGBTQ community. 

 

We here at Laguna View Detox feel that it is important to help shed some light on substance abuse and how it can impact different communities. It’s also important for those suffering to know how and when to get help for addiction.

 

Today we’ll discuss who the LGBTQ community are, how substance abuse affects the LGBTQ community specifically, and how to get help with addiction. 

Who Are the LGBTQ Community? 

To understand LGBTQ and substance abuse, you first need to understand the community and the people that are part of it. 

 

The LGBTQ community is broadly defined as those who classify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. This definition can also be more broadly extend to many other groups including pansexuals and non-binary persons. Typically, the community consists of anyone who does not identify as solely heterosexual. 

 

While the community as a whole is considerable, it is still considered a minority amongst the populace and the individual groups are each much smaller. Because of this and many other factors, members of the community often encounter a lack of acceptance and can face outright bigotry from non-members of the community. 

 

Members of the LGBTQ community are far more prone to have acts of violence and hatred committed against them than non-LGBTQ persons. The level of discrimination for an LGBTQ person is heightened based on other factors as well including, race, religion, regional location, family status, and other factors. 

 

Does Addiction Affect the LGBTQ Community? 

Unfortunately, being a part of the LGBTQ community and substance abuse are tied closely together. As we said earlier, members of the community often face higher rates of discrimination and violence as a result of their sexual orientation and as such, the rates of substance abuse are considerably higher than in other communities. 

 

Part of the issue with identifying all of the factors related to substance abuse within the LGBTQ community is due to the fact that it has only become a topic of research very recently. Until now, questions of gender identity and sexual orientation as factors for substance abuse and substance use disorders were not asked nor calculated. 

 

We can see a direct link between environmental factors such as discrimination and violence, and a higher likelihood of substance abuse. Furthermore, it is widely known that day-to-day stressors and lack of proper medical care and oversight can lead to higher rates of abuse. 

 

In a way, this compounds the problem for those in the LGBTQ community, violence and discrimination coupled with a fear of seeking the proper help can make substance abuse and addiction a never-ending cycle. 

 

There are also no signs of decline in substance use compared to other groups where treatment is becoming more prevalent. This is further compounded by the fact that LGBTQ persons with substance abuse problems are more likely to have co-occurring disorders as well such as mental health issues and emotional issues. 

 

How to Get Help With Substance Abuse 

It can be difficult to know when to seek help with substance abuse, especially as a member of the LGBTQ community. Please know there are resources available to help those looking to achieve sobriety. You are not alone when it comes to needing help with addiction. 

 

Laguna View Detox is a detox and residential treatment center located in Orange County, California. For more information regarding addiction treatment, please reach out to us today! 

 

Can You Become Addicted to Adderall?

Can You Become Addicted to Adderall?

We often believe that prescription drugs are inherently safer than drugs purchased illegally. And, while this can be true, prescription drugs still require caution when taking them. The news headlines are focused on the opioid crisis but you might also want to be more concerned with the medications prescribed to you. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you may be taking Adderall and might be asking if you can become addicted to Adderall? The short answer is yes, and if you are worried about how you’ve been using Adderall, we are here to help. At Laguna View Detox, we provide a beautiful, intimate setting for you to end your relationship with Adderall. 

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is the brand name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It falls into the prescription stimulant drug class along with Dexedrine and Ritalin. Healthcare providers prescribe it to treat conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. You may also hear these drugs referred to as speed or uppers. 

Prescription stimulants are considered Schedule II drugs, which means that they have positive effects and considerable abuse potential. Researchers have found that roughly sixty percent of children with ADHD are treated with prescription stimulants, and the data supports this treatment. However, there are also many misconceptions about Adderall which has led to its misuse. High school and college students and athletes may misuse the drug believing that it will enable them to perform better academically and physically. The abuse of drugs such as Adderall has increased over the last two decades. 

Can You Become Addicted to Adderall?

Adderall works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the central nervous system. Adderall is effective because norepinephrine affects how the brain pays attention, and dopamine creates a reward. Although dopamine occurs naturally, drugs like Adderall produce unnaturally high levels of it. It is this increased reward effect that can lead to addiction. Once you become addicted to Adderall, your brain needs it to stimulate alertness and productivity. Without it you will feel tired and foggy. 

It is possible to become addicted to Adderall, whether you were prescribed it or not. If you think you are addicted to using Adderall, start by asking yourself some questions, such as the following:

  • Have you tried to stop using it and been unable to do so? 
  • Have you found yourself focused on making sure you have enough Adderall? 
  • Are you unable to complete any tasks without taking Adderall?
  • Are you using it as prescribed, or are you using more than was prescribed to you?
  • Are you using Adderall that was not prescribed to you?
  • Is your use of Adderall affecting your relationships with others or your ability to fulfill your responsibilities? 

If you can answer yes to some or all of these questions, you likely need to take a closer look at your Adderall use. There is really one question to ask yourself. Is your use of Adderall serving you, or is it preventing you from living your life?

How Laguna View Detox Can Help You With Addiction

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round the clock care for your addiction.  We are one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County. We provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment in one of the most beautiful areas California has to offer. Our staff includes some of the most experienced and most compassionate in the industry, and we’ll create a holistic treatment plan tailored to you. We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare.  Contact us today and let us help you with your addiction!  

Bill Wilson, Founder Of AA: Who Is He?

bill wilson

For exactly 85 years, alcoholics worldwide have found a haven in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). For every time an alcoholic finds understanding, love, and a community of helpers, they have Bill Wilson, founder of AA, to thank. 

Long before Bill Wilson founded Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholics had a hard time finding their way to sobriety. 

To make matters worse, the only help they got was through mental institutions or jail until they got sober. And if they get sober, they’ll be released back to their lives to continue drinking. This created a damaging cycle for anyone struggling with alcoholism, until AA was established

Today, AA and other similar communities have helped millions of people overcome alcohol addiction – all thanks to Bill Wilson.

Who Is the Founder of AA?

AA is the brainchild of Bill Wilson. The idea of alcoholics anonymous was created on a night when Bill was tempted to take alcohol. Bill had been sober for quite a while before that night. 

However, a failed business meeting triggered a deep craving for alcohol. At that moment, Bill realized that the only way to surmount his craving was to help others recover from their struggle with alcoholism. 

He began searching for people until he reached an alcoholic and Oxford Group member, Dr. Bob Smith. 

Bob Smith and Bill had conversations about how a spiritual experience saved Bill from alcoholism. After that conversation, Bob sought a spiritual experience and later became sober. 

After Bob’s sobriety, he and Bill went on to help other alcoholics in the Oxford Group in Akron and New York. 

In 1950, after helping about 100 alcoholics recover, Wilson authored a book called Alcoholics Anonymous, and the program was founded. 

The book contains the twelve steps that Wilson and Bob had been using to reform alcoholics and set them on a life of sobriety. After the book was published, the program soon took on the title of the book. 

As the program became more popular, he was known as Bill Wilson, founder of AA.

About Bills Life

Bill was born on November 2nd, 1895, in East Dorset, Vermont. His childhood wasn’t a particularly happy one. His parents were not involved in his life as his maternal grandparents raised him. 

Wilson was commissioned as an artillery officer in 1916. At one of the several dinners that included other officers, Wilson had his first of many drinks to come. He remarked feeling bolder and better after drinking. Over time, he became addicted to alcohol and would spend many years trying without success to kick the habit. 

Typical of addictions, Wilson’s addiction affected important parts of his life. He was unable to graduate from law school because he was too drunk to get his diploma. His addiction to alcohol also affected his career as a stock speculator. 

In 1933, Wilson was admitted four times for alcoholism. In 1934, a former drinking buddy now sober with the help of the Christian Oxford Group visited Wilson. He told Wilson of a spiritual experience that cured him of his alcoholism. 

Wilson later had the same experience and became sober. 

Is AA Still Popular Today?

After Wilson, founder of AA, consolidated the 12 steps published in his first book, AA only grew from strength to strength. 

Today, there are more than 100,000 registered groups and over 2 million members. Wilson’s legacy will continue to grow, providing alcoholics an aftercare community to find help and support after rehab. 

Find Recovery at Laguna View Detox

At Laguna View Detox, we utilize AA groups as a part of our addiction therapy for our clients. Our six bed facility is located in beautiful Laguna Beach, California. We offer detoxification and inpatient addiction treatment. After our clients have completed our program, we make sure to set them up with comprehensive aftercare plans to help ensure lasting recovery. Contact us today to learn more about us! 

What Does Alcohol Withdrawal Look Like?

Addiction is a serious issue that impacts people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This is a disease that does not know the difference. One of the most common addictions is alcoholism. Those who suffer from this addiction will do almost anything to get their hands on alcohol. They can destroy relationships with family members, friends, and damage their professional careers beyond repair.

Fortunately, many people who live with alcoholism have people who love, support and care about them. Therefore, they might end up trying to stop drinking. When someone has been using alcohol in excess are in danger of suffering something called alcohol withdrawal syndrome. When someone goes into withdrawal from alcohol, the symptoms can be severe. It is important for everyone to know what it looks like when someone is in alcohol withdrawal.

The Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

The impacts of alcohol withdrawal will primarily impact the central nervous system. The severity of alcohol withdrawal can vary from relatively mild to potentially life-threatening symptoms. Typically, alcohol withdrawal will follow a set progression. Depending on how long and how severe someone’s alcohol abuse has been, the symptoms are going to set in between six and 24 hours from the most recent alcoholic beverage. Once alcohol withdrawal, it can last for up to a week. In order for someone to be diagnosed with alcohol withdrawal, they need to have several of the following symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • The development of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions (they can be auditory, visual, or tactile)
  • The development of emotional lability and agitation
  • Anxiety
  • The development of seizures (typically tonic-clonic in nature)
  • Autonomic instability, such as changes in temperature, heart rate, or blood pressure

In some cases, these symptoms can be quite severe. The severity of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal will depend on a number of factors. Some of the most important factors that will dictate how severe someone’s alcohol withdrawal is will include how long someone has been using alcohol, the amount of alcohol someone has been consuming, and someone’s past medical history. There are multiple types of alcohol withdrawal that everyone should know.

The Various Types of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

If someone has developed alcohol withdrawal syndrome, this can be classified in a variety of ways. Labeling the medical picture is important for making sure that someone gets the help that he or she deserves. Some of the types of alcohol withdrawal syndrome include:

  • Alcohol Hallucinosis: This is a type of alcohol withdrawal where someone has hallucinations (either visual, auditory, or tactile) but is otherwise medically intact
  • Withdrawal Seizures: This is a type of alcohol withdrawal where someone develops seizures within two days of the most recent drink. These seizures can either come in isolated events or be grouped together.
  • Delirium Tremens: Also known as the DTs, this type of alcohol withdrawal is particularly severe. Anyone experiencing this form of alcohol withdrawal needs urgent medical attention. In addition to the various hallucinations, people with the DTs are very confused, shaking, and can lose consciousness.

Clearly, alcohol withdrawal can be particularly serious. It is important for everyone to know how alcohol withdrawal will progress.

The Progression of Alcohol Withdrawal

If someone has entered a state of alcohol withdrawal, it is important to know how the symptoms are going to progress. Even the most serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can develop within only a few hours after the most recent drink. A few hours later, the most common symptoms that will show up include shaking, sweating, anxiety, headaches, and vomiting. Finally, once people have gone a day without a drink, the worst symptoms are going to become more common. This might include agitation, hallucinations, confusion, and more. Seizures start to set in shortly after this time.

After a few days have gone by the symptoms will start to fade. Most people will get better. Those who have developed DTs need to remain with trained medical professionals because the symptoms may continue to worsen. For this reason, anyone who is going through alcohol withdrawal needs to make sure they have the necessary help. This is where trained professionals are essential for withdrawals.

Trust the Professionals with Laguna View Detox

Withdrawals are a serious concern following alcohol abuse and anyone who suffers from alcoholism needs to make sure they rely on the professionals when it comes to addiction treatment. At Laguna View Detox, we take a tremendous amount of pride in the services we provide to those in need. Our professionals have worked hard to make sure they offer the latest treatment methods to everyone who comes to see us. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact us today! We look forward to meeting you.

Percocet Addiction

percocet addiction

Percocet is a drug prescribed for pain management. A combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen (aka the ingredient in Tylenol), it is classified as a Schedule 2 narcotic by the FDA due to its high potential for addiction. In fact, it can become addictive within a week of the first use. Its use is often curtailed due to the acetaminophen content of the pills. Percocet addiction will be limited by the addict’s own liver due to acetaminophen’s toxic effects of the liver at high doses.

Percocet Side Effects

In addition to its addictive properties, those using Percocet should be wary of operating heavy machinery including cars during their period of use. Those with allergies to acetaminophen should avoid Percocet, as should those with allergies to opiate medications. Breathing problems have been reported with this medication, so those with COPD or other respiratory difficulties should avoid this drug. More common side effects include, but are not limited to:

  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Blurry vision
  • Dry mouth

Who Uses Percocet?

Patients in need of pain management use Percocet. It is recommended for those in need of moderate to severe pain relief. Over the years, it has been prescribed for patients to use after an oral surgery and for those recovering from more severe trauma, such as burn victims. Percocet is only legally available by prescription from a licensed health care professional, but the prescription drug epidemic tells us that many people who initially took a drug per a doctor’s recommendation, soon find themselves addicted, and resort to various tactics to find the drug, even after their prescription runs out. These addicts will eventually need detox and subsequent recovery to remain free from the drug.

Percocet Detox

Detoxifying from a Percocet addiction can be a long and drawn out process, depending on the severity of the addict’s usage. Though the detox process is not fatal, as in alcohol detox, it can be very unpleasant and it is recommended to seek professional help when undergoing the detox process. The acute detox period can include episodes of vomiting, cold sweats, shakes, seizures, and possible coma.

Though many addicts have suffered the painful detox process at home, this method can be very risky, due to the possibility of coma as well as other effects, including depression and increased heart rate. Even if one chooses to detox at home, a friend or family member should be made aware of this decision so that they can check in on the process to make sure the addict is safe.

Where to Detox

There are many detox clinics that will assist the Percocet addict in the time of detox and withdrawal. With a team of trained professionals to guide the patient through the process, everyone involved can be assured of a safe and well-managed detox process.

After the initial detox period has been completed, the addict can then face a lengthy period where it may be difficult to complete sentences and gather thoughts. There is also a possibility of relapse.

Step-Down Withdrawal

Some professionals might recommend other methods, such as a step-down detox in which the body is trained to live without the addictive opiate. Here, the patient works with a doctor to lower dosage over time. This is a ″weaning″ method and requires that there be open communication between the doctor and patient. So, if a Percocet abuser begins to have cravings for a higher dose, this needs to be discussed immediately with the doctor

Percocet Recovery

Recovery from Percocet addiction is often a lifetime process. Immediately following a detoxification, the patient may need to undergo a period of education and counseling about his drug problem. Issues such as relapse and long-term treatment should be discussed. The patient should, in fact, be fully evaluated so that his or her status regarding addition can be assessed.

If it is determined the patient is fully addicted, then group therapy is often the preferred method of recovery. This therapy might be conducted in a clinical, rehabilitation setting or in the community via organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. The patient should try all possible avenues to determine which will be the most effective for long-term recovery. Very often, addicts find that the less comfortable route yields the greater results and the best prognosis for long-term health and happiness.


Get Help With Your Addiction Now

If you or someone you love is experiencing Percocet addiction, you are not alone. There is recovery available. Call now (866) 819-7187 for a confidential assessment by an intake specialist at Laguna View Detox.

Signs Of Oxycodone Addictions

If you have been prescribed oxycodone and are concerned that you may be creating an oxycodone addiction, consider these warning signs:

  • Defensive about your use
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies you may have once enjoyed
  • Drastic mood changes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Decreased motivation
  • Noted decline in social interaction

If you are experiencing these signs, it may be time to try to stop. If you are having difficulty stopping your use, then it may be time to contact an oxycodone addictions specialist such as a counselor or a drug rehabilitation facility. You may need to be admitted to undergo a medical detox where you will be kept as comfortable as possible while you go through the hardest parts of the detoxification process. 

Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone is an opiate painkiller, which is prescribed for moderate, severe, and chronic pain. It is also used to treat the pain of terminal cancer patients. Oxycodone addiction is a serious problem, and is growing all the time. As an opioid, it is highly addictive and is classed as a narcotic which means that it can never be used without a prescription. Oxycodone also is known as Percodan, Oxycontin, and Tylox.

Opioid drugs such as morphine and heroin have long been known to have additive properties. However, we often consider illicit ″street″ drugs to be the real problem. However, the statistics do not bear that out. In 2010, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimated that there were 329,000 heroin addicts in the United States. That same year, NIDA estimated that there were 1,900,000 (1.9 million) oxycodone addicts. This means there was more than five times the number of oxycodone addicts as there were heroin addicts. In 2010, the CDC estimated that 12 million people reported using prescribed painkillers for recreational, or non-medical use.

Rise Of Addiction

According to the CDC 46 people die every day from overdoses involving prescription opioids.1 In 2017, prescription opioids continue to contribute to the epidemic in the U.S. – they were involved in more than 35% of all opioid overdose deaths.

The most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include:

  • Methadone
  • Oxycodone (such as OxyContin®)
  • Hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®)2

For people who died from prescription opioid overdose in 2017:

  • Overdose rates from prescription opioids significantly increased among people more than 65 years of age.
  • Overdose rates from prescription opioids were higher among non-Hispanic whites and American Indian or Alaskan Natives, compared to non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics.
  • The rate of overdose deaths from prescription opioids among men was 6.1 per 100,000 people and the rate among women was 4.2 in 2017.

Why User Of Opioids Will Be Addicted

There are many factors that determine whether a user of opioids will become addicted. Will someone use long enough to develop the dependence on the drug and the addiction? There is no way to predict how much a person must take before this happens. They may use once and instantly become addicted, or it may be a gradual thing that develops over time.

One of the first indicators that you are going to become addicted to Oxycodone is ‘drug liking.’ This phenomenon, explained by Thomas R. Kosten, M.D. and Tony P. George, M.D. is simple: when you do the drug, do you like it? Do you like how it makes you feel? For some people, opioids like Oxycodone are able to provide intense feelings of pleasure. Without these feelings, people are not likely to continue using the drug long enough to become dependent or addicted.

Other environmental factors and genetic factors like a predisposition to addiction all play a role in the cause of Oxycodone addiction, and it is nearly impossible to nail down a single cause for any one person.

Overdose Symptoms

Oxycodone is very dangerous. Every year people overdose. In 2009, the CDC noted that 475,000 people were admitted to emergency rooms as a result of prescription painkillers. If you are using oxycodone, know that you bear a risk of overdose. Take note of these overdose symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Clumsiness
  • Weakness
  • Slow heart rate
  • Labored breathing
  • Cold, clammy skin

If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. A medical technician can administer Narcan to stop the overdose and save a person’s life in a matter of seconds.

If you or a loved one are taking prescription pain medicines for any reason, make sure that no other substances are taken without a doctor’s approval. In particular, be sure to not use any tranquilizers such as valium or Xanax, and avoid alcohol at all costs. The interactions with these substances can be deadly.

Anyone who takes a prescribed pain killer is liable to develop a dependency to the substance, but certain members of the population may have enhanced risk. The following groups may have a higher risk of addiction:

  • Individuals with a family history of addiction
  • Medicaid recipients
  • People with a mental illness
  • Those with a personal history of addiction

Who is Affected?

Everyone in the addict’s life is affected by their use. Their immediate family and loved ones perhaps feel the brunt hardest, as they must witness a dear person undergo a transformation from a benevolent Dr. Jekyll to a wretched Mr. Hyde.

From the family, the problem often spreads outwards as the addict becomes remiss in duties at work, encounters problems with the law, and potentially begins to interfere with the work of doctors when he tries to ″doctor shop.″

Oxycondone Withdrawal Effects

Part of the problem with an Oxycodone addiction, or any addiction to opioids for that matter is the fear of withdrawal. Opioids are one of the drugs that make significant changes to the brain of the user, and whether a person is addicted or not from a mental standpoint, they are going to be physically dependent if they have used for any length of time.

Here are some of the withdrawal effects you may experience, and these illustrate that it is even more important to have a detox by a professional.

  • Slowed breathing
  • Respiratory failure
  • Liver damage
  • Seizures
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Coma
  • Death
  • Unintentional overdose

Not only will you surely have physical withdrawal symptoms, especially if you try to go it alone, but the effects the drugs have on you are far-reaching. Expect to face trouble with personal relationships (that is, if you have any left), divorce, homelessness, financial troubles and more• Try to stop the cycles of addiction before they cause too much harm. Help is available.

References:

America’s Addiction to Opioids: Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse http://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/legislative-activities/testimony-to-congress/2014/americas-addiction-to-opioids-heroin-prescription-drug-abuse

The Neurobiology of Opioid Dependence: Implications for Treatment

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851054/

Opioid Addiction

Opioid Addiction

Opioid drugs are those that are both naturally and synthetically derived from opium poppies. Drugs included in this class are oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin, morphine, and codeine. These may be known by a variety of brand names. Addiction to these drugs is a terrible social phenomenon that spans modern history. Historically, opioid addiction wreaked havoc in China, leading to the Opium Wars between China and England. On a personal level, opioid addiction can lead to unfathomable havoc in a person’s life, and might even cause an untimely death.

How to Spot Addiction

An opioid addiction is devastating to the mind and body, but some addicts still maintain jobs, including many in top professions. There are signs to look for if you feel that a friend, family member, or co-worker may be suffering from opioid addiction. Here are a few:

  • Extreme drowsiness at inappropriate times
  • Financial troubles
  • Recent surgery or other medical event requiring pain management
  • Frequent doctor visits
  • Persistent absence from work

If you are an opioid user and you are concerned about your use, consider these warning signs:

  • Defensive about use
  • Loss of interest in activities which once used to excite you
  • Difficulties in relationships
  • Loss of motivation
  • Withdrawal form social interaction
  • Problems and work

If you have a problem with opioids, note that these difficulties rarely get better on their own. If you have tried to stop and are having trouble, it might be time to consult with a professional addictions expert. In fact, note that most normal users don’t have to worry about when or how to quit. Please consult with a professional before the problem becomes too much for you and your family.

Opioid Addicts Symptoms

Overdose is a serious concern for any addict and opioid addicts are certainly no exception. If you witness any of the following symptoms in yourself or another, contact 911 immediately.

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Clumsiness
  • Weakness
  • Slow heart rate
  • Labored breathing
  • Cold, clammy skin

If you know of an opioid addict in your life, you might want to consult with your doctor about a prescription for Naloxone, also known as Narcan. That drug can immediately shut down the opioid receptors in the brain, thus halting an overdose in its tracks. The drug is very easy to administer in the intranasal form, so you can be available to help another’s life if necessary.

Prescription Opioids

Addiction to opioids used to be less frequent and the most common picture of an opioid addict was a street-level heroin junkie. However, the proliferation of prescription opioids has spread the problem far and wide. 

Opioid addiction is far more likely to strike in the form of prescription abuse than from illicit use of heroin or other street drugs. There are approximately 300,000 heroin users in the United States compared to 1.9 million people addicted to prescription medications. Despite the best efforts of drug companies to create pills that are slow-releasing, addicts have figured out how to maximize the impact of their favorite drug.

Get Help With Your Opioids Addiction

The good news is that there are solutions. There are many millions out there who have suffered opioid addiction and who have come through to the other side. There are doctors, lawyers, engineers, and even entertainment professionals who have all learned a better way of life on the other side of addiction. There are also people in your very town who have learned to get past their fondness for opioids. Your carpenter, banker, or waitress may be among them.

If you need help with your opioid addiction, reach out. An intake Laguna View Detox specialist is here to help.

At Laguna View Detox, we can help you battle the addiction and get back your life.  Our clinical team will work with you to help navigate the most appropriate approach for you.  We will help you discover your needs and identify a program to support your journey, clean  and sober.