6 Reasons You Need a Professional Drug Detox

Even though some people may feel that they are strong enough to quit an addiction on their own, they may not realize how ineffective and truly dangerous that choice can be. When it comes to quitting a severe addiction, there are many important reasons why a professional detox center is necessary. For the sake of safety, well-being and happiness it is crucial for people in recovery to go through detox in a licensed facility.

It may seem like a the right choice to stay home while you are quitting but choosing professional drug detox may actually save your life. Here are some of the key reasons you should attend a drug detox center for an addiction.

1. Withdrawal Can be Severe and Dangerous

People who engage in very heavy substance abuse are likely to have some very intense and painful withdrawal symptoms. It is important to have medical staff available in case there are any complications that occur through the process of detox. People can experience symptoms as severe as seizures and hallucinations and some may have mood swings so intense that they become suicidal.

Experiencing those kinds of symptoms without any assistance can be dangerous and even fatal in some cases. Withdrawal seizures can cause severe physical damage including damage to the heart and kidney. Other withdrawal symptoms can cause people to become severely dehydrated, have panic attacks, an increased heart rate or even breathing problems.

With medical staff available to constantly monitor your progress and make sure there are no complications you can ensure that your detox does not harm your physical health permanently.

2. Cravings are Hard to Fight Alone

In a detox center you will have no access to any of the substances you were addicted to or anything else that could pose a threat to your abstinence. At home there is a much greater danger of giving in to cravings and not being able to resist the possibility of calling a dealer or just going to a bar. People often don’t realize how intense and complicated their physical and mental cravings can be until they are faced with them during detox.

3. Relapse Can be Fatal

One of the most serious dangers with detoxing on your own is the fact that you can easily give in to your cravings and end up relapsing with a much lower tolerance. People that get off a drug for a few days or even a week will not realize how much they have lowered their tolerance by being abstinent for that period of time. If they end up relapsing and doing the same amount of drugs that they are accustomed to then they can quickly overdose.

People attending a detox center are much less likely to relapse and face this danger because they often follow up their withdrawal period by entering a rehab program. They will be in an environment where they have the support they need not to relapse and can remain safe as they adjust to living sober.

4. Professional Detox is Less Stressful

Aside from issues of safety and maintaining sobriety, the experience of detoxing as a whole is much more comfortable in a detox center. Trying to get through withdrawal alone is very stressful, painful and a lot more hard work. In a detox treatment center you will have people caring for you, easing your discomfort and providing you with what you need to get through it.

5. You Need Community and Support to Maintain Sobriety

One of the main reasons people relapse is because they are too isolated and don’t have access to the therapy and education they need to learn how to live sober. Going to a detox center will give you a chance to be surrounded by other people who support you and want to help you quit. Detoxing alone means that you won’t have anyone around to talk to in times of stress and no one to relate to about your experience.

In a detox center followed by rehab you will have educational tools, a built in community and close connections with others that make it easier to fight cravings and prevent relapse.

6. Handling Daily Life in Recovery can be Challenging

If you detox alone you will have to be responsible for dealing with your own withdrawal symptoms and obtaining your own necessities. Handling the daily tasks of life is much more stressful when you are going through withdrawal and trying to quit an addiction. Having staff members in a detox center take care of daily necessities and provide food and medication can make the whole process of withdrawal much easier.

Detoxing from an addiction is already a very difficult experience. Attending a professional drug detox can make it easier and less stressful while also guaranteeing your safety and success.

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Alcohol Poisoning and Detox

People that abuse alcohol regularly can put themselves in very serious danger when they drink. When people binge drink often, their tolerance for consuming large amounts of alcohol continues to increase. They may no longer be aware of how much is too much and are at a high risk for accidental alcohol poisoning.

An alcoholic or a heavy binge drinker may think that they can drink however much they want without experiencing any consequences. However people with these kinds of addictions can suffer from alcohol poisoning and end up in the emergency room. It is not only a painful experience it can also be deadly in many cases.

Alcohol poisoning can occur even for people that are very accustomed to drinking heavily. Someone may not realize how much they are actually consuming especially when they are already intoxicated. After going through alcohol poisoning the victim will most likely go through a period of withdrawal during which they can choose to enter detox.

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

When someone experiences alcohol poisoning, it usually happens when they have consumed a very large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. Even though people in the U.S. consume alcohol regularly a surprisingly large amount of people experience accidental alcohol poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are about 2,200 deaths per year related to alcohol poisoning which averages to about 6 per day.

Many people don’t understand the limits of alcohol tolerance in the body and are unaware that they are consuming more than their body can handle. When someone has alcohol poisoning it is because the high volume they have consumed is flooding the bloodstream and is interfering with vital functions of the brain such as breathing, heart rate and temperature. Because the liver can only process a certain amount of alcohol at a time, too much will mean that the toxins are flooding the body.

Alcohol poisoning can cause many severe reactions in the body including-

• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Dehydration
• Irregular heart rate
• Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)
• Irregular breathing (long gaps between breaths)
• Blue tinged or pale skin
• Unconsciousness or passing out

If someone seems heavily intoxicated, it is a good idea to become familiar with the signs of alcohol poisoning so that you can recognize when they need medical help. If someone is passed out or it seems like they are having trouble breathing it is crucial to call 911 as soon as possible. In order to prevent alcohol poisoning from becoming fatal, the person will need immediate medical attention.

It can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of alcohol poisoning in yourself but it is crucial if you are drinking alone or the people around you are too intoxicated to notice that you need help. If you find your breathing or heart rate slowing down and you feel cold or are shivering then you might need to go to the hospital. Getting medical help in time can save your life and prevent your body from shutting down.

Detoxing from Alcohol Poisoning

When someone experiences alcohol poisoning they may go through a period of withdrawal afterward as their body tries to rid itself of the toxins. They may feel very uncomfortable or be in a lot of physical pain as they recover from the poisoning. In the same way that an alcoholic goes through withdrawal, large amounts of alcohol can lead to intense detox in the period afterward.

For someone who has gone through alcohol poisoning, they might consider going to a detox center to help them recover from their experience. Consuming alcohol to the point of nearly dying means that you do not have a safe or healthy relationship to the drug. Even though alcohol is legal that does not mean it is normal for the body to be flooded with that many toxins.

Detox can give you a chance to rid your body of all the chemicals that are making you dependent on alcohol. Having an experience with alcohol poisoning can be a wake up call for people because they realize that they are not able to drink responsibly. There are plenty of detox centers available for people who have been through alcohol poisoning and need to get the drug out of their system.

Although drinking is meant to be a social behavior, it can sometimes turn into a dangerous habit that can mean your life is at stake. Alcohol poisoning deaths are an unfortunate reality in this country as people are not able to control their drinking or don’t know their limit. Avoiding alcohol can be a safe alternative to a risky habit.

If you want to quit drinking, contact a detox center and a rehab treatment program in your area today.

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Demand for Anxiety Treatment in College

Mental illness is something that more and more young people are struggling with as they try to make it through their education. With overwhelming academic schedules and the pressure to succeed, college students are suffering from anxiety in record numbers. Students are experiencing high amounts of stress that they are unable to cope with which is leading to serious mental health issues.

College campuses are facing an unprecedented demand for counseling services and many are unable to keep up with the high volume of students in need. Between 2009 and 2015 the number of students visiting counseling centers increased by about 30 percent on average in spite of a decrease in enrollment rates. Many students going to counseling on college campuses have attempted suicide or engaged in self-harm.

Studies have shown that about 61 percent of students in a college survey felt a sense of overwhelming anxiety. This is partially due to busy workloads and students burning out on intense academic demands at their school. The pressure to succeed can lead to college kids struggling so much with anxiety and other mental health issues that they are forced to drop out of school.

Many college campuses are working to meet the high demand for mental health services by providing depression screenings and more counseling clinics to help students. Some universities are adding more mental health clinicians so that students are not left behind at the busy counseling offices. However, most counseling centers are still working with limited resources and counselors are struggling to keep up with the large volume of students seeking help.

In order to meet the growing demand for mental health care, college campuses need more funding so that they can help every student with anxiety or other issues. If colleges can allocate more resources to their counseling services they may be able to keep more students in school.

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Required Opioid Seminars for Parents?

With the opioid epidemic causing issues of abuse and overdose throughout the country, people are looking for answers in order to minimize and prevent addiction. Fighting the opioid epidemic can be possible through a combination of treatment for existing issues and preventative education so that people are aware of the dangers of the drug. Some high schools are now providing required seminars to educate kids about the addictive nature of opioids.

One superintendent of a high school in New Jersey was heart broken by the deaths of at least half a dozen students at the school who overdosed on opioids. Even parents of children in the school have experienced fatal overdoses as well. In order to take action he made it a requirement for seniors to attend an opioid seminar before they could graduate.

These types of seminars are designed to help people learn how to identify signs and signals that someone is addicted to opioids. It can also provide them with information about the dangers of overdose and the risky nature of abusing these kinds of drugs. Students and parents alike can benefit from being educated about these issues especially when it is directly affecting the community.

Making the seminars a requirement is a tactic to help prevent poor attendance which has been a problem in the past for educational opioid seminars. School officials are hoping to reach more people within the school and the general community so that they know about these issues and will be able to take action if they notice someone might be struggling with an addiction.

Opioid abuse is a problem that is plaguing the whole country and when people are more educated about these drugs it can help to reduce the number of incidents of addiction and fatal overdose.

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Alcohol-Related ER Visits

Even though alcohol is a legal drug, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any serious dangers associated with it. More people than ever are ending up in the emergency room because of alcohol-related incidents causing injury. The number visits of alcohol-related ER visits has risen 61 percent in the last decade.

People end up in the ER for various reasons related to alcohol but some of the most common are drinking and driving accidents as well as alcohol poisoning. People are also more reckless and less inhibited when they drink which can lead to them getting hurt. These type of accidents are taking up lots of hospital resources and driving up health costs for people who are making poor decisions while drinking.

These ER visits actually represent a public health problem because it places a strain on the U.S. emergency care system. In order to combat this problem there need to be more efforts to identify and reduce binge drinking throughout the country. Binge drinking can lead to more alcohol-related incidents because people are more likely to be highly intoxicated compared to just having a few drinks over a longer period of time.

The more alcohol a person consumes in a short period of time the more they are at risk for alcohol poisoning or other related injuries. Binge drinking is defined as 4 or 5 drinks consumed within about 2 hours. Our bodies take about an hour to metabolize one drink, so this type of binge drinking can lead to serious issues with coordination and focus.

No matter how much alcohol a person has consumed, it is never safe to drink and drive. Finding a designated driver can help minimize the toll that ER visits has on our healthcare system. Reducing binge drinking can also prevent serious injuries and maintain health and safety.

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Celibacy as a Part of Addiction Recovery

Quitting an addiction can be a very complicated process and there are many different elements to consider in making sure you can stay sober. Even though the main focus of recovery is abstinence from the drug you were addicted to, there are other aspects of a healthy lifestyle that can help support sobriety. Many recovery programs recommend that people take a break from dating at least for a period of time until they are more stable.

Relationships can be difficult to handle at any point in your life but when you are just beginning to work on your sobriety they can be too much to handle. Being celibate can be a good way for people to focus solely on themselves and their own recovery so that they don’t complicate their situation with sex. Although the goal can be different for everyone, many people avoid intimate relationships for at least a year until they are more confident in their sobriety.

People in recovery often don’t have the skills to maintain a relationship and be fully present with a partner because they are learning how to clean up and manage their own lives. Dating will most likely be a distraction from their goals and could even trigger a relapse if it becomes too emotional or intense. Celibacy is important because there is always the danger of replacing a drug addiction with sex as a way to self-medicate.

Recovery requires a lot of focus on the self and hard work in a treatment program. In order to fully heal and manage their life as a sober person, people in recovery need to be single until they feel ready to date again. When they have succeeded in developing their communication skills and are feeling more comfortable in their sobriety then they can once again be open to healthy and supportive relationships.

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10 Ways Your Body is Withdrawing from Alcohol

One of the hardest aspects of quitting an addiction to alcohol is the way that your body will react to abstinence. Suddenly stopping the use of a substance you are physically and mentally addicted to can be uncomfortable and even painful at times.

Many people react in different ways and have their own experience with alcohol withdrawal. However there are certain common bodily responses that most people will find happening to them. Here are 10 ways that your body responds to alcohol withdrawal.

1. Shaking and Tremors– One of the first symptoms that people experience within the first day of abstinence or even several hours after their last drink is tremors. That means your hands or even your limbs are shaking involuntarily. The tremors may be more intense if you are especially anxious about detox and your body is responding to your anxiety.

Shaking occurs because your nervous system is suddenly flooded with more activity. People get accustomed to the depressant effects of alcohol which create less stimulation for the nervous system and the brain. Without any alcohol in your system your body responds by being hyperactive because the brain is experiencing more activity than it is used to.

2. Increased Heart Rate and Breathing – The sudden surge in activity in the central nervous system can create a number of other symptoms in the body. Many people will have a rapid heart rate or quick shallow breathing. As your nervous system goes into overdrive your heart may beat faster which can also be exacerbated by feelings of anxiety.

3. Excessive sweating – People going through withdrawal may find themselves sweating heavily especially at night. As their heart rate and breathing rate increase it can trigger perspiration as a result. It is important during detox to make sure that you stay well hydrated and replenish your electrolytes when you have severe sweating symptoms.

4. Trouble Sleeping – Most people going through detox will find it very difficult to sleep and will probably need some type of non-addictive medication to get through a full night. Issues with sleeping can begin the first day and persist for some time until the person’s body adjusts to living without alcohol. Sleep issues can be caused by a lack of dopamine in the system which can put the body into a panicked “fight or flight” state making it difficult to fall asleep.

5. Anxiety or Depression – Alcohol and other substances produce so much dopamine when they are consumed that your brain slows down its own production of natural dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that helps regulate your mood and when you suddenly quit drinking alcohol your brain is producing a much smaller amount than you are used to. This sudden drop in dopamine can cause all kinds of problems including feelings of anxiety and depression.

Your brain will need time to start producing normal amounts of dopamine instead of the depressed levels it was creating when you were drinking alcohol. Without enough dopamine you will have much higher stress levels which will cause you to feel worried, anxious and depressed in addition to making it hard to sleep. It is important to find ways to handle this extra stress so that it does not become overwhelming.

6. Delirium Tremens – The most severe kind of alcohol withdrawal that people experience is delirium tremens or DTs which can be very intense. The symptoms can occur within 48 hours of your last drink and tend to include severe confusion, seizures and hallucinations. People usually only experience delirium tremens if they suddenly quit a very severe alcohol addiction.

7. Headaches and pain– Your body is adjust to drinking alcohol on a regular basis and when you suddenly quit it may respond by causing aches and pains throughout the body. Many people get a serious headache or a feeling of achiness throughout their whole body. This pain will eventually subside but taking over the counter aspirin can help minimize the discomfort.

8. Nausea and Vomiting– Within the first day or two of withdrawal your body is likely to respond with feelings of nausea and vomiting. The chemical dependency causes your body to react and many people feel queasy or uncomfortable in their stomach.

9. Fever or Increased Temperature – Along with an increased heart rate some people may also experience an increase in their body temperature as a reaction to abstinence. Taking fever reducing medicine may be necessary to keep their body temperature from rising.

10. Mood Swings – One of the most difficult reactions that people have to abstaining from alcohol is severe mood swings. Their body is used to using alcohol to relax and calm their emotional state. Without a drink they may feel agitated, angry or tearful and sad.

Alcohol withdrawal can be painful and uncomfortable for a period of time but ultimately you will experience positive benefits for your physical and mental health by abstaining from alcohol.

 

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Cocaine Making a Comeback?

In the wake of the opioid epidemic, other illicit drugs are also becoming problematic in certain areas of the country. In New York, the number of people developing addictions to cocaine has caused some concern for the state. Hospitals in the area have seen a dramatic rise in the number of people seeking treatment for cocaine abuse.

The sudden increase in cocaine addiction is also part of a larger national trend with the country seeing the highest cocaine supply and usage rates in a decade. The DEA believes that these rising rates are due to an increase in coca farming in Colombia which has led to greater distribution of the drug on U.S. streets. As much as 92 percent of the cocaine in the U.S. comes from Colombia.

Coca farming went through a period of decline between the years of 2007 and 2012 because security forces in the country destroyed the crops. However, in the past five years farmers in Colombia have moved to more remote locations where their coca crop is now booming. As a result more cocaine has been smuggled across the U.S. border leading to higher rates of abuse and addiction.

Even though the rates of cocaine addiction are nowhere near the staggering levels of opioid abuse across the country, the drug is still causing serious health concerns. Drug treatment centers are now working to accommodate more cocaine abusers who are seeking help for their dependency. The combination of cocaine and opioids known as “speedballing” has also become an alarming trend often leading to hospitalization and overdose.

Drug dealers are now lacing cocaine with fentanyl, a highly potent and addictive opioid. The addition of opioids to cocaine has led to higher rates of addiction and also fatal overdoses. The increasing rates of cocaine abuse is a problem that needs to be addressed soon in order to reduce overdose deaths in the U.S.

 

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Depression Relapse

Even though treatment and therapy can help resolve many symptoms of depression, mental illnesses can be difficult to completely cure. There are many cases where a patient who is able to overcome their issues of depression and feel stable for a period of time later relapses and their symptoms return. Depression relapse is a reality that patients must be prepared for even if they have successfully lived depression-free.

It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of a depression relapse in yourself or in others who may need help. An episode of depression can happen any time but it is often triggered by a stressful event that takes place in a person’s life. Even though a person has already experienced depression and recovered, they may not recognize their relapse symptoms which can be different from their first episode of the condition.

People who are experiencing a depression relapse may have some of the following symptoms:

• Irritability
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Loss of attraction to partner
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Sleep problems such as insomnia or oversleeping
• Social withdrawal
• Weight changes
• Feeling worthless

If you notice any of these symptoms they could mean you or someone you love is experiencing a depression relapse. People experience relapses even when they are already receiving treatment or are taking medication for depression. Specific triggers can lead to a relapse such as the loss of a loved one, ruminating about negative experiences, divorce or other stressful events and hormonal changes.

Even if you have already received treatment in the past it is important to seek help if you are experiencing a depression relapse. Professional mental health programs can help you get back to a place of stability so that you can get back to the way you were feeling prior to the relapse. Make sure to find a regular therapist and talk to them about your new symptoms.

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Can Doctors Curb the Opioid Crisis?

The rates of opioid abuse and overdose have skyrocketed over the past several years and the problem has reached epidemic proportions. The concern about the opioid crisis has led to many theories as to how we as a country can reduce and minimize the level of abuse and prevent more opioid-related deaths. One issue being discussed is the role that doctors can play in either enabling or preventing abuse of prescription painkillers.

Unfortunately many physicians are influenced by drug companies to prescribe their products even those that are highly addictive and dangerous like opioids. Drug companies often give out gifts, donate money and work to persuade doctors to give patients their medication. This trend is at least part of the reason why prescription drug abuse has become such serious problem in the U.S.

Preventing abuse can start in the hands of a doctor who has at least some control over whether a patient will end up using opioids. Physicians need to be much more cautious about when and how often they hand out prescriptions to addictive painkillers. They also need to be more aware of the types of patients that are asking for these drugs and carefully screen people before they are able to receive opioids.

It is important for physicians to find out whether a patient has a history of addiction or abuse, a mental illness or any other vulnerability to developing a dependency. They also need to minimize the dosage, the length of time the patient uses the drug and always provide alternative kinds of pain treatment whenever possible. The less access that people have to opioids the harder it will be for them to abuse and ultimately overdose on these powerful drugs.

Although the role of the physician is only one aspect of the opioid crisis, doctors have the power to do all they can to help reduce rates of addiction.

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The Spread of Fentanyl

A dangerous trend has been growing in the U.S. with more people using a drug known as fentanyl, a type of opioid painkiller that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. With the opioid crisis continuing to grow, the use of fentanyl has become problematic especially because of its high potency and addictive nature. Fentanyl is turning into one of the most lethal drugs in the country, causing overdose deaths throughout the U.S.

One of the issues with fentanyl is that people who regularly abuse opioids may not be aware of how strong the drug is. Even heroin abusers can have too small of a tolerance to handle fentanyl because it is 50 times more powerful than heroin. People who have been in recovery but relapse with even a small amount of fentanyl can quickly overdose and die.

What is even more alarming is that many drugs including cocaine are now being laced with fentanyl. People may have no idea that this powerful opioid is mixed in with the drug they are using which can lead them to unwittingly consume too much. More and more cases of people unknowingly overdosing on fentanyl are causing concern.

Fentanyl Combined with Other Drugs

The issue of drugs being laced with fentanyl is a serious problem that is costing people their lives more often each year. Although not every state registers the drug combinations in an overdose, states like Connecticut have found that the number of deaths involving cocaine laced with fentanyl has increased 420 percent in the last three years. Heroin laced with fentanyl led to even higher death rates throughout the state.

An increasing number of dealers are adding fentanyl to cocaine especially in the New England area where seven percent of the cocaine seized by police included fentanyl last year. Although many people who purchase cocaine laced with fentanyl may not realize what they are buying, dealers have a specific reason for adding the drug. The purpose of adding fentanyl is for “speedballing” which is the combination of the rush of a stimulant like cocaine and a depressant like heroin.

The trend of mixing these two drugs is extremely dangerous because the effects of the two can be very harmful to the body. Fentanyl is so potent that even a small amount can affect the areas of the brain that control the breathing rate. Too much fentanyl can lead to slower, irregular breathing or even cause someone to stop breathing completely until they die.

When fentanyl is mixed with other drugs such as cocaine it can amplify its effects and cause it to act more intensely on a person’s body. Many EMTs who have revived patients after a fentanyl overdose claimed that they only used cocaine and were unaware of the opioid being in their system. The medication naloxone is used to revive people after an opioid overdose and first responders must be equipped with it in these cases to restore normal respiration.

What is Causing Fentanyl to Spread?

Some believe that cocaine laced with fentanyl may be an issue of accidental contamination. It could have to do with mistakes while packaging the drugs which lead to a small amount of fentanyl ending up in bags of cocaine. However, some including many in law enforcement, believe that the mixture is intentionally created by drug dealers.

They believe that cartel leaders are using the mixture as a way to expand the market of opioid abusers. When cocaine is laced with fentanyl it can become more addictive, causing people to use it every day instead of just occasionally. Adding opioids can make drug users crave and need the product more than they normally would because opioids are highly addictive.

Although this tactic may work in some cases it doesn’t take into account the lethal nature of the combination. For people with no tolerance to opioids, fentanyl can be so powerful that they quickly overdose and pass away even with a trace amount. This issue is causing alarm throughout states in the U.S. where overdoses have been increasing steadily.

Many areas that have been experiencing this issue believe that fentanyl laced drugs could be the next wave of the opioid epidemic. More alerts have been circulating to let people know of the dangers of getting drugs off the street. You may never know exactly what is in these drugs since dealers can sell them without consequences.

It is crucial for first responders and even users themselves to carry naloxone so that more lives can be saved from the dangers of fentanyl. Naloxone can help prevent a person’s opioid overdose from becoming a fatal mistake. Reducing overdose deaths is a major health issue in the U.S. and fentanyl is now a pressing problem that must be addressed.

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How to Get an AA Sponsor

The connections that you make in recovery can become an important element in ending an addiction. Having people you can rely on for compassion and support will make the whole process of learning to be sober much easier. One of the most crucial relationships that you can have in recovery is the connection you have with your sponsor.

An AA sponsor is someone who has successfully remained sober for a long period of time and can act as a mentor when you are getting through the difficult early stages of recovery. They provide knowledge, guidance, experience and sympathy for people who are just starting their journey to becoming sober. Sponsorship can be a critical tool in learning more about the practical aspects of quitting an addiction.

When looking for a sponsor the relationship can be informal but it is important to find someone with at least two years sobriety. The longer they have been sober the more effective their role as a mentor will be. It should be someone who is experienced enough to provide useful advice and pass on meaningful knowledge from their own life.

You can easily find a sponsor in your AA meeting as many people in these communities tend to reach out to newcomers to offer support. You might choose someone from the group that you feel comfortable with and you can rely on or someone might approach you and offer to be your sponsor. You can start with a temporary sponsor if you need immediate help until you eventually find your permanent sponsor that you want to be your long term mentor.

AA meetings are designed to be an open community where people can reach out for help. If you need a sponsor it won’t be difficult to find someone who is willing to support and mentor you.

 

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Men and Women Experience Depression Differently

Depression has become a very common problem in the U.S. across all ages and demographics. Although women tend to have higher rates of depression, men also struggle with the issue in huge numbers. According to studies, in 2014 almost 16 million adults in the country went through a depressive episode.

Each person has their own unique experience with depression and certain factors can affect their symptoms. Gender can actually play an important role in how a person copes with depression and how the illness manifests itself. Women and men can share common signs and symptoms at times but they each experience depression differently.

Understanding how men and women differ in coping with depression can help inform their treatment and can allow them to find better recovery methods. It is important to know that everyone responds to treatment strategies differently, and women and men may find distinct things that make them feel better. How people related to depression can determine what type of treatment will be most effective.

Gender and Depression Symptoms

The unfortunate reality about gender and depression is that women carry most of the burden of the mental illness. Women actually have twice the risk of developing the condition than men even in different age groups. This is partially related to biological reasons such as hormones and genes that get disrupted when brain regions are developing in the womb.

Biological factors can create a higher vulnerability for depression and women tend to suffer from the problem more often than men. However, another factor that may explain at least partially why women have higher rates of depression is that they are better able to recognize these emotions in themselves. Men can generally be less in tune with their feelings and may not realize that they are experiencing symptoms of depression because they are hiding or denying their unhappiness.

Interestingly, although women have a higher risk for depression they don’t experience it as persistently as men. Women are more likely to have episodic depression that comes and goes while men experience persistent depression. Men are also more likely to suffer serious consequences from their depression such as issues with substance abuse and suicide.

Studies have shown that men and women even have different biological responses in their brain to words that are neutral, happy or sad. The parts of the brain that are linked to depression respond different in person’s brand based on their gender. Certain brain patterns showed that women might respond to more positive stimuli in easing their depression whereas men might need a different approach.                             

Treating Depression for Men and Women

Even though symptoms can appear to be similar at times between men and women when they experience depression, treatment approaches should be catered toward them specifically. Research has shown that the way men and women experience depression differently could mean that they respond to different kinds of treatment. These specific kinds of treatments might be more effective with early intervention for young teens who are just starting to show symptoms.

Since women are more likely to ruminate and engage in negative self-talk, focusing more on positive things or distracting themselves can sometimes be more effective for feeling better. Men are more likely to try to mask their sadness or avoid dealing with it so confronting their depressed feelings may be more useful for them in treatment. Men may also have more issues with anger and irritability as part of their depression which need to be addressed as well.

While men are more likely to have a co-occurring issue with substance abuse because they have a tendency to self-medicate their feelings, women are more likely to have a co-occurring mental illness such as an eating disorder or anxiety disorder. Women tend to have more body images issues and react to stressful situations more than men so they might struggle with anorexia, bulimia, anxiety or panic disorder. It is crucial that both genders receive dual diagnosis treatment if they have either a substance abuse problem or another mental illness along with their depression.

Another aspect of treatment that should be considered is the type of medication used to treat depression. Women and men can respond differently to antidepressants so it is important for these issues to be considered when they are given a prescription. Studies have shown that women are often over-treated with antidepressants and men are under-treated with them so a good quality psychiatrist will be able to prescribe the right medication only when necessary.

Regardless of gender, everyone experiences depression in their own unique way and there is no one size fits all treatment. It is important to find therapists and psychiatrists who take your personal needs into account and consider not only your gender but other factors that are specific to you.

The post Men and Women Experience Depression Differently appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/men-women-experience-depression-differently/

Can Tech Improve Rehab?

Although rehab is aimed at ending addiction permanently, many people find that their stay in a treatment center does not have the effect on them that it should. Unfortunately, even for people that have stayed in a rehab program for several months relapse is a reality. Some people may attend a certain treatment program and find that its tactics simply don’t work for them and they end up using again.

The format of rehab can be helpful for many but for those with more complicated issues or very serious addictions they might need extra support in order to quit their problem. Researchers are looking for unique ways to make the rehab experience more effective for everyone so that they aren’t people who are left behind. Some in the field of mental health are even trying to incorporate technology into rehab in a way that they hope with make it more useful in preventing relapse.

Researchers are creating new apps that can be used in connection with a rehab program that will help people curb their addictions. Adding new technological components could help make it easier for people in recovery to stay connected to their goals and fight cravings as they are happening. Apps that keep people on track can be useful when they are away from their therapy program or are dealing with a difficult craving.

Tech Recovery Programs

Clinical researchers have specially designed smartphone apps that can be used as part of an addiction recovery plan. The FDA even recently approved an app called reSET that was created specifically to treat opioid addiction. The approval means that the app was rigorously tested and has been proven effective by the Food and Drug Administration.

The apps are created to help people curb their harmful behavior and give them support in moments where they might not have any assistance. Right now there are only a few apps offering evidence-based treatment but that number is expected to rise dramatically in the next few years. With the opioid epidemic in its current state it is important for people to have as many options as possible to help them end their addiction.

The new Opioid Commission has emphasized the need to use technology to help assist in addiction treatment including mobile apps in order to reach areas of the country with high rates of overdose. Most apps are a part of a normal rehab program but for people with less severe addictions there are some options that are designed to stand on their own. Apps like Annum and Ria health were created to help reduce patterns of heavy drinking.

Other apps are designed to be used after a person completes their rehab program and needs extra support in the period of transition when they return home. Apps like WeConnect and Sober Grid are like social networks where people can stay connected after they have finished their recovery treatment. Other apps like Triggrhealth are designed to recognize an imminent relapse so a patient can get help before the relapse occurs.

Incorporating Apps into Treatment

While not all treatment centers will make use of these types of apps, they can be helpful for people who have just completed rehab or who need some extra help while they are working on their treatment program. Because the apps are pre-programmed they can help protect patients from having a bad or ineffective experience while at rehab. Within the app, the user can set their own goals and work at their own pace so that they don’t feel that they have failed at treatment.

Some apps even incorporate the use of medications like methadone or buprenorphine for people that are struggling with an opioid addiction. Apps like Annum and BioCorRx use medication as an integral part of the treatment approach. Users of the app can connect with a psychiatric board that can remotely prescribe medications for patients that are having issues with cravings.

Many of the apps help you track your cravings and triggers and also provide exercises that can help reduce them. They focus on overall mind and body wellness rather than just the specific goal of abstinence which can be difficult and overwhelming for many people. The apps allow people the opportunity to reach individual goals and have a support system that offers quick solutions in a time of need.

Treating a severe addiction requires lots of support from therapists and counselors in a safe and helpful environment. However, the addition of a treatment app may allow patients more opportunities to focus on their recovery in their moments alone or on the go. Making use of every type of treatment available, including through technology can make it easier for people who are struggling with their addiction to prevent a relapse and stay permanently sober.

The post Can Tech Improve Rehab? appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/can-tech-improve-rehab/

My Family Member is an Addict and Homeless

It is painful and devastating for loved ones when a family member has an addiction. It is even worse when they hit rock bottom and end up in a difficult financial situation. Homelessness is an unfortunate reality for many people that are struggling with a very severe drug addiction.

If you have a family member whose addiction has become so out of control that they have lost their job or their home then it is important to get them help as soon as possible. The chances of them surviving and getting back on their feet without any assistance are slim. However, it is important to have a plan about addressing their addiction before you step in and rescue them.

Taking your loved on off the streets is more helpful if you are able to give them the tools they need to get sober and become financially independent again. Avoid simply taking care of them or enabling them because it will only make the situation worse. Even though it may be difficult to talk about you need to get them into treatment for their own well-being.

There are many addiction recovery programs created for homeless people that need to get sober and find work again. Research all the available options so that you will be prepared to discuss treatment with your family member. You can take your loved one directly to a shelter or recovery program so that they can get the help that they need.

Addiction is a challenging issue and overcoming homelessness can make it even more complicated. However getting your loved one into treatment will be an important first step to help them re-enter society. Recovery can be a long and difficult process for them but with treatment and support they will be able to survive and live a fulfilling life again.

The post My Family Member is an Addict and Homeless appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/family-member-addict-homeless/

Alcoholism in the Family

There are many different aspects of alcoholism that can be damaging but one of its strongest impacts is on family life. When someone in a family is addicted to alcohol it can break down family dynamics in a way that harms everyone involved. It can cause marital issues and create complicated problems with a child’s upbringing and development.

Alcoholism within families is devastating because it can negatively affect the way each relationship functions. It is well known among researchers that not only does alcoholism hurt family dynamics, it also creates more vulnerability for addiction in family members. Children of alcoholics are not only psychologically damaged from the experience but they are also more likely to become addicted to alcohol themselves.

There can be complex issues that develop when a person in the family is addicted to alcohol. Everyone in the family may react differently and have their own problems that develop as a result of the alcoholic’s behavior. It is important for each person in the family to be aware of how the addiction is affecting them and what they can do about it.

Family Dynamics and Alcoholism

There are many ways that addiction can disrupt family life and cause dysfunction in every relationship. There is no longer a normal, healthy family dynamic when someone is an alcoholic. Everyone will find a way to cope with the person’s behavior that may either cause more problems or enable the alcoholic.

Sometimes spouses or children become enablers without realizing that they are helping the alcoholic continue to abuse. When someone is an enabler they usually mean well and are trying to create harmony in the family but they are really allowing the alcoholic to keep drinking. Enabling means that the person is removing the natural consequences of the addict’s behavior.

An enabler might lie for the addict, make excuses for them, clean up after them or find other ways to prevent them from fully experiencing the consequences of their actions. An enabler may start out with the intention to help out but they may build up resentment and start to dislike the situation that they always find themselves in. The addict may come to rely on the enabler and are no longer solving their own problems or facing up to responsibilities.

While some family members fall into the role of the enabler, others may become more rebellious, angry and defiant of the alcoholic. Some children can turn into the troubled family scapegoat while others might become sensitive and withdrawn. Each child will begin to react in their own way to their parent’s behavior as they try to cope with a difficult and often traumatic childhood.

Mental Health and Family Addiction

When someone in the family has an addiction, the mental health of everyone living with them is likely to suffer. For children of alcoholics, this can mean developing issues with depression, anxiety or having behavioral problems. Kids who grow up with an addict tend to struggle more with relationships and normal functioning as they become an adult.

Children of alcoholics are more likely to struggle in school and tend to score lower on academic tests. They might also have trouble with finding a steady job and career later on in life because of the effects on their development. Children of addicts tend to feel more instability and uncertainty as they grow up which can affect their self-esteem.

Some kids can internalize an alcoholic’s behavior and blame themselves for things that have gone wrong at home. They might think that their parent drinks because of their own mistakes or bad grades in school. It is important for children of alcoholics to get professional help from a counselor so that they can make sense of the situation and not internalize the experience.

Alcoholism can also destroy marriages and cause a rift between spouses that is difficult to repair. The spouse of an alcoholic will usually see their own mental health suffer as they try to cope with their partner’s actions. They might become an enabler or be in denial themselves about the situation yet they will still feel the abuse take its toll on them.

The spouse of an alcoholic might feel their anger and resentment build to the point where they can no longer remain in the marriage. Communication can break down and lead to issues that the alcoholic is not equipped to fix in their addicted state. Unfortunately many marriages end when one partner is dealing with an addiction.

Family dynamics can be very complex when a family member abuses alcohol. However, with treatment and family therapy it is possible to repair those relationships as long as the alcoholic is quitting their abuse. A treatment center for addiction can help the alcoholic as well as their family to become healthier and more connected.

The post Alcoholism in the Family appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/alcoholism-in-the-family/