Category: Education

Social Circle - Addiction Recovery Group

Why a social circle is so valuable during recovery? – DaraRehab

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, United Kingdom, United States

Life can be tough once you have completed rehab. There will be days when things go swimmingly, others will feel as if you are drowning.

The importance of staying strong:

Resilience is a key word for those progressing through recovery. There will be knocks and setbacks littering the way. Some may be half-expected, others will jump right out in front of you. This is why it is so important to stay strong and determined as you heal.

Things will get easier as time elapses, but the ups and downs can be far smoother and that much more manageable if you have a varied social circle.

An invaluable part of your support system:

Navigating recovery is a tricky business and there is little doubting that having a healthy social circle will do you the power of good. Friends from a variety of backgrounds, and with differing social skills can do wonders as part of your support system.

It will give options in terms of where to turn if a particular issue arises. Some of the circle will be better at addressing certain things than others. This means you have an all-important tool in your recovery locker: Choice.

You will be able to lean on those who can effectively keep you away from temptation, others to calm you, and those that are effective when reminders of your strengths are needed. This last point is very important when that necessary self-confidence goes missing.

Less time spent thinking about your own concerns:

It is vital that you are mindful and aware of the stresses and challenges that will be encountered throughout recovery, but dwelling on them for too long is not healthy.

By spending time with different sets of friends you will widen your view on things. Topics will be discussed that interest and invigorate.

Feeling far less alone:

During those drink or drug-fuelled days you will have had company all the hours god sends.

Making your way along the path of sobriety can leave you quite lonely. Loneliness is a major reason for relapse and relapse is not something to encourage.

A varied circle of social friends that are dedicated to sobriety can be very inclusive. You will feel part of the group you are with. This togetherness should also put you far more at ease.

Your outlook will improve no end:

Increasing your circle of friends with people who care, who have similar interests and who offer sound camaraderie will do your confidence and outlook on the future the power of good.

Feeling happy is an excellent tonic for strengthening your recovery determination. It should also help increase contentment with the way your progress is going.

Yes, of course there will be bad days, but with good friends on hand the problems or issues you face can be worked out to a positive end.

A solid circle of friends will help you, you will be keen to help them, and it is these partnerships that can form trusted, long lasting bonds that will make recovery that much more manageable.

Drug Withdrawal Management

Why Drug Withdrawal May Need To Be Managed

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, United Kingdom, United States

Withdrawal from your substance of choice is not a pleasant experience, but it is something that must be experienced if you are to free yourself from addiction.

How difficult is drug withdrawal?

There is no straightforward set of answers to this one. It depends upon many factors that include:

  • The type of substance a person is addicted to
  • The length of time consistent use has been present
  • The amount of the drug being used daily
  • How rapidly this use is increasing
  • The physical health of the person concerned
  • The mental health of the person concerned

Symptoms to be expected during drug withdrawal:

Ceasing drug use after a sustained period means that the body will react in a negative fashion. These effects will be felt in many parts of the body, particularly the nervous and hormonal systems.

This is why those suddenly ceasing heavy drug use feel:

  • Physical pain – aches and pains throughout the body are common.
  • Blood pressure – Rises in blood pressure or unstable blood pressure levels will occur.
  • Profuse sweating – A person will feel uncomfortably hot, even in rooms that are cool and well ventilated.
  • Severe nausea – Feelings of sickness are often accompanied by the person being physically sick.

If you have decided to go through drug withdrawal without professional help then these are symptoms that must be recognized. If any of these symptoms, a rapidly increasing heartbeat or breathing problems occur then professional help must be sought immediately.

Detoxification should be considered:

This point is particularly relevant for those users that have a long-term history of abuse. Professionally monitored detox can help to ease symptoms and ensure that withdrawal does not cause life-threatening issues.

Detox offers a set of medically supervised interventions that help manage acute intoxication and withdrawal. A successful detox will help to clear the substance from a person’s body while minimizing any physical harm.

Unique plans but 3 constant elements:

Dependent upon which treatment centre a person chooses for detox will depend upon the exact type of procedures involved, but there are 3 major elements all establishments will address. These are:

  • Evaluation: Your detox professional will test for drugs present in the user’s system. They should also establish any co-occurring physical or psychological conditions. This evaluation is important for withdrawal, but will also serve to define the type of treatment a user receives once withdrawal is complete.
  • Stabilisation: This is the core of the detox procedure. It involves the user being assisted to help overcome the various withdrawal symptoms. This can be achieved either by intensive counselling or through the use of medical therapy and medication. Another key factor here is making it clear to the user what their role and responsibilities are during detox, ongoing treatment and recovery.
  • On-going treatment: It needs to be made very clear that detox alone will not ensure a user remains drug free in the long-term. To achieve this recovery, they need to accept and embrace rehabilitation treatment. There are many different types of treatment available and decisions need to be made on which is most suitable for the individual.
relapse

Heroin Relapse – Close To The Surface

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States

Heroin is a highly addictive drug and it takes more than most for those dependent upon it to withdraw.

A common theme of those who have managed to kick the drug is that thoughts, feelings and desires for more of the same often surface.

Below we will consider the price of heroin, what high’s it offers, the withdrawal symptoms that can be experienced and why heroin overdose is very much a reality for those who re-start use.

Bargain price!

It is easy to understand reasons for users progressing to heroin. Major factors are its wide availability and the fact that it is not as expensive as many other drugs. Indeed, prescription opiates are far more expensive. An added ‘bonus’ for users is that heroin purchased offers higher purity.

Highest high:

Those users who have been through heroin addiction describe the high as a wonderful, euphoric one. It puts them in their own world and leaves everything else way behind. Relaxation, a pleasant drowsiness and a complete feeling of well-being are some of the reasons that this moreish drug is used again and again.

In short, users cannot get enough of it, but the caveat is that while they may quickly become addicted, ‘Smack’ will not let go easily. It becomes so much of a person’s life that nothing else really matters, and this is where the problems escalate. Heroin users will do pretty much anything to ensure they have a constant supply of the drug.

Trouble with a capital ‘T’:

Physical and mental illness are regular partners to those who remain on heroin for any amount of time. Social exclusion for a person addicted to heroin can be expected, isolation in terms of nowhere to turn are common.

This can lead to a person breaking the law simply to feed their habit. Opportunist theft, burglary and prostitution all constitute ways to get quantities of the drug that will only deepen dependence the longer use continues.

Heroin Relapse – Withdrawal is difficult:

Suddenly withdrawing from heroin will offer pain that can be excruciating. This includes:

  • Greatly increased anxiety.
  • Insomnia and deeply troubled sleep when it eventually comes.
  • Aching bones and muscles.
  • Restless leg syndrome – A user coming off heroin will be unable to keep their legs from shaking.
  • Immense agitation
  • Varying levels of irritability

Then there are the physical symptoms that regularly include:

  • Feelings of nausea
  • Physical vomitting
  • Cold sweats
  • Excess body heat or extremes of cold
  • Diarrhea

Beating heroin addiction is achievable:

While the above symptoms may appear unbearable, they are not. With fierce determination, a heroin user can leave the drug in the past, but they must always be on their guard in terms of a relapse.

Ex-users often relate how tempting it is to climb back on the ‘Horse’, the problems with doing so are many-fold and such thoughts need to be quashed. By re-starting use a user will be undoing a lot of the good work in terms of recovery.

Another serious danger is the risk of overdosing. This is because when a person re-starts use they often do so at dosage levels equivalent to what they were using at their peak. Such huge amounts are simply too much for the body to handle and often result in fatal overdoses.

Please bear this in mind if you have managed to kick heroin and thoughts of returning to use surface at any time.

Ritalin Abuse

What are the Long Term Effects of Ritalin Abuse?

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction

Ritalin Abuse – Ritalin, also known by its scientific name of methylphenidate, is an amphetamine-type prescription drug which can have a stimulating effect on the body, just like speed. Anyone who uses this drug recreationally or in large doses through injection or snorting, is putting a massive amount of pressure on their brain and body.

If Ritalin is taken as prescribed then its effects can be beneficial to individuals.

So what are the long term effects of constant Ritalin abuse? And can one become addicted to such a drug?

Long Term Effects of Ritalin on the Body

Ritalin effects the whole body, especially when used over the long term. Here are some of the effects that people have experienced:

  • Muscle tightness
  • Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands
  • Verbal tics
  • Seizures
  • Uncontrollable movements in parts of the body
  • Weakness in the arms and legs

Long Term Effects of Ritalin on the Brain

Ritalin works the same as other stimulants by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which provides the feeling of pleasure, attention and movement. Stimulants provide a therapeutic effect by slowly and steadily increasing the effects of dopamine. This is similar to the way that the neurotransmitter is naturally produced in the brain and explains why medical practitioners will prescribe a low dose and increase steadily until the therapeutic effect is reached.

If taken in large doses, and by means other than those prescribed, Ritalin can cause dopamine levels to rise to rapidly which can disrupt the normal communications between brain cells. So to answer the earlier question – Can one become addicted to Ritalin; the answer is yes because it can produce euphoria which will increase the risk of a person becoming addicted.

Here are some the effects that prolonged use and high doses can have on the brain.

  • Possibility of strokes
  • Possibility of epilepsy
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Permanent damage to blood vessels
  • Headaches
  • Speech problems

Other Reasons For Ritalin Abuse

Similar to amphetamines such as speed, Ritalin will supress the appetite, promote wakefulness and increase attention and focus. Because of this, Ritalin can often be abused to promote weight loss or to enhance performance. Studies have shown that while the drug helps improve concentration, irritability and restfulness in people with ADHD, it does not provide the same effect to people who do not suffer from the illness.

Another reason that people often abuse Ritalin is purely for recreational use. The drug can give a feeling of euphoria. This is most often provided when pills are crushed and then snorted, however, some people may even mix with water and then inject themselves.

Can Long Term Use Damage You Permanently?

There is no evidence available from trials that has given an answer on how long someone with ADHD can be treated on Ritalin. However, it is generally agreed that patients may need to be treated for extended periods and for as long as there is a genuine need.

The general rule is that the treatment can last for as long as the benefits outweigh the risks.

 

If you or someone you know is suffering from Ritalin abuse and you feel that they would benefit from rehab, please feel free to contact one of our professional adviser today via the contact form.

codeine abuse -dara

What Is Codeine Use And Abuse?

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Codeine Abuse – Codeine is a very commonly used opiate drug, but what needs to be considered is: What is codeine use potentially leading to?

Who uses it?

Those who suffer from mild to moderate pain those who have pain which is not easing with the use of general painkillers.

Your doctor can prescribe it in a pure form, or it is available from a pharmacy in lower doses when combined with thing such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen.

If you are taking over the counter (OTC) medicines for coughs and colds there is a good chance that low concentrations of codeine will be contained in such formulas.

If you have any concerns relating to the make-up of any OTC medicine it is very important that you discuss these fully with your qualified pharmacist. They should clearly explain what is contained and what effects are possible. Women who are pregnant should be particularly cautious in this respect.

What is codeine beneficial for?

The obvious benefit is pain relief. Many people suffering from pain may have tried several different painkillers without receiving the required pain relief. Codeine can help to relieve such pain. It is also seen as effective for women who suffer heavy period pains.

How does codeine make you feel?

Many users claim it gives them a feeling of well-being, they feel far calmer and more relaxed and often sleepy. Those who are suffering from constant pain may well miss out on quality sleep time due to the distraction of such pain, so this relief will certainly be welcomed.

So, what is the problem?

Codeine Abuse – The real problem with codeine is that the body can quickly become tolerant of this drug. While the first stage of usage may be at relatively low doses, many users find that to gain the same effect over time that their body demands more.

As doses increase to get the same effect, the body continues to tolerate, but once again will eventually requires more.

What is codeine use potentially leading to?

Many users of codeine find that they are taking greater amounts to get the same feelings of ‘well-being’. This often leads down a dangerous path and tempts them to search for stronger, more effective, and very importantly, more addictive drugs such as hydrocodone or oxycodone.

Once a user takes this route it is a downward spiral to dependence and addiction. If you find yourself in this situation it is vitally important that you seek professional help.

While many make their doctor the first port of call it is important to understand that rehabilitation centres, or luxury rehab resorts as they are often called can offer most help. We will touch on such establishments later in the piece, but let us first consider:

What is codeine from a negative point of view?

Codeine Abuse – Users often complain of feeling nauseous, suffering from constipation, itchiness and bouts of sweating.

They also suffer mood swings that are far more pronounced than usual and many generally feel lazy. While such negative feelings can affect the mind and leave a user feeling low there are health problems which must be taken into account.

This drug can lower your blood pressure and make normal breathing more difficult. In extreme cases you may stop breathing altogether. This is known as “respiratory arrest”.

You must also be aware that by mixing too much of this drug with others that also work to suppress breathing is leaving you wide open to potentially serious problems.

Such a mix will greatly increase your risk of overdosing and in extreme cases can be fatal. Drugs to be avoided in such a mix include, but are certainly not limited to; other opiate drugs, valium and alcohol.

What is codeine from a physical dependence/addiction viewpoint?

Physical dependence on codeine is a common trait amongst regular users. Over time it is likely to produce cravings and leave the user with a strong desire to continue regular and increased doses of the drug.

Please do not believe anything you have heard from other users or unauthorized sources in terms of addiction. With Codeine abuse the facts are very clear. Codeine is an opiate and opiates are addictive.

Withdrawal symptoms:

Those who are physical dependent or addicted to codeine and try to come off it without long term rehab assistance are in for a rough ride. 

While feelings of nausea, goose-bumps, yawning, a runny nose, diarrhoea and a constant feeling of restlessness may not cause undue distress, there will also be anxiety, sleep disturbance, abdominal cramps, muscle spasms and nervous tremors to contend with.

The act of trying to withdraw from codeine on your own is a very admirable one, but as is the case with any serious drug problem you really do need specialist care, a full understanding of your problems and continued counselling to help you overcome what is codeine addiction.

Rehabilitation Services:

What has to be realized is that those dependent or addicted to codeine should not expect such problems to go away overnight. They need long term rehab care. While it is possible to go about this from an outpatient point of view and remain under the supervision of your doctor who you will only see during visits to the surgery, the inpatient rehab options open to you are felt to be far more effective.

By opting to go to a Rehabilitation Centre, or a Rehab Resort you are giving yourself an advantage from the get-go. Codeine Abuse is beatable.

These establishments are completely geared to offer the support, encouragement and professional help an addict requires, and while the term ‘rehab resort’ may sound prohibitively expensive, those with codeine addiction should look deeper into such options.

They will be pleasantly surprised to find that overseas operations are far cheaper than the same treatment in their own country. Asia Rehab resorts are an excellent point in case.

Two other huge advantages are that an addict will leave their own, often sterile environment and the distractions this brings for an exotic, relaxed setting in surroundings that are ideally suited when it comes to giving them the best chance of beating their addiction.

Just as importantly the waiting list for such Residential Rehabilitation Resorts is very often far more acceptable than establishments in your own country. If you have summoned up the resolve to do something about your problem you want to begin treatment quickly.

To be put on a ‘waiting list’ is a surefire way to dissolve that resolve and continue the unwanted quest of further understanding what is codeine use leading to.