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Can Vitamins and Minerals Help in Recovery?

What is Recovery

For those actually in recovery from drugs and/or alcohol, no formal definition is necessary. In fact, this life changing choice and the work that has gone into getting clean is testament enough for an addict to define recovery. However, the general public and concerned loved ones may not truly understand what being ‘in recovery’ means. In essence, recovery is a dynamic and complex process that encompasses all the positive mental, social, and physical health for addicts and loved ones when they receive much needed help. This is a process. An addict will never not be an addict. But in recovery, they are no longer using and the quality of life is much improved. There are many different pathways that one takes in recovery and these may change over time. The key is finding what works for you and your lifestyle.

Help in Recovery

Once someone has gone into treatment and is working towards recovery, the true effects of addiction can come to light. While there are numerous social, mental, and physical effects of drug and alcohol abuse, this article will focus on the physical realm. It can be tough to give up something you are addicted to. However, addiction has physical effects on the body that you may not notice until you are in recovery. When facing active addiction, the drug of choice is the main focus. This often means that caring for your body in a healthy way falls to the wayside. You may not eat or choose the wrong foods, choose alcohol over water, and deplete your body’s store of all things good over time.

As part of a healthy recovery, you will need to rebuild these stores and create a healthier lifestyle over all. One way to do this is by adding vitamins and minerals to your diet. Either through healthier eating habits or pills. This not only helps you physically, but being healthier can boost your mood mentally as well.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients. This means they are needed, but in relatively small amounts. These micronutrients are responsible for growth and development, metabolism, cell functioning, energy conversion, and even disease prevention. As getting clean and remaining in recovery can be taxing on the body, these micronutrients are vital. Drugs and alcohol interfere with the absorption and often consumption of these important micronutrients. This means that those in active addiction could have deficiencies that affect their overall health. There are a few vitamins and minerals that those who are coming out of active addiction may need to get back to good health and possibly be more successful in staying in recovery.

What to Look For

B vitamins, ranging from B1 to B12, are all water soluble. They are not stored in the body and are thus needed daily. Each B vitamin plays a different role, but they contribute to energy production and normal functioning of the nervous system. Alcohol destroys these vitamins and not eating properly means you are probably lacking. Vegetables, whole grains, milk, and meats are a good way to replenish this particular vitamin.

Calcium, magnesium, and zinc are also important to the body. Each is directly and negatively affected by drug and alcohol addiction. In fact, lower levels of these essential nutrients can mimic withdrawal symptoms or make withdrawal symptoms worse. Dairy products, leafy green veggies, and nuts and seeds will help the body, cardiovascular system, and even immune system improve.

Vitamin D is also highly important. This vitamin promotes calcium absorption, bone growth, and neuromuscular functioning. Low levels of vitamin D have also been shown to cause depression for many. This particular nutrient is found in fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as yogurt, juice, and some other drinks. This can help increase energy as depression is alleviated while in recovery.

Seek Help

If you find yourself depleted due to withdrawal or general addiction, then the key is a variety of good, healthy foods or supplements. This will not only help your body heal, but help you to move forward as you feel better. A healthy lifestyle and caring for your body is an important aspect of any long term recovery program and you are worth the effort.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Addiction to Antidepressants: What are Antidepressants

Antidepressants are a commonly prescribed medication for those with depressive disorders. These medications are meant to reduce the symptoms of depression. Thus, allowing the person to function normally. They work by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain that alter the person’s mood and behaviors. Antidepressants are used to treat more than depression as they have also shown effectiveness with anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and panic attacks. Antidepressants have become highly common as the stigma of taking such medications has virtually disappeared.

Is Addiction Possible

While it may seem that addiction to prescription medications is possible, it seems odd that antidepressants could lead to addiction. However, this is a possibility. The first true sign of addiction is tolerance. Tolerance occurs when the patient no longer responds to the drug that is present in their system. Consequently, they need more to attain that feeling once again. That being said, the risk of antidepressant addiction is low. Therefore, more of the medication does not better the experience. Furthermore, when being weaned off of antidepressants the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms of any kind is unlikely.

If you have become dependent or addicted to an antidepressant, there is a need for professional help. If fully stopping the medication all at once, some withdrawal effects may occur. These include nausea, insomnia, feelings of electrical shock in the brain, and even alteration in touch sensation. Some withdrawal effects could be worse or others may exist. However, these are based on the sudden discontinuation of an SSRI antidepressant.

Other types of antidepressants such as benzodiazepine can be more addictive and have stronger withdrawal symptoms. However, SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed because of the known component of addiction with other medications.

Dual Diagnosis

One common issue for those that are dependent or addicted to antidepressants is not necessarily the antidepressant, but a co-morbid disorder. Those who need antidepressants often have a dual diagnosis of depression with substance abuse, or other mental health disorders. Hence, makes dependence or addiction more likely. Therefore, even if you find a way to go without the antidepressant, symptoms of the other disorder still need to be dealt with. Meaning you may go back to using or abusing antidepressants.

The other concern, especially for addiction to antidepressants is that the person using them was misdiagnosed. If misdiagnosed it does not change the fact that the antidepressants change the brain’s chemistry. For those with depression this helps to alleviate some if not all of the depressive symptoms. On the other hand, for those without depression the brain chemistry is still altered and better feelings may come about. However, there is a slightly higher chance for dependence or addiction.

Getting Help

If you find yourself struggling with the use and misuse of antidepressants, then first speak to the prescribing doctor. They can often help wean you off at a safe rate so withdrawal is avoided. If you are still struggling with depression after the antidepressants then seek help to learn about options without the use of medication. Antidepressants help many, but other treatment options are available.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

What is the Purpose of OxyContin

OxyContin is a branded trade name for a prescription strength pain reliever. The generic name is oxycodone and it is just as potent. The drug itself is a potent analgesic used to treat severe to moderate pain. Often for chronic sufferers with arthritis, cancer, injuries, and severe conditions. It is also an opioid. Meaning it is highly addictive. In fact, the chemical structure was designed to mimic morphine that is typically created from the poppy plant. Coming in pill and tablet form, the medication is time released. Though not all people who use OxyContin also abuse it, many do develop a dependency for it over time.

Risks and Dangers of OxyContin Dependency

Since OxyContin and its generic forms have a high addiction profile, if it is taken in excess or altered to get stronger effects it can quickly lead to addiction. Though physical dependence is not the same as addiction, it is the beginning step to addiction. Even if just a physical dependence develops, stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The dependence turns into addiction when a psychological dependence also develops. It should also be noted that addiction does not necessarily begin with the intent to abuse. It may start as someone feeling their dose is not strong enough. Perhaps, wanting the euphoric effects so they alter the medication dose. Doctors are well aware of this issue. Therefore, they are hesitant to write new prescriptions for this medication because of the potential for abuse.

However, there are people who try to gain a prescription for OxyContin just to abuse it. Some fake symptoms to gain a prescription for a variety of reasons. A few may even try to get a prescription to avoid using heroin. As the feelings are somewhat similar. Those who abuse OxyContin can do so in several ways. The faster it enters the bloodstream, the quicker it effects the brain and more intense the effects. This means some people choose to rush the effects. This is done by crushing the pills and snorting them. Other common ways is to smoke them, or even mix them with water and inject them. The faster and stronger the effects, the more likely dependence will turn to abuse of the medication.

Signs of Dependence

For those who are concerned that they have developed OxyContin dependency, whether intentionally or otherwise, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for over time. The most obvious is the need to take the medication for any symptom relief and the need for a higher dose over time to achieve the same relief. If a dependent person misses a dose or stops the medication, withdrawal will occur. This can start as early as six hours after the last use or take as long as 30 hours. Much like withdrawal from illegal drugs, the person may have insomnia, muscle aches, sweating, anxiety, agitation, vomiting, and much more. These symptoms need to be monitored properly to keep the person safe.

If you feel you have a OxyContin dependency issue or are abusing it, help is available. Speak to a doctor or find an appropriate rehab such as DARA that will help you through withdrawal and to find alternatives to continuing down your current path. You are worth the time and effort.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Social Isolation From Gambling

Any type of addiction can lead to isolation. This is because addictions are typically something that addicts want to keep secret. Mostly because the addict does not want others to know the extent of the problem. The trouble is that addictions do not immediately start out as addictions. They may not be totally hidden at first. Consider an alcoholic. Having the occasional drink if you are of age is not illegal. Therefore, it’s not seen as a problem by most. However, drinking daily and in excess is a problem. An alcoholic may start out as a casual drinker. But as the alcohol becomes a necessity and habit, it may be hidden. This is true of social isolation from a gambling addiction as well.

What is Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is an addiction that can come in many forms. This is due to the fact that there are many types of gambling. Everything from cards, to the lottery, to horse racing and sports can be part of gambling addiction. This type addiction can occur when a person feels that they are in financial trouble, or ruin. It can make one believe gambling is the only way to get out of trouble. It may also be found in those who play games and make risky bets to get an emotional high. Many factors can contribute to a gambling addiction. Aside from the ‘high’ and desperation for money, some may like the social status attained when successful as a gambler. While others enjoy the socialization that comes with mainstream gambling. Unfortunately, gambling excessively over time can take a dark turn and lead to isolation over socialization.

Isolation and Gambling

There is a researched connection between gambling and social isolation. It has been documented that people who feel socially isolated are more likely to take risks with their money in gambling situations. This is thought to be because of the value they place on money to obtain what they want as far as socially. The irony is that a gambling addiction can actually cause more social isolation for the addict. Therefore, it can be especially problematic if the gambler is on a losing streak. Isolation may also occur because the gambler has lied about their whereabouts to family and friends. This is to hide the amount of gambling or to try to win back money that no one knows has been lost yet.

Furthermore, as gambling may cause or exacerbate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts due to excessive loss. The gambler may isolate more. Some people may even spend so much time gambling that they avoid eating with others. Eventually, showing signs of weight loss or gain, acne, and even dark circles. These changes will isolate the person further. Additionally, those who gamble long term may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with both wins and losses which can lead to isolation over time.

Getting Help

If you or a loved one have a gambling addiction then help is available. It can be difficult to ask for help for a problem that is in part socially accepted. However, getting help is necessary for your physical, mental, and financial health. If you need help contact DARA or Paracelsus to receive quick and affordable help that will change your life.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

What is Addiction to Wealth and Power?

Though most people would consider it luck or talent, wealth and power can also lead to addiction. It is pretty common knowledge that wealth tends to lead to power and vice versa. However, an obsessive drive for power and wealth can be as harmful to a person and their loved ones as an addiction to drugs and alcohol. For some people who are self-made millionaires or just those who are highly successful in their field. Each new win or achievement is accompanied by a euphoric feeling or a rush. Like that you get when using drugs or drinking. While there are definitely other benefits like a large house, cars, vacations, etc., it is that feeling of taking one more step that offers the high.

Addicted to Dopamine

When using drugs, it is often the dopamine that the body produces that creates the ‘high’ feeling. This same chemical release also occurs when people ‘win’ or are successful. This is the ‘high’ when it comes to power and wealth. Dopamine is natural and necessary. Without it, people would have no interest in eating or even sex and the human population would rapidly dwindle. While it is necessary, it is also the struggle in stopping an addiction to power and wealth. This addiction goes far beyond willpower.

When is it Unhealthy

Wealth and power in and of themselves are not unhealthy, it is when an obsession with continually gaining more of one or both takes over that a problem exists. Everything else in a power and wealth addicts life begins to take a back seat to getting more. This can include family, friends, health, and even meeting basic needs. Over time the person may only identify themselves with the wealth and power, losing all other identity. The addict will judge others on their achievement, not on merits.

Those who struggle with addiction to wealth and power tend to feel the most powerful, or ‘high’ when dominating others. They will have little patience for anything or anyone that stands in the way of their rise. They may become restless and even paranoid that others are in their way. When in extremes, the person may result to illegal or, in the least, unethical actions such as destruction of property, bribery, and manipulation. If that source of power is suddenly taken or lessened, the person may experience withdraw symptoms, just like when someone comes off of drugs or alcohol.

Getting Help

Since wealth and power are not necessarily a bad thing on their own, getting help may seem odd or even impossible. It may seem implausible that someone needs help to not achieve better and greater things, but this is partially the case. The aspect that really needs help and redirection is the fear of loss of control or powerlessness. As this type of addiction is often found to exist with things such as depression, anxiety, and perfectionism, it can and must be treated as an aspect of mental illness. This will require time, work, and commitment to treatment as the person learns to enjoy a healthy, rewarding life. They must learn to find balance.

If seeking treatment, DARA can help. An inpatient facility with individualized treatment, can help find that balance and help the person avoid turning to other drugs that may produce the same dopamine high. If you or a loved one needs help then high-end facilities are available to offer all you need.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.