Author: Chervine

Prescription drugs are not any safer or less harmful to the body than their illicit counterparts, in fact, a great portion of the overdose deaths caused by America’s opioid epidemic is actually caused by prescription drugs.

The misuse of addictive prescription drugs in America is on the rise. There were around 16,000 overdoses involving prescription opioids in 2020, up to an average of 44 deaths per day and a 16% increase from the previous year.

One of the drivers of this epidemic is a well-known and widely abused prescription–Xanax.

Is Xanax Addictive

When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be safe and effective. However, misuse of the drug can lead to addiction.

Patients with addictive personalities may abuse the drug due to its high potential for abuse and strong withdrawal symptoms.

It is not uncommon for people to suffer from Xanax addiction, so if you or a loved one suffers from it, you are not alone. 

In fact, a study found that over five million Americans misused their prescriptions for benzodiazepines, such as Xanax.

Signs of Xanax Abuse

When patients abuse their medications, they experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms.

It is possible to spot abuse of Xanax by noticing these signs of abuse

Physical Signs of Xanax Abuse

Physical signs and symptoms of Xanax abuse include:

• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of coordination
• Tremors
• Vertigo
• Respiratory depression

Psychological Signs of Xanax Abuse

Psychological signs and symptoms of Xanax abuse include:

• Mental confusion
• Irritability or annoyance that occurs frequently and suddenly
• The presence of extreme drowsiness or a lack of interest in activities can lead to major changes in behavior
• Anxiety-like moods
• Inability to devote extended attention to tasks

Xanax Withdrawal 

A benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome occurs when someone becomes dependent on Xanax.

Since Xanax is so potent, it can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms very quickly.   It is possible for physical dependence to develop as early as one month after continuous use.

Recent studies have found that 40% of long-term Xanax users suffer from withdrawal symptoms. This not only puts recreational and irresponsible users at risk but also patients that use it for legitimate reasons.

Symptoms tend to be much milder in the remaining 60% of addicts who abruptly stop using the drug.

Xanax Withdrawal: Physical Signs and Symptoms

These are the most common physical signs and symptoms of a Xanax withdrawal

• Tremors
• Muscle pain
• Muscle spasms
• Hyperventilation
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Hypersensitivity to lights
• Abnormal bodily sensations

Xanax Withdrawal: Psychological Signs and Symptoms

These are the most common psychological signs and symptoms of a Xanax withdrawal

• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Panic Attacks
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Delirium
• Seizures
• Lack of focus
• Memory lapses

Treatment for Xanax Addiction

While Xanax addiction can be challenging to manage, it is possible to overcome it. In most cases, people addicted to Xanax need residential treatment as part of their recovery.
Inpatient treatment and detox are the most effective ways to overcome Xanax addiction. 

It is essential to assist Xanax users during detox in order to prevent life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. It can’t be overstated how vital it is to have a medical professional present to help the addict through this process and provide the correct medication.

Common Xanax addiction treatment includes:

 

• Detox: Toxins from the drug are removed from the body during a detox treatment under the supervision of medical staff and often using pharmacology to manage withdrawal symptoms

 

• Inpatient Treatments:  An Inpatient setting provides 24/7 medical care and supervision to recovering addicts
• Tapering Down: Gradually reducing doses to help avoid the more severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms of benzos such as seizures.

Xanax Addiction Treatment

The time to act is now if you or someone you love is addicted to Xanax. 

We at Outpatient LA do more than help people get sober. We also help them become the best versions of themselves. The combination of our medical expertise and holistic approach allows us to offer a comprehensive approach to recovery

Find out how you can help your loved one receive the Xanax addiction treatment they need by contacting Outpatient LA today.

It’s Saturday night, you’re out with your best friends and the night carries on. It’s like any other weekend, you’re all having a good time drinking and going dancing. But then it happens.

 

Suddenly, one of your close friends begins feeling sick. At first, the group just assumes your sick friend just had a little too much. But their vomiting is out of control and their skin looks a little too pale.

 

Be careful! These could be signs of alcohol poisoning. A serious alcohol consumption.

A condition that could do a little more than just ruin your weekend. How? Let’s have a look.

What is Alcohol Poisoning

The quick answer is that alcohol poisoning is nothing more than an alcohol overdose. In the same way, addicts can overdose on drugs, and so can drinkers overdose on alcohol. An alcohol overdose is also commonly referred to as acute alcohol poisoning.

When someone drinks too much and too quickly the body can suffer from significant impairments including problems with motor coordination, decision-making, impulse control, and other functions. If a person keeps drinking beyond this point, they might end up overdosing on alcohol.

During an alcohol overdose, the areas of the brain that control basic life-support functions begin to shut down. That includes temperature control, heart rate, and breathing. Needless to say, this poses a serious threat to a person’s health and life.

Alcohol overdose could lead to permanent brain damage or even death.

Is Acute Alcohol Poisoning a Problem?

According to the CDC, close to 6 people die every day from acute alcohol poisoning in the United States, amounting to roughly 2,200 alcohol poisoning deaths each year. With three-quarters of those deaths affecting demographics between the ages of 35 and 64.

While most of them are men, anyone can overdose on alcohol. Acute alcohol poisoning is not unique to binge drinkers and alcoholics.

Mixing alcohol with opioids or other depressants can greatly increase the risk of an overdose.  Alcohol treatment is recommended in such cases. 

Even if the person is not a regular drinker, it’s suggested to attend alcohol treatment to let a professional diagnose if there could be a serious problem developing underneath.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Deaths by alcohol poisoning represent a smaller percentage of the total overall deaths in the United States. But the number of people that get alcohol poisoning is far greater.

It’s really important for all of us, regardless of our drinking habits, to get familiar with the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning. This way we may recognize them and act if someone around us experiences an alcohol overdose.

These are the most common signs of alcohol poisoning:

• Mental confusion
• Difficulty remaining conscious
• Inability to wake up
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Slow heart rate
• Low body temperature or paleness

How Much Alcohol Causes Poisoning?

Not too long ago I was sitting down with a friend at a buffet, fascinated by the amount of food she was consuming. Despite eating like her stomach was a bottomless pit, she was light like a feather.

I couldn’t help myself but ask—-how can you eat this much and not gain weight?

She replied by saying her metabolism was much faster than that of other people so she processed food rather quickly.

It baffled me. But it got me thinking about how much that relates to alcohol consumption.

There is always that one friend who can down an entire bottle of tequila as if it was water without even batting an eye. That’s because everyone processes alcohol differently.

There are numerous factors that go into how much alcohol it actually takes to cause poisoning like metabolism, weight, height, gender, and even genetics.

As every individual is different, it’s impossible to determine how much alcohol a person should consume before becoming ill—and it can be quite risky to push your limits to try to find out.

 

On average, it takes close to one hour for the body to metabolize 0.25 ounces of alcohol. 

 

In order to be considered to be drunk by law, a person’s blood alcohol concentration must be at least 0.08 percent. The effects of alcohol begin to be felt by 0.10 to 0.12% when you begin to have difficulties with coordination and memory. Anything above that is generally considered to be risky territory.

There are also those who are sensitive to alcohol consumption. For them, alcohol poisoning could come with as little as one or two drinks. 

Risks of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning poses serious risks to both alcohol abusers and non-heavy drinkers alike and regardless of their level of tolerance.

If you or someone around you is experiencing alcohol poisoning you must seek immediate help and call 911. Not doing so could result in permanent brain damage and even death.

Persistent problems with alcohol could be a sign of addiction. If you or anyone you love is struggling with their alcohol consumption then you must seek alcohol treatment.

Outpatient LA provides alcohol rehab for those struggling with it.

For more information about how we can help you or your loved ones, contact Outpatient LA today.

You might have heard of many terms to refer to someone who is struggling with alcohol. Everything from alcoholism to substance abuse and binge drinking. These terms can make it difficult and confusing for non-professionals to navigate and seek adequate help for those who need it.

 

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what’s alcohol dependence and what to do if you or someone you love suffers from it,

What’s Alcohol Dependence?

Being dependent on alcohol is what’s also known as having alcoholism or having an alcohol addiction. The disorder is defined as a chronic medical condition that’s characterized by the occurrence of alcohol withdrawal symptoms when the drinker stops consuming.

In general, mental health professionals often prefer to refer to the condition of alcoholism or alcohol dependence as an alcohol use disorder. 

Alcohol use disorder is the preferred term used to diagnose problematic alcohol consumption in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

That’s because studies have found that the terminology influences how a person with substance abuse sees themselves.

The terms alcoholic, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency tend to stigmatize people who are affected by alcohol use disorder and suffering from alcohol addiction. This could affect their recovery or their willingness to get better.

Signs Someone Is Dependent on Alcohol

Signs of dependence on alcohol include:

• Not being able to function without alcohol
• High tolerance to alcohol
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Drinking to relieve withdrawal symptoms
• Cravings to drink
• Not being able to stop at will
• Irritated if alcohol runs out
• Worried that there isn’t enough alcohol
• Hiding alcohol around the house or workplace “just in case”
• Drinking takes priority over other things

Patterns of Someone Dependent on Alcohol

The effects of suffering from dependence on alcohol vary from person to person.

Those who are alcohol dependent may drink the following way:

• Drinking larger amounts and for longer periods
• Everyday
• From early in the morning
• After work
• Without control
• Not being able to have just one drink
• Always finished their drink or their bottle

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

When someone dependent on alcohol stops drinking it abruptly, they experience withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, and after prolonged use, it becomes accustomed to being around all the time.

Due to alcohol’s depressant properties, your brain works overtime to maintain sharpness. Drinking for a prolonged period of time becomes a habit that keeps the brain active.

A person who stops drinking stays in this heightened state for a longer period of time, which is what causes withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be life-threatening for alcoholics. The symptoms can be mild or severe depending on the individual

Pharmacotherapy is often used in the management of withdrawal symptoms. Medications like benzodiazepines are usually given to recovering alcoholics during the detox process as a way to help manage their anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. 

Alcohol Withdrawal Signs

The following are the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Shaking 
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Delirium tremens
• Cardiac arrest

How to Detox From Alcohol

If you’re not sure how to detox from alcohol, follow these steps.

• Seek medical assistance or contact an alcoholism treatment rehab facility that can guide you through the process.
• Stay hydrated and nourished while you wait to get to the detox facility
• Get in touch with a friend or family member who can assist you in reaching the detox facility. You shouldn’t drive there on your own.
• Ensure that you bring any medications you take and inform the medical staff if you have any medical conditions.
• Call 911 if you are not feeling well

When to Seek Help

Those who suffer from alcohol addiction might not see their behavior as a problem. But withdrawals and dependence on alcohol can be life-threatening.

People who depend on alcohol must seek help.

Outpatient LA provides alcohol detox and rehab facilities that include both inpatient and outpatient alcoholism treatment.

Our rehab can help you no matter what alcoholism treatment option is right for you.

For more information about our alcohol rehab programs, contact Outpatient LA today.

Alcohol and drugs alter our brain chemistry and therefore how we think and behave. 

Each drug affects an individual’s personality differently, but there are several parallels that can be drawn between them.

Let’s take a look at the indicators of addiction.

Can Addiction Change an Addict’s Behavior?

It sure can, and it will. 

There’s nothing wrong with change, but in the case of drugs and alcohol, it’s never for the better. 

As addicts fall deeper into addiction, their behavior and personalities might change to the point where they may seem completely different from the people they were before. 

Using drugs and alcohol alters the chemistry of the brain by interfering with neuronal communication. The disruption of normal functioning creates imbalances that change behavior and personality. 

In essence, drugs retrain the brain and re-wire it to respond differently.

It is common for different substances to have different effects on the brain and cause patients to exhibit a variety of odd behaviors. 

For example, someone who abuses cocaine might be more inclined to act erratically or be paranoid. While marijuana users may behave in a more slow-paced manner, which reflects the drug’s effects.

Behavioral Signs of Addictive Behavior

Generally, drug-to-drug behaviors differ, but they share some similarities.

Let’s examine some of the most commonly shared signs of addictive behavior.

Obsessive Behaviors

Addiction is characterized by obsessive thoughts and behaviors. 

The condition is not only present in patients who abuse substances but also in those who are addicted to gambling.

Addiction can be considered an obsession in and of itself. This behavior is almost synonymous with what it entitles to being an addict.

Dishonest Behaviors

Dishonest behaviors are typical indicators of addiction. Integrity is not only important in the external world but also internal. Addicts are almost always as dishonest with others as they can be with themselves. 

Dishonesty goes hand-in-hand with addiction. So much so that getting honest with oneself is a fundamental part of any recovery program. After all, accepting addiction is a problem that begins with getting honest with oneself.

Loss of Control

In essence, addiction destroys self-will and self-control, which is why addicts can’t control their substance intake and ultimately end up addicted.

There are many ways in which loss of control manifests itself, some of them include::

• Lack of control with drugs
• The inability to abide by the law
• Inability to control one’s emotions
• Lack of self-awareness
• Inability to control behaviors
• Disregard of harm caused to themselves or others

The longer an addict spends in the addiction-hole, the more likely it is that substances will drive his or her behavior, and the less likely the addict will have control over their actions.

Manipulative Behaviors

It is not uncommon for addicts and alcoholics to go to great lengths to maintain their addiction and satisfy their cravings. Manipulative behaviors are in fact one of the greatest indicators of addiction.

For the most part, they will do or say anything that gets them to their next fix or drink.

Addicts may also manipulate those around them to achieve what they want by using their addiction as an excuse.

Although manipulating and playing with other people’s emotions may seem sinister, the addict is not really doing it, but rather their disease is.

Emotional Wreckage

Mood swings, aggression, anxiety, and depression can all be signs of addictive behavior.

Many of these emotions can be present in people for a variety of reasons, but addicts and alcoholics display them more intensely and/or in combination with one another.

Paranoia and/or Isolation

Drugs like meth, cocaine, and heroin, as well as alcohol, can cause the addict to experience a lot of fear and “darkness.”

Addicts who experience fear-based emotions can feel isolated and paranoid all the time. Paranoia can also be fueled by knowing they are doing something illegal. 

In time, these temporary emotions become learned behaviors that change the addict’s personality.

Criminal Behaviors

There are many alcoholics and addicts who resort to crime as a way to support their addictions, but not all of them are criminals. 

The addict might resort to taking things that are not theirs when manipulation fails and money runs out. 

Unfortunately, statistics show that crime and drug consumption have a high correlation. Nearly 80% of inmates reportedly abuse drugs and alcohol, with 26% of arrests related to crime.

What To Do When Drugs and Alcohol Change Behaviors?

A loved one who has demonstrated some of the signs of addictive behavior listed above may be abusing drugs if you respond appropriately and seek help. 

Outpatient LA offers an array of ​​relapse prevention programs and cognitive behavioral therapy and other holistic treatments that can help addicts re-learn positive behaviors and forget ill habits.

Contact Outpatient LA and one of our admission experts and behavioral therapist will be able to help you or your loved ones get sober.

Levels of care for substance abuse treatment are a system established to provide tailored programs for the different stages of addiction. Thus, they are able to meet addicts at whatever stage of the addiction they might find themselves in and fulfill their own unique needs.

Let’s have a deep dive into all levels of care for treatment of substance abuse disorders and which one might be best suited for you or those you love.

What Are The Substance Abuse Levels of Care

Level 0.5 – Early Intervention Treatment

The first of all levels of care for treatment of substance abuse disorder is also the one that’s best suited for patients with the least severe addiction symptoms.

Patients that qualify for this level are usually less problematic and only have mild symptoms or a mild substance abuse obsession.

A primary goal of this level of substance abuse treatment is to minimize the potential harms that are associated with substance abuse and to minimize the possibility of severe addiction.

Services that offer early intervention can be administered primarily in places such as schools and hospitals in the form of prevention education, therapy, or counseling.

Level I – Outpatient Treatment

The second level of substance abuse levels of care is outpatient services. Outpatient care is provided to patients in a non-residential setting. As a result, recovering addicts can return home each day after receiving treatment or therapy.

Patients who have less severe symptoms and do not pose an immediate health risk might benefit from this type of recovery service. 

It may also be a good option for more severe patients who need to continue their treatment after completing an inpatient program.

Level II – Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Outpatient Treatment

An intensive outpatient program and partial hospitalization are the next steps on the severity scale. The intensive outpatient program (IOP) is similar to regular outpatient treatment, except that patients must attend more hours. The patient may have been stabilized in a hospital before attending an IOP in many cases.

Typically, most IOPs require patients to attend treatment for a minimum of 9 hours per week, but some programs suggest as many as 30 hours.

Intensive outpatient treatment is better suited to patients with co-occurring disorders. It’s also a better fit for those with more complicated symptoms that don’t require inpatient treatment.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is best suited to severe cases that do not require 24/7 care. In most cases, these programs last at least 20 hours a week.

Level III – Residential/Inpatient Treatment

Residential treatment offers addicts a safe, 24/7 environment where they can live during their recovery. Inpatient treatment is what most people imagine when they think of rehab. Of all of the substance abuse levels of care, this is one of the most commonly employed.

Typically, an inpatient program lasts 30-90 days and includes detoxification, therapy, 12-step programs, and other holistic treatments.

A patient who is best suited to inpatient care is one who:

• Has a high risk of relapse
• Suffers from severe co-occurring disorders
• Has tried and failed at an outpatient or other forms of treatment before
• Has severe withdrawal symptoms
• Requires around-the-clock attention due to delicate medical conditions
• Suffers from severe addiction

The cost of inpatient services is usually higher due to the fact that they include housing, food, and round-the-clock professional services. Contrary to popular belief, evidence shows that inpatient treatment for substance abuse disorders is actually more cost-effective than no treatment at all.

In addition to causing financial hardship for addicts and their families, substance abuse also hinders them from finding employment. Consequently, they cannot reach their full earnings potential.

Level 3.7WM – Withdrawal Management in a Residential Setting

Medically withdrawal management is commonly known as detox. Detoxification involves supplying addicts with medications to help stabilize them as substances are withdrawn from their bodies.

An addict experiences withdrawal symptoms when their body becomes used to functioning with their substance of choice. When the user withdraws or detoxifies from a substance, the body could experience adverse effects.

Depending on the severity of the addiction, these adverse reactions, or withdrawals, could be life-threatening. Detox medications can reduce withdrawal symptoms, making the process less challenging, painful, and risky for addicts.

A pharmacological approach could also help addicts taper off their addiction.

The Level 3.7WM is administered in a residential inpatient setting with medical staff and equipment on site.

Level IV – Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient (Withdrawal Management in a Hospital)

When it comes to levels of care for substance abuse treatment, this level is usually reserved for severe cases of addiction with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and delicate medical conditions. This is the most critical of all levels of care for treatment of substance abuse disorders.

Determining Your Level of Addiction Treatment

Now that you know more about all levels of care for treatment of substance abuse disorders, you might have a better idea of which one is best suited for you or those you love. 

But, it might still be difficult to judge exactly which is the right path to take. That’s why it’s best to contact a team of professionals that can guide you every step of the way.

At Outpatient LA our team of recovery experts is ready to help determine the levels of care for substance abuse treatment that are right for you.

Contact us today to get an assessment of addiction treatment levels of care