What is Holistic Addiction Treatment?

What is Holistic Addiction Treatment?

A holistic approach to addiction recovery has become increasingly popular. More and more standard therapies are incorporating it into their programs.

But what is holistic treatment for drug addiction? And does it actually work?

What is Holistic Treatment for Drug Addiction

Holistic addiction treatment focuses on all aspects of the addict’s health, including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Holistic treatments aim to address the underlying causes of addiction rather than just the symptoms.

The therapy combines both Eastern and Western medicinal approaches, and it’s based on the belief that balancing all the aspects of our health can help addicts overcome addiction.

Holistic treatments are designed to have an effect on the individual’s overall well-being rather than target a particular symptom or behavior.

The majority of addiction treatment centers today incorporate some aspects of holistic therapies into their recovery programs.

What Are Some Examples of Holistic Addiction Treatments?

There’s a wide range of holistic treatments available for addicts.  Some common forms of holistic treatments used for addiction recovery may include:

  • Biofeedback and Neurofeedback
  • Art, Music, or Writing Therapy
  • Yoga
  • Nutritional Therapy
  • Exercise
  • Herbal and Plant Medicines
  • Acupuncture
  • Reiki
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Sound Therapy
  • Shamanic Healing
  • Energy Healing
  • Breathwork
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Kirtan
  • Tai Chi
  • Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Massage Therapy
  • Experiential Therapy
  • Nature Therapy
  • Equine Therapy and other Animal Therapies

What Are The Advantages of a Holistic Rehabilitation Program?

The root motivation for addiction is still largely misunderstood. Science points out many factors ranging from trauma to peer pressure. 

Whatever the case may be, by taking a holistic approach the addict will be able to better balance other aspects of their health which ultimately will help them gain strength, confidence, and other positives that will allow them to tackle the difficulties of recovery.

For example, an addict may employ breathwork techniques as a means to reduce stress. Its well documented that stress can be an influencing factor for someone to relapse. Then by avoiding it, a holistic approach helps the addict stay sober.

Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and hypnosis can also help the addict manage stress, during and after rehab. 

There have been cases in which hypnosis and neurolinguistic programming have contributed to addicts managing their cravings.

Another way to look at it can be from a spiritual perspective. Evidence of this can be seen in 12-step groups which have spiritual foundations. Holistic spiritual approaches could then help the addict stay sober and find strength from a higher power.

 

Holistic therapies can also be of benefit to addicts during their rehabilitation period.

 

For example, acupuncture can help an addict deal with anxiety and the severity of withdrawal symptoms during detox. It can also help them with their sleep habits.

Exercise and nutrition have also proven to be effective ways for addicts to manage their addiction. A person who exercises regularly may have lower levels of anxiety or stress. Healthy nutrition is also a key building block for a healthy recovery.

Do Holistic Treatments Work

There is not much scientific evidence to prove whether a holistic approach is more effective or not. 

However, many holistic forms of therapy help improve the overall well-being of the patient and are generally believed to contribute to the recovery. 

They may also help the addict maintain recovery by leading a healthy and stress-free lifestyle.

Getting Help

Now that you know what holistic treatment for drug addiction is, you may be able to determine if this form of treatment is right for you or your loved ones suffering from addiction.

At Outpatient LA we seek to treat addiction with a holistic approach. Our premier holistic outpatient services will help your or your loved one get sober and stay that way.

Contact Outpatient LA today and ask how our holistic recovery approach can help!

Tips for Finding a Job After Rehab Ends

Tips for Finding a Job After Rehab Ends

The ability to generate income is paramount to establishing a healthy and productive new life for a recovering addict. ​​For this reason, getting a job after rehab is a primary concern for many of them. 

It could be scary at first, particularly for those who have not worked for a long time or have built resentments against previous jobs — but it doesn’t have to be challenging.

Here are our best tips on how to get a job after rehab ends!

Be Open

Our number one tip for ​​getting a job after rehab may not resonate right away, but it could work surprisingly well.

The first impulse of someone coming out of addiction may be to keep their condition anonymous, and that’s OK. But getting honest about what you just went through could turn out to be your biggest strength.

Let me explain.

First of all, it shows strength.

Coming out of rehab and into a new life addicts may carry with them some shame without realizing they’ve just accomplished an enormous achievement.

Consider this, most people can’t beat their sugar habit, yet here is an addict beating addiction. 

Employers like having teams that can overcome challenges and have discipline. Leverage your recovery as a strength, not a weakness. 

Second, it shows courage.

It takes a lot of spine to have the courage to speak about your shortcomings in a setting where most others will inflate themselves 

Employers will love your courage and will want to leverage that skill into their business.

Lastly, and probably most important, it shows honesty.

Business is built on trust. There is no better soft skill to have in business than being trustworthy.

Honesty about your recovery and your condition will show your employer that you can be trusted, and that will take you a long way.

Even though some employers could be judgmental, most will see your recovery positively and will want to help. 

Understandably, opening up about your condition could be scary, but the results may surprise you!

Just keep a positive mindset, and remember—you have nothing to lose, there are literally thousands of employers out there looking to hire. If one doesn’t agree with your background, then you can always just move on to the next!

Be Resourceful

We live in an incredibly prosperous world where perseverance is rewarded. Opportunity is waiting behind every corner—don’t be afraid to seek it.

Embrace your network, not just your professional network, but also your personal network. Ask around and let others know you are looking.

You may also want to ask a friend who has achieved what you want how they did it. Ask them to help you create a professional CV.

Don’t hesitate to mention your situation when attending 12-step meetings. There may always be someone who knows about an opportunity.

Most importantly, there will always be another opportunity, so don’t give up if you receive a “no”. Keep trying, the right opportunity will present itself.

Assistance Programs and Online Sources 

Addicts in recovery may also be able to find financial support from local and state programs. Leveraging these programs is also a great tip for getting a job after rehab.

For example, in Pennsylvania, there is a Vocational Rehabilitation program that offers job assistance to those in recovery.

One of the advantages of these programs is that your employer will know about your condition upfront. 

Other great online sources for getting a job after rehab include:

Prioritize Your Recovery

One of the most important tips in our list is not about how to get a job but rather how not to.

Coming out of addiction, and having options to choose from may feel alien to recovering addicts who for a long time may have had none.

A recovering addict may feel tempted to jump into the first opportunity that shows up, or the one that pays the most, but they must exercise caution.

No job or paycheck is worth losing your recovery.

Prioritizing recovery could be challenging for a recovering addict that was in a “risky” career prior to their recovery.

For example, a bartender may probably want to rethink their career if they went into recovery due to alcohol.

Although it doesn’t always have to be so straightforward. An executive working in a toxic and stressful environment could be under as much risk of relapse as the bartender.

Getting out of rehab is a great chance to wipe the slate clean. If your job role in the past doesn’t match your new life, then there is no better time to rethink your career.

Getting Help

​​Getting a job after rehab doesn’t have to be difficult, and neither does overcoming addiction.

If you or one of your loved ones suffers from addiction then it’s time to get help!

At Outpatient LA we offer our patients support in getting their life backs on track. Our intensive outpatient treatment will arm you with the tools to overcome addiction in the real world.Contact Outpatient LA and ask us for a free consultation today.

What are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?

What are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?

There is an opioid addiction crisis that has been affecting the United States for a few years now. There were over 16,000 overdoses that involved some form of opioid in 2020.

With so many Americans dying from this preventable disease, it has become more important than ever before to educate ourselves about the dangers and symptoms of opioid addiction.

Let’s take a look at what symptoms are associated with opioid withdrawal

What Is Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a serious medical condition that occurs as the product of a person becoming physically and psychologically dependent on opioids.

Opioids are a class of drugs that includes heroin, fentanyl, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, which are legal pain relievers available by prescription such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and OxyContin.  

Opioid addiction can be treated successfully by using medications as well as through behavioral therapies and recovery support services. 

Over 16% of all 932,000 drug overdose deaths in the US since 1999 were caused by opioids in 2020. 

Those are large numbers, and they show that the opioid addiction problem is a serious one and of concern to health officials and family members.

What Are Opioid Withdrawals 

After prolonged use of opioids, patients develop a physical dependency on the drug. This means their bodies have become used to having the drug in their system and will react negatively when their systems are cleansed of it.

These negative effects are called withdrawals, and they can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

Withdrawals are the main reason addicts attend detox, as they need pharmacological support and medical supervision to detoxify their bodies.

What Are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

Understanding what symptoms are associated with opioid withdrawal is the first step in identifying the severity of opioid addiction.

The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as how long and how much of the drug was taken.

While certain symptoms may be mild and not life-threatening, others—such as depression and autonomic hyperactivity—can be fatal.

Prior to detoxing from opioids, you should speak with a recovery specialist. 

It’s also critical that addicts or their loved ones contact their healthcare provider or call 911 if the addict experiences any of the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawals.

Some of the common symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:

  • Excessive flow of tears
  • Muscle aches
  • Tremors
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dilated pupils
  • Eye discomfort in bright lights
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Autonomic hyperactivity
  • Irritable moods
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Anxiety

How to Detox Safely

Treatment for opioid withdrawals is available to anyone who needs it in the form of outpatient and inpatient.

Outpatient treatment is when a patient receives treatment and then is released to go back home the same day. Inpatient treatment means the patient stays in the facility for the entire duration of their treatment.

Pharmacological management in the form of a detox program is offered in both settings. There are three main medication choices to treat the addiction at this stage: Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone. 

Medications like Clonidine may also be prescribed to reduce blood pressure in order to relieve withdrawal symptoms.

Recovery experts will prescribe these medicines along with counseling to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and restore health to the addict.

Contacting a recovery specialist or consulting with a medical professional is the best way to determine if a patient requires specialized treatment. 

How to Get Help?

Now that you know what symptoms are associated with opioid withdrawal, it’s time to take action.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can hinder recovery by keeping addicts from wanting to stop using, they can be dangerous and life-threatening if not dealt with adequately.

If you or one of your loved ones is suffering from opioid withdrawals then you must act now!

Outpatient LA is a premiere outpatient drug treatment center in Los Angeles, California that offers opioid addiction treatment.

Contact Outpatient LA today for an assessment on how we can help you or your loved ones manage an opioid withdrawal.

Signs That Your Spouse May Be an Addict

Signs That Your Spouse May Be an Addict

When a spouse has an addiction problem, it is highly likely that they will try to hide it from their partner at first. It can also be conflicting for a spouse to judge their companion, particularly as we don’t want to misjudge someone we love.

If you suspect your spouse has an addiction problem, then you may want to look out for the following signs and symptoms, and learn what to do when your spouse is an addict.

How Can Drugs Affect Your Marriage?

People who take drugs and those around them are affected by them. This becomes particularly true in the household and with a spouse.

Some ways in which addiction can affect your marriage include:

  • Causing arguments
  • Family trauma
  • Negatively impact the development of children 
  • Money problems in the relationship
  • Infidelity 
  • Not taking care of the home
  • Affect relationships with your friends and families
  • Get spouse into trouble or having to cover for your spouse
  • Domestic violence
  • Drag spouse into addiction creating an addictive household
  • Unnecessary stress
  • Divorce
  • Sexual challenges 
  • Becoming a “caretaker”
  • “Fake Love”
  • Neglecting family

Relationship trauma is often overlooked as a negative effect of drug abuse. 

It is common for those struggling with addiction to suffer from mental illness and depression, which leads to difficulty relating to their spouses and children. In fact, many rehab centers offer family therapy to help the addict’s family recover from trauma together.

There are also groups like Al-Anon which are meant to be an equivalent of AA or NA for the family of the addict.

Signs Your Spouse Is an Addict 

The best person to determine if there is a real problem is a recovery expert; however, there are signs and symptoms that could help you identify if your spouse is suffering from addiction.

These are some of the most common signs and symptoms that your wife may be an addict.

Physical Signs That Someone is Abusing Drugs

Physical signs can be observed in the body. These may be more noticeable while a person is using drugs, however, they are still present after they’ve sobered up.

Common physical signs that someone is abusing drugs include:

  • Red or irritated eyes 
  • Dilated pupils 
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Quick unexplained weight changes
  • Extreme lethargy
  • Strange odors on clothes like chemicals or smoke
  • Jaw clenching
  • Irregular sleep patterns
  • Markings or bruising on the skin 
  • Being too hot or too cold
  • Burn marks in fingers
  • Skin peeling in the palm of the hand
  • Getting sick often
  • Having a heavily congested nose often

Behavioral Signs Someone is Abusing Drugs

Spotting changes in your spouse behavior could point to a problem.

Some of these include:

  • Changes in social circles
  • Secrecy, dishonesty, and deceit
  • Lack of participation in family activities, sports, and other hobbies
  • Signs of financial distress 
  • Problems with the law
  • Not meeting responsibilities including at work and at home
  • Not being able to locate your spouse or disappearing for days
  • Not showing up to important events or meetings
  • They are moody

What to Do When Your Spouse Is an Addict

Understanding a spouse’s addiction is the first step towards helping him or her.

It is possible to help an addicted spouse in a variety of ways. Addiction must be understood in its true meaning and how it manifests itself in different individuals.

Spouses often find it difficult to deal with addiction, especially if they don’t know how it manifests itself. 

The best way to help them is to get help from a professional.

Getting Help

Now that you know what to do when your spouse is an addict, it’s time to get help.

Outpatient LA offers assessments and addiction treatment as well as family therapy that can help you and your spouse overcome the challenges of addiction.

Contact Outpatient LA today and to talk to one of our admission experts.

Signs a Loved One Is Abusing Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are commonly used in the treatment of various health conditions. When taken as directed they can help patients alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and provide relief to a variety of symptoms, as well as treat mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Unfortunately, prescription drugs are not always used as directed which can lead to addiction. Misuse of prescription drugs is quite common and in many instances even unintentional.

Detecting the signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse early can lead to timely intervention and save the addict from severe hardships and even possible death.

What is Prescription Drug Abuse?

Prescription drugs are considered to be abused when taken outside of the directions from a primary care physician. They tend to be abused by addicts that are looking for a different type of high or an alternative to a stronger illicit drug, as well as patients that fall into addictive habits.

For example, heroin addicts may use opioid medications as a substitute if they are not able to get their hands on heroin.

Another common form of prescription drug abuse occurs when a patient has been prescribed medication but uses it in an unintended manner, which leads to addiction.

For example, an accident victim or a surgical patient may be prescribed opioid pain medication. Over time, the patient may build a tolerance to it. Not being able to resist the increased pain created by the body’s tolerance to the prescription, the patient or loved ones may choose to compassionately overmedicate leading to unintended addiction.

What Are The Most Commonly Abused Types of Prescription Drugs?

The most commonly abused types of prescription drugs are those that lead patients to develop a high tolerance and that possess a high addictive potential. They are mainly broken up into three categories; stimulants, depressants, and opioids. 

Simulants usually induce feelings of euphoria, energy, and alertness. They are commonly used to treat conditions like ADHD. The effects of stimulants are comparable to those of drugs like cocaine or crystal meth. Prescription stimulants are categorized into amphetamines and methylphenidates.

Depressants act the opposite of stimulants by inducing feelings of sedation or drowsiness. The effects of depressants are comparable to drugs such as alcohol and marijuana. Prescription depressants include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications.

Opioids are mostly used to treat pain and belong to the same family of drugs as heroin, inducing similar effects. Prescription opioids include codeine, morphine, methadone, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.

Signs a Loved One Is Abusing Prescription Drugs

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States with over 6% of the population over 12 years old reporting a form of misuse in 2020. Close to 800,000 Americans reported a stimulant use disorder in the same year.

Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse is critical to helping those we love to avoid falling into addiction.

The most common signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse include:

  • Pills or medication bottles going missing from your home
  • Taking medication in ways other than directed by medical professionals
  • Unexplained changes in their finances
  • Extreme mood swings 
  • Symptoms of drowsiness or intoxication after the prescription timeline has ended
  • Slurred speech
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in sleep patterns including insomnia
  • Lack of care in oneself, activities, work, and family 
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Rapid changes in weight
  • Dry lips
  • Problems at work
  • Anxiety
  • Irritation

What You Can Do To Help Your Loved One Suffering from Prescription Drug Abuse?

There could be serious moral conflicts when dealing with a loved one who’s abusing prescription drugs.

For example, a loved one may be prone to compassionately allow a patient who is in pain to take more medication than the doctors have prescribed. Or they may choose to ignore a child abusing Adderall for fear of what would happen if the child gets taken off the medication.

Because of the inherent moral difficulties involved in helping our loved ones with prescription abuse problems, it’s always best to let a professional lead the way.

How to Get Professional Help

If a loved one is exhibiting any of the signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse then it’s time to get professional help.

Outpatient LA is a premiere outpatient drug treatment center in Los Angeles, California that offers a variety of options for those struggling with prescription drug addiction.

Contact Outpatient LA today and let us help your loved ones get the help they need to get better.

How to Find Luxury Sober Living in Southern California

The first year of sobriety tends to be the most difficult one for addicts trying to recover as the memories and habits of addiction haven’t fully faded. Therefore, addicts need a safe environment away from temptation while they work on solidifying a strong recovery program.

Luxury sober living houses offer addicts a variety of services and amenities that are focused on ensuring the addict remains in a safe and comfortable environment that is optimal for their recovery. 

In this article, we will examine different luxury Southern California sober living home options so you can decide which is right for you or your loved ones.

What Is a Sober Living House?

For some, addiction and discord are all around them, in the home, family, friendships, and work, making them prone to relapse. In such cases, the addict may opt to live in a sober living house.

A Sober Living Home is a type of transitional housing that allows recovering addicts to live in a sober environment providing a safe and supportive place to stay while they work on their sobriety.

Addicts may choose to live in a sober living house for a number of reasons but mostly they seek out shelter from a destructive environment that may lead them to a relapse.

For example, an addict who was previously homeless or living with an addictive partner may seek to check into a sober living home as their previous housing arrangements are not safe for their recovery.

What to Expect at a Sober Living House in Southern California

A luxury southern California sober living home will be equipped with all of the comforts of home and feel like an upscale house or a five-star luxury hotel. Most luxury living homes will have top-of-the-line furniture and entertainment equipment, designed with beauty and the comfort of the addict in recovery in mind.

For example, it’s not rare to find fitness centers, pools, and other luxurious amenities. 12-Step programs, yoga classes, and meditation sessions are also typically offered by luxury sober living homes as part of their holistic approach.

Another important feature of luxury southern California sober living homes is that they may include a gourmet chef that prepares and serves healthy meals for patients in recovery. They may also prepare smoothies and fresh raw juices that support the body’s recovery from years of substance abuse.

How to Choose the Right Luxury Southern California Sober Living Home

Addicts in recovery that are searching for a luxury sober living home in California should look for facilities that have reputable staff, a safe environment, and a productive culture. It’s likely that you or your loved one will prefer to be in a desirable neighborhood with a peaceful environment, located near a medical facility.

A sober living house must follow certain standards to be considered. The best sober living homes should:

  • Have house rules
  • Offer safety and privacy
  • Have well-maintained facilities and amenities
  • Be subjected to regulatory inspections
  • Require regular drug testing
  • Require abstinence from drugs and alcohol
  • Must have admission requirements 
  • Must have bookkeeping
  • Must offer 12-step programs
  • Be certified

The most important thing to look out for is certification. Certified sober living homes will follow a set of rigorous standards that will ensure recovering addicts are being housed under optimal conditions.

 

Look out for an accreditation from the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) or any other organizations recognized by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).

Where to Find the Right Luxury Southern California Sober Living Home

Don’t risk choosing the wrong luxury Southern California sober living home. The correct approach is to let the experts guide you.

The admissions team at Outpatient LA is prepared to help you or your loved one get the right personalized programs in Southern California.

Contact Outpatient LA today to speak to a specialist and find the treatment that’s best suited for you or your loved ones.

How to Convince Someone to Go to Rehab

The grip of addiction is often too strong for most to combat on their own, which is why being able to assist our loved ones in getting the help they need is critical to their well-being. 

 

Getting an addict into rehab is easier said than done, but while it may be difficult it’s certainly not impossible.

If you’ve been wondering how to help a loved one go to rehab, then look no more, in this article, we will offer you a few suggestions that are sure to help!

The Truth Will Set You Free

12-step programs that treat different addictions all agree on one thing, the first and most important step in getting sober is accepting you have a problem; however, addicts aren’t exactly known for their compliance.

Addicts who stubbornly refuse to acknowledge their addiction may not entirely be to blame. Addiction tricks the brain into believing anything that will prompt the addict to take the next dose. Accepting one shortcoming isn’t easy either, even those without a substance abuse problem find it difficult to do so.

One of the best ways to get around stubbornness and get our loved ones into rehab is by educating them about the dangers of drugs.

A great way to start is by asking the addict a few simple questions.

  • Are they aware of the negative effects that drugs and alcohol cause in their bodies?
  • Do they know drugs and alcohol are also affecting their loved ones?
  • Do they understand how addiction works?
  • Are they experiencing any co-occurring disorders that may be fueling their addiction?
  • Are they aware of how drugs and alcohol are damaging their careers or relationships?

In spite of how obvious these questions may seem, addicts may not be as aware of them as we are.

For example, an addict might think they are only hurting themselves by consuming drugs and not seeing how their consumption could be causing emotional damage to a loved one and how it can affect their health or their personal lives. 

Another way to look at it may be that the addict didn’t see himself or herself as someone who is actually addicted, but rather as a casual user, and having a better understanding of addiction may help them see the problem.

By educating our loved ones we empower them to have the right information and make intelligent decisions.

Not sure where to educate yourself? Try browsing our library of content, as it covers many topics about addiction, recovery, and co-occurring disorders.

Get Help From a Professional

Despite our best efforts, our loved ones may still choose to ignore our advice or fail to recognize their addiction – without the right guidance, they may remain in denial for decades, if not a lifetime. Even worse, an addict may comprehend the problem and want to get help but may not be able to gain control of their own actions, failing to show up or follow up. 

But this doesn’t mean that all hopes are lost, when our best efforts fail, it’s time to call in the pros. Recovery experts may be able to help in a number of ways, primarily by having an intervention.

Substance abuse interventions take place in a private space where family and friends are ready to plead with the addict for immediate treatment and explain how the addiction is affecting them. The goal of this strategy is to provoke a strong emotional reaction so that the addict feels compelled to seek treatment.

Arrangements are typically pre-made with a rehab facility, so that the addict may check into treatment immediately after the intervention.

How to Get Professional Help

How to help a loved one go to rehab if they don’t want to get help? If your loved one is still not convinced to go to rehab after trying the suggestions in this article, then it’s time to seek professional help.

Outpatient LA is a premiere outpatient drug treatment center in Los Angeles, California that offers interventions for those struggling with addiction.

Contact Outpatient LA today and let us help your loved ones get into rehab.

What are the Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal?

Cocaine has been embedded in American culture for decades now, and it’s estimated that about 5.2 million people in the US above the age of 12 used cocaine in 2021. To put it into perspective, that’s nearly 2% of the US population, a staggering number.

Cocaine use is so widespread in America that understanding what are the cocaine withdrawal signs and symptoms may help us provide support for a loved one in need.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Cocaine

When users stop taking cocaine abruptly, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. The gravity of the symptoms will be dependent on many factors such as:

  • How long have they been using cocaine 
  • Dose size
  • Tolerancer
  • Liver health  

Withdrawal signs and symptoms of cocaine are split into two main categories; short-term withdrawal symptoms, and long-term withdrawal symptoms. Long-term symptoms may last up to a few days while short-term symptoms may be experienced in between doses.

Short-Term Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine acts quickly on the brain, whether it’s snorted, injected, or smoked, releasing feelings of euphoria that are usually short-lived. As quick as it comes, it goes, leaving users immediately experiencing mild short-term withdrawal symptoms.

With each passing dose, the body quickly builds tolerance, needing more cocaine to feel the same feelings of euphoria and creating an insatiable craving for the addict.

Some of the short-term cocaine withdrawal signs and symptoms use include:

  • Cravings
  • Cocaine-Induced Psychosis
  • Cocaine-Induced Seizures
  • Depressed mood
  • Slowed thinking
  • Memory problems
  • Dehydration
  • Inability to sleep
  • Panic Attacks

Long-Term Symptoms of Cocaine Withdrawal

After prolonged use of cocaine, the body begins to build dependence on the drug. Once an addict has developed a physical dependence on a substance, the body will not react well if it’s cut off from it, causing withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms of withdrawal from cocaine may last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. 

It’s critical that addicts check into a detox program or receive medical supervision when long-term withdrawal symptoms become evident, as they are indicative of physical dependence and can be life-threatening, 

How to know if you’re experiencing cocaine withdrawal symptoms you may ask? You will know you are experiencing cocaine withdrawal signs and symptoms if you abruptly stop taking cocaine and feel any of the following symptoms:

  • Agitation
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of discomfort (Uncomfortable in one’s own skin)
  • Increase in appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Vivid and unpleasant dreams
  • Slowing of activity

Health Risks Associated With Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine can wreck a person’s life, little by little it takes away everything from the addict in exchange for a short-lived “good time”. It may start at home, damaging personal relationships, extend to their careers and finances, and ultimately arrive at the worst consequence, losing one’s health.

It’s not all fun and games, at some point, the bodies of those abusing cocaine will send out an invoice for their health, and it’s often a bill that most can’t afford. 

The health risks and withdrawal effects of cocaine can be life-threatening and dangerous. Understanding what are the health risks and withdrawal symptoms of cocaine can help us better gauge when it’s time to seek professional help.

The most common health risks of long-term cocaine abuse include:

  • Nose bleeds
  • Irreparable damage to nose cartilage
  • Respiratory infections 
  • Risk of dementia
  • Heart problems
  • Seizures
  • Stroke
  • Overdose and death

Getting Help

Now that you are aware of how to know if you’re experiencing cocaine withdrawal symptoms, you’re better able to help your loved ones that may be under the influence.

Given some of cocaine’s withdrawal symptoms may be life-threatening, it’s best to get professional help as soon as they are evident.

Outpatient LA is a premiere outpatient drug treatment center in Los Angeles, California. Outpatient Los Angeles will arm you or your loved ones with the tools to overcome addiction in the real world, including detox treatment for cocaine addiction.Contact Outpatient LA today and find out how we can help!

The Importance of Addiction Support Groups in Recovery

The Importance of Addiction Support Groups in Recovery

In 1935, a man by the name of Bill Wilson along with his colleague Robert Smith started what we know today as A.A. the predecessor to all 12-step programs. They stumbled upon the realization that a spiritual support group was the most effective way to achieve and maintain sobriety. Fast forward nearly one hundred years and support groups have branched out not only into many different types of addictions but also many different methodologies.

Addiction and Alcoholism recovery support groups have since become a building block for every recovery program and an undeniable tool for maintaining sobriety, by providing addicts with a roadmap to stay sober and a chance to have continuous lifetime maintenance for their condition.

What Are Addiction Recovery Support Groups

One can think of recovery support groups for addicts as a non-professional group of peers providing support to each other and following a predefined methodology with the intent of gaining and maintaining sobriety for the members of the group. Support groups come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common format is that of 12-step programs rooted in the original methodology of AA. Famously known for recovering addicts sitting in a circle and telling stories of what it was like, and what it’s like now, as it’s been portrayed in countless pop-culture TV shows and films.

 

12-Step programs are based on a spiritual foundation and as the name suggests it takes the addict through a transformative series of – yes, you’ve guessed it! – twelve steps, that help the addict regain its sobriety and maintain it for the rest of their life. The language of steps may vary between different groups, but their essence remains similar across the board.

What Kind of Support Groups Are Available?

Addiction comes in many forms, the obsession can manifest its will not only towards substances but also in other forms of dopamine rewards such as gambling and sex. It’s this need for different treatments that have helped spur different forms of 12-step programs and other support groups.

Some of the best-known 12-step programs include – 

Other well-known forms of support groups include – 

The list goes on, and fortunately, nearly every addiction under the sun has a support group with a website and a close-by meeting to attend.

Benefits of Support Groups

It’s said that the “opposite of addiction is connection” and nowhere else is that as clear as with support groups. The setting that addiction recovery support groups provide to those seeking to get better has many benefits for the addict which include:

  • A proven roadmap to get sober and stay sober
  • Sponsorship
  • Continuous peer support
  • Counseling
  • Learning from the experience of others
  • Realization that the addict is not alone and his or her condition is not unique
  • Constant reminders of what it used to be like and what it’s like now
  • Helping others
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Sober friends
  • Resolving inner conflicts and getting rid of character defects
  • A safe trusting place
  • Relapse prevention
  • Spirituality

Get Help

If you or one of your loved ones suffers from addiction, then it’s important to get help. Finding a recovery center with the right addiction recovery support groups will provide proper maintenance for recovery.

Outpatient LA is a premiere outpatient drug treatment center in Los Angeles, California. Outpatient Los Angeles will arm you with the tools you need to overcome addiction in the real world, including addiction recovery support groups.

Contact Outpatient LA today and find out how we can help!

What are the Benefits of Family Therapy in Rehab?

Benefits of Family Therapy in Rehab

Addiction and substance abuse extend beyond the individual, affecting families and loved ones alike. The chaos brought about by the addict’s behaviors can be both painful and damaging to those around them.

Family damage comes in many forms; emotional, financial, or even physical. Whether it’s a saddened parent or a spouse left behind, the scar left by the wreckage of an addict’s past can’t be left to be ignored. So much so that the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence calls addiction a family disease, because it affects the entire family system and the individuals who compromise it.

Family therapy for addiction is an effective way to help you and your loved ones heal from the trauma that comes from living with someone who suffered from addiction.

What is Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a collection of therapeutic approaches that involve the whole family, based on the idea that a family is a system of different parts, meaning when one person in the family is affected by addiction, everyone is. These unhealthy relationships develop further in the family affecting everyone and creating chaos.

This form of therapy helps the entire family recover from the trauma, not only healing the patient, by teaching the family how to deal with addiction in a healthy way. It heals wounds of the past, and most importantly it helps the addict stay sober by creating a safe and  loving environment for all.

Is Family Therapy Effective For Sobriety?

Research shows that addicts who participate in family therapy are more likely to stay sober than those who don’t have the support of their families. Families can also positively influence their decision to get into treatment.

Family therapy can also help with other issues such as mental health problems, divorce, and even parenting skills. It allows the addict to talk about feelings in a safe environment with someone who isn’t directly involved with their addiction. This can be especially helpful if the addiction has affected other relationships in the addict’s life such as friendships or your job.

Benefits of Family Therapy for Addiction

Knowing the benefits of family therapy for addiction makes it clear why it’s such an integral part of a recovery program. There are a range of benefits that can come from family therapy for addiction, they include:

  • Setting healthy boundaries
  • Communicating better
  • Understanding addiction
  • Learning to cope with addiction
  • Mutual support, empathy, and understanding
  • Minimizing family conflict
  • Enabling the family to speak openly and voice out concerns
  • Clearing away any toxic behaviors or resentments
  • Easing feelings of stress or anger related to addiction

Family therapy is a good way to involve the whole family in the recovery process

Family therapy gives the addict’s family circle the opportunity to talk about how addiction affects them, as well as how they can help each other, making everyone feel safe and supported. It also teaches children about their roles in addiction. 

Get your family help

If you or one of your loved ones suffers from addiction and it’s causing family disturbances, then it’s important to get help and take advantage of the benefits of family therapy for addiction.

Outpatient LA is a premiere outpatient drug treatment center in Los Angeles, California. Outpatient Los Angeles will arm you with the tools to overcome addiction in the real world, including therapy for the patient and his or her family.

Contact Outpatient LA today and find out how we can help!