What is the Relationship Between Depression and Anxiety?

The relationship between anxiety and depression is deep, they are both closely entangled with each other and both prevalent mental health conditions in patients suffering from addiction. In fact, so close is the relation that 73% of persons with major depression simultaneously experience lifetime anxiety disorders, while 27-77% of those with anxiety as their principal disorder will develop a lifetime diagnosis of depression.

In order to understand their relationship, we must first break down what each of them means and how they affect us.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that affects the way people feel, think, and react to things. The disorder is associated with lower moods and, in the worst of cases, a lack of will to live.

Ups and downs are normal in life; however, depression is usually characterized by extended and accentuated periods of depressive symptoms (over two weeks long). Depression can be developed under many circumstances, from life events to brain chemistry imbalances induced by substance abuse.

Common symptoms of depression include:

  • Persistent sad or anxious mood
  • Hopelessness and pessimism
  • Irritability, frustration, and/or restlessness
  • Loss of interest, pleasure, and willfulness
  • Lower energy levels
  • Troubled sleeping patterns
  • Changes in appetite
  • Pains, headaches, and cramps that are not eased with treatment
  • Thoughts and attempts to take one’s own life

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety in its simplest form constitutes a state of worry and/or fear, like depression, it’s normal to experience a degree of anxiety in our lives without having to worry that it may be a serious medical condition; however, there are those whose symptoms of anxiety are so grave and long-lasting that they are considered to have an anxiety disorder.

Similar to depression, when symptoms of anxiety are grave and long-lasting, they are so overwhelming that they impair those suffering from it from carrying on with their lives doing normal things such as working or taking care of their families.

Anxiety can come from many places such as stress from work, and of course substance abuse.

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Panic attacks
  • Shortness of breath
  • A racing heart and mind
  • Sweating 
  • Disturbed sleep patterns
  • Feeling pins and needles
  • Tremblings
  • Stomach ache or emptiness
  • Excessive fear and worrying that impairs activities
  • Feeling powerless
  • Difficulty concentrating

What is the Relationship Between Depression and Anxiety?

The relationship between anxiety and depression can be observed at a glance when we observe its symptoms, while the two are different, some of their symptoms may be similar. Patients with diagnoses of both disorders tend to experience more severity in each diagnosis. 

Both disorders have an entangled relation that works in some ways like a cycle, when patients get anxious and worried, they feel bad about it and depression hits, this is why the chances of acquiring depression are much higher when anxiety exists. The same goes for depression when people are depressed they usually have feelings of fear, worry, and anxiety which ends up also developing an anxiety disorder.

The relationship between anxiety and depression accentuates both disorders when they are combined, presenting the patient with difficult complications. Most treatment centers are prepared to deal with dual diagnosis that treat both addiction and mental disorders. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder along with addiction it’s important to contact a recovery expert and seek help right away.

Get Help at Outpatient LA

Anxiety and depression can both be debilitating mental disorders that can make it difficult for an addict to get well. If you or a loved one is having symptoms of depression or anxiety while abusing substances then you are likely suffering from a dual diagnosis, if so, then it’s important to get help. Finding a recovery center with the right recovery treatments will ensure a smooth transition to sobriety.

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.

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

Is Yoga Used in Rehab?

Recovery isn’t an exact science, addicts must nourish their mind, body, and spirit to find the right balance that will help them maintain their daily reprise. Addicts in recovery may employ a number of holistic methods of balance such as meditation, exercise, and yoga.

Yoga is one of the most well-known holistic methods of recovery, it works on the body, the mind, and the spirit alike, making it an excellent practice for addicts seeking to get better. Yoga is usually offered as an upscale service in many luxury rehab centers, a practice that patients learn and carry with them even after leaving the facility. 

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India, it commenced as a form of spiritual practice, but has since also become a popular practice for both physical and mental well-being. Yoga consists of employing physical postures with breathing techniques and meditation.

Yoga styles are varied and they range in difficulty, popular styles of yoga include:

  • Ashtanga
  • Hatha
  • Hot yoga
  • Iyengar
  • Kundalini
  • Power yoga
  • Restorative yoga
  • Vinyasa

What Are the Health Benefits of Yoga?

The benefits of yoga can be perceived across multiple health domains, including physical and psychological.

Research suggests that yoga may:

  • Improve general wellness
  • Release stress
  • Improve mental/emotional health, sleep, and balance
  • Relieve lower-back pain, neck pain, and possibly pain from headaches and osteoarthritis
  • Weight control
  • Reduce anxiety and combat addiction
  • Helps reduce depression
  • Relieve menopause symptoms
  • Improves posture and flexibility
  • Improves concentration and coordination

Does Yoga Improve Recovery?

Over the last decade or so, yoga has been a hot topic of discussion and a popular service offered for the treatment of addiction. But does practicing yoga in rehab actually work?

Yoga’s effects include inducing dopamine homeostasis – in simple terms, it means that yoga balances dopamine function in the brain. As it’s known, dopamine plays a key role in our rewards system, and it’s directly linked to addiction to substances that create a dopamine imbalance in the brain such as drugs and alcohol. This balance induced by yoga leads to long-term benefits in the management of addictive behaviors and a healthy recovery. 

Furthermore, given its many wellness benefits, yoga can be considered an improving factor in recovery, as it may alleviate many of the discomforts addicts have to confront during their transition to better health such as anxiety, depression, and stress. 

Practicing yoga in rehab also helps increase energy levels and its wellness benefits may encourage practitioners to lead a healthier lifestyle by inspiring them to eat healthier, improve the quality of their lives and relations, and overall feel emotionally and physically better. Because many 12-step programs deal with spiritual concepts, it’s also seen as a well-received practice within that community.

Yoga in Drug Rehab Centers

Yoga in rehab is increasingly being used as a complementary practice. Its physical and emotional benefits help prevent relapses, manage withdrawal symptoms and provide a healthy outlet for those seeking to relieve tension. However, yoga is not meant to replace traditional treatments, but rather complement them.

Get your family help

If you or one of your loved ones is suffering from addiction, then it’s important to get help. Finding a facility with holistic services such as yoga can be a step up to help gain and maintain sobriety.

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.

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

Connection Between Anxiety and Drug Abuse

Connection Between Anxiety and Drug Abuse

Decades of research has shown that anxiety disorders and substance use disorders go hand in hand. Although the connection between anxiety and drug use is not fully understood, experts do know that the rate of co-occurrence cannot be explained away by chance alone.

In other words, anxiety and addiction have a strong connection that needs to be understood. If you or someone you love suffers from addiction and anxiety, it’s important to understand this relationship to have the best chances of recovery.

The Relationship Between Anxiety and Addiction 

The relationship between substance abuse and anxiety is very clear. A number of studies have been conducted to determine how closely the disorders are related. Here are a few statistics to keep in mind about the relationship between anxiety and addiction:

  • Anywhere from 10% to 20% of individuals with any anxiety disorder abuse drugs and alcohol.
  • It’s estimated that anywhere from 10% to 40% of individuals who suffer from alcohol addiction suffer from a panic related anxiety disorder specifically. 

These statistics tell us that there is a strong relationship between anxiety and addiction. These statistics do not tell us if the anxiety occurred first or if the addiction led to anxiety.

However, most individuals who participate in these studies report that they suffered from anxiety before they ever tried alcohol or drugs. This fact seems to suggest that individuals who suffered from anxiety and addiction suffer from anxiety first.

Because of this fact, experts have predicted that addiction normally stems from a form of self-medicating. For example, an individual may suffer from severe panic disorder. As a way to cope with this disorder, they may turn to alcohol, which turns into a full addiction.

To make matters worse, studies have found that prolonged substance use increases anxiety over time. Although the substance may provide temporary relief, its long-term effects are devastating to one’s anxiety disorder. This fact makes anxiety and addiction bidirectional in their relationship. 

Addiction, Anxiety, and Depression 

Anxiety is not the only mental illness frequently found in individuals who suffer from addiction. Depression is another mental illness that often occurs alongside substance use. Much like the relationship between anxiety and addiction, depression is bidirectional with substance abuse.

In other words, many individuals turn to substances in order to soothe depression, but the depression worsens with substance abuse. Individuals can also experience anxiety in addition to addiction and depression.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Addiction and Anxiety 

Whenever a person suffers from a mental illness alongside their addiction, they have what is called a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis means that they have a mental illness that co-occurs alongside the addiction. It’s important that individuals who suffer from dual diagnosis receive proper treatment.

Dual diagnosis treatment helps to treat the individual from all fronts, resulting in holistic care. They will receive appropriate and specialized care for their addiction, as well as their mental illness. By treating both diseases, the individual has the best chance of recovery.

Failing to receive dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring illnesses can be devastating to one’s recovery. Because of the bidirectional nature of co-occurring illnesses, only dealing with one of the illnesses will often lead to unsuccessful results since the other illness exacerbates symptoms.

Get Help from Outpatient LA 

If you or a loved one is suffering from anxiety and addiction, it’s important to get dual diagnosis treatment to heal you from the inside out. Outpatient LA is an outpatient drug rehab that provides specialized care for all patients. 

Contact Outpatient LA today to learn more about our treatment and offerings.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Timeline

Alcohol withdrawal is a condition that occurs whenever an individual with alcohol use disorder significantly reduces or suddenly stops their alcohol consumption. Although some symptoms are nothing more than uncomfortable, others are incredibly dangerous, can expand over several days, and can lead to death. 

It’s important that individuals with alcohol use disorders seek medical detox at the beginning of their recovery. Medical detox will allow the individual to detox safely and as pain-free as possible while working through the detox symptoms. 

The Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Timeline 

Alcohol withdrawal can start as soon as just 6 hours after the individual’s last drink. Although most people experience alcohol withdrawal for 3 to 5 days after their last use, some individuals can experience withdrawal for 5 to 7 days after their last use.

Knowing the alcohol withdrawal symptom timeline can better help you understand what you are going to face while you detox.

Minor Symptoms: 6-12 Hours After Last Use

Alcohol withdrawal begins with minor symptoms that begin 6 to 12 hours after the last drink. Some of the most common symptoms experienced during this time include:

  • Anxiety 
  • Nausea 
  • Insomnia 
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Elevated body temperature  
  • Rapid breathing 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • Tremors 

Alcoholic Hallucinosis: 12-24 Hours After Last Use 

In severe cases, individuals can start to experience hallucinations while withdrawing. Some individuals can fully see or hear things that are not there. Others may experience intense sensations, such as pins and needles on the skin. Alcoholic hallucinosis is unusual, but it is not often severe.

Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures: 24-48 Hours After Last Use

After the 24-hour mark, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can become much more severe and dangerous. Within 24 to 48 hours of the individual’s last drink, they can begin experiencing seizures. It’s important for individuals to seek medical expertise at this time if they have not already. Not everyone withdrawing will experience seizures.

Delirium Tremens: 48-72 Hours After Last Use

Delirium tremens is the most dangerous side effect of alcohol withdrawal. They can occur 48 to 72 hours after the last drink. Delirium tremens is essentially hyperactive autonomic activity, ultimately leading to cardiac collapse. The mortality rate of delirium tremens is 37%. It’s imperative for you or your loved one to seek medical treatment if delirium tremens are being experienced.

Like the two symptoms above, not everyone withdrawing from alcohol will experience delirium tremens. Even so, it’s imperative to get medical treatment while withdrawing in case you are someone who experiences this dangerous withdrawal symptom.

Minor Symptoms Continue: 72-120 Hours After Last Use

For most individuals, alcoholic withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens happen between 3 and 5 days after the last drink. For individuals who do not have these symptoms exactly, the 3-day mark tends to be the most severe time of withdrawal. Once the peak is reached, the severe symptoms will subside into more mild symptoms until withdrawal is completely over.

Factors That Impact Withdrawal Timeline 

Alcohol withdrawal is not the same for all patients. Several factors impact the timeline and how these symptoms are experienced by the individual. The following factors can impact how long withdrawal takes and how severe it will be:

  • Frequency of drinking 
  • Length of time of drinking 
  • Amount consumed while drinking
  • Medical history 
  • Co-occurring illness 
  • Other substances in the system 

Medical Detox 

Because of how severe symptoms are when withdrawing from alcohol, always withdraw under the care of medical professionals. Medical detox will allow you to detox safely to ensure success, and it is the first step in long-term treatment. 

If you or someone you love is suffering from alcoholism and needs outpatient care, contact Outpatient LA to learn more about receiving addiction help right now.

Why Choose a LGBTQ Benzo Rehab Center in Southern California

LGBTQ Benzo Rehab Center in Southern California

Individuals of the LGBTQ community are more at risk of substance abuse than the population as a whole. In fact, studies have found that 20% to 30% of the LGBTQ population abuses substances, whereas only 9% of the population can say the same.

The good news is that specialized LGBTQ treatment centers have been established for individuals who belong to the LGBTQ community and are struggling from addiction.

These treatment centers provide a safe place for individuals to receive the treatment they need alongside other individuals just like them. All the while, these centers provide specialized treatment for members of the community.

Addiction Within the LGBTQ Community 

Experts suggest that members of the LGBTQ community suffer from higher rates of substance abuse due to the number of societally imposed obstacles they face. Some challenges these individuals often face include:

  • Stigmatization or discrimination based on sexual orientation.
  • Emotional abuse.
  • Threats, public humiliation, and hate crimes.
  • Shame or rejection from family.

Furthermore, many individuals of the LGBTQ community develop co-occurring disorders as a result of living a “closeted” life. Common emotional disorders in the community include generalized anxiety level, depression, and self-harming tendencies. These diseases can exacerbate addiction. 

Individuals within the LGBTQ community also have higher risk of health issues than heterosexual individuals. For example, individuals may be suffering from compulsive sexual behavior, HIV related anxiety, or sexual abuse, which may contribute to the substance abuse disorder. 

Due to all of these obstacles, experts believe that LGBTQ individuals often turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate. This self-medication leads to ineffective results and serious addictions, such as benzo addiction, which requires medical intervention and treatment. 

Why Choose a LGBTQ Benzo Rehab Center in Southern California for Treatment 

For years, the only treatment that LGBTQ community members received for their addiction was regular treatment centers. Although these centers are reputable and offer great medical help, they don’t always offer specialized treatments for individuals within the LGBTQ community. 

LGBTQ individuals especially need specialized treatment. Within specialized LGBTQ rehab facilities, individuals can get the medically approved treatment they need to face their addiction. At the same time, they can receive medical help that targets problems commonly faced by the community.

Because LGBTQ individuals are at such risk of dual diagnosis, LGBTQ rehab facilities often offer a variety of personalized treatment options to treat all diagnosed conditions. The dual diagnosis treatment, for instance, can help target anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses alongside addiction.

Importantly, attending an LGBTQ benzo rehab center in Southern California also allows you to find a support group of individuals like you. With these peers, you can grow to learn healthier coping mechanisms and begin living the life you’ve always dreamt of alongside those who support you the most. 

LGBTQ Benzo Rehab Center in Southern California

If you are a member of the LGBTQ community and are suffering from benzo addiction, it’s important to get the help you need. Select a LGBTQ benzo rehab center in Southern California for comprehensive help.

Outpatient LA is one option to consider. We offer comprehensive outpatient care and can even provide specialized LGBTQ treatment for members of the community. All of our treatments are backed by medical approaches and empathetic staff members.

All the while, Outpatient LA has beautiful facilities for you to visit. Because we are based in LA, you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery, all while receiving the medical treatment and intervention you need.

With the help of Outpatient LA, you can begin your road to sobriety on the right foot. Contact Outpatient LA today to learn more about our treatment options for members of the LGBTQ community.

Grateful Addicts in Recovery: Why Gratitude Helps

Grateful Addicts in Recovery

While on your path to recovery, it’s important to focus on your mind and perspective on life while you focus on improving your physical health. In fact, it’s highly important to focus on gratitude specifically since grateful addicts in recovery tend to have better outcomes.

What Is Gratitude? 

Gratitude is a word that many people hear, but don’t fully understand. Whenever someone is thankful for something, they appreciate things done for them and the world around them. Gratitude goes a step further by incorporating action into the thanks. 

Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating gifts, but it is also about repaying them or paying them forward. In other words, gratitude is whenever you show your thankfulness to the outside world.

Although gratitude may seem simple, it is something that many people forget about, but it’s imperative for everyone to show gratitude for a happy and well-meaning life. 

Why Gratitude Is Important for Recovery

Gratitude is especially important for addicts in their recovery. Studies have found that practicing gratefulness helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also help you to stay motivated when improving yourself and becoming a better person. 

Because addicts need all the help they can get when it comes to anxiety, depression, and motivation, gratitude can make a huge difference in one’s recovery. How exactly does gratitude make a difference in recovery, though? 

Part of the reason why gratitude is important for recovery is that it transforms your neurobiology. By practicing gratitude consistently, your brain begins releasing more dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters help you feel better so you can continue your recovery.

Another reason why gratitude is so important for recovery is that it helps to increase optimism. Whenever you are in recovery, it may feel overwhelming trying to overcome all of your demons at once. By being grateful, you can stay optimistic and focus on the challenges at hand.

Not to mention, gratitude can help you repair old relationships and build new relationships. That way, you have a healthy support system that is based on trust and respect. 

How to Become a Grateful Recovering Addict 

Becoming a grateful recovering addict can be difficult. Because gratitude is something that many people know nothing about, it’s difficult to begin practicing gratitude. Even so, there are little things you can do to become one of the grateful addicts in recovery.

Most importantly, try to give more than you receive every single day. Something as simple as preparing coffee for a friend is an act of gratitude. So too is writing letters or supporting someone who is going through a hard time. Always try to give when you can. 

You can also practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal. In a gratitude journal, you will write things you are grateful for every single day. A gratitude journal only takes a few minutes to fill out, but it can make a huge difference in your mood.

Whenever you are feeling under the weather, it’s important to focus on the good things in life and the things you have. For example, you may feel down one day because of your addiction. Instead of focusing on the negatives, focus on the positives, such as your wonderful family, or the beautiful weather outside. 

Contact Outpatient LA for Help 

Any of the grateful addicts in recovery will tell you that gratitude is something that is developed over time. If you are an addict struggling with recovery, get the help you need from Outpatient LA.

Outpatient LA can help you face your addiction head-on, all while teaching you effective strategies for expressing gratitude in your day-to-day life. Contact us today for more information.

Is Adderall Addictive?

Is Adderall Addictive?

Addy, aka Adderall, is the hottest prescription drug on the market these days. 

It’s a stimulant that helps people who have ADHD focus and stay awake. Many people use it to help them concentrate and stay awake for long hours of work or school and many don’t think twice about it when they receive their prescription at the pharmacy. 

Nonetheless, Adderall addiction is a serious problem that can ruin lives if not taken care of when first noticed. Recovery is possible for anyone dealing with an Adderall addiction. 

How Does Adderall Work? 

Adderall is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is a stimulant that increases the activity of the brain and improves focus.

Adderall works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are key chemicals that play an important role in perceiving and responding to stimuli.

A lot of people use Adderall as a study aid since it helps them stay focused on their work. It’s also used as an athletic performance enhancer, especially by athletes who need to improve concentration and focus on their sport.

Those are the main reasons why this prescription medicine has been increasingly abused by young adults as well as college students because of its effects—both physical and psychological—and the drug can lead to dangerous implications for the addict. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction?

Let’s be real, the use of Adderall is a serious matter. It can quickly lead to addiction if it’s not monitored properly. To stay safe and get proper treatment when needed, it’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction. 

Adderall addiction symptoms include:

  • The person has poor grades or poor job performance.
  • The person often feels restless or irritable for no reason.
  • The person has difficulty sleeping and/or staying asleep for more than 3 hours at night.
  • There is an increased appetite for food and/or binge eating, which leads to weight gain.
  • The person is no longer taking care of their physical appearance. 
  • The person absolutely cannot function without having the substance. 
  • The person is isolating themselves from friends and family. 

There is help available if you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction to Adderall. Counseling, rehab centers, and support groups are common ways to find support when recovering from any addiction, but especially when recovering from addiction to Adderall. 

How to Get Help for an Adderall Addiction

Many people struggle with Adderall addiction and it is important to know how to get help for it as soon as possible.

The best way to get help for an Adderall addiction is to seek help from a rehab center. These centers are specially designed to help addicts with their Adderall addiction. These centers have a team of experts and they can offer professional support and guidance in the process of getting sober.

There are many different types of Adderall rehab centers available today that specialize in the specific needs of the addict. Outpatient LA is the best drug rehab center for Adderall addiction.

We provide an effective, holistic solution for drug addicts that want to get clean. Our rehab programs are offered in a variety of settings and we use a rehab-wide approach with groups, interventions, relapse prevention, and much more. The center is located in the heart of LA and is convenient for those who live close by.

Reach out to our admissions team for any questions about our treatment programs. They are fully equipped with the knowledge required to answer any concerns you may have.

Contact us now for yourself, or for a loved one. 

What Is The Difference Between Binge Drinking and Alcoholism?

What Is The Difference Between Binge Drinking and Alcoholism

Alcohol is a dangerous and addictive substance. It can cause many different problems such as memory loss, brain damage, liver failure, accidents, and more. Drinking consistently can lead to binge drinking or alcoholism.  

Unsure about the difference between the two? You’ve come to the right place! This blog will explain the key differences between binge drinking and alcoholism, plus how you can help yourself or a loved one with a drinking problem.

 

What is the Difference Between Binge Drinking and Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a disease that can lead to physical and mental health problems. Binge drinking, on the other hand, is a relatively harmless social activity.

Binge drinking is the consumption of four or more alcoholic drinks for women, and five or more drinks for men, over a short period of time. It is also called “binge drinking”, “heavy episodic drinking,” “alcohol abuse,” and “alcohol dependence.”

The key difference between binge drinking and alcoholism is that binge drinkers are aware of their limits and don’t drink to excess. Binge drinkers are not addicted to alcohol and do not suffer from physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. They may continue to drink but their tolerance decreases over time.

 

What are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a disease that has a lot of signs and symptoms. It is not something that you can just see in someone’s behavior. So, it is important to look out for these signs and symptoms to know if someone you are close to might be suffering from alcoholism.

If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, it may be time for you to get help for your loved one:

  • A constant need for alcohol
  • Drinking more than intended
  • Sudden changes in mood or personality when drinking alcohol
  • Feeling irritable after refraining from drinking alcohol
  • Anxiety when not drinking alcohol

 

What are the Signs of a Binge Drinker?

Signs of binge drinking are not always easy to spot, but there are some signs that you should watch out for.

The most common sign is that a person starts to drink more than usual, especially if they have never been a heavy drinker before. They may also start to drink alone or in secret.

Other warning signs of binge drinking include:        

  • Drinking when not hungry
  • Drinking in places where it is not allowed
  • Getting drunk quickly
  • Increased drinking with friends or family members
  • Frequent trips to the bar or liquor store
  • More time spent drinking and less time spent sleeping

How to Prevent Alcoholism or Binge Drinking?

Alcoholism or binge drinking is a serious health issue. It has been shown that there is a high risk of developing alcoholism or binge drinking in your family, especially if there is a history of addiction.

It’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction so that you can prevent it. If you’re concerned about someone who may be addicted to alcohol, you should encourage them to seek help at a rehab center. 

The best rehab center for binge drinking is likely going to be one that specializes in addiction treatment and has a history of treating people with alcohol addiction, like Outpatient LA.

Outpatient LA is a rehab center that specializes in treating addiction to alcohol. The patient’s stay varies depending on their specific needs. They offer services like outpatient therapy and counseling to help their clients overcome their addiction and learn to live a sober lifestyle.

Contact us today to speak with a member of our admissions staff! You can message us as yourself or on behalf of a loved one who’s struggling. A caring, trained staff member will answer any questions and help take care of any concerns.

What Are The Symptoms of Opioid Abuse

What Are The Symptoms of Opioid Abuse?

One in four people in the United States will experience an opioid addiction at some point in their life. Prescription opioids, like Oxycodone and Vicodin, are addictive substances that can have long-term effects on the health and quality of life of an individual. 

They are prescribed to treat pain associated with cancer or a medical condition or provide relief from severe chronic pain. Individuals who take prescription opioids recreationally often do not think of themselves as addicted because they only take these drugs for a short period. 

Addiction to opioids can happen to anyone. Most people experience some form of addiction at some point in life, but opioid addiction is especially hard to kick. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek help before it’s too late.

 

Overview of Opioid Abuse

Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that can be treated with the help of medication. Opioid abuse can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. The most commonly used opioids are heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and methadone.

Opioids are a class of drugs that work on opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors are designed to respond to natural chemicals released by the body during pain or stress. When opioid molecules bind to these receptors they block those natural chemicals from binding which leads to a reduction in pain or stress-related symptoms.

Opioids like heroin and morphine have psychoactive effects which mean they will produce euphoria even if you don’t feel any pain relief at all. 

How to Recognize the Signs of Opioid Abuse in Your Loved Ones

Opioid abuse is a growing epidemic in the United States. It’s a deadly issue that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Opioid addiction can have serious consequences on your loved ones if you don’t know how to recognize its signs.

Common symptoms of opioid abuse include:

  • Slowed speech or slurred speech
  • Unexplained changes in behavior or mood
  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and restlessness

 

How to Help Someone Who is Struggling with Opioid Abuse

Helping someone who is struggling with opioid abuse can be a challenging task. The person might not be ready to receive help or may not know how to ask for it. To get the best results, you should approach them in a calm and non-judgmental manner.

Opioid addiction is a very complex issue and it can be difficult to know what type of help they need or what they want from you. It’s absolutely integral that we stay patient, supportive, and understanding while helping them recover from their addiction. The most effective way to help someone struggling with opioid addiction is by connecting them with treatment centers.

Outpatient LA is the best rehab center for treating opioid abuse. Our treatment center is perfect for anyone looking to recover from opioids in a safe, supportive, caring environment. With our convenient location and easy access to therapy services, we provide the best treatment available for people seeking help.

Discover the next step in your education journey by contacting our admissions team today. You will never have to worry about finding time for a phone call as our representatives are available 24/7 to make sure you have a smooth and successful transition from addiction to a sober life. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed and feel like you or a loved one needs help, it’s always the right time to seek the help you deserve. We can provide solutions in order for a healthier outlook on life.

Contact us today! You can shoot us a message for your loved one, or simply for yourself.  It’s always the right time to get the help you deserve.

What Are The Signs of Heroin Addiction?

What Are The Signs of Heroin Addiction

Heroin is a highly addictive drug that can affect people in a variety of ways. There are many factors that make heroin addiction more difficult to overcome.

Heroin addiction is hard to recover from because it’s an emotional and physical dependence on the drug. Heroin addicts also often experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit, which makes it that much harder for them to stop using the drug.

This blog gives a detailed look at how heroin addiction works and how you can help loved ones who are struggling with this addiction.

Intro: What is Heroin? How Is It Addictive?

Heroin is a highly addictive drug that is primarily derived from morphine, a substance found in the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin is typically injected, smoked, or snorted.

Heroin addiction usually begins with a non-prescribed use of the drug. It can also be triggered by prescription painkillers such as oxycodone or hydrocodone that are sold on the street and then used to support the continued use of heroin.

Heroin addiction has become an epidemic in recent years, leading to many negative side effects including overdose and even death.

How Heroin Addiction Can Affect Your Loved Ones

Heroin addiction is a severe problem that can have a devastating effect on the lives of those around the addict. It can also result in physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the addict.

This addiction is characterized by compulsive drug use, which leads to an intense need for more heroin in order to achieve its effects. This creates a cycle of dependency and withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult to overcome without professional help.

Heroin addicts often neglect their loved ones as they struggle with their addiction. They may also seem uninterested in family members or friends who do not share their addiction.

Heroin affects the brain, which makes it difficult for addicts to control their impulses. This leads to many negative consequences for loved ones – from financial troubles to legal issues.

 

What Are The Signs of Heroin Addiction?

Heroin addiction can be difficult to spot because it is a highly secretive disease. It can also follow a person through different stages of their life until they no longer have control over their actions. With the many signs and symptoms of heroin addiction, knowing what to look for will help you determine whether or not someone could be using heroin.

Take note that signs of heroin addiction vary between users. However, some of the most common signs include:

Behavioral 

  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Secrecy or lying
  • Lack of interest in hobbies or activities previously enjoyed
  • Not showing up/showing up late to work and school
  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Constantly needing money or stealing money
  • Wearing long sleeves or pants to cover up marks from drug use

Physical

  • abruptly falling asleep
  • dry mouth
  • lack of self-control
  • nausea/vomiting
  • diarrhea/constipation

Many addicts also suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they stop using, and addiction treatment is a long process that often includes therapy.

What Are The Treatment Options For Heroin Addiction?

Heroin addiction is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal disease. The most effective treatment options are inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation centers that offer a comprehensive approach to recovery. These rehab centers have specific treatments for heroin addiction such as counseling, detoxification therapy, medical care, and behavioral therapy.

Outpatient LA is one of the best rehab centers for heroin addiction. Our treatment programs have been highly successful in helping people overcome their addictions and reclaim their lives. We offer a variety of treatment services that are designed to help clients find the treatment that is best for them.

You can contact us today for yourself or a loved one to learn more about our rehab center, or get the admissions process started!