Against The Current: Fighting Off Opiate Addiction and Moving Forward to Opiate Detox

Opiates, though considered as a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat pain, can cause physical dependency and addiction. Morphine, heroin,  or painkillers like Oxy are opiates.   Taking too much medication of opiates lead to desensitization to the effects. Moreover, prolonged usage of opiate changes the way nerve receptors work in your brain. It also changes the way the brain responds to stimuli and disrupts the pleasure and reward centers of the brain.   One indication of opiate dependency is if you become physically sick after a sudden halt of using opiate medication. Withdrawal symptoms depend on the level of withdrawal you are experiencing.   Other factors also dictate the intensity and length of time a person will experience the symptoms of withdrawal. Thus, withdrawal symptoms differ from one person to the other.   There can be symptoms of complication during the process of opiate withdrawal such as anxiety, nausea, insomnia, and vomiting. Another symptom would be diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause the heart to beat in an abnormal manner, which can lead to circulatory problems and heart attack.   Joint pain and muscle cramps can also be present during opiate withdrawal. Above all these symptoms is an overall mental anguish with depression and physical suffering. Support is available for the person facing an opiate withdrawal, support that can make the withdrawal experience tolerable.   Several kinds of treatment and detox options for the removal of opiate from the body vary, and some may provide a more complex treatment than others. A patient may consider undergoing a self-detoxification or cold turkey opiate withdrawal - that is, unassisted, without medication.   Few succeeded, some go back to opiate abuse while others end up attending medical detoxification after all. Withdrawal is a hard process that will power alone cannot sustain for many people.   It is preferable and necessary to attend medically monitored detoxification in any qualified detox center in order to withdraw from certain addictive substances safely. Medications used will differ depending on the substance abused.

Medications used In Opiate Detox

Medications used in opiate detox include suboxone, clonidine, Subutex, and methadone. When it comes to inpatient treatment settings, methadone is most typically used. Though it does not contradict withdrawal symptoms completely, it helps a user get off and resume a relatively normal lifestyle.   Medical detoxification includes psychological and pharmacological treatments in order to get rid of the harmful chemicals and toxins in the body while under the supervision of health specialists. Such treatment assures a safe and secure way to attaining successful results.   Again withdrawal symptoms cannot be eradicated during the process, but through medical detoxification, the patient may be able to feel less pain and discomfort. Moreover, under medical detoxification, the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and other vital signs can be closely checked and monitored through medications to regulate brain and body functions.   Medical detoxification is a means to an end. It provides the stepping stones to what seems to be a complex process of recovery. The whole process of recovery and renewal is a struggle because temptations may occur; temptations to intake again substance in order to lessen the withdrawal symptoms.

Relapse

Relapse is common for individuals struggling with addiction who seek relief from all the symptoms by returning to drug abuse. The pleasure of such relief is so strong that it gives the patient a doubting mind. Nevertheless, if the patient can resist to those temptations, good result are just around the corner!   Within a certain period of not using drugs, tolerance to a specific level of drugs may be reduced. However, there is still a risk of relapse after detox, and it can be especially dangerous as it may increase the risk of a fatal dosage. The whole recovery and renewal treatment doesn’t stop after detoxification.

Holistic Approach

Opiate Detox in Miami is followed with continuous counseling, education, individual therapy, full support from family, friends and other support groups can help an individual stop using drugs and maintain a healthy and wholesome life.   Participation of friends and family can do a positive effect on the whole process of recovery. Since after the detoxification treatment, individual therapy and counseling comes next, the support and care of the family give a big impact on it.   Though at times, people around you wouldn’t be able to understand fully what you are undergoing, the desire to change for them becomes a driving force. It may seem hurtful and unsatisfying at times, but the result of such hurt can provide motivation to stay the sober course.  

Takeaway

  Asking and seeking help for an opiate addiction will improve your overall health and reduce the risk of accidental overdose, relapse and other complications related to opiate addiction. It may be a tough decision to consult and ask help from professionals, but it is the first step to achieving a healthy and fulfilling life.   You must be diligent enough to talk to any health specialist or healthcare provider about the needed treatment for such addiction. The overall reward on the physical and mental health improvement and the attainment of a lifelong drug-free and sobriety is worth the effort and pain of withdrawal. Contact Detox of South Florida to learn how you or your loved one can start the path to recovery!  

The article Against The Current: Fighting Off Opiate Addiction and Moving Forward to Opiate Detox is available on detoxofsouthflorida.com

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Withdrawal symptoms: How detox helps

Medical detox is a process that helps people withdraw from addicting drugs safely and systematically under the close supervision of a medical professional. Alcohol and drug use over a long time makes your body completely dependent on the drug or alcohol. A person with this type of dependence will suffer from withdrawal symptoms when he or she stops using the substances. Detoxification is designed to cure the immediate bodily effects caused by a sudden cessation of drugs or alcohol use and to eliminate toxins left behind by chemicals in the drugs or alcohol. Detox is quite useful in preventing unpleasant or even fatal consequences caused by sudden cessation of use. The first stage of detox can be quite intense for most patients which is why it is important to have a medical or psychiatric professional close at hand to give the patient all the necessary care and support he or she requires.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The most common withdrawal symptoms that develop after cessation from drug use include:

• Mood disturbances which are characterized by irritability, mood swings, and constant agitation.
• Insomnia or lack of sleep despite the body being constantly fatigued
• Physical problems such as chills, sweating heavily, shakes and tremors, and flu-like conditions such as running nose, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
• Strong craving. The patient will naturally go through a period of intense craving for the drug of choice to relieve the withdrawal unpleasantness.

Different types of drugs have different types of withdrawal effects in addition to the ones listed above. A few substance-specific withdrawal symptoms include the following:

• Alcohol and benzodiazepines

These two drugs have similar effects on the body. Withdrawal symptoms after cessation of use include anxiety, hallucinations, agitation, seizures and tremors.

• Opioids including heroin and painkillers

Withdrawal symptoms for opioids include aching muscles, pain in joints and bones, high sensitivity to pain, and gastrointestinal distress.

• Stimulants such as methamphetamines and cocaine

Withdrawal symptoms for cocaine and meth can cause mental issues such as depression and suicidal behavior.

• Marijuana

Most people are misled to believe marijuana is not addictive but it is and cessation of use can cause withdrawal effects such as aggression, depression, fever, sweating, and stomach pain among others.

• Bath salts or synthetic cathinones

A person going through detox from bath salts experiences withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, depression, sleep disturbances, and paranoia.

Importance of a detox facility

No matter which type of drug you are addicted to, detox should always be done at a medical facility. This is the safest option you have especially when the resulting physical and mental effects are an issue. In some occasions, withdrawal effects can cause serious health issues that will require immediate medical attention. For instance, withdrawal from meth and cocaine can cause serious depression or suicidal tendencies. In such cases, inpatient detox at a facility run by professional medical experts with experience in treating withdrawal effects is highly recommended. Do not attempt to detox at home. A good detox facility such as Detox of South Florida will provide you with a 24-hour medical attention and monitoring to ensure your detox procedure is as painless and less strenuous as possible.  

Withdrawal symptoms: How detox helps was first seen on S FL Detox

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Understanding addiction as a disease rather than a taboo

People with drug or alcohol addiction problems are often characterized as hopeless social misfits living a dysfunctional life. Today’s society views drug addicts as nothing more than bad dangerous people who do not deserve help or sympathy because they are getting what they deserve for allowing themselves to become addicted. These inhumane and ignorant perceptions are derived from the lack of knowledge and a belief that addiction is just but another form of irresponsible behavior. While it is true that some addicts engage in criminal or anti-social behavior due to desperation, most of them are hardly in control of their mental faculties due to the damage caused by the drugs on their brains. What most people fail to understand is that the addict is actually someone’s child, a sibling, and a nice person suffering from a terrible disease.

Is addiction a disease?

Leading medical associations including the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Medical Association define drug and alcohol abuse as a disease. Even the Affordable Care Act has included substance abuse and addiction as one of the essential pillars of good health which means addiction is classified as a disease and is part of their insurance plans. From a medical point of view, addiction is a complex disease that adversely affects the brain and the entire body. It is a disease because it adversely affects brain regions that are responsible for motivation, reward, memory, and more importantly judgment. Addiction damages not just body systems but has adverse effects on families, interpersonal relationships, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Addiction corrupts the substance user to a point where the craving to use more and more of the substance supersedes every other basic human need. Just like other lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, addiction is a disease resulting from a combination of factors including behavioral traits as well as environmental and biological factors. There are even genetic risk factors which in fact account for 50% of the likelihood that you can become addicted. If left untreated addiction results in more severe mental and physical disorders that are disabling and life threatening. Our society, unfortunately, fails to understand how and why a person becomes addicted. Many people have the misconception that an addict simply lacks moral principles and willpower to abstain from taking drugs or alcohol anytime they wish to. In reality, addiction is a complex disease and stopping substance abuse takes more than will power and good intentions. Many drug users in Miami wish to quit but the damage caused by the drugs in their brains make it extremely difficult to quit.

Addiction can be treated

Many addicts are people who lived honest lives prior to using drugs. They are people who never dreamed of robbing or stealing from people at any time in their lives. They only engage in anti-social activities after the drugs have taken control of their mental faculties. The good news is that this disease can be cured if the addict is taken to a rehabilitation center. Addiction cannot be cured through punishment and abandonment of the victim but by helping the addict find professional treatment and care. With long-term care and treatment in a well monitored and supportive environment, this disease can be cured. If you are looking for the best treatment for addiction, call Detox of South Florida today and start your recovery journey today. Find our services Near You: Rehab Miami Rehab Orlando

Understanding addiction as a disease rather than a taboo is republished from Detox of S FL

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Medical detox: How does it help in treating addiction?

When you eventually become addicted to alcohol or drugs, your body becomes fully dependent on the substance and its effects. It will be difficult to operate without taking the drug or alcohol. In fact, you may think the substance helps you perform better in life but in reality, it will be harming you in many ways. However, when you stop taking drugs or alcohol, you’ll often suffer from withdrawal symptoms which can be quite discomforting and sometimes even fatal.   Every comprehensive drug or alcohol rehabilitation program begins with the process of medical detoxification. This is a systematic process that treats withdrawal effects when you stop taking the addictive substances. Detoxification removes all the toxins left in the body after a long usage and dependency on drugs or alcohol. It is a medical procedure that ensures that you do not suffer from unpleasant or even fatal consequences after a sudden cessation of drug or alcohol intake. Detox is a crucial process in any abstinence and recovery program.   There are basically two types of detox facilities namely inpatient and outpatient detox centers. Outpatient detox is conducted in a variety of health facilities such as mental health centers, private clinics, and addiction clinics. In this type of detox, you’ll undergo the drug or alcohol cleansing session and allowed to go home until your next appointment. Inpatient detoxification is usually provided in residential drug recovery centers or at a hospital. These are centers where the patient is closely monitored for withdrawal symptoms. You’ll actually stay at the treatment facility until you are completely healed.   Outpatient detox is generally less expensive than inpatient detox. It is also less disruptive to your life as you can still go to work and report for your treatment sessions. However, it is not as efficient as the inpatient program in helping you overcome the addiction. You’ll still be exposed to what triggers your drug use when you go back home while still vulnerable to addiction. Another great advantage of inpatient detox programs is the fact that you are closely monitored 24/7 for any complication that may arise due to drug or alcohol withdrawal.   There are many detox centers across the country. Most of the drug and alcohol rehab centers have their own in-house detox facilities while others make arrangement for their patients to undergo detox at nearby clinics or hospitals. It is highly recommended to check into a rehab facility that has its own detox facilities where you’ll be monitored and cared for all around the clock. The best detox center will have a strong focus on long-term treatment through stabilization and detoxification. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that after stabilization, the detox process should then focus on monitoring and supporting the body while it gets rid of the drug while managing the unpleasant withdrawal effects that come after the patient stops taking drugs or alcohol. Addiction is both physical and psychological. Detoxification should, therefore, be complemented by a psycho-therapeutic treatment that addresses cravings and other changes to the patient’s brain after being exposed to harmful substances for a long period of time. The patient will require further psychological treatment to overcome relapse in future. Detox of South Florida, located in the warm and welcoming sunny Florida, provides the best combination of detox and psycho-therapeutic treatment for drugs and alcohol addiction.  

Medical detox: How does it help in treating addiction? is courtesy of Detox of S FL

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South Florida Regional Demographics

Perhaps even those who know little about America certainly heard of Florida. The State of Florida is located on the east coast of the United States, situation on a large peninsula. Vacations in Florida earned an immense popularity among tourists since late 70s. It seems like everything here is made to ensure that every visitor would want to come back again and again. The territories of South Florida are for the most part occupied by tropical jungle and vast marshes. South of Miami you will find the Evergleyds National Park - a habitat of various species of waterfowl, as well as manatees, alligators, cougars and other animals.   Today we will carry out an analysis of the demographics in South Florida. The analysis will outline the growth, mobility, changes in composition, and increasing spatial integration.   In 2010, the personal income of South Florida residents was $41,844, higher than the State of Florida by $3,634 per capita, and by $1,908 than the national average.

South Florida Income per Capita Between 1990 to 2010

    Poverty rate in South Florida rose from 13.8% to 16.8% between 1999 and 2010.

Percent of population below poverty level in 1999 and 2010

Source: US Bureau of the Census, 2000 Census and 2010 American Community Survey.   The chart above represents the percentage of the population in the region that lives below the poverty level, with the average being at 10.4% in the 1999 and at 13.2% in 2010.  

South Florida employment between 2007 and 2012

Source: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity   The greatest portion of unemployment was experienced between 2009 and 2010. However, the employment rate between 2010 and  2012 has gradually increased by 3.3%.

South Florida unemployment rate between 2007 and 2012

Source: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity   In 2011, the Census Bureau estimated a population of 6.3 million in South Florida, with Miami-Dade being the 7th largest country in the United States. In the past 10 years South Florida added 452,000 residents through natural growth. Only 32.2% of South Florida residents were born in Florida, 33.0% were born elsewhere in the United States, and 34.8% were born outside of the country and immigrated between 2000 and 2010. An astounding 87.2% of foreign residents in South Florida came from Latin America. Factors such as immigration growth, economic recovery, affordability, weather instability and sea level rise, may be the factors affecting the future growth of the region.      

The post South Florida Regional Demographics is available on S. FL Detox Team

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Is It Dangerous To Detox At Home? Drugs And Alcohol

Danger of Home Detox

Detox or detoxification is a fairly common topic in health circles today. It is a word frequently used in television, newspaper, and online advertisements for all types of products that promise to get rid of toxins from your body system. Many people have been led to believe that detox is a simple process without risks or side effects. However, detoxing from alcohol is a completely different procedure and potentially riskier than a simple colon cleanse aimed at losing body weight.

What is drug and alcohol detox?

Drug or alcohol detox is a complex procedure used in removing alcohol or the drugs from the body of an addicted person. It is usually the first step in recovery from drugs or alcohol dependency. There are many methods of achieving detox from simply deciding to stop on your by going “cold turkey” to home-based herbal kits and entering a residential medical rehab center. You may be tempted to simply go cold turkey and stop abusing drugs or alcohol on your own at home without the support of medical practitioners but unfortunately, this is a risky decision because drugs and alcohol have severe and sometimes life-threatening side effects when one suddenly stops using them.

Withdrawal symptoms

Abuse of drugs and alcohol alters the chemical circuitry in your brain. Continuous use of these substances creates a physical dependence on the substance. Without the drug alcohol in your body, the brain has to struggle to find its natural balance which leads to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chills, sweating, intense cravings, uncontrollable shakes and tremors, irregular heart rate, lack of sleep, irritability, hallucinations, anxiety, agitation, fever, muscle aches, depression, suicidal thoughts, and even death in severe cases. The severity and the length of time these symptoms take depends on factors such as the type of substances abused, the duration of abuse, the dosage last taken, and the level of dependency. When you try to detox at home you are likely to suffer from relapse and subsequent use of higher levels of the drug or alcohol. Detox at home could also lead to drug overdose, medical complications, and mental health problems. For example, alcohol withdrawal causes headaches, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, loss of concentration, body aches, irritability, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. According to the Annuls of General Psychiatry, between 5 and 24% of people who withdraw from alcohol addiction suffer from a potentially fatal withdrawal condition known as delirium tremens. This is a severe withdrawal symptom characterized by seizures, fever, hallucinations, and confusion. Without proper medical attention, delirium tremens can be fatal.

Detox at a licensed medical facility

When you stop taking drugs or alcohol suddenly after a long period of usage, you end up shocking the body which results in unpleasant painful reactions. It is highly recommended that you give your body a slow and controlled weaning process that reduces the dosage levels with time. The detox process should be monitored closely by qualified medical professionals to avoid any health issue that may arise. There are medications given to patients in management of intense withdrawal symptoms, the medications also help to reduce intense cravings for drugs or alcohol after prolonged use. Attempting to detox at home without the help of a medical professional is dangerous given that you do not have an idea of how severe or disabling the withdrawal symptoms can be. Detox is only successful when conducted in a licensed detox center under 24-hour medical supervision and support. Detox of South Florida is a premier detox center that has helped many overcome alcohol and drugs dependency.  

The following blog post Is It Dangerous To Detox At Home? Drugs And Alcohol was originally seen on S. FL Detox Team

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Best Detox Centers You Can Rely on For Addiction Recovery

Addiction to alcohol and drugs is often difficult, if not impossible, to overcome without the professional assistance of a detox and rehab center. These centers exist to help people suffering from addiction to regain control of their lives by providing the necessary medical and educational addiction recovery programs. Here are a few factors to look for in the best detox center:

•  The facility should provide a constant 24 hour on-site care
• The center should have well trained and experienced staff
• It should provide relapse prevention education through individual or group therapy sessions.
• It should also be in an environment that promotes abstinence with zero tolerance for substance use and have a controlled visitation policy.

On the basis of the factors mentioned above, here is a list of top drug and alcohol detox centers that you can rely on for recovery.

Detox of South Florida

This is by far one of the most reliable drug and alcohol detox centers in the country. It is accredited by the Joint Commission for its high success rate, professionalism, and the highest level of treatment and care among other things. Detox of South Florida has the most updated certification for different programs on substance abuse and is staffed with professionals with experience and knowledge in addiction issues and their treatment. The center provides detox treatment as well as individual and group therapies aimed at empowering patients against relapse. The facility accepts a wide variety of insurance covers. For the best confidential help, reach out to Detox of South Florida today.

Sober College

The sober college specializes in providing addiction treatment for young adults aged between 18 and 26 years. It is well known for treatment programs that combine college coursework with alcohol and drug addiction treatment. They also accept a wide variety of insurance coverage.

Seasons in Malibu

Located in a serene environment in Malibu, California, Seasons is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment center. It is famous for its high-quality addiction treatment programs and a high success rate. Many individuals from different parts of the world have benefited from this center’s addiction recovery programs.

United Recovery Project

United Recovery Project is one of Florida’s top substance abuse rehab centers. It is known for providing drug and alcohol addiction programs tailored to each individual’s unique needs. They offer a wide range of amenities to help you recover from addiction and regain your hope and confidence in life.

New Life Addiction Treatment

This is a premier addiction treatment center owned and run by an experienced neurologist. It is a popular addiction treatment center that provides a wide array of services from detox to inpatient and outpatient services.

Serenity Malibu

Malibu, California is known for its beauty and peaceful environment. Serenity Malibu is located in this serene city. The center welcomes people suffering from substance abuse of all ages. They have a variety of treatment and rehabilitation programs including individual and group therapies. They even provide intensive outpatient rehab programs for busy individuals. It is a great rehab center with a holistic approach to drug and alcohol treatment procedures that go beyond the traditional 12-step method.

Retorno International Rehab

Founded by a rabbi way back in 1989, Retorno International Rehab is another reliable substance abuse treatment center. It has different programs for every type of addiction including drugs, alcohol, and even sex addiction.  

Best Detox Centers You Can Rely on For Addiction Recovery is republished from http://www.detoxofsouthflorida.com/

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