first step in an alcohol recovery

What Is the First Step in an Alcoholic’s Recovery?

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If you (or a loved one) are finally ready to confront an alcohol use disorder, you might wonder what is the first step in an alcoholic’s recovery. Read on to learn all about the detox and withdrawal process.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) refers to the long-term effects of continued heavy drinking. AUD is diagnosed on a continuum that ranges from mild to severe disease.

To determine if someone has an AUD, the NCADD has created an online questionnaire. It includes a list of common signs of AUD that you may recognize in yourself. The more symptoms that are present, the more severe the AUD:

  1. You avoid friends and family while drinking, preferring to drink alone.
  2. You consume higher quantities of alcohol as time goes on.
  3. You drink in response to stress, sadness, anger, or disappointment.
  4. You have hand tremors in the morning or have other withdrawal symptoms.
  5. You cannot remember things you said or did the night before.
  6. You are experiencing financial, legal, career, or family problems due to drinking.
  7. Your doctor advised you to cut down on alcohol.
  8. You lie about how much alcohol you drink.
  9. You are preoccupied during the day with drinking or crave alcohol.
  10. You get drunk several days in a row.

What Are the Signs Alcohol is Causing Harm in Your Life

There is no debate about the destructive nature of alcohol abuse. Some of the most common signs that your drinking habits are causing you to harm include:

  • Health problems. Alcohol is very toxic to the human body. Symptoms of health issues may emerge that are a direct result of heavy drinking. These include weight gain, heart problems, cognitive problems, liver disease, gastritis, and cancer.
  • Loss of job. You may lose your job, due to a decline in job performance, excessive absences, or drinking on the job. This can have far-reaching effects on your family finances.
  • Relationship problems. Alcoholism begins to demand all of your attention. As the AUD worsens, you spend more time drinking alone, and less time with your spouse and friends. This causes strain on the relationships, even leading to divorce.

first step to recovery

Preparing for the Recovery Journey

Now that you have addressed the AUD and are getting ready to begin the recovery journey, there are some items to take care of prior to the first step in alcohol recovery. These include:

  • Take an extended leave of absence. Sit down with your employer to make a plan to take a leave of absence. Your job is protected by law.
  • Look up insurance coverage. Call your health plan provider to gather the details about what your plan covers. Most health plans now have at least some coverage for addiction treatment services.
  • Select a treatment program. Begin the process of choosing a rehab program. Your doctor can help guide you in terms of what level of care you will need.
  • Arrange for childcare, pet care, and bills to be paid. Get all your ducks in a row prior to leaving for detox and rehab. This helps your spouse manage things during your absence.

The First Step in Alcohol Recovery: Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal

When starting out on the recovery journey, the first order of business is to rid the body of the toxins associated with alcohol. Detox lasts from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity and history of your AUD.

Alcohol detox involves three distinct stages. These stages include:

  • Stage 1: Emerging Symptoms. The early phase of withdrawal begins within 6-8 hours of the last drink. This stage lasts one day and includes the symptoms: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, tremors, fatigue, anxiety, foggy thinking, and insomnia.
  • Stage 2: Peak Symptoms. The second phase of withdrawal involves symptoms peaking and lasts 2-4 days. Symptoms include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, body temperature, and respiratory rate, mental confusion, sweating, mood swings, and irritability. Also, it is during this stage that delirium tremens (DTs) can develop, causing hallucinations, severe mental confusion, fever, and seizures.
  • Stage 3: Subsiding Symptoms. The final stage begins after day four and can persist for a couple of days to weeks. This stage is marked by depression, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and cravings.

Keep in mind that throughout the detox process, your symptoms will be closely monitored and medications provided to minimize discomfort.

After Detox, What Comes Next?

Once you have completed the detox process, you are ready to enroll in the rehab portion of the recovery. Treatment is multi-pronged, with each activity building on the other to effect real change. Here is what you can expect in the rehab program:

  • Psychotherapy. Therapy is the main treatment element for alcohol recovery. Through therapy, you will examine any unhealthy behavior patterns that only perpetuate the alcohol addiction. Using CBT, the therapist guides you to reshape those thoughts and behaviors.
  • Family therapy. Family groups help the whole family unit heal and move forward together as their loved one enters recovery.
  • Education. Learning about the impact of alcohol on brain chemistry can be a deterrent to relapse. You will also be learning new coping tools and making a relapse prevention plan.
  • 12-step or similar. Peer support is a key element in recovery, and these meetings provide the opportunity to share experiences, challenges, fears, and goals with others in recovery.
  • Holistic. Rounding out rehabilitation are several activities that augment psychotherapy, including mindfulness training, yoga, art therapy, acupuncture, recreational therapy, equine therapy, and other activities that teach individuals relaxation techniques
  • Recreational therapy. Golf can be a very therapeutic addition to the rehab process. Spending time outdoors and getting exercise helps improve your mood and mindset.

Golf Drug Rehab Helps You Overcome Alcoholism

Golf Drug Rehab is a full-spectrum addiction treatment program that blends golf into the mix. If you are ready to that the first step in alcoholism recovery, give our team a call at (877) 958-5320.

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cocaine drip

What is Cocaine Drip?

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Cocaine drip is the presence of a constantly runny nose after using the drug. Cocaine drip can also occur in the back of the throat. To learn more about the adverse effects of cocaine use, read on.

Facts About Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant. It remains a popular drug due to its powerful euphoric effects. Cocaine causes the nerve activity in the central nervous system to speed up. This leads to a short-lived high that increases energy heightens focus, suppresses appetite, and enhances confidence.

As a DEA Schedule II substance, cocaine has a high potential for abuse and addiction. In fact, addiction can develop quickly. The drug is used in various ways, including snorting the powder through the nose. Cocaine can damage the delicate nasal tissues, as well as lead to a condition referred to as cocaine drip.

What is Cocaine Drip?

Because cocaine acts as a vasoconstrictor it has the effect of shrinking the blood vessels in the nose on contact. This causes the tissues to swell and mucous production to increase. The result is something called rhinitis, or a constant nasal drip. This is referred to as cocaine drip, coke drip, or simply the drip.

The other way that cocaine drip manifests itself is as a post-nasal drip. Once the drug has been snorted into the nasal cavity it will drip into the sinuses and the throat. This is experienced as a dripping sensation at the back of the throat and even onto the vocal cords.

Can Cocaine Drip be Treated?

There is only one way to cure drug-induced rhinitis and that is by stopping cocaine use. Once the mucous membranes that line the nose have had a chance to heal, the drip will cease. Meanwhile, there are some nasal saline sprays, as well as antihistamines or corticosteroids that may help with symptoms.

Other Ways Cocaine Affects Nasal Tissues

The phrase, cocaine nose (coke nose), pertains to the damaged condition of nasal tissues caused by cocaine use. The damage to the nose can be profound. When cocaine is used for an extended period it keeps the blood vessels in the nose constricted. The decreased circulation reduces the blood supply to the nose, causing damage.

As prolonged cocaine use takes a toll on the nose, the following damage can occur. These effects include:

  • The lining of the nose is more fragile, which can result in injuries and nosebleeds.
  • Severe sinus infections.
  • Septum damage.
  • The collapse of cartilage at the bridge of the nose.
  • Hard palate damage.

Long-term cocaine use can result in damage to the nose that is so severe a complete reconstruction or prosthetic nose is required.

coke drip

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

As cocaine addiction sets in, there will be some clear signals. These signs and symptoms involve all areas of functioning, such as:

  1. Personality changes. Someone with a cocaine problem may begin to display paranoid behavior, stress and anxiety attacks, depression, erratic behavior, and anger. When they are not high on coke, their mood may be flat or unresponsive. Stealing money to support the cocaine habit is also common among addicts.
  2. Intense mood swings. In the early phases of cocaine use, it is common for the person to be in a state of euphoria. They may be full of energy and very productive, and able to put in long hours. As tolerance increases and more of the drug is needed to maintain this energy, their mood becomes dark.
  3. The decline in work performance. In the early days of cocaine use, the person may be highly productive and have boundless energy. Later on, work performance begins to suffer. They miss work often or arrive late. They may struggle to concentrate or focus on the work, and they lose interest in the job.
  4. Physical symptoms. Coke addiction shows up with sudden weight loss, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, cocaine drip, muscle tics, and nose bleeds.  Cocaine addicts also commonly suffer from insomnia.
  • Money problems. Cocaine is a pricey drug that can quickly destroy personal finances. Bills go unpaid, credit cards are maxed out, savings accounts are depleted, and jobs are lost due to coke addiction.

Getting Help for a Cocaine Addiction

While the best way to stop the damage caused by cocaine is to discontinue using the drug, it is not always so easy. Cocaine has a powerful grip on the brain’s reward system. The best way to break that connection is to enroll in an evidence-based treatment program.

Treatment for cocaine addiction includes these elements:

  • Detox. The detox and withdrawal process must be completed prior to treatment. Withdrawal symptoms will range from mild to severe, depending on the scope of the cocaine addiction.
  • Talk therapy. A licensed therapist can help the person confront issues that may be providing fuel for the cocaine addiction. CBT and DBT are the most common evidence-based therapies to help break compulsive behaviors.
  • Group therapy. Small groups composed of peers in recovery will meet and discuss topics that pertain to recovery.
  • 12-step program. N.A. or A.A. themes are often woven into the treatment program.
  • Life skills training. Classes teach new coping skills that can help support recovery efforts. One of these is making a relapse prevention plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
  • Holistic. During rehab, you will learn to control stress by engaging in holistic activities. These include yoga classes, art therapy, mindfulness, and massage.
  • Recreation. Spending some time outdoors and being active is very good for your mood state during treatment. Golf can provide a respite from the work of recovery.

If you are tired of a constant cocaine drip, reach out for treatment today.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Upscale Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury addiction treatment center that offers golf alongside rehab. If you are struggling with a cocaine problem, our team is here to help. Give us a call today at (877) 958-5320.

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addictive medications

What are Addictive Medications?

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Over the last decade, people have become much more aware of the dangers of addictive medications. Learn about these drugs and the signs of addiction to prescription pills.

As grateful as we are for relief from what ails us, the truth is that some medications are very addictive. While drugs can provide pain relief, or help to manage anxiety or other issues, for some people, they are dangerous.

Each person has a unique metabolism and genetic make-up. Medications can lead to addiction in some of us, and therefore must be used with care. But some people abuse these prescription drugs in search of a high. This can be especially risky, and even result in an overdose or death.

By being aware of the dangers of pills, you can provide yourself with information that helps you avoid these risks. Read on to learn more about addictive meds.

How Medications Lead to Addiction

When a doctor prescribes pain medication after surgery or an injury, you would not think it could become a problem. For most people, taking pain meds for a short period isn’t an issue. For others, though, it can impact the brain’s reward system. When the reward center of the brain records a sensation as pleasurable, it sets up the desire to repeat it. That is the basis for an addiction to slowly take hold.

There are many risks involved in pill addiction. As the tolerance ramps up, the person will take ever-higher doses of the medication to chase that high. Meanwhile, the brain pathways are being altered in response to the dopamine that is produced. In as little as a few weeks of dosing, some people will acquire an addiction. By taking higher doses the person risks an overdose.

Addiction itself is very risky, with adverse impacts to all areas of someone’s life. But when the pills are no longer available, the person may switch to heroin, or buy the pills online. This can put the person at much higher risk of a fentanyl overdose. This is due to the many fake pills on the street that contain the deadly drug.

Pills that are Highly Addictive

It isn’t only opioids that are addictive. There are many types of meds that can cause someone to become addicted. This happens when the person comes to believe that they cannot function without the pills. They begin to be obsessed about getting and taking these meds.

Types of drugs that are highly addiction include:

  • Opioids. These include such drugs as Vicodin, Oxy, Dilaudid, Percocet, and Norco.
  • Benzos. These include Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, and Librium.
  • Stimulants. These include Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse.
  • Barbiturates. These include Nembutal, Seconal, and Mebaral.

Signs of a Pill Addiction

The signs of addiction are similar, no matter which drug is involved. The only noticeable difference are the withdrawal symptoms, as these vary depending on the substance.

Signs of addiction may include:

  • Become obsessed with obtaining and taking the pills.
  • Increased tolerance, leading to higher dosing.
  • Doctor shopping; buying pills on the street or online.
  • Having mood swings.
  • Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits.
  • Weight gain or loss.
  • Become irresponsible; engage in high-risk actions.
  • Irritability
  • Withdraw from friends and family.
  • Keep taking the meds despite the negative impact on life.
  • Stealing pills from friends or family members.
  • Having withdrawal symptoms when drug wears off

These are warning signs that you or someone you know has developed a problem with a prescription drug. The sooner the person seeks treatment, the better the outcome. The first step is to safely complete the detox process.

What to Expect in Detox

Once someone decides they are ready to break free from a pill addiction they must complete detox and withdrawal. This is not to be taken lightly, as certain drugs shouldn’t be stopped with a doctor’s guidance. To quit the drug abruptly will trigger very harsh and sometimes life threatening symptoms.

To avoid this outcome, a detox program is advised. A doctor creates a special tapering plan that slowly wears the person off the drug. By using this type of taper schedule, the system slowly adjusts to the lower doses. This can help reduce the discomfort and risks of the detox process.

The withdrawal symptoms will be different based on the drug group:

OPIOIDS:

  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness
  • Dilated pupils
  • Anxiety
  • Excessive yawning
  • Insomnia
  • Chills or goosebumps

BENZOS:

  • Anxiety
  • Hyperventilation
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Racing pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle spasms
  • Restlessness

STIMULANTS:

  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Insomnia
  • Stomach cramping
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue

Due to most drug detoxes causing mental health symptoms too, the detox team also provides counseling and support.

Treatment Options for Pill Addiction

After detox is done, the next is to embark on the next phase of recovery—rehab treatment. It is through treatment that the person learns how to change the entrenched addictive behaviors.

Depending on the type of pill addiction, the program also helps the person manage the issue without the need for the pills. For chronic pain, they will learn new holistic methods for pain control. If the problem is related to stress, they will learn natural ways to relax.

There are two main settings for addiction treatment, an outpatient program or a residential program. Both types of rehab settings use the same basic treatment interventions. These include:

  • One-on-one therapy sessions. Therapy helps teach new ways of thinking and reacting to stress or other triggers. This is done mainly through CBT and DBT techniques.
  • Group therapy sessions. These sessions have a licensed counselor leading the peer group in talks that revolve around recovery.
  • 12-step meetings. The 12- step program is often a part of the treatment program. This may also include 12-step meetings that the clients all join.
  • Education. Clients learn new coping skills and practice them.
  • Relapse prevention. Clients make their own plans to avoid relapsing after they leave rehab.
  • Stress reduction. Learning new ways to relax, such as yoga, meditation, and massage, are skills that will help in recovery.

With so many addictive medications on the market, it is not a surprise that we might find ourselves struggling with an addiction. With the guidance and support of an evidence-based treatment program, you can overcome a problem with an addictive medication.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Luxury Addiction Treatment

Golf Drug Rehab is an upscale drug and alcohol treatment center for the golf lover. If you or someone you care about has developed a problem with pills, give our team a call today at (877) 958-5320.

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how does meth affect the body

How Does Meth Affect the Body?

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It may be shocking to learn the many ways that meth affects the body. This potent and destructive substance can wreak havoc on both physical and mental health. Read on to learn more about how meth affects the body.

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine (meth) is an illicit stimulant drug concocted with amphetamine and a variety of flammable household ingredients. These may include battery acid, drain cleaner, or paint thinner, all products that can cause an altered state of reality.

Meth is a potent and dangerous stimulant that can cause profound changes in the brain. Even after a single use, the brain’s reward pathways can be affected, leading the person to seek the drug again. After ongoing use, the brain begins to depend on the drug to stabilize the altered brain and provide dopamine.

The initial effects of meth include sensations of euphoria, alertness, energy, and a sense of wellbeing. However, there are also some adverse effects caused by meth use. These include:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Hyperactivity, mania.
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite and weight loss.
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia

Meth is also referred to as crystal meth, speed, crystal, ice, and crank. The drug can be ingested in various ways, such as smoked, swallowed in pill form, snorted, or injected. The drug’s effects come on quickly and fade fairly fast, leading to continued abuse and eventually addiction.

Meth Addiction

Once someone becomes addicted to meth they will be unable to control their drug-seeking behaviors and meth use. This happens when the brain’s chemical makeup has been altered and natural dopamine production dwindles. Without the drug, the person no longer feels pleasure.

As addiction sets in, the person’s life will begin to unravel. Legal problems, job losses, stress, financial problems, child custody issues, and even homelessness are common among meth addicts.

Some of the signs of active meth addiction include:

  • Severe dental disease.
  • Skin sores from picking at invisible bugs.
  • Weight loss.
  • Droopy skin.
  • Insomnia
  • Angry or violent outbursts
  • Cognitive problems.
  • Aggressive behavior; angry outbursts.
  • Mental confusion.
  • Mood swings.
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Psychosis

How Meth Affects the Body

Because meth is such a toxic substance, serious health conditions can develop as a result of addiction. The drug inflicts heavy damage to the body. Some of the effects of long-term meth abuse include:

  • Meth mouth.
  • Memory loss.
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Hypertension.
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Aortic dissection
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Liver damage; increased risk of hep B and hep C
  • Increased risk of HIV/AIDS

Although some of the damage done to the brain and the body can be reversed, many will suffer long-term health effects even in recovery. Other long-term effects of recovery include feeling chronically tired and depressed.

What is Meth Mouth?

One of the most extreme effects of meth is a dental condition called “meth mouth.” The level of damage to the teeth will depend upon the duration and extent of the meth addiction. Meth mouth is often seen in heavy meth users, not those who use it on occasion. Meth mouth is more severe in women versus men.

Meth mouse is caused by dry mouth, a direct result of the meth addiction. Meth users may also grind their teeth, causing teeth to loosen or crack. It is also common for meth addicts to lose interest in taking care of their dental hygiene.

Signs and symptoms of meth mouth may include:

  • Poor overall dental health.
  • Loose teeth.
  • Sensitive teeth.
  • Inflamed gums.
  • Dry mouth and tongue.
  • Broken or fractured teeth.
  • Severe tooth decay.
  • Loss of teeth.

In many cases, the person waits too long before seeking the help of a dentist. By the time they reach out for help the damage is too extensive and the teeth can’t be saved. This often results in full mouth extractions and dentures.

Meth Detox and Withdrawal

Before you can break a meth habit, you will need to first complete the detox and withdrawal process. This is best done under the care of a detox team who will be able to assist you as symptoms arise. They have various meds they can use to help reduce discomfort.

Because meth is a synthetic drug, the withdrawal effects are more intense and ragged. The human body is not equipped to metabolize the dangerous and toxic ingredients contained in meth.

The withdrawal symptoms emerge within 12 hours of the last dosing. This is called the “meth comedown,” which refers to the period when the drug is wearing off. The person may experience the following symptoms:

  • Lethargy
  • Increased appetite.
  • Paranoia
  • Mental confusion.
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disturbance.
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Mood swings.
  • Intense depression.
  • Drug cravings.
  • Memory problems.
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

During meth withdrawal, the psychological symptoms are often worse than the physical symptoms. This is an added reason to only attempt meth detox under supervision, as there is a heightened risk of suicide.

Turn Your Life Around with Treatment and Recovery

Making the decision to get clean and sober after a meth addiction should come with the knowledge that you will need ongoing support. Starting with a structured treatment program, you will be guided toward learning ways to deflect compulsive drug seeking behaviors. Using one-on-one therapy, group therapy, 12-step groups, and addiction education, these programs can help you turn your life around.

Life is too short and too precious to waste it with a meth problem. Seeing how meth can affect the body may be a wake-up call for many. These are the long-term effects that people are largely unaware of when they take that first hit of meth. But now that you know meth’s affect on the body and you are ready to break free from its grip, reach out for help today.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Luxury Meth Addiction Recovery Services

Golf Drug Rehab is an upscale addiction treatment center that offers help for those who struggle with meth. Our program features an evidence-based treatment approach combined with recreational golf. By mixing in some pleasure with the work of rehab, there is a greater chance you will complete the program. For more details, call us today at (877) 958-5320.

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