morphine high

What Is the Morphine High?

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Morphine is a potent narcotic in the opioid family of drugs. Morphine is used to control acute and chronic pain, and for terminal patients in palliative care or hospice. Some people, though, use this opioid in order to experience the morphine high. Let’s explore what a morphine high looks like.

What is Morphine?

Unlike synthetic opioids, morphine is a naturally occurring opiate that is derived from the seeds of the opium poppy plant. Heroin is a synthesized form of morphine. In the U.S., morphine is a Schedule II controlled substance. This means the drug has medicinal value but also a high risk for abuse and addiction.

The effects of morphine include the absence of pain, deep relaxation, and a dreamlike state of euphoria. The drug is often used as an anesthesia associated with surgery, or for pain management in terminal cancer patients. Some doctors may also prescribe this drug for short-term pain relief following an injury. The drug is administered via IV, injection, or pill form.

high on morphine

What Does a Morphine High Feel Like?

When morphine enters the bloodstream, there is a burst of dopamine production. Dopamine is the “feel good” chemical that interacts with the brain’s reward center.

Morphine binds with the opioid receptors in the brain and blocks the pain signals from the central nervous system. The effects of the drug include the absence of pain, euphoria, deep relaxation, and a calm, dreamlike state. Some say this opiate makes them feel warm and safe.

The effects of morphine are felt within thirty minutes unless injected, whereas the effects are felt within minutes. These effects with normal release morphine last 3-4 hours, and with extended release they may last up to eight hours.

Dangers of Misusing The Drug

Morphine is not without side effects. Some of the adverse effects of taking morphine include:

  • Severe constipation.
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth.
  • Chest pain.
  • Nervousness
  • Itchy skin.
  • Slowed breathing.
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Loss of libido.
  • Feelings of depression.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Coma

In addition to these side effects, morphine abuse can result in addiction or even an overdose. Drug supplies, including this drug, sold on the street are often tainted with fentanyl. Someone who ingests the drug may die because the product they bought contained fentanyl, unbeknownst to them.

What Is Morphine Addiction?

Abusing morphine for recreational use, such as smoking, inhaling, or injecting the drug, increases the risk of addiction and overdose. This is the price paid for seeking a morphine high. The longer you use this drug, the higher your chances of becoming addicted to it. This happens because ongoing use of the drug increases tolerance to the drug, which leads to more frequent dosing.

Signs of morphine addiction include:

  • Unable to control the drug.
  • Taking higher doses than prescribed.
  • Trying to stop taking the drug but cannot.
  • Become obsessed with having and taking morphine.
  • Cravings.
  • Loss of interest in daily life activities.
  • Symptoms of anxiety or depression emerge.
  • Keep taking morphine in spite of the negative consequences.
  • Having money problems or legal trouble due to morphine use.
  • Having painful withdrawal symptoms.

What to Expect During Morphine Withdrawal?

People who become addicted to this opioid, experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop taking it. The same is true for someone who has become physically dependent on the drug after long-term use.

Either way, the withdrawal process is much safer when you enroll in a detox program. These are licensed inpatient detox centers or rehabs that will oversee the entire detox and withdrawal timeline.

To reduce the impact of withdrawal, a detox will include a gradual tapering off of the opiate over a scheduled period. Still, here are the symptoms you are likely to have during the detox process:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps.
  • Chills
  • Excessive yawning.
  • Excessive tearing of the eyes.
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Hot flashes.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Brain fog.

Detox allows the body to clear the drug from the system, which prepares you for getting the most out of rehab.

How to Beat a Morphine Addiction

When a morphine addiction has taken hold, the best rehab setting for breaking free is an inpatient treatment program. These programs provide detox on-site, which makes the transition to treatment seamless.

Once you have stabilized after detox, you will shift to a whole different focus. The treatment phase of recovery helps you gain important insights through therapy, as well as learn new coping tools. The goal is to equip you with the skills and tools needed to maintain abstinence from morphine.

Treatment for Addiction

Learning how to live your life without the drug is a process that takes weeks, even months, to accomplish. The treatment process includes the following:

  • Individual counseling sessions. You will meet once or twice a week with a therapist. They use methods like CBT to show you new ways to respond to triggers that might otherwise cause a relapse.
  • Group therapy sessions. Group sessions are helpful daily. In these sessions, you meet with peers in recovery and share thoughts and experiences.
  • Education. Classes teach you how opioids impact the brain and how to avoid a relapse.
  • 12-step. The 12-step process is a useful framework to help you meet recovery benchmarks.

Aftercare Follows Treatment

Although you have completed both detox and treatment, recovery efforts will continue for months to come. This is due to the power of opioid addiction on the brain, and how long it takes to overcome that.

Aftercare involves the actions you take to protect sobriety once you have finished the treatment program. These help you continue the progress you made in rehab and help you stay engaged in the recovery process. They include:

  • Sober living. Sometimes it is helpful to live in a safe environment that is free of substances. Sober living is a good stepping-stone after treatment.
  • Outpatient program. After rehab, it is good to step down to an outpatient program. These provide counseling services, support groups, and life skills, classes.
  • Recovery community. Join a local 12-step group or SMART Recovery group for added support after treatment.

If you are misusing this drug to experience a morphine high, please reach out for help today.

Golf Drug Rehab Treatment for Morphine Addiction

Golf Drug Rehab offers premium detox and addiction treatment services for those with morphine addiction that also like to golf. For more information about our program, please call us today at (877) 958-5320.

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Exercise and Addiction Recovery

Exercise and Addiction Recovery Together is Key

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If you are in early recovery for a drug or alcohol addiction chances are your body has seen better days. In active addiction, most people pay little attention to nutrition and exercise, leading to eventual vitamin deficiencies, a depleted immune system, and a paunchy physique as time and energy were diverted toward acquiring, using, and recovering from the drug of choice. Once the mind clears in sobriety and you begin to focus on the consequences of the addiction, you may be startled at the poor state of your physical health.

Thankfully, the body is resilient and, with some consistency and dedication to overall wellness, it can rebound. Making fitness a priority can provide a multitude of benefits for the individual in recovery. Exercise and addiction recovery is an excellent combination for renewing strength, confidence, and hope in achieving a fulfilling life.

Exercise and Addiction Recovery: The Protective Effects of Physical Activity

While it has been widely understood in the recovery field for years that exercise is beneficial to individuals in addiction recovery, there is actual research that helps indicate how and why that is. In an article by Mark A. Smith and Wendy J. Lynch published in Frontiers in Psychology entitled “Exercise as a Potential Treatment for Drug Abuse: Evidence from Preclinical Studies,” the authors explain how epidemiological studies, or how certain determinants can influence disease development or progression, demonstrate the protective effects of exercise for the recovering addict. The article states that “Collectively, these studies have provided convincing evidence to support the development of exercise-based interventions to reduce compulsive patterns of drug intake in clinical and at-risk populations.”

In their study featuring rats who had access to a running wheel in the home cage, they found that the effects of running lasted beyond the exercise period, reducing the rats drug-seeking behavior after a period of abstinence. This, they posit, demonstrates how exercise may be effective at preventing relapse. They conclude by stating that the neurobiological effects of exercise can serve as an alternative non-drug reinforcer of sobriety.

How Early in Recovery Should Exercise Begin?

Considering the multiple realms that exercise and addiction recovery seem to work in tandem for positive outcomes, there is no reason to delay integrating regular physical activity into the recovery process. Starting in rehab, where most programs provide recreational activities or a gym, the individual can begin the process of restoring physical health while enjoying the psychological benefits of exercise.

Cardio-based activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, dance fitness, running, and swimming are excellent options to include in the recovery routine. Cardio or aerobic, exercise involves the pumping of oxygenated blood by the heart, delivering it to the working muscles. This works the lungs, heart, and muscles simultaneously, providing many health benefits.

5 Benefits of Exercise in Recovery

When you set aside a certain amount of time each week for physical activity you are sending a subliminal message to yourself that you care about your health and wellbeing. As the results of regular exercise start to become apparent, it will inspire you to continue on this positive, healthy trajectory in recovery. The primary benefits of combining exercise and addiction recovery include:

  1. Decreases stress while increasing resilience to stress. Stress is the number one foe of someone in early recovery, having the potential to induce a relapse. Regular physical activity will improve circulation and release brain chemicals leading to stress reduction. Over time, pushing oneself physically can create stronger mental stamina over stressful situations.
  2. Improves overall mood. It will take time to correct brain chemistry so that it will begin producing dopamine naturally again. Meanwhile, exercise is known to cause a release of endorphins and serotonin, boosting mood naturally.
  3. Boosts confidence. The sense of accomplishment that you get from completing a task, even a round of golf or a brisk walk, can help boost confidence in yourself. As you get stronger and begin to feel better, you slowly build up a renewed sense of self-worth.
  4. Promotes physical health. Just getting outside and moving your body can begin the process of restoring health. Regular exercise has enormous positive effects on all bodily systems, improving heart health, stamina, energy level, muscle strength, joint mobility, and increased immune response.
  5. Improves sleep quality. Regular physical activity helps to regulate body temperature, reduce stress, and promote relaxation, all beneficial to getting quality sleep. The energy expended in exercise can translate to getting more hours of sleep as well.

Golf Drug Rehab Incorporates Golf and Fitness Into Addiction Recovery Program

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury rehabilitation center located in Orange County, California. As implied in the name of the program, Golf Drug Rehab places an emphasis on the fitness component of recovery, offering access to three deluxe golf courses in the local vicinity for its clients. Golf Drug Rehab combines outdoor activity with a powerful arsenal of proven evidence-based therapies for excellent recovery results. For more information about how the program meshes exercise and addiction recovery, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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Am I an Alcoholic

Am I An Alcoholic?

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Alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, alcohol dependency—with so many terms referencing an alcohol use disorder it may make the actual definition of alcoholism seem murky and confusing.  In reality, alcoholism is a complex substance use disorder with various features that help define the severity of the problem, or whether the alcohol use, although excessive, even reaches the clinical definition of the disease.

According to the definition of alcoholism by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, alcoholism is:

  1. Continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks
  2. a.  Chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction
  3.  Acute alcohol poisoning resulting from the usually rapid consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages

Well, this serves as a starting point in understanding the nuances of alcoholism, but still allows for different interpretations of what exactly constitutes alcoholism.  If you are asking yourself “Am I an alcoholic” or “Do I need addiction treatment” then this blog may offer some helpful information.

What Exactly is Alcoholism?

It is difficult to know whether someone is an alcoholic or just

a problem drinker.  Some people can abuse alcohol for years without developing alcohol dependence. Others may be high-functioning alcoholics, able to be successful at a career and fulfilling family obligations even though they consume high amounts of alcohol.  Eventually, however, abusing alcohol for an extended time period will take a toll one way or another. Health will be impacted, cognitive decline occurs, or there might be a DUI arrest that creates legal headaches—even if the individual never became alcoholic in the classical sense.

Risk Factors For Alcoholism

So why is it that some heavy drinkers become alcoholics and others do not?  There are some risk factors for alcoholism that can predispose an individual to become an alcoholic.  The genetic component is one such factor. If someone has a strong family history of alcoholism there is a much higher probability that they could also become an alcoholic.  A co-occurring mental health disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or generalized anxiety can also result in alcohol dependence, as the individual seeks to numb emotional pain or symptoms of anxiety.

A series of difficult life events, such as losing a loved one, divorce, losing a job, or experiencing or witnessing trauma can all contribute to depending on alcohol to soothe the emotional symptoms that are experienced as a result of the negative events.  

So, Am I an Alcoholic?

There are behavioral symptoms that an addiction is forming that can serve as warning signs.  These might include:

  • Obsessing over when you can drink next or how to obtain the alcohol
  • Trying to quit drinking and cannot
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in the activities once enjoyed
  • Drinking more and more alcohol as tolerance increases
  • Mood swings
  • Losing interest in maintaining personal appearance and hygiene
  • Irritability
  • Concentration problems
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Alcohol cravings
  • When an attempt to quit drinking withdrawal symptoms emerge

10 Signs that Help Answer the Question, “Am I an Alcoholic?”

There are some universal signs that someone has crossed into alcoholism.  The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has an online questionnaire that can help you determine if you have a problem with alcohol.  Among the points the NCADD includes are:

  1. You avoid friends and family while drinking
  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
  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

Treatment for Alcoholism

Getting treatment for an alcohol use disorder is life changing.  After completing detox, you will enter into an extended period of active treatment during which you will immerse yourself in a variety of therapeutic activities that all work together to help you overcome the alcoholism.  This will include individual talk therapy with a clinical psychotherapist who will guide you in examining any past traumas or emotional pain that might be driving the need to drink. Group therapy sessions allow a peer support system to develop where clients can help each other and share experiences.  Medications, such as naltrexone, can be used for the early phase of recovery to help reduce alcohol cravings. Recreational therapies, such as yoga, hiking, exercise sessions, golf, tennis, or surfing can take some pressure off and infuse some social activities during treatment.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Superior Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in Southern California

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury drug and alcohol addiction treatment program in California.  The expert and compassionate clinical staff at Golf Drug Rehab is highly trained in detox and addiction treatment for individuals in need of help for an alcohol use disorder.  Offering the very latest treatment modalities and three amazing golf courses to help clients enjoy some recreational therapy, Golf Drug Rehab provides the perfect blend of therapy and golf.  If you are wondering “Am I an alcoholic?” or have questions about our program, call Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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detox centers

Luxury and Private Detox Center in California

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As wonderful as it may seem to spend a week relaxing at a luxury detox center, especially one that is located in a gorgeous, tranquil setting, the hard reality is that detox serves a serious, and potentially life-saving, purpose.  The high-end trappings do indeed make the detox mission more comfortable, for sure.

Private rooms, a variety of amenities, and plenty of oversight and personal attention can make the detoxification process at least palatable.  But most important, the upscale detox center will provide the supervision and care that will safely guide you through the detox and withdrawal stage of early addiction recovery and into an effective treatment program.

The Benefits of a Luxury Detox Centers

A luxury detox center integrates the same level of premium features that you would expect to find at a high-end spa or retreat.  Offering uncompromising luxury to its clients, these premier detoxification programs can truly make the detox experience go more smoothly.  Just knowing that your needs will be met and that you will be staying in luxurious quarters can be very comforting to prospective clients.

Some of the benefits of a luxury detox center include:

  • A more intimate setting.  Fewer clients mean they will receive a higher level of attention while progressing through the detox process.  With few clients, there is less crowding in common areas, making the experience more relaxing and less stressful, as well as offering more personalized care.
  • Location.  In most cases, private luxury detox programs are situated in highly desirable geographical settings, such as coastal communities, desert resort locales, or mountain retreats, offering a sense of serenity.
  • Amenities.  Luxury detox and treatment centers pay close attention to creature comforts, offering deluxe accommodations and plenty of spa-like services.  They may have a gourmet chef on staff or offer organic, locally-sourced cuisine.
  • Holistic therapies.  Many luxury detox centers feature relaxation-promoting experiential therapies, such as acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, and art therapy.

How Your Privacy is Protected in Detox

Stigma continues to be an unwelcome reality when it comes to someone getting professional help for a drug or alcohol addiction.  Many professionals in high-profile positions put off getting treatment due to the concern that their rehab stint might become known, which they fear could jeopardize their career.  Private luxury detox and addiction treatment programs are very committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their clients.

In addition, there are laws that prohibit a rehab or detox center from releasing any patient records without the client’s written consent.  Reputable rehab programs vigilantly protect clients’ privacy and their dignity, prioritizing discretion at all times.

What to Expect in Detox

Detox provides additional safety measures that may not be offered at other types of detox facilities, and certainly not at home if the individual attempts to self-detox.  There is good reason for personnel to be available during drug or alcohol detoxification, as emergency events can suddenly emerge. A supervised detox offers the most supportive environment for the client as they process through detox and withdrawal, seeing to their needs throughout the phases of detox.

The degree of discomfort while going through detox will depend on the client’s addiction severity, age, their general state of physical health, whether they have a mental health disorder, and how long the addiction has been in place.  Different substances of abuse have different withdrawal symptoms, but in most cases, detox tends to progress through three stages:

Stage 1:  The first signs of withdrawal symptoms will commence between 6-12 hours after the last alcoholic drink or drug dosing.  Emerging symptoms will be unpleasant but not severe.

Stage 2:  Withdrawal symptoms tend to reach their peak at about days 2-3 of the process, during which the symptoms can be immensely uncomfortable or painful.  In addition, psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and psychosis can exacerbate this difficult stage of detox.

Stage 3:  From days 4-7 the majority of the withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside dramatically, as the body expels the toxins from the body.  Some symptoms will linger for weeks but are usually managed by medications.

During the duration of the detox, interventions will be introduced by the detox team that can dramatically reduce the discomfort of the withdrawal symptoms.  The goal of the detox professionals is to provide the maximum level of comfort possible in order to guide the client through the detox phase and into active treatment immediately following.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Luxury Detox and a Private Setting

Golf Drug Rehab is a premier executive drug and alcohol treatment program in California that caters to the discerning individual who is accustomed to premium services.  An expert detox team will carefully monitor vital signs and withdrawal symptoms throughout the detox procedure. Our detox professionals will provide maximum comfort and emotional support during the detox and withdrawal process.  Following detox, Golf Drug Rehab offers a unique addiction treatment program that melds the most effective therapies and treatment modalities with high-end golf, providing access to three stellar golf courses to add some recreational therapy into the mix.  For more information about our program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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Mild Alcohol Withdrawal

Severe vs. Mild Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

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It is widely understood that people with an alcohol dependency who want to enter recovery should undergo a supervised detox. There is good reason for this guidance, as alcohol detox and withdrawal can produce highly unpredictable, even dangerous, symptoms. A detox is monitored by trained detox specialists who are prepared to intervene should such symptoms arise and cause an emergency. At the very least, a detox program is able to help reduce unpleasant symptoms and safely guide the individual to the other side and into treatment.

Not all withdrawal symptoms, however, are so severe. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms is correlated to the acuity of the alcohol dependency. Someone with a fairly recent alcohol use disorder or who hasn’t consistently consumed large amounts of alcohol will likely experience mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms. A detox is still the best route to starting the recovery journey, but expectations of horrendous withdrawals would be overblown in the case of a mild alcohol use disorder.

symptoms of mild alcohol withdrawal

What Causes Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawing from alcohol can result in physical discomfort and pain, as the body tries to adjust to the cessation of alcohol consumption. This is caused by the impact of consistent alcohol consumption on the central nervous system and how that impacts neuropathways. When the alcohol intake suddenly stops, the decreased responsiveness of GABA receptors in the brain will incite symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Only so much alcohol can be metabolized by the body, and broken down by enzymes in the liver. The brain or other bodily tissues will absorb any excess alcohol. Over time, the increasing levels of toxins stored in the brain, as a result of excessive alcohol consumption, can cause the brain to suppress certain neurotransmitters, so when alcohol intake ceases, the hyperexcitability of these brain chemicals results.

Factors that Influence the Severity of Alcohol Withdrawals

Certain factors dictate the level of the withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms to severe. These factors include:

  • How long the individual has had the alcohol use disorder
  • The level of alcohol consumed
  • History of alcohol withdrawal syndrome
  • Age of individual
  • General health status of individual

Co-occurring mental health disorders can also exacerbate some of the psychological symptoms experienced during withdrawal, such as anxiety and depression.

What is Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)?

The above factors are taken into consideration during the intake process to help gauge the level of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) that might occur. Acute AWS features severe withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is abruptly stopped. Approximately 10% of individuals withdrawing from alcohol will experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome featuring acute symptoms. These acute withdrawal symptoms emerge approximately 2 to 4 days into the detox process and might include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • Hallucinations
  • High fever
  • Excessive sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Seizures
  • Delirium Tremens

What is Considered Mild Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Not everyone who stops drinking will experience acute withdrawal symptoms. Some individuals might only experience sweating, hand tremors, nausea, sleep disturbance, and anxiety. Someone with a mild or recent alcohol use disorder should not avoid detox for fear of withdrawal symptoms, as these mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms are easily managed by the detox team. A sedative, such as Ativan, can help with both insomnia and anxiety, and simple over-the-counter interventions can help with fever, stomach distress, or headache.

Withdrawal symptoms begin to emerge about six hours after the last alcoholic drink. Symptoms peak on days 2 and 3 and then begin to subside. In most instances, alcohol detox and withdrawal are completed in less than one week, again, depending on the factors that determine the severity of the detox process.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

When deciding to enter treatment for an alcohol use disorder, it is common to feel apprehensive about the detox process. Unfortunately, too many people who are in need of treatment shy away from it due to the fear of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It is important to overcome this concern, knowing that a quality detox program will have in place all necessary interventions to make the detox as comfortable as possible. In addition to providing physical comfort and relief from symptoms, the detox professionals also provide psychological support to help each client successfully complete the detox stage of recovery.

After detox is behind them, the client will then begin the actual addiction treatment program. Alcohol use disorders are best treated using a variety of interventions that work in tandem together. These treatment elements often include:

  • Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and contingency management are evidence-based therapies that have demonstrated success in treating addiction
  • Group therapy. Participating in small group counseling sessions can be a source of peer support and encouragement, as fellow clients in recovery share their own experiences and struggles
  • Medication-assisted treatment. Naltrexone has been shown to help someone in the early months of alcohol addiction recovery by reducing alcohol cravings
  • Addiction education and relapse prevention planning. Gaining an understanding of how alcohol impacts the brain and leads to chemical dependency is essential in helping to deter relapse. Making a thorough relapse prevention plan is critical in identifying potential triggers and making a plan to manage them
  • 12-step or other recovery meetings. Social support is an intrinsic component in recovery, so active participation in a recovery community is a useful element in the treatment
  • Other therapies that complement psychotherapy. These might include experiential activities such as yoga classes, meditation, journaling, art therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture.

Golf Drug Rehab Will Guide You Through Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal

Golf Drug Rehab is an elite alcohol and drug rehabilitation program in Southern California. Situated in a spectacular coastal community, this luxury rehab offers the highest caliber detox team and treatment specialists for individuals with an alcohol use disorder. The rehab program begins with detox and is followed by multi-layered therapeutic interventions featuring the most up-to-date addiction treatment methods. As part of the rehab programming, our clients will enjoy some recreational therapy with access to three outstanding local golf courses. For more information about this premier treatment program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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Naltrexone Implant

Naltrexone for Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal

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For some in recovery for alcoholism the effort to stay sober is akin to swimming upstream, using every fiber of your being to work against the strong current that threatens to pull you right back downstream into drinking.  Someone with a long history of heavy alcohol consumption, who has become chemically dependent on it, may struggle, and fail over and over again to remain abstinent.

The drug, naltrexone, under the brand names Revia or Vivitrol, is the most promising development in alcohol addiction treatment in recent years.  Although first developed in the 1960s, naltrexone was eventually FDA cleared to treat alcoholism in 1995.  Clinical trials demonstrated that this drug was well-tolerated with few, if any, adverse side effects, and has been successful in helping motivated individuals remain sober.

Naltrexone Alcohol Detox Uses

Naltrexone is a non-narcotic medication that can be used in conjunction with therapy and other sources of support to achieve a life of sobriety.  Clients who have repeatedly relapsed and who have a moderate to severe alcohol dependency are the ideal candidates for naltrexone therapy.  Clinical studies have repeatedly shown that naltrexone can be highly effective in recovery from alcoholism.  Raymond F. Anton, M.D., in a published article entitled Naltrexone for the Management of Alcohol Dependence in the July 2008 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine states, “Typically, the studies have shown that oral naltrexone was superior to placebo in preventing relapse to heavy drinking after an initial abstinence period and in increasing the percentage of abstinence days.” Naltrexone works by attaching to the opiate receptors in the brain, blocking them from receiving any effect from alcohol.  With the opiate receptors blocked, the client experiences fewer cravings for alcohol, making it easier to avoid relapse in recovery.

How Does Naltrexone Work for Alcohol Addiction Recovery

No one but an alcohol dependent person can even attempt to explain the persistent drive to consume alcohol that plagues them on a daily basis.  Once the brain has been remapped to accommodate the constant infusion of alcohol into the system, it etches a reward pathway that is very difficult to overcome.  Even when alcohol becomes merely a medicinal substance that prevents them from experiencing the highly uncomfortable withdrawals that will ensue, they still desire it.

Naltrexone helps to break that connection between the substance (alcohol) and the desire to imbibe.  Overcoming this compulsion to drink can be accomplished over a period of months of naltrexone use, as the brain’s opioid receptors are blocked resulting in decreased cravings.  If the individual does drink while on naltrexone, they will not experience the high they remember, leading to a reduced desire to drink at all.

Alcoholism Treatment and Aftercare

Professional treatment for alcohol dependence should be a multi-disciplinary program that integrates therapy, 12-step participation, and naltrexone for qualified candidates.  This three-part approach to treating alcoholism, combined with a highly motivated individual, can be very effective in breaking free from the addiction.  Here is how the treatment elements work together:

  • This mainstay component of addiction treatment functions in several ways.  As the term indicates, psychotherapy is the interaction between a therapist or counselor and the client that addresses psychological concerns that may be related to the addictive behaviors.  Resolving these issues, including life traumas, a mental health condition, a suppressed emotional pain revolving around a relationship, death of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, or any such difficulty, is imperative during addiction treatment.  The psychological damage that these events may have caused can be contributing to the compulsive alcohol abuse.

Psychotherapy can take many forms, including private meetings with the therapist and group therapy.  An evidence-based therapy that has been proven to be effective in addiction treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  CBT addresses the knee-jerk behavioral response the client may experience to a stressful event or trigger that resulted in drinking and helps them to find new healthy solutions and responses.  New coping skills are taught in therapy, as well as stress reducing techniques.

  • Non 12 or 12-step support groups. Peer recovery groups have been shown to be an important resource for clients, especially in the first year or two of recovery.  The meetings provide a safe and supportive venue for sharing, learning, and gaining resolve when it is fading.  A sponsor can help the client by providing a backstop resource at times of weakness.  Both the sponsor and the peer group provide a sense of accountability, where the client feels beholden to practice (work) the steps and become stronger over time.
  • Naltrexone therapy. Cravings are reduced or eliminated, and if the client slips up they will not experience the pleasurable high they had anticipated.  Over time, the client will lose the desire to drink.
  • Treatment does not end when the discharge papers are handed to the client.  Recovery from alcohol addiction is an ongoing process, therefore aftercare planning is important to the overall outcome.  Aftercare measures can include living in sober housing for several months while the newfound sober lifestyle takes root, continuing to participate in 12-step recovery meetings, and attending weekly therapy sessions.

Golf Drug Rehab Utilizes Naltrexone Implant Alcohol Method

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury alcohol and drug addiction treatment rehab situated in the seaside community of Dana Point, California.  Golf drug Rehab utilizes the naltrexone pellet as part of its alcohol treatment program, combining it with detox, addiction therapy, and recovery group meetings.  Golf Drug Rehab features recreational therapy in the form of three stellar local golf courses for our clients to enjoy.  For more information, please contact Golf Drug Rehab at (877) 958-5320

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orange county detox

Drug and Alcohol Detox Orange County California

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You hear about hitting bottom.  In fact, you might even believe that your bottom is now, that this is the time to get some help.  Maybe your job is in jeopardy or your marriage.  Maybe your finances have taken a beating due to drug use.  Or maybe you recognize signs of deteriorating health.  Each person who reaches the point when they can no longer deny the addiction problem arrives at it in his or her own way and on their own unique timetable.

Reaching out for help is a difficult step for many to take.  How much easier it is to continue to deny that you have a problem with a substance, anything but having to face down the detox and withdrawal process, right?  But the reality is that detox is nothing compared to the extensive damage to your career, family, and even your life if you take no action.  Detox, and then subsequent treatment, is a small sacrifice to make for the greater good of your life, and those in your sphere.

Understanding what detox is can help allay many of the misconceptions and fears regarding the process of detoxification.  At a drug and alcohol detox in Orange County, California, you will be aided every step of the way, from beginning to end.  Trained detox nurses and addiction specialists team up to monitor the withdrawal symptoms, ushering you safely to the other side.

Signs of Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Many people rely on the assistance of pills or alcohol to buffer the effects of stress or emotional distress in their life.  Americans routinely access medication for reducing anxiety or assisting with sleep disorders.  Alcohol is commonly used to promote relaxation and provide an escape, at least temporarily, from feelings of depression, PTSD, or any other mental health issues.  Adults can safely use these substances for helping them cope with the small bumps in the road of life.  Substances used judiciously for a limited period of time don’t typically become problematic.  But when the substance becomes central in someone’s life, using excessive quantities for prolonged periods, that trouble with addiction can ensue.

Here are some common signs of addiction that should not be ignored:

  • Obsessing over obtaining the substance, having enough on hand
  • Neglecting obligations, such as family or work responsibilities
  • The decline in work or academic performance
  • Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits
  • Secretive behavior, hiding the substance and the substance abuse from loved ones
  • Change of appearance, losing interest in grooming and hygiene
  • Loss of control, using increasingly higher quantities of the substance as tolerance builds
  • Mood swings
  • Problems in relationships, such as becoming distant, uncommunicative, argumentative, angry and irritable, and neglecting the partner
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back or stop
  • Continuing to use substances despite the increasingly negative consequences

Addiction is a highly prevalent behavioral health disorder that impacted over 21 million Americans in 2014, according to statistics provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Alliance.  Of the 21.5 million, which represents about 8% of the US population aged 12 and older, who are impacted by a substance use disorder, 17 million have an alcohol use disorder.

What to Expect in a Drug or Alcohol Detox Orange County California?

Once the initial assessment process is completed, during which the severity of the substance use disorder is determined, the individual begins the detox phase of addiction recovery.  Detox is the first, not the last, step in recovery.  Detoxification is the process by which the body expels the toxins and chemicals that have built up in body tissues over time.  Detox and withdrawal is necessary in order for the individual to be fully present and focused for the active treatment phase that follows.

During the days that the body is ridding itself of the substance, the individual will experience physical and psychological discomforts.  In fact, anticipating these discomforts creates a significant barrier to entering treatment in the first place.  But detox should be kept in perspective.  It is unpleasant, there is no arguing that.  However, those few short days of experiencing the effects of withdrawal are the gateway to a whole new life in recovery, and well worth the suffering.

During the detox, there will be trained professionals monitoring your progress and symptoms for up to a week.  This provides the necessary oversight in the event withdrawal symptoms escalates into an emergency.  The role of the detox team is to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms as much as possible using medications and to also offer emotional support through the process.

Why is a Detox Better than Detoxing On Your Own?

The detox and withdrawal process can present some health risks, depending on the substance of abuse.  An alcohol detox in Orange County, California is especially important, as unforeseen complications can emerge, such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTS), a potentially life-threatening condition.  Other substances, such as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium, of the benzodiazepine family of sedatives, can also present serious health concerns during detox and should only be detoxed under supervision.

Aside from the physical health risks that can emerge in detox, psychological withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that the individual simply gives up altogether, returning to drug or alcohol use.  These psychological symptoms can include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Severe mood swings
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Psychosis
  • Powerful cravings

Psychiatric professionals can provide medication and counseling to assist with these symptoms.

Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of certain drugs to help block the effects of the substance and reduce cravings and relapse.  These drugs can be useful in the early phase of recovery for certain individuals and may be initiated toward the end of the detox phase after the substance is out of the system.  These drugs include buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone, and may be prescribed for up to a year.

Golf Drug Rehab Provides Drug and Alcohol Detox Orange County California

Golf Drug Rehab is a luxury addiction treatment program located in the beach community of California.  With a top-notch clinical team of therapists and addiction specialists, Golf Drug Rehab specializes in executive detox and addiction treatment.  The busy professional benefits from this program where detox and treatment accommodate the executive who needs to address their substance use disorder while in the most upscale, comfortable surroundings available.  With three beautiful golf courses available to clients, rehab can include both treatment and recreational enjoyment.  For more information about our short-term executive treatment program, please call Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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alcohol treatment programs

Executive Golf Two Week Alcohol Treatment Programs

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High-level executives encounter excessive levels of stress on a daily, hourly basis.  Chronic exposure to high stress can often result in the use of alcohol as a means of relieving the pressures of the job.  Eventually, this daily habit of self-medicating with alcohol can develop into addiction or dependence, becoming a threat to health, career, and family.  Addressing an alcohol use disorder at the earliest point offers the best chances of a sustained recovery, but treating alcoholism at any stage of the disease will offer hope of living a fulfilling life of sobriety.

The biggest challenge for a busy executive, however, is carving out the extended period of time needed to get the treatment needed.  For this reason, some programs now offer an inpatient two-week treatment program that can expedite the process while also providing the tools needed to remain engaged at the office.  Better yet, these two-week plans may design a treatment program that includes golf or other extracurricular activities to help pass the time.

About Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disease that impacts brain chemistry and the nervous system.  It can sneak up on someone with little warning as tolerance to the substance increases and one begins to drink more heavily in order to achieve the relaxation response they enjoyed when first using alcohol.  Alcoholism should be taken seriously, as without detoxification and treatment, in addition to ongoing continuing care efforts, it could be deadly.

What may begin as a couple of drinks in the evening following a hectic day at the office can morph over time into a need to imbibe first thing in the morning and then throughout the day.  Once the body has become accustomed to the daily dosage of alcohol it will rebel when alcohol is withheld, initiating withdrawal symptoms that send you right back to the alcohol.  The symptoms of alcohol addiction or dependence might include the following:

  • Unable to stop drinking once started
  • Being able to drink more and more alcohol
  • Blacking out, having no memory of actions or conversations
  • Lying about your level of drinking
  • Hiding alcohol from loved ones
  • Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
  • Relationship troubles related to the excessive drinking
  • Trying to stop drinking but can’t
  • Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop, include tremors, profuse sweating, nausea, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and more.

What to Expect at an Inpatient Two Week Alcohol Treatment Program?

The individual who has reached the high ranks in their profession is someone who is driven and very busy.  These executives may be aware of their alcohol problem but can’t fathom how they could go into a month long (or longer) rehab program with so many responsibilities that need to be addressed on a daily basis.

An inpatient two week alcohol treatment program condenses the usual 30-day program down to 14 days, accommodating the busy life of an executive while still providing high quality treatment for alcoholism.  Treatment will begin with detox and withdrawal and then segue into psychotherapy, both individual and group sessions, alcohol addiction education, relapse prevention planning and techniques, and participation in a recovery support group.  Most executive rehabs also provide other holistic or adjunct therapies that augment the program.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers Executive Golf Two Week Alcohol Treatment Programs

Golf Drug Rehab is a premier two week alcohol treatment program in coastal California that cater to executives who happen to love golf.  This truncated program allows the busy executive to receive the needed help for an alcohol use disorder over a two-week period while enjoying golf as a recreational diversion with three beautiful local courses to choose from.

Golf Drug Rehab provides the necessary technological tools at the executive’s disposal so they can remain in communication with staff during their stay in rehab.  Golf Drug Rehab features high-end accommodations and amenities as well as highly trained clinical staff who will guide the individual toward lifelong recovery.  For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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7 Day Drug Detox program

7 Day Drug Detox

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A common trait among successful executives is their ability to quantify actionable steps towards achieving a business goal.  In that same way, looking at getting help for an alcohol or drug problem a busy professional can best process it in chunks. A defined time commitment, such as completing the detoxification phase of recovery in the 7 day drug detox time period, is something an executive can get their arms around.

When someone who is accustomed to a certain amount of control of their busy worlds suddenly realizes they need help with an addiction, they may choose to avoid rehab at all costs.  To be in a vulnerable state without a sense of control is not a familiar emotional condition for these successful people. When seeking out the 7 day drug detox program they will be looking for expediency and expertise in equal amounts.

What is the 7-Day Drug Detox?

When it is time to tackle a drug addiction or dependency, the first step to accomplish is the detoxification phase of treatment.  Detox is the process of cleansing the body of all the toxins and chemicals produced by the drug of abuse. While an uncomfortable process, the detox phase is necessary.  Addiction treatment requires that the individual is clear-headed and no longer under the influence of drugs or alcohol in order to fully participate in the various treatment elements.

The 7 day drug detox is exactly that. Using a 7 day timeline, the detox will begin by first evaluating and then stabilizing the individual in preparation for the detox and withdrawal process.  In most cases, withdrawal symptoms emerge within 8 hours of the last dosing of the drug and will vary in intensity depending on the severity of the addiction and other factors.  Usually, withdrawal symptoms peak during days 2 and 3 and then begin to slowly subside through day 7.

What Makes an Executive Detox Different?

One of the biggest hurdles for beginning treatment for a drug or alcohol problem is the time needed to devote to it.  An executive program understands how time is of premium importance, so the treatment schedule is tight and well-orchestrated.  No one understands the importance of time management better than a successful professional, so an executive rehab program is expected to be well-managed, safe, and effective.

Another deterrent to getting addiction treatment is the fear of indiscretion.  An executive program should offer extreme measures to assure total confidentiality and privacy at all times.  In addition, an executive program will build in certain technological provisions so the executive has the means to communicate with staff as needed.

How Are Withdrawal Symptoms Managed?

A detox is the safest form of undergoing the detoxification process.  Sometimes, depending on the drug of abuse, the withdrawal symptoms can become unpredictable—even dangerous.  A monitored executive detox program will provide trained detox personnel to oversee the process and monitor all changes.

As the detox proceeds, the detox nursing staff will provide the necessary medications to minimize the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.  In most cases, the bulk of the withdrawal symptoms can be successfully managed as the body rids itself of all residual signs of the drug. Depending on the drug of abuse, certain medications, such as naltrexone or buprenorphine, can assist in reducing cravings, which is one of the most difficult withdrawal symptoms to endure.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers the 7 Day Drug Detox for Executives

Golf Drug Rehab is a top-tier addiction treatment program located in the gorgeous coastal setting of Dana Point, California.  With a state-of-the-art 7-day drug detox program designed for the busy professional, Golf Drug Rehab provides the highest level of detox available.  For the active treatment phase of recovery, Golf Drug Rehab offers a trio of award winning golf courses as a recreational diversion that actually aids in the recovery process when combined with expert clinical therapy and a custom tailored treatment plan.  For more information about the executive detox and treatment programs, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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short term alcohol rehab

Short Term Alcohol Detox Luxury Rehab

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Most executives understand the benefits of expediency.  Time is money, as they say, so completing tasks or projects in a timely manner is beneficial to the bottom line.  Well, a similar case can be made for rehab.  Busy professionals may find it difficult to commit to a long term rehab when treatment is needed for a problem with alcohol, so without any alternatives, many would not get help for an alcohol use disorder. Thankfully, now there are short-term alcohol detox and rehab programs that blend expediency with effective results.

What is a Short Term Alcohol Detox and Rehab?

When seeking treatment for an alcohol addiction there are several rehab options available.  These range in treatment intensity, from an outpatient program to a long term residential program.  Somewhere in the middle exists the short-term inpatient addiction treatment programs that basically condense the therapeutic process into a shorter time commitment.

The short-term rehab uses the same basic treatment elements as a longer term program, just for fewer days. By condensing the treatment plan to two weeks, the client is able to more easily fit this important therapy into their busy schedule.  During treatment the executive will engage in the following therapeutic activities:

  • Monitored detox and withdrawal
  • Participation in individual therapy sessions
  • Participation in group therapy sessions
  • Participation in a 12-step recovery program
  • Attending classes that instruct clients on how to avoid relapse

Benefits of a Short Term Alcohol Detox Luxury Rehab

A luxury short term rehab has all the bells and whistles that a high-powered professional is accustomed to.  Luxury rehab programs are usually located in geographically desirable settings that are attractive to someone with discerning tastes.  These might include beach or coastal communities, mountain resorts, lakeside settings, or desert resort areas.  Beautiful surroundings enhance the rehab experience, especially when outdoor activities are offered in the program.

A short term rehab stint can achieve detoxification goals and still provide important psychotherapy sessions that guide the client toward acquiring new healthy habits and coping skills.  This provides the client with the tools to respond to stress or triggers to drink with appropriate responses.  Short term programs are not for everyone.  Someone with a long history of high alcohol consumption would be better served in a longer term rehab program.

Continued Care Following a Short Term Alcohol Detox and Rehab Program

Once the two week rehab has been completed, a continuing care plan will be needed. In order to solidify recovery moving forward, the client should make plans for continued care options following the two-week program.  These would entail outpatient sessions that offer important support in early recovery, and many offer evening or video therapy sessions to accommodate the busy executive.

Another aspect of continued care is ongoing involvement in a 12-step or non 12 step rehab.  These recovery programs offer important social support and are available in every metropolitan area multiple times a day.  This peer support can help someone new in recovery by providing a sense of accountability to the group, as well as a sponsor who can help them in times when relapse threatens to undermine recovery.

Golf Drug Rehab Offers High Quality Short Term Alcohol Treatment

Golf Drug Rehab offers a superb rehab program in a coastal community in California.  Golf Drug Rehab has a two-week accelerated alcohol rehab program that provides busy professionals a faster recovery timeline.  In addition to the exquisite accommodations and amenities, Golf Drug Rehab boasts highly skilled experts in the field of addiction recovery, as well as access to three amazing golf courses to help pass the time in treatment.  For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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