long term effects of cocaine use

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

Cocaine use often starts off as an innocent party drug to ramp up energy, mood, and confidence. But because it is so addicting, cocaine use can quickly turn on you. In fact, cocaine abuse and addiction can be devastating, causing your health and your life to crash and burn. Let’s delve into the long-term effects of cocaine use.

How Cocaine Affects the Brain

Cocaine use affects the brain’s reward system via the drug’s dopamine effects. The desired effects include more energy, heightened focus, euphoria, less need to sleep, and a boost in confidence. The brain records these as pleasant effects that should be repeated, which sets the table for addiction.

With continued cocaine use, the brain starts to adapt to the dopamine. This can result in the brain’s reward pathways becoming less receptive to natural sources of pleasure. The person will start to choose cocaine over past sources of pleasure, such as relationships, food, or sex. Only the cocaine provides them pleasure at this point.

What is Cocaine Sensitization?

While the brain is no longer able to receive pleasure from the prior sources, something else is occurring. Chronic cocaine abuse leads to something called sensitization. This means that the drug begins to turn on the person by causing ill effects.

Examples of these might include anxiety, low mood, stress, restlessness, and panic attacks. During the early days of cocaine use, it may have taken a high dosage to start feeling these adverse effects. Later in the addiction, these negative symptoms will emerge with less and less cocaine needed to trigger them.

How Cocaine is Used

Cocaine is a white powdery stimulant with origins from the coca plant. There are three main delivery methods for using cocaine. These include:

  • Snorting cocaine. The person creates “lines” of coke on a surface and then inhales or snorts the powder directly into the nose.
  • Smoking crack cocaine. Crack is a crystal pellet that is smoked through a glass pipe and the vapor then inhaled into the lungs.
  • Injection. The powdered cocaine is dissolved in water and then injected into the bloodstream.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

When cocaine is consumed over a period of weeks or months, tolerance begins to increase. This causes the person to use more and more of the drug to get the desired effect. Withdrawal symptoms that emerge when the drug wears off are signs of cocaine dependence.

Some signs of cocaine addiction include:

  • Frequent mood swings.
  • Decline in work performance.
  • Exhaustion
  • Weight loss.
  • Muscle tics.
  • Cocaine cravings.
  • Insomnia
  • Risky behaviors.
  • Nosebleeds
  • Money problems.
  • Mental health symptoms, like anxiety, paranoia, or depression.

About Cocaine-Induced Psychosis

One of the effects of cocaine abuse is cocaine-induced psychosis. This refers to a mental state that develops while someone is under the influence of cocaine. This can be spurred by bingeing on cocaine and possibly causing a dopamine imbalance. While the psychosis is transient and will subside within a day or two after cocaine use, in some cases, it may linger.

Symptoms of cocaine-induced psychosis include:

  • Loss of touch with reality.
  • Extreme paranoia.
  • Auditory hallucinations.
  • Visual hallucinations.
  • Tactile hallucinations.
  • Delusions
  • Agitation

Heavy cocaine use can disrupt brain functioning and trigger a state of psychosis.

Long-term Health Effects of Cocaine Use

The long-term effects of cocaine abuse are extensive and diverse. Cocaine use affects both physical and psychological health. Consider some of the long-term health effects of cocaine abuse:

Related to how the cocaine is administered:

  • Chronic nosebleeds.
  • Loss of smell.
  • Damage to the nasal septum.
  • Lung damage (crack).
  • Higher risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis (injection).

Organ damage:

  • Damage to the gut.
  • Severe weight loss.
  • Malnourishment
  • Heart damage
  • Myocarditis
  • Aortic rupture.

Neurological damage:

  • Parkinson’s disease.
  • Bleeding in the brain.
  • Memory problems.
  • Increased risk of stroke.
  • Increased risk of seizure.
  • Diminished motor skills.
  • Reduced impulse control.

How to Break Free From Cocaine

When you are ready to stop using cocaine, you’ll need treatment for cocaine abuse or addiction. After you complete the intake interview and assessment, a custom treatment plan is created that includes these elements:

  • Detox. Cocaine recovery begins with a medical detox and withdrawal process. The detox team pays close attention to the withdrawal symptoms as they emerge, and offers treatments to reduce discomfort. Cocaine detox takes about one week.
  • Psychotherapy. Talk therapy sessions are at the center of addiction treatment. Using therapies like CBT or DBT, a therapist can help you make the needed changes in behaviors. For instance, your thoughts are telling you that you cannot enjoy an event or finish a project without cocaine. CBT shows you how to reshape that messaging. Instead of reaching for cocaine, you will go out for a run or catch a yoga class.
  • Group therapy. Group sessions provide a chance to discuss recovery topics with peers in recovery. An addiction counselor provides the group with topics and facilitates the chat.
  • Family therapy. Because addiction impacts the whole family, these sessions can provide guidance and healing for all family members. Family members are taught how to support their loved one while also protecting themselves via boundaries.
  • 12-step program. The 12-step program is often included in the rehab program and provides a roadmap for the recovery journey. After treatment is completed, they are encouraged to join a local N.A. or A.A. group for continued support.
  • Holistic methods. These are techniques that help reduce stress and induce a calm state of mind. These are very helpful both during rehab and throughout the recovery journey. They might include yoga, mindfulness, massage, and keeping a journal.
  • Classes. You are taught how cocaine affects the brain and leads to addiction. Also, you will learn new coping skills and form a relapse prevention plan.

Golf Drug Rehab Comprehensive Cocaine Addiction Recovery Program

Golf Drug Rehab can assist you in quitting cocaine once and for all. Our exclusive recovery program is designed for those who desire effective addiction treatment in a luxury setting. If you are concerned about the long-term effects of cocaine use, call us today at (877) 958-5320.

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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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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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private rooms rehab centers

Luxury Private Rooms Rehab Centers

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You may have reached the point where a substance use disorder is causing major disruption and destruction in your career, home life, relationships, and finances, rehab may be on the horizon. If you are considering getting treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction there are many options to be aware of. Treatment programs usually operate under a stated philosophy, carving out their own identity and niche in a very crowded industry. One of these niches is the luxury rehab center.

The luxury rehab segment of the treatment landscape tends to attract individuals who are accustomed to the finer things in life. They have reached a certain level of success in their professional life and tend to gravitate toward upscale accommodations and services in their private lives. For these affluent individuals, it is unthinkable to reside in a rehab environment that does not reach certain standards. Seeking luxury private rooms rehab centers that will cater to their expectations of excellence is a given.

About Luxury Rehabs

It is important to understand that, while it is wonderful to enjoy the posh surroundings of an upscale treatment center, the priority of the rehab should be squarely centered on the serious work of addiction treatment. A high quality luxury rehab will utilize research-based therapeutic interventions that have been shown to be effective in helping individuals overcome a drug or alcohol addiction. Going a step further, these high-end programs should emphasize individualized programming that aligns with the unique needs of each client.

Secondary to the evidence-based therapies are the premier amenities and accommodations offered at the rehab. Clients seeking luxury private rooms rehab centers are accustomed to deluxe accommodations and all that goes with them. Plush creature comforts, a scenic and tranquil setting, spa-like amenities, an executive chef, and housekeeping services are common in these premium rehab programs. The programs tend to be small and intimate, feeling a bit like a retreat from the busy lives the clients have stepped away from.

What to Expect at Luxury Private Rooms Rehab Centers

The treatment plan designed for each client will be unique and tailored specifically for the client based on the intake evaluation, history of addiction, type of substance of abuse, general health status, and whether there is a co-occurring mental health condition. For this reason, each client’s journey through the rehab experience will be unique to his treatment needs and recovery goals.

During a given day at a residential luxury rehab, the client can expect to see a full schedule of various therapies and activities that work in sync to bring about sustained change. For the better part of the day, the client will participate in meetings and therapy sessions, as well as adjunctive therapies and recreational activities.

Treatment elements may include:

  • Detox. A supervised detox by trained providers who will oversee and manage withdrawal symptoms using medications.
  • Individual psychotherapy. These one-on-one sessions allow the client to discuss past traumas, significant life events, and daily challenges with a licensed psychotherapist. Examining and healing from these issues is intrinsic to long-term recovery success.
  • Group therapy. Small groups gather to discuss personal stories, challenges, fears, and successes with a clinician leading the topics of discussion. These groups offer the peer support that is so beneficial during the treatment and recovery process.
  • Education. Classes that teach clients the bio-neurological mechanisms of addiction can help them understand how the addiction developed and deter them from returning to the substance. Relapse prevention strategizing is also part of the curriculum.
  • Adjunctive therapies. For clients with co-occurring trauma disorder, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) is helpful in incrementally exposing the client to the discussion of the trauma, which can reduce the impact of the trauma. Other activities that complement the traditional therapies include:
  • Yoga classes
  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Art therapy
  • Recreational therapy
  • Medication management. Some clients may benefit from naltrexone, with is a drug therapy to help reduce cravings and relapse. Individuals with a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety disorder, may benefit from antidepressants or other psychotropic medication.

Golf Drug Rehab is a Luxury Rehab Program in Southern California

Golf Drug Rehab is a high-end addiction rehabilitation program in coastal Orange County. Offering the finest accommodations, the most effective evidence-based treatment modalities, and recreational golf at three local golf courses, Golf Drug Rehab is perfectly suited for the well-heeled professional seeking a new life in recovery. Individuals who participate in the treatment program at Golf Drug Rehab find a well-managed, effective program that blends elements of luxury with the serious business of reshaping one’s behaviors and embracing a new sober lifestyle. For more information about luxury private rooms rehab centers, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320.

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Stress Leading to Drug Abuse

Stress Leading to Drug Abuse and Addiction

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Chronic stress is far too common a condition in the U.S. Stress caused by excessive demands on your time, heavy academic workloads, or job overload can lead to several psychological and physical symptoms that undermine overall wellness. As a maladaptive response to the unrelenting stress, some individuals turn to using drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating the uncomfortable symptoms that have resulted.

Stress leading to drug abuse is a serious problem in today’s culture. People today are accustomed to reaching for a pill or a substance of abuse to cure whatever ails them. It is no surprise that drug abuse related to high stress and anxiety symptoms is so prevalent today. Multiple sources of stress can become a heavy burden to bear, and finding relief through drugs, unfortunately, is an all too common remedy.

About Stress and Anxiety

Stress is rampant in our everyday lives. Some experience occasional stressful situations that resolve in a timely manner, while others are exposed to a constant influx of stress through their jobs, family life, or a combination of several sources of stress. Some of the effects of stress on the mind and body include:

  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Stomach conditions, such as ulcers, GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive worry
  • Mood swings
  • Frequent colds due to the compromised immune system
  • Irritability and impatience
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Depression

Some of these individuals may develop an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder is the most common mental health disorder, with an estimated 40 million adults affected by it according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Within the anxiety spectrum, there are several ways anxiety is manifested. These include:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Specific phobias
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Social anxiety

When stress levels are perpetually high, it is wise to seek professional therapy to learn ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This may help the individual avoid using drugs or alcohol as a means of coping.

How is Stress Leading to Drug Abuse?

Each individual has his or her own genetic composition. Some people are naturally better equipped to keep stress from overwhelming them, finding the means to induce a measured response to stressors. They may utilize coping skills throughout the day to help moderate the effects of stress at work or home.

Some people, however, do not possess the same genetic make-up to cope well with the intense demands of life. This can be due to past traumas that have compromised their response to everyday stress, or just personality traits that may be learned or inherited. Whatever the reason, these individuals may begin to misuse drugs in response to chronic stress. They may lean on drugs to battle insomnia, or to induce relaxation, such as benzodiazepines or marijuana, when symptoms become too intense.

All drugs that impact the central nervous system and the opioid receptors in the brain will eventually lose their initial affect. When that happens, it means the body has built up a tolerance to the drug, which leads the individual to increase the dosage to get that original result. When this pattern continues over a period of time, drug addiction or dependency can develop.

When Drug Abuse Becomes Addiction

When stress leading to drug abuse culminates in drug addiction, the individual will notice that the substance no longer produces the desired effects. Addiction can initiate several negative consequences in the person’s life, only making the original problems with stress or anxiety that much worse. Depending on the drug of abuse the adverse effects will vary, but in general drug addiction causes the following:

  • Taking higher and/or more frequent doses of the drug
  • Obsessed about the next dose, getting the drug, having enough of the drug on hand
  • Losing interest in the things once enjoyed
  • Secretive or deceptive behaviors
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Impaired ability to complete basic tasks at work or home
  • Personal hygiene is ignored
  • Continuing to use the drug even with mounting negative consequences
  • Lying about the drug use
  • Trying to quit the drug but can’t
  • Craving the drug
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop

Treatment for Drug Addiction

When addiction has resulted from attempts to self-medicate stress or anxiety, professional therapy and guidance can help change the addictive reflexive behaviors. After detox, treatment will involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help the individual identify the maladaptive responses to stressful situations and triggers, and replace those with healthy responses.

The rehab will also teach the individual how to better manage stress going forward. Teaching such techniques as mindfulness meditation, guided meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and journaling as important tools in a successful recovery.

Golf Drug Rehab is a Leading Southern California Recovery Program for Drug Addiction

Golf Drug Rehab provides a comprehensive approach to treating drug addiction related to stress. Stress leading to drug abuse and addiction can be effectively treated through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), recreational therapy, and relaxation tools. At Golf Drug Rehab our program combines these treatment elements with access to three outstanding local golf courses, introducing a unique multi-layered treatment approach that is both effective and enjoyable. For more information about the program, please contact Golf Drug Rehab today at (877) 958-5320

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