How to Improve Your Sleep While in Addiction Recovery

During your recovery from addiction, you may find that you are having trouble sleeping at night.

A lack of sleep can cause numerous problems for you including but not limited to, depression, development of false memory, irritability, headaches and mania. All of these effects can push you closer to a relapse.

For some, sleep problems may be occasional and just a minor annoyance, while others lie awake night after restless night, ending up exhausted, emotionally and physically, the next day. Sleep issues can be short-lived if it is caused by withdrawal from a drug, or long lasting if you are a recovering alcoholic. Alcoholics can suffer from insomnia or sleep-disordered breathing (such as sleep apnea) for weeks, months or sometimes years after becoming sober.

This article gives you a few tips to help you get to sleep.

Why You Are Having Trouble Sleeping

One of the reasons why people in early recovery have trouble sleeping is because of nutrient deficiencies that develop during active addiction.

Most people in active addiction are eating processed, and chemical-filled foods, and are not getting enough stage three sleep. Their bodies use all reserved resources to maintain the functioning of vital organs. Since all resources are being used, the brain is depleted of vital nutrients needed to function properly, which means that on top of all the other health issues caused by drugs and alcohol, the brain isn’t signaling for the proper release of melatonin—a hormone that tells the body it is time to sleep.

Another reason why those in withdrawal have trouble sleeping is because of the addictive substances themselves. For a person seeking treatment for an addiction to stimulant drugs (such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy), sleep will be affected until the drugs are no longer in the body.

So how do you fix this?

Regular Sleep Pattern

A regular sleep schedule may be exactly what you need. Just a few adjustments to your daily routine can help you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

Pick a bedtime and a wake-up time, making sure to stick to them as much as possible. That way, your body’s internal clock, also called a circadian rhythm (body clock) will get accustomed to a new bedtime, which will help you fall asleep better at night and wake up more easily each morning.

This won’t happen overnight. The most effective tactic is to make small changes slowly. If you’re trying to go to sleep at 10:00 pm, rather than midnight, for example, try this: For the first three or four nights, go to bed at 11:45 pm, and then go to bed at 11:30 pm for the next few days. Keep adjusting your sleep schedule like this. By working in 15-minute increments, your body will have an easier time adjusting.

Ritual

Creating a ritual for bedtime will help you in getting a better night’s sleep. Use the 30 minutes before you go to bed to do something that relaxes you, such as taking a warm bath, practicing meditation, listening to calming music, or reading a good book.

This ensures that you don’t forget anything important before bed like setting alarms and taking necessary medication. It will also “trick” your mind so that when you begin this ritual your mind will realize it is almost time to sleep. This will begin the biological process of your brain preparing your body for sleep.

Eating and Drinking

Watching what you eat or drink in the hours before bedtime is very important. If you’re hungry or too full, it will disrupt your sleep. It is important to get a healthy balance in your diet before sleep.

Eating a healthy, balanced snack can help you relax and sleep, overeating and eating certain foods before turning in can cause numerous problems. It can lead to heartburn which will inevitably keep you awake and it can lead to insomnia.

However, your best bet may be an evening snack containing carbohydrates and protein, such as cereal and milk. These foods promote calmness leading to an easier and healthier night’s sleep. Learning more about the foods that aid your sleep will help you fall asleep faster and sleep better.

Exercise

Get some exercise every day. Commit to a regular exercise routine, this can be as simple as a brisk daily walk, you’re likely to get to sleep faster and sleep more soundly. Ensuring you tire yourself out through the day will ensure a sounder sleep.

However, make sure to avoid vigorous exercise just before bedtime, as you might end up feeling too energized. You may believe that exercising will tire you out for bed, this is true earlier in the day, but if done too late the adrenaline from exercising will have the opposite effect.

On the other hand, relaxing exercise like gentle yoga poses before bed can help initiate a more restful night due to its meditative like nature.

Light & Sound

Eliminate light and sound as much as possible. Outside traffic can be distracting, as can the ticking of a clock, appliance noises, alerts of email or text messages on your phone and more. All of these sounds can keep you awake.

Additionally, make sure to turn off computers and laptops and don’t have your cell phone in the bedroom, even if it’s charging. The lights and notifications from these devices can have huge effects on your sleeping patterns.

Consider using blackout curtains, eyeshades, earplugs, “white noise” machines, humidifiers, fans and other devices that create a dark, quiet space that’s ideal for sound sleeping.

When you are struggling with drug addiction and withdrawal symptoms you need all the mental strength and support you can get. A good night of sleep can go a long way in ensuring your mind and body recover properly. Implementing the tips in this article will give you the tools you need to get a great night of sleep.

The post How to Improve Your Sleep While in Addiction Recovery appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia.

Compare Individual and Group Therapy

As time goes on more and more people are getting into therapy to make themselves a better person. If this is something you’ve considered yourself you may be wondering which is better for you; group therapy or individual therapy?

 

What are the benefits of Group Therapy?

Group therapy can be very rewarding, as it’s the first opportunity many patients have to be in a relationship.

In group therapy, you can share your experiences and see that you are not alone in whatever you may be struggling with in life. This is also a time where you can practice honesty and humility.

Similar to individual counseling, which we will cover shortly, it may take time to open up about your struggles, but once you do, the freedom is invaluable and can help you in a large number of ways.

 

What are the benefits of Individual Therapy?

With individual therapy, the focus is on yourself.

You don’t have to share time with anyone else, and the environment is completely safe and confidential. There are a number of things you can accomplish during your sessions such as identifying problems, acknowledging feelings, working through challenges and establishing goals.

Some people may need a lot of time to break through their personal barrier while others may open up right away. The quicker you let down your guard and work through your feelings, the faster you will succeed in individual therapy.

With this setting being highly personal, you may find it more rewarding in the beginning of your journey. You may not feel ready to open up in front of a group of strangers, especially if you are still learning about yourself.

Through your one-on-one interactions with a therapist, you will become more confident about your strengths and moving toward the person you want to become.

 

Should you do group & individual therapy at the same time?

The answer to the question, “Which is better: group or individual therapy?” is actually relatively straightforward: “Neither.” Both have advantages and disadvantages that are suited for specific types of individuals and for specific problems.

In general, the research finds that both group therapy and individual therapy are relatively equivalent in their effectiveness in addressing a large number of issues. Thus, there is no real answer to the question of which is better.

This is an individual choice that can be made by you after trying both types of therapy and then decide which is best.

The best-case scenario is to try and get involved in both types of therapy at the same time.

Nonetheless, both formats of therapy have advantages and disadvantages. Deciding on which one to engage in is a personal choice that depends on your personal issues, goals, and the types of therapists/groups that are available.

 

How to get the most of Group Therapy

If you chose to engage in group therapy there are several tips to help you to get the most out of your sessions.

Here is a list of great tips for getting the most out of group therapy:

• Group therapy is a non-judgmental space where judgment, criticism and blame have no place. If you have advice for one of the group members, then offer it in a friendly way. Members should treat each other with respect and encourage and support each other.

 

• One tip for getting the most out of group therapy is to be yourself. Don’t join the group with a preconceived idea of what you think you are supposed to be. Just be yourself, as you are at this time in your life. Be yourself and ask questions about the things that are concerning you.

 

• Ground rules for group therapy also involves giving and receiving feedback. The purpose of feedback is to help identify patterns of unrecognized attitudes, inconsistencies and personal presentation.

 

• Take time to speak about yourself, even if you think that other members have more pressing issues than you. You are all there to be helped and no one is more important than another.

 

• Tips for getting the most out of group therapy also include thinking first before you give advice. Most of us have knee-jerk reactions that may not be based on fact. Take the time to assess your response before offering advice, solutions and suggestions.

 

• One of the most important tips for getting the most out of group therapy is for all members to offer empathy, validation and acceptance to each other. Be a good listener and show other members that you care about them.

 

How to get the most out of Individual Therapy

If you decide individual therapy is the route you would rather take here are a few little tips to help you to get the most out of one on one therapy.

• Find the right therapist for you.

Just like your problems, a psychologist’s methods are unique too. They all follow the basic structure and are highly educated, but perhaps their personality doesn’t mesh with you or their counseling style puts you on edge.

It might take a little time, but finding the one for you will make all the difference.

• Be prepared to talk.

While many of the issues that you need to talk about are sensitive, you need to open up. Psychologists have been specially trained to help you move through your issues and if you don’t express yourself, they can’t help you. Just like if you don’t tell your general practitioner your symptoms, they won’t be able to diagnose you.

• Take their advice seriously.

Once you’ve spoken to your counselor and they have told you what you should do next it is highly advisable to pay attention to what they say.

If at any time you think that something won’t help, tell them. Maybe they misunderstood you or maybe you just don’t feel ready. You will have to step out of your comfort zone, but they don’t want to push you so far that it’s no longer beneficial. If you start feeling uncomfortable, communicate clearly with them and they will find an alternative for you.

 

Summary

Ultimately, like many things involving therapy, the choice of if and how you are treated is down to yourself.

A combination of group therapy and individual therapy is the best course of action to move past your issues but always make sure you follow the treatment plan your doctor and therapist gives you.

The post Compare Individual and Group Therapy appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia.

What is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa Korth, otherwise known as Kratom, is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia in the Indochina and Malaysia phytochoria (botanical regions).

1. speciosa is indigenous to Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea where it has been used in traditional medicine since at least the 19th century. The Kratom leaves have some opioid- and stimulant-like properties.

Kratom was first formally described by the Dutch colonial botanist Pieter Korthals in 1839, who named it as such; it was renamed and reclassified several times before George Darby Haviland provided the final name and classification in 1859.

The leaf is usually chewed, but since its adoption in Europe, Kratom has taken many other forms. It is now possible to buy dried leaves, powder, tinctures, resin, enhanced leaves, and there is also rumor that somebody has managed to create a form of Kratom suitable for intravenous injection.

 

What is Kratom used for?

Traditionally Kratom leaves have been used as a medicine; as a treatment for diarrhea, as an analgesic and as a way to treat addiction to opiates. It is also occasionally used by Thai agricultural workers, who take advantage of its properties as a stimulant at low doses, thus enabling them to work long, backbreaking hours in the fields.

Main reasons people have used Kratom include:

• analgesic pain relief
• anti diarrhea properties
• mild stimulant for manual labor
• opiate addiction treatment

In 1836, Kratom was reported to be used as an opium substitute in Malaysia.

Kratom was also used as an opium substitute in Thailand in the 19th century.

Data on how often it is used worldwide are lacking as it is not detected by typical drug screening tests. Rates of Kratom use appears to be increasing among those who have been self-managing chronic pain with opioids purchased without a prescription and are cycling (but not quitting) their use.

 

Health Risks of Kratom

Short-Term Effects of Kratom

Because of the unique mix of chemicals in Kratom, the short-term effects of the drug are complex and variable. The balance between stimulant-like and opiate-like effects depends on the dose taken.

At a low dose (1-5 g) of Kratom, stimulant-like effects predominate. These are felt within 10 minutes and can last for 60 to 90 minutes. While reports by Kratom users indicate that most people find these effects pleasant, some users experience an uncomfortable sense of anxiety and agitation. The primary stimulant-like effects of Kratom are similar to amphetamine, though less intense.

At a moderate to high dose (5-15 g) of Kratom they can have primarily opioid-like effects that last for several hours. The euphoric “high” induced by Kratom is reportedly less intense than other opioid drugs, and some users describe the experience as unpleasant, or dysphoric.

Doses of Kratom greater than 15 g have effects similar to high doses of opioids, including extreme sedation and a loss of consciousness in some cases.

 

Long Term Effects

Judging by research done on chronic, high-dose Kratom users in Thailand, there are several unusual long-term effects of this drug such as:

• Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of facial skin.
• Anorexia and weight loss.
• Psychosis.

 

What are Kratom withdrawal symptoms?

In one study, more than 50% of people who used the drug regularly for at least 6 months developed a Kratom dependency. Dependent users of Kratom suffer physical withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opiates if they stop taking it suddenly.

More than half of the regular users developed severe Kratom dependence problems, while 45% showed a moderate Kratom dependence. Physical withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced include muscle spasms and pain, sleeping difficulty, watery eyes/nose, hot flashes, fever, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. Psychological withdrawal symptoms commonly reported were restlessness, tension, anger, sadness, and nervousness.

 

3 reasons to quit

It goes without saying that quitting should be high on any users priority list to improve their quality of life. Using Kratom can damage your life in many ways and below is just a few of the ways quitting will help you and those around you.

• You’ll be healthier.

There’s not a drug out there without some harmful effects as all drugs are basically poisons. The exact effects vary by drug. The heavy use of many drugs or alcohol leads to extreme weight loss and malnutrition that can affect one’s ability to resist illness.

• You will be more likely to keep a good job.

One of the typical signs of the slide into addiction is lost jobs. It’s very common for a person using drugs to blame others for this setback but normally, it’s because the person stopped performing as well on the job. There were probably more sick days taken, projects were not taken to completion, mistakes were made, customers were neglected and co-workers were alienated. The end result: No more job.

Without spending your money on Kratom your finances should increase. Not only will you be working and not wasting your money but you will be making better decisions.

• You can preserve your relationships.

If one’s spouse or family members are not drug users, it is common for the relationships to be seriously damaged, or to be ended when the other person won’t tolerate the drug use anymore. If those around you are using drugs with you, then any children may be taken away. All your lives could take the same downward spiral together.

People will definitely like you better when you are not using Kratom. Many opiates can cause panic attacks and personality changes. You may not like the person you see in the mirror once you achieve clarity.

Summary

In conclusion a drug user typically ends up one of three ways. Either jail for doing things to support their habit, dead from a drug related problem or overdose, or a life of recovery. Quit Kratom and live a better life today.

The post What is Kratom? appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is used to treat narcotic (opiate) addiction in patients. It contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone which causes relief from withdrawal symptoms.

Buprenorphine is an opioid medication which was approved for medical use in the United States in 1981 and is sometimes called a narcotic and is a semi synthetic derivative of thebaine.

Its primary uses in medicine are in the treatment of those addicted to opioids, such as heroin and oxycodone, but it may also be used to treat pain, and sometimes nausea in antiemetic intolerant individuals, most often in transdermal patch form.

Naloxone on the other hand, blocks the effects of opioid medication, including pain relief or feelings of well-being that can lead to opioid abuse. When given intravenously, naloxone works within two minutes, and when injected into a muscle, it works within five minutes; it may also be sprayed into the nose. The effects of naloxone last about half an hour to an hour. Multiple doses may be required, as the duration of action of most opioids is greater than that of naloxone.

Administration to opioid-dependent individuals may cause symptoms of opioid withdrawal, including restlessness, agitation, nausea, vomiting, a fast heart rate, and sweating. To prevent this, small doses every few minutes can be given until the desired effect is reached.

Suboxone Brands

When looking at suboxone there are three major brands that are most popular. These are Probuphine, Butrans, Belbuca and Buprenex. Below we look at each brand in detail:

Probuphine

This is possibly one of the most efficient and forward-thinking brands of Suboxone.

Probuphine implants are available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

A Probuphine implant is a 1-inch rod that is inserted through a needle (under local anesthesia) into the skin of your upper arm, just inside and above the elbow. You will receive a total of 4 implants.

After the Probuphine implants are inserted, your arm will be covered with 2 bandages. Remove the top bandage after 24 hours, but leave the smaller bandage on for 3 to 5 days. Keep the area clean and dry. Apply an ice pack to the area every 2 hours during the first day, leaving the ice pack on for 40 minutes at a time.

For at least 1 week after insertion, check the incision area for warmth, redness, swelling, or other signs of infection.

You should be able to feel the Probuphine implants under your skin. Tell your doctor if you cannot feel the implants at any time while it is in place.

Probuphine implants can remain in place for up to 6 months and must be surgically removed.

You can find out more about Probuphine in our recent article this will help you become more informed before you undertake a Probuphine implant.

Butrans

Butrans are skin patches that contain a high concentration of buprenorphine and are used for around-the-clock treatment. Your dose needs may be different if you have recently used a similar opioid (narcotic) pain medicine and your body is tolerant to it.

Do not allow the medicine to come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or lips as the patch should only be used for skin. Avoid touching the sticky side of the patch. Wash your hands after applying a skin patch and do not use if it has been cut or damaged.

Apply the Butrans patch only to clean, dry skin to a flat area of the chest, back, side, or outer side of your upper arm. Use only clear water (not soap or other chemicals) to wash the skin before application. Wear the patch around the clock for 7 days. Never wear more than 1 skin patch at a time unless your doctor has told you to.

Remove and replace the Butrans patch after 7 days. Apply the new patch to a different skin area on the chest, back, side, or upper arm. After removing a skin patch: fold it in half firmly with the sticky side in, and flush the patch down the toilet or use the Patch-Disposal Unit provided with this medication. Do not place a used patch into a trash can and dispose of any unused skin patches in the same folded manner when you no longer need this medicine. Do not flush the foil pouch or patch liners; place them in a trash container out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

You should not use Butrans if you are allergic to buprenorphine, or if you have a severe breathing problem or a bowel obstruction.

Belbuca

Belbuca buccal films are used for around-the-clock treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain that is not controlled by other medicines.

Buccal administration is where a Belbuca film is held in the buccal area (in the cheek) and the buprenorphine passes through the tissues which line the mouth and enters directly into the bloodstream.

To use a Belbuca buccal film:

• Wet the inside of your cheek with your tongue or rinse your mouth with water to moisten the area in your mouth before you place a film;
• Hold the buccal film with clean, dry fingers with the yellow side facing up;
• Using a finger, place the yellow side of the buccal film against the inside of your moistened cheek. Press and hold the film in place for 5 seconds and then take your finger away;
• the buccal film will stick to the inside of your cheek;
• leave the buccal film in place until it has completely dissolved, usually within 30 minutes after you apply it.

While using Belbuca, you may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Belbuca. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Ask your doctor how to safely stop using Belbuca and do not stop using it suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Buprenex

Buprenex (or Buprenorphine) is an injected opioid pain medication.

Buprenorphine is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV or you may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, syringes, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Buprenorphine is usually given at evenly spaced intervals, up to 6 hours apart. Tell your doctor if buprenorphine does not relieve your pain within 1 hour after an injection.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you use buprenorphine. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are using buprenorphine. Make sure your family members know you are using buprenorphine in case they need to speak for you during an emergency.

 

How long will I be on Suboxone?

Here are 4 pieces of good advice from leading Suboxone expert, Doctor Jeffrey Junig MD PhD, to get you thinking about how long you’ll need to use Suboxone for, and when you’ll be ready (if ever) to stop using this medication.

According to the Doctor:

1. You Should Consider Using Suboxone at Least until a Better Medication Is Developed

On Suboxone you can live a healthy and happy life while participating fully in society. Off Suboxone you are always at risk to relapse back to opiate abuse – you are safer just staying on the medication.

The neural changes of opiate addiction may not be reversible, but with medications like Suboxone, these changes can be effectively managed and you should consider using this medication at least until a superior opiate addiction drug is developed.

2. You Should Consider Suboxone a Long Term Maintenance Medication (Not a Medication Just to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms during a Detox)

The short term use (under a month) of Suboxone almost always ends in relapse back to opiate abuse.

Suboxone works best when it is used as a long term maintenance medication, from a minimum of 6 months to a year; and ideally for much longer than that.

3. If You Decide You Want to Stop – Make Sure You’re Ready

According to Dr. Junig, if you decide that you want or need to taper off Suboxone then wait until you are ready to do so before making your attempt. Signs of readiness to taper include:

• Being over 30
• Having stable employment
• No longer seeing any friends who are using opiates
• Having no immediate source to secure illicit opiates
• Being in a stable relationship or feeling secure being single
• Having completed relapse prevention work
• Feeling comfortable taking Suboxone once a day on an automatic basis (If you still take it ‘when you need it’ or if the use of Suboxone still provokes a lot of thought or feelings, then you are probably not ready.)

Staying comfortably on a once daily dose of 8mg for several months

4. Avoid Using Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Marijuana and Other Drugs While on Suboxone

People on Suboxone do best when they move forward in life while taking their medication. They do this most successfully when they engage in life through getting and maintaining employment, getting educated, enjoying hobbies and interests, getting sufficient daily exercise and working to forge and sustain healthy relationships.

People who switch from opiate use to the frequent use of another mind-altering substance while on Suboxone are much less likely to make positive life progress in any of the above listed areas.

 

Health risks

Like any drugs that you take there are health risks associated with short term and long term risks. In order for drugs to be suitable for humans there cannot be any fatal or severe short term risks, however consumption of many drugs alongside alcohol can lead to death. It’s important to understand suboxone treatment before you agree to this procedure.

Short Term Risks

Suboxone acts as a depressant in the body, which means that it slows down the person rather than speeding them up, as a stimulant would do.

As with other drugs of abuse, taking too much Suboxone in the short-term can lead to unwanted effects including:

• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Respiratory depression

While Suboxone is used in the treatment of addiction, the drug itself can lead to tolerance and dependence. Suddenly stopping use of Suboxone can elicit unpleasant withdrawal effects, and prove much more difficult to quit than thought.

Other side effects that may occur during a period of active use or withdrawal include:

• – Constipation (during use)
• Diarrhea (during withdrawal)
• Arthralgia, or joint pain (during withdrawal)
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Jitteriness
• Pinpoint pupils (during use)
• Dilated pupils (during withdrawal)

In addition, partial opioid agonists like buprenorphine and, indeed, opioid antagonists like naloxone can send someone addicted to full opioid agonist substances (like heroin or oxycodone) into what is known as precipitated withdrawal—inducing the onset of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms very rapidly, if not immediately

 

Long Term Risks

Suboxone abuse both directly and indirectly imparts some serious long-term effects that can affect both mental and physical health.

Negative health effects can include:

• Drowsiness
• Gastrointestinal issues like constipation, nausea and vomiting
• Disorientation and confusion
• Decreased pain tolerance

Negative psychological effects can include:

• Increased incidence of depression
• Anxiety
• Isolation
• Difficulty in social situations

Possible extended issues can include:

• Failing relationships.
• Trouble with responsibilities (e.g. parenting, work, school).
• Financial strain.
• Legal problems associated with addictive behaviors.

Always talk to your doctor before any change in your medication involving Suboxone.

All information in this document has been checked using the most popular, comprehensive and up-to-date source of drug information online: http://www.drugs.com.

The post What is Suboxone? appeared first on Drug & Alcohol Detox Addiction Treatment in Richmond, Virginia.

The 3 Most Deadly Addictions

Chances are you or someone that you know struggles with an addiction. Many people become addicted to drugs every year through prescription medicines, recreational drugs, and illegal street drugs.

It should come as no surprise that those who abuse drugs, usually do not plan on becoming addicts. In fact, that is usually the last thought on their mind. It is a depressing cycle that can become almost unbearable to deal with on a daily basis.

 

How Do Drugs Interact with the Brain?

Drugs interact with the brain by changing its regulation of “feel good” chemicals. This gives drug addicts a sense of euphoria that is otherwise not naturally occurring within the human brain. However, those “feel good” chemicals do not last for a long time. In most cases the high will only last for a few hours, and with more abuse, this becomes even shorter.

As a person continues to take drugs, their tolerance tends to build up causing them to need larger doses to satisfy themselves. If these people do not get their next fix, their bodies react by going into withdrawal and causing almost unbearable withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms are very unpleasant, and most people will do almost anything to avoid feeling them. Drug addiction can lead the best of people with the best intentions to do things they otherwise would have never have thought of.

 

Addiction Statistics in Virginia

Virginia has one of the highest death rates in the United States due to drug abuse. To put this into perspective of how serious the recent statistics have grown, there are more deaths in Virginia due to overdoses than there are from any other unnatural deaths in Virginia. Unnatural deaths refer to fatalities from accidents, suicides and homicides, or from unintentional injury.

The recent statistics for overdoses in Virginia have skyrocketed in the past decade. According to the Virginia Department of Health, “In the beginning of 2016 there was almost an 80% increase of fatalities due to opioid abuse.” Specifically, these statistics are rising due to the increased production of Fentanyl.

Multiple efforts have been made to instate education and prevention programs as well as rehabilitation. The state has passed an act called the needle exchange program. This is a service that lets the Virginia Department of Health provide clean equipment to injection drug users to help reduce the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other common diseases that can be contracted by sharing needles.

The State of Virginia has made many efforts to try and decrease the spread of these illicit drugs and help users quit and rehabilitate. These efforts have been slightly helping but the fatality rate has still been increasing for the past decade. We can only hope the best for this situation to become better and fatality rates to decrease.

 

3 Most Deadly Addictions in Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia has a huge increase in potential death rates due to drug abuse. Most of these drugs are illegal drugs such as opioids, hallucinogens, and stimulants. The increase of these drugs is due to the fact that street dealers are finding cheaper ways to produce stronger highs with less substance. These drugs are highly dangerous as most abusers do not know the specific amounts they are getting in their drugs. Listed below are the top three drugs that have the highest addiction rates within Richmond;

• Fentanyl – As of 2013, Fentanyl has become the deadliest drug in the city of Richmond. This drug was originally sold as a prescription to help manage pain, however, it soon became a popular additive for street dealers to mix with heroin to increase the high.

• • The issue with this is that most users do not realize they are even taking Fentanyl. This drug is usually mixed with heroin, and the dealers do not usually provide information on how much of the drug is within the heroin batches.
  • Due to no set standard for doses, Fentanyl can cause a person to have very unstable highs. If mixed incorrectly and used at too high of a dose, this drug can be fatal to the user.

 

• Heroin – Heroin is also one of the biggest issues within Richmond. Heroin is the most popular choice for street drugs and, as mentioned, is usually always mixed with Fentanyl. This drug is made from poppy plants, and can be smoked, inhaled, or injected into the body.
  • These injections have caused an increase in the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV infections as a result of individuals sharing needles.
  • According to the Virginia Department of Health there has been an incline of heroin related deaths since 2010.
  • A majority of the time, Heroin is the main drug that causes fatalities. However, in other instances of fatalities, it is due to additional drugs being used along with Heroin.

 

• Cocaine – Cocaine fatalities in Richmond has been steadily increasing since 2013. This drug is a stimulant drug and is usually snorted through the nose. While most cocaine users often fall victim to diluted doses, some end up accidentally taking high doses that can lead to death.
  • This drug is also a common killer because of its addictive properties which causes the user to crash if not taken on a regular basis.
  • Because cocaine is mostly diluted, abusers can sometimes be unaware of the doses they receive. This can be dangerous and in most cases, can lead to death if taken at an extremely potent dose.

 

These are only the top three most abused drugs in Richmond, Virginia. However, there are many other drugs that causes fatalities amongst users. Other addictions and fatalities are usually a combination of one of the three drugs listed above mixed with prescription drugs, alcohol, or another substance. The mixing of these drugs causes a higher rate of fatality amongst abusers which is why Richmond has one of the highest rate of fatalities compared to the rest of the United States.

For more recent statistics, check out the Virginia Department of Health Fatal Drug Overdose Report for 2016. They have the most recent statistics as of July 2016. Other statistics can be found on your local news websites or published studies.

 

Summary

Drug addiction and abuse are very serious subjects. The state of Virginia is doing its best to reduce these fatalities and get more abusers into rehabilitation centers. Drugs will always end with the need for higher doses and more withdrawals, thus causing individuals to risk putting their lives above their addiction. It is best to save the people you love and offer them compassionate addiction treatment before they reach that point.

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The 3 Most Common Addictions

Addiction is a long-lasting brain disorder that can affect people of every age, race, gender or status. Contrary to what some might believe, it is a disease like cancer, diabetes or any cardiovascular disease. It is only different in the fact that it affects the brain, and unfortunately, it may never be cured. However, it can be managed successfully. People can be addicted to different things but in Richmond, Virginia, some addictions are more prevalent than others almost resulting in an epidemic.

 

What is Addiction?

Put simply, addiction is the state of being dependent to a certain substance or activity. Addiction is quite different from abuse; people can abuse a substance without being clinically addicted to it. Addiction is most often used in terms of drug or alcohol addictions, but other addictions include, caffeine, gambling, pornography, sex and sugar addictions.

 

Addiction Signs

• Withdrawal symptoms experiences: These can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes in mood, and anxiety when the source of addiction has not been taken;
• Increased tolerance to the drug or alcohol: Tolerance can be defined as when more of a drug or addictive substance is required to generate the same physical effects, or when the usual amount fails to bring on the desired “high” or feeling of pleasure;
• Ignoring activities or obligations once loved such as work, school, family time, social engagements, or hobbies;
• Spending time trying to obtain the substance which may sometimes involve lying, stealing and all kinds of manipulations;
• Lack of self-control: In this case the person cannot help themselves anymore, they just have to ‘’have it’’. When on the substance, they also become irrational and uncontrollable;
• Using the drug despite the negative consequences it causes which may include loss of work, issues in familial relationships, health problems and legal consequences.

 

Addiction Statistics in Virginia

Statistics of addiction in Virginia have increased steadily over the years, resulting in drug overdose deaths. Between the years of 2007 to 2010, around 700 people died from drug overdose annually in Virginia. This was mostly due to an addiction to prescription opioids.

By 2011, heroin started trending more in toxicology reports, causing the yearly death rates from drug overdoses to increase to about 800. Illicit fentanyl use and fentanyl analogues started trending in 2013, causing total drug overdose deaths to rise to 1,028 by 2015 according to the Washington Post.

In 2013, Virginia reported 854 drug overdose deaths, 980 in 2014, 1039 in 2015. For four years consecutively, addiction-induced deaths have surpassed motor accident deaths.

 

Three Common Addictions in Virginia

Opioid Addiction

Opioid overdose has quadrupled over the years since 1999, and Virginia has not escaped its share of the menace. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids are the main driver of drug overdose deaths, both the ones prescribed or gotten illicitly. Fatal drug overdose increased significantly by 38% in Virginia from 2015 to 2016 with synthetic opioids as a major culprit.

The governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, recently declared a public health emergency arising from a report from the State Health Commissioner, Dr. Levine who reported that many families have lost a loved one to opioid addiction.

 

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is when a person continues drinking even though the drinking is causing problems. Persistent consumption of alcohol can lead to a significant dependence on it. Alcohol dependence is also called alcoholism which means that a person is physically or mentally addicted to alcohol. For an alcoholic, there is a strong need, or craving, to drink.

Alcohol addiction is another major addiction in Virginia. According to the national substance abuse index, the statistics of Virginia shows that a total of 4,311 people are addicted to alcohol alone. The age group afflicted with alcohol addiction is people between the ages of 36 to 45, with 77.5% male, 22.2% female, and 0.2% unknown. It is more difficult to identify the addiction both by the addicted, and people around them. Some major signs of alcohol addiction are:

• Neglecting Responsibilities – Having problems at work, school or with household responsibilities because of drinking where it begins to affect normal daily activities and functioning.
• Having Frequent Blackouts – When drinking alcohol has gotten to the point where the individual has spells of not being able to account for periods of time in the day.
• Exceeding What is Considered Social Drinking – A very strong indication is when the number of bottles has increased before any intoxication occurs. It means the body is exposed to alcohol regularly enough that it has increased capacity to retain more and adapt better.
• Experiencing Withdrawals – Withdrawals should not be confused with a mere hangover; it is the reaction to the lack of alcohol shown through signs like depression, irritability, and anxiety which occur until alcohol is consumed before normalcy is restored. It becomes advanced when the person is now having trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and experiencing trembling and shakes.
• Struggling to Quit – when there is the realization that alcohol is a problem, and all efforts to stop have proven futile, then additional help should be considered quickly.

 

Combination Addiction

This means the combination of drugs and alcohol or prescription drugs of different variations. For example, a combination of opioids with heroin, cocaine, or meth. In the national substance abuse index for Virginia, combination addiction has the highest total of 5,127 when compared to other type of addictions. Sometimes, these combinations are done unintentionally or accidentally, but with devastating effects regardless. It could lead to death or the birth of other life-threatening conditions. It is, therefore, important to take precautions when combining drugs or medicating while taking alcohol. General precautions to avoid becoming addicted should include:

• Knowing the drugs prescribed and what they are for, the side effects associated with it, and any required precautions to be taken;
• Use the same pharmacy for all prescribed medications except when it cannot be helped, this would ensure that a record of all medications is maintained;
• Be open to the doctor and pharmacist about any self-medicating that you may have done or are taking presently which may include over-the-counter drugs, herbal or alternative medications or any illegal substances, so that you can be educated on the possible interactions;
• Avoid using medication prescribed for others;
• Do not assume any need to increase medication dosages or using medications in other ways without medical approval.

 

Conclusion

Anyone can develop an addiction for any thing or substance and so, all hands must be on deck to reduce the increase of this deadly problem. Hiding or concealing addiction as a deep dark secret usually strengthens its effect on the addicted. The way to beat addiction is to call out for help, and seek assistance. Virginia is equipped with many rehabilitation centers, programs, and trained professionals that can help in addiction recovery, particularly now that the government is looking closely on fighting it at all costs.

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How to Break Bad Habits | VCAM

All of us have bad habits that can seem impossible to break. These behaviors become so ingrained into our systems that we become dependent on them. However, it is possible to break these bad habits if you take the proper steps.

 

Why We Have Bad Habits

Before we can break bad habits, we must understand why we have them. Bad habits can be conscious or unconscious behaviors we indulge in, even though we know we should not. These behaviors are usually coping mechanisms for stress or solutions for boredom. While they may sometimes start out innocently, we eventually use the behavior as positive and negative reinforcements to explain the formed habit.

Biting our nails is an example of an unconscious behavior, one we indulge in during stressful or boring situations to cope, without realizing it. Drinking and overeating are bad habits as well, which are somewhat conscious. These habits sometimes begin by allowing ourselves to believe these will remedy our stress.

We enjoy eating and it makes us feel good, so why would it not help us feel better when we are stressed or sad? It then becomes unhealthy because even though we are consciously indulging in these habits, we cannot stop ourselves and that is what makes it a bad habit.

 

Why We Have Trouble Breaking Them

What begins as a simple activity turns into a coping mechanism, and eventually becomes dangerous. Most of your bad habits can put you in a situation much worse than the previous situation you were coping with.

Anything we do habitually is hard to end but it is not impossible. The problem is, we usually tend to go at it the wrong way. Restraining yourself is not going to work. Our cognitive control, the part of the brain that wants to terminate the habit, shuts off during stressful situations which is not helpful since that is when we usually indulge in our bad habits. Wanting to break the habit is, of course, an important step to breaking it, however it takes more than that.

 

Figure Out What Triggers It

The first step to breaking a bad habit is to figure out what triggers it. You have to become conscious of more than what bad habit you are indulging in, you also have to understand why you are doing it and acknowledging this is the first step to truly breaking it.

Become curious as to what triggers the habit, as well as if you enjoy the activity itself. There is a very good chance that the activity you use to cope with stress is not actually an activity you enjoy, and also does not help you out. It may seem to calm your stress at the time, but when you take a step back, you will realize that it does not.

You must become disenchanted with the habit. For example, not wanting to smoke is a cognitive approach, but thinking that smoking is disgusting, and that you have falsely convinced yourself it remedies your stress is really the first step to recovery. Every time you feel like indulging, writing it down in a log can help you become aware, and you will easily be able to see what causes it, and how often you indulge.

Do not rush the process. Of course, you want to be rid of the bad habit as quick as possible, but rushing a solution is pointless. Make sure you are fully aware of why you want to break the habit, and that it actually does not help.

 

Replace the Habit

The second step to breaking the habit is to replace it. You cannot avoid stressful situations, and avoiding the trigger to your habit is not always possible. Even if you could, avoiding the trigger is not a helpful or permanent way to break a bad habit.

Once you become aware of what triggers it, and become disenchanted with the behavior, you can work on finding a healthier approach to coping. However, this is also something that cannot be rushed.

There is no point in temporarily replacing a bad habit as you will most likely relapse. Create a new habit, and make it a healthy one. Once it has fully replaced your old behavior, you will have officially broken your habit.

 

Replacing a Stress-Induced Habit

Many turn to meditation to cope with stress. This is because meditation can be done anywhere and easily, and will help your brain to be at peace. Focusing on your breaths by counting them will help you channel your thoughts on to something other than the situation that is affecting you. There are also several incredibly useful mobile applications such as Headspace and Calm which can help you meditate in the comfort of your own home.

 

Replacing a Boredom-Induced Habit

One of the most effective ways of replacing a bad habit is to find a new hobby or start doing something that you have always wanted to do. The best way to combat a bad habit you indulge in due to boredom, is to either learn or distract yourself through a healthy activity, like sports for example. Like meditation, sporting activities cause your mind to be silent, and helps you not to think.

Whether it is working out, yoga, or a team sport, replace your bad habit with a healthy one for your body. Not only will this help break your old habit, you will be creating a good one. While your new habit can be something that will tire you out such as playing a sport, it does not have to be. If every time you are bored, and you decide to watch television mindlessly, maybe just focus on the content of what you are watching.

Replace the bad reality television shows with documentaries, and use this time to learn about an interesting subject. Just by simply replacing what you are watching, you will be making the time spent on the couch worthwhile. Replacing a habit does not have to be difficult, just try and find a healthy habit, hobby or passion to fill your time.

In conclusion, breaking bad habits is not easy but at the same time, it is not impossible. You must become conscious of your habit, become aware of the triggers, and replace the behavior. Eventually, maybe without even realizing it, your bad or unhealthy habits will be broken.

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