Author: New Day Recovery

How to Help a Loved One Avoid Relapse

Written by New Day Recovery on May 25, 2017. Posted in Blog, Recovery Support, Relapse Prevention, Sober Living.

It is a huge relief when a loved one receives professional help for substance abuse. Getting sober is not easy and living a sober life is a life long commitment, but the road to recovery is easier with the help and encouragement of family and friends. During the recovery process it is not uncommon for an addict to experience a brief return to the substance they abused, called relapse, in their attempt to stay clean or sober. It is important as a loved one to a recovering drug abuser or alcohol abuser what relapse triggers they might have and how to prevent a relapse. < How can I help my loved one avoid a relapse?

There are ways to help a loved one avoid a relapse. Realize first off that it’s not your responsibility to prevent a relapse. Ultimately, only the addict can choose to not go back to drugs/alcohol. Remember the first year of being sober is usually the hardest. During this time be extra supportive and available. Do not partake in their addiction when you are around them and remove the substances from your home if your loved one is living with you.

The best course of action to prevent relapse is therapy, social support, and lifestyle modifications.

Encourage your loved one to stay in therapy.

It is important for your loved one to stay in some type of therapy. The addict needs to find a therapy that he/she feels comfortable with and believes works! Once a treatment plan is determined:

Be positive about the treatment and how much progress has been made
Offer to drive your loved one to therapy and always go to follow-ups if you are requested
Try to make sure your loved one remember appointments and never plan anything conflicting to ensure all appointments are attended

Know possible relapse triggers.

Find a good time to talk to your loved one about what his/her triggers are or help them identify triggers. Common relapse triggers are:

Socializing with friends that use drugs/alcohol
Certain days or times of the day when they abused
Places associated with their addiction
Stressful situations

Once these triggers are identified, encourage your loved one to avoid them. Involvement in activities during hard times in a day can be helpful and introduce him/her to new friends and encourage positive relationships. Be on high alert if your loved one is going through a stressful situation such as:

Death of a loved one
Loss of a job
Failing marriage or relationship
Financial or legal problems
Health difficulties

Even though you have no control over any of these situations, be extra supportive, compassionate, involved, and available to talk.

Understand when intervention is necessary.

If your loved one does relapse, try not to get discouraged or angry, even though it’s very discouraging for you and those fears start all over again. Unfortunately for many, relapse can be a part of the recovery process. Your loved one needs your support if they mess up. Don’t ignore the situation though, and quickly encourage your loved one to seek help as soon as possible.

Get professional help.

Nothing is more painful than watching a loved one struggle with addiction. The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Sept 2016) found that in 2015, approximately 20.8 million people in the US, aged 12 or older, had a substance abuse disorder related to alcohol or illicit drugs in the past year. However, only 2.3 million people received treatment. Many people that need help don’t get it. Call New Day Recovery today at (330) 953-3300. Please get help before it is too late.

Addiction: Was I born this way?

Written by New Day Recovery on April 19, 2017. Posted in Blog, Detox Program, Drug Addiction, Recovery Support.

With drug or alcohol addiction, there is no single factor determining if a person will develop dependency on drugs or alcohol. It is true that a person may be more likely to become an addict over another because of a genetic predisposition. Even though an “addiction gene” has not been identified, research does show that genes are responsible for about half of the risk of a person becoming an addict. But for the question…

“WAS I BORN AN ADDICT?” THE ANSWER IS NO!

Addiction is not genetically inherited.

No one is born an addict or destined to a life of dependency and addiction. With many diseases, the more risk factors a person has, the greater chance of getting the disease. For example, heart disease runs in many families. Yes, it is partly because of genes, but poor lifestyle choices also play a role. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, smoking, lack of sleep, and stress also contribute to risk of heart disease. So, especially when an individual is predisposed for heart disease, it is important to make good life style choices.

Risk factors play a role.

The same holds true with dependency. Genes contribute to half of the risk of a person becoming an addict. The other half depends on other risk factors a person faces. Some risk factors include: mental health issues, substance abuse in family or peers, availability of drugs/alcohol, lack of parental supervision, starting alcohol or drug use at an early age, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or trauma, poor social skills, poor coping skills. Risk factors are typically learned behaviors/poor coping skills. For example, children of alcoholics are 3 to 4 times more likely than others to become addicted to alcohol or other drugs. This is because of not only genetics, but also learned behavior.

Some of these risk factors are out of a person’s control, but there are positive factors that can negate the risks of learned behaviors/poor coping skills and the better the chances of an addiction free life. Positive factors include parental supervision and family support, anti-drug education, using drugs properly and responsibly as they have been prescribed, positive relationships and role models, faith, early treatment of mental health issues, self control and resolve.

You can change behaviors and coping skills for the better. Even if you have a genetic predisposition to addiction, this is not an excuse for dependency. Genes and life experiences do not destine someone to addiction.

Beware – no one is off limits to addiction.

Even with a low genetic predisposition to addiction, anyone can develop a substance dependency problem. If a person continually abuses alcohol they can become addicted. Alcohol addiction does not care about age, gender, money or social status. Some drugs are so highly addictive. Prescription opiate drug and heroin addiction are at epidemic levels. No one has to accept being an addict.

If alcohol or drug abuse is affecting your life and you are ready for recovery, take the first step and get help today at New Day Recovery. It is never too late for a new beginning!

Binge Drinking

Written by New Day Recovery on March 18, 2017. Posted in Blog, Detox Program, Recovery Support.

Binge drinking is the consumption of a large amount of alcohol with the goal of getting drunk. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as drinking alcohol to the level that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to .08 gram percent or above. For most adults, this means 5 or more drinks for a man and 4 or more drinks for a woman in 2 hours. Of course, this is a general guideline, for some, older people, or those taking drugs or other medications, the number of drinks is lower to reach a binge level. A drink equates to a 12 oz. glass of beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine, or a 1.5 oz. shot of distilled spirits.

Who binge drinks and why?

Binge drinking typically starts at a young age. According to National Surveys, 90% of alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 in the US is in the form of binge drinking.
In high school there is peer pressure to drink and curiosity about drinking. Others tend to binge drink to relieve stress, help with anxiety, or cope with loss. More men binge drink than women, and even though college binge drinking is prevalent, 70% of binge drinking episodes involve adults age 26 years and older. Statistics show that binge drinking is not something that can be assumed to be normal at the young adult age and typically “outgrown”.
Even though binge drinking is not the same as alcohol dependence, a binge drinker has a significant increase in the risk of developing an alcohol dependence. In short, a binge drinker can progress quickly into an alcoholic, so early treatment is important.

Dangers of binge drinking

Binge drinking is also associated with many mental and physical health problems such as:
• Unintentional injuries, such as motor-vehicle traffic crashes, falls, drowning, burns and firearm injuries
• Chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Cancer including liver, mouth, throat, larynx (the voice box), and esophagus
• High blood pressure
• Harm to a developing fetus if a woman drinks while pregnant
• Diabetes complications
• Psychological disorders
• Violence, such as child abuse, homicide, and suicide

Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is the most extreme life threatening consequence of binge drinking. Binge drinking to an alcohol poisoning state affects the body’s involuntary reflexes such as the gag reflex and breathing. Critical symptoms of alcohol poisoning are:
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow Breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute)
• Irregular Breathing
• Low body temperature
• Pale or blue skin
• Unconsciousness or unresponsive
Alcohol poisoning can lead to irreversible brain damage or death and must be taken seriously. If you suspect someone has overdosed with alcohol, call 911 for help. Please be safe, not sorry.

If you or a loved one is struggling with binge drinking, call New Day Recovery today! Your call is confidential.

Abstinence Based Treatment vs. Medication Assisted Treatment (M.A.T.)

Written by New Day Recovery on February 22, 2017. Posted in Blog, Detox Program, Drug Addiction, Recovery Support.

A person suffering from opioid addiction or heroin addiction has options in considering what treatment approach to choose to fight their substance use disorder. While there is an heroin and opioid epidemic and communities, legislatures, and medical communities are working hard to find ways to help those struggling. There are essentially two treatment plans available that are proven to be effective. An addict may choose an abstinence based treatment plan, or a treatment service referred to as Medication Assisted Treatment (or M.A.T.) Abstinence Based Treatment vs. Medication Assisted Treatment. Here is more information on each of these treatment plans.

Abstinence Based Treatment

Obviously, Abstinence Based Treatment plans have no use of medications. Addicts decide to go “cold turkey” to fight their addiction. Many believe that giving a drug (a crutch) to treat a drug addiction is not a way to fight drug addiction. You are just simply choosing one drug over another to fight the problem. It is also believed that the patient needs to develop inner and outer resources to cope with withdrawal from the drug of choice, cravings of the drug, and the every day happenings of life.

Therefore, those who go without medicine usually enroll in support environments such as Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous. There is a 12 step program to conquering the drug abuse and there are many who have found this treatment to be effective and successful. Counselors are typically not doctors, but are former addicts who have successfully completed these substance abuse treatment programs and are now living sober, full lives.

Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

Many believe that Abstinence Based Treatment is outdated for opioid use disorder and heroin addiction. As a commonly accepted practice, psychiatric and medical conditions are treated with medications. Especially relevant, Medication Assisted Treatment was a key part of the Obama Administrations plan to fight opioid addiction. The goal of addiction is recovery; a life without the misuse of drugs, alcohol, or medications.

For many opioid and heroin addicts, the withdrawal symptoms and cravings are more than they can tolerate. Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Vivitrol are common medications administered to the opioid or heroin addicted patient.

Methadone

Used for decades to treat heroin and opioid addiction. Methadone is an opioid that can reduce or eliminate cravings and withdrawal symptoms without creating the “high” feelings. It can be habit forming and should only be taken as prescribed as issued by a licensed physician. When taken as prescribed, it is safe and effective. Average time a patient is on medication, 3-5 years.

Buprenorphine

A partial opioid prescription drug, sold under the brand name Suboxone. Buprenorphine treatment tricks the brain into thinking an opioid is in the body, suppressing or eliminating withdrawal and cravings. The medication is in tablet or film form. Suboxone treatment usually requires a clinic visit once a month to renew the prescription and get a drug test. When medication is no longer needed, it is slowly tapered off with usually no side effects. Suboxone may be habit forming. Medication should only be taken as directed by a physician.

Vivitrol

A non opioid based medication that negates the effect of opiates in the brain. Vivitrol reduces the cravings, so that patients can participate full in addiction treatment. The medication is given once a month by a physician as a shot. This drug is most effective during the first 3 months of recovery and is not addictive. The disadvantage of Vivitrol is a patient can’t take it until they have been heroin or opiate free for at least 2 weeks. Since some patients can’t take the withdrawal symptoms without medication help, this option is not available for everyone.

Opioid Treatment Programs are Available

Regardless of your view of abstinence vs. medication assistance, there are pros and cons to each. Many recovering addicts want to abstain from using medications in rehab and choose the abstinence based treatment program. However for others, substance abuse withdrawal symptoms can be unbearable and many addicts have been dealing with opioid dependence for so long, it is virtually impossible for them to even think about going “cold turkey”. They need the help that Medication Assistance Treatment gives them to get through detox and starting the road to recovery. Consider the addict’s age, resolve, health, length of addiction, finances, outside influences when choosing a course of action to fight addiction.

At New Day Recovery, we specialize in opioid addiction treatment, painkiller abuse and heroin addiction. We pride ourselves in creating individual protocols based upon a “whole-patient” treatment approach to provide you an opportunity for a life long recovery.

Call us today. Your call will be completely confidential and we can provide additional resources to help you decide which treatment option is right for you.

Prescription Opiate Drugs

Written by New Day Recovery on January 17, 2017. Posted in Blog, Detox Program, Drug Addiction, Recovery Support.

Prescription opiate drugs and heroin have become an epidemic problem with drug addiction. Opioid overdose deaths are rampant with 20,101 prescription pain reliever overdose deaths and 12,990 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2015.
Opioids are drugs prescribed for pain relief by a doctor. These drugs provide many people the needed relief from pain when taken in the manner and dosage prescribed by a doctor. However, these pain relief drugs can also be taken to get a “high effect” and can be highly addictive. Many people don’t realize they are addicted to opiate drugs until it is too late.

What are some of the more common opiate drugs?

CODEINE – is a weaker prescription opiate. It is prescribed for mild to moderate pain and is also found in cough medicine.
MORPHINE – is prescribed as a potent pain reliever. It is used in clinical pain management, especially for terminal cancer patients and post-surgery pain. It is potentially highly addictive.
HYDROCODONE – Most common known brand name is VICODIN. Prescribed for moderate to severe pain and is abused more than any other opiate in the US.
OXYCODONE – Most common brand name OXYCONTIN. The purest form, used for severe pain, and his highly addictive.
FENTANYL – is a powerful synthetic opioid prescription drug, similar to morphine, but is 50 to 100 times potent. It produces a powerful high.
HEROIN – is a non-prescription illegal opioid drug that many turn to after being addicted to the prescription opioids because heroin is cheaper to get.

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from opiate drugs can start a few hours after the last dose. Early withdrawal symptoms can be sweating, insomnia, runny nose, achy muscles, tearing up, excessive yawning, and anxiety or agitation. Once the initial symptoms have passed, those who have an abuse or addiction history with the drug will experience more severe symptoms as the detox process will begin and last for up to a week or longer. The symptoms experienced may be nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, goosebumps, stomach cramps, depression, and drug cravings.

Detox Options

Opiate drug withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable. Some individuals choose to detox at home and others want the detox process to happen in a facility with trained staff members. It can be extremely difficult to stop taking opiate drugs without help and medical detox may provide the safest way to detox. Vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, etc, can be monitored regularly and medications can be administered to regulate the brain and physical symptoms can be stabilized. Therefore, This gives you a good start to your recovery and may make relapse less likely. Medical detox is usually short in duration lasting 7 days at New Day Recovery.

At New Day Recovery, you will be given close monitoring by medical and mental health specialists in a safe, comfortable environment. Your stay with us will be completely confidential. Call us today at (330)-953-3300.