Is Weed a Drug?
Yes. Marijuana is a mind-altering drug that is currently listed as a Schedule I controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This means it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The designation is not without controversy, especially in the wake of widespread legalization of the drug for both medical and recreational use in many states. However, while it’s true that you can’t become physically dependent on weed in the same ways as you can with drugs like opioids, marijuana research shows that the effects of cannabis can be psychologically addictive. Chronic marijuana users may even have withdrawal symptoms when they quit. Why Is Weed Considered a Drug? Substances are considered psychoactive drugs when they act on the central nervous system to temporarily alter mood, consciousness, perception, and behavior. Marijuana’s main active ingredient is THC, a mind-altering chemical that does just that. Weed also has potential to become addictive. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse: A key indicator of substance use disorders is continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences. People who have a marijuana use disorder may continue to use the drug despite circumstances that its use has contributed to like: Another sign of addiction is having withdrawal symptoms when you don’t smoke weed. Some chronic marijuana users may experience the following withdrawal symptoms when they quit using weed: Why Don’t Some People Consider Weed a Drug? Marijuana use is on the rise. The most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 48.2 million people reported using marijuana in 2019. By comparison, 25.8 million people reported using it in 2002. The survey also found that daily marijuana use is up in the 26 and older population. There are many proponents of marijuana. Some people feel that the effects of marijuana have helped their medical or psychological conditions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following medical uses: There is continued debate about changing marijuana’s legal status on the federal level. Some federal politicians are pushing to remove marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, which has also diluted some people’s view of marijuana as a “legitimate” and dangerous drug. Research also shows that there are some people — especially teenagers — who don’t think marijuana is harmful because of its normalization in recent years due to legalized recreational and medical use. Is Weed Addictive? Yes, some people find marijuana addictive. The DSM-5 defines Cannabis Use Disorder as having at least two of the below problematic patterns of marijuana use within a 12-month timeframe: How Do You Treat Marijuana Addiction? Substance abuse treatment for marijuana is similar to other drugs. Whatever the substance, the root causes of alcohol and drug abuse often share common factors like: Addiction treatment helps you address these difficulties in a safe, accepting space, guided by behavioral health specialists. Once you know why you’re using drugs and alcohol and begin healing from that, you may feel less of an urge to use them. You may find you need both behavioral therapy and medication to help you manage mental illness symptoms of depression or anxiety that could be fueling marijuana abuse. Trauma therapies like EMDR can help you mend past trauma wounds so you can move forward. Identifying the reasons why you’re self-medicating with substance abuse is the first step. You must develop healthy coping skills, so that when emotional discomfort arises, you have something else to turn to other than drugs and alcohol. Addiction and mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders will help you do so. Looking for Help? Footprints to Recovery treatment centers provide evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders that’s effective, engaging, and compassionate. We offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, dual diagnosis treatment, and a wide range of therapies so you can find what approaches best support you on your recovery journey. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to marijuana or other substance abuse issues, call us today for a free, confidential consultation. We can help. References
What Is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?
Many people think of alcohol and drug withdrawal as the physical discomfort you have after quitting drugs or alcohol. They believe these symptoms last for a few days or a week and then you\’re done with detox. While it’s true that in most cases physical withdrawal symptoms subside in three to seven days, psychological withdrawal symptoms may linger for weeks or months after withdrawal and detox. This is known as post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). What Is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome? Post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can occur after you’ve stopped abusing drugs or alcohol. You\’ve likely been through most physical withdrawal symptoms before PAWS starts. PAWS is a withdrawal phase that can cause problems with thinking, emotions, and physical health. It can last for months or even years. What Are PAWS Symptoms Like? PAWS is protracted withdrawal syndrome. This is the longer-term aftermath of substance abuse. Addiction leaves a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes physical withdrawal and mental illness symptoms. This is because chemicals play a central role in mental health disorders like depression and anxiety disorders. PAWS symptoms usually kick in about two to four weeks after drug or alcohol detox and gradually get better over time. Common post acute withdrawal symptoms include: A common PAWS risk is relapse. When you feel PAWS symptoms like depression, anxiety, boredom, or apathy, it can be tempting to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. But using drugs or alcohol to deal with these feelings will only make them worse in the long run. When Does PAWS Start? PAWS can start as early as a few days after quitting alcohol or drugs and can last for months. In some cases, post acute withdrawal syndrome can last for a year or more. The severity of PAWS varies from person to person. In general, the symptoms tend to be more severe in people who have been addicted to opioids or other drugs for a longer period of time. The onset of PAWS is determined by several factors. These include: How Long Does Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Last? The typical timeline for the PAWS stage is anywhere from weeks to years. It can vary depending on you and your specific situation. Just like the onset of PAWS, there are factors that determine how long PAWS occurs. Some of the most important factors include: Why Does Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Happen? Drugs and alcohol make your brain think it needs more of its feel-good chemicals. These create the high or relaxed feeling you get when you drink or use drugs. When you keep abusing a substance, it makes your natural supply of those chemicals go down. Your brain starts to depend on alcohol or drugs to produce chemicals that are needed for the body to work correctly. These changes to your brain chemicals are why quitting addictive substances can be so difficult. When you stop taking drugs or alcohol, your body goes into shock as it tries to readjust. This can cause physical withdrawal symptoms like tremors, vomiting, and others. These drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually ease up within a few days or a couple of weeks, although it could take months for your brain chemicals to rebalance and work correctly without substances. This is what causes the psychological symptoms of PAWS. How Do You Avoid PAWS? There is no way to determine if you will experience PAWS symptoms or how severe they will be. There are a few things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing post acute withdrawal syndrome. After you have been through medical detox: Substance abuse can lead to a number of health problems, and post acute withdrawal syndrome is just one of them. Getting treatment for addiction can help prevent PAWS from happening or reduce the severity of symptoms. Treatment can also help you avoid relapsing, which can make PAWS even worse. What Helps Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome? While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to managing post acute withdrawal symptoms, certain strategies may help ease PAWS symptoms. Some methods that may help this withdrawal stage include: While coping with PAWS symptoms can be challenging, there are many ways to manage these common symptoms. With the right approach, it is possible to minimize the impact of these symptoms and live a fulfilling life. What Types of Substance Abuse Causes PAWS? A number of addictive substances can lead to post acute withdrawal syndrome. Some of the most common ones include: Any substance has the potential to cause withdrawal symptoms when abused. Even stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines, as well as THC, can cause PAWS. How Do You Treat Paws? Symptoms of post acute withdrawal can be treated through a combination of medical and behavioral approaches. Medication Sometimes prescription drugs like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can ease depression or anxiety symptoms that accompany PAWS. These types of medications help correct some of the chemical imbalances from overstimulation of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Behavioral Therapy Research shows that behavioral therapy and medications can work together to ease mental health symptoms. Evidence-based addiction treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you regulate your emotions and address unhealthy thinking patterns that can trigger a relapse. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help you feel good enough to put behavioral therapy tools into practice. Support Groups Attending 12-step groups or 12-step alternatives provides an important sense of support and accountability in early recovery. When PAWS symptoms are threatening your sobriety, having peers or sponsors you can lean on is critical. Exercise and Nutrition The mind-body connection is real. Studies have long touted the benefits of exercise in preventing or easing psychiatric symptoms. Research also underscores the importance of proper nutrition in recovery. When you take care of your body, it has a positive impact on your brain and overall well-being. When you feel good, it’s easier to resist triggers. Mindfulness and Spirituality Meditating, yoga, and other mindfulness practices help you stay grounded in the moment. This can ease ruminating and negative
What Does an Overdose Look Like?
Last year, 93,000 people died from overdose. An overall increase in illicit drug abuse and prescription drug abuse contributed to that alarming statistic. Overdoses can happen to anyone misusing drugs and alcohol. There’s a risk of overdosing the first time you take drugs or the 100th time. Learn about the signs of overdose, what happens to your body when you overdose, and what to do during an overdose. Signs of Overdose An overdose happens when levels of a substance reach a toxic level in your body. Alcohol and drug overdose symptoms will vary by individual. Some signs of overdose depend on the drug or drugs taken, the quantity, and your physical make-up. However, there are some common signs of overdose across the board whether it’s an intentional overdose caused by substance abuse or an accidental overdose. The overdosing person may experience a few of these symptoms or several at a time. If you have any reason to suspect a person is overdosing, it’s important that you call 911. Common signs of overdose can include: How to Help Someone Who Is Overdosing Overdoses are medical emergencies. Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose. The quicker you get medical attention the less likely the individual is to suffer the risks of overdose, which can include permanent brain damage, organ damage, and death. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that prevent you or the overdose victim from most legal repercussions, so don’t let the fear of getting in trouble stop you. While you’re waiting for medical professionals, there are some things you can do. Medical emergency staff may ask if you know any of the following: Long-Term Effects of Overdosing Minutes matter during an overdose. That’s why you should seek medical help as soon as possible. Getting medical help promptly can mean the difference between life and death as well as permanent damage to the brain and body. If the victim goes into respiratory distress they’re at risk for: What to do After an Overdose Surviving an overdose should be a wake-up call that it’s time to get help. If you’re abusing so much drugs and alcohol that you’ve put your life at risk, this isn’t a problem you can conquer on your own. You need a specialized treatment program to help you address the underlying reasons behind alcohol or drug addiction. These often include struggles like trauma, co-occurring mental illness symptoms (dual diagnosis), and early experiences that have caused deep emotional wounds. In addiction treatment, you’ll begin healing these wounds and learn healthier ways to cope and take care of yourself. You’ll build a support system of peers in recovery and build a strong foundation in sobriety to help you face triggers. If your loved one overdosed, encourage them to get help. You can stage an intervention or have their medical team speak with them. Keep in mind that you can be there for your loved one and offer love and support, but you can’t do the work for them. Ultimately, they must be the one to decide to get sober. Learn more about how you can and can’t help an addicted loved one. It’s also important that you take care of yourself during this difficult time. Looking for Help? Don’t let this moment pass. Surviving one overdose doesn’t mean you’ll survive the next one. Footprints to Recovery can help you take back your life. Our drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers provide evidence-based care that is personalized and compassionate. We offer several levels of care: Our treatment providers use traditional approaches like individual, group, and family therapy, as well as alternative approaches. These may include EMDR, yoga, psychodrama, art therapy, music therapy, and others. We offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction and medication management for co-occurring disorders. When you leave our recovery centers, you’ll be set up for success in recovery with a comprehensive aftercare plan and robust alumni program. You can do this, and we can help. Call for a free, confidential consultation. References
What Does Cocaine Do to Your Body and Brain?
Cocaine use is on the rise, and with it, health consequences and fatalities. The CDC reports that in 2020, cocaine overdose deaths increased by 26.5%. Cocaine addiction not only wreaks havoc on your life and relationships, it can damage your health in irreparable ways. While the short-term effects of a cocaine “high” can feel good, long-term physical health effects extend to most of your body’s main systems. Health risks range anywhere from high blood pressure and brain changes to heart attacks and stroke. Learn what cocaine can do to your body, and why you should get help. Effects of Cocaine on the Brain Cocaine’s effects on the brain are significant. Like many drugs, cocaine increases your brain’s production of dopamine. This is what gives you the feelings of pleasure and euphoria from cocaine’s drug effects. When you’re addicted to cocaine and use it regularly, your brain becomes depleted of dopamine. This means you start needing increasing amounts of cocaine to feel high. Eventually, your brain requires cocaine to produce even normal levels of dopamine. When you’ve reached this point of drug abuse and addiction, you will likely experience cocaine withdrawal symptoms when you go without if for periods of time. Repeated cocaine use can: Effects of Cocaine on the Heart The circulatory system suffers short-term and long-term effects from cocaine abuse. This occurs in a number of ways, including: Effects of Cocaine on Breathing Cocaine addiction also impacts your respiratory system. Effects of Cocaine on the Digestive System Another physical effect of cocaine abuse is its effect on the gut’s “good” bacteria as well as the way it recedes the stomach’s natural barrier to acidity. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) warns of these additional risks on the digestive system: Effects of Cocaine on the Endocrine System Cocaine affects the endocrine system by interfering with hormone production and regulation. Effects of Cocaine on the Immune System Some studies suggest cocaine abuse can poorly impact the immune system. Recover From Cocaine Addiction Take back your life from substance abuse. Footprints to Recovery offers evidence-based addiction treatment programs that address the underlying reasons behind substance use disorders. We teach you healthier ways to cope with triggers and life’s challenges. You’ll recover alongside peers who understand what you’re going through and behavioral health professionals who are experts in their fields. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help. References
What Is Psychological Dependence?
Psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol is the emotional, motivational, and mental addictive qualities that come with substance abuse. Also known as a psychological addiction, psychological dependence has been linked to marijuana addiction, hallucinogen addiction, and other drug addictions that don’t have a strong physical dependency component to them. The truth is all kinds of addictions have a psychological component. Even opiate addiction, alcohol addiction, and meth addiction, which are physically addictive, have a psychological element that perpetuates a substance use disorder. What Are Symptoms of Psychological Dependence? Psychological addiction and physical addiction are intertwined and play off each other, so it’s difficult to point to a symptom and say it’s exclusively psychological and vice versa. One example of psychological dependence is the associations your brain makes with people, places, and things tied to alcohol and drug addiction. Research shows the addicted brain develops strong links between substance use and: These associations are so strong they can activate your brain’s reward system in the same way it would react to the substance of your choice being in front of you. That’s why just being around these people, places, or things can create intense cravings and urges to use substances. These are known as triggers. It’s important that any form of substance abuse treatment focuses on identifying triggers and teaching you healthier ways of dealing with them. Other psychological addiction symptoms often include: The Difference Between Psychological and Physical Dependence People with substance use disorders experience both physical and psychological dependencies. During physical dependence, your body becomes dependent on a substance to function. For instance, an opioid addiction may begin as a pursuit to get pleasurable feelings that come with the flood of dopamine initiated by the drug. With continued abuse, opioids start depleting your brain’s natural supply of dopamine. The brain starts relying on opioids to produce dopamine. If you stop using opioids, your central nervous system goes into overtime, trying to rebalance itself without the help of drugs and you begin to experience physical withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, muscle aches, and rapid heart rate. This signifies a physical dependence. When you’re experiencing psychological addiction, your thoughts may be consumed with when you’ll use drugs or alcohol again, or how you’ll get more of the substance you’re abusing. Awareness of the negative consequences stemming from your substance abuse do not deter you from using. Psychological dependence does not produce physical sensations, but instead surfaces as the mental desire to use drugs and alcohol, and the feelings tied to substance abuse. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is fueled by both physical and psychological addiction. PAWs are withdrawal symptoms that continue after you’re no longer physically dependent on alcohol or drugs like opioids. These symptoms can continue for weeks to months, improving gradually. As your central nervous system continues to repair itself and rebalance brain chemicals, you may experience: Psychological addiction can challenge your sobriety during PAWS. The pull to self-medicate these uncomfortable feelings with drugs or alcohol can be strong, putting you at high risk of relapse. How Do You Treat Psychological Dependence? Alcohol and drug addiction treatment should include approaches for both physical and psychological dependencies. A dual diagnosis treatment center includes both mental health treatment and holistic approaches like nutrition, fitness, massage therapy, medication management, and other features that help mend the physical deficits of addiction. Some substance addictions will require special approaches to tackle the physical components. For example, heroin addiction treatment often includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which are medications and approaches that help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings that arise during detox and the early days of recovery. Behavioral therapy is needed to address psychological dependence. In group therapy and individual therapy, you’ll learn how your thoughts and behaviors are linked. You’ll practice ways of changing maladaptive thought patterns and ways of relating to others. Substance abuse and mental health treatment helps you learn the reasons behind your addiction so that you can begin to heal from those challenges. Therapists may use a variety of approaches to help you address past wounds and maintain sobriety by learning healthier ways to think about yourself and deal with triggers. Common addiction therapy approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. You’ll learn relapse prevention skills to help you resist urges and cravings and build a supportive network of sober peers. Get Help For Addiction If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we can help. Footprints to Recovery offers a full continuum of care that includes: Our highly experienced treatment staff will help you get to the root causes of addiction and learn a healthier more fulfilling way of life. Depending on the Footprints to Recovery addiction treatment center location, you’ll take part in: Life is better in recovery. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. References
What Happens When You Quit Drinking Cold Turkey?
You’ve decided to stop drinking and get your life back on track. That’s great. Recovery is better than you can imagine. Before you embark on this journey, you should know some important information on quitting alcohol cold turkey, and why it can be dangerous. What Is Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey Like? About half of people with an alcohol use disorder have withdrawal symptoms when they quit drinking. These can range from mild to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Their intensity depends on: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms that people who engage in regular, heavy drinking experience when they quit alcohol. If this describes you, when you quit drinking cold turkey, you may have: If you detox in a treatment facility, medical professionals can ease these alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They can also attend to life-threatening emergencies like seizures and dehydration. How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last? The time it takes to detox from alcohol is different for everyone. For people with an alcohol use disorder, withdrawal symptoms usually occur in three phases. First Phase of Alcohol Withdrawal The first phase of alcohol withdrawal can begin around six hours after your last drink. These symptoms may feel like a very intense hangover. The first phase of alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include: Second Phase of Alcohol Withdrawal The second phase of alcohol detox is the most dangerous one if you quit drinking cold turkey. It usually begins within a day after you quit alcohol. It may last around 48 hours or longer. During the second phase of alcohol detox, you’re most at risk for severe withdrawal symptoms. Acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include: Third Phase of Alcohol Withdrawal During the final phase of alcohol withdrawal, you may experience psychological symptoms. This phase is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Psychological symptoms can last several months as the brain slowly begins to regulate and resume normal functioning. Common symptoms during the third phase may include: Is Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey Dangerous? Quitting cold turkey is dangerous because of certain alcohol withdrawal symptoms. That’s why it’s best to detox with the help of medical professionals. They monitor you around the clock for painful or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. When you abuse alcohol regularly, your body and brain start thinking you need it to function. You develop a tolerance and a dependency on it. Alcohol abuse causes the body to compensate for the depressive effects of alcohol by increasing certain hormones and brain chemicals. When you quit drinking cold turkey, your system is flooded with abnormally high levels of these chemicals. That’s a sign your body is trying to adapt to the absence of alcohol, which it thinks it needs to survive. This imbalance in your central nervous system can cause dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms like: These severe symptoms that can put your life in danger. Some research shows 20% of people with the DTs die without the help of medical detox. With medical treatment, that percentage drops to 1%. Some people are at higher risk for dangerous complications from alcohol withdrawal because of health conditions or age. These include: Can You Quit Drinking Cold Turkey Successfully? It’s difficult to quit drinking cold turkey and maintain sobriety without a formal addiction treatment program. One study followed people who had stopped drinking for several years and found that after three years, over half of the people who did not receive treatment had relapsed. Quitting alcohol cold turkey without medical detox puts you at risk of relapse because of withdrawal symptoms. Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be painful, and many people cannot resist the urge to drink to stop the discomfort. Additionally, many people relapse in early recovery because they want to self-medicate depression, anxiety, and uncomfortable feelings that come with PAWS. Quitting cold turkey is never recommended, but if you’re going to attempt this, it’s imperative that you reach out to a medical professional prior to quitting so they can discuss the risks with you. After you detox from alcohol, attend a substance use treatment program to help you stay sober. If you don’t learn healthy coping skills and address the reasons why you abuse alcohol, relapse is almost inevitable. What About Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey? The same reasons why it’s not a good idea to quit drinking cold turkey apply to quitting drugs cold turkey. Depending on the substance you’ve been using, drug detox can bring about painful or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. When you have a drug addiction, your brain has gotten used to having substances to help it function. Quitting cold turkey can send your body into withdrawal. Going through this process in a detox center is the safest way. Only a medical professional knows the appropriate medications and taper schedules that are safe for your physical make-up and history of drug abuse. Medical detox is especially important for people with heroin addiction, painkiller addiction, benzo addiction, and alcohol addiction. What Are Alcohol Detox Programs Like? Instead of quitting alcohol cold turkey on your own, make sure you’re safe and as comfortable as possible by undergoing it in an alcohol rehab center. Without the help of medical professionals, alcohol withdrawal can be painful, and even fatal. Here’s what you can expect: Assessment The first step in medical detox is an assessment. Medical staff will check your vital signs and ask about any alcohol withdrawal symptoms you’re already having. They’ll take a medical history, and you’ll tell them about your substance abuse and any medications or health conditions. This helps determine the best medications and approaches to use during alcohol detox. Medical Detox A medical team will monitor you throughout the detox process. They’ll treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms with medications and potentially alternative approaches as clinically appropriate. Research-backed treatment medications can lessen the severity of symptoms. A medical team ensures you’re safe and attends to any medical emergencies. Substance Use Disorder Treatment Medical detox is just the first step in alcohol addiction treatment. An alcohol use disorder is a disease. Without behavioral health interventions
Is Cross Addiction Real?
Cross addiction, also known as an addiction transfer or substitute addiction, is the term for replacing one addiction for another. For example, say you recover from a substance use disorder, but develop another type of addictive behavior around food, sex, or gambling. Cross addiction can occur by substituting one substance for another as well. Perhaps you start to abuse alcohol after you’ve quit heroin or begin taking large amounts of ADHD medications after recovering from cocaine addiction. Some people argue that there is such a thing as a healthy “cross addiction” if it’s not a compulsive behavior that you continue regardless of negative consequences. What Causes Cross Addiction? Cross addiction could be tied to low levels of dopamine in the brain. In the example of a substance use disorder, repeated drug or alcohol abuse can deplete the brain of dopamine. This is one of the brain chemicals responsible for pleasurable feelings. Abuse of some substances tells your brain to release dopamine in large, abnormal amounts. Over time, the brain begins relying on alcohol and other drugs to produce even normal amounts of dopamine. When you have a chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol and quit using them, your body and brain go into overdrive. You experience physical withdrawal symptoms while the central nervous system tries to rebalance itself without the substances it’s accustomed to. The time it takes to physically detox from drugs or alcohol is different for everyone, but typically ranges from a couple of days to a week. However, it usually takes longer for brain chemicals to fully rebalance. This period is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). During this time, you’re at risk for mental health issues like anxiety and depression symptoms as well as mood swings and low motivation. To ease PAWS, some people start engaging in other dopamine-rewarding, addictive behaviors to achieve similar feelings as substance abuse. Common cross addictions include: Another theory around cross addiction is the “addictive personality.” This line of thought is that some people always find some type of compulsive behavior to satisfy an underlying need. The idea of an addictive personality is not evidence-based and it’s controversial. Research has yet to find a character trait common to all addicted people. Developing an addiction is usually a complex interplay of biological, developmental, and environmental factors. It’s critical to address the underlying issues that led to substance abuse to help prevent cross addictions. All types of maladaptive behaviors are fueled by similar challenges. Alcohol or drug abuse, gambling, shopping, disordered eating, and other behaviors are usually symptoms of core issues like trauma and mental health disorders. Identifying why you’re abusing substances and/or engaging in unhealthy compulsive behaviors, addressing those issues, and learning healthy coping skills can stop you from continuing to self-medicate in other ways when you’re in addiction recovery. Is Cross Addiction Different From Dual Diagnosis? Cross addiction is different from a dual diagnosis. Also known as co-occurring disorders, a dual diagnosis is when you meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder and one or more mental health disorders. Co-occurring disorders occur simultaneously. Cross addictions occur sequentially. Co-occurring disorders are common in people struggling with addiction. Over 9 million Americans who have a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder. Mental health disorders that frequently co-occur with alcohol and drug addiction include: Is There Any Evidence for Cross Addiction? Empirical evidence for cross addiction is scarce. Much of the information on cross addiction is anecdotal or from case studies. There is some research around cross addiction between substances. For instance, one study found that people may be at higher risk for addiction within the same substance classification. An example: you recover from alcohol addiction but begin abusing marijuana, another substance in the depressant category. However, another study found that people who were in addiction recovery had under half the risk of developing another substance use disorder than those not in recovery. These protective factors could be the relapse-prevention skills people learn in addiction treatment as well as understanding the reasons they use substances. Even with the limited research on cross addiction, recovery programs recommend that people who’ve struggled with substance abuse be wary of substitute addictions. The disease model of addiction postulates that substance abuse changes the brain’s reward pathways and therefore using any substance puts you at risk for dependency. It’s recommended that people in recovery refrain from all forms of substances. For example, people who’ve recovered from heroin addiction shouldn’t drink or smoke pot because they may think it’s a less harmful substance. Opioid-based pain medication for medical procedures or chronic pain are also not recommended to the extent possible for people in recovery. Looking for Help? The best path to sobriety is addressing the root causes of substance abuse so you can heal fully. At Footprints to Recovery, we help you safely detox from substances and then guide you through the work you need to do to stay sober and refrain from other unhealthy coping skills. You’ll explore trauma and emotional pain in a safe, accepting space where you’ll feel supported and cared for. We offer a full continuum of care including: Depending on which Footprints’ substance abuse and mental health treatment centers you attend, your treatment plan may include: Our specialized programs are evidence-based, trauma-focused, and life-changing. Call us today to see how we can help. References
What Is Physical Dependence?
If you experience physical symptoms when you stop taking drugs or alcohol, you have a physical dependence. When you have a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, your brain and body have come to rely on them to function. That’s why when you go without these substances, you experience physical withdrawal symptoms. This is a sign that the central nervous system is trying to rebalance itself and function without drugs or alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can range from headaches and confusion to vomiting and seizures. You don’t need to be abusing drugs and alcohol to develop a physical addiction. For example, physicians may prescribe addictive drugs like opioids for: Even when taken as prescribed, your brain can develop a physical dependence on these drugs. You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop. In both cases of recreational substance abuse and medical uses of prescription drugs, the onset and intensity of physical withdrawal symptoms depend on: If you have a physical dependence, it’s critical that you undergo alcohol or drug detox under the care of medical professionals. Withdrawing from some drugs like heroin or alcohol on your own can be dangerous, and even deadly without proper care. For example, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include delirium tremens (DTs) that put you at risk for heart attack and death. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea from heroin withdrawal can cause sodium and electrolyte imbalances that put you at risk for heart failure. The Difference Between Psychological and Physical Addiction People with substance use disorders usually struggle with both physical and psychological addiction symptoms. Physical dependence produces uncomfortable and painful body sensations without the substance. Psychological dependence is the emotional and motivational factors that play into the mental desire to use drugs or alcohol. Though there are differences between physical and psychological dependence, they are intertwined and feed off each other. This is one reason why it’s so difficult for people with substance use disorders to quit using drugs or alcohol. The time it takes to detox from alcohol and drugs is different for everyone, but depending on the drug, uncomfortable physical symptoms usually cease within days or weeks. However, the urges and cravings to use drugs, which are driven by triggering emotions and situations, can last much longer. Those are the psychological effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Psychological dependence is a part of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). These are withdrawal symptoms that can linger for weeks or months after your physical addiction to drugs subsides. Many effects of PAWS result from the central nervous system working to rebalance itself during early recovery from alcohol addiction or drug addiction. Examples of PAWS can include: This is a critical period in early addiction recovery. The pull to self-medicate the uncomfortable feelings of PAWS with drugs or alcohol can be strong, putting you at high risk of relapse. How Do You Treat Physical Dependence? Treating physical dependence to drugs or alcohol begins with medical detox. This takes place under the care of physicians and nurses who make sure you are safe and comfortable during drug detox or alcohol detox. They will monitor your vital signs and comfort and prescribe research-backed medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. In the case of a medical emergency, they can intervene promptly. Once you have safely rid your body of substances, you may still need medications and therapeutic interventions to deal with lingering physical symptoms. For example, opioid addiction treatment programs may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT). These are prescription drugs that act on your brain’s opioid receptors in ways that help ease physical withdrawal symptoms and reduce intense cravings. MAT is used in combination with behavior therapy and support groups. Substance abuse treatment programs usually include psychiatric care. While your brain recovers from physical dependence on drugs, antidepressants or anti-anxiety pills may be prescribed as needed. Drug and alcohol addictions impact the reward center of the brain, and it can take time for chemicals to rebalance. This can cause depression and anxiety symptoms. Some recovery centers also offer chiropractic services, massage therapy, acupuncture, and other pain management services. These types of treatment can be used to: Drug addiction treatment involves much more than treating physical dependence. Without addressing the reasons why you’ve been abusing drugs or alcohol, you’re likely to relapse. Substance abuse and mental health treatment helps you identify trauma, mental health challenges, relationship struggles, and other situations that often fuel addiction. You’ll start repairing these emotional wounds and learn healthier ways to cope with challenges. Looking For Help? Recovery is hard work, but it’s well worth it. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we can help. Footprints to Recovery offers several levels of care, evidence-based addiction treatment therapies, and comfortable treatment centers where you’ll recover alongside peers who understand what you’re going through. We offer: Treatment plans are tailored to your individual needs and preferences and include both traditional and holistic therapies. We can help you rebuild your life. Call us today. References
Signs of a Meth Overdose
Meth abuse has seen a surge in the last decade. This uptick has brought about an increase in methamphetamine overdose deaths as well, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Over a six-year period, drug overdoses involving meth increased nearly five times. Meth is a highly addictive drug that can have long-term effects on your health, and can be fatal. You don’t have to be addicted to meth to overdose. You can overdose on meth the first time you use it because you have no tolerance. Meth can be cut with dangerous chemicals like fentanyl, a highly potent narcotic. It takes a much smaller amount of fentanyl to overdose than meth. There’s no way to tell how much fentanyl is in street drugs like meth, so whether it’s your first time or you’ve been abusing meth for a long time, you’re always at risk. Other names for meth include crank, crystal meth, ice, and speed. Meth Overdose Symptoms Taking large amounts of meth can cause side effects that lead to overdose (OD). Signs/symptoms of meth overdoses include: An acute overdose on meth refers to overdosing from taking a large amount of meth. This could happen to a first-time user or a chronic user. A chronic overdose happens in long-term meth users and refers to the physical damage from the cumulative effect of meth. Both types of meth overdoses can damage organs. No matter what dose you take of meth or how infrequently you use it, you’re always at risk for overdose. Meth is a street drug and there is no way of telling what amounts of chemicals makers are using. A small dose of meth from one dealer could contain the same amount of dangerous chemicals as a large dose of meth. Getting Help For a Meth Overdose If you suspect a meth overdose, call 911. Unlike naloxone for opioid overdoses, there is no FDA-approved meth overdose treatment. Time is of the essence in any drug overdose, so don’t wait to call 911 if you even suspect this is happening. Most states have good Samaritan laws that prevent the caller and the overdosing individual from being arrested on drug charges. The 911 center or medical personnel will likely ask you how much meth was taken and if it was snorted, smoked, or injected. They may ask you when the individual took the drug, if they took any other substances, their age, and anything you know about their medical history. What Causes a Meth Overdose? Meth takes effect quickly, heading directly into your bloodstream and into your brain and central nervous system. Your body rapidly responds to its presence and increases your breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. These quick changes can put you at risk for seizures and overdose. Meth releases extreme amounts of dopamine. The high amounts of dopamine are what impacts your cardiovascular system the most, leading to those dangerous overdose symptoms. Sometimes the way you take meth can lead to overdose. A meth high from injecting or smoking wears off quicker than snorting it. People who inject it or smoke it may take more to keep their high going. However, even though you may feel like the high is wearing off, there is still meth in your system. Taking more puts you at risk for overdose. Chemicals in meth can also cause an overdose as well as combining meth with other substances. For example, meth abuse and alcohol abuse can be a deadly combination, compounding the effects of both substances and increasing the risk of overdose. Dangers of Meth Addiction Overdose isn’t the only risk of meth abuse. Meth addiction has several health effects. Some of these include: Brain Damage Meth abuse can affect your brain’s structure and the way it functions. Its impact on dopamine can cause psychosis. Meth may also decrease your brain’s white matter, which can lead to several issues like memory loss, confusion, mood fluctuations, and mental health disorders. Compromised Immune System Some research shows meth abuse can alter your immune cells and suppress white blood cells. This puts you at higher risk for infections and illness. People who inject meth increase their risk for bloodborne disease like HIV and hepatitis B and C. During the COVID-19 pandemic, data showed meth users were more likely to get COVID-19 and die from it. Heart Issues People with methamphetamine use disorders can have several cardiovascular issues. Many have heart disease and high blood pressure. Meth use also increases your risk for heart attack and heart failure. Muscular Effects Meth can bring about twitching, involuntary movements, tremors, and muscle atrophy. Some research has found a connection between early onset of Parkinson’s Disease and methamphetamine abuse. Respiratory Problems Long-term meth use can put you at risk for pneumonia, lung damage, and respiratory failure. Lung issues are a result of smoking crystal meth and constricted blood vessels that put pressure on the arteries. Meth Withdrawal Symptoms If you have a methamphetamine addiction and stop cold turkey without medical care, withdrawal symptoms can be harsh. Meth withdrawal symptoms vary by individual but could include dehydration or suicidal thoughts, both potentially fatal. You should never attempt drug detox without the help of medical professionals who can make sure you’re safe, attend to emergencies, and ease symptoms with medications as appropriate. Looking For Addiction Treatment? Without treatment, substance use disorders only get worse. Addiction recovery is hard work, but it’s worth it. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, reach out for help. You can prevent more physical and mental damage, and maybe even save your life or the life of someone you love. Our rehab centers offer evidence-based treatment by behavioral health specialists who are experts in their field and passionate about what they do. Footprints’ addiction treatment programs include: We treat substance abuse holistically with traditional approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy as well as experiential therapies like EMDR. Treatment addresses trauma, mental health issues, and other challenges that often
Signs of a Cocaine Overdose
Some people think of cocaine as a relatively harmless party drug, but the effects of cocaine can be dangerous and even deadly. Cocaine overdose deaths rose by almost 27% in 2020 according to the CDC, and cocaine use has seen a rise in recent years. The National Survey on Drug Abuse reports that cocaine overdose deaths that involve synthetic opioids have been the main factor in cocaine overdose deaths in recent years. Signs and symptoms of a cocaine overdose include: If an individual is experiencing any of these symptoms, the best thing to do is call 911 before they progress. What Causes a Cocaine Overdose? Your risk of overdose on cocaine is based on a few factors: A first-time user can overdose on cocaine if they take too large of an amount for their system, especially if they\’re using alcohol and other drugs. A chronic cocaine abuser can overdose by taking dangerous amounts of cocaine to try to maintain their high. Once you develop a tolerance to cocaine, it takes more to get the desired effect. A cocaine high is brief compared to other drugs, so users may take several doses in one day to stay high. Substance abusers who haven’t used cocaine for a while are also at risk for an unintentional overdose. Their tolerance is down and so lower doses can greatly affect their system. Another cause of cocaine overdose is impurities in the drug. Many illicit drug makers chase cocaine and other drugs with fentanyl. It’s a highly potent chemical and you can overdose on a small amount of it. Combining cocaine with other substances like heroin or alcohol increases your risk of overdose. Cocaine abusers may make a “speedball,” which is a combination of heroin and cocaine that can be highly dangerous and deadly. Cocaine’s stimulant effects can feel like they’re “canceling out” the depressive effects of alcohol and vice versa. This can cause people to take more of one or both of the substances. Cocaine has stimulant effects that speed up functioning of some of your body’s systems. Its effect on the central nervous system increases heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. A cocaine overdose can cause stress on the cardiovascular system, leading to organ failure, internal bleeding, and heart attacks. It can also cause electrical disturbances in the brain causing seizures. Getting Help For a Cocaine Overdose At the first signs of cocaine overdose symptoms, call 911. The quicker you get medical intervention, the better the chances of preventing long-term organ damage and decreasing risk of death. If you get help right away, you may be able to prevent more severe cocaine overdose symptoms like cardiac arrest or seizures. While you wait for emergency personnel, make sure there is nothing around the individual that they could bang their head on if they have a seizure. If they have a high fever, you can apply cold compresses. Don\’t leave them unattended. Don’t let fear of legal repercussions prevent you from calling for help during a cocaine overdose. Most states have good Samaritan laws that prevent you or the individual overdosing from being arrested or charged with drug possession. Dangers of Cocaine Abuse and Overdose Cocaine users are at risk for several health issues. Some of these include: Brain Damage Cocaine abuse depletes your brain of dopamine, which can cause cocaine withdrawal when you go without it. Imbalance of brain chemicals can also lead to anxiety and depression symptoms. Many people have severe depression or feel suicidal during cocaine withdrawal. This comes from the cocaine high as the brain struggles severely to make the balance, which is why your mood drastically crashes after the highs. Cocaine abuse can also decrease gray matter, damage the brain’s structure, kill off neurons, and cause seizure disorders. Heart Problems and Heart Attack Cocaine greatly impacts the circulatory system. Some of the ways cocaine affects the heart include: Digestive Issues Cocaine abuse can decrease the gut’s good bacteria and eat away at the stomach’s acidity barrier. It can also lead to weight loss and malnutrition, acid reflux, diarrhea, and damage to bowel tissues. Lung Damage Cocaine constricts blood vessels and capillaries, which can harden the walls of the lungs. It can cause swelling of the lungs, rupturing air sacs and arteries. Lung spasms leading to respiratory failure is also a risk. Hormone Dysregulation Cocaine abusers can have a dysregulated endocrine system. Cocaine’s effect on hormone production and regulation can disrupt menstrual cycles, lower sperm count, and cause fertility issues. Get Cocaine Addiction Treatment Addiction is a disease that is treatable. If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out. Substance abuse not only ruins your life, it can be dangerous and deadly. Recovery is the fresh start you need. Footprints to Recovery offers evidence-based drug rehab programs that get to the root causes of substance use disorders. Our behavioral health professionals will help you address underlying issues like trauma, co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis), and unhealthy thinking patterns that can perpetuate addiction. You’ll learn relapse-prevention skills that support long-term addiction recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. We offer a full continuum of care that includes medical detox and inpatient treatment as well as outpatient options. Levels of care at our addiction and mental health treatment centers include: A better life is possible. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call us today for a free, confidential consultation. References
