What Is Black Tar Heroin?
Black tar heroin is a black, sticky form of heroin. It’s similar in consistency and appearance to roofing tar, which is where it gets the name. On the street, it’s simply known as black tar, black pearls, or Mexican mud. Typically produced in Mexico, black tar heroin is most popular West of the Mississippi River. Its consistency makes it difficult to inject, so some black tar heroin users dilute it with liquid and heat it for injection. Others will smoke it on foil. The black tar form of heroin is also sometimes taken by mixing it with hot water and squirting it into the nose. This method is sometimes called monkey water, waterloo, waterlining, or shebang. Black tar heroin is usually cheaper than white powdered heroin because of the quicker, less refined process of making it. The purity of black tar is estimated to be around 30% in general, but it’s impossible to know exact purity or strength because of the way it’s cut with other substances. Black tar heroin is just as dangerous as other types of heroin. Signs of Black Tar Heroin Use If you suspect a loved one is abusing black tar heroin, look for these black tar paraphernalia and signs of black tar heroin addiction as detailed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse: Dangers of Black Tar Use Heroin puts your physical and mental health in jeopardy. Using any form of heroin comes with the same risks and dangers. Short-term and long-term effects of black tar heroin abuse can include: Brain Damage Short-term effects of heroin release excessive amounts of dopamine in the brain. The long-term effects of this depletes neurotransmitters of brain chemicals and teaches the brain that it needs heroin to function. This causes withdrawal and detox in the absence of heroin and can lead to mental illness symptoms of anxiety and depression. Heroin can also cause frontal lobe damage, which impacts attention, memory, and spatial awareness. A heroin overdose can cause lack of oxygen to the brain leading to overdose and long-term effects on movement, mood, memory, vision, and other important functions. Heart Attack Injecting black tar heroin can lead to heart infections. Other cardiovascular effects of heroin use include heart failure, low blood pressure, blood vessel damage, collapsed veins, and heart attack. Infections and Illness Heroin can suppress and decrease B and T immune cells. It can lower your ability to fight infections, bacteria, and viruses. The way you use black tar heroin and other forms of the drug can also put you at risk for illness. People who use heroin as an injection drug and share needles are at risk for HIV and hepatitis C. One study found that black tar heroin users were at higher risk for wound botulism, which can lead to breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, and be fatal. Heroin Overdose Whatever the form, prescription opioids, powdered heroin, or black tar heroin, you’re always at risk for overdose. Heroin abuse can slow down your breathing and heart rate so much that you go into respiratory failure and overdose. You’re also at high risk for overdose any time you take it because it is often cut with highly potent substances like fentanyl or other toxins where only a small amount can cause an overdose. Get Help For Addiction Drug and alcohol addictions rob you of the life you are meant to live. We can help you reclaim that life. Our addiction treatment centers offer evidence-based care for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Our treatment providers are highly credentialed behavioral health professionals and addiction medicine experts that are compassionate and caring. They draw upon both traditional and alternative substance use disorder treatments so you can experience whole-body healing. Highlights of our drug rehab programs include: If you or a loved one is struggling with black tar heroin addiction, reach out to us with questions about treatment. We offer free, confidential consultations. References
What Are the Effects of Heroin on the Body?
Heroin and other opioids claim thousands of lives every year. In addition to the everyday impact heroin can have on your life and relationships, the long-term effects of heroin touch almost every system in the human body. Learn how heroin damages your health, and why substance abuse treatment and recovery are the only way out. Effects of Heroin on the Brain Heroin and other opioids have short-term and long-term effects on the central nervous system. One long-term effect of heroin is the way it can permanently change the brain. Taken in high doses, opioids flood the brain with dopamine, your natural “feel-good” chemical. Over time, opioid abuse begins depleting your natural supply of dopamine and your brain’s ability to produce even normal amounts of it without heroin. At this point, you’ve developed a tolerance to heroin and physical dependence on the drug. The short-term effect is to send your body into withdrawal in the absence of heroin as your central nervous system goes into overdrive to rebalance itself. The ongoing impact is the way this interferes with brain chemical production, putting you at risk for depression and anxiety symptoms. Potential long-term effects of heroin’s impact on the brain include slowed breathing, which robs the brain of oxygen. This can result in brain damage, coma, and death. In extreme cases, such as a heroin overdose, lack of oxygen impacts future functions like vision, memory, movement, and mood. Another long-term effect of heroin is damage to the frontal lobe of the brain, causing memory issues and problems with spatial awareness and attention. Heroin can also damage your nervous system’s response to pain, making some stimuli more painful. Effects of Heroin on the Heart The American Heart Association warns of several short and long-term effects of heroin and prescription opioids on the heart. Effects of Heroin on Breathing Abusing heroin impacts your respiratory system, increasing your risk for overdose. Opioids tell your central nervous system to slow down functions like breathing and heart rate. Large doses of heroin can slow down your breathing and heart so much that you overdose, which can cause health issues or death. Heroin can also worsen asthma symptoms and other respiratory conditions. Effects of Heroin on the Digestive System Heroin affects the digestive system during both active drug abuse and as symptoms of heroin withdrawal. Opioid abuse slows down the muscles involved in digestion. This can lead to: Heroin withdrawal also impacts the gastrointestinal system. If you’ve been abusing heroin and you stop, the central nervous system tries to rebalance itself, which can lead to: Effects of Heroin on the Endocrine System Heroin abuse even impacts your glands and hormones. Effects on the endocrine system include: Effects of Heroin on the Immune System Opioids can affect your immune system by exposing you to potential infections from injecting heroin. They can also affect your immune cells in several ways. This includes decreasing or suppressing T and B immune cells and hindering your body’s ability to make new immune cells. All of these situations make you less able to fight viruses, bacteria, and infections. The behaviors of people addicted to heroin can also contribute to illnesses and disease. Heroin abusers may share needles with other users. This puts you at high risk for blood-borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. The CDC attributes 1 in 10 HIV cases to injecting drugs like heroin. Another behavioral component of substance abuse that impacts your immune system is lifestyle. Drug addiction can take over your life and priorities. Your brain thinks it needs heroin or other drugs to function, so it becomes your focus instead of healthy habits like eating well,mgetting enough sleep, exercising, and other practices that help keep your immune system in shape to fight disease and germs. Looking for a Heroin Rehab Program? Heroin addiction is devastating for both the addicted individual and their loved ones. The chance of recovery may feel bleak to you, but the fact is, with the right drug addiction treatment, motivation, and support, people do recover from opioid abuse. We see it at our addiction treatment centers every day, and we know you can do it. Depending on the location, heroin addiction treatment at Footprints to Recovery includes: We offer medical detox that eases heroin withdrawal symptoms with medications and round-the-clock care, and our addiction treatment programs include both inpatient and outpatient options. You’ll work with a team of behavioral health professionals who are experts in their field and recovery alongside peers who understand what you’re going through. Get your life back on track and prevent more long-term effects of heroin abuse. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. References
What Does Meth Do to Your Body?
Meth is a dangerous, highly addictive drug that can greatly impact your physical and mental health. The long-term effects of methamphetamine can be dangerous, and even deadly. Learn what meth does to your brain and body, and why you should quit. Meth’s Effect on Your Brain When you abuse meth, the brain produces excessive amounts of dopamine, which is a chemical that creates feelings of euphoria. Taking the drug regularly starts depleting your natural supplies of dopamine. This brain chemical plays an important role in many functions, so when it’s off balance, your entire system is impacted. When you\’re addicted to a substance, your brain begins depending on that drug to function normally. When you try to stop using meth, dopamine levels drop, and your brain sends your body into withdrawal in an effort to restore chemical balance. Research suggests changes in the brain due to meth affect brain structure and function. The impact on your neurotransmitters can lead to psychotic symptoms or violent behavior. Methamphetamine psychosis can include symptoms like: Meth can cause brain damage by decreasing white matter, killing brain cells, and altering neurotransmitters. Users may experience short-term and long-term memory loss, mood disturbances, confusion, and serious mental health issues. Meth’s Effect on Your Heart After accidents and meth overdoses, heart disease is the leading cause of death in meth users. The stimulant drug affects the cardiovascular system in several ways. The American Heart Association reports meth users are at risk for these conditions: Meth’s Effect on Your Immune System Research shows chronic methamphetamine abuse can significantly affect your immune system. Meth can alter your immune cells and disrupt their signaling pathways. It may suppress white blood cells that fight bacteria and viruses. This can lead to poorer immune system functioning and increased risk of infections. Meth abuse can cause mouth abrasions and mucous membranes to dry out, decreasing natural barriers against infection. People who abuse meth are at greater risk for diseases like hepatitis B and C and HIV. If you inject meth and share needles, it increases your susceptibility to these illnesses. Meth also greatly clouds your judgement and makes you less inhibited, which can lead to risky behaviors like unprotected sex. During the COVID-19 pandemic, studies found that meth users were at higher risk of infection and death from the disease due to their compromised immune system. Meth’s Effect on Your Muscles The effects of methamphetamine abuse can even reach into your muscles, causing issues like: A small body of research suggests a link between methamphetamine abuse and Parkinson’s Disease or early onset of the disease, which attacks the musculoskeletal system. Meth’s Effect on Breathing Meth can put you at risk for acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, and other types of lung damage. This is caused by constriction of your blood vessels, which puts pressure on the arteries leading to the lungs. Smoking crystal meth is a common way to take the drug because it leads to a quicker high. Using meth in this way increases your risk of the myriad of respiratory issues that come from smoking substances. Meth’s Effect on Your Appearance Meth abuse can affect your physical appearance. Some of the effects of meth are due to the way the drug changes your priorities. When you’re addicted to meth, it becomes the central focus in your life. You’re not concerned with personal hygiene, nutrition, or other factors that affect your appearance and health. Meth abusers often share these physical characteristics: Rotted Teeth Also known as “meth mouth,” meth abusers may have several dental issues because they neglect oral hygiene and nutrition. Methamphetamine is also acidic which can compound these problems. Many meth users crave sugary foods and drinks, which exacerbates dental issues. Meth mouth may include tooth decay, missing teeth, and dry mouth. Skin Conditions You may have heard the term “meth mites.” A common meth hallucination is the feeling that bugs are crawling on you. Known as “crank bugs” these hallucinations can lead you to obsessively pick or scratch your skin causing sores that often become infected. Chronic methamphetamine abuse often leads to acne. This is due to a few factors: If you use meth, you might look older than your age. Restricted blood flow can cause your skin to lose some of its elasticity, appearing wrinkled and sagging. People who use meth by smoking it may have burns or sores on their face or hands. Weight Meth is a stimulant and appetite suppressant. People who use meth are often thin or underweight. Clothes may be baggy and disheveled. Treatment for Meth Addiction A meth addiction is difficult to overcome, but not impossible with the right treatment, support, and motivation. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to us. Footprints to Recovery provides evidence-based substance abuse and mental health treatment that addresses the root causes of your addiction. These may include trauma, a dual diagnosis, and other challenges. Our holistic approach to addiction treatment teaches you healthier ways to cope without drugs and alcohol and helps you begin repairing the mental and physical effects of methamphetamine abuse. Levels of care at our drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers include: We’ve seen thousands of clients take back their lives from addiction. You can too. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. References
Heroin Relapse: Why Does It Happen & What Are the Signs?
Relapse can be a normal part of recovery. Addiction is a chronic disease with similar relapse rates as other chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. In general, around 40-60% of people who get sober will abuse substances again at some point in their lives. Heroin relapse rates are among the highest. One study found that 91% of people with opioid addictions relapsed after getting sober, and 54% of those who did, relapsed within one week. Another study found 72 to 88% of people relapsed between one and three years of quitting heroin. Though these recovery statistics seem bleak, it’s important to know that addiction is a disease that’s treatable, and people do get better. With the right substance abuse treatment, a desire to change, and dedication to putting sobriety first, it’s possible to beat the heroin relapse rates. Why Are Heroin Relapse Rates So High? Opioids are some of the most addictive substances of abuse. You can develop a chemical dependency on opioids quickly, and once you do, cravings for them can be intense. You will also start experiencing withdrawal symptoms without opioids. Heroin relapse may stem from a combination of physical, psychological, and situational challenges. These include: Heroin Is Highly Addictive Heroin and other opioids are considered highly addictive. They can hijack the brain, making it believe it needs opioids for your survival. In high doses, opioids flood the brain with dopamine, which produces an intense feeling of euphoria. Heroin users often describe it as the most intense high they’ve ever felt. Heroin addiction can develop as users begin to “chase the high” of the drug, increasing doses in hopes of achieving the euphoria felt in early uses. Heroin Withdrawal With repeated heroin use, the brain’s receptors become depleted of dopamine and unable to produce normal amounts on its own – they’ve become dependent on opioids to do the work. Without proper amounts of neurotransmitters like dopamine, the body can go into withdrawal, producing painful or dangerous symptoms as the central nervous system tries to rebalance itself. After a while, heroin abusers need opioids just to ward off heroin withdrawal and feel “normal.” People who try detoxing from heroin on their own are at high risk of relapse because the urge to stop withdrawal symptoms can feel overbearing. Heroin detox should always take place among medical professionals who can ease withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe. Co-Occurring Disorders Mental health disorders commonly co-occur with substance abuse and addiction. This is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. One study specific to heroin and co-occurring disorders found 47% of people addicted to opioids had an anxiety disorder or mood disorder. Without ongoing mental health treatment to help manage psychiatric symptoms, people in recovery may feel the urge to self-medicate these issues with drugs or alcohol. Unaddressed Trauma People struggling with trauma are at greater risk for substance abuse and addiction. Drugs and alcohol can become a way to numb difficult feelings or memories. One study found 92% of people in a drug rehab center for heroin had past trauma and 41% had lifetime PTSD. Another study found that the more adverse childhood events (ACEs) an individual experienced, the greater their chance of heroin relapse. The Nature of Addiction Addiction is a disease that can rewire the brain. Your reward center begins thinking it needs opioids to survive just as it would food, water, or companionship. Its focus above all else is getting more heroin, making it feel nearly impossible to resist cravings and urges to use. When you have a substance use disorder, your brain develops strong associations to places, feelings, people, and situations tied to drug abuse. When you encounter these triggers, it sometimes feels like heroin is right in front of you. Addiction triggers can be extremely hard to resist in early recovery and difficult times. Poor Support System People to lean on in sobriety like loved ones, peers in recovery, and behavioral health professionals are critical for relapse prevention. Studies show isolation and feeling like you don’t have support in recovery puts you at greater risk for relapse. Boredom Loneliness and boredom are proven to put people at higher risk of relapse. Sobriety often means saying goodbye to friends and acquaintances who use drugs. It also means finding ways to fill the space that drugs used to occupy with other activities. Recovery can feel lonely in the early days and drugs can feel like an old friend that helped you deal with boredom in the past. What Makes Heroin Relapse So Dangerous? People who quit abusing heroin and then relapse are at high risk for heroin overdose — even more so than newly addicted heroin users. When you use heroin and other opioids regularly, you quickly develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring increasing amounts of heroin to get the desired effect. People who relapse on heroin often misjudge the amount they need to achieve a heroin high. They have less tolerance to heroin after being off the drug. Smaller doses can cause a heroin overdose. Signs of Heroin Relapse For people concerned that their loved one may be using heroin again, the signs of heroin relapse are similar to what you may have seen when they began using initially. Your loved one may return to the same type of lifestyle as when they were in active drug addiction like seeing old friends, not taking care of themselves, and slacking off at work, school, or with family responsibilities. They may also show physical and emotional signs of heroin relapse. Look for these signs of relapse if you’re concerned about a loved one: Preventing Heroin Relapse Preventing relapse from heroin involves addiction therapy, lifestyle changes, a dedication to sobriety, working a recovery program, and support from others. Some ways to prevent relapse include: Behavioral Therapy Counseling that draws on approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management support healthy changes in people with co-occurring addiction and mental health issues. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown
Alcohol Relapse: Why Does It Happen and What Are the Signs?
Relapse is an unfortunate reality of recovery for many recovering alcoholics. It’s possible even after getting help from a professional addiction treatment program. Relapse doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It’s a common part of the recovery process. Alcohol is one substance that can be very difficult to recover from, and alcohol relapse is common. Alcohol is a substance that’s used by countless people every day across the country. Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shows that 84% of adults in the United States have at least tried alcohol before. Alcohol carries a potential for physical dependence and can establish a vicious cycle of drinking if you don’t get proper help. Detoxing from alcohol can be deadly. It’s important to seek medical advice immediately if you are stopping use of alcohol due to the risk of seizures. This ensures your safety throughout the process. If you or a loved one are alcohol dependent, an addiction treatment center like Footprints to Recovery is the place to turn to for help. Finding reliable alcohol treatment doesn’t have to be difficult. The clinical team at Footprints to Recovery is skilled in the field of alcohol addiction treatment. We have helped countless others on their journeys to sobriety. You can be next. If you’re ready to stop drinking alcohol and lower your risk of alcohol relapse, call Footprints to Recovery today. What Is Alcohol Relapse? Alcohol relapse is when someone starts drinking again after a period of sobriety. It’s common because feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression can trigger a return to the dangerous habit. Data shows that between 40% and 60% of people relapse from substance abuse disorders. Anyone is at risk for relapse, but there are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of relapsing. Those risk factors include: Why Does Alcohol Relapse Happen? Even after you have undergone professional treatment, there\’s still a risk of returning to old drinking patterns. Some factors that can cause an alcohol relapse include: Biological Factors Addiction is a chronic disease. Just like other chronic diseases, there is always a risk for relapse. Repeated alcohol abuse rewires the brain. The reward center tells your brain and body that you need alcohol to survive. Under these conditions, it is extremely hard to resist urges and cravings to drink. Triggers Certain people, places, emotions, or situations that were associated with drinking in the past can trigger cravings and urges to use alcohol again. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) While physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually go away within days or weeks, psychological symptoms can linger for several months. This is known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms, or PAWS, and it includes uncomfortable symptoms like: These may tempt you to cope with alcohol. Lack of Support A network of peers in recovery, loved ones, and behavioral health professionals are critical to long-term sobriety. If you’re isolated and don’t believe you have people invested in you and your recovery, you’re more vulnerable to relapse. Components of support for long-term recovery include: Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders People with co-occurring mental health disorders are at higher risk for alcohol relapse. Untreated or under-treated mental illness symptoms are one of the underlying issues that can lead to substance abuse in the first place. Common co-occurring disorders with drug and alcohol abuse are: If symptoms from these mental health symptoms flare up, you could be tempted to self-medicate with alcohol like you did in the past. Social Pressure Peer pressure or societal norms related to drinking (like believing you must “cheers” with alcohol) can influence you to start drinking again. Boredom and Loneliness Addiction recovery can feel lonely sometimes. You have likely cut out former friends and places from your drinking days. It takes a while to build a new circle of friends and hobbies. You also probably focused most of your time and energy on alcohol. Even though it was a destructive behavior, there’s a void without it. Research shows that loneliness and boredom put people at high risk of relapse, so pay attention to these relapse warning signs. Not Taking Care of Yourself Poor self-care like lack of sleep, unhealthy eating, and not enough movement and exercise can play a role in alcohol relapse. Letting other healthy self-care practices fall by the wayside can put you at risk too. This could include neglecting things like: When you ignore the things that keep you feeling well, you may lack the energy and motivation to resist triggers. Relapse does not signify failure. Recovery from addiction is often characterized by a series of attempts and setbacks, and relapse can be part of the learning and recovery process. What\’s crucial is recognizing the signs of relapse, seeking help, and re-engaging in treatment or support to prevent the situation from getting worse. What Are Signs of Alcohol Relapse? You may think of alcohol or drug relapse as something that happens out of the blue, but often there are signs well before. Substance abuse experts have identified three common stages of relapse: emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse. Recognizing these signs early on can be crucial for preventing a full-blown relapse and seeking appropriate support. Phase 1: Emotional Relapse During an emotional relapse, you haven’t begun thinking about substance abuse as an option, but you’re experiencing difficulties that can put you at risk for relapse. For example, you’re under a lot of stress; you’re going through relationship problems; or you’re just feeling down and unmotivated to go to recovery support groups, keep up with self-care, and follow other healthy practices. This puts you at risk for relapse because you likely dealt with these uncomfortable feelings by drinking alcohol in the past. Some alcohol relapse signs during this stage include: Isolating Isolation is a proven relapse risk factor for alcohol relapse. It might look like: Poor Self-Care This might look like neglecting the things you know keep you well and feeling strong in sobriety; for instance, eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Mood Changes Co-occurring
10 Signs of Relapse
Relapse is often a normal part of addiction recovery. According to research, around 40-60% of people in recovery will relapse at some point. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, and just like other chronic diseases, relapse is always a risk. Relapse is tough on both the individual who relapses and their loved ones. However, it’s important to know that addiction relapse doesn’t mean that treatment didn’t work, or sobriety will never be achievable. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one is at risk of returning to alcohol or drug abuse, there are several addiction relapse warning signs you should be aware of. Researchers have identified three predictable stages of relapse: emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse. There are different signs of relapse within each stage. Paying attention to these relapse warning signs can help you prevent a drug relapse before it happens. Emotional Relapse An emotional relapse is usually the first stage of relapse. At this point, you aren’t thinking about using drugs or alcohol again, but stress, triggers, or difficult situations are bringing up emotions and negative thoughts that fueled substance abuse in the past. Despite these feelings, you aren’t using the healthy coping skills you know can help. You may brush off these early relapse warning signs and feel overconfident about your ability to manage intense emotions and thoughts without turning to drugs and alcohol. Signs of emotional relapse include: #1 Isolation Isolation and loneliness are known relapse risk factors. There are many ways people isolate in recovery. Perhaps you’ve stopped attending recovery meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery. Maybe you’ve quit participating in the alumni program at the substance abuse treatment center you attended. Avoiding friends and family, cancelling therapy appointments, or skirting social activities are signs of isolation as well. Isolation can be an important sign of relapse for loved ones. If the individual in recovery is declining invitations, not answering phone calls and texts, or not participating in usual social activities, check in with them to make sure they’re okay. #2 Decline in Self-Care Most addiction treatment programs teach the importance of self-care as critical components of relapse prevention. If you’ve stopped doing the things you know help you feel good so you’re better able to resist drugs and alcohol, pay attention. Self-care can be anything from exercising, eating right, and getting enough sleep to attending individual therapy or keeping up with medication-assisted treatment for heroin addiction or opioid addiction. A decline in self-care is another warning sign of relapse loved ones can look out for. You may not know if the individual in recovery is keeping up with therapy, appointments, or exercise, but you can look for more obvious indicators. If you notice basic self-care slipping, like hygiene, eating habits, or physical upkeep, this could be a sign your loved one is relapsing. #3 Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Changes Studies show that people with depression and anxiety are at higher risk for addiction relapse. Mental health can impact relapse in a couple of ways. If you’re not following through with practices known to manage depression or anxiety symptoms like therapy and medication, you’re putting yourself at risk for relapse. People in recovery with co-occurring disorders need to treat mental health symptoms so they aren’t tempted to self-medicate them with drugs and alcohol. On the other hand, relapse can be triggered by a general feeling of irritability, discontent, or low mood that is common especially in early recovery. This can result from experiences like: Mental Relapse Emotional relapse can fuel mental relapse. Without addressing difficult emotions, thoughts, and situations in healthy ways, your mind may wander toward memories of substance abuse as an escape. At first, you may try convincing yourself that you wouldn’t actually use drugs and alcohol again, but as mental relapse progresses, you may fantasize about getting relief from drugs and alcohol — how it would feel, and how you would do it. You might even start developing a plan for relapse. Here are some warnings signs of mental relapse: #4 Romanticizing Your Active Addiction A significant relapse warning sign is becoming nostalgic for your old lifestyle. When you’re in a bad place emotionally, it’s tempting to forget about the pain, loss, heartache, and misery that came with substance abuse. You may daydream about past substance use that you found fun or relieving and disregard all the memories of bad experiences. #5 Hanging Out With Friends Who Use You may start engaging in behaviors that you know are relapse triggers. This can include talking to or seeing old friends who still abuse drugs and alcohol. Hanging out in places where you used substances or where you’re likely to run into your old friends is also a red flag. #6 Minimizing the Consequences of Relapsing During a mental relapse, you may start downplaying the danger of “just one drink” or “just one hit.” If you’ve been through substance abuse treatment, you know that addiction is a disease and when you’re in recovery, there’s no such thing as moderation when it comes to using drugs and alcohol. Having one drink or one hit is playing with fire. Furthermore, if you’ve been sober for awhile, taking drugs like heroin or opioids can put you at high risk for overdose because you have no way of knowing how much of the drug your body can handle now. #7 Developing Cross Addictions More research on cross addictions is needed, but it occurs when you replace one addiction with another. For example, perhaps you were addicted to heroin, but you start abusing alcohol or marijuana because you’ve convinced yourself it’s not as bad. Maybe you start coping with life through another destructive behavior, such as an eating disorder or compulsive gambling. Cross addiction is another sign of relapse that loved ones can look out for. If you notice the individual in recovery engaging in compulsive behaviors or using “less serious” substances, it is a definite indication that they need help. #8
Living with an Alcoholic: How to Support and Not Enable
Living with someone struggling with alcoholism can be stressful and chaotic. If you’re concerned that your loved one has a problem with their drinking, there are ways you can be there for them. First, it’s important to learn about the addiction. Then you can learn about effective ways to support them without enabling their behavior. What Is Alcohol Use Disorder? An estimated 17 million Americans aged 18 and older struggle with alcohol use disorder. Someone with alcohol use disorder has a problem controlling or stopping their drinking even after it negatively affects their health, relationships, or occupation. Signs that someone may be struggling with alcohol use disorder can include: Navigating how to discuss your concerns with the person with whom you live can be difficult. And it’s hard to know how best to support them while also making sure you’re paying attention to your own wants and needs. How to Talk About Your Concerns Having a conversation with someone about their drinking can be the first step in helping them tackle their addiction. These conversations are sometimes scary and uncomfortable, but it might save their life. Make sure to: Keep in mind that it may take more than one well-intentioned conversation. If you live with an alcoholic who has been struggling with addiction for a while, there may be many things in place that stop them from changing their behavior. Be Aware of Barriers to Change Making long-lasting changes is difficult for anyone. For those dealing with alcoholism, giving up alcohol may be one of the hardest decisions they’ll ever make. Often, alcohol is used as a coping mechanism to deal with feelings or experiences that are too difficult to face. When someone gives up alcohol, that’s just one of the changes they make. They may also have to change: The idea of making all these changes can be scary and daunting. So the person you live with might have a lot of excuses for not wanting or needing to stop drinking. Denial can be a large barrier to making changes and seeking treatment. If you live with an alcoholic, you might notice denial as the person: There are many things that can keep someone addicted in denial. Sometimes it’s fear of the unknown. Not knowing what sobriety will be like can keep someone from changing even though their alcohol use has caused them problems. They might want to avoid feeling shame or embarrassment when admitting they have a problem. Complicating matters, sometimes family and friends enable their behavior to continue. Avoid Enabling! When supporting your loved one, it is important to avoid enabling their alcohol abuse. Enabling someone with an addiction is when you prevent them from fully feeling the negative consequences of their addiction. This could look like: Avoiding enabling can be especially tricky when you live with an alcoholic. Sometimes ignoring the problem feels easier than facing it and potentially rocking the boat of your living situation. Because enabling behaviors can contribute to your loved one’s resistance to change, it is important to avoid them. Learning to set healthy boundaries and enforce them can be one of the most beneficial ways to support someone dealing with alcoholism. Set Healthy Boundaries Whether you’re married to them, friends with them, or simply living with an alcoholic, co-dependency can develop in the relationship. This is when you become so concerned with the addicted person’s problems that you neglect your own wants and needs. You can avoid co-dependency by setting boundaries. Boundaries are the rules and limits you set to protect your own well-being. Boundaries around alcohol use can include things like: These are just a few examples. Your boundaries should be unique to your living situation. Figure out what you’re comfortable with and state these clearly to your loved one. It is important to state these boundaries and make sure to enforce them when needed. Holding firm to your wants and needs may be difficult at first. That’s okay! If you’re not used to enforcing boundaries, it is normal for it to be uncomfortable in the beginning. It may also make your living situation feel awkward for a time. But look at it as an opportunity to support the person with whom you’re living while also taking care of yourself. How to Live Well with an Alcoholic Taking care of your own mental health and well-being is crucial when you live with an alcoholic. Supporting someone struggling with alcohol abuse can be emotionally and physically taxing. Practicing self-care could include: In particular, individual counseling may be helpful for you because you’ll learn more about setting healthy boundaries and coping strategies to use when you need them. And because you may have experienced negative effects of living with an alcoholic, participating in counseling allows you the space to process those experiences. You can also learn more about how to handle alcohol addiction and how to have production interactions with someone who’s addicted. You may want to seek out a support group for spouses, family, or friends who have been negatively affected by alcoholism. These are called Al-Anon groups, and they can be beneficial because being surrounded by others that have had similar experiences gives you an opportunity to build your support system and process your experiences. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on yourself when you live with someone who is struggling. Do your best to support them, and also pay attention to your own well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about treatment for alcohol addiction, contact us at Footprints to Recovery, where we have many treatment programs to help those struggling with substance abuse. References
Pride Month: A Spotlight On Substance Abuse in the LGBTQ Community
No one can argue, 2020 has been a terrible year, one for the books. Deemed America’s worst year, the world has been put to a halt by a global pandemic (COVID-19), an economic crisis, soaring unemployment rates, violence due to racial injustice and political turmoil. As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the nation, hundreds of thousands of people within various communities have either contracted the virus or died as a result. This is especially true for the LGBTQ community. Every year in June marks Pride Month, a celebration where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer individuals exercise and advance the recognition of their rights, and most importantly, express who they truly are. Unfortunately, this time of spirit, unity, and joy has been overshadowed by a much darker problem. Right now, it is as good as time as any to shed the spotlight on LGBTQ+ individuals, and the prevalent issues and unique challenges they continue to face. Recent economic and health care developments have sparked a national discussion on high rates of addiction and mental illness plaguing this community, and the demand for treatment as a result. At Footprints to Recovery, we recognize the ongoing need for substance abuse treatment during this time and are proud supporters of helping the LGBTQ community. Addiction in the LGBTQ Community: A Double-edged Sword Addiction and mental illness don’t discriminate, they are diseases that continue to affect millions of individuals of all ages, races, sexual identities, gender, religion, and socioeconomic status. According to evidence-based research, there are 5.5 million people who identify as LGBTQ+ living in the United States. While our country has made progress in protecting the rights of these people, various factors still contribute to the higher rates of substance abuse and mental illness, especially within this community. Lack of acceptance is not the only reason for the use of drugs and alcohol. The LGBTQ community opposed to other populations is commonly left vulnerable to discrimination in all areas, including health care and the workplace. These stressors that sexual minorities face can also lead to a greater risk of harassment and violence. Social, self, and public stigma, which are overwhelming and extremely distressing for those who experience them, has contributed to high unemployment rates, and most importantly, cases of substance abuse and mental illness to skyrocket. LGBTQ Substance Abuse Rates: Why Are They Really Higher? While there are reasons mentioned above that explain how substance abuse rates for LGBTQ+ individuals are higher, defining the EXACT reasons why they are compared to the general population poses a great difficulty. Numerous studies conducted by counselors, advocates, and academicians in the field have attempted to answer this difficult question for years. On the surface, why these rates are higher might seem obvious, but that isn’t always the case. However, what we do know for a fact is, statistically, people in LGBTQ communities are more than twice as likely to use alcohol and drugs as their heterosexual peers. Drugs and Alcohol Used For Socializing and Escapism A likely explanation for the high rates of substance abuse for LGTBQ youth is the association with this group and nightlife. Historically, many individuals in this group who commonly feel stigmatized turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to cope. Sometimes, there is no escape from that fear of rejection, and oftentimes substances can become an easy go-to for them to help regulate their emotions and escape from reality so to speak. Truth is, especially today, to protect themselves from homophobic and narrow-minded people, LGBTQ+ people tend to use safe havens as a remote destination. This is because gay bars or clubs with like-minded are usually the only places gay people feel safe. They are often an oasis of serenity amidst an intolerant society. A place where acceptance and love fill the room, but accessibility to drugs and alcohol is also in abundance. Treatment Barriers Within the LGBTQ Community Stigma greatly hinders people from receiving the treatment that they need, thus, putting this minority group at higher risk for addiction. In other words, not being able to access the same treatment and resources as non-LGBTQ individuals further exacerbate behavioral health conditions. With the connection between LGBTQ and addiction clarified, it’s essential to look at what stops people within the LGBTQ+ community from seeking addiction treatment when they need it. Lack of social and financial support are huge contributing factors, as well as political obstacles as well. In addition to substance abuse, LGBTQ people are simultaneously facing unemployment, homelessness, food insecurity, and increased health issues. These include mental illness often due to bias and discrimination. They also face lack of insurance benefits. This is why, there is a huge gap between wanting to receive the addiction treatment needed, and actually receiving it. Addressing the Problem Head-On: Knowledge is Power While many steps have been taken to address inequality within the LGBTQ community, there are still many in this community who still face unequal healthcare due to a lack of understanding. As mentioned above, common barriers to addiction treatment in the LGBTQ community include a lack of cultural competence. This addresses the complexity of unique sexuality and gender identity issues, lack of support from family and friends, lack of education, etc. It’s important to remind people that homophobia is typically based on a lack of knowledge. Additionally, those who are unaccepting of others are usually just repeating the stereotypes and opinions they have been exposed to in their environment. In psychology, this is called behavioral observation. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In this particular circumstance, no other quote rings more true. An effective way to help someone who may not accept the beliefs of gay and transgender individuals, for example, is to educate them on the topic. Also, by remaining calm and collected when engaging in a conversation with someone who is unaccepting of others and by using logic, statistics, and facts when defending minority groups; you’ll
Managing Alcohol Withdrawal During Coronavirus Lockdown
It’s bad enough having to deal with alcohol withdrawal when you’re at home surrounded by friends and family. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for loved ones to be near each other, and many people have had to quarantine themselves in their homes with little to no physical contact. If you have an addiction to alcohol or drugs, being on lockdown can make things especially tough. Staying at home can be a good time for you to reflect on how much you drink or use other addictive substances. However, for people recovering from alcoholism, not having immediate access to recovery groups might be bad for maintaining sobriety. The loneliness of being quarantined can also fuel addiction. What is Withdrawal? Withdrawal syndrome is what your body goes through when you stop using alcohol or drugs. The physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal you experience depends on what drug you’ve been abusing and how long you’ve been abusing it. Normal drinkers won’t have any issues when they stop drinking for a few days. However, long-term drinkers who abuse alcohol will certainly feel the negative effects of abruptly halting their intake. Chemicals from drugs and alcohol affect the way your brain and body function over time. The longer you drink or use harmful substances, the more dependent you’ll become on them. This is dangerous for your health and well-being. How Does Alcohol Withdrawal Affect the Body? Alcohol withdrawal hits the body about six to 24 hours after you’ve had your last drink. Symptoms start out mild but can end up becoming severe and even deadly. When you drink, alcohol affects receptors of nervous system cells, which messes with the balance between these nerves and chemical transmitters in the brain. This causes you to feel drunk, resulting in drowsiness, lack of coordination, and slurred speech. Over time, your body and brain depend on alcohol to keep your nerves communicating with each other. Your brain also has to work harder to keep you awake when you’re not drinking. When alcoholics abruptly stop drinking, their bodies go into shock. They’re so used to having alcohol in their systems that they almost can’t function without it. The first few days of alcohol withdrawal are the most intense, with physical symptoms peaking during this time. Although these may go away, the cravings and emotional symptoms will most likely last longer in your body. Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms depends on how much and how often you’ve been drinking. It can also depend on whether you’ve experienced withdrawal in the past. Milder symptoms will usually go away within a few days, but they can still be painful and uncomfortable. Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include: 6-12 hours 12-24 hours Serious alcohol withdrawal can even result in a heart attack. What Is Delirium Tremens? Delirium tremens (DT) is a severe withdrawal symptom characterized by confusion, agitation, and even frightening and vivid hallucinations, both visual and auditory. In about 5 percent of DT cases, people experience fits or seizures. DT usually happens on the second or third day of withdrawal and can last about a week. Although only 4 percent of alcoholics have it, DT does have a mortality rate of 1 to 4 percent. Other symptoms of delirium tremens include: Fits and seizures from DT are the results of alcohol-affected nerves sending confusing messages to the brain. These also occur due to a chemical transmitter imbalance in the body. Even though most seizures go away within five minutes, DT is serious and should be overseen by medical professionals. Even once DT goes away, it can have serious long-term effects on the body. DT can leave you with severe memory loss, as well as an impaired ability to learn and poor logical thinking. Going through Withdrawal During the Coronavirus Pandemic You should never detox at home since it’s extremely dangerous. Severe withdrawal symptoms can be too much for you to handle by yourself, which is why you need 24/7 medical supervision. If you have serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like DT, you must seek medical help immediately. DT is not a condition you can deal with alone. Our doors at Footprints are open for people suffering from alcohol withdrawal during the coronavirus. Even though quarantine is encouraged and travel is not, we strongly suggest that you come to one of our facilities in Colorado, Illinois or New Jersey to get treatment. It’s unclear when this pandemic will end, so it’s not safe to keep your alcohol addiction going right now. If you can’t immediately afford to fly on a plane, call us and we will direct you to help that’s near your current location. However, if you must treat mild withdrawal symptoms at home, there are a few things you can do. If you have more serious symptoms like high blood pressure or DT, make sure to immediately call 911. Virtual Recovery Meetings for COVID-19 Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is holding meetings online during the coronavirus pandemic. This ensures that those in recovery can still get the support they need from their peers without having to meet them in person. By attending meetings in quarantine, you can avoid more severe withdrawal symptoms and also prevent relapse. Check your regional AA website for more information on where to find virtual meetings. Alcohol sales have increased by almost 200% since quarantine has gone into effect for the coronavirus. This can be a dangerous time to continue your alcohol addiction, so we strongly suggest that you seek our services to help you manage cravings. Alcohol Detox Under Supervision and Care When you undergo medical detox at Footprints, you can trust that you’ll be in the care of licensed addiction professionals. Detox is the process of flushing harmful chemicals from alcohol or drugs out of the body. Since you’ll no longer have alcohol to help you function, you’ll typically go through withdrawal. We are prepared to handle any alcohol withdrawal symptoms you’re experiencing, however strong they might be. Once you enroll
The Collision of Covid-19 and Opioid Addiction
People around the world are battling with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We should all be aware that it could crash head-on with some people with substance use disorders (SUDs), especially hard. When comparing the rates of infection and addiction, the coronavirus pandemic and the opioid epidemic inordinately impact the poorest and most defenseless members of society. People who inject substances typically have a weakened immune system. For some, it\’s due to repeated exposure to viruses like hepatitis B and C. They may also have infections at the injection site that drain their body\’s reserves. And they may make poor choices while under the influence like not maintaining cleanliness, especially after going out in public. The public health group, Well Being Trust, projected that 75,000 Americans would die from overdose and suicide as a consequence of the pandemic. Who Does It Affect the Most? The Chain Reaction of Opioid Use and COVID-19 Social Determinants of Health Other risks for people with OUD are included in what is termed “Social Determinants of Health.” Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play have a part in their health risks and outcomes. People with an addiction are more in danger of catching the coronavirus and having a more severe disease if they do. Under- or Uninsured—Individuals who have already experienced serious health and socioeconomic issues. People with addictions are more likely to be poor, smokers with lung or cardiovascular disease. Some of the 30 million people who have filed new claims for unemployment may lose their insurance coverage and the ability to pay for care. Limited Access to Healthcare—People with addictions are at a greater risk for many illnesses. But with the onset of COVID-19, hospitals and clinics are being pushed to their capacity. People with addiction, who are already stigmatized and underserved by the healthcare industry, will suffer even bigger obstructions to treatment. Many of the clinics that provided needle exchange services or walk-in treatment have reduced their hours or even closed. Likelihood of Incarceration–There are also millions of incarcerated people in jail due to their addiction and related nonviolent drug offenses. An environment such as a prison is a potent breeding ground for COVID-19 because of the typically overcrowded conditions. Housing Insecurity—Homelessness exposes people to surroundings where they are in close contact with other people at high risk for infection. Disturbance in Treatment and Support Systems–Self-quarantine and other public health measures can disrupt access to clean needle services, medications, and other support services necessary to individuals with OUD. A common motto in recovery culture is that “addiction is a disease of isolation.” Social distancing is contrary to most efforts to engage in a recovery community. There is a difference between social distancing and physical distancing. We need to keep physical distance but make an extra effort to maintain social bonds. The social isolation so necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 prevents people from attending peer support groups, which are a vital source of support to people struggling to stay in recovery. Stress + Cravings – Support = Relapse A team of academics from Indiana University conducted a study to find out how people with substance use disorders are managing their recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Half of the people in the study had OUD. The other half had a combination of other substances and alcohol use disorders. The study subjects were asked to rate their perceived chances of infection from COVID-19. They rated their chances at 63%–more than double the rating from the general community. Coincidentally, nearly two-thirds (also 63%) of the study group also reported preexisting conditions in themselves or members of their household. This puts them at a higher risk for COVID-related difficulties. Seventy-eight percent of the group reported higher stress than before the coronavirus pandemic. This was mainly due to increases in job or family responsibilities (42%), or job reductions or losses (30%). The change in routine, along with unregulated free time, make a recovery a more difficult situation. The extra stress adds to feelings of loneliness and frustration. Stress can worsen substance cravings and contributes to relapse. About 20% of the study group described increases in cravings, and 17% admitted to using substances since the start of the pandemic. Unfortunately, this may foretell an increase in relapse rates as COVID-19 continues. Loss of Supports Some of the study participants reported the closing of sober living homes and postponement of in-person support meetings and early dismissals from treatment centers. Limiting these important supports causes substantial challenges for continuing abstinence. Most people reported attending support meetings online or by phone. But there is a small percentage that doesn\’t attend meetings of any kind due to the cancellations, perceived reductions of support, or because the meeting setting is just “not the same.” For these people who have lost their support communities, the risk of relapse is substantial. Medication Limits Overdose reversal medication like Naloxone saves lives from opioid overdoses. Some locales are decreasing the use of overdose reversal medications by first responders to limit the transmission of COVID-19. Individuals with opioid use disorder depend on lifesaving opioid replacement medications. Urine monitoring is often required to make sure the medications are not being redirected to nonmedical use. But now, the once-routine visits are being limited. The government has had to develop new guidelines to lighten some of the restrictions and enable treatment with the replacement medications in spite of limited supervision. Solutions During the Pandemic and Beyond Since March, federal officials have done more to reform addiction medicine than in the past twenty years. They have increased access to some treatments far more quickly and completely than any reforms passed at the height of the opioid epidemic. The Program in Addiction Medicine at Yale University gives some guidelines for treatment during the pandemic. Options include: Telehealth Many doctors are taking advantage of new regulations that allow them to prescribe buprenorphine without evaluating patients in person—conducting visits by video chat or even by phone. Patients can text doctor and
