Category: United States

codeine abuse -dara

What Is Codeine Use And Abuse?

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Codeine Abuse – Codeine is a very commonly used opiate drug, but what needs to be considered is: What is codeine use potentially leading to?

Who uses it?

Those who suffer from mild to moderate pain those who have pain which is not easing with the use of general painkillers.

Your doctor can prescribe it in a pure form, or it is available from a pharmacy in lower doses when combined with thing such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen.

If you are taking over the counter (OTC) medicines for coughs and colds there is a good chance that low concentrations of codeine will be contained in such formulas.

If you have any concerns relating to the make-up of any OTC medicine it is very important that you discuss these fully with your qualified pharmacist. They should clearly explain what is contained and what effects are possible. Women who are pregnant should be particularly cautious in this respect.

What is codeine beneficial for?

The obvious benefit is pain relief. Many people suffering from pain may have tried several different painkillers without receiving the required pain relief. Codeine can help to relieve such pain. It is also seen as effective for women who suffer heavy period pains.

How does codeine make you feel?

Many users claim it gives them a feeling of well-being, they feel far calmer and more relaxed and often sleepy. Those who are suffering from constant pain may well miss out on quality sleep time due to the distraction of such pain, so this relief will certainly be welcomed.

So, what is the problem?

Codeine Abuse – The real problem with codeine is that the body can quickly become tolerant of this drug. While the first stage of usage may be at relatively low doses, many users find that to gain the same effect over time that their body demands more.

As doses increase to get the same effect, the body continues to tolerate, but once again will eventually requires more.

What is codeine use potentially leading to?

Many users of codeine find that they are taking greater amounts to get the same feelings of ‘well-being’. This often leads down a dangerous path and tempts them to search for stronger, more effective, and very importantly, more addictive drugs such as hydrocodone or oxycodone.

Once a user takes this route it is a downward spiral to dependence and addiction. If you find yourself in this situation it is vitally important that you seek professional help.

While many make their doctor the first port of call it is important to understand that rehabilitation centres, or luxury rehab resorts as they are often called can offer most help. We will touch on such establishments later in the piece, but let us first consider:

What is codeine from a negative point of view?

Codeine Abuse – Users often complain of feeling nauseous, suffering from constipation, itchiness and bouts of sweating.

They also suffer mood swings that are far more pronounced than usual and many generally feel lazy. While such negative feelings can affect the mind and leave a user feeling low there are health problems which must be taken into account.

This drug can lower your blood pressure and make normal breathing more difficult. In extreme cases you may stop breathing altogether. This is known as “respiratory arrest”.

You must also be aware that by mixing too much of this drug with others that also work to suppress breathing is leaving you wide open to potentially serious problems.

Such a mix will greatly increase your risk of overdosing and in extreme cases can be fatal. Drugs to be avoided in such a mix include, but are certainly not limited to; other opiate drugs, valium and alcohol.

What is codeine from a physical dependence/addiction viewpoint?

Physical dependence on codeine is a common trait amongst regular users. Over time it is likely to produce cravings and leave the user with a strong desire to continue regular and increased doses of the drug.

Please do not believe anything you have heard from other users or unauthorized sources in terms of addiction. With Codeine abuse the facts are very clear. Codeine is an opiate and opiates are addictive.

Withdrawal symptoms:

Those who are physical dependent or addicted to codeine and try to come off it without long term rehab assistance are in for a rough ride. 

While feelings of nausea, goose-bumps, yawning, a runny nose, diarrhoea and a constant feeling of restlessness may not cause undue distress, there will also be anxiety, sleep disturbance, abdominal cramps, muscle spasms and nervous tremors to contend with.

The act of trying to withdraw from codeine on your own is a very admirable one, but as is the case with any serious drug problem you really do need specialist care, a full understanding of your problems and continued counselling to help you overcome what is codeine addiction.

Rehabilitation Services:

What has to be realized is that those dependent or addicted to codeine should not expect such problems to go away overnight. They need long term rehab care. While it is possible to go about this from an outpatient point of view and remain under the supervision of your doctor who you will only see during visits to the surgery, the inpatient rehab options open to you are felt to be far more effective.

By opting to go to a Rehabilitation Centre, or a Rehab Resort you are giving yourself an advantage from the get-go. Codeine Abuse is beatable.

These establishments are completely geared to offer the support, encouragement and professional help an addict requires, and while the term ‘rehab resort’ may sound prohibitively expensive, those with codeine addiction should look deeper into such options.

They will be pleasantly surprised to find that overseas operations are far cheaper than the same treatment in their own country. Asia Rehab resorts are an excellent point in case.

Two other huge advantages are that an addict will leave their own, often sterile environment and the distractions this brings for an exotic, relaxed setting in surroundings that are ideally suited when it comes to giving them the best chance of beating their addiction.

Just as importantly the waiting list for such Residential Rehabilitation Resorts is very often far more acceptable than establishments in your own country. If you have summoned up the resolve to do something about your problem you want to begin treatment quickly.

To be put on a ‘waiting list’ is a surefire way to dissolve that resolve and continue the unwanted quest of further understanding what is codeine use leading to.

xanax treatment

Rehab Treatment for Xanax – What to Expect

Alternative Treatment, Articles, Education, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United States

Xanax Treatment – Xanax is another name given for the prescription medication alprazolam which is a benzodiazepine used in the treatment of panic disorders and anxiety. It may also be prescribed to people who suffer from insomnia. Whilst short term use may not have any side effects, prolonged use may lead to addiction. In fact, the medication is not supposed to be prescribed for longer than 6 weeks.

People who do become addicted to Xanax will often have to enter rehab to beat their addiction. Physical addiction and prolonged use can lead to a number of health problems so medical supervision is always advised during the Xanax Treatment and withdrawal process.

So who needs to receive help in the first place?

Characteristics of Xanax Addiction

Not everyone who takes Xanax is going to end up getting hooked on it. If fact, tolerance or physical dependency on the drug alone are not enough to be diagnosed as an addict. This could just be the result of taking it for too long.

Instead, addiction is often characterised by the following:

  • Taking more than is prescribed or in other ways than prescribed
  • Continuation of use even despite negative side effects
  • Cravings or compulsion to use

What Would Happen in Rehab

Admitting yourself into rehab can help to address the real reasons why you are seeking help for Xanax withdrawal. It can help to uncover the emotional and physiological issues at the core of the addiction.

Below are the stages and services that you can typically expect when entering rehab.

  • Drug screening and assessment
  • Removal of the drug from the system
  • Behavioural therapy and Psychotherapy
  • Education
  • Aftercare and follow ups

Keep it in mind that while many rehabs are inpatient based, you may not necessarily need to sign up to a full 28 to 90 day rehab. An outpatient rehab can also help you beat your addiction whilst also costing less and allowing you to continue with your normal activities.

Stages of Rehab – Xanax Treatment.

Step 1: Drug Screening and Assessment

An initial assessment and drug screening will be completed on arrival when a person enters Xanax rehabilitation. This initial stage of treatment is used to determine the extent of someone’s addiction and to put a plan of action into place. This stage will usually include interviews, questionnaires and standard drug testing.

Step 2: Removal of the Drug from the System

Withdrawing from Xanax can be a rough ride and symptoms that appear can include depression, anxiety and insomnia. Rehab programs that specialize in withdrawal from Xanax help a person to taper of the drug and minimize any withdrawal symptoms.

Step 3: Behavioural Therapy and Psychotherapy

The cornerstone of treatment for Xanax addiction is psychological treatment this will often include individual behavioural sessions combined with group sessions. Special treatment will be given for anxiety and depression when necessary as they often become present during treatment. Sometimes family is involved in sessions so that the family system and dynamics can be addressed together.

Step 4: Education

The more someone learns about their addiction and the way that treatment works, the better prepared they will be to beat their addiction. This is why people entering rehab for Xanax addiction will often have to attend education sessions and workshops during their xanax treatment.

Step 5: Aftercare and Follow ups

At the end of your rehab sessions an addiction specialist will help a person to create an exit plan. This written plan will help people to continue their progress and better understand what to expect. It will also include goals to reach.

Aftercare in the form of outpatient therapy and counselling sessions can be expected in the following months. Attending these sessions will help a person keep on track and learn how to cope with any withdrawal symptoms and stress.

If you feel that you have an addiction to Xanax or know someone who has and are worried about them, please feel free to talk to one of Dara’s professional advisors about the possibility of rehab at our luxury resorts in Thailand.

Preparing For Drug Rehab

Overseas Inpatient Rehab – An Option To Consider

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Treatment, United Kingdom, United States

Inpatient rehabilitation is considered a very positive way to help those with dependence issues overcome addiction.

In-country rehab establishments:

When considering which rehab establishment is suitable it is natural that many look close to home or within their own country. While this is perfectly understandable there are drawbacks. Here are two that regularly surface:

Waiting lists:

Many inpatient rehab establishments in the west have waiting lists. There are more people with addiction problems in need of this treatment than spaces available.

If an addict has taken the brave step to confront their problem they deserve near-immediate treatment. Being told that inpatient treatment is available, but there is a waiting list before this treatment can begin is the last thing they need to hear.

The likelihood is that while waiting to be admitted the addict will continue with their habit and their addiction will deepen.

Cost:

Western rehab establishments are not cheap. This means that if personal medical insurance does not help meet the financial outlay required for a stay, the expense is beyond many.

Being unable to meet such costs will restrict treatment options and make beating addiction that much more difficult.

Overseas rehab establishments:

Opting to spend time at an inpatient rehab establishment outside your own country is an option that many do not consider. It is something they should!

South-east Asia is a perfect example of a region that has professional, well-established inpatient rehab establishments. They are internationally approved, employ staff with international qualifications and deliver treatment that meets international standards

There are also considerable benefits in terms of waiting lists and cost if a client opts for overseas inpatient rehabilitation treatment.

Waiting lists:

These overseas establishments are not under the same pressures in terms of client numbers as their western counterparts. In the majority of cases a person wishing to stay at one of these respected establishments can be admitted and treatment started within timescales that suit the client. I.e. Almost immediately.

What this means is that a person’s addiction problems will not deepen while they wait for admittance. It is an obvious fact that the quicker addiction treatment begins, the better.

Costs:

This has got to be a major influencer. The overheads at such an establishment are nowhere near as high as those in the west. The accommodation and facilities are of a high standard and, as mentioned, the treatment methods are the same internationally approved ones that a client would receive in their own country.

This treatment is delivered by staff who have achieved international rehab certification and many of them have worked in western rehab establishments.

Thailand is an excellent example of low cost, high quality treatment. In many cases the cost of a 3-week stay is less than one-third of the cost a person would pay in their own country. This means that rather than treatment being out of reach for many it is accessible for most.

These overseas rehab establishments also accept personal medical insurance policies. This means that where applicable this cover will help meet costs for an addicts much-needed addiction treatment.

intervention alcohol

Can An Interventionist Help You?

Articles, Education, International, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Watching a loved one spiral deeper into addiction of any kind can be frustrating, heartbreaking, stressful and infuriating.

It is a given you will have tried:

Those closest to the addict will have tried many ways to convince them that professional help is needed because of the damage they are doing to themselves and the anguish it is causing those closest to them.

The problem is that addiction changes the way the brain works. Addicts do not always think rationally, sensibly, or as you would expect them to. The draw from their substance of choice is an extremely powerful one.

Even if they realise the damage this is causing they will not stop because their need is far stronger.

Where to next?

When trying to help an addict it is important that you understand as much as possible about their addiction. There are endless resources available on-line relating to every type of addiction.

Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the problem in confidence and contact a local self-help group to seek advice on the different ways to deal with your loved one’s addiction.

Armed with such knowledge and insight you will be in a much stronger position to re-approach the addict.

Consider the use of an interventionist:

While this step may not be for everyone it is something that should be considered if the addict will not listen to your reasoning in terms of the professional help needed.

It must be understood that employing an interventionist will cost money. They are professionally qualified men and women who deal with addiction and as such are paid for their services.

Benefits of an interventionist:

If you have been unable to persuade the addict they need help then you need help to convince them this is the case.

In many cases a professional interventionist can be the difference that makes the addict sit up and listen. Confronting the addict with intervention assistance will not be an overnight occurrence. The interventionist will want to discuss things with you and any other family members or friends who will be involved.

This includes, but is certainly not limited to:

  • Understanding the background of the addict and personal history details.
  • Understanding their addiction history.
  • Understanding the substance or addiction they are currently saddled with.
  • What their recent and current state of mind is. Are they aggressive or hostile towards any attempts at assistance?
  • What steps have been taken to try and persuade the addict to seek help?
  • Have they received addiction treatment in the past?
  • Relationships of those family members or friends who will be involved in the actual intervention.

What you need to consider:

While telephone and/or e-mail contact will be essential it is also very important that you meet with the interventionist at least once before the actual intervention meeting with the addict takes place.

You need to understand such things as what qualifications they have, their experience relating to the addiction in question, their success rate in persuading addicts to accept treatment and what treatment options are available.

It is also crucial that all those involved understand how things will proceed and their role during the meeting.

Interventions are not for everyone:

This type of assistance may not suit everyone, but if all else has failed in terms of persuading your loved one to seek help it is certainly a route that is worthy of consideration.

addiction help

3 Ways Addiction Help Should Be Asked For

Articles, Australia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Addiction to any substance can leave a person in a very lonely place. Before looking at 3 ways a person can look for help let’s start with a positive.

You have recognized there is a problem:

The fact that a person has decided to seek help for their current substance abuse is a very positive step. This means that denial is being put to one side and problems caused by this abuse are being understood.

This first step must be followed up quickly. Your momentum needs to be continued by seeking help and advice.

Here are 3 ways that this can be achieved:

Talk to a person you have trust in:

This may not be for everyone, but if you feel comfortable speaking with someone you trust then it is a solid approach.

The person you ask will more than likely be very relieved that you have chosen to speak to them. They will listen and be keen to do anything they can to help you. It will also do you the power of good because you will be able to get things off your chest.

It may not be easy to open your heart, admit that your current substance abuse is out of hand, and that you do not know where to turn, but by being honest and holding nothing back you will be able to explain everything. From here, joint solutions can be looked at.

Choose a time when neither of you are under pressure of time, when you are alone and will not be interrupted and go through everything. Remember, honesty must be the best policy. The person you are talking to is not there to judge, they are there to offer help and advice.

Writing a letter or sending an e-mail:

Some people feel easier writing down their feelings, thoughts and requests for help. Writing things down has the advantage of you being able to go over your piece until you have everything in the order in which you wish to explain.

It also allows structure. You can write a paragraph or two about something specific and at the end of this put a question to the person you are sending it to.

Seeking help in this way also means that a meeting between the two of you can be arranged with a pre-set agenda of the points raised in your letter, the comments the other person has and ideas on how to progress matters.

Seeking professional help:

This can be done either by making an appointment with your doctor or contacting a rehabilitation establishment directly.

Such an approach will allow you to discuss your problem in complete confidentiality. From here you will receive advice on the types of treatment and assistance that is available.

Whatever you do, do something!

Substance abuse and addiction will not disappear of its own accord. The fact is it will gradually deepen. There are other ways to confront your issues than the 3 mentioned above, but if one of these fits into your way of thinking then it should be acted upon sooner rather than later.