Category: Australia

Opioid Effects on Chronic Pain: What are Opioids

Before truly discussing the opioid effects on pain and risk for addiction, we must understand what an opioid is in general. Opioids are prescription drugs that resemble opium as far as addictive properties and physiological effects. These drugs are most often given for pain from surgery or serious injury. In some cases they are part of a treatment plan for chronic pain sufferers. Opioids do serve a purpose and function, but because of their addictive properties they are highly dangerous.

Opioid Effects

The irony in opioids is that though they are prescription, they are highly addictive. Despite being prescribed for pain, they often make it worse long term for various reasons. This will be explained a bit further below.

Over time, these types of painkillers cause the pain you feel to actually increase. While opioids are effective short term, a few days after surgery, It is quite the opposite when it comes to long term. For those who take them long term, like four or more weeks, they make you more sensitive to pain which makes your pain worse. This is because opioids block the pain receptors. This is good at first, but to accommodate the body increases the number of receptors so you will feel the pain and ‘fix’ it. If you continue to take the med’s the body will continue to build receptors. It is a self-defeating cycle.

Opioids Mask Emotional Trauma and Pain

Another concern is the ability of opioids to mask emotional trauma and pain. Pain is typically a combination of physical and emotional and it can be hard for the brain to separate them. Each area needs a different type of help. However, opioids can mask the trauma and emotional stuff. This can be made worse if opioids are stopped. Unfortunately it cannot be treated if they are continued.

Painkillers do not build resilience which is what is needed with chronic pain. Resilience is the ability to endure a difficult experience and adapt. Opioids do not force the person to adapt as the pain is blocked. However if the pain is dealt with and a low dose of something else used short term, the body will learn to adapt to current pain levels. This is related to another issue opioids often cause which is effect good sleep. The person who uses opioids long term may be unable to sleep well. Use of the medication wears off and restorative, healing sleep is not attained making problems worse.

Finally, motion is really the best treatment for chronic pain. Unfortunately, opioid use tends to make the person less likely to be up and moving around, especially if an addiction occurs. Instead of strong medications, physical therapy, weight loss, and staying mobile may be best.

Help for Addiction

If you or a loved one have developed an opioid addiction then seeking help at a facility is important. DARA offers an in-patient facility that helps the whole person heal so any emotional or physical issues on top of addiction will be dealt with in an appropriate way so that the patient can be reintegrated back into their daily lives. You are worth so much more than a phone call, but that is a good place to start. Call DARA today.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment. Alternatively, you can click on the live chat icon to chat with someone right now.

Dangerous Drugs: The Top Eight

There is no lack of ways to get high, stoned, messed up, or whatever terminology you choose to use. There are both prescription and illegal drugs as well as combinations of drugs that can create an escape from reality. However, there are also some drugs that are so dangerous that they can rot your flesh, turn you into a zombie, and destroy your vital organs. This list will share and describe the concerns with the top eight most dangerous illegal drugs in the world.

Heroin

Ranking in at number 8, heroin is one of the world’s oldest drugs and was originally prescribed as a pain killer. It was commonly misused and was made illegal in 1971. Even since that time it has become one of the most destructive substances in the world. Side effects of heroin include a weakened immune system, damaged blood vessels, cold sweats, inflammation of the gums, and insomnia. If the damage is left untreated it can lead to gangrene and loss of limbs over time.

Crack Cocaine

Just above heroin is crack cocaine which first came about in 1980. Once one of the most expensive drugs to use due to how difficult it was to make, it is now readily available to the masses. Cocaine is highly addictive and can damage the liver, kidney, and lungs. It will also cause permanent damage to the blood vessels. This will lead to heart attacks, strokes, and death. With the number of cocaine can be ingested it becomes even more dangerous.

Crystal Meth

Crystal meth is one of the most destructive drugs in the world and was originally used in WWII to help soldiers stay awake. After the war it was given as a diet aid and was actually legal until 1970. Mexican gangs selling it has caused the gain in popularity around the world. When using crystal meth the person becomes sleep deprived and anxious. Over time the flesh begins to stink and brain damage and blood vessel damage are prominent. Crystal meth slowly kills the body over time.

AH-7921

Possibly not as well known, but dangerous, is AH-7921. This is a synthetic opioid that was legally purchased online until 2015. It was thought to have about 80% of the potency of morphine and became the legal heroin of sorts. Use of this drug can lead to respiratory arrest and gangrene though it is still prescribed as a Class A medication.

Flakka

Flakka is relatively new in popularity, but highly dangerous. It is a stimulant with a chemical make-up similar to amphetamine, such as in bath salts. It was originally marketed as a legal option to ecstasy, but the effects are much different. Flakka users will experience elevated heart rate, strong hallucinations, and enhanced emotional responses. It can cause permanent psychological damage because of the effects on regulating neurons in the brain that keep dopamine in check. It can also lead to heart failure.

Bath Salts

Bath Salts sound harmless, but they are highly dangerous. Originally sold online and disguised as harmless additions to the bath water, the side effects include psychosis, psychiatric behavior, panic attacks, and violent outbursts. The user can also experience higher body temperature and a heart attack with use.

Whoonga

Coming in at number two, whoonga is a combination of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV and cutting agents like poison or detergents. Most popular in South Africa, it is easy to get and affordable when compared to basic antiretroviral medications. The highly addictive combination creates major health issues like stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, and ultimately death.

Krokodil

Krokodil comes in at number one for good reason. Though most popular in Russian, Krokodil is found in most countries and enjoyed for its relatively low price when compared to heroin. This often-homemade concoction includes painkillers, iodine, lighter fluid, and industrial cleaners which is deadly as it causes the flesh to rot and die, killing the user.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one is addicted to these top eight dangerous drugs or have an addiction of any type, seek help. While the physical damage may not be reversible, you can get the help you need to get back to a drug free life. DARA offers affordable in-patient facilities with highly trained staff and doctors to help you beat any addiction you may have in life. When you are ready seek help, your life may depend on it.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Avoiding Alcohol One Day at a Time

There are many reasons that someone is avoiding alcohol. One of the main reasons is that they have entered into recovery and are trying to avoid this addictive substance. This can be a challenge as alcohol is often readily available at stores, restaurants, and bars. There are a few ways that you can avoid use as part of your daily routine. These are shared below.

Avoiding Alcohol

While alcohol is found on every corner in one way or another, and in the majority of advertising, it can feel like it is a necessary part of life. However, it is possible to survive without alcohol with some practical and simple ideas.

The two initial ideas are very related. It’s to make your intentions known and avoid temptation. It may not seem like much, but letting friends and family members know you are avoiding alcohol can make it easier so that they do not offer you alcohol. Related to this, avoid temptations. Instead of going to a restaurant with a bar, choose something else or do take out. Try not to go into stores that sale alcohol and if you do, avoid those aisles. Skip parties where alcohol will be present. If friends are drinking, do not be afraid to walk away. Even small changes like keeping a glass of water beside the couch or bed instead of a beer or wine can make a huge difference.

Reward Yourself

As you continue to live alcohol free, keep track of the days and set rewards. Reward yourself with a new top after a week or a movie ticket after two weeks. Giving yourself something to work for can make the lack of alcohol more bearable. As you stop using alcohol, you will likely start to feel better and will have extra disposable income from the savings. If you find yourself in a situation where you are asked to drink, make sure you have a practiced way to say no politely. Some people make the offer without thought. Remember they will not be offended by a gentle no. Those that get pushy are people you simply have to walk away from. Your sobriety is more important than not hurting feelings.

Finally, ask for support when you need it. Everyone has bad days and there may be times that you slip up and drink. But all you need to do is stop and start fresh again. If you feel like you can’t resist then do something to keep your mind and body occupied. Exercise, spent time singing, go for a walk. Do any activity that keeps your hands and mind occupied will help keep you from drinking.

Getting Help

If you or a loved one is trying to stop using alcohol or has been in recovery and is now struggling, then rehab should be considered. Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult and dangerous so a professionally staffed rehab facility is a must. DARA offers a highly trained staff and counselors who will help each individual find their well-being in a resort style facility. Enjoy working out and working through personal issues related to alcohol while you build the tools necessary to reintegrate into your life. You are worth the time and effort, so make that call.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Overcoming Anxiety Alcohol Free

Addiction is nothing to laugh about. Whether you were addicted to drugs or alcohol, being in recovery can be a stressful time. One of the biggest issues faced by those in recovery is dealing with the anxiety that accompanies the changes you are facing. The hardest challenge being overcoming anxiety.

Even prior to recovery, every day issues like bills, families, a job, and responsibilities probably brought on anxiety. But at that point alcohol was likely the answer to the anxiety. If you have made the choice to live addiction free, knowing how to deal with anxiety is important. Below you will find several ways to overcome anxiety without alcohol.

Scream and Shout

Talking can help relieve some anxiety, but sometimes you just need to get the stress out quickly. Do not be afraid to find a spot and scream and shout. Even though we were likely told as children not to be loud, as adults we can make the rules. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, and like you are going to explode, then let your inner warrior out by screaming and throwing a little fit. This is not and should not be directed at anyone, in fact it is best if you are alone so you can really let out those feelings.

You may feel a little weird doing this at first, but keep trying. Try screaming and shouting into a pillow if others are in the house, go outdoors and throw rocks at a lake, stomp your feet, and pound your chest, but get the anger and anxiety out. If you cry that is fine, take a few minutes to exhaust your energy. After you are finished, then gather yourself and go back to deal with the problem at hand.

Get Moving

This one may be a little obvious, but it is highly effective. If you can get out and get moving then the body will produce dopamine that will both relax you and make you feel better. Go for a jog, take a brisk walk alone, or even go for a swim. Even ten to fifteen minutes will help you relax and calm down. If anger accompanies your anxiety, then try something a bit more harsh like punching a punching bag, hitting balls at a batting cage, or even bouncing a ball on the ground. Take out frustrations on the heavy bag or on the sidewalk as you run. Your body will benefit and your mind can relax.

Get Healthy

While you may not want to lose a ton of weight and you could be pretty healthy, making some small healthy changes can actually help limit your anxiety. First, take a caffeine break. This does not mean add caffeine to your day, but remove or greatly reduce it. Caffeine can make you anxious and if you are overcoming anxiety it will make it worse. You should also not skip a meal as being hungry can make you anxious and more likely to drink. As an added bonus, give yourself a set bedtime. It may not seem like it will help, but having a set time that you hit the sack can keep anxiety at bay.

Learn to be OK with No

As your life gets back on track you may find yourself overwhelmed by things to do. To reduce your anxiety, learn that it is OK to say no. Everyone declines at some point, but the happiest people know that their time is valuable and should be spent in a way they need and deserve. Saying no does not make you a bad person, it makes you smart and much less anxious. Simply say no and walk away, you do not owe anyone an explanation.

Take Time to Play

Children are rarely anxiety ridden like many adults, so take some time to be childlike and play. Do something that makes you smile without alcohol. Sing out loud, dance to nothing, color a picture. Whatever makes you happy without alcohol, go do it.

Conclusion

Alcohol was once your coping mechanism, but there are other simple changes that can take away anxiety just as well. The best news is, these techniques are all free and can be done at any time each day. So not only are you feeling better, you are saving money and overcoming anxiety. Your body and mind will thank you for taking the time to simply relax.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Warning Signs of Drug Use in Children

Knowing that drugs exist and may at some point enter your child’s life can be a scary thing to have to accept. The fact is, most parents want their children to stay away from drugs while they are growing up. But sometimes this is just not the case. Even if a child does start experimenting with drugs, it is highly unlikely that they will walk up and announce the fact. Most children would not even admit that they had seen drugs being used or passed around them. More or less that they had tried such a thing. This is why it is important to both keep the dialogue between yourself and your children open. Moreover, to be aware of the warning signs of drug use in children.

Warning Signs

The warning signs of drug use in children is much like that of an adult. But on a younger, age appropriate level. Things such as spending massive amounts of time alone when at home can be a sign of drug use. Though this can also be a sign of other things, such as depression. Therefore, it should not be taken as a sign alone. Another sign is a sudden change in the style of dress. This is separate from trying to find one’s own style. If your child suddenly resists requests for better grooming and hygiene, a cleaner room, or even getting a haircut, it could be a red flag. These paired with secretiveness can signal a problem, though it is not always drugs and alcohol.

If your child or teenager starts spending more time away from home, staying out late, and hiding his or her friends then there is room for concern. The same holds true if they stop talking to trusted adults or yourself and start blaming any issues on you or an invasion of privacy. While not all of these happen to all children who experiment, they are red flags that deserve further investigation and discussion.

What to Do

If you suspect or know your child is experimenting with drugs and alcohol it is not a problem that should be ignored. Start by monitoring your child’s coming and going as well as checking pockets, backpacks, and drawers. Set boundaries and curfews with enforceable consequences for breaking them. Your child may be frustrated or angry, but this is nothing compared to a lifetime of addiction. At some point they will realize that it is out of caring and concern, but this will only come as you continue to have an open conversation about drugs. Just remember to talk and listen as you have this dialogue.

Seek Help

Finally, know that your child is not immune. Addiction is no respecter of age, class, gender, or otherwise. A good family and caring parents do not shield children from the world of addiction. Prepare your child to say no and to come to you if they need help. If your child is already addicted, then seek professional help immediately. The sooner help can be found, the better chance your child has at an addiction free future.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.