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Category: Mental Health

Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

Shaun Weiss Gets First Acting Gig in 14 Years

Through their compelling work on stage, in movies, and on TV, actors often serve as role models. Young people, in particular, might idolize their favorite performers.

For his part, the actor Shaun Weiss has become a role model for his off-screen achievements. In fact, Shaun’s sobriety journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

shaun weiss

As a young actor in the 1990s, Shaun Weiss appeared in the movie “The Mighty Ducks,” a comedy about a youth hockey team. He acted in its two sequels as well. In those family-friendly films, Shaun played the funny and cheerful goalie Greg Goldberg.

Shaun was also a guest actor on a number of popular TV shows, including “The King of Queens” and “Boy Meets World.”

However, when people become successful — especially in the entertainment field — they sometimes discover that they have easier access to drugs. They might also have the disposable income to feed a drug habit. Temptations may become very powerful. And, sadly, addictions can be simple to form and extremely hard to break.

Shaun Weiss fell prey to such temptations. Nevertheless, in the last couple of years, he’s managed to fight a life-altering addiction to methamphetamine with great courage.

Meth addictions are especially brutal. They frequently lead to insomnia, paranoid delusions, violent thoughts, psychotic behaviors, hallucinations, an ongoing loss of appetite, and other severe mental health issues. Meth can also induce users to drink more alcohol and to try other drugs.

For sure, many people could find inspiration in Shaun’s heroic battles with substance abuse disorder and the ways in which he’s reclaimed his life.

A Harrowing Disease

In the late 2010s, as Shaun’s addictions deepened, he started having problems with the law. In July 2017, he stole electronic goods worth about $150. He was caught, charged with petty theft, and sentenced to serve 150 days in a Los Angeles prison. He ended up serving only 12 days due to the overcrowded conditions there.

Then, several days after leaving jail in August 2017, Shaun was in legal trouble again. He’d been staggering around a Burbank neighborhood near the Warner Bros. Studio. A resident called the police. And, when officers arrived at the scene, they arrested Shaun for methamphetamine possession.

The following year, Shaun was charged with public intoxication, and he entered a rehab program. But, later in 2018, he was arrested for shoplifting.

“Mighty Ducks” Star Shaun Weiss Arrested for Burglary and Meth

A low point came on January 26, 2020. On that day, under the influence of meth, Shaun broke into a home in Marysville, Calif. He entered the garage, smashed a car window, and rummaged through the vehicle, looking for items that he could steal.

The homeowner found Shaun inside his garage and called the police. As a result, Shaun was arrested on multiple charges, including residential burglary, and held on $52,000 bail.

In all of this, Shaun’s addiction destroyed more than his career. It also ravaged his body. His face became hollowed out. His weight dropped to 110 pounds, which was of course dangerously low. He lost some teeth, and other teeth were severely damaged. In fact, it’s common for meth to cause extreme tooth decay.

Overcoming a Cruel Addiction

The story of Shaun Weiss could easily have ended in tragedy. Instead, Shaun was able to take positive action. For him, a brand new day has dawned.

That’s because, after his 2020 arrest, Shaun decided to seek professional treatment for his meth addiction. The results have been profound.

Over the past two years, Shaun has returned to a healthier body weight. In addition, he completed a drug court program, which meant that his burglary charge could be dismissed.

Beyond simply dismissing the charge, the Yuba County District Attorney’s Office has held up Shaun as a shining example. On its official Facebook account, the office lauded Shaun’s perseverance and newfound employment. It also noted the outpouring of support he’s received from his many friends and fans.

Shaun Weiss and his Transformation from Addiction to Recovery

Sometime soon, Shaun will even hit the big screen once again. His last film role was in “Drillbit Taylor,” a 2008 comedy about high school students who hire an incompetent bodyguard.

Shaun’s upcoming movie is called “Jesus Revolution,” and it’s about a group of California hippies in the 1970s who undergo a spiritual transformation. (Kelsey Grammer is slated to act in this film as well.) As Shaun put it on Instagram, it’s his first role “in…a while.” And he added an emoji with a silly face.

On top of everything else, Shaun has gone through a series of grueling dental and orthodontic surgeries to repair his existing teeth and replace his lost teeth with implants. Once again, Shaun can flash his winning smile whenever he’d like.

Showing Others the Way

Shaun Weiss has used his social media accounts to share information and good news about his recovery. For example, he posted an Instagram photo in which he’s posing with Dr. Gabe Rosenthal, one of the dentists who’ve been so helpful to him recently.

One of Shaun’s most memorable social media posts featured his last two driver’s license photos. Together, they tell a striking before-and-after story. In the first picture, Shaun’s face is emaciated. His hair is messy. And he seems to be struggling to smile. In the second and newer photo, Shaun’s face is fuller. His hair is neat, and he looks like a person who’s truly at peace.

With these types of posts, Shaun offers wisdom, comfort, encouragement, and a sense of solidarity to many people who are also grappling with substance abuse disorders.

One lesson that emerges from Shaun Weiss’ experiences is that it’s important not to embark on a sobriety journey alone. The advice and emotional support of others can be key to successful outcomes. Strength is derived from companionship.

In particular, Shaun’s friend Drew Gallagher was a steady presence. At a time when many of Shaun’s other friends abandoned him, Drew stood by faithfully. After Shaun was arrested in 2020, Drew created a fundraising campaign for him on the website GoFundMe. The money raised from that project helped finance Shaun’s initial 90-day treatment.

That brings us to a second crucial lesson from Shaun’s journey: A professional treatment center is so often indispensable to the addiction recovery process. To emphasize that fact, Shaun has encouraged his social media followers to call such a service if they’re facing a chemical dependency.

At Recreate Life Counseling, we offer the kind of support and care that make a lasting difference in patients’ lives. And all of our treatment methods are personalized since each person is different; everyone comes to us having lived through a unique set of circumstances.

All of our staff members are attentive and supportive. We’re highly experienced, and we’ve had extensive training in our field. As such, we provide a safe and nurturing environment for our programs, including our residential services. Moreover, all of our therapies are based on science; everything we do is guided by hard data and research evidence.

Thus, we fully understand the effects of addiction — how it affects a person’s thinking and emotions. We also know the behaviors that frequently stem from substance use. Furthermore, through cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of treatment, we impart skills and strategies for long-term sobriety.

In the end, with the right guidance, you can absolutely beat addiction. You can also reconnect with your friends and family members. And you can lead a happy and purposeful life. If you’re struggling with addiction, please contact us at Recreate Life Counseling at any time. Shaun Weiss would be proud.

Published on: 2022-04-15
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Why is Hotboxing Dangerous?

Sometimes, it isn’t enough to ingest drugs because some people aren’t satisfied with their experience results. In this case, they look for ways to increase the effects, but because they are dangerous drugs, the results can be hazardous as well.

What Is Hotboxing?

Hotboxing is when people smoke in an unventilated location. In most cases, people choose marijuana for this purpose. Unventilated spaces can be found in several places, including attics, tents, bathrooms, or a basement. When people engage in this activity, they believe that they aren’t doing anything dangerous because marijuana comes from the earth. However, when you are hotboxing, the location is not ventilated, and this increases the effects of the marijuana on the user. This is precisely what users are hoping for, but it can also cause them to experience very unpleasant side effects.

The most common place for this activity is in a vehicle. A couple of friends sit in a car with the windows rolled up. The smoke fills the tiny space as they recreate the famous hotboxing scene from a Cheech and Chong movie. Unfortunately, when people engage in this activity over a long period of time, it can lead to other health complications.

If Hotboxing Is Dangerous, Why Do People Do It?

Sometimes, the only place people can find to engage in this activity is where they aren’t likely to be found. Therefore, the best place is an unventilated location. People just like watching the smoke buildup and swirl around them in other cases. They may not want anyone else to smell the marijuana, so they do their best to ensure that the smoke does not travel. In most cases, they do it because they believe that the high will be enhanced. They hope that because there is so much extra smoke around them in an enclosed area, it will allow the extra smoke to increase the high.

Do Contact Highs Exist?

The truth is that marijuana smoke contains several chemicals, including quinoline, chromium, cadmium, acetaldehyde, nickel, formaldehyde, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic amines, hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia arsenic. With these chemicals in the air, it is easier to obtain a contact high.

Researchers demonstrated this fact in a study at Johns Hopkins University in 2015. The researchers placed six nonsmokers and six smokers in a room together. The smokers were given ten joints to smoke over the period of an hour in an unventilated room. They also placed smokers and nonsmokers in a ventilated room together. The nonsmokers in the unventilated room did experience a contact high. In addition to that, the researchers could not measure a significant difference in the cannabinoid levels of the smokers in the unventilated room.

The Jamaican Hotbox

The Jamaican or the Hawaiian hotbox is another way of participating in this activity. To create the effect, the user needs to increase the humidity in the room, so this strategy limits the number of places that it can be done. To engage in the Jamaican hotbox, users enter the bathroom and turn the shower on. They allow the steam to accumulate, and then they light their apparatuses. Because the humidity level is higher, it causes the atmosphere to be foggy, and many people like it this way. Bathrooms usually fail at filtering out the smell of marijuana, so air fresheners are usually necessary after the Jamaican hotbox.

Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana indeed comes from a naturally occurring plant, but this doesn’t mean that marijuana is a safe drug to take. Marijuana comes from the cannabis Sativa plant, and it contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is the ingredient that creates the psychoactive effect in marijuana. Although it is a substance that nature created, nature also created the psychoactive effects, so users can begin to experience delusions, dizziness, and cognitive impairments in a short period of time.

If someone engages in this dangerous activity, it can lead the user to marijuana addiction. This means that a user’s body and mind depend on the drug, so he cannot stop taking it even though he may desire to do so. These users do not control how much marijuana they use, and they believe that they need it to survive.

As users become addicted to marijuana, their systems develop a tolerance for the drug. This means that the body becomes accustomed to the effects they experienced when they first began taking this drug, and they want to continue to experience these same effects. Over some time, the effects lose their strength. To feel the same way they felt when they first began taking this drug, they must increase the amount of marijuana they are ingesting. When this occurs, users must seek treatment for the addiction.

The Effect of Hotboxing on the Brain

When a user smokes marijuana, the THC travels to the lungs and bloodstream. Then, the blood takes it to the body’s organs and the brain. The THC connects with the nervous system’s cannabinoid receptors and influences the activities of these nerve cells. Several cannabinoid receptors are located in the brain where memory, coordinated movement, time perception, sensory perception, concentration, thought, and pleasure occurs.

Short-Term Effects of Marijuana Use

The short-term effects of marijuana use include the following:

  • Loss of coordination
  • Troubles with problem-solving and thinking
  • Distorted perceptions
  • Difficulties with learning and memory

Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Use

The long-term effects of marijuana use include the following:

  • Psychological dependence or addiction
  • Physical dependence
  • Withdrawal symptoms after abstaining

The Effect of Hotboxing on the Body

The Short-term effects include the following:

  • Hypertension
  • An increase in appetite
  • An increase in the heart rate
  • Cough
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Sedation

The Long-Term Effects of This Activity

Long-term effects include the following:

  • A suppressed immune system
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Bronchitis

After chronic use of marijuana, users may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:

  • A decrease in appetite
  • Difficulties sleeping
  • Irritableness
  • Restlessness
  • Nausea
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness
  • Headache

The Effect of This Activity on Mental Health

The body and the brain are not the only areas that experience negative consequences of marijuana use. Smoking marijuana can also lead to psychotic reactions, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, and anxiety. When marijuana smokers are young, they have an increased risk of committing suicide. A study conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse discovered that, as people ingest marijuana, they begin to experience increasing instances of suicidal thoughts.

The research demonstrates that people do not need to be regular users of marijuana to experience this effect. For example, studies published in JAMA Network Open demonstrated that study subjects experienced depression after ingesting marijuana. However, these subjects were not ingesting marijuana regularly. The research increasingly shows that the use of marijuana and mood disorders are linked.

Even though marijuana use and mental health disorders are linked, it does not mean that marijuana is the cause of the mental health disorder. The existence of a mental health disorder is a risk factor for drug use. That’s because people experiencing mental health disorders often tend to medicate their symptoms with the drug rather than obtain help from medical professionals.

Hypercapnia

Hotboxing marijuana can also lead to hypercapnia. Hypercapnia is also known as “hypercarbia,” when a person’s blood contains too much carbon dioxide. It is a situation that occurs when a marijuana user isn’t taking in enough oxygen at the same time that the person is not expressing enough carbon dioxide. The fact that unventilated locations keep an adequate supply of oxygen from entering the room leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in users’ bloodstreams. When a marijuana user engages in this activity over the long term, it can lead to lung disease.

Treatment

The first thing that you or your loved one must do is admit that you have a problem. Once you do this, you can help your loved one enter a treatment center. As was mentioned above, prolonged marijuana use can cause withdrawal symptoms if your loved one suddenly stops taking the drug on their own. At a treatment center, the staff will administer medications so that your loved one will tolerate the symptoms long enough for your loved one’s body to rid itself of the toxins that marijuana leaves behind. This will be done in the detoxification process, but your loved one will receive behavioral therapy after it is over.

Treatment centers use a variety of counseling options, including individual therapy, group therapy, and 12-step programs. Your loved one will receive treatment from a therapist in a one-on-one counseling session in individual therapy. Group therapy also greatly benefits those addicted to marijuana, so your loved one will also be required to enter this type of therapy. You may even be able to join your loved one in family therapy.

Published on: 2021-11-25
Updated on: 2024-04-18

How Does Crystal Meth Affect Dopamine?

Crystal meth is a stimulant drug that gets its name from its crystalline or crystal-like appearance. Also called ice or glass, crystal meth is usually smoked out of a glass pipe, but can also be snorted or injected. It is a highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system.

Crystal meth produces an intense euphoric rush when its users take the drug. It creates a false sense of happiness and well-being, confidence, energy, hyperactiveness, and decreases the need for sleep and food. The effects of this drug can last between six and eight hours, but depending on the dose taken may even last for up to 24 hours.

How Does Crystal Meth Affect Dopamine?

Correlation Between Crystal Meth And Dopamine Levels

Crystal meth, like other stimulants, causes extreme amounts of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine to be released when it is taken. This is why a lot of people who have pre-existing and untreated depression will use crystal meth. It produces intense feelings of euphoria, increases energy, and has other psychoactive effects which temporarily take away their depression.

The National Institute of Health The Permanente Journal “The “Party Drug Crystal Methamphetamine: Risk Factor for the Acquisition of HIV” states:

The brains of people addicted to methamphetamine are different from those of nonaddicts. The pleasure center of the brain is the nucleus accumbens, where the active neurotransmitter is dopamine. Both crack cocaine and methamphetamine prevent the reuptake of dopamine, which allows it to collect and thus prolongs and increases its effects…a wide variety of stimuli affect dopamine levels. Natural rewards such as food and sex elevate dopamine output by 150% to 300% above basal output. Stimulant drugs, however, are more efficient than natural rewards at increasing the release of dopamine. Methamphetamine increases dopamine release to >1000% above basal levels within the first hour of taking the drug, with levels returning to basal after three hours. (NIH)

More About How Does Crystal Meth Affect Dopamine

The massive amounts of dopamine that are released once it is taken make the drug so addicting. Users want to continue using the drug to continue experiencing these intense euphoric feelings.

Once a person eventually stops taking the drug, they experience an extreme crash-like effect from depleting dopamine and serotonin levels. This causes extreme mood changes such as depression, apathy, and hopelessness and causes the user to sleep for hours and hours.

Overcome Crystal Meth Abuse at Recreate Life Counseling

Crystal meth can cause a person to become addicted after just their first use. This drug eventually depletes the body’s natural supply of dopamine and can have damaging effects on a person’s brain and body after only brief exposure.

Suppose you have a problem or addiction to crystal meth. In that case, it’s important to get into treatment as soon as possible, as long-term crystal meth use can have devastating effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being. Recreate Life Counseling offers intensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization programs. Cutting-edge and evidence-based addiction treatment, we are here to get you moving towards the road to long-term recovery. So call our specialists and let them help you get started on getting your life back. Today is your day to overcome crystal meth addiction.

Published on: 2021-08-18
Updated on: 2024-04-18

What Drugs Did Lil Peep Overdose On?

Substance abuse has always been a major player when it comes to rap music and rap culture. There are very few rap artists who have never written and rapped about their struggles with substance abuse, or about the role that chemical substances play in their lives. While many rap artists romanticize drug misuse, some portray drug addiction in a realistic light. Eminem, for example, has openly rapped about his struggles with addiction and his subsequent recovery.

What Drugs Did Lil Peep Overdose On?

Did Drug Abuse Cause Lil Peep’s Death?

Not all rap artists can overcome addiction, however – Lil Peep, for example, lost his battle with drug addiction in 2017. The young musician was born in Pennsylvania in 1996, and he was raised in New York, which is where he first began releasing music. He quickly moved from SoundCloud (a free platform) to performing in clubs, and soon he had gained rampant popularity for his unique style of rap-rock.

Like many other people across the country who struggle with addiction, Lil Peep simultaneously struggled with mental illness. He was diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder at a young age, his mental illnesses undeniably played into his substance use. Most people know that Lil Peep passed away at a young age, whether or not they are fans. However, not many people know what drugs he overdosed on.

What Drugs Did Lil Peep Overdose On?

Lil Peep was on tour in Arizona when he experienced a fatal drug-related overdose. Before his death, he had posted about drug use on several social media outlets, letting his fans know that he was taking prescription medication (specifically Xanax), cannabis concentrate, and cocaine. He alluded to the fact that he took psilocybin mushrooms as well (magic mushrooms).

His manager found him unresponsive on his tour bus, and even though he called emergency first responders immediately Lil Peep was later pronounced dead at the scene. The toxicology report concluded that the young rap artist had a combination of chemical substances present in his system at the time of death.

The actual cause of death, however (the drugs that lead to his overdose), was a combination of Xanax and fentanyl. Fentanyl is a notoriously deadly synthetic opioid, one that is between 50 and 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl has been solely responsible for the deaths of many well-loved musicians and celebrities. However, combining fentanyl with a benzodiazepine like Xanax is far more dangerous, and more often than not doing so results in overdose or overdose-related death.

What are the Numbers and Statistics About Overdoes in America?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a study conducted in 2019 found that 16 percent of all overdose deaths that involved opioid narcotics also involved benzodiazepines. Every day, an average of 136 Americans over the age of 12 lose their lives to accidental opioid overdose. Rates of opioid abuse are higher among men and women who struggle with underlying mental health conditions – just like Lil Peep.

The good news, however, is that recovery is always possible. If you or someone you love has been struggling with an opioid abuse disorder of any type or severity, you must seek professional help immediately to prevent overdose. Call Recreate Life Counseling today to learn more about how to get started with a program of recovery.

Recreate Life Counseling and Drug Addiction Recovery

At Recreate Life Counseling we offer age and gender-specific treatment options for people of all ages and walks of life who are struggling with drug addiction and who might be at risk of overdose. Our main priority is ensuring that all of our clients leave our treatment program with the tools they need to stay sober long-term. To learn more about our comprehensive drug addiction treatment program, call us at any point in time – we are standing by to help in any way that we can.

Published on: 2021-05-28
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Flushed Face Because of Codeine Abuse

Codeine is a narcotic painkiller that is generally used to treat mild or moderate pain. It is also frequently used as a cough suppressant, and combined with other chemical substances like acetaminophen – an over-the-counter fever reducer. Codeine is more commonly used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold than it is to treat pain. However, it can be very effective as a short-term solution for mild pain related issues that are going to subside in a short period (like a common toothache or pain related to a somewhat invasive surgical procedure, for example). When codeine is taken in a cough syrup form, it is taken every 4 to 6 hours or as needed – taking more than the recommended dose can result in a host of serious side effects, including physical and psychological dependence.

All opioid narcotics – including codeine – can be habit-forming when they are taken other than as recommended or prescribed. If you or someone close to you has been struggling with codeine abuse or addiction, there is help available. To learn more about the steps you need to take to get and stay sober long-term, reach out to Recreate Life Counseling today.

Flushed Face Because of Codeine Abuse

Symptoms of Codeine Abuse and Addiction 

There are many symptoms associated with opiate abuse and addiction, and several symptoms that are relatively unique to codeine abuse. These codeine addiction symptoms can include the following:

  • New or worsening psychological symptoms, including anxiety or depression
  • Irritability and agitation
  • Severe mood swings
  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • A noticeably disrupted sleep schedule, usually marked by sleeping more than is normal
  • a harshly decreased appetite, which often leads to noticeable weight loss
  • Severe stomach cramping or stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chronic constipation
  • Slow to breathing and respiratory depression
  • Blurred vision
  • Severely itchy skin
  • Cold and clammy hands and feet
  • A low-grade fever and a flushed face

While there are many symptoms unique to codeine abuse and addiction, having a flushed face is one of the more prevalent. If you are someone you know has a constantly flushed face, it could be a telltale indication of a codeine abuse disorder.

Does Codeine Cause a Flushed Face?

Why does codeine abuse cause the face to flush and appear hot, red, and irritated? Some individuals experience a unique biological response when taking opioid-based narcotics of any kind. Their systems release an abnormal amount of histamine in response to opioid use, which causes the skin to flush and break out in red, itchy bumps. it is not uncommon for men and women to experience hot and flushed skin even when taking codeine exactly as prescribed by a medical professional. If you do experience face flushing of any severity, however, you must reach out to your healthcare provider immediately and explain your symptoms in detail. This could be a symptom related to a more serious reaction, and it should never be ignored.

Recreate Life Counseling and Codeine Addiction Recovery 

At Recreate Life Counseling we have extensive experience treating men and women of all ages who have been suffering at the hands of a codeine abuse disorder of any severity. We understand how difficult it can be to come to terms with the fact that you have been misusing a prescription that was originally given to you by a trusted medical professional – or that you have developed a physical and psychological dependence over time, even if you have been taking codeine exactly as instructed.

However, there is never any shame in seeking professional help when it comes to opioid addiction – especially because addiction is a progressive and chronic disease, one characterized by symptoms that will only get worse over time if left untreated. If you would like to begin your journey of physical, emotional, and mental healing, reach out to us today for more information.

Published on: 2021-01-22
Updated on: 2024-04-18

What Happens When You Inject Meth?

Methamphetamine or “Meth” for short is a very addictive and powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system and produces an intense and powerful euphoria in its users. It is a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting powder that dissolves easily in water or alcohol. Meth is also called ice, blue, or crystal.

Methamphetamine was developed from its parent drug amphetamine and was originally used in inhalers and nasal decongestants. The National Institute on Drug Abuse discusses methamphetamine and what it does:

Like amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria. However, methamphetamine differs from amphetamine in that, at comparable doses, much greater amounts of the drug get into the brain, making it a more potent stimulant. It also has longer-lasting and more harmful effects on the central nervous system. These characteristics make it a drug with high potential for widespread misuse. (NIH)

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant that is rarely prescribed legally. Medically, it is sometimes indicated for the treatment of ADHD and as a short-term weight-loss aid, but it is more widely used as an illicit substance.

What Happens When You Inject Meth?

Injecting Meth and The Dangers

Meth” can be ingested by either oral consumption, snorting, smoking, or injecting it. Injecting meth, shooting up, or “slamming” is the most dangerous way to ingest the substance. Shooting meth produces a quicker and more intense high than ingesting it any other way. Users will feel the effects usually within 30 seconds of injecting it. This intense rush produces a euphoric high for several minutes. After the initial rush, the energy-based high will last up to eight hours from adrenaline rushing through the body.

Why Injecting Meth Is Very Dangerous

When an individual shoots meth, the effects are felt immediately and are very intense. This intense euphoric high increases the likelihood of an addiction developing. It also increases the user’s tolerance meaning that they will have to continue to take more and more of the substance to experience the same high. Continuously increasing the amounts of meth will cause damage to their bodies and minds to get worse and worse, and the individual is at more risk of experiencing an overdose or fatal overdose.

Injecting any substance puts the user at risk of developing communicable diseases and blood infections because it is very common for users to share needles. Shooting meth can also cause damage to the veins including scarring and vein collapse. The chemicals found in meth will cause inflammation and burning in the veins, and users are also at high risk of developing abscesses.

Side Effects of Injecting Methamphetamine

Injecting meth can also have detrimental legal, financial, and social consequences, but the mental health issues it causes are the most devastating. Meth causes very serious mental health damage. An individual will often start using meth as an escape from untreated depression and anxiety, and it greatly worsens the severity of both. Meth drains the production of dopamine in an individual’s brain.

This causes severe depression after the high has worn off. There are also several long-term mental issues that meth use can cause. Memory loss, suicidal thoughts, mood and personality changes, hallucinations, loss of the ability to feel pleasure, violent and aggressive behaviors are just some of the long-term mental effects.

Shooting meth can also cause several long-term medical issues. Some of the long-term medical effects of meth use can include:

  • Nerve damage
  • Seizures
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Jaw clenching
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Paranoia
  • Heart problems
  • Skin infections
  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Stroke
  • Withdrawal

Using meth in any form is dangerous, however, injecting the drug can quickly have devastating effects on its user. Methamphetamine use and abuse have become increasingly popular in this country, and people are becoming addicted and suffering vastly from its effects. Methamphetamine addiction is not easy to recover from, but it can be done.

Treatment for Meth Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling offers evidence-based addiction treatment. Our cutting edge addiction treatment will lead you on a road to long-lasting recovery. You don’t have to suffer any longer. Call us today.

Published on: 2020-12-07
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome from Suboxone

There are two main phases of drug and alcohol withdrawal – acute and post-acute withdrawal. Post-acute withdrawal is the second phase of drug and/or alcohol withdrawal, and it typically consists of mild and irritating or disruptive symptoms – not potentially dangerous symptoms, as one might experience during acute withdrawal.

The symptoms associated with acute withdrawal can be severe, and they must be treated accordingly in a drug and alcohol detoxification program. These symptoms typically resolve within one to two weeks, and once a client is deemed physically stabilized he or she transfers directly into an inpatient treatment center. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience symptoms of post-acute withdrawal while they are in inpatient treatment. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be extremely disruptive and can hinder the recovery process. For this reason, post-acute withdrawal symptoms must be thoroughly and adequately treated.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome from Suboxone

What is Suboxone Used For?

Suboxone, a medication that is often used to treat the symptoms associated with severe opioid addiction, can be extremely habit-forming in and of itself. The post-acute withdrawal symptoms associated with Suboxone can be extremely severe and long-lasting. These symptoms will vary depending on the person, the dose of Suboxone that was being abused, and the presence of any pre-existing mental health conditions (along with several additional factors).

Suboxone and Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

At Recreate Life Counseling, we pay special attention to symptoms associated with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) involving Suboxone and treat them as soon as they arise. We understand that a common symptom of PAWS can negatively affect the ability to stay sober long-term. The most common symptoms include:

  • Irritability and agitation
  • Severe mood swings
  • An inability to concentrate
  • A lack of motivation to complete daily tasks
  • An inability to fulfill personal responsibilities
  • Tiredness, fatigue, and inexplicable physical exhaustion
  • Sleep-related issues
  • Depending on the substance, gastrointestinal issues (like chronic constipation)
  • Lack of a sex drive
  • A lack of enthusiasm regarding activities that were previously enjoyed
  • Mild depression
  • Mild anxiety

More About Suboxone and PAWS

At Recreate Life Counseling, we treat the symptoms of Suboxone-related PAWS as soon as they arise. We understand the negative impacts that these symptoms can have on the recovery process when they are not adequately treated, therefore we prioritize providing the medical and psychological care necessary. If you have been abusing Suboxone either on its own or along with another chemical substance, we are available to help.

Opioid Treatment at Recreate Life Counseling 

Recreate Life Counseling offers comprehensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization services in Boynton Beach, Florida. Our recovery program is located in the heart of Southern Florida, an area that has long-since been considered the “recovery capital” of the country. This is not only because of the sunny, relaxing, and coastal location lends itself to long-term healing, but because there are innumerable recovery-related resources available throughout this specific region.

If you have been suffering at the hands of an opioid addiction of any type or severity, we are available to help. Simply give us a call and our admissions counselors will set to work developing a viable intake plan. We understand that choosing the right treatment center can be an overwhelming process, and for this reason, we are available to assist you every single step of the way. As soon as you decide to reach out, we will conduct a no-obligation insurance benefits check to determine how much of your treatment experience is covered by your current provider.

Dealing with the financial component of clinical care can be stressful – for this reason, we work with many major regional and national providers to ensure that the highest level of addiction treatment is easily accessible to all those who need it. To learn more, give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you more and answering any additional questions you might have.

FAQ

  • How does anesthesia assisted detox return receptors to PRE-dependence state?

Published on: 2020-11-10
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Is Codeine or Tramadol Detox More Painful?

Mixing two opiates is never a good idea, but some users try to take Tramadol and codeine together for a stronger high which is very dangerous. Codeine is a pain medication that is prescribed to treat mind to moderate pain and is also commonly prescribed to be used as a cough suppressant.

Codeine is naturally derived from the poppy plant like other narcotics such as opium and heroin. Codeine is a narcotic opioid analgesic medication. Like other opioids such as hydrocodone or morphine, it binds to the opioid receptors in the brain that are integral is transmitting the sensation of pain throughout the brain and body. Codeine decreases comfort and increases tolerance to pain.

Is Codeine or Tramadol Detox More Painful?

What Are Tramadol and Codeine?

Tramadol, like Codeine, is also an opioid analgesic and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Unlike Codeine, Tramadol is a synthetic opioid and not naturally derived from the poppy plant. This prescription medication comes as in pill form, either extended-release tablet or capsule or immediate release. Tramadol also connects to the opioid receptors in the brain to treat pain.

Dangers of Mixing Tramadol and Codeine

As previously mentioned, opioids and opiates work on the central nervous system’s opioid receptors to block out the sensations of pain on the body. Unfortunately, the opioid system also oversees the body’s reward pathways. This makes opioids like Codeine and Tramadol are highly addictive because it also releases endorphins that cause the body to be “rewarded” when a person gets high on Codeine or Tramadol. Both drugs cause feelings of euphoria, calmness, pleasure, and an overall sense of well being that people can get easily addicted to. Codeine and Tramadol can cause addiction both mentally and physically, making the body and the mind both crave the drug.

Detox and withdrawal from an opioid or opiate are going to be painful, especially when abuse and addiction come into the mix. Codeine and Tramadol are no exception. Common detox symptoms for both of these opioid drugs include:

  • Sweating
  • Muscle and body aches
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Stomach pain and cramps
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Mental fog
  • Depression
  • Drug cravings

What Does Opioid Detox Feel Like?

While the experiences of detox may vary from person to person, Tramadol is a slightly stronger opioid medication, so the detox from this drug is likely to be more painful. Tramadol is also something that is being abused more today. From 2005 and 2011, the amount of tramadol related emergency visits increased by about 250%.

Whether you are taking Tramadol as prescribed or if you are abusing it, detox from this drug is likely to occur. Detox from this drug can be similar to having the flu. The first withdrawal symptoms will begin within hours after the last dose has left the person’s body or if the dose has been reduced. Symptoms can last for several weeks. Certain factors determine the intensity and duration of detox including

  • How often you have been using the drug
  • How long you have been using it
  • How much you take at a time
  • If you mix different drugs
  • Any underlying mental health conditions
  • Your personal medical history
  • Your age
  • Your gender

Opioid Addiction Rehab Program

Detoxing from drugs on your own is very risky no matter what the drug is. Medically assisted detox becomes necessary when a person becomes physically, mentally, and emotionally dependent upon a drug. It involves a supervised detox process where medical professionals and doctors create a personalized detox program specifically for you and monitor you to help ease the side effects to a minimum while your withdrawal from the drugs.

Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off of your drug of choice is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling. Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world. If you want the help then we are here to assist you in any way we can.

Published on: 2020-11-04
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Does CBD Help Relieve Opioid Withdrawal?

Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat mild to severe pain. Opioid withdrawal is a dangerous condition resulting from opioid addiction or dependence. The National Institutes of Health define opioid withdrawal as:

Opioid withdrawal occurs when a patient who is dependent on opioids suddenly reduces or stops taking opioids. It can also be caused when a patient has an opioid in his/her system and is given an opioid partial agonist like buprenorphine or antagonists like naloxone or naltrexone. The etiology of opioid withdrawal is complex.

Opioid withdrawal is very uncomfortable and a lot of addicts will tell you that they have stayed sick or continued to use opioids strictly out of the fear of the debilitating withdrawal symptoms that come with opioid addiction.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

There are four stages of withdrawal: anticipatory, early acute, fully-developed acute, and PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome). Some of the symptoms of early opioid withdrawal (early acute) can include:

● Anxiety
● Insomnia
● Agitation
● Muscle aches
● Runny nose
● Sweating
● Yawning
● Increased tearing

Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can typically start about 24 hours after an individual’s last use, but that time can vary depending on which opioid the person was dependent on. Some of the symptoms of late opioid withdrawal (fully-developed acute) can include:

● Vomiting
● Nausea
● Abdominal cramping
● Diarrhea
● Goosebumps
● Dilated pupils

Once the physical withdrawal symptoms have subsided the post-acute withdrawal stage (PAWS) starts. PAWS are psychological symptoms of opioid dependence that can persist for up to 24 months after the acute withdrawal phases end.

Does CBD Help Relieve Opioid Withdrawal?

What is CBD And What Is It Used For?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. CBD is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of marijuana (cannabis). CBD is derived from the hemp plant (cousin of the marijuana plant) although it is an essential component of medical marijuana.

CBD does not have the psychoactive properties that THC does, so it does not get you high. There are different kinds of CBD. It comes in different concentrations and is sold in a number of ways. Full-spectrum CBD does contain a small amount of THC in it, but it is less than 03%.

In 2018, a CBD oral solution, Epidiolex, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain rare forms of epilepsy in children under 2. CBD is also believed to influence opioid receptors that regulate pain and also glycine receptors which regulate serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone.

CBD is useful for various mental and physical conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Some of the other conditions that CBD may help with are cancer-related symptoms, epilepsy, depression, drug addiction and withdrawal, glaucoma, muscle spasms, anorexia, Parkinson’s Disease, acne, heart health, and high blood pressure.

Can CBD Help Get Through Opioid Withdrawal?

Although CBD has not been approved for the treatment of opioid withdrawal and dependence, the future looks promising and it may be helpful. Some researchers and users say that CBD can help you or a loved one get through opioid withdrawal if used appropriately.

Based on preclinical research and emerging human research, cannabidiol (CBD; a major constituent of the cannabis plant) is a promising pharmacotherapy for the treatment of opioid withdrawal. Most recently, CBD decreased cue-induced craving and anxiety (two common withdrawal symptoms) among abstinent heroin-dependent individuals relative to placebo. As of June 2018, Epidiolex, an oral formulation of plant-derived pure CBD, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating severe forms of epilepsy and can be prescribed for other off-label indications. Epidiolex has a low side effect and a high safety profile. Given the recent FDA approval of Epidiolex, and a growing interest to develop existing pharmaceuticals to address issues related to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and its recovery, the investigators are proposing a pilot study to examine the safety of Epidiolex in a human laboratory model of clinically relevant withdrawal. The study will be a residential within-subject comparison; methadone-maintained participants will undergo spontaneous withdrawal and receive placebo dosing and active cannabidiol. Data collected for this study will establish: (1) the safety of administering two dosing regimens of Epidiolex within the investigators’ withdrawal paradigm and (2) the feasibility of the investigators’ withdrawal paradigm for demonstrating clinically meaningful increases in withdrawal. (John Hopkins University)

As stated above, CBD is effective at alleviating pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression, which are some of the symptoms that can come with opioid withdrawal. However, CBD has not yet been tested or approved as an official treatment for use with opioid withdrawal or opioid use disorder.

Effective Treatment for Opioid Addiction

If you or someone you love requires help with opioid dependence, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling offers evidence-based addiction treatment. We specialize in individualized treatment programs to get you on the road to a lasting recovery.

Published on: 2020-10-04
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Find Out How We Can Help You

At Recreate Life Counseling, we understand that the journey to recovery can be daunting without the proper support. We're here to listen, understand your challenges, and offer personalized guidance as you consider a life free from drugs and alcohol. Our admissions team is ready to assist you, whether you're looking for treatment, need advice, or simply want someone to talk to!

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