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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.”

Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal?

Detox, which is also known as detoxification, is the process of expelling drugs from your system. This is the first step in the recovery of nearly all drug and alcohol addictions. It is your body’s ways of cleansing itself from the dangerous substances that are polluting it. Withdrawal is the physical and mental effects that happen to a person when they either lower their intake of a substance or stop taking it altogether.

Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal

How Painful is Opiate Withdrawal?

While the experience will vary from person to person, most people will say that the most painful experience is opiate withdrawal, which includes heroin. Heroin withdrawal can begin as early as a few hours from the last dose and will often feel like a very serious case of the flu, peaking during the second or third day. The symptoms can last even up to a couple of weeks. Common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea
  • Cold sweats
  • Anxiety
  • Crawling skin
  • Body cramping
  • Muscle aches

Even after the initial withdrawal symptoms from detoxing wears off, Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is very common with heroin addiction. PAWS can last for up to 24 months after drug use has stopped and includes symptoms like poor sleep and concentration, heightened anxiety, panic attacks, depression, mood swings, restlessness, and even memory loss.

How Painful is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

This does not mean that benzodiazepine withdrawal and detox is less important or painful if the circumstances are different. Benzo withdrawal also comes with a list of symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, muscle discomfort, sweating, cravings, and tremors. In more severe cases, a person can even experience hallucinations and seizures. The big difference between benzos and heroin is that benzos have a shorter half-life. This means the length of time the substance stays in the body after consumption ultimately resulting in a shorter withdrawal timeline.

Withdrawal is Different from Person to Person

While it is said that withdrawal from heroin is more painful than detox from benzodiazepines, all withdrawal and detox from a drug are different from person to person and different factors go into what each person will go through. These factors include:

  • 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

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. We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs.

Treatment for Drug Addiction

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.

FAQ

  • Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal?

Published on: 2020-08-25
Updated on: 2024-04-18

What Does Ativan Feel Like?

Ativan is a benzodiazepine that relieves feelings of anxiety but also can lead to addiction and dependence. Getting off Ativan safely after abusing it for a long period is not recommended and requires a medical detox.

The National Institute of Health, NIH, describes Ativan also known as Lorazepam as an anxiolytic. It has a chemical formula of 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one. It is a practical water-soluble and virtually white powder. These orally ingested tablets have 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of lorazepam. Lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and polacrilin potassium are the dormant elements present.

With no significant impact on the respiratory or cardiovascular systems, solo elevated quantities of Ativan have a tranquilizing action on the central nervous system. With an indisputable bioavailability of 90 percent, Ativan is instantly absorbed.

Within 2 hours of being consumed the highest amounts of intensity take place in the plasma. That high amount of intensity from a 2mg dose of Ativan in plasma is about 20 ng/mL. 12 hours is the average half-life of unconjugated Ativan in plasma and is 18 hours approximately for its foremost metabolite, lorazepam glucuronide. Studies show that its effects can last about 20% longer if injected with no regard to the age of the subject.

Ativan

How Does it Feel to Use Ativan?

The indicated use of Ativan is meant to combat anxiety disorders that stem from depression and short-term relief from the symptoms of anxiety associated symptoms. The stress or anxiety from a regular daily routine is not to be treated with an anxiolytic such as Ativan. Short-term relief is under 4 months of use. When a patient using Ativan consumes it as prescribed under the close supervision of a physician, they will not be feeling high as the drug directly serves one purpose and that is to balance out the previously unbalanced nervous system.

When comparing the high of Ativan, it can be directly correlated to that of Xanax as they are both used to treat anxiety, though Ativan leaves the central nervous system more quickly. If a person takes a high dose and is not suffering from some form of anxiety or depression stemming from anxiety this subject can get the euphoric sensations to peak within 30-60 minutes of using. That high can last between 5-8 hours where the subject will experience feelings of an amplified sedation effect.

Is Ativan Addictive?

Though Ativan is not a narcotic it can have the same adverse effects which can cause addiction and chemical dependency. When taken over long periods it can cause mental health troubles and cognitive issues. When abused the person will begin to risk issues of memory the ability to speak properly. It has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The reason its maximum prescription term is 4 months is due to its extremely addictive properties.

Someone that has used Ativan longer than the 4 months it’s supposed to be used can expect liver damage. The enzymes in the liver will increase causing it to inflame and in turn damage the tissue of the liver. Once jaundice begins the eyes and skin frequently begin to turn a yellowish color. When you stop using Ativan after a long period, painful withdrawal symptoms can develop that often last weeks.

How Can Recreate Life Counseling Help You?

Recreate Life Counseling is a drug and alcohol rehab center that is prepared to help with Ativan addiction. We take delight in our personalized treatment programs that are tailored to meet the needs of men, women, and families affected by addiction. Our Delray Beach or Boynton Beach, Florida locations, offer partial hospitalization which is a day and night treatment with community housing and we also offer intensive outpatient therapy. It is our purpose to bind the client’s support to rebuild their natural life.

We are dedicated to assisting the habituated individual start off and continue in the recovery route. We will construct a treatment schedule in a way that is beneficial to the vision you or your loved one has for a dependency-free life. Neither you nor a loved one must be addicted to Ativan. Call now to speak with one of our experts or come in for a tour.

Published on: 2020-05-13
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Benefits of a Service Pet for Recovering Addicts

Staying sober is harder than getting sober. This statement is something that most addicts and treatment professionals agree on. Detox and quitting their drug of choice is extremely difficult and dangerous as physical withdrawals can last from days to weeks to months. Once the initial detox is over, the question then is, what next? The goal is to not relapse and to ultimately create a life that you don’t want to let go of.

To obtain long term sobriety, the addict must address and heal the mental and emotional causes of their substance abuse. Many addicts suffer from a mental illness and their substance abuse is a form of self-medication. Anxiety, social isolation, depression, loneliness, and suicidal ideation are all effects of mental illness. When not addressed during recovery, the chance of relapse multiplies. Depending on how long they have been self-medicating as a way to avoid their feelings, the addict will have no idea how to move forward and tackle emotions and fears daily.

Benefits of a Service Pet for Recovering Addicts

How can a Service Pet Help You in Recovery?

Service dogs are a proven way to help the addict recover and stay sober. Psychiatric service dogs are trained to help those with mental health disorders or disabilities and are trained specifically to meet the individual’s needs based on their mental illness as well as the severity of the disorder. If there is not a specified mental health disorder, the recovering addict can still be helped by the companionship of a service pet because they help relieve anxiety and lessen symptoms of depression. Some of the many benefits include: reducing negative emotions, coping mechanisms for stress, mood boosters, encouraging responsibility and healthy habits in daily life.

Addicts can be prone to a negative mindset, which hinders their recovery and causes anxiety, shame, guilt, and loneliness. The unconditional love of a service pet can soothe the addict and reduce their feelings of isolation. This encourages a more positive outlook on their life and environment and the addict will begin to develop healthy daily habits and hobbies. Addicts are encouraged to develop interests in healthy activities that will take them outside of their minds. As we all know, the mind can be our own worst enemy, and service dogs can help change the addict’s mindset. Taking care of a service dog requires grooming, bathing, playing with, feeding, and walking their pet. This allows the addict to think of positive ways to plan out their day because they have someone else to care for.

Get into Good Habits to Erase the Bad Ones

Caring for their service pet can also create positive reinforcement for the addict and they will see the benefits of positive daily habits. The addict will see that if they care for their pet each day, the pet stays happy and healthy. The addict, in turn, sees it is possible to take care of themselves and maintain their health and happiness, and therefore their sobriety.

Social isolation is much less of a choice when the addict has a pet to care for. Service dogs require daily walks, during which the addict might be “forced” to stop and engage in simple conversations. Having a scheduled activity that they are responsible for will, in turn, get the addict to wake up, shower, get dressed, make their bed, and put food out for their pet. In doing these little things for someone else, the addict will start developing a routine and begin caring for themselves as well. All of these are steps that can either help in pulling a person out of depression or keep it at bay.

The simple fact that the addict now has someone to love and that depends on them to stay alive can keep the addict motivated to make better choices and avoid relapse. Many addicts have low self-worth and self-esteem. They might think of themselves as unloved or unlovable. A cat that playfully runs around and paws at you or a dog that barks loudly and jumps up and down when you enter a room is unconditional love. This is a feeling that the addict has been chasing their whole lives and they will be motivated to stay sober.
Service pets can also increase an addict’s sense of trust and loyalty.

Addicts can have experiences that have caused them to become distrusting of the world. Animals are known for their loyalty and of course, they cannot be dishonest! A service pet can change this outlook for the addict and allow them to start having faith in others, but in a safe way. This is part of one of the most beneficial factors of working with a service pet – PTSD symptoms. Their calming and soothing effect on people – just the rhythm of their breathing or cuddling with their soft fur – can bring peace. The combination of this peaceful presence with the security that a dog, for example, can bring, is a great way to heal from PTSD.

Recreate Life Counseling is Here to Help

Recreate Life Counseling in Boynton Beach is an outpatient treatment center that teaches the addict how to achieve, maintains, and enjoy a new way of life in long term recovery. We offer a PHP program of Day / Night Treatment with Community Housing. We engage the addict in therapy and activities that will teach life skills and behaviors to prevent relapse. It is so important to one’s sobriety to have the ability to care for yourself and someone else, and our staff teaches the addict how to do this in a healthy and safe environment. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, please reach out and a Recreate Life Counseling staff member will be happy to help you begin your new life in recovery.

Published on: 2020-03-21
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Mixing Heroin & Ambien

Ambien is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer, commonly used to treat sleep-related disorders. It is considered a tranquilizer and can be extremely dangerous when taken in high doses. Heroin is an opioid narcotic, which – although technically a different classification of drug – has similar effects. Taking these two drugs simultaneously can result in serious complications. Those who mix Ambien and heroin put themselves at extremely high risk of overdose-related death. Specific cells within the brain are activated when the two drugs are mixed, resulting in abnormal drowsiness. When Ambien is taken alone it helps facilitate sleep, because it binds with the sleep-facilitating chemical GABA when it enters the brain. But when combined with another potent drug that affects the central nervous system, it can prove to be deadly.

Mixing a prescribed medication of any kind with another chemical substance is never a good idea. And of course, taking heroin – a highly illicit chemical substance – is never, ever a good idea. Some heroin addicts might take Ambien to increase the effects of their high. If you or anyone you know has been abusing heroin or taking Ambien other than as prescribed, it is crucial that professional addiction treatment is sought immediately.

Mixing Heroin and Ambien

Heroin Abuse and Addiction

Over the course of the past several years, rates of heroin abuse and addiction have increased significantly amongst both men and women of all ages, all ethnic backgrounds, and all social standings. The majority of heroin addictions start with an addiction to prescription painkillers. Those who don’t know where to get street drugs like heroin but are prone to addictive tendencies have a much easier time getting their hands on prescription medications. Predisposition to addiction is attributed to a number of factors, including (but not limited to) genetic factors, environmental factors, and pre-existing mental health disorders. If someone is born with addictive tendencies and has access to habit-forming medications, the chances are that they will begin to abuse whatever medications they have access to. They may have been prescribed pharmaceuticals for an existing disorder, or they may have found an unused or expired medication in a medicine cabinet at their friend’s or family’s house.

Once the existing “supply” runs out, those who have developed dependencies might look for a cheaper and more readily accessible alternative; in the case of painkiller addiction, this alternative is heroin. According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly 494,000 American adults grappled with heroin addiction in 2017. During this same year, 17,000 adults died of heroin-related deaths. On its own, heroin can be deadly. Mixing this drug with Ambien only increases the chances of death.

Ambien Abuse and Addiction

Those who take Ambien as prescribed generally take it to treat insomnia, a relatively common sleep disorder. For those who aren’t predisposed to addiction the risk of developing an Ambien dependence is fairly low. The drug can be habit-forming when abused, though those who take the drug as prescribed are generally safe. When taken as prescribed, Ambien can be extremely effective – when taken in combination with heroin, it can be deadly. If you believe that you or someone you know might be struggling with an Ambien addiction, there are several warning signs to look for. These include memory loss, nausea and vomiting, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, lack of coordination and serious mental health symptoms like paranoia, depression, and anxiety.

Those who take Ambien are at risk of side effects like sleepwalking and hallucinations, even when the medication is taken as prescribed. It is far more common for heroin addicts to begin taking Ambien than it is for Ambien abusers to seek heroin, seeing as Ambien enhances the high that heroin provides. While the feelings of sedation and temporary elation may increase briefly, combining both substances can be a dangerous game and can easily push the physical body over the edge. As mentioned previously, those who are combining both drugs should seek professional care immediately. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have – we’re here to help.

Published on: 2020-03-04
Updated on: 2024-04-18

What Does Snorting Cocaine Feel Like?

Cocaine, a potent central nervous system stimulant derived from coca leaves, has a long and tumultuous history. Originally utilized in the early 1900s for its anesthetic properties, it wasn’t long before its addictive nature became apparent. Today, despite its Schedule II classification indicating its high potential for abuse, cocaine remains a prevalent street drug, typically appearing as a white, powdery substance.

what does coke feel like

One of the most common methods of consuming cocaine is through snorting. This involves inhaling the powdered form through the nasal passages, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. For many users, the experience of snorting cocaine or substance use is intense and immediate.

So, what does it really feel like? What are its side effects? 

What Does a Cocaine High Feel Like?

Because cocaine is a local anesthetic, it causes numbness to the throat, mouth, and tongue when it is snorted. It can be described as tasting and smelling very chemically or much like gasoline, depending on what the cocaine is mixed with. Since this is an illegal street drug, the smell and taste can vary. In its pure form, it should smell sweet and somewhat floral. Snorting cocaine also tends to burn your nose when first inhaled before becoming numb and will drip down your throat from your nasal cavity long after it is initially snorted.

When you snort cocaine, it is described as a feeling of alertness, energy, and power. One of the main effects of cocaine use is that a person who snorts cocaine feels an intensely pleasurable feeling known as euphoria. This feeling of euphoria is short-term and generally only lasts for about 30 minutes. This feeling happens because cocaine stimulates the brain by affecting how it processes dopamine, which is associated with regulating pleasure responses. People will also feel hyper-stimulated, have reduced fatigue, be more talkative than usual, have an increased libido, be numb to physical and mental pain, and cannot comprehend the danger,

On the flip side, it is also possible to experience anxiety, agitation, restlessness, mood swings, and paranoia. Also, when cocaine is taken over a long period of time, the user can experience these opposite effects during a cocaine high, including sadness and isolation from other people.

Immediately after snorting cocaine, the user will have the following physical symptoms:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Nosebleeds 
  • Runny nose that might lead to sinus infections affecting the sense of smell
  • Constricted blood vessels
  • Increased heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle tension
  • High body temperature resulting in increased sweat
  • Potentially diarrhea or increased bathroom use

Health Risks of Cocaine Abuse

Repeated cocaine use or other form of stimulant drug use can cause a wide variety of health effects or health problems in the user’s body and could have long-term effects. The consequences of long-term cocaine use include:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pains
  • Hypertension
  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Weight loss
  • Impaired thinking and cerebral atrophy
  • Bizarre or aggressive behavior
  • Heart attack or stroke

Getting Clean From Cocaine

For those struggling with cocaine addiction or cocaine users, seeking treatment is crucial. Detoxification (detox) programs can help individuals safely withdraw from cocaine and manage withdrawal symptoms, while rehabilitation programs offer therapy and support to address the underlying issues driving substance abuse. Additionally, medications, medical advice, and behavioral health therapies tailored to cocaine addiction can aid in long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

In addition to powdered cocaine, crack cocaine, a crystallized form of the drug, is also widely abused. Smoking crack delivers a rapid and intense high, often leading to compulsive use and addiction. The impact on physical and mental health can be severe, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare interventions to address the complex challenges of cocaine addiction and drug abuse.

Furthermore, addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. The best and safest option to get off cocaine is using one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling, a treatment center. We provide partial care and outpatient treatment options that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one-on-one group therapy and many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs.

Addiction isn’t easy to face, and the health risks are not worth a short high. You do not have to face getting sober from cocaine on your own. Our admissions counselors and addiction professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it!

Published on: 2020-01-13
Updated on: 2024-04-02

Relapse Prevention: Tools for Preventing a Relapse

recreate life counseling

Relapse is a danger for anyone who has embarked on the journey of recovery from substance abuse. It is generally accepted that relapse is most likely to occur in the first 90 days of recovery, but the risk remains high for the first five years. Fortunately, there are ways to protect against and prevent relapse. Relapse prevention techniques include any tool that can be used to avoid a return to using and abusing drugs and alcohol.

Prevention at the Different Stages of Relapse

Relapse is a process. There are different stages of relapse and there are tools to prevent relapse at every stage. During the emotional stage, the individual may be struggling in recovery, but not actually thinking about using. During this stage, the best tools for relapse prevention are techniques that restore emotional equilibrium. During the mental stage of relapse, the individual is thinking about drinking or using again and the urges to use may be strong. A combination of techniques will be needed at this stage to prevent a relapse. The next stage is the relapse stage — all is not lost at this point. If the individual utilizes their relapse prevention techniques, a relapse can be prevented.

The following are a list of tools and techniques that can be utilized to prevent a return to drugs and alcohol. They can be used to maintain sobriety and enhance an individual’s recovery. In most cases, a combination of these tools is best:

  • 12 Step Program: The 12 Step fellowships are highly beneficial for many individuals looking to stay sober and lead a happy, healthy life in recovery. 12 Step meetings and working the steps provide addicts and alcoholics with support and new techniques for maintaining sobriety.
  • Therapy:Therapy can help the individual learn new tools and strategies for relapse prevention, while also helping to restore emotional equilibrium. Discussing one’s emotions and behaviors with a trained professional can help the individual figure out how to deal with life on life’s terms.
  • Group Therapy: Group therapy sessions are a great venue for support and problem solving. Discussing one’s triggers and desires to use can help the individual gain the necessary support to overcome their cravings.
  • Sponsorship: If an individual is a member of a 12-step fellowship, he/she can benefit greatly from having a sponsor. The newly sober person can benefit from the knowledge and experience of someone who has been in recovery for a longer period of time. A sponsor is a great resource to turn to when things are difficult and cravings start to occur.
  • Journaling: Journaling can be an incredibly useful tool in recovery. Problems often seem more manageable when they are written down and not just floating around in an individual’s head.
  • Hobbies: Hobbies are an important source of stress relief. It is essential that individuals in recovery explore new interests to fill the time they spent drinking or using.
  • Meditation: Meditation techniques can help with restoring emotional equilibrium in recovery. Meditation can come in the form of sitting practices, yoga, Tai Chi, etc.

Relapse prevention can be thought of as a toolbox full of different techniques for preventing a return to drugs and alcohol. The more tools that you utilize, the greater your chances are of maintaining your sobriety. Seeking support from those around you is one of the most important tools in your toolbox. That support can stem from therapy, group counseling, or 12-step fellowships — it doesn’t matter as long as you are reaching out for help.

Are you struggling with addiction, or just coming back from a relapse? If so, Recreate Life Counseling Services can help. We offer group and individual addiction counseling and support.

Published on: 2016-08-26
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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