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Addiction Recovery Critical Incidents Opiates (Heroin and Prescription Pain Pills) Uncategorized

Narcan Saves Lives

The opioid epidemic has been a major public health crisis in the United States for the past few decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 450,000 people have died from opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2018. This staggering number highlights the severity of the problem and the need for effective solutions. One of these is a drug now newly FDA approved over-the-counter medication called naloxone or Narcan. Bottom line; Narcan saves lives. Here’s a look at the situation with the opioid epidemic in the US.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. Opioid related deaths are now the leading accidental cause of death in the US. These drugs are highly addictive and can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to death in cases of overdose. The opioid epidemic has been fueled by the overprescription of these drugs, as well as the availability of illegal opioids like heroin and fentanyl.

Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, effectively blocking the opioids and restoring normal breathing. Narcan can be administered as a nasal spray or injection and is often carried by first responders, healthcare providers, and family members of individuals at risk of overdose.

Narcan is important because it can save lives. When administered quickly and correctly, it can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and prevent death. In addition, Narcan is relatively safe and has few side effects, making it an effective tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

However, Narcan is not a cure for opioid addiction. It is a temporary solution that can buy time for individuals to seek treatment and support for their addiction. In addition, Narcan is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Individuals who receive Narcan should still seek medical attention to ensure that they receive appropriate care and treatment.

Overall, the opioid epidemic has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in the United States. (over a million have died from drug overdoses in the last two decades). Narcan is an important tool in the fight against this crisis, as it can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives. However, Narcan is not a cure for addiction and should be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment and support. It is important for individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to address the root causes of the opioid epidemic and find effective solutions to this public health crisis.

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Addiction Recovery Opiates (Heroin and Prescription Pain Pills) Uncategorized

Dopamine Tone In Opiate Addiction and Recovery.

People continue to use alcohol and other drugs chronically, even after experiencing severe consequences related to their addiction. Its one of the hardest things for loved ones and those struggling with addiction to understand. Professionals have tried for many years is to figure out why this occurs. We now know this has everything to do with something called dopamine tone.

Scientists have made advances in neuroscience and biology, which allows for a greater understanding of the physical roots of substance use and dependence. The disease model of addiction has been created as a result of these studies. By understanding the biological characteristics of substance dependence, medical and pharmacological treatments can be developed to improve recovery outcomes. 

It is crucial to continue researching this area to help those struggling with addiction. This article will focus on Dopamine Tone and function in opiate addiction and how this can lead to recovery. 

What are opiates?

Opiates are a class of drugs that comprise the illegal drug heroin and legal prescription pain medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine. These drugs derive from the opium poppy plant and work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. When utilized for medical purposes, opiates can be effective in treating pain. However, they also carry a high risk for abuse and addiction. Multiple factors influence whether someone who tries opiates will become addicted. One of the main reasons is that opiates produce intense feelings of pleasure. When opiates bind to specific proteins in the brain, they trigger a biochemical process that rewards people with pleasurable sensations. This motivates people to keep taking the drug, even if it isn’t necessary to relieve pain. Other brain sections create memories that associate these good feelings with the circumstances in which they occurred. These memories can lead to drug cravings when the person re-encounters those same circumstances. As a result, people may keep taking opiates even despite many obstacles.

What Are The Short and Long-Term Effects on the brain?

It is well-known that opiate addiction can have serious short-term effects on the brain, including impairments in cognition and motor function. However, the long-term effects of opiate addiction on the brain are not as well understood. Some research suggests that chronic opiate use may lead to brain changes that remain even after drug use is stopped, which could explain why some people have difficulty staying sober even after completing treatment.

One of the most well-documented long-term effects of opiate addiction is changes in the brain’s white matter. This White matter consists of the nerve fibers that connect different brain regions and carry information.

MRI scans have shown that chronic opiate use is associated with reduced white matter volume in multiple brain areas involved in decision-making, impulsivity, and self-control. These changes in white matter structure have been linked to impairments in cognitive function and increased risk for relapse.

Other long-term effects of opiate addiction include changes in brain metabolism and alterations in the structure of some areas of the brain. Some research has also suggested that chronic opiate use may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. While more research is needed to enhance our understanding of the long-term effects of opiate addiction on the brain, it is clear that this is a serious problem with potentially devastating consequences.

The Role of Dopamine

Dopamine, the pleasure brain chemical, is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in the brain’s reward system. It is released when we experience something pleasurable, such as eating good food or having sex. This release of dopamine causes us to feel pleasure and motivates us to repeat the behavior that led to its release. Drugs of abuse like opiates increase dopamine activity in the brain, leading to the euphoria people experience when using them. Drugs of abuse like opiates cause a much greater release of dopamine than natural rewards. This leads to the feeling of euphoria that people experience when they use drugs. Over time, the brain adapts to the high levels of dopamine and other changes that lead to addiction. Dopamine tone refers to the overall level of dopamine activity in the brain. Dopamine levels can be affected by many different factors, including genetics, age, and environment. 

In a recent study, researchers looked at dopamine tone in people with a history of opiate abuse. The study found that dopamine tone was lower in those who had been using opiates chronically compared to those who had not. The researchers also found that dopamine tone increased after the participants stopped using opiates and remained in recovery for an extended time period. 

What is the role of dopamine in opiate addiction?

Dopamine plays a significant role in opiate addiction. Opiates increase dopamine activity in the brain, leading to the euphoria that people experience when using them. People who are addicted to opiates will continue using them despite negative consequences because of the changes that have occurred in their brains. When they try to quit, they experience withdrawal symptoms because their brain is no longer used to functioning without the drug. These withdrawal symptoms can be highly unpleasant, making it difficult for people to stay sober for long periods. Medications like Buprenorphine and Naltrexone can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for people to stay sober.

We must understand the biology of addiction to develop effective treatments. By studying the role of dopamine in opiate addiction, scientists can develop medications that will help to improve recovery outcomes.

Treatment Options for Addiction

Dopamine agonists and antagonists are medications that mimic or block dopamine’s effects in the brain. This can help to control the amount of dopamine released and reduce the intensity of the pleasurable response, making it less likely for someone to relapse into drug use.

Stethoscope next to computer

Naloxone is a common antagonist medication, but it is not always successful because it also blocks the pleasurable sensations associated with drug use. This means that people taking Naloxone may still experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist medication that can partially mimic dopamine’s effects in the brain. This makes it more effective at reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings than Naloxone.

Other medications that target the prefrontal cortex, such as Modafinil, have also shown promise in treating addiction. This medication reduces impulsivity and allows for better inhibitory control, making it less likely for someone to give in to drug cravings.

How to go about resetting the brain’s dopamine levels?

There are many ways that people can go about resetting the brain’s dopamine levels. Some of these methods include:

– Quitting drugs and alcohol

– Exercising regularly

– Eating a healthy diet

– Getting enough sleep

– Practicing meditation or mindfulness

– Spending time in nature

– Connecting with other people

All of these activities can aid in the reduction of stress and promote relaxation, which can lead to improved dopamine function. In addition, medications like Buprenorphine and Naltrexone can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for people to stay sober. Modafinil can also help to reduce impulsivity.

How Long Does It Take to Reset The Brain’s Dopamine Levels?

It can take a number of weeks or months for the brain to adjust to the absence of drugs and restore dopamine levels to normal. The exact time it can take depends on individual factors, such as how long someone has been using drugs, what kind of drugs they were using, and how often they were using them. Withdrawal symptoms and cravings can make it specifically challenging to stay off opiates during this period, but medication can help reduce these symptoms and make a recovery more manageable.

Conclusion

Dopamine plays a significant role in opiate addiction and recovery. By understanding the biology of addiction, scientists can develop more effective treatments that target the brain’s dopamine system. Medications like Buprenorphine and Naltrexone can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for people to stay sober. In addition, mindfulness and other relaxation techniques can help to promote dopamine function. People can recover from opiate addiction and live healthy, fulfilling lives with the right treatment.

If you or someone you may know is struggling with addiction, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to get started on the road to recovery.

References

1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4150497/

2. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/relationship-between-stress-craving-relapse-to-smoking/introduction

3. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/teaching-packets/neurobiology-drug-addiction/section-iii-action-dopamine-reward-pathway

4. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/relationship-between-stress-craving-relapse-to-smoking/introduction

5. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/teaching-packets/neurobiology-drug-addiction/section-iii-action-dopamine-reward-pathway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Will the COVID-19 Pandemic Fuel a Wave of Addiction?

Will the COVID-19 pandemic fuel a wave of addiction? The 2020 pandemic is still a significant problem throughout the globe — especially here in the U.S. In addition to the physical issues associated with the virus, more research surfaces about the pandemic’s lasting mental health effects.

Unfortunately, many predict that mental health professionals won’t keep up with the number of people who need help with depression and anxiety due to this pandemic.

That means more people will undoubtedly turn to other coping mechanisms. As a result, we will likely see a wave of addiction in the coming months and even years.

Since February 2020, doctors and ER units nationwide have already seen an explosion in alcohol-related issues. Sales of alcohol have also consistently gone up throughout the pandemic.

Knowing this, how do we approach this wave of addiction?

The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 has caused plenty of more issues than merely physical illnesses. People who once dealt with addiction are at a greater risk of relapsing. Those who feel as though they don’t have anywhere else to turn may look at alcohol or harder drugs like opioids for the first time.

What aspects of the pandemic are contributing to these mental health issues?

The biggest one, undoubtedly, is loneliness. Even if you consider yourself to be an introverted person, people are social, by nature. Feeling completely isolated and disconnected from others can make you feel alone, without any support. Studies show the negative impact of loneliness lasts for years. It can even impact your physical health.

Of course, it’s impossible to ignore the uncertainties of this entire pandemic. People have lost jobs, children run risks going to school, and even though places have started re-opening, many states still have mask mandates.

There is still so much anxiety surrounding COVID-19, and it only builds up with the upcoming (and volatile) presidential election. Feelings of anxiety combined with feelings of loneliness, are often a recipe for disaster.

How People Cope on Their Own

Because depression and anxiety are so prevalent, there are a variety of ways to deal with them. Some people take medication; others seek therapy. Sadly, far too many people find harmful ways of coping, including drug and alcohol use.

Pseudo Comfort

Since January of this year, for example, Texas has seen a massive rise in both alcohol and guns/ammo sales — which is a horrible combination. But, people are looking for ways to numb whatever worries they may be feeling. That goes far beyond alcohol into harder drugs. When you learn more about opiate addiction and the brain, you find that it can lead to euphoria feelings. Who wouldn’t be looking for that right now?

Unfortunately, the effects of drugs and alcohol don’t last, so people need more and more to get by.

Substance Abuse

Will the COVID-19 pandemic fuel a wave of addiction? Absolutely. But, there is hope for those feeling anxiety from the effects of this pandemic.

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, stressed, or overwhelmed, you are certainly not alone. Still, you also don’t need to turn to a substance that will only compound the issues.

Even if you can only reach out to someone digitally, do whatever it takes to make connections and find your support system. The times are still uncertain. Together we will see it through, and you don’t have to depend on substances to feel better about the state of the world.

Feel free to contact me if you’re struggling to get through this pandemic or visit my page on opiate addiction and the brainto learn more about how I can help. Together, we can work on more effective ways to work through your anxiety so you can manage your symptoms daily.

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Opiates (Heroin and Prescription Pain Pills) Uncategorized

Medications Used to Treat Opioid Addiction

Medications Used to Treat Opiate Addiction: Here’s What You Need to Know

Opioids often have a strong effect on the brain. That’s why opiate addiction has become such a prominent problem, not only in the United States but all over the world. Navigation the medications used to treat opiate addiction can be confusing. There are many opinions and finding concrete information can be tricky.

The purpose of opioids is to make a patient feel better quickly. They were designed to be used to treat things like pain. That’s why opioids such as morphine are given in hospitals, and codeine is found in many over-the-counter cough syrups.

Because they make you feel good, however, it’s easy to become addicted to opioids quickly. They activate the dopamine pathway in the brain, sending out endorphins that make you feel good. So, even though they can help with pain, they are risky too. Because of this, they should only be used with a prescription.

Unfortunately, the misuse of opiates can also lead to a lot of problems including negative long-term effects when it comes to brain function. However, there are plenty of medications used to treat opioid addiction. But how do you know which ones are safer than others?

Methadone & Opiate Addiction

Methadone is an opioid agonist. That essentially means it’s the same thing to the brain as an opiate. It’s designed to help opioid users get through withdrawal symptoms. Studies have shown that withdrawal can be the hardest part of beginning to recover. If they can’t deal with the symptoms, they’re more likely to relapse and even overdose.

It’s important to understand how methadone works. After all, it’s definitely not without flaws or risks.

Essentially, methadone helps to relieve opioid cravings. It does so by triggering the same receptors in the brain that opioids (such as heroin) also act on. The difference? It does it more slowly. The person taking it doesn’t typically experience the same intense “high” that they do when they take opioids.

While methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction for many years, it needs to be heavily monitored. Only those going through a specialized treatment program should use it.

Methadone is sometimes irreverently referred to as the “life time med” as it is essentially a replacement drug therapy. More commonly you may hear it referenced as a “maintenance medication”. This is because once you begin, it is highly unlikely that you can stop taking it without going into withdrawal.

Suboxone & Opiate Addiction

Another one of the medications used to treat opioid addiction is Suboxone. Suboxone is the brand name for a medication containing both buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine works similarly to methadone. However, it’s a partial agonist opiate – “tricking” the brain into thinking it is a full opiate. Buprenorphine reduces an addict’s urges and can help them to deal with withdrawal symptoms.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist or “blocker”. It can help to reverse the effects of opioids in the brain. Medical professionals often use it in emergency overdose situations.

The combination of these two ingredients helps to make detoxing from opioids easier while getting rid of some of the lingering symptoms. It’s a long-term prescription whose research shows that it is most successful when taken for at least six months, if not longer. This runs contrary to what many older model detox centers do – often giving it for the first 3 – 5 days.

Some of the potential side effects of Suboxone include:

  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia

Keep in mind that some of the effects you may be feeling could be withdrawal symptoms. Everyone experiences them differently. But, Suboxone can help to make the process easier.

Vivitrol & Opiate Addiction

Vivitrol is another opioid antagonist or “blocker”. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain but doesn’t trigger the release of dopamine. Because they attach to the receptors, they block opioids from “getting in.”

Vivitrol helps to suppress craving and physicians now are using it for opiate, alcohol and even for some types of eating disorders.

Because of how it works, Vivitrol can often help to keep former opioid addicts from relapsing.

One of the risks of Vivitrol is that it’s an injection-based medication and there can be side effects.  Most doctors will start clients on an oral (pill) version for the first few days. This helps to determine if the medication is the best for for the client. Other possible side effects include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Blisters
  • Lumps

Vivitrol should be used after the initial opioid detoxification process is complete.

Opiate Addiction Treatment Programs

The medications used to treat opioid addiction work in a variety of different ways to make “coming down” from the addiction easier and relapsing more difficult. Of course, none of them are perfect. Each one has certain side effects to consider.

These medications can be helpful under the right conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with opiate addiction, please contact me today. For More Resources click here.

Over 130 people die each day from an opioid overdose. Getting into treatment now can help to ensure that you or someone you love doesn’t end up being just another statistic.

(For more information on counseling for individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones – Click Here)

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Opiates (Heroin and Prescription Pain Pills)

Opiate Addiction and the Brain

Opiate Addiction and the Brain

As human beings we have a long history of using opiates, such as morphine. And if a person gains unlimited access to opiates, they can easily and quickly become tolerant and addicted to it. The drugs have an intense effect on the human brain. Prescription opiates are after all intentionally designed and created to make a person feel good within a short period of time. The drugs increase the level of dopamine released in the brain and copy the effects of endogenous opioids. More often than not, people who have taken opiates with consistency often have difficulty feeling normal without taking the drugs and little or no knowledge of what really happens with opiate addiction and the brain.

Endorphins and Dopamine

Our brains produce a natural morphine known as endorphins. They stimulate the opioid receptors to lift our mood when we are under stress; helping us feel more motivated and relieving pain when there is an injury. These hormones are produced during excitement, exercise, feeling loved, orgasm, pain, or even eating spicy food.

The production of endorphins also leads to the discharge of dopamine, which is the chemical that activates the reward system of our brain. Dopamine acts as natural “go system” that helps humans pursue stuff that we need to survive. Our brain also has a “stop system” found in the prefrontal cortex at the front of our brain. It helps us determine the consequences of our impulses. When a person is addicted to opiates, the “go system” of the brain acts on its own, and the “stop system” can no longer control it.

Some Examples of  Opioids

Heroin

Codeine – ingredient found in many cough syrups

Hydrocodone – Vicodin, Lortab or Lorcet

Oxycodone – Percocet, OxyContin or Percodan

Hydromorphone – Dilaudid

Morphine – MSContin, MSIR, Avinza or Kadian

Propoxyphene – Darvocet or Darvon

Fentanyl – Duragesic

Methadone

What Opiates do to a Person’s Brain?

Opiate drugs activate the dopamine pathway (also known as the reward pathway) that sends out a rush of pleasure chemicals to the brain. When talking about opiate addiction and the brain, opiates are much more stimulating than natural endorphins, which is partly why they are so addictive. Once a person uses opiates, the brain stops creating natural endorphins because the body thinks that there are already enough levels of it in the brain. Within six to 12 months of using opiate drugs, the cells that produce endorphins can be significantly reduced in size and even die off.

One of the most commonly abused illegal opiate drugs is heroin. When it is injected into a vein, heroin reaches the brain within 15 to 20 seconds. It then binds itself to the opiate receptors found in the different parts of the brain that include, you guessed it; the reward pathway. When the receptors in the reward pathway are activated, the person feels a brief and very intense rush of euphoria. This is followed by several hours of what many report as a “contented and relaxed” state. This feeling of euphoria is what draws people back to opiates again and again.

The effects of opiates are similar to the ones from naturally occurring opioid peptides. When used for medical purposes, opiates can stop diarrhea, depress breathing, and relieve pain. They come with side effects that include vomiting and nausea. But when used in large doses, they can make breathing shallow or even make it stop altogether. Thousands of opiate addicts have died due to overdose. And mixing alcohol with opiates only increases the risk of death.

Opiate Addiction and the Brain vs. Opiate Dependence

Dependence happens due to the normal adaptations to prolonged exposure to opiates. Do not confuse the term dependence with addiction – they are not the same. Dependence is a physical condition. Addiction is described to be the compulsive seeking (psychological) and use of the drug that results in deadly consequences. Addiction usually includes some type of dependence (physical) as well.

Another way to understand it is this: dependence is typically acute and holds the potential to be resolved or cured. Addiction on the other hand can be acute or in remission – but it is always chronic and life long (i.e. it is not cured or removed). This is why we say a clean/sober person is “in recovery” and not that they are “recovered”.

A person who is dependent on opiates will experience some type of withdrawal symptoms when the use of the drug is suddenly stopped or reduced. The symptoms can be mild to severe. Withdrawal symptom includes flu-like discomfort, stomach cramps, unpleasant mood, diarrhea, and severe muscle pain, just to name a few. The withdrawal symptoms are most commonly managed medically through the use of a slow drug taper.

Dependence & Tolerance

Dependence is often accompanied by tolerance, which is the need to take higher doses of the drug in order to get the same effect. Once a person experiences tolerance, it can be difficult for the health care provider to evaluate whether the patient has a drug problem or if there is really a need for higher doses to control one’s symptoms. This is the reason physicians are attentive and vigilant to their patients’ symptoms, as well as the level of functioning to provide them with the most accurate information needed to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Connection of Opiate Addiction and Brain Damage

While it has already established that opiate overdose can result to slow breathing, its effects on brain function are still being studied by researchers. Depressed respiration can affect the oxygen level in the brain. Researchers are still trying to determine the long-term effects of opiate addiction on the brain. Previous studies have shown that there is some deterioration of the white matter among heroin users that affect their ability to respond during stress situations, regulate behavior, as well as their decision-making abilities.

“One of the worst health epidemics facing this country is the belief that successful pain management actually means the absence of any pain at all.”

BW Carrettin, 2003

Getting Off Opiates

Once a person stops using opiates, the natural chemical system of the body can’t turn on right away. It has already been damaged, and it will take a while to recover. The person will go through severe withdrawal that can last up to a week. Then the person will also undergo a long process called post-acute withdrawal syndrome that can last several months or even years.

When the person is suffering from withdrawal, they are typically depressed and with no motivation to do anything. Removing opiates from their system will suddenly bring lots of pain because there is no base level of endorphin found in their system. Professional treatment centers who specialize in opiate detox can help the withdrawal experience be much more comfortable.

Treatment for Opiate Addiction in Houston, Texas

Opioid addiction is a chronic disease, like diabetes or heart disease, and like all chronic diseases it is a medical condition for life. While it can be managed and kept in remission – it cannot be cured and will not go away. However, a person with an addiction can regain a healthy, active and productive life.

There had been a lot of growth and improvement in the field of addiction treatment and one aspect of that is medication-assisted treatment or MAT. Because of a lack of up-to-date training, antiquated ideas about addiction and a general ignorance of neurology and physiology – many people, even those in the addiction treatment field, find the idea of medication-assisted treatment to be controversial. This is sad and detracts from the core intention of recovery work.

It’s important to know that the overall goal of medication-assisted treatment is to help someone begin to recover from addiction. These medications, prescribed and monitored responsibly, do NOT replace one addictive substance with another. They provide a safe and controlled level of medication to overcome the use of a problem opioid. Medication-assisted treatment only works if all three of it’s equally important parts are upheld: medication (monitored and taken as prescribed), counseling (with a seasoned professional who specializes in addiction) and community support (recovery meetings as well as family and friends)

Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In the past, the standard treatment for opiate addiction involved the use of methadone. (Even in the face of better options methadone is still widely used today for treatment of opiate addiction.) Methadone is a long-acting opioid that is used to keep the withdrawal symptoms at bay. It also controls the craving and relapse of the patient. Whether methadone treatment is actually an effective tool for rehabilitation remains a subject of great controversy.

Another medication used in the rehabilitation of opiate addicts is Buprenorphine. It contains a partial agonist opiate, has a weaker effect on the receptors in the brain than some newer medications and has a limited high, which some health care providers believe can deter the addict from abusing the medication. This medication is also surrounded by controversy – some have suggested it is due to improper use, others suggest negligent monitoring by treating physicians.

Naltrexone and Naloxone are used as antagonists at opioid receptors to block the pleasurable effects of the opiates. These do not contain opiates nor do they produce a high. When coupled with counseling or other therapeutic treatments these blockers have more recently been reported to help people quit their opiate addiction. There is an intramuscular injection (IM) version called Vivitrol which lasts approximately 30 days and has been reported to successfully block highs and help to control not only opiate cravings but alcohol as well.

Succeeding in Recovery from Opiate Addiction

For addiction recovery to be successful over a lifetime requires a great deal of desire, commitment, persistence, humility and support. One of the most widely available community-based support organizations is 12 Step with meetings across the globe and in nearly every city in the United States. Churches, community centers and many other venues are also available depending on your area.

A seasoned and experienced counselor who specializes in chemical addiction can also help the recovering addict through the challenges that arise in the recovery process. If the counselor is also licensed and experienced in mental health, they can also assist with issues such grief, anxiety or relationship conflicts that may come up during treatment and recovery. Counseling or psychotherapy is helpful not just for the addict but also for the partners, friends and family who love them.

Breathe. You Can Do This.

Change is hard and for many it can also be a bit scary. Patience and compassion, but not coddling or excusing, is necessary. Learning how to set good boundaries – new boundaries – is important for everyone involved. Remember – getting better doesn’t mean back to how things were. It will never be the same way it was in the past. That was the past. But it can be better, more than better. It can be really good.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opiates, or any drug or alcohol, reach out and get help. A better life is possible and attainable. I’ve worked in this arena for a long time and I’d like to help you.

Stop.    Take a moment.    Breathe.

You CAN do this.

Call Now (346)-493-6181

For More Resources

Ben Carrettin is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). He is the owner of Practice Improvement Resources, LLC; a private business which offers an array of specialized counseling, evidenced-based clinical consultation, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and targeted ESI-based services to individuals and businesses.

Opiate Addiction and the Brain