Depression is the second most common type of mental health disorder in the United States. It causes changes in your thinking, behavior and moods. People suffering from depression often feel persistent sadness and anxiety. Hopelessness and a loss of self-worth are common symptoms. Clinical depression carries with it risk of self-harm and suicide. It can also weaken the immune system and your overall physical health.
When you add alcohol or other drugs to the mix, the situation can become extremely volatile. The combination of depression or other mental health disorders and drug addiction is referred to as co-occurring disorders, and it’s vital that both are treated simultaneously in order to make a successful recovery.
Some Depression and Substance Abuse Statistics
Nearly 10 million Americans suffer from co-occurring disorders each year. According to estimates, 2/3 of those with substance abuse problems have at least one mental disorder, and more than half of those suffering from mental disorders have at least one substance abuse problem. One in ten Americans suffer from depression. The groups at greatest risk for depression are:
Adults ages 45-64
Women
African Americans and Hispanics
People who are unable to work or are chronically unemployed
Those without insurance or health benefits
The Importance of Dual-Diagnosis Treatment for Depression and Addiction
You might understand a person turning to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate or numb the pain of depression. However, positive developments can also drive them deeper into addiction. When you’re consumed with negative thoughts and feelings, happier states of being might prove frightening.
Someone seeking help for depression without addressing their substance abuse problems can make strides towards recovery and find themselves in uncharted territory. A return to their drug of choice is familiar ground. It feels more like home, and they relapse. Similar setbacks are just as likely if not more so for someone recovering from addiction while neglecting their mental health.
That’s why it’s so important to seek a treatment program that recognizes and treats both issues simultaneously. If you’re struggling with co-occurring disorders, talk to your physician. They can help recommend a mental health professional or a treatment center qualified to serve you. You might be able to recover at a rehab facility like Cycles of Change.
Treatment for Depression and Addiction Rehab Near Palmdale, CA
In the words of our own alumni, it’s okay to be depressed, okay to be an addict, okay to talk about it and okay to change. At Cycles of Change, we provide compassionate care personalized for your individual needs. You don’t have to feel ashamed or alone. We are here for you and will be with you throughout your journey to a happier, healthier life.
Both of your disorders can be treated here in a single controlled environment while you receive the highest level of care from our licensed, dedicated staff. The holistic treatment we provide addresses your physical, emotional and mental needs allowing you to understand the links between mental health disorders and addiction. If you’re ready to overcome the dual traumas of depression and substance abuse, contact Cycles of Change today. Fill out a form, or give us a call at (661) 630-4176.
Recreational Adderall use is increasingly common among students. It’s perceived as a safe way to boost your focus, leading to a higher GPA or to lose weight. In actuality, the highly addictive drug builds tolerance and dependence quickly—driving you to use it more frequently. The side effects can be extremely dangerous or even fatal.
Once you stop taking it for a few hours or days, you will begin experiencing withdrawals. As with most addictive substances, the fear of withdrawal symptoms is usually worse than the experience. That doesn’t mean it will be easy to remove the drug from your life. As with most challenges in life, your support network can greatly increase your chance of success.
Side Effects of Adderall Abuse
Because Adderall is typically used to help those with ADD or ADHD improve concentration, many students consider it a safe way to improve their study skills. However, there is little evidence to prove that the drug actually helps those without ADD or ADHD. It is a stimulant, so users may turn to alcohol or other drugs to unwind once the energy-boosted study sessions wrap up. Also, these are some of the potential side effects that you could experience with Adderall abuse:
Insomnia
Alcohol poisoning, when combined with alcohol.
Dangerously high body temperature
High blood pressure
Heart palpitations
Heart attack
Seizure
Stroke
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Increased aggression or hostility
Don’t Let Fear of Withdrawals Derail Your Recovery.
Addiction to any substance often instills a great fear of quitting it. You can develop a strong physical and psychological dependence on stimulants like Adderall. While you will experience some withdrawals during the detoxification phase of your recovery, this is normal. As your body learns to regulate itself naturally again, these symptoms will fade away, leaving you to live a happier, healthier life.
These withdrawal symptoms are typically mild and last 1-2 weeks beginning within hours from your last use. However, depending on the severity and length of your addiction, they can vary in strength.
Depression
Anxiety
Intense drug cravings
Extreme fatigue
Sleep disturbance
Insomnia is followed by hypersomnia.
Memory loss
Tips for Handling Adderall Cravings
When Adderall cravings arise, these are a few of the ways you can try to handle the situation.
Distractions. Engage in exercise or social activities to take your mind off the cravings. Just be mindful to avoid situations that could lead to other drug abuse or negative influences.
Talk about it. Reach out to your therapist, support group, friends, or family. Let them know you’re struggling. Sometimes, only saying the words and receiving the emotional support of loved ones can give you the strength you need to carry on.
Remember the bad times. Think about the times you hurt yourself or others when you were using. Talk yourself through the adverse side effects of using the drug. Don’t undo the progress you’ve made.
Recover from Adderall Addiction with Cycles of Change
Cycles of Change Recovery Services in Palmdale, California, is here to help you recover from Adderall addiction with minimal pain and discomfort. With a personalized treatment plan to meet your individual needs, our team will work with you to make your journey a success. Don’t let fears and anxiety about what to expect during Adderall detox stop you from taking that first critical step towards recovery. Contact us, or give us a call today: (661) 630-4176.
Seven out 10 American adults have experienced trauma in some form or another in their lives. As many as 20% of those adults may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can occur after a number of near-fatal events including combat experience, automotive accidents, sudden emotional loss, sexual assault and more. Even witnessing one of these events can be enough to develop PTSD. It’s natural to experience troubling memories for days, weeks or even a few months. However, if those intense negative feelings continue beyond that period, you could be suffering from PTSD.
What are Common Symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder often fall into four major categories:
Reliving the event. These aren’t just vivid memories. People suffering from PTSD often describe the feeling as actually experiencing everything about that horrible moment again.
Avoiding things that remind you of the trauma. After the event, victims may engage in what is commonly called “defensive living.” They avoid people, places or things that are potential triggers or reminders of the painful trauma to a degree that becomes unhealthy or unsustainable for a normal life.
Intense energy or anxiety level swings. People experiencing PTSD may feel incredibly jittery, anxious or alert. They can have difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Sudden outbursts of anger or reckless behavior might occur regularly.
Increasingly negative feelings and beliefs. PTSD sufferers may express highly pessimistic views or feelings. They may seem unable to enjoy things that once brought them happiness. Feelings of guilt, shame or fear of the world around them can dominate their thoughts.
Who is Susceptible to PTSD?
Before PTSD was recognized as an actual disorder, those afflicted with it often suffered on multiple fronts. In particular, soldiers with PTSD were generally regarded as weak by their peers. They might face ridicule or reassignment. Because the public didn’t understand the disorder, society feared those with the diagnosis. Time and education have changed that somewhat. More and more people realize that PTSD is not a sign of weakness or personal failure. Anyone is capable of developing the disorder, but some potential factors that may increase or decrease the possibility are:
Lengthier, more severe traumatic events
Bodily injury
Physical altercations like combat and sexual assault
Previous trauma
Age
What happens immediately following the event
Social support
Additionally, women are statistically more likely to develop PTSD than men. The increased probability of sexual assault is one possible factor here, and many women are more likely than men to condemn or blame themselves in the aftermath of a traumatic event.
PTSD and Addiction
Many people who develop PTSD gravitate towards unhealthy coping mechanisms. Drugs offer quick bursts of dopamine and adrenaline that dull the pain, anxiety and other negative feelings that someone with PTSD has come to associate with everyday life. Because PTSD and most drug withdrawals involve a number of the same pains and struggles, the person becomes lost in a cycle of chasing the highs and avoiding the lows. When multiple conditions like drug addiction and PTSD are involved, it’s referred to as co-occurring disorders. Treating one while neglecting the other often results in relapse. That’s why it’s vital to get simultaneous treatment for both issues.
If You Need Help with PTSD and Drug Rehab Near Palmdale, CA, Call Cycles of Change
At Cycles of Change, our licensed, dedicated and compassionate staff offers the highest level of care. Our counselors have been specially trained to help with PTSD and are certified for Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). You will have access to a range of treatments that address both substance abuse and mental health issues. We are here to help you recover at your own pace, and we are committed to your long-term health and wellbeing. Your personalized treatment plan can help you understand the links between these issues and give you the tools you need to make a recovery. You don’t have to struggle with PTSD and drug addiction alone. Contact Cycles of Change today.
What is detox or detoxification? It’s the process your body goes through when you remove something from your system. Painkillers, opioids, and other drugs take a significant toll on your body, and there is an adjustment period where it has to relearn how to regulate itself.
Many people struggling with drug addiction—whether it’s painkillers, alcohol, heroin, or any other addictive substance—have likely already felt some early withdrawal symptoms. It’s not a pleasant feeling, and anxiety over these symptoms continuing or getting worse can drive a person deeper into addiction. You need to know that these feelings and symptoms won’t last forever, and you don’t have to go through this process alone.
Painkillers’ Effects on the Body
The reasons for taking that critical first step towards sobriety are many. Painkiller addiction has increased sharply in recent decades due to greater availability and social acceptance regarding the use of drugs. As a result, drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1999, and in 2008, more people died due to opioid abuse than from heroin and cocaine combined.
Opioids compromise your immune system, which can lead to more infections. A commonly known side effect of painkillers is constipation, which can lead to stomach and intestinal issues. Your hormones are affected, too. You may have experienced a lower sex drive, hot flashes, weight gain, or depression. Hormonal imbalances can also lead to infertility and bone loss.
Painkillers can have a profound effect on your brain, too—particularly the part that governs self-control. Many people begin taking painkillers to become addicted, and most heroin users have a history of opioid abuse first.
Withdrawal Symptoms During Opioid Detox
You may have tried to quit using on your own before and failed. That’s okay. Most people who attempt to go through detox on their own find themselves in the same position. Withdrawal symptoms are a significant obstacle to overcome. Even with a proper support system in place, it can be a major challenge. Some of the more common opioid withdrawal symptoms are:
Muscle aches
Stomach cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety
Depression
Intense drug cravings
Medical Detox versus Sub-Acute Detox
Depending on the length and severity of your addiction, withdrawal symptoms can vary in strength. This will also determine whether you should undergo medically-supervised detoxification versus sub-acute detoxification. You should seek the guidance of a medical doctor to choose the right method for you. If medical detox isn’t required, you might be able to use a state-licensed rehab center like Cycles of Change.
Opioid Detox Near Palmdale, California
Cycles of Change is California’s premier opioid rehab treatment center. It’s our mission to help you regain control of your life. Our experienced team will develop a personalized treatment to meet your individual needs. We strive to lessen your pain and discomfort during this difficult process, so you can gain the knowledge, courage, and determination to pursue a happier, healthier, drug-free life. It doesn’t matter if you’ve tried to quit without success in the past. People recover from addiction every day, and we’re here to help you succeed. Contact us to start your recovery journey today.
Methamphetamine (also known as meth, crystal, Tina, and speed, among other names) gives the user an incredible euphoria sense. Through a staggering release of dopamine—sometimes more than 10 times higher than from other pleasurable activities—the user also feels increased.
Focus
Confidence in physical appearance
Sexuality
In a cruel bit of irony, several of the drug’s harmful side effects actively work to damage your physical appearance. A typical physical attribute of someone abusing meth is extreme tooth decay or “meth mouth.”
Why Does Meth Rot Your Teeth?
There is some question over how much of the meth teeth phenomenon is directly attributable to the drug itself versus some common side effects. The chemicals present in methamphetamine have some corrosive properties that can strip away tooth enamel, your teeth’ protective outer layer. The body doesn’t replenish it when it’s damaged. Several side effects contribute to the problem, too:
Dried out salivary glands
Habitual teeth grinding (common among meth users)
Binging on sugary drinks and foods which often goes hand in hand with the drug binges
Neglected dental hygiene
All these things actively work to break down your tooth enamel. Also, blood vessels all over your body, including your mouth, constrict and may eventually die. Without healthy blood flow, your body can’t maintain itself. The amount of damage can vary wildly from user to user as no two cases of meth abuse are exactly alike.
Meth Use Causes More Than Just Meth Mouth
As we previously noted, blood and tissue damage occurs everywhere with meth use. Your skin may lose elasticity and begin sagging. Acne breakouts are common, and sores can linger. Meth drives you to burn the candle at both ends—boosting your energy levels while suppressing your appetite. Malnutrition and poor hygiene habits are other contributing factors to your rapidly deteriorating health and appearance.
The physical damage is bad enough on its own, but the drug destroys the mind just as thoroughly. Changes in your brain chemistry can damage your dopamine receptors, so the only way to feel pleasure comes from more drug use. While some studies show these areas can heal at least partially if not entirely, you might suffer from long-term behavioral changes and psychotic episodes, including:
Paranoia
Insomnia
Aggression
Hallucinations
Obsessive or binging behavior
Impaired memory, judgment, and coordination could be permanent consequences, and you might die from overdose or complications involved with the side effects.
Meth Addiction Rehab Near Palmdale, CA
If you’re currently struggling with addiction to methamphetamine, you might not have experienced some of these devastating side effects yet. However, meth builds tolerance quickly, requiring you to take more and more to get the same result each time. Thankfully, it’s not too late to reach out for help.
The compassionate, experienced team at Cycles of Change is here for you. No two cases are alike, and we will meet with you to find the right treatment plan for your needs. With proven treatments and supplemental programs to address your addiction’s emotional, physical, and interpersonal effects, we can provide the resources you need to make a recovery. For a confidential conversation about your case, contact our team today.
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