Through the years, Americans have looked to Califonia as a trendsetter. We expect that whatever happens there will eventually spread to the rest of the country. Some of the trends are good, some are not.
Many of our fashion, food, fitness, and lifestyle trends originated in California. However, despite California’s influence on many American trends, the state isn’t responsible for the fentanyl epidemic sweeping the nation today.
Beware California, fentanyl is your next big problem.
According to the San Franciso public health department, when fentanyl is sold on the streets, it is clearly labeled. As a result of the labeling, people who buy the drug know what they’re getting. This helps them take necessary precautions when using fentanyl.
To date, the city has a low death rate from fentanyl due to the well-funded harm-reduction practices. One such practice involves making Narcan widely available to help reduce overdoses.
But, those things are about to change dramatically. Fentanyl is gradually making its way into every city in the state.
What’s causing California’s spike in fentanyl overdose deaths?
Addiction expert Kelly Pfeifer, from the Califonia Health Care Foundation (CHCF), had this to say about fentanyl use in the state in 2019:
“Here in California, we felt lucky we weren’t seeing the same kind of devastation from the opioid epidemic that was occurring on the other side of the country.”
But, since then, the number of fentanyl overdoses has steadily risen in California. Fentanyl-laced cocaine found its way into Los Angeles, causing many overdose deaths. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, more people died from drug overdoses than from the virus itself.
Statistics reveal an alarming trend in California.
According to the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 708 accidental drug overdose deaths occurred from January – December 2020, compared to 254 COVID-19 deaths. Statistics reveal that fentanyl ranked highest as a cause of fatal overdoses above heroin, opioids, meth, or cocaine.
Part of the overdose increase is due to a disruption in social services during the virus pandemic. Many addiction treatment programs closed during the pandemic. But, addiction treatment is only one of the services that were negatively affected by the lockdowns. Programs that provided support, Naloxone, or clean syringes also cut back on their services.
Prolonged isolation is another factor that contributed to increased overdose deaths nationwide. People often used fentanyl or other drugs while in lockdown alone. If an overdose occurred, no one was around to provide life-saving assistance, administer Naloxone, or call 911.
San Franciso Board of Supervisors member, Matt Haney, gave this statement to the Wall Street Journal:
“We see the death and devastation getting worse right in front of us. It’s an unprecedented spiraling, directly connected to the introduction of fentanyl in our city.”
In Las Vegas, fentanyl-related deaths among the homeless rose 26% last year. Also, in San Francisco, 135 people have died from an overdose in January and February of 2021.
Clearly, the fentanyl epidemic has arrived in California to continue spreading devastation from coast to coast.
How is the state responding to increased overdose deaths?
California has launched a campaign of opioid safety projects to enhance addiction treatment and prevent deaths. In the past, there has been a shortage of effective, affordable treatment in the state. Also, far too many people view substance abuse as a lack of willpower. CHCF’s goal is to reduce this stigma surrounding addiction and create a new perspective.
Also, advocates from addiction treatment facilities, public health institutions, hospitals, law enforcement, and more are working together to find effective methods for solving the opioid epidemic. They provide physicians with updated prescribing guidelines, increase access to Naloxone, and expand the availability of treatment programs.
The California Overdose Prevention Network (COPN) is another example of how the state is working on viable solutions to the opioid problem. Also, the Inland Empire Opioid Crisis Coalition (EOCC) works diligently to reduce underage opioid use and improve the quality of life in the community.
Doing our part to reduce fentanyl overdoses.
The best way to prevent overdose deaths is to stop addictions. At Cycles of Change Recovery, we want to be a part of the solution to the fentanyl crisis. To accomplish this goal, we offer a comprehensive treatment program that helps individuals overcome fentanyl addiction.
We believe anyone can overcome addiction with treatment that focuses on healing the person psychologically, emotionally, and socially. Addiction encompasses more than the physical act of using drugs or alcohol. Many other factors are involved that contribute to a person’s substance use. With that in mind, we created a program to include various modalities customized to each client’s specific needs.
Our program includes detox, rehabilitation, and aftercare services. Through each stage of treatment, our clients are treated as unique individuals who deserve respect and compassion.
If you need help with fentanyl abuse or addiction, contact us at our Palmdale, California facility. We offer a comforting environment where you can feel secure as you heal at your own pace. Your success in overcoming addiction is important to us, so call now to learn how we can help you achieve lasting recovery.
Sources:
- sf.gov – Report on Accidental Overdose Deaths
- wsj.com – Fentanyl has Spread West and Overdoses are Surging
- chcf.org – How CHCF Helped California Respond to the Opioid Epidemic
Addiction treatment programs provide a variety of therapies that help a person gain the skills and knowledge to maintain a substance-free lifestyle. Among those are individual and group therapy sessions. While most people don’t mind attending individual sessions, they are uncomfortable about baring their souls to strangers in a group setting.
Group therapy is an integral part of most addiction treatment plans. The goal is to help a person realize that they aren’t alone in their struggle with addiction. They benefit from listening to others as they share their experiences, goals, and coping tips. Participants bond with each other over something they have in common: overcoming drug or alcohol addiction.
So, if you are wondering what to expect in addiction group therapy, this information may alleviate some of your misgivings.
Unique Elements of Group Therapy You Wouldn’t Expect
When you envision yourself in a group therapy session, what do you see happening? Do you imagine several people sitting in a circle avoiding eye contact with each other? What do you expect to hear when they begin telling their stories? Maybe you aren’t a bit interested in hearing about their hardships. And, you’re not sure you want to share yours with them.
It’s understandable to feel that way. Facing the unknown while in your sensitive state is not something to look forward to. Letting strangers hear about your struggles doesn’t appeal to you. But, you’ll be surprised to find that this approach to therapy is not so bad after all.
One unique element of group therapy is that each person in the group has strengths and weaknesses. Everyone’s story is different, yet they have a common goal. By sharing their experiences, others in the group can gain valuable insight to make their recovery journey easier.
What Happens During Group Therapy Sessions?
Therapy groups may be open or closed sessions. An open group allows new members to join at any time. Closed groups mean the membership remains the same from beginning to end. Also, open groups often have no designated start or end date. Closed groups have a predetermined number of days, weeks, or months.
People who attend outpatient therapy can expect closed groups that meet once a week. Inpatient and residential groups are usually open groups that meet two or three times a week or daily.
Therapy groups are led or moderated by licensed, trained counselors or therapists. The therapist may ask questions and encourage participation. Their role is to reinforce rules and guidelines to ensure a safe, healthy, confidential atmosphere for everyone in the group. Also, the therapist or counselor may provide feedback when appropriate and observe how group members interact together.
Group therapy sessions can last from one hour to two hours so all members have the opportunity to contribute to the discussions if they wish to do so.
How Can You Benefit from Addiction Group Therapy?
The journey to recovery is often a rocky path littered with obstacles. But, knowing you aren’t all alone on this path can help you get through those rough spots. Attending regularly scheduled counseling sessions can provide support and guidance to help you stay on track.
Some of the other benefits you can expect from group therapy are as follows:
- A sense of connection and belonging: Substance use often interferes with or ends a person’s relationships. Group therapy can alleviate their sense of isolation as they connect with others in the group.
- Receiving and giving support: Group members learn to accept help from others. In turn, they feel motivated to pay it forward. Giving support or advice to others improves self-esteem, which plays a vital role in maintaining sobriety.
- Learning to interact with others: Groups are a safe place to build skills for interacting with others while sober. This is probably one of the hardest things to do after leaving rehab. People in recovery must learn ways to have fun that don’t involve alcohol drugs.
- Improved communication skills: People in a group setting have an opportunity to practice giving or receiving feedback without being aggressive or defensive. Effective communication skills are vital while attempting to re-establish your place in society after rehab.
- Gain a new perspective: Listening to others during group sessions is an excellent opportunity to learn different ways to look at your situation. With a new perspective, you’ll discover new ways of dealing with problems or issues.
- Build friendships: It’s not unusual for some group members to form lasting friendships with other group members. These new friendships can be a continuing source of support and encouragement.
Group therapy also gives members a chance to witness positive changes in others. They celebrate each other’s victories and support each other when challenges or setbacks arise. With each achievement, a person is inspired to go one step further. This sense of inspiration can be contagious and give others the encouragement they need to succeed in recovery.
Group Therapy at Cycles of Change Recovery Services
At Cycles of Change Recovery, we understand the challenges faced during recovery from addiction. Our program includes a variety of options that focus on helping a person manage and overcome those challenges.
If you’ve avoided rehab because you don’t know what to expect in group therapy, contact us at our Palmdale, CA facility today. We’ll be happy to talk to you about our program and suggest a treatment plan customized for your unique needs.
Individuals who struggle with substance use disorders (SUDs) may have underlying mental or emotional issues. Therefore, effective addiction treatment must include methodologies that address both the mental and physical factors that have contributed to their substance abuse. Trauma-informed addiction treatment is an approach that recognizes the influence of trauma on SUDs. This treatment method aims to help someone identify and manage the underlying factors that influenced their substance use behavior.
Understanding Trauma and How it Contributes to Addiction
Deep-seated trauma is often the primary cause of a person’s drug or alcohol use. Whether a traumatic experience was recent or occurred years ago, it can impact a person’s emotional health and daily functioning. But, in many cases, the individual doesn’t realize the trauma-related emotional problems exist.
Before we talk about trauma-informed treatment, let’s clarify the difference between mental and emotional health. Mental health affects various areas of a person’s life with a variety of symptoms. For instance, mood swings, lack of motivation, and depression are some of the symptoms. Emotional health refers to a person’s ability to express or manage their emotions in a mature, appropriate manner.
When drugs or alcohol are used to self-medicate mental or emotional health issues, addiction is often the result. Of course, many people aren’t aware that their substance abuse is a form of self-medication. But, trauma-informed addiction treatment recognizes the connection between trauma and addiction. So, the programs are structured to help a person heal emotionally, physically, mentally, and socially to enjoy long-term sobriety.
What Are the Most Common Traumatic Experiences?
As humans, most of us will experience trauma at some point in our lives. Trauma can occur in the form of physical damage or emotional wounds. While most physical damage heals over time, emotional scars can last indefinitely. These emotional wounds can manifest in erratic behaviors, anger, violence, depression, and addiction to name a few.
The most common traumatic events include the following:
- Victims or witnesses of crime or accidents. These individuals often struggle with fear, rage, and a sense of helplessness. These emotions can adversely affect or alter their way of life.
- Catastrophic events. Experiencing a catastrophe such as a hurricane, flood, earthquake, fire, or other disaster makes a person feel vulnerable. They may be on edge, wondering if it’s going to happen again. Many individuals develop PTSD after experiencing one of these events.
- Grief after losing a loved one. Whether the loss was sudden or expected after a long illness, the resulting grief can cause anxiety, depression, and substance use.
- Military deployment or combat. Many military veterans struggle with bad dreams, flashbacks, and extreme tension. These PTSD symptoms often lead a person to use drugs or alcohol as a means of escape.
- Sexual abuse or other physical violence. In many sexual abuse cases, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows. As a result, the victim fears exposing the crime and will suffer feelings of mistrust and betrayal. The abused person is often ashamed to talk about the experience or seek medical attention. This type of untreated trauma can lead to substance abuse.
- Childhood neglect or abuse. The effects of childhood trauma can extend far into adulthood. These individuals often have difficulty forming relationships. They may show poor performance in school or at work, have low self-esteem, and are more likely to use drugs or alcohol later in life.
As indicated in the list above, trauma can result in many emotional and mental effects that change the course of a person’s life. Sadly, substance use is a primary method for coping with the symptoms of trauma.
How Does Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment Help?
Understanding the role of trauma in a person’s life is the first step in determining the best treatment approach for their addiction. Treatment must include methodologies to address both the emotional and physical factors involved.
If a person doesn’t gain the confidence and skills needed to manage daily challenges, relapse is often the result. In fact, studies show that about 40 to 60 percent of people relapse within the first few months after leaving rehab. Of course, this doesn’t mean the treatment was ineffective. And, it doesn’t mean the person failed at recovery. Relapse is often an indication that more treatment is needed or that an aftercare program would be beneficial.
What to Expect at Cycles of Change Recovery
At Cycles of Change Recovery, we work with clients to help them identify and learn to manage the underlying reasons for their substance use. Compulsive behaviors are a result of traumatic experiences. So, our therapy programs offer a comprehensive approach to treatment, such as:
Our skilled treatment professionals understand that each person responds differently to recovery programs. Our primary goal is to provide the highest level of treatment with an individualized approach. In this way, our clients are more prepared to deal with the challenges of everyday life. With trauma-informed addiction treatment, they gain the skills, confidence, and restored self-esteem necessary for confronting and overcoming those challenges.
When it comes to treating co-occurring disorders such as trauma and addiction, an inpatient or residential program is the most effective. However, we also provide outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Also, at our Palmdale, CA facility, you’ll enjoy a comforting, secure environment where you can focus on healing.
To learn more about our programs, contact us at the toll-free number provided. One of our representatives is always available to answer your questions and assist you in choosing a treatment plan that is right for your needs.
Resources:
- drugabuse.gov – Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Treatment and Recovery
After fulfilling their duty to protect our American way of life, many veterans find themselves in an ongoing battle. But, this is a battle that can’t be won with weapons. It’s an invisible enemy that can strike when least expected, disrupting their entire life. Family members also suffer negative effects from their loved one’s struggles.
The enemy that follows our veterans home is known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a mental health issue that often goes untreated, leaving these individuals to struggle daily. Their failure to seek treatment is due in part to the stigma surrounding military veterans and PTSD.
Our veterans have earned the right to enjoy the post-military life they deserve. So, we must find ways to combat the stigma that stands in their way. We can start by putting away any preconceived beliefs we have about mental disorders. Then, replace them with the facts below.
Ignore the Stigma and Learn the Facts
The first step in helping veterans get help for PTSD is to ignore the stigma. The next step is to learn the facts about veterans and mental health issues.
Did you know less than one-half of veterans get the help they need? This happens for many reasons. But, stigma is often the primary barrier that keeps them from admitting that they’ve experienced symptoms of a mental disorder. They keep quiet about it because they fear being labeled as “weak”, losing their job, or being rejected by society.
The prevalence of PTSD among military veterans is higher than we realize. For example, the Veterans Administration reports the following numbers of veterans who have experienced PTSD:
- 20% of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans
- 12% of Gulf War veterans
- 30% of Vietnam War veterans
- 71% of female military personnel. (About 17% of combat troops are women.)
Additional data about veterans and mental health disorders shows that 20 veterans commit suicide each day in the US.
What Are the Effects of PTSD on Military Veterans?
PTSD is a psychobiological mental disorder. It can affect combat survivors or people who experience terrorist attacks, deadly accidents, violent crime, natural disasters, or emotional loss. These experiences are associated with changes in brain structure and functioning. With some people, the symptoms are immediate, while with others the symptoms don’t emerge until months or years after the experience.
Each person reacts differently to stress and trauma. But, the following effects are commonly experienced by military veterans who have PTSD:
- Nightmares
- Frightening thoughts
- Flashbacks, panic disorders
- Easily startled
- A sense of being on-edge
- Angry outbursts
- Relationship problems
- Trouble sleeping, fatigue
- Memory issues, trouble concentrating
- Feelings of guilt or blame, depression
- Negativity about oneself or the world
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Suicidal ideations
It’s normal to experience some of the above immediately after a traumatic event. However, if the effects persist beyond a month or two, professional help is the best option. The affected person needs to learn skills for managing their symptoms.
Coping Methods Veterans Use to Avoid the Effects of PTSD
The symptoms and effects of PTSD are hard to manage at times. Also, the way a person reacts to the symptoms can make them worse. Before long, the person’s entire life has been disrupted.
Some of the coping mechanisms used for avoiding symptoms of PTSD may include isolating from other people. Avoiding places or things that prompt memories of the traumatic event leads to further isolation. Many people become obsessed with work, exercise, or sex as a means of escape.
The most common method for dealing with PTSD symptoms is to self-medicate with illicit drugs or alcohol. In fact, more than 20% of veterans with PTSD struggle with substance use disorders. Sadly, the substances amplify the negative feelings they are trying so hard to avoid.
Furthermore, veterans are often prescribed addictive medications such as antidepressants to help alleviate their symptoms. Many veterans are also prescribed addictive painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants. Over time, their tolerance to the drugs increases and becomes an addiction.
When someone has PTSD and a substance use disorder, they need treatment that will address both problems. This is known as dual-diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment.
Treatment for Veterans with Co-Occurring Disorders
The best treatment for co-occurring or dual-diagnosis disorders includes a combination of therapies that teach skills for managing symptoms and triggers. Encouraging a person to talk about their fears, bad memories, and feelings of guilt or shame helps them look at their problems in a more realistic way. Learning to use anger management skills, relaxation techniques, and communication skills are also valuable tools for controlling PTSD symptoms.
At Cycles of Change Recovery, we understand the complexities of both PTSD and substance use disorders. Also, we know how the stigma surrounding veterans and mental health can lead a person to use addictive substances. For those reasons, we offer a comprehensive program that includes various treatment options to address both disorders.
Because each person responds to treatment in their own way, our program can be adapted to suit their unique needs and preferences. With this approach, our clients get the highest level of care possible.
Are you or a loved one struggling with PTSD and addiction? If so, contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions about our program and recommend a treatment plan that is right for you.
Resources
- nimh.nih.gov/ – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- onceasoldier.org/ – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Report: Veteran Suicide Rates by State
- ptsd.va.gov/ – PTSD: National Center for PTSD: How Common is PTSD in Veterans?
The prevalence of heroin abuse and addiction today has reached shocking proportions. It caused more than 14,019 fatal overdoses in 2019, and the numbers are rising. Yet, the impact of heroin abuse isn’t restricted to fatal overdoses. Heroin users struggle with the negative effects of the drug in many other ways.
Heroin is one of the leading causes of the opioid epidemic America faces today. It is an opioid that is 50 times stronger than morphine. The euphoric effects it produces are almost immediate. Also, heroin addiction can occur with only a few doses. Soon, the person needs more and more of the drug to get the desired effects. Over time, the endless cycle of getting high, coming down, and seeking more of the drug becomes their primary focus in life. Continued heroin use will lead to serious physical and mental problems.
How Does Heroin Abuse Cause Mental Health Problems
To better understand how this substance can cause so much suffering and damage, we need to know how heroin works in the body. What happens when heroin enters the brain to cause mental health problems that ruin a person’s life?
- Heroin acts on the brain’s natural opioid receptors. These receptors regulate how a person perceives pain. They also control how an individual responds to the sensation of reward.
- The chemical make-up of heroin causes it to work faster than other opioids. If a person injects heroin, it enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain in 10 seconds.
- Heroin then activates and overstimulates the brain’s opioid receptors. This effect gives the user a sense of contentment and bliss that other drugs can’t produce.
- When heroin use continues for long periods, the structure of the brain changes. These changes are irreversible in some cases. The changes also erode a person’s ability to control behavior, make decisions, and respond to stimuli.
- The brain produces extra opiate receptors to compensate for the continued presence of the drug. Dopamine, which controls how a person responds to pleasure, is also affected by heroin. The brain’s ability to produce dopamine slows or stops. This effect leaves a person unable to experience pleasure without the drug in their system.
As a result of heroin’s power, a user experiences various mental health problems that can completely alter the course of their life.
Mental Health Disorders Caused by Heroin Abuse
Heroin abuse can lead to short-term and long-term physical and mental health issues. For this discussion, we will focus on the mental health problems experienced by heroin abusers.
Changes in a person’s brain caused by repeated heroin use can lead to the following psychological problems:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal ideations
Heroin abuse can also cause disruptions in brain functions that control the following:
- Thinking
- Learning
- Decision-making
- Ability to focus
- Memory
- Processing information
The consequences of heroin abuse can also affect the person’s family, friends, and communities. Many relationships are broken due to a person’s drug use behaviors. Also, heroin-related crime destroys many neighborhoods, especially in inner-city areas. Furthermore, the financial burden on our government for law enforcement, incarcerations, health care, hospitalizations, and treatment programs is staggering.
For these reasons and more, helping individuals get treatment for heroin abuse before more damage occurs is vital.
Heroin Abuse and Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues
Some heroin users have preexisting mental health problems that contributed to their heroin abuse. Things such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem can lead a person to experiment with drugs as a coping mechanism. But, as they continue using heroin, other mental health problems can arise, making it more difficult to quit using the drug.
When heroin abuse and mental health problems are present at the same time, simultaneous treatment of both issues is the best option. Why? Because addiction is a complex disorder that involves physical, emotional, and social aspects. Effective treatment must target each of those factors to ensure lasting recovery. Without the skills and knowledge to manage their emotions, a person is more likely to continue using heroin as an escape tool.
Mental health problems may be the cause or effect of heroin use. Regardless, the outcome is the same no matter how it began. The person’s life and health suffer adverse consequences either way.
Seeing Beyond the Stigma Surrounding Heroin Use
We must change the stigma surrounding heroin and help people get the treatment they need. It’s unfortunate that many people still think of heroin users as weak-willed individuals who could quit the drug if they wanted to badly enough. The truth is, few people can quit heroin on their own. When the potent addictive qualities of the drug take hold, the person is powerless to resist the cravings for more of the drug.
Think of the overdose statistics as individuals, not just numbers. Heroin stole their chance to reach their full potential in life. Each number represents a life ruined or lost due to heroin abuse. These individuals did not make a conscious choice to become addicted to heroin. Yet, they continue to suffer the consequences.
Get Specialized, Accredited Treatment for Heroin Abuse Today
Heroin addictions are on the rise and becoming more deadly. For instance, many street dealers lace heroin with other dangerous chemicals such as fentanyl to increase profits and make the drug more potent. Unsuspecting buyers have no idea what is in the drug they purchase.
Of course, effective treatment is the best solution for heroin addiction. At Cycles of Change Recovery, we want to be part of that solution. Our accredited, comprehensive treatment program gives clients an individualized approach that addresses their specific needs. We focus on helping a person heal physical damages and emotional trauma caused by heroin abuse. . Our goal is for clients to complete our program with the confidence, motivation, and skills to rebuild their lives.
If you’re struggling with heroin abuse, the best time to make a change is today. Take the first step toward addiction recovery. Call us now. Our caring, skilled professionals will help you overcome addiction so you may enjoy the healthy, productive life you deserve.
Sources:
drugabuse.gov/ – Overdose Death Rates
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