When the New England Patriots were caught breaking the NFL’s rules repeatedly in recent years, Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana was asked what he thought. His reply, “they always say ‘if you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin’,” speaks to the immense pressure to succeed in all levels of all sports. More recently, the Russian Olympic Committee was punished due to widespread doping – the use of performance-enhancing drugs and treatments – among their athletes in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. As a result, when PyeongChang hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics, Russian athletes cleared to compete had to do so under the Olympic flag as an “Olympic Athlete from Russia” instead of being able to represent their own country.

Given the serious consequences that come with using drugs to enhance athletic performance, why do so many athletes take the risk? And looking at all sports levels, is doping the only drug abuse problem causing concern? Let’s find out.

Olympic Athletes and Doping

While a number of doping methods are relatively recent developments, cheating has been a part of the proceedings since the first Olympic games held in Ancient Greece. Athletes competed in the nude, so they couldn’t hide items that might give them an advantage. Not to be deterred, some turned to risky dietary choices that might boost their performance. The penalties for cheating ranged from public shaming to being sold into slavery.

When the modern Olympic games began in the late 1800s, some competitors turned to stimulant cocktails including caffeine, cocaine, heroin and even strychnine. While the methods and substances used continued to evolve, official testing techniques didn’t arrive until the 1960s. Doping and testing have been engaged in their own escalating competition ever since.

It’s difficult to conduct research into the short-term and long-term effects of these kinds of drugs, partly due to ethical concerns. You wouldn’t want to subject research participants to the same levels of exposure as high-performing athletes. However, a number of diseases, mental health issues and disruptions in vital organ function have been linked to a variety of performance enhancing drugs.

Why Is Drug Abuse So Prevalent in Athletes?

Doping exists in nearly all levels of competition in all sports. However, it’s not the only substance abuse problem that athletes face. Those involved with competitive sports may turn to drugs for the following reasons:

• Performance enhancement
• Self-medicating mental illness
• Dealing with stress or anxiety about performing
• Pain relief from training or injuries
• Depression or sense of loss due to much earlier retirement ages

Some studies have indicated that athletes could be substantially less likely to receive treatment for mental health issues. Conditions like depression or anxiety carry a negative stigma in competitive circles and could be viewed as signs of weakness or cause for ridicule among their peers. Recently, NBA players DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love have come forward to share their personal stories of struggles with mental health issues. Encouragingly, there has been an outpouring of support from their peers and fans alike.

If You Have a Drug Abuse Problem, Cycles of Change Can Help

At Cycles of Change, we treat the whole individual. When you’re suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse (known as co-occurring disorders), it’s vital to treat both because the chances of relapse are much higher if one is left unchecked. Our experienced team will work with you to help you understand your addiction. You will learn how to avoid potential triggers for relapse and healthier coping methods for stress or anxiety. We know that no two people or addictions are alike, so you will receive a customized treatment plan to fit your individual needs. If you’re ready to take the first steps on your recovery journey, contact us now.

Watching a loved one struggle with alcohol addiction can be devastating. As their addiction worsens, they may start drinking alone more frequently or begin distancing themselves from their non-drinking friends and family. Feelings of guilt or embarrassment may cause them to begin hiding their habits from you. It can be difficult for them to moderate how much they have. Increased risky behavior and a lack of impulse control while intoxicated can lead to all sorts of problems you wouldn’t normally associate with your friend or family member. Their job performance may begin to suffer, and they might even lose their job as more and more of their time and energy is consumed by alcohol.

Someone suffering from alcohol addiction often doesn’t realize the scope of the damage being caused to themselves and others. You don’t have to feel totally helpless in this situation. An alcohol abuse intervention might be the turning point in your loved one’s life, and we’re here to help you plan for this critical moment.

Alcohol Abuse Intervention Strategies

It’s tough to know what to expect when organizing an alcohol abuse intervention if you’ve never experienced one. It can be a very intense, emotional event for everyone involved. The person being confronted may feel betrayed or embarrassed. If their defenses go up and old wounds get reopened, it’s important to remember why you’re all gathered together. Alcoholism is a disease, and it’s not a choice your family member or friend made. It’s not a reflection of who they are. You’re all here to help them realize the destructive impact addiction has had on their life so they can make the choice to seek help.

A healthcare professional, social worker or one of our intervention specialists can help prepare you for the intervention, and they may participate in the event depending on the circumstances.

Common Intervention Concepts

Each intervention may differ slightly depending on the individual, but there are some common elements that are part of most alcohol addiction interventions.

Who’s in charge? Typically, if a child is being confronted, one of the parents or a guardian will take the lead. When a spouse or partner is involved, they usually lead the intervention.

Why are you here? Everyone personally involved with the patient should prepare a personal letter or written remarks detailing the ways that this alcohol addiction has negatively impacted your relationship. During the intervention, each of you will read your letter aloud.

What’s at stake? One person should make a list of behaviors that will not be tolerated any longer. This should also include any activities or items that will no longer be financed if your loved one refuses treatment.

Stick to the plan. Be ready to follow through on any consequences outlined during the intervention. If they choose not to seek treatment and everything returns to normal, you may help reinforce their behavior.

Cycles of Change Can Help Plan Your Intervention

Navigating the ins and outs of alcohol abuse intervention isn’t something that’s common knowledge for most people. The addiction experts at Cycles of Change can help prepare you for the challenges ahead. Our intervention specialists can help you organize the process, so you’ll know what to expect every step along the way. Your loved one will be pre-registered in our alcohol addiction treatment program to allow for as smooth of a transition as possible should they accept help. Get the answers you need about alcohol addiction intervention today.

Not everyone who struggles with alcohol addiction has a drink every day. You might think that restricting yourself to a few splurges here and there isn’t that harmful. Binge drinking (as defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) is a pattern of alcohol consumption that raises the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to 0.08% or higher. Over a two-hour period, that’s roughly five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women. Despite not being classified as a severe alcohol use disorder, binge drinking still carries a number of significant risks both in the short-term and over the long haul.

Short-term Negative Effects of Binge Drinking

Some of the more immediate consequences of binge drinking include:

• Impaired motor skills and balance
• Slower reaction times
• Poor judgment

All of these can lead to long-term consequences ranging from injury to death. Risky sexual behavior resulting from the temporary changes in your judgment could lead to sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancy.

Binge Drinking is a Major Cause of Alcohol Poisoning

You’re also at major risk for alcohol poisoning when you binge drink. Some of the warning signs include the short-term effects listed above as well as low blood pressure, lower body temperature, changes in breathing, blurred or double vision, clammy skin and vomiting. With alcohol poisoning, your gag reflex is impacted as well which can lead to serious choking hazards or death.

If you see someone who might be suffering from alcohol poisoning, call 911 right away. Stay with the individual to keep them safe from accidental harm. Help them remain awake and sitting until help arrives. If they’re unconscious, roll them onto their side to prevent them from choking in case they begin vomiting.

Long-term Effects of Binge Drinking

One of the more obvious long-term consequences of binge drinking is progressing to more serious levels of alcohol abuse. However, even if you’re able to keep from slipping in that direction, there are some other potential issues to consider.

• Cancer – As little as one alcoholic drink per day increases your risk of breast, mouth or esophageal cancer. Excessive drinking has been linked to other cancers as well including liver, colon, rectum, pharynx and larynx cancers.
• Brain development – For the 25 and under crowd, your brains are still maturing and growing. Binge drinking may cause issues with brain development.
• Depression and anxiety – Some people may go on drinking binges when dealing with difficult situations. Ironically, alcohol use can exacerbate both depression and anxiety while preventing you from developing healthier coping mechanisms—leading to a vicious cycle of alcohol abuse and mental health issues.

How to Stop Binge Drinking

If you don’t experience withdrawals when going extended periods without alcohol, you might be able to curb drinking binges with only the support of responsible friends and family. However, if any of these warning signs for more serious drinking problems apply to you, you may want to consider seeking professional help with recovery.

• Withdrawals or intense cravings between drinks
• Guilt over your drinking
• Blackouts
• Risky behavior
• Anger when drinking
• Drinking alone regularly
• Drinking to cope with stress, anxiety or depression

Alcoholism is a disease. Facing it can seem overwhelming. When you need help with alcohol abuse, Cycles of Change Recovery Services is here for you. Our alcohol treatment programs in Palmdale, California are customized for your needs with a team of counselors, clinical personnel and medical staff ready to walk the path to sobriety with you. If you’re ready to start your journey towards a healthier life, fill out this form or call and talk to one of our compassionate addiction experts today at (661) 630-4176.

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.