Recovery capital represents a collection of tangible resources, both internal and external, that people accumulate and utilize in their endeavors to overcome challenges, particularly in the context of recovery from addiction.Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV will explore the profound and often underestimated connection between your physical health and recovery capital. This connection is grounded in the intricate interplay between bodily health and the invaluable resource that plays a pivotal role in shaping your capacity to surmount obstacles in life. Continue reading →
Methamphetamine, notorious for its addictive grip, has the potential to drain your body of essential nutrients. Recovery demands not only mental and emotional fortitude but also a holistic approach to healing. Among the essential elements of a comprehensive recovery plan is the incorporation of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbal supplements. These natural compounds offer significant support in addressing the unique challenges of methamphetamine addiction and withdrawal.Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV will explore the benefits of vitamins and supplements for meth recovery, including replenishing essential nutrients, promoting physical and mental recovery, and providing a foundation for a healthier future. While supplements are of significant help for your recovery process, it is crucial to approach their use with careful consideration and professional guidance, ensuring a tailored and safe approach to healing. Continue reading →
The need to discuss how recreational drug use turns into addiction often gets brushed aside, with many believing it’s a concern for someone else. In our society, casual substance use can be celebrated, glamorized, or seen as a rite of passage. But lurking beneath the surface of short-lived euphoria and social bonding is a potential journey from occasional use to a life-altering addiction. The progression isn’t linear or identical for everyone, but grasping how and why recreational drug use can escalate is crucial for prevention, awareness, and intervention. Let’s explore the intricate web of substance use and the forces that can pull individuals into the grips of addiction. Continue reading →
The journey to overcoming opioid addiction finds an unexpected ally in the serene embrace of the Appalachian Mountains. For those seeking alternatives to standard treatment centers, recovery retreats for opioid addiction in the Appalachian mountains present a promising horizon. Amidst the majestic beauty of these ancient mountains, those in need find more than just a retreat from addiction, they embark on a transformative journey. These unconventional retreats blend the therapeutic power of nature with holistic healing practices. As traditional methods may not resonate with everyone, the Appalachians beckon with a different, refreshing path to recovery. Join us as we delve deeper into this innovative approach and its potential to reshape lives. Continue reading →
One of the most predictive factors of someone building a successful recovery is their length of time in treatment. Because addiction is fundamentally about compulsive behavior, people need time to break the cycle. We are helping the brain gradually change and settle down such that the person feels more empowered in their life. It can be devastating for a family who hears of a loved one who has decided to leave treatment early before it’s complete. When a person is leaving treatment early, they make a mistake that can cost them their future. That’s a hard statement to make, especially for those who want to remain sober. Yet, it takes time and a lot of work to make sure that sobriety is possible.
However, leaving treatment is preventable. But it takes effort from all around.These are some of the most common explanations of why people leave addiction treatment early.
“Detox is too difficult.”
One of the most common reasons why people leave drug treatment is the drug and alcohol detoxification process. The first couple of weeks of treatment can be uncomfortable and even unbearable because of the onset of withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug, the length of time the drug was used and the quantity of the drug consumed, the withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable both physically and mentally.
Many drug treatment facilities provide excellent detoxification programs in which licensed and training medical staff provide around the clock supervision. The goal of detox is to minimize the pain and discomfort of withdrawal. At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, we offer medication-assisted treatment to our patients with opioid addiction. It gives them an alternative form of therapy aside from the typical abstinence-based treatment.
Whether it’s through naltrexone or buprenorphine, our team of professionals at Harmony Ridge Recovery is here to assist. They know that medications are sometimes a necessary component of the treatment process. In order to not leave treatment early, we offer a way to track how much medication we’re giving you, as well as how long we believe you’ll need it.
The fact is those early in recovery aren’t alone in the management of your withdrawal, you have the support of medical and counseling staff who are encouraging and empathetic to the situation. Many counselors who work in drug treatment are in recovery themselves so they can identify and relate to the struggles of detoxification.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat substance abuse. MAT is normally used to treat opioid use disorders but has helped other types in the past. Sometimes other effects from these medications can hinder the recovery process, but they help more often than not. This therapy can be combined with others, like behavioral and group therapies, in order to achieve desired results of sobriety. We understand that ceasing drug use without the help of medication is sometimes not the best option for our patients. In our medication-assisted treatment here at Harmony Ridge, our staff is available 24/7 to manage the different prescribed medications and help you to not leave treatment early.
Leave Treatment Early Because of Unrealistic Expectations
Some people might go into treatment thinking it’s going to be easy and amazing right from the start. And you can’t really blame them. Addiction takes over a person’s ability to think rationally. And, on top of that, a lot of addicts haven’t been to treatment before. They don’t realize the work that goes into it. So, when they’re forced to confront their emotions and develop tools to live a functional life – rather than simply being medicated until the drugs leave their system – some may choose to leave.
Recovery is worth it and sometimes some of the methods and activities will really resonate with you. But it’s unrealistic to think that everything is going to be easy and amazing. Instead, you should acknowledge that the real reason you’re there is to work through your addiction and take that first step into recovery. That implies effort. Keep an open mind throughout your treatment process. And if something doesn’t go as you expected, don’t make any rash decisions. Instead, take a moment to ask yourself if the treatment program is actually bad or if your expectation was just unrealistic.
“I Already Know All Of This – I Don’t Need Rehab.”
With any addiction recovery program, there will be certain themes that can be repeated. Repetition is important because as humans, that’s how we learn. Because of this repetition, individuals who complete only a few weeks of rehab may become overconfident. While confidence is key in recovery, overconfidence can be potentially damaging. Despite not having the full skill set that they need in order to maintain long-term sobriety, a person may become convinced that he or she is completely healed or “cured.” However, without all of the skills developed and fully in place, they won’t be ready to work through the triggers.
Response: Research indicates that the longer an addicted person remains in treatment, the better their chances of maintaining their recovery. To leave treatment early means the person thinks they have learned everything they need to know. If a loved one indicates that they already know everything about treatment – it can be a signal of progress, or it can be a signal that more treatment – at different levels – is necessary. For example, stepping down from inpatient to outpatient or a transitional living home environment.
Dangers to Leave Treatment Early
There may be a small minority of people who check out of rehab early and do manage to stay sober, but in the vast majority of cases it leads to negative consequences. The dangers of an early exit from this facility include
* The individual will not be prepared for the transition back home so they will likely be overwhelmed by familiar temptations.
* If the person feels like they have had a bad experience they will likely use this as a justification for a return to alcohol and drugs.
* Those who flee treatment while overly emotional (e.g. angry) will not be able to think rationally and so are likely to make bad choices.
* Nobody knows how many chances the individual will get at recovery – some people only seem to get one shot because they never summon up the determination to quit again. This means that by leaving rehab the individual might be blowing their only chance of a good life.
* The individual can use this bad experience as an excuse to never consider rehab again.
* Family and friends are likely to be disappointed by this failure to stay the course of rehab. It may even mean that they struggle to ever trust that person again.
* If the individual leaves rehab and then relapses it can lower their self efficacy – their belief in their own ability to escape addiction. This means that it will be harder for them to quit next time.
Can You Check Yourself Out of Rehab?
If you’re currently enrolled in a rehab program and are considering leaving, talk to your therapists and counselors about how you feel. They’ve been through this before with other patients and can address any concerns you’re having about your recovery, treatment, or progress. You might also want to discuss your concerns in group therapy, because others may feel the same, and you might be able to strengthen each other’s resolve.
Leaving drug rehab early or AMA is a form of self-sabotage – a behavior that is common for those in active addiction. If your loved one decides to leave treatment early, it will be a difficult time for you – however, it should not be the end of the family’s effort and support in getting a loved one well. With the support of family and a strong team of professionals, keeping a loved one active and engaged in their treatment and recovery process is possible.
Lastly, if you really want to leave–you can, but just wait it out for 24 hours and see how you feel. Take recovery day by day, and every morning commit yourself to stay another day. Before you know it, you’ll be on the road to recovery.
Considering to Leave Treatment Early? Harmony Ridge Recovery Center is here to help
If you have left treatment early, know that your recovery efforts don’t have to die in vain. There is still hope for a successful recovery. While it’s dangerous to relapse after treatment for the risk of overdose-related death, it’s also dangerous to never get help with treatment ever again. Many people who relapse end up obtaining a lasting recovery on their second or even third time in treatment. So, don’t give up!
Trauma can lead people to turn to addiction for solace. At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV, we take a holistic approach to address these struggles. We will explore the five pillars of recovery from trauma and addiction, highlighting the importance of addressing trauma to break free from addiction and achieve lasting well-being. Continue reading →
Slowly sailing down the path to recovery from addiction can be challenging, but there are tools and resources available that can make the journey smoother. Among these, using CBD in addiction recovery is gaining traction as a potential aid. For veterans seeking support at addiction treatment centers in West Virginia, it can be an effective step in finding holistic methods. This natural compound derived from the cannabis plant offers a range of potential advantages without the high associated with THC. Continue reading →
Alcohol addiction, often perceived as a young person’s problem, does not discriminate by age. It’s critical to discuss the often-overlooked alcohol addiction impact on older adults in West Virginia. As our loved ones age, they face unique challenges that can, unfortunately, lead to increased alcohol consumption and subsequent addiction. The result profoundly affects their physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. We’ll delve into these issues, shed light on age-related vulnerabilities, and highlight the importance of resources like detox centers in West Virginia, which provide much-needed support for seniors battling this disease of addiction. Continue reading →
Addiction and chronic pain among patients in Parkersburg WV is not merely a health concern; it’s a community issue impacting the lives of individuals and families alike. Chronic pain on its own can be overwhelming, but when coupled with addiction, the situation becomes significantly more complex. The reliance on substances for relief can quickly turn into a relentless cycle, deepening the patient’s suffering and complicating treatment efforts. The battle against this tangled web of pain and substance misuse needs our attention, understanding, and comprehensive care. Continue reading →
Some substances, like alcohol and nicotine, are legal for people over a certain age, but many people still struggle with addiction to these substances. Other substances, like synthetic drugs or inhalants, can be extremely dangerous because of their unpredictable, harmful effects on those using them. Today we are going to discuss the health consequences of addiction, and what you can do to regain your health and life.
Addiction in the Community
Today, more than 7 million people suffer from an illicit drug disorder, and one in four deaths results from illicit drug use. In fact, more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities are associated with drug abuse than any other preventable health condition. People suffering from drug and alcohol addiction also have a higher risk of unintentional injuries as health consequences of addiction, accidents, and domestic violence incidents.
What are the Health Consequences of Addiction on the Body?
Drugs interact with chemicals in your brain and body to make you feel a certain way. Illegal drugs typically have no medical benefits and damage your health. Some prescription drugs help regulate moods, sleep, and manage pain, but they can also have serious complications when misused. Taking higher-than-recommended doses or taking prescription drugs when you don’t need them for medical purposes can cause mind-altering effects. Not only can they make you high, drugs can also cause you to act erratically. Abusing drugs increases your risk for getting hurt or making bad decisions that can have lasting consequences.
Drug addiction can impact every area of your life, leading to:
Health consequences
Social and relationship issues
Problems with work productivity and finances
Criminal and legal complications
Poor medical and mental health
What is Drug Abuse?
Clinically known as substance use disorder, drug abuse or addiction is caused by the habitual taking of addictive substances. Drugs include alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogens, and opioids. Substance use disorder is a disease, that causes people to compulsively use drugs despite the health consequences of addiction.
Different Drugs, Different Effects
Drugs affect your body’s central nervous system. They affect how you think, feel and behave. The three main types are depressants, hallucinogens, and stimulants:
Depressants slow or ‘depress’ the function of the central nervous system. They slow the messages going to and from your brain. In small quantities depressants can cause a person to feel relaxed and less inhibited. In large amounts they may cause vomiting, unconsciousness and death. Depressants affect your concentration and coordination, and slow your ability to respond to situations. It is important to not operate heavy machinery while taking depressants. Alcohol, cannabis, GHB, opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine) and benzodiazepines (minor tranquillizers) are examples of depressants.
Hallucinogens distort your sense of reality. You may see or hear things that are not really there, or see things in a distorted way. Other effects can include emotional and psychological euphoria, jaw clenching, panic, paranoia, gastric upset and nausea. Ketamine, LSD, PCP, ‘magic mushrooms’ and cannabis are examples of hallucinogens.
Stimulants speed or ‘stimulate’ the central nervous system. They speed up messaging to and from the brain, making you feel more alert and confident. This can cause increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, reduced appetite, agitation and sleeplessness. In large amounts stimulants may cause anxiety, panic, seizures, stomach cramps and paranoia. Caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines (speed and Ice), cocaine and ecstasy (MDMA) are examples of stimulants.
Health Consequences of Addiction
Brain Health Issues
The brain plays a major role in the development of a SUD. Substance use directly interferes with the brain’s normal functions, specifically those associated with the reward system. In order to adapt to the stimulation caused by drugs or alcohol, the brain reduces the number of dopamine receptors at the synapse. This means that dopamine is cleared more quickly than usual. Modifications to dopamine can cause a person to be less responsive to a substance and decrease responses to natural rewards. A tolerance is formed, which can quickly turn into an addiction.
These adaptations also affect other parts of the brain, such as the regions responsible for decision-making, judgment, learning, and memory. Stopping substance use unfortunately does not return the brain to its normal functions. Because of the health consequences of addiction, this may take years to achieve. The long-lasting effects on the brain’s ability to process rewards can make it difficult to avoid relapse, which can lead to other health issues.
Heart Health Issues
Most drugs can cause health issues with adverse cardiovascular effects. Smoking tobacco substantially increases a person’s risk of getting a heart disease such as stroke, heart attack, or vascular disease. Other substances that can affect heart health are Cocaine, Heroin, Inhalants, Ketamine, LSD, Marijuana, Steroids, and MDMA. Drugs that are injected can cause veins to collapse and blood vessels and heart valves to become infected. Cocaine has also been linked to 1 in 4 heart attacks for the age group 18-45.
Liver Damage
The liver is involved with nutrient metabolization but is also a primary site of detoxification for many types of consumed substances.In the face of constantly high levels of certain drugs, the liver can become overwhelmed in its metabolic duties, and the tissues of the organ begin to break down. Alcohol, inhalants, heroin, and steroids can all rapidly damage the liver, causing cirrhosis or hepatitis.
Sleep-Related Health Consequences of Addiction
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which falling and/or staying asleep is difficult. This health issue lowers the overall quality of sleep. When this disorder is ongoing, it is considered chronic. Typically, chronic insomnia is the result of a secondary problem like medical conditions, medications, or a SUD. Symptoms of insomnia are lying awake for a long time before sleeping, sleeping for only short periods of time, being awake for most of the night, waking up and feeling as if one hasn’t slept at all, and waking up too early. Sleep issues can cause daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, and problems with focusing.
Drug Effects on Behavior
Substance use disorders can lead to multiple behavioral problems, both in the short- and long-term, which can include:
Paranoia
Aggressiveness
Hallucinations
Addiction
Impaired Judgement
Impulsiveness
Loss of Self-Control
These effects of drug abuse have serious health consequences of addiction, like missed work, punishable offenses, accidents and injuries. In fact, alcohol and drugs are partly to blame in an estimated 80 percent of offenses leading to jail time in the U.S. These incidents include domestic violence, driving while intoxicated and offenses related to damaged property. Legal and illegal drugs excluding alcohol are involved in about 16 percent of motor vehicle crashes. In the past year, almost 12 million people drove under the influence of illicit drugs, and almost 4,000 fatally injured drivers tested positive for drug involvement.
Long-Term Health Consequences of Addiction
Drug addiction can cause many long-term negative consequences, including physical health problems like liver damage and heart disease as well as mental illnesses like depression and anxiety disorders. Drug abuse also causes long-term changes to the brain that make quitting so difficult and that take years to change back to normal. Indirect long-term effects of drug addiction include broken relationships, legal problems, financial problems, injuries, and poor overall health.
The Lasting Psychological Effects of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse and addiction often occur alongside mental illness. This can be explained by the fact that the risk factors for both are similar, but there is also evidence that drug abuse can trigger, contribute to, or worsen mental health conditions. According to statistics, people who abuse drugs are twice as likely to struggle with mood disorders, like depression, or anxiety disorders. Drug abuse may trigger any mental illness or make any condition worse, but the most common and lasting mental health issues from drug abuse are anxiety and depression.
What Are The Levels Of Care For Treating Addiction?
Here at Harmony Ridge, our goal is to inform potential patients about all the levels of care we will offer when it comes to their treatment. Before they enroll in our facility, we believe it is best for patients considering our facility to learn about the different types of treatments and therapies we offer. This will give them a better understanding of what to expect when they stay at our center.
If you or someone you know has developed a substance addiction and you want to learn more about levels of care, contact us today. Our staff at Harmony Ridge would be more than willing to answer any questions you may have. We are available 24/7 to provide assistance to anyone that needs it. Feel free to contact us at any time and start the process of recovering from your addiction disorder today!
