Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States, and this type of addiction is largely centered on the use of opiate drugs, which are prescribed as painkillers. Opiates include oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and morphine, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin. Breaking an addiction to any of these drugs is a challenging process, and it begins with drug detox, throughout which one must cope with opiate withdrawal.
Believe it or not, one of the most important things you can do to help a loved one with a drug or alcohol problem is to take care of yourself. Whether this means visiting one of the Orange County treatment centers to attend or learn about an Al-Anon group, or just tending to your nutritional needs, you come first.
Drug and alcohol dependence is a complex disease, and withdrawing from substances can bring on a host of complicated issues, including painful withdrawals and relapse. You might think because you’re mentally prepared to end your dependence on drugs or alcohol, you will be able to beat your addiction at home. While it is possible for everyone to live a life free of substances, quitting without professional support and supervision can be risky.
If heroin addiction is ruining your life and you are wondering: should I go to heroin detox, here are some reasons why that is a good idea. If heroin addiction is ruining your life and you are wondering: should I go to heroin detox, here are some reasons why that is a good idea. Heroin detox will remove all the toxins from your body that have accumulated from your heroin abuse or addiction. Since heroin is often cut with drain cleaner, lighter fluid, rat poison, antihistamines, other drugs such as Fentanyl – it is possible that you could have toxins from all of those in your body.
Detoxification is the safest ways to cleanse the body of all drug and alcohol toxins, because it is done in a safely monitored environment, rather than alone and “cold turkey”, which can be extremely dangerous when not under the proper medical care. Under the right supervision and with the proper detox medications if needed, the painful symptoms of withdrawal can be greatly lessened and the drug rehabilitation process can begin properly.
Denial may be the single biggest obstacle in getting treatment for addiction, and it is certainly a source of huge frustration for those close to the addict. Denial, essentially, is the addicts inability (willful or otherwise) to assess the extent of his or her own problem with drugs. The addict’s delusion is expressed in two self-told lies” “It’s not that bad” and “I can handle it myself” despite ample evidence to the contrary.
We all go through turbulent life phases. There are many normal developmental reasons why people change how they dress, speak and behave. But people are also at risk for substance experimentation which could lead to addiction. That’s why it is important for family members and friends to be on the lookout for any clues indicating something may be wrong with their loved one.
There are many factors which contribute to a person’s risk for addiction and substance abuse. Genetics may be one risk. A family history of substance abuse does not determine that a person will wind up in some form of addiction, but studies reveal that heredity can be a contributing factor. Another significant risk factor is environment. While environment can sometimes refer to the influence of others, research also shows that high-stress work environments can likewise play a role.
Denial is an inherent part of addiction. This includes not being open and honest about symptoms and severity of alcohol addiction and drug addiction. There are many reasons why addicted people don’t confide in physicians, family, or friends; one being that the addicts, themselves, don’t realize they have a problem. Open communication in the form of listening to loved ones, counselors and professionals, listing to the inner voice, and actively talking about experiences.
Certain newcomers show up at meetings with no real intention of staying sober. They go through the motions for a little while, but their hearts are not in it. They fail to see themselves as addicts. They refuse to admit that the only cure is sobriety. They will indeed drink or use again. There are other members, however, who do realize that alcohol or drugs is their problem and who do deeply desire to never again drink or use. Lifetime sobriety is not impossible, but it is also something that cannot be taken for granted. Above all, it requires intentionality and a willingness to be honest with yourself.
Staying clean and sober takes commitment and a lot of hard work. There’s no magic wand to keep alcoholics and drug addicts from relapse. However, there are ways to decrease the possibility of relapse.
Our admissions department is available 24/7 and happy to answer any questions you may have about our facility or treatment options.
