Knowing the Signs of Opioid Overdose Can Make a Difference

More than 760,000 people have died from a drug overdose since 1999, and in 2020, nearly 75% of those overdose deaths involved opioids, shares the US Department of Health and Human Services. Simply put, the opioid epidemic plays too large of a role in our society right now. With that said, if you think your loved one is abusing opioids, knowing the signs of opioid overdose can help ensure that they’re not another statistic if an overdose occurs. It can be the difference between life or death. 

Why Opioid Overdose Happens

Taking prescription opioids your doctor prescribed for pain is perfectly legal. But the sad part is, people following their prescription over time can become addicted to these opioids. Such an addiction can occur once your brain has developed a chemical dependence on your opioid prescription. When this happens, your body believes these pills are absolutely necessary. And if you try to stop taking your prescription, you often experience difficult opioid withdrawal symptoms as a result.

As you continue regularly using opioids, signs of opioid abuse and addiction can start to surface. You may deal with chronic fatigue or experience sudden weight loss. At the same time, your body will develop a tolerance to your chosen opioids. That means you amp up your dosage and take pills more often to achieve the same dopamine rush you’re used to getting from your medication.

This increased tolerance for opioids puts you in the vulnerable position for a potential overdose. When you experience an overdose, it’s often due to having too much of the drug in your system or mixing your pills with alcohol or other drugs. Once your body is overwhelmed with opioids, it starts down a dangerous path: shorter breaths, slower heart beats, low blood and oxygen levels, and more. Before long, you’re at risk for seizures, choking, brain damage, heart attack, and sadly, death. 

What are Signs of Opioid Overdose You Need to Know?

In honest truth, an opioid overdose is a life-threatening matter, and it can happen quickly. That means your response needs to be fast—and this starts by confidently knowing the signs of opioid overdose. So what are the signs of opioid overdose that are most important to look out for? Common signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, can include: 

Outward Signs of Opioid Overdose

• Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
• Pinpoint pupils (center part of your eye is very small)
• Unresponsive to voice or touch
• Blue or purple fingernails and lips
• Pale, clammy skin
• Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing

 

Other telltale opioid overdose symptoms can include vomiting, going limp, being unconscious, or being awake but not able to talk, shares the National Harm Reduction Coalition. Choking or gurgling, snore-like sounds called the “death rattle” are also noticeable signs of opioid overdose.

If You See Signs of Opioid Overdose, What Should You Do?

You must act quickly if you recognize any of the above opioid overdose symptoms. There’s no time to waste. In just a few minutes, an overdose’s debilitating effects can take over. So what should you do if you see the signs of opioid overdose?

If your loved one isn’t responding, first try to revive them physically or verbally, such as shouting their name or rubbing your knuckles on their sternum. If nothing changes, call 911 immediately. Don’t let contacting the authorities hold you back: many states have 911 good samaritan laws that give bystanders and drug users immunity if they seek medical assistance for a drug overdose. 

Naloxone, an effective medication at countering opioid overdose symptoms, should be administered right away if you happen to have it on hand. Try to keep your loved one conscious and breathing if they are awake. But if they’re not breathing, utilize CPR or rescue breathing immediately. Put them in the recovery position on their side if they begin to breathe but remain unresponsive and stay with them until help arrives.

Preventing the Signs of Opioid Overdose Before They Start

It’s important to know that an opioid overdose can happen to anyone at any time, and especially unintentionally. If your loved one is taking opioids, there are some intentional preventative measures you can take to keep the signs of an opioid overdose from ever taking place. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, these opioid overdose prevention steps include: 

• Disposing of medication safely
• Never mixing medication with sleeping pills, illicit drugs, or alcohol
• Never using someone else’s medication
• Taking medication only as prescribed by your doctor
• Not changing your dose or frequency without your doctor’s consent
• Storing medication out of reach or in a secure location to prevent accidental ingestion

 

With that said, what should you do if your loved one is abusing opioids? The best opioid overdose prevention step you can take is to encourage them to get help for drug addiction at a professional treatment center. They simply can’t overcome their drug dependence on their own. 

Struggling with Opioid Abuse? We Can Help

The signs of opioid overdose can always linger as a constant risk if you’re addicted to prescription drugs. But it doesn’t have to be this way. At Integrative Life Center, our opioid addiction treatment and fentanyl addiction treatment programs can help your loved one break free from addiction and restore the life they deserve. To learn more, contact our team now. 

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Understanding the Connection Between Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Counseling

In trauma counseling, establishing a strong therapeutic alliance between the counselor and the client is essential for effective therapy. Motivational interviewing (MI) has proven to be an invaluable tool in this process, particularly in enhancing rapport and trust. Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN provides trauma-informed counseling for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction. Let’s take a look at how motivational interviewing and trauma counseling work synergistically to foster a supportive and healing relationship, crucial for clients dealing with the effects of trauma.

The Role of Motivational Interviewing in Trauma Counseling

Motivational interviewing and trauma counseling are both client-centered approaches that prioritize the client’s autonomy and perspectives. MI’s techniques align well with trauma informed care principles, emphasizing safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment—all critical elements in working with trauma survivors. Here are some key components of Motivational Interviewing: 

Active Listening

Fundamental to MI, active listening involves the therapist fully engaging with the client’s words without judgment. This technique helps validate the client’s feelings and experiences, which is particularly important for trauma survivors who may have felt unheard in the past.

Affirmation

Affirming the client’s strengths and efforts reinforces their self-esteem and resilience, which can be significantly eroded by traumatic experiences. Regular affirmations by the therapist can build confidence in clients, encouraging them to continue their journey toward healing

Reflective Responses

Reflective responses ensure that the therapist accurately understands the client’s message. By mirroring emotions and content shared by the client, therapists help clarify thoughts and feelings, fostering deeper introspection and understanding.

Empathy

Demonstrating empathy is crucial in trauma counseling. MI trains therapists to express genuine concern and understanding for the client’s emotional state, helping to solidify a trust-based relationship.

Enhancing Rapport and Trust through Specific MI Strategies

Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance is essential for facilitating effective trauma recovery. Certain strategies within Motivational Interviewing (MI) can significantly enhance rapport and trust between therapists and clients. By fostering a supportive environment where clients feel validated and understood, therapists equip them to engage more actively in their healing journey. Each of these strategies contributes to a safe and nurturing atmosphere, empowering clients to navigate their emotions and fears with renewed confidence as they progress in their recovery process.

Normalization of Feelings

MI techniques help normalize the feelings and reactions of trauma survivors, making them feel understood and less isolated. This validation is key in building trust, as clients feel safer expressing their emotions and fears.

Goal Collaboration

In MI, therapists and clients work together to set goals. This collaborative process enhances trust and rapport by giving clients a sense of control and ownership over their recovery process.

Managing Resistance

MI is particularly effective in managing resistance, which is common among trauma survivors who may fear the vulnerability that comes with therapy. By respecting the client’s pace and readiness for change, therapists using MI can reduce resistance and foster a more open and trusting relationship.

Integrating MI with Trauma-Informed Care

Integrating motivational interviewing and trauma counseling with a trauma informed lens provides a comprehensive `approach that deeply respects and addresses the complexities of trauma. This integration considers not only the psychological impacts but also the potential physiological and social effects of trauma, as outlined in approaches that focus on holistic care and understanding adverse childhood experiences.

Practical Applications in Trauma Treatment

Integrating motivational interviewing and trauma counseling offers practical applications that significantly enhance therapy outcomes for trauma survivors. Here are some detailed ways therapists can apply these techniques effectively in trauma treatment:

Scenario-Based Interventions

Therapists can use MI to work through specific scenarios that may trigger traumatic responses. For instance, guiding a client through a planned conversation about a traumatic event or preparing them for a stressful upcoming experience can help them apply coping strategies in a controlled environment. These scenario-based practices build resilience and provide clients with a toolkit of responses for real-world situations.

Enhanced Engagement Techniques

Motivational interviewing enhances client engagement by focusing on personalized goal-setting. For example, a therapist might work with a client to set specific, achievable objectives related to managing symptoms of PTSD, such as reducing avoidance behaviors or improving emotional regulation skills. This targeted approach helps clients see tangible progress in their therapy journey, boosting their motivation and engagement.

Interactive Workshops

Workshops that incorporate MI techniques provide hands-on learning opportunities for clients. These might include group sessions where clients practice reflective listening, role-play to improve interpersonal effectiveness, or engage in group discussions that foster a deeper understanding of shared experiences of trauma. These workshops not only reinforce the therapeutic concepts but also build a community among clients, which can be incredibly validating.

Training for Coping with Daily Stressors

MI can be specifically tailored to help clients develop strategies for dealing with daily stressors that may trigger traumatic memories or emotional responses.Using MI techniques, therapists can guide clients through specific scenarios, such as discussing how to heal emotional trauma or navigating daily stressors, which can reinforce the application of skills learned in therapy.

Therapist Collaboration and Supervision

For therapists, regular collaboration and supervision sessions where cases are discussed can refine their use of MI in trauma therapy. These sessions can provide insights into handling complex trauma cases more effectively, offering peer support and shared knowledge that enhance therapeutic skills.

Continued Training and Support with ILC

Motivational interviewing and trauma counseling are synergistic approaches that enhance the therapeutic alliance by building rapport and trust, key components in the effective treatment of trauma. By adopting MI techniques, therapists can create a supportive, empathetic, and empowering environment that facilitates deeper healing and recovery for trauma survivors.

For therapists and recovery centers in Nashville and beyond, embracing MI within trauma counseling can transform therapeutic practices and lead to more successful client outcomes. To learn more about integrating these approaches in your practice, contact Integrative Life Center at (615) 891-2226. We offer comprehensive resources and training designed to support therapists in enhancing their skills in both motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care.

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Understand Binge Drinking Effects on your Body

Are you aware of the hidden dangers of binge drinking? This harmful habit, marked by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in a short time, can wreak havoc on your physical health, mental well-being, and emotional stability. At the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, a trauma-informed facility dedicated to addressing alcohol addiction, we understand the profound impact of this behavior. Our compassionate approach not only highlights the severe health risks associated with binge drinking but also emphasizes the importance of dual diagnosis considerations in recovery. Explore how understanding the effects of binge drinking can pave the way for healing and lasting change.

Understanding Binge Drinking Effects

Binge drinking is defined as consuming enough alcohol to bring a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 grams percent or above. This typically happens when men consume five or more drinks, and women consume four or more drinks, in about two hours. The effects of binge drinking are not only immediate but can also have long-term detrimental impacts on various aspects of health.

Physical Effects

• Immediate Physical Effects: Binge drinking side effects include impaired judgment, coordination, and reflexes, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Alcohol poisoning, which is a severe and potentially fatal condition, can also occur.
• Long-term Physical Effects: The long term effects of binge drinking can lead to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. It can also cause damage to the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive deficits.

Mental and Emotional Effects

• Mental Health: Binge drinking can exacerbate existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The health effects of binge drinking also include the risk of developing new mental health problems as a result of regular heavy drinking. Coinciding results like alcoholism and personality disorders can be a very serious problem to contend with.
• Emotional Well-being: Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can affect your mood and emotional state. People who binge drink frequently may experience mood swings, irritability, and increased aggression.

The Trauma-Informed Approach to Binge Drinking

A trauma-informed approach recognizes that many individuals who engage in binge drinking may have histories of trauma. Understanding the relationship between trauma and substance abuse is crucial in addressing the root causes of addiction. This approach helps clinicians provide more compassionate and effective care by:

• Screening for Trauma: Identifying past or current trauma can inform treatment plans and provide context for the patient’s alcohol abuse.
• Integrating Therapy: Trauma-focused therapy sessions can be integrated into the treatment for binge drinking, addressing both the trauma and the addiction concurrently.

Dual Diagnosis Considerations

Dual diagnosis is a critical factor in effectively addressing binge drinking, as it acknowledges the co-occurrence of substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders. Understanding and treating both aspects simultaneously is essential for successful outcomes. Here’s a deeper look into how dual diagnosis considerations can impact treatment strategies:

• Comprehensive Assessment and Evaluation: Effective treatment begins with a thorough assessment to identify not only the binge drinking behaviors but also any underlying or co-occurring mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. This comprehensive evaluation helps in crafting a addiction treatment guide that addresses all facets of an individual’s health.
• Integrated Treatment Plans: Integrating the treatment of mental health disorders with substance abuse treatment is crucial. This may involve combining psychotherapy techniques like CBT or DBT with medication management, group therapy, and support meetings. Treating both conditions simultaneously can prevent the common scenario where untreated mental health issues lead to a relapse into alcohol abuse.
• Specialized Therapeutic Approaches: Therapists may employ specialized therapeutic approaches tailored to the needs of individuals with dual diagnoses. This could include trauma-informed care that specifically addresses past traumas that may be at the root of both the mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation: Treatment plans for individuals with a dual diagnosis need to be dynamic and adaptable, as changes in one disorder can influence the other. Regular monitoring allows for adjustments to the treatment plan based on the patient’s progress or any new challenges that arise.
• Support Systems and Education: Educating patients about the nature of dual diagnosis and the importance of comprehensive treatment can empower them. Additionally, building robust support systems through family therapy and community support groups can provide the necessary encouragement and understanding, which are vital for recovery.

By addressing dual diagnosis with a thorough and integrated approach, treatment for binge drinking becomes more holistic and effective, providing individuals with the tools and support necessary to navigate their recovery journey successfully.

Holistic and Rehabilitative Interventions

• Residential Alcohol Rehab: Programs like residential alcohol rehab provide an immersive environment where individuals can focus fully on recovery without the distractions or triggers of everyday life.
• Alcohol Rehab Retreat and Holistic Alcohol Rehab Centers: These facilities often incorporate holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, and nutrition counseling, which can help heal the body and mind together. Meditation for alcohol addiction is particularly beneficial for reducing stress and improving mental clarity.
• Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder: Recognizing the criteria can help individuals and professionals understand when binge drinking has crossed into the territory of alcohol use disorder, necessitating more intensive intervention.

Taking the Necessary Steps Towards Recovery

Binge drinking effects are extensive and affect not just the individual but also their family and community. Understanding the comprehensive impacts and addressing them with a trauma-informed, holistic approach can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment and support long-term recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with binge drinking, exploring options like alcohol addiction treatment and specialized programs at facilities like a holistic alcohol rehab center can provide the necessary help and support.

For more information on alcohol rehab and treatment options, visit Integrative Life Center or contact us at (615) 891-2226 to discover how we can assist in the journey toward recovery.

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The Impact of Meth Addiction on Families and Communities

We have all seen the disturbing images of the meth addict: bloodshot eyes, skin covered in cysts, teeth rotting. It is clear that meth addiction wreaks havoc on the addict’s body and mind, but what about the impact on the addict’s families and communities? No addiction happens in a vacuum; many lives are affected deeply.

What Is Meth?

Derived from amphetamine, methamphetamine (or meth) is a powerful, highly-addictive stimulant. It floods the brain with chemicals that create a sense of euphoria and well-being, lowering the appetite and causing increased activity. Its effects are strong but can be short-lived, causing abusers to binge the drug, chasing the high over and over again in a short period of time. Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally. Sadly, after just one use, a person can become addicted.

Meth Addiction

Because its effects are so strong, meth is highly addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over one million people in the United States have a methamphetamine use disorder. For these meth addicts, the long-term effects of their disorder are dire: depression and anxiety, paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, compulsive behavior, cardiovascular problems, psychosis, inability to experience pleasure, and–in the case of an overdose–even death.

Certain groups of people are more at risk for substance abuse disorders, including those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (such as verbal, physical, or sexual abuse, or even divorce). However, meth does not discriminate; once it sucks a person in, it does not easily let go.

Meth’s Effect on Families and Communities

The meth addict suffers, but those around them suffer too. Families and friends report watching in despair as the person they once knew disappears, their behavior and even looks becoming unrecognizable. In their desperation to seek a constant high, the meth addicted individual may resort to illegal or dangerous means such as prostitution or theft. Additionally, the risky sexual behaviors associated with meth abuse contribute to the spread of diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.

If a parent is abusing the drug, the effects on children is intense. They grow up in an environment that is unstable financially, emotionally, and physically, with parents spending their time and money seeking a drug rather than caring for their children. On the other hand, if a child in the family is the one struggling with meth abuse, they may isolate from their parents and siblings or incur criminal charges for some of their drug-seeking behaviors. Further complicating this situation is that often parents, in an effort to help their beloved child, will inadvertently make matters worse through enabling behaviors.

Hope for the Meth Addict

This suffering does not have to be the end of the story for meth addicts. Recovery from meth addiction is possible if the addict chooses to follow it.

Successful substance abuse recovery depends upon many factors. A primary one is the willingness of the addict to take the necessary steps towards health and wholeness. For the meth addict, this will often include participation in a holistic drug rehab. In this approach, the whole person is addressed: the body, mind, and emotions. Holistic rehab will often include exploration of the root causes of addiction and substance abuse, including examining the addict’s past using a trauma lens. By identifying the broken places in the meth addict’s past and the ways in which they may have sought healing in the wrong ways, true healing can begin.

Recovery will also require identifying and steadfastly working towards treatment goals for substance abuse. Working with a trained professional, the addict will participate in identifying the problem and creating goals and a treatment plan to meet those goals.

This will undoubtedly include working with different coping skills for substance abuse. For the addict, triggers are all around them: stress, painful memories, even celebratory moments can cause a relapse. A successful treatment plan will include substituting drug use with other healthy coping skills, such as physical activity, engaging with community, or mindfulness and meditation.

In some cases, the meth addict may seek residential treatment. This methodology offers around-the-clock care, which can be invaluable for a person in the throes of this very strong drug. Residential treatment programs offer those in recovery a safe place to detox–even with medical intervention if necessary–and 24-7 support for the duration of the stay. They include counseling, nutrition programs, and other holistic options such as equine or art therapy.

Recover from Meth Addiction in Nashville, TN

If you or a loved one feel you are ready to seek meth addiction treatment, consider the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. Our comprehensive approach to treatment can give you the confidence you need to achieve lasting healing for yourself, your family, and your community. Give us a call today at 615-378-8806.

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How to Navigate the Holidays in Recovery from Porn Addiction

The holiday season is just around the corner. While many are getting in on the festivities and making plans to celebrate, you could very well be dreading this time of year. And that’s entirely fair. Navigating the holidays in recovery from any addiction can be difficult, especially if you’re in porn addiction recovery. 

However, you can survive the holidays in recovery. Your potential porn addiction triggers don’t have to take you back to square one. With an intentional holiday recovery plan, you can go into this season prepared to cope in healthy ways—allowing you to experience joy instead of dread in the coming weeks. 

Why Spending the Holidays in Recovery is Hard

We realize that some of you may be tempted to coast through the holidays or “take a holiday” from your porn addiction recovery goals. Just in case that’s you, we want to give you a sobering reminder of why spending the holidays in recovery can be tough—not to demoralize you, but to get you in the proper mindset. 

The holidays for many in recovery can create compromising situations, hard conversations, and triggering temptations that leave you vulnerable to relapse (if you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to make sure your porn blocker of choice is up and running smoothly). This tends to be a busy time of year, full of parties, events, and gatherings that are hard to say no to. Nearly nine in 10 adults say something causes them stress during the holidays, according to the American Psychological Association. Consequently, this busyness and constant stress can easily drive you to return to porn to cope.

The holidays also bring you closer to family or friends who may not be aware of your recovery needs, creating triggering situations for you. Or perhaps your porn addiction even caused hurt or betrayal trauma in those you love and seeing them again is a painful reminder. And if you’re traveling, you could be far away from your support network, leaving you all the more vulnerable . 

And whether you’re in porn addiction recovery or not, the holidays can also drum up difficult feelings, such as the loss of a loved one, loneliness, or an unmet desire. When this happens, it’s tempting to think that everyone else is having the perfect holiday but you, leaving you stuck in comparison and spiraling into emotional triggers that can lead to porn relapse. 

Porn Addiction Recovery Survival Tips for the Holidays

With recovery during the holidays looming, it’s time to make preparations in advance. If you go into the season ready to tackle your potential holiday recovery challenges, it’ll feel less daunting. So how can you navigate the holidays in recovery successfully? Here are a few recommendations to help you stay sober from porn addiction this season: 

Create a Holiday Recovery Plan

Enter into the holiday season with the conviction that you’re going to continue the momentum of your porn addiction recovery. Strategically take inventory of your potential triggers and when or where they’re most likely to show up. Then, formulate a strategy for how you’ll avoid them. Consider how you’ll stay the course with any necessary recovery practices in spite of the busyness or travel plans that the holidays bring.

It’s probably a good idea to get in an extra session with your CSAT therapist or counselor to share your holiday recovery plan and goals. He or she can help you address any gaps in your preparations so you can feel confident in the coming weeks. 

Set Healthy Boundaries

It’s likely that you’ll encounter vulnerable situations at various times during the holidays. Maybe it’s visiting certain relatives, attending the hometown Christmas party, or spending a lot of time at home with nothing to do. You may need to limit your time with certain people this holiday season or skip some festivity altogether in favor of preserving your porn addiction recovery. Or perhaps you need to pack that TV in your old room at home into a box in the closet to remove temptations. It’s OK to take drastic steps to set healthy boundaries, and you can do so in a tactful way if it involves others. 

Stay in Touch with Your Recovery Team

Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to disconnect from your support system. Approach a close friend or accountability partner about being the person you can call if you’re triggered this holiday season. If you’re traveling, explore if your porn addiction support group offers a virtual option, or look into groups local to the area you’re visiting as an alternative. Consider sharing your holiday recovery plans with a supportive family member who can help plan non-triggering activities with you this season. Having people in your corner makes a big difference in maintaining your recovery goals. 

Maintain Self-Care

While others are indulging or taking a break from their routines, it’s important for you to maintain proper self-care during your holidays in recovery. Make sure you get enough sleep and eat healthy. Keep exercise, meditation, and rest in your schedule amidst all the busyness, too. This may be easier said than done, but it’s really important to your sobriety. 

Pursue Goodness and Gratitude

Isn’t this what the holidays in many ways are all about? Be intentional in prioritizing people and activities this holiday season that lift your spirits. Consider scheduling service projects on your calendar so you can give back. These life-giving experiences can lead you to be grateful for the things you have—and all the progress you’ve made in your porn addiction recovery journey. 

Spending the Holidays in Recovery? Don’t Forget to Seek Professional Help if Needed

Lastly, if you’re struggling with your recovery this holiday season, remember there are professional treatment options in place that can help. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we provide outpatient, aftercare, and alumni programs to support your porn addiction recovery efforts. To learn more, contact our team today. 

The post How to Navigate the Holidays in Recovery from Porn Addiction appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

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Your Loved One’s Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline for Recovery

How long has your loved one been using opioids? Maybe they’ve had their prescription for a considerable time now, or perhaps they’ve even said they’re trying to quit. However, when they try to get off opioids, they appear sick or struggling. If you’ve seen this in your loved one (or even in yourself), you need to know that opioid withdrawal symptoms and timeline for recovery are real considerations for your loved one to understand. After all, what they do next is a crucial crossroads: either they can go down the path of healing or spiral deeper into dependence and addiction.

The Growing Problem of Opioid Dependence

Prescription opioids these days are more than just drugs meant to relieve pain. That’s why many people may find themselves dependent on the drug to function at no fault of their own. But how is this possible, especially when they’ve been following their prescription?

Vicodin, Codeine, Oxycodone, Opana, and many other common prescription opioids unfortunately have addictive properties, based on how they alleviate pain inside your body. After you take a prescription opioid pill, the opioid binds to the pain receptors in your brain, disrupting these receptors’ abilities. 

However, the presence of opioids also generates a release of the neurochemical dopamine in your brain, signaling pleasure and reward. Some people may even experience euphoria after taking their opioid pills. Yet as time goes on and you continue to take your prescription, these changes in your brain also continue to happen. As a result, your body gets used to the consistent dopamine release generated by your prescription medications, so they become more than their intended purpose. They’re a daily lifeline. So when you try to stop taking opioids, your body has to adjust—and it’s often unpleasant. 

Typical Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline for Recovery, Explained

Dependence or addiction to opioids can happen to any of us, including your loved one. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that over 2.5 million adults in the US had opioid use disorder in 2021. When your brain has become dependent on opioids, it has to recalibrate so to speak when you quit your medications. Called opioid withdrawal, this adjustment phase is marked by difficult opioid withdrawal symptoms. With that said, what kind of opioid withdrawal symptoms and timeline for recovery should your loved one expect?

Common Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

No opioid withdrawal symptoms and timeline are exactly the same, as each experience varies from person to person. Your loved one’s opioid withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and are often based on the prescription itself and how long they’ve been taking it. Typical symptoms to look out for include:

• Headache
• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Strong opioid cravings
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Chills
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Anxiety 
• Depression

 

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can easily be confused for unexpected flu-like symptoms, yet they’re also one of the main signs of opioid abuse. They can even occur when you’re simply decreasing your regular dosage. However, these symptoms are usually not life-threatening. Yet when they do arise, how long does opioid withdrawal last?

How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?

It depends. An expected opioid withdrawal timeline will vary based on your loved one’s prescription opioid medication, the dosage, and how long they’ve been using it. Opioids designed to act quickly like fentanyl and oxycodone will often produce withdrawal symptoms within the first 24 hours after quitting. Extended-release opioids may generate withdrawal symptoms after about three days. 

Once they start, your loved one’s opioid withdrawal symptoms and timeline may last for a few days or even a few weeks. Initially, an opioid withdrawal timeline may start with acute symptoms that peak within a matter of days. After peaking, these symptoms will lessen in severity within a week normally, but sometimes linger on for another week or a full month. And unfortunately, some people may face continued opioid withdrawal symptoms for several months, such as depression or ongoing drug cravings. 

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline: Taking the Next Steps

While some may have good intentions to quit their opioid dependence, it’s often the opioid withdrawal symptoms that hold them back. During withdrawal, someone can become so desperate for relief that they may go back to their prescription drug of choice, even leaving rehab to do so. 

So if your loved one is at the crossroads of drug dependence or addiction, their opioid withdrawal symptoms and timeline need to be addressed with great intentionality. Otherwise, a full-blown opioid addiction can lead to opioid theft, faking subscriptions, purchasing drugs on the street, or even using harder opioids like heroin. And the fallout of these is full of legal, financial, and health troubles. 

What should your loved one do, then? If they genuinely want to quit opioids, their best path is to start by detoxing from their drug dependence under medical supervision. A local detox center will help them taper off the drug safely by managing difficult withdrawal symptoms (which also helps prevent relapse). But if they’ve already developed an addiction, they need to consider professional help from a residential opioid addiction treatment center. 

Overcome Opioid Addiction at Integrative Life Center

If your loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, we can help at Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. With our opioid addiction treatment program and fentanyl rehab program, your loved one can heal the root causes of their struggles and reclaim their life. To learn more, contact us today. 

The post Your Loved One’s Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline for Recovery appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

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How Do You Get Sober If You’ve Been Drinking Alcohol?

Quitting alcohol after drinking regularly or heavily can seem very hard. This is especially true if you have tried to stop before or have relapsed. Whether you’re asking yourself, “How do you get sober if you’ve been drinking alcohol?” or if you’re just beginning to explore the idea of sobriety, there is hope. 

Therapy and counseling are essential tools for navigating the recovery journey. Sobriety is not just about stopping alcohol. It is about healing from within and facing deeper issues. It also involves developing new ways to cope. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we provide holistic treatment for addiction and recovery. Let’s take a look at the role of therapy and counseling in getting sober. 

Understanding the Role of Therapy and Counseling in Sobriety

Therapy and counseling are integral components of the recovery process. They address the root causes of addiction, help individuals understand their behavior. If you’re unsure about your relationship with alcohol, review the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Here’s how self-awareness and trauma-informed care help a person with sobriety: 

1. Addresses Psychological Dependence: For many people struggling with alcohol use, it’s not only about physical dependence. It also involves psychological dependence. Therapy helps individuals understand why they drink, what triggers their drinking behavior, and how to develop healthy coping strategies. Counseling provides an opportunity to talk through emotions, traumas, and experiences that may be contributing to the addiction.
2. Provides Emotional Support: Counseling provides a safe space to discuss emotional struggles. Therapists offer guidance and emotional support, which is critical for individuals who feel overwhelmed by their addiction. Having someone to confide in helps reduce feelings of isolation, guilt, and shame, which often accompany alcohol addiction.
3. Develops New Coping Mechanisms: Therapy helps people develop new coping skills. It focuses on replacing harmful behaviors, such as using alcohol to handle stress or trauma, with healthier choices. Techniques such as trauma coping strategies and emotional regulation skills can help. These skills are often taught in therapy. They help people manage stress and triggers without using alcohol.
4. Dual Diagnosis and Trauma-Informed Care: Many people with alcohol addiction also have mental health issues. These issues can include anxiety, depression, or trauma. This is known as dual diagnosis. Trauma informed care acknowledges that trauma and addiction often go hand-in-hand. This type of therapy creates a safe space. It is sensitive to the emotional and psychological wounds caused by trauma. A trauma informed therapist can help clients address unresolved trauma that may have led to or worsened their addiction.

Types Of Therapies Used In Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Several therapeutic approaches have been proven effective for individuals in alcohol recovery. These therapies can be used individually or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a well-known therapy that helps people find and change negative thoughts that lead to addiction. For example, if someone drinks because they think alcohol is the only way to handle stress, CBT would help change that belief. It would also teach healthier ways to cope. CBT is very effective for people who wonder, “How can I get sober after drinking for years?” It helps change thoughts and behaviors.
2. Group Counseling: Group therapy allows individuals to connect with others who are going through similar struggles. Sharing stories, providing mutual support, and receiving feedback in a group setting can be incredibly empowering and healing. Group counseling can reduce the isolation that often accompanies addiction and can provide a sense of community and accountability.
3. Trauma-Focused Therapy: If trauma has impacted your drinking, it’s important to address that trauma in therapy. Trauma-focused therapy helps individuals process past traumas and their impact on current behavior. Approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or trauma-specific talk therapy are often integrated into treatment for long-term healing.
4. Holistic Approaches to Therapy: Many treatment centers, including Integrative Life Center, use holistic treatment for alcoholism. This addresses not only the psychological aspects of addiction but also the physical and spiritual components. Holistic approaches might include yoga, meditation, nutritional counseling, and bodywork, all of which promote overall wellness and support sobriety. These practices help individuals stay connected to their recovery goals while nourishing their body and mind.

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

If you are wondering, “How can I get sober after drinking for a long time?” the first step is medically supervised detox. Detoxing from alcohol can be risky if done alone. This is especially true for people who have been drinking heavily for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, including tremors, hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens. 

It’s important to go through detox in a safe place with medical professionals. They can watch for symptoms and give support. It’s important to note that Integrative Life Center does not offer detox services. Instead, you should get help from a facility that offers medically supervised detox. This can be the first step in your recovery journey.

How Do You Get Sober If You’ve Been Drinking Alcohol?

After a person completes detox and starts their recovery, ongoing therapy and counseling are important for long-term sobriety. Here’s how therapy can help:

1. Ongoing Support and Accountability: Therapy provides ongoing support, allowing individuals to process their progress, setbacks, and challenges as they work toward sobriety. This continuous dialogue helps individuals stay accountable to their recovery goals.
2. Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan: Therapy can help people find triggers that may lead to relapse. It also helps them create ways to avoid or handle these triggers. A trauma-informed therapist guides clients in understanding the connection between past traumas and alcohol use. Therapists can also help create a comprehensive relapse prevention plan.
3. Building a Strong Support System: Through therapy, individuals are encouraged to build strong, sober support networks. Whether through family therapy, group therapy, or participation in sober communities, individuals can create meaningful connections that bolster their recovery.
4. Holistic Healing for the Whole Person: Holistic therapies continue to support long-term recovery by focusing on the well-being of the entire person. Meditation, for example, can help individuals manage cravings, while nutritional therapy ensures that their body is strong and healthy.

A Supported Journey Towards a New Future

Therapy and counseling play an essential role in helping individuals get sober and maintain long-term sobriety. Whether you’re asking, “How do you get sober if you’ve been drinking alcohol?” or “What therapies can help me stay sober?”, the answer lies in combining a structured treatment plan with personalized therapeutic support. At Integrative Life Center, we offer alcohol addiction treatment that integrates both holistic treatment and trauma-informed care, helping individuals heal from the inside out.

If you’re ready to begin your journey to sobriety, contact Integrative Life Center at (615) 891-2226 or visit our addiction treatment guide for more information about our residential addiction treatment and alcohol rehab programs.

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5 DBT Techniques to Enhance Emotional Regulation

What is DBT therapy? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally used for people with borderline personality disorder. We now use DBT for other mental health issues, and dual diagnosis treatment. Central to DBT’s approach is its focus on enhancing emotional regulation through specific dialectical behavior therapy techniques. When exploring and understanding dialectical behavior therapy, a common question is: what techniques does dialectical behavior therapy use? Let’s take a look at 5 Dialectical Behavior Therapy Techniques to enhance emotional regulation and promote mental health. 

Importance of Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation plays a vital role in fostering mental health and overall well-being. It involves the ability to manage and constructively respond to emotions. Here are several key reasons highlighting the significance of developing emotional regulation skills:

• Strengthens Relationships: When individuals can effectively regulate their emotions, they communicate more clearly and interact positively with others. This thoughtful approach to emotional responses helps build healthier, more supportive relationships.
• Enhances Decision-Making: Regulating emotions allows for clearer thinking and more rational decision-making. By managing emotional responses, individuals are more equipped to make informed choices, reducing the chances of actions driven by impulsive feelings.
• Decreases Stress Levels: Understanding and controlling emotions contributes to lower stress and anxiety. When feelings are addressed constructively, individuals are less likely to become overwhelmed, leading to a calmer and more balanced life.
• Builds Resilience: Developing emotional regulation skills enhances resilience, equipping individuals to navigate challenges more effectively. People can recover from setbacks and approach difficulties by managing emotions well.
• Promotes Mental Health: Effective emotional regulation is closely linked to positive mental health outcomes. By learning to manage emotions, individuals can lower the risk of developing conditions such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, for those already facing mental health disorders, improved emotional regulation can lead to better coping strategies, facilitating recovery and reducing symptom severity.
• Supports Addiction Recovery: Emotional regulation is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with addiction. Many turn to substances as a way to cope with negative emotions. By developing skills to manage emotions constructively, individuals can reduce reliance on substances and improve their chances of maintaining sobriety.

Developing emotional regulation enriches individual well-being, strengthens interpersonal connections, enhances resilience, and supports a positive mental outlook. By prioritizing emotional regulation, individuals can cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life while also effectively managing mental health challenges and addiction.

5 DBT Techniques to Enhance Emotional Regulation

1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the cornerstone of all dialectical behavioral therapy techniques. It involves being fully aware and present in the moment. This technique helps individuals recognize and accept their current emotional state without judgment. 

Practicing mindfulness helps patients notice their thoughts and feelings. It also improves their emotional control and reduces impulsive behavior. Practicing mindfulness exercises, like mindful breathing or meditation, helps people calm their mind and body during emotional stress.

2. Distress Tolerance

Individuals with high emotional sensitivity often have a low tolerance for distress, making even minor stressors overwhelming. DBT teaches several distress tolerance techniques designed to help individuals cope with stress without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. 

Skills like self-soothing with the senses, such as listening to calming music or holding something comforting, are important. Using distraction, like engaging in a hobby or social activity, is also a helpful tool. The goal is not to escape the distress but to manage it in a healthier way until the intense emotions pass.

3. Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is a core goal of DBT, which provides people with skills to manage their emotions effectively. Techniques include understanding the functions of various emotions, identifying obstacles to changing emotions, and increasing positive emotional events. Here are two strategies that can help with emotional regulation and change unwanted emotions:

1. Opposite Action: This involves acting contrary to your feelings. For example, if you want to be alone because you feel sad, try to connect with friends. This can help you break the cycle of negative feelings. By taking this action, you can shift your mood and create a more positive emotional state.
2. Checking the Facts: This strategy involves evaluating whether your feelings and reactions are appropriate for the situation. By examining the evidence behind your emotions, you can determine if they align with reality. This practice helps reduce the intensity of negative emotions and prevents them from leading to harmful behaviors.

Both strategies promote emotional regulation by encouraging a more rational and constructive approach to dealing with feelings, ultimately leading to healthier emotional responses.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

DBT emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and the role they play in emotional regulation. Interpersonal effectiveness techniques teach people how to communicate assertively. This helps them keep their self-respect and build stronger relationships. 

Skills taught include effectively asking for what one needs, saying no, and coping with interpersonal conflict. These tools ensure that relationships are nurturing and supportive, rather than sources of stress.

5. Walking the Middle Path

This technique involves learning to recognize and accept different perspectives and synthesize opposing views. It teaches clients to avoid extreme thinking, or “black-or-white” thinking. It can lead to strong emotional ups and downs. 

Walking the middle path requires skills like dialectical thinking. This means seeing issues from different sides. It helps reduce emotional conflicts in relationships. It also promotes a more balanced and calm mindset.

Treatment Options Integrating DBT Techniques

Incorporating dialectical behavior therapy into treatment plans can be implemented in various settings to cater to diverse patient needs. Each therapeutic environment offers unique advantages. At ILC, we tailor treatment to the specific requirements of individuals seeking help. Here’s a more detailed look at these options:

Individual Therapy:

• Focused Attention: One-on-one sessions with a therapist provide personalized attention, allowing for deeper exploration of personal issues.
• Customized Strategies: Therapists can tailor DBT strategies and trauma-informed care specifically to the individual’s emotional and behavioral patterns.

Group Sessions:

• Peer Support: Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges provides valuable support and encouragement.
• Skill Development: Group settings are ideal for practicing DBT interpersonal effectiveness skills through role-playing and peer feedback.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs):

• Flexibility: IOPs provide a balance between daily life and intensive therapy. They are ideal for people with work or family commitments who still need structured support.
• Comprehensive Care: Combines the rigor of intensive therapy with the practical application of DBT skills in real-world scenarios.

Residential Addiction Treatment Programs:

• Immersive Environment: Provides a controlled environment where individuals can focus entirely on recovery without external distractions.
• Constant Professional Guidance: Access to continuous support from a multidisciplinary team helps manage withdrawal symptoms and psychological triggers effectively.

Holistic alcohol treatment Integration:

• Whole-Person Approach: Holistic approach programs integrate DBT with treatments addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, enhancing overall well-being.
• Sustainability: Understanding the bigger issues of addiction, such as adverse childhood experiences and trauma, can help you recover better. This approach leads to a stronger and longer-lasting recovery. 

These different treatment settings let us use dialectical behavior therapy techniques in many ways. This makes DBT accessible and effective for many people. In both structured residential programs and flexible outpatient settings, DBT techniques help people learn skills. These skills are important for managing strong emotions and reducing conflict in relationships. 

For people dealing with substance abuse, using DBT in holistic alcohol treatment offers a complete approach. This method tackles the addiction and the emotional and psychological challenges that come with recovery. This integration promotes a deeper and lasting healing process. It addresses the root causes of addiction, not just the symptoms.

By choosing the right setting for DBT integration, people can get the support they need. This helps them navigate their recovery journey and achieve lasting emotional and mental health.

Get Help today at ILC in Nashville, TN 

The top five dialectical behavioral therapy techniques listed here provide strong tools for improving emotional control. This can lead to better mental health and more stable relationships. If you have mood disorders or personality disorders, or if you want to feel better, DBT can help. It provides effective tools for making positive changes in your life.

If you’re interested in exploring how DBT can help you or a loved one, call Integrative Life Center today. Contact us today at (615) 891-2226. We can help you harness the power of DBT for a more balanced and fulfilling life.

The post 5 DBT Techniques to Enhance Emotional Regulation appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

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What Happens If PTSD Is Left Untreated in a Child?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it is often associated with adults, children can also suffer from PTSD. Recognizing and addressing PTSD in children is crucial for their overall well-being and development. So, what happens if PTSD is left untreated in a child? Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN provides trauma-informed therapy to help individuals heal. Here, we’ll explore the potential consequences and emphasize the importance of early intervention and treatment.

Understanding PTSD in Children

Children are vulnerable to trauma just like adults, and their reactions to traumatic events can vary widely. Common sources of trauma for children include physical or emotional abuse, natural disasters, accidents, loss of a loved one, or witnessing violence. When PTSD is left untreated in a child, the effects can be profound and long-lasting, impacting various aspects of their lives.

What Happens If PTSD Is Left Untreated in a Child?

Untreated PTSD in children can lead to several negative outcomes that can affect their mental, emotional, and physical health. Here are some of the key consequences:

1. Emotional and Behavioral Issues

Children with untreated PTSD may exhibit a range of emotional and behavioral problems. They might experience intense feelings of fear, sadness, and anxiety. These emotions can manifest as:

• Irritability and Anger: Untreated PTSD can lead to increased irritability and frequent outbursts of anger.
• Depression: Persistent sadness and hopelessness are common in children with untreated PTSD.
• Behavioral Problems: Children may display aggressive behavior, defiance, or withdrawal from social activities.

2. Academic Challenges

One significant consequence of leaving PTSD untreated in children is its impact on their academic performance. Trauma can affect concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function, leading to:

• Decline in Academic Performance: Difficulty focusing and retaining information can result in poor grades and a lack of interest in school.
• Absenteeism: Children may avoid school due to anxiety or fear, leading to increased absenteeism and falling behind academically.

3. Social Isolation

Children with untreated PTSD often struggle with social interactions. They may find it challenging to form and maintain relationships with peers and adults. This can lead to:

• Social Withdrawal: Avoidance of social situations and activities they once enjoyed.
• Difficulty Trusting Others: Trauma can make it hard for children to trust others, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The Physical Impact of Untreated PTSD

In addition to emotional and behavioral issues, untreated PTSD can also manifest physically. Chronic stress and anxiety associated with PTSD can lead to various health problems, including:

• Sleep Disturbances: Nightmares and insomnia are common in children with untreated PTSD, leading to fatigue and difficulty functioning during the day.
• Chronic Pain: Some children may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and other unexplained pains.
• Weakened Immune System: Chronic stress can compromise the immune system, making children more susceptible to illnesses.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

Recognizing the need for trauma informed care is essential when addressing what happens if PTSD is left untreated in a child. Trauma-informed care involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of trauma. It emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing and recovery. Integrative Life Center offers comprehensive trauma-informed care tailored to the unique needs of each child.

Addressing Repressed Memories and Childhood Trauma

Untreated PTSD can lead to the development of repressed memories. These memories, although not consciously accessible, can influence a child’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. As children grow older, these repressed memories can resurface, causing distress and complicating the healing process. It is crucial to address childhood trauma and memory loss through appropriate therapeutic interventions.

The Challenges of Trauma Therapy

Why is trauma therapy so hard? Understanding why trauma therapy is so hard is essential for supporting children with PTSD. Trauma therapy can be challenging because it involves revisiting painful memories and emotions. However, it is a critical component of healing. Integrative Life Center provides specialized trauma therapy that helps children process and integrate their traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

The Benefits of Holistic Treatment

A holistic approach to PTSD treatment can significantly benefit children. This approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit, promoting overall well-being and healing. At Integrative Life Center, we offer a variety of holistic treatment modalities, including:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help children manage anxiety and develop a sense of calm.
• Art and Music Therapy: Creative therapies provide a non-verbal outlet for expressing emotions and processing trauma.
• Nature Therapy: Engaging with nature can be soothing and restorative for children, helping them reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is crucial in preventing the long-term consequences of untreated PTSD in children. Identifying and addressing PTSD early can significantly improve a child’s quality of life and overall development. Integrative Life Center offers specialized PTSD treatment programs designed to meet the unique needs of children and their families.

Taking the Next Step with ILC in Nashville, TN 

What happens if PTSD is left untreated? The consequences can be severe and far-reaching, affecting their emotional, behavioral, academic, and physical well-being. Recognizing the signs and seeking early intervention through trauma-informed care, holistic treatment, and specialized PTSD therapy is essential for promoting healing childhood trauma. At ILC, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to help children overcome the challenges of PTSD and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. If you suspect that a child in your life may be struggling with PTSD, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Contact ILC today at (615) 891-2226 to learn more about our trauma treatment programs and how we can support your child’s journey to healing.

The post What Happens If PTSD Is Left Untreated in a Child? appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

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