<h2>What's the Best Way to Find a Drug Detox Center?</h2>
Quality medical drug detox centers don't use cold turkey methods or rapid detox kits; instead they provide medications
and therapy to manage symptoms of withdrawal. Families can contact their insurance companies to find a provider, or
they can look online for local providers that can help.

[quote]The brain and the body don't always move at the same speed. That's especially true when an addiction is in play.[/quote]

While a person's brain might feel ready and willing to focus on sobriety and healing, that person's body might still be
under the influence of drugs. Until the brain and the body are in synch, recovery will be very difficult to accomplish.

<a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/medical-detox-centers">Medical detox programs</a> are designed to help. People enrolling in these programs provide their bodies with the opportunity to process leftover drugs and return to a sober, successful level of function. That work is done in a safe, secure, and supervised environment.

This article will provide data about what withdrawal feels like, along with specifics about how medical detox can help. This information can help people struggling with addiction, and their families, to get the help needed in order to build a sober future.
<h2>What Drugs Cause Withdrawals?</h2>
<img class="size-full wp-image-36235 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Drugs-And-Pills.jpg" alt="Drugs And Pills" width="250" height="167" />
<p class="text-dkblue sm-pad-all">In order to understand the necessity of medical detox, it pays to learn a little more about what drugs can do and how people
can feel when those drugs are removed.</p>
These are the drugs that are most commonly associated with difficult and/or painful
withdrawal symptoms:
<ul>
 	<li><em>Opiates</em>: Heroin, morphine, OxyContin, and Vicodin are all drugs in the opiate class. People who attempt to stop taking
these drugs without using a medical detox program can feel flu-like symptoms that can persist for several days. The
<a href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000949.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. National Library of Medicine</a> says this withdrawal process isn't life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.
It's imperative that those attempting to withdraw from opiates utilize medical detox programs.</li>
 	<li><em>Alcohol</em>: While the effects of alcohol can seem short-lived, people with alcoholism tend to stay in a slightly sedated
state around the clock. That means their brains are consistently influenced by alcohol, and when they try to get sober,
they can feel jittery, shaky, and paranoid. People with an alcoholism habit lasting 10 years or longer are at risk for
delirium tremens, according to the
<a href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000766.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. National Library of Medicine</a>. This severe form of withdrawal can be life-threatening, so medical detox is essential.</li>
 	<li><em>Benzodiazepines</em>: Drugs like Valium, Halcyon, and Klonopin are sedating, just like alcohol, and they can also lead
to life-threatening complications during withdrawal. People who attempt to quit use too quickly can develop tremors, hallucinations,
and seizures. Again, medical detox is necessary.</li>
 	<li><em>Cocaine</em>: This drug may not cause the serious medical complications seen with alcohol and benzodiazepines, but it's
a hazardous drug to withdraw from, as the effects can last for up to a month. During this time, without medical supervision,
people can feel anxious, irritable, and unable to concentrate, according to the
<a href="http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-toc~drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-3~drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-3-7~drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-3-7-cws" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Government Department of Health</a>. They can feel deep cravings for drugs that put them at risk for relapse.</li>
 	<li><em>Amphetamines</em>: Prescription drugs like Ritalin and illicit drugs like methamphetamine all boost nervous system activity.
When these drugs are removed, people can experience all sorts of unusual brain activity. For example, a study in the journal</li>
 	<li><em><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3071736/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Addiction</a>
</em> reports that people in acute withdrawal from methamphetamine can experience episodes of psychosis for up to one week after
the last hit of drugs. It's unusual brain activity that's responsible for these episodes of strange behavior. With treatment,
these episodes can be kept under control.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

<em><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8K2L0JtBDYQ?rel=0" width="100%" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></em>

[ssvob]
<h2>Addiction Treatment Process</h2>
[callout]
<ol>
 	<li><a href="/adult-addiction-treatment-programs/signs">Signs of Abuse</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/intervention/">Have an Intervention</a></li>
 	<li>Detox Help</li>
 	<li><a href="/rehab-guide/">Guide to Drug Rehab</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/therapy-treatment/">Your Therapy Options</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/outpatient-treatment/">Find Outpatient Programs</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/addiction-treatment-aftercare/">Seek Recovery Aftercare</a></li>
</ol>
[/callout]
<h2>What Is Drug Detox?</h2>
At a basic level, detox is a perfectly natural process. Drugs enter the body, and the body's systems work to process the
chemicals. Cells in the liver purify the blood. Cells in the digestive system process alcohol. Cells in the kidneys move
waste out of the body altogether. It's an efficient and perfectly natural system that the body uses in order to heal. But
drugs can wreak havoc on those natural systems. Some drugs are just so powerful that the body can't handle a typical cleaning
protocol. Sometimes, as mentioned, drugs are so powerful that people who attempt natural methods put their lives at risk.
That's why experts agree that a medical detox program is the safest choice for people with an addiction history. But it
isn't the only method available to people who want to get clean. In fact, there are a variety of different options out there
for people who need to move past drugs.
<h2>Cold Turkey</h2>
Some people use a cold-turkey method. Rather than using medications or a drug taper to allow the brain to adjust, they
stop the abuse all at once, pushing systems into sudden withdrawal.

For some people, this is a conscious choice. These people make a decision to leave drugs behind, and they simply stop
taking those drugs on that day, as soon as the decision is made. But sometimes, it's not a process that people choose
willingly. For example, according to

<em>
<a href="http://bangordailynews.com/2012/05/27/health/addicted-maine-inmates-have-no-choice-but-to-go-off-drugs-cold-turkey/'" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangor Daily News</a>
</em>, prison inmates are often pushed into a cold-turkey withdrawal process, as the state of Maine doesn't provide medical
care unless there's a life-threatening complication in play.

While cold-turkey approaches can seem appealing, as they allow people to get sober as soon as they decide to do so,
they come with some risks. Some drugs are just too dangerous to stop taking all at once, and some drugs cause huge
withdrawal cravings that are very hard to ignore. A rapid withdrawal from drugs like this could cause relapses and
medical crises.
<h2>Detox &amp; Tapering</h2>
People with addictions become experts on how their drugs work and what they can do. They often know just how much of
specific drugs to take and exactly when to take them. They can use that knowledge in order to get sober through tapering
approaches.

The idea here is for people to take smaller and smaller doses of the drugs they're accustomed to, so their bodies can
grow accustomed to sobriety in slow and measured steps. Each day, they'll take just a little less, until they're taking
none at all.

Tapering protocols can take a long time to work. For example, in a study published in the
<a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005194.pub2/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false&amp;deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cochrane Library</a>, experts suggest that a benzodiazepine withdrawal works best when it lasts for longer than 10
weeks. People moving faster tended to relapse, so a slow approach was deemed more effective.

Tapering comes with the risk of relapse, too, as people doing a taper on their own have access to the drugs they're
addicted to. There's nothing to stop them from taking more, and some people do so.
<h2>Can I detox At Home?</h2>
People who want to get sober without feeling ill or undergoing a long taper might be tempted to purchase a home detox
kit. These products claim to ease the path to sobriety through herbs, tinctures, and vitamins, allowing for clean urine
tests and a healthy body. However, few of these products really do what manufacturers claim they do.

<a href="http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/marijuana-and-drug-detox-kits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Columbia University</a> says home detox kits don't contain elements proven to speed the removal of drugs through the
body. They just do not work. Which means that people trying these products for home detox are likely simply signing
up for cold-turkey withdrawal. This isn't safe, as mentioned, for people taking some types of drugs.
<h2>Rapid Detox</h2>
This detox method is far from DIY. Instead, people using this method enroll in programs in which they're sedated and
then provided with medications that can render active drug particles inactive. It's touted as a solution for opioid
addictions, and it can be tempting to some users, as the whole process is complete within just a few days.

Unfortunately, researchers at the
<a href="http://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2006/10/study-finds-withdrawal-no-easier-ultrarapid-opiate-detox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Institute on Drug Abuse</a> say this method comes with few or no benefits. People undergoing this type of
detox are no more likely to stay sober than people who went through a traditional medical detox, but they were more
likely to endure life-threatening complications during withdrawal. In addition, the rapid method still came with some
discomfort blamed on drug withdrawal. That means people using this method were putting their lives at risk, for no
real benefits that researchers could see.
<h2>What Is the Process of Detoxification?</h2>
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-36052" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/diagnostics-1-300x200.jpg" alt="group therapy" width="300" height="200" /> Clearly, other methods of detox come with some dangers and/or drawbacks that make them far from appealing to everyone with an addiction. Medical detox is different. Here, people have supervision and support as they detox, so they won't be forced to deal with changes and cravings without help.

[quote]Often, medical detox teams use medications to blunt the force of withdrawal symptoms, so people can move through the process without feeling ill.[/quote]

Each detox facility has specialized plans and protocols, but most of these facilities probably follow the same steps to help
clients. Inpatient detox begins with evaluations. Teams determine:
<ul>
 	<li>What drugs the person has taken</li>
 	<li>When the last dose was consumed</li>
 	<li>What drug doses the person is accustomed to</li>
 	<li>How long the abuse has been happening</li>
 	<li>How many times the person has tried to get sober in the past</li>
 	<li>What happened during these prior sobriety attempts</li>
</ul>
Then, teams pull together a medical detox protocol that encompasses medications, nutrition, emotional support, and alternative
medicine. The person enrolled has the opportunity to accept or decline any part of that plan, and then the process begins.

As the person moves through detox, the team keeps a close eye on both mental and physical health.

Any sign of discomfort means that things aren't progressing as they should. Medications might need adjusting or therapies might need a tweak. There's always someone nearby to provide that adjustment and monitoring, so the health of the person is always protected.

<img class="alignright" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/bigstock-close-up-of-patient-and-doctor-69241132-250x168.jpg" alt="getting help" width="250" height="168" align="left" />There's no set end to medical detox, but it typically takes place when the person with the addiction is no longer taking any sort of drug and feels comfortable with the idea of entering therapeutic programs to build on detox completion. That work is absolutely necessary.

Detox alone can't ensure lasting sobriety. When these programs are complete, people are sober for the moment, but they don't have the tools they'll need in order to preserve that sobriety. They probably can't handle a relapse trigger, like a friend offering drugs or a party filled with alcohol. They probably don't know what to do in order to avoid those triggers. That's work that happens in drug rehab, and that takes place after medical detox.

[quote]Teams involved in medical detox can smooth the road to rehab by suggesting good programs, ensuring enrollment, and otherwise making sure that the person does the work required for long-term sobriety.[/quote]

With this kind of encouragement and support, people may enroll in programs that they might not have considered without a push.
<h3>Finding Help</h3>
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-35660 " src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/heroin-addiction-treatment-1-300x200.jpg " alt="finding help and addiction recovery " width="300 " height="200 " />

Medical detox programs provide the best path to sobriety for people with addictions, and there are programs just like this all over the United States.

When addictions are impacting a family, medical detox programs can provide a part of the answer. By enrolling, <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/destroy-relationships/ " target="_blank " rel="noopener ">families will soon be on the road to a happier and healthier future.</a>

How to Find a Drug Detox Center

[content-overview]<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zolpidem-oromucosal-route-sublingual-route/precautions/drg-20068261" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ambien</a> is a sleep medication designed to help people who suffer from chronic insomnia.[/content-overview] It is not intended for long-term use. Physicians have been advised that if their patients continue to need the medication after a few weeks of use, at most, they should take the patient off the medication and find an alternative therapy.

<img class="alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cannot-sleep-300x211.jpg" alt="ambien withdrawals" width="300" height="211" />

<a href="http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/ucm334033.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem</a>, a sleep-inducing medication that in recent years has become more frequently abused. In the past, medical professionals were warned that individuals with a history of addictive behaviors, such as addiction to alcohol or prescription medications, were more likely to become addicted to Ambien. While this is true, a 2011 study published in <i>Behavioral Pharmacology</i> suggests that the hypnotic “high” associated with <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3077937/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ambien abuse can be addictive</a> for people who have not previously displayed addictive propensities for other substances.

When used properly, Ambien helps people with chronic insomnia fall asleep, but is not designed to help them remain asleep. Part of the prescription states that patients prescribed Ambien should only take the medication within one hour of going to bed. However, when <a href="http://www.ct.gov/dcp/lib/dcp/drug_control/pmp/pdf/zolpidem.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ambien is abused</a>, individuals take the medication in larger doses, without the intention of falling asleep, or with other medications like stimulants or alcohol, which can enhance the drug’s hypnotic effects.

Doctors always <a href="http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/019908s035,021774s016lbl.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prescribe the lowest possible dose of Ambien</a> to their patients, and it is recommended that they monitor their patients for psychological changes or a need for sleep medications for a period beyond 10 days. These can indicate that the individual patient has become addicted to Ambien or could be abusing the drug.

[button-color link='/insurance-coverage']Learn more about insurance coverage and verify your insurance with AAC[/button-color]
<h2>Withdrawal from Ambien</h2>
Symptoms of <a href="http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=3878" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrawal from Ambien</a> begin within 48 hours of the final dose. They include:

[columns count="2"]
<ul>
 	<li>Anxiety</li>
 	<li>Mood swings</li>
 	<li>Irritability</li>
 	<li>Cravings for Ambien</li>
 	<li>Sweating</li>
 	<li>Tremors</li>
 	<li>Fatigue</li>
 	<li>Nausea or vomiting</li>
 	<li>Abdominal cramps or discomfort</li>
 	<li>Uncontrolled crying or depression</li>
 	<li>Delirium</li>
 	<li>Flushing</li>
 	<li>Panic attacks</li>
 	<li>Rapid heart rate and breathing</li>
 	<li>Rebound insomnia</li>
 	<li>Seizures (rare)</li>
</ul>
[/columns]

[quote]<a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584606002971" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Seizures</a> occur in less than 1 percent of withdrawal cases, but they can occur in cases where the individual quits Ambien “cold turkey” or is suddenly unable to satisfy the craving for the drug.[/quote]

This seems to be connected to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain and changes in pathways related to uptake of this neurotransmitter.

[callout title="More on Withdrawal &amp; Timelines"]
<ul>
 	<li><a href="/benzodiazepine/length-of-withdrawal">Benzodiazepines</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/ativan-treatment/withdrawal-timeline">Ativan</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/halcion-addiction/withdrawal">Halcion</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/valium-treatment/withdrawal-duration">Valium</a></li>
</ul>
[/callout]

[callout title="Ambien Withdrawal Timeline"]
<a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/717142" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Withdrawal symptoms</a> typically lessen or disappear within 1-2 weeks. The most acute withdrawal symptoms typically occur within the first 3-5 days, but psychological withdrawal symptoms can persist for up to two weeks. In some rare cases, an individual may experience insomnia, cravings, panic attacks, and other side effects for months after stopping use of Ambien.

It is difficult to know exactly how long Ambien withdrawal takes for each individual person. A period of 1-2 weeks is average, but several factors can affect how long a person experiences Ambien withdrawal symptoms. These include:
<ul>
 	<li><i>How long the person took Ambien</i>: When an individual takes Ambien as prescribed for a short period of time, the person is less likely to experience withdrawal symptoms, and those symptoms will not be acute or severe.</li>
 	<li><i>How high the Ambien dose was</i>: If a person takes more Ambien than prescribed, that person is more likely to develop a tolerance to the medication, which means more Ambien is needed to feel “normal.” This can lead to worse physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.</li>
 	<li><i>Whether or not the Ambien was the extended-release version</i>: Extended-release medications offer a higher dose of the drug than non-extended-release medications. While this means the medication is slowly released into the system when taken normally, forms of abuse allow individuals to bypass the chemicals that slow the release and take a large dose of Ambien all at once. This can lead to much more intense withdrawal symptoms.</li>
 	<li><i>If the individual took other drugs in addition to Ambien</i>: Other medications, alcohol, or illegal drugs can enhance the effects of Ambien, increasing the potential “high.” Withdrawal symptoms are likely to be compounded if the person ceases all drug use at once.</li>
</ul>
[/callout]
<h2>Medications Used to Treat Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms</h2>
Although a medical professional may prescribe psychiatric treatments for depression or anxiety related to Ambien withdrawal, there are few drugs that treat the actual withdrawal effects. Anti-seizure medications may be used to help people who suffer seizures during withdrawal. Those suffering severe anxiety or suicidal thoughts are likely to receive short-term prescriptions for mood-stabilizing medications.

Some recent medical research suggests quetiapine, an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, has helped some Ambien withdrawal symptoms. However, there are no recommended prescribing practices around this medication for this purpose yet.

People who wish to stop using Ambien are encouraged to speak to medical professionals about potential withdrawal symptoms. Because of the potential for seizures, some doctors may work with the individual to taper the Ambien dose, rather than stop “cold turkey.” This helps to prevent seizures, and it can also reduce or prevent other withdrawal symptoms.
<h2>Additional Help to Stop Abusing the Drug</h2>
It is very important for people struggling with Ambien addiction to have solid emotional support while they stop taking this medication. As Ambien is a sedative, medical detox is recommended. While detox is often the starting point for recovery, it does not constitute addiction treatment on its own. Comprehensive treatment must follow.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help these individuals learn better coping skills, and talk therapy can also be helpful when working through psychological problems. Group therapy can provide another source of emotional support for people struggling with Ambien addiction.

[callout title="About Drug and Alcohol Detox"]
<ul>
 	<li><a href="/drug-detox/find-center">Find Detox Help</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/drug-detox/cost">What Is the Cost?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/drug-detox/pregnant">Concerns While Pregnant</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/outpatient-treatment/detox">Outpatient Options</a></li>
</ul>
[/callout]

Ambien Withdrawal - Symptoms, Timeline and Tips

Knowing that I have to power to control my addictions is great. I knew I had the power for the twenty-five years that I simply could not control my addictions. But I knew that I could, if I wanted to. I just didn’t want to. So, maybe, just maybe the key to contented sobriety has more to do with wanting it than it has to do with not being able to control it? After all, if I really wanted it, I would not have willingly given control to the booze, and could have simply stayed sober and saved a lot of people a lot of pain. What kind of monster would allow the people he loves to suffer?

[caption id="attachment_34962" align="alignright" width="249"]<img class="size-full wp-image-34962" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2016-06-27-at-11.06.16-AM.png" alt="" width="249" height="212" /> Captain Michael Morse, retired, Providence Fire Department[/caption]

An addicted one!

I lacked the courage to change that which I could, and did not possess the serenity to accept what I could not, so I did what an good alcoholic would do: I decided that it was all nonsense, threw wisdom out the window and kept on drinking. I spend a lot of time with people like me; people who struggle with addiction. Nearly every one of us had to come to grips with our powerlessness over that which addicted us. For some, it was a relief; knowing that the game was fixed and always had been made it easier to accept. For others, admitting powerlessness was akin to death. We value our freedom far too much to have it hindered by anything we cannot control. We fought our powerlessness with everything we had, only to fail again and again. Only after it became abundantly clear that by allowing the possibility that we are powerless into our minds we might find some relief did we do so.

Addiction is only one of the many things I am powerless over. Admitting this does not make me weak, I do not waste time fighting an inevitable fact. All of us are powerless. Not one of us alive today will be here a hundred or so years from now. I will not be here forever, and that is okay.  It is remarkable how “accepting things we cannot change” makes “changing things we cannot accept” possible.  We may be powerless over many things, but not all. Knowing the difference makes the difference between success and failure. Alcohol may have power over me when it enters my bloodstream, but if it is not allowed access it has no power. That power diverts right back to where it belongs.

To Me.

[quote]“God, (of my choosing) grant me <strong>the serenity</strong> to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.”[/quote]

Serenity

[content-overview]Nearly 20% of minors drink alcohol, including 4.5 million who are binge drinkers.<sup>1</sup> AAC is hosting community events about the effects of underage drinking as part of SAMHSA's Communities Talk initiative.[/content-overview]

Although national studies show that underage alcohol use has steadily declined since 2002, there were still 7.4 million drinkers between the ages of 12 and 20 in 2017.<sup>1</sup> With this in mind, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is leveraging Alcohol Awareness Month in April and National Prevention Week May 12-18 to <a href="https://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/townhallmeetings/whats-new.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bring conversations about underage drinking into communities</a>.<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/teenager.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-56874" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/teenager.jpg" alt="underage drinking problem" width="334" height="500" /></a>

With alcohol being the top-treated substance of abuse at addiction rehab centers across the country<sup>2</sup> and <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/the-real-gateway-drug">nearly 66% of people reporting that alcohol was the first substance they ever used</a><sup>3</sup> it’s clear that communication with youths about underage drinking is an important first step to addressing the problem.

American Addiction Centers is participating in this important mission by hosting discussions in our own communities. On April 23, Oxford Treatment Center will host the panel discussion The Culture of Alcohol: Current Perspectives on Underage Drinking, <a href="https://www.oxfordtreatment.com/event/culture-alcohol-current-perspectives-underage-drinking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">plus a Q&amp;A session with local government representatives and medical professionals</a>, at Oxford High School Library.

On April 29, Laguna Treatment Hospital hosts <a href="https://lagunatreatment.com/about-us/events-and-media/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">From Underage Drinking to Addiction: Stories and Stats We Can’t Ignore</a>. This special community event will be joined by childhood <em>Baywatch</em> star Jeremy Jackson, who shares his personal story of addiction, which started with having his first beer at the age of 12.

These events are open to all members of the community: teens, parents, professors, advisors—anyone who wants to take a more active role in reducing the impact of underage drinking.

It is often said that “addiction is a family disease,” and underage drinking is no exception. Parents of teens and young adults may already be aware of their child’s alcohol use, but not know how to address the subject without pushing their loved one away. We encourage family members of underage drinkers to read<a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/guide-for-families-i](https://americanaddictioncenters.org/guide-for-families-i"> Parts I</a> and <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/guide-for-families-ii](https://americanaddictioncenters.org/guide-for-families-ii">II of our Guide for Families t</a>o learn about substance use disorder in this age group and the options that are available.

AAC is passionate about helping people of all walks of life find recovery from substance use disorders by providing research, support, and community resources <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/about-us">alongside our evidence-based treatment methods</a>.

[caption id="attachment_56893" align="alignleft" width="200"]<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/JeremyJackson.jpg"><img class="wp-image-56893 size-medium" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/JeremyJackson-200x300.jpg" alt="Jeremy Jackson story of addiction, alcoholism and sobriety." width="200" height="300" /></a> Jeremy Jackson, former child star of the sitcom Baywatch, will share his personal story of addiction at Laguna Treatment Hospital on April 29.[/caption]
<h3>Sources</h3>
[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018)./Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health/(HHS Publication No. SMA 18-5068, NSDUH Series H-53). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.

[2] Recovery Brands. (2017).

[3] American Addiction Centers. (2018).

AAC Treatment Centers Host Town Halls on Underage Drinking

Memorial Day weekend is here, and we know that holidays and family gatherings can be difficult for those struggling with addiction.

Old family feuds, drama between family members, or disapproval of things that have happened in the past are often aired during social functions. All of this can be extremely stressful.

There is no "magic cure" for addiction. It takes hard work to get clean and sober, but you can start today, and have a better tomorrow.

<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/memorialday.png"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-58343" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/memorialday-300x151.png" alt="This Memorial Day, don't let addiction ruin your holiday weekend" width="300" height="151" /></a>

A story from <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/oxford">Oxford Treatment Center</a> alumnus carter:
<h2>Don't Ruin Memorial Day (Like I Did)</h2>
In my hometown there's a Memorial Day parade followed by partying all day and fireworks all evening. This particular Memorial Day, our family (all 31 of us) were supposed to take a group photo before the parade because this was the first time in years we were all in the same place. I knew it would be a big deal if I missed it, but at that time I didn't care about hurting my family.

I partied hard the night before, and even though I was sick I woke up early the morning of the family photo so I could get what I needed not to be sick in front of my family. But that trip ended up taking 2 hours due to holiday traffic, and I completely missed the family photo. I was embarrassed, but I figured my parents and grandparents would just have to just get over it.

I decided go to my uncle's Memorial Day pool party in hopes of taking some of the negative attention away from my missing the family photo. But of course, I was still scolded by my parents, and my other relatives refused to speak to me. Even though this hurt my feelings, I was pretty numb to any emotion or human connection due to my excessive using. I brushed it off, went to the bathroom every 30-45 mins to do another line, and returned to the party trying to act casual with my sunglasses on and a drink in my hand.

My family knew I had a problem, but they didn’t understand the extent of it. Nobody in my family had ever really addressed "the disease of addiction," so <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/family-members">they didn’t know how to tell me</a> to stop drinking and drugging. They also thought I’d storm off in a rage if they mentioned it, and they didn’t want me to run away from the problem, so it was a lose-lose situation in their eyes.

I sat on the edge of the pool listening to music and making small talk with my teenage cousins. Next thing I know, I feel the cold water of the pool on my face and then I'm being dragged out of the pool by my uncle and brother. I came to almost instantly, and I remember the extreme discomfort of my wet clothes sticking to my skin and the chlorine smell stuck in my nose from nearly drowning.

I had no idea what happened, but they say I passed out and fell face first into the pool. I was 22 and on the swim team, so everyone noticed it was out of character for me. I would have drowned if my family hadn't been there. My younger cousins were crying, and my dad and uncle yelled at me. My mom left the party, I'm guessing because she couldn't handle the situation. My family asked me to leave.

Nobody could believe what had happened. I was <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/disease-of-addiction">lost and out of control</a>. Even after nearly drowning and being asked to leave, I lashed out at my family and told them they were crazy. I told them they didn’t deserve a happy Memorial Day because they didn’t even want their own family member there. I even told my dad “if you actually cared about me or took responsibility for your kids, I wouldn’t have turned out this way.” What I didn't understand then, was that the only person responsible for the Memorial Day wreckage was me.

My parents were and still are the best parents anybody could ever ask for, and they did everything they could to help me. They are the reason I ultimately ended up at The Oxford Center — an AAC rehab — and that was the best decision I ever made.

Treatment at Oxford offered me a long term solution for my self-induced insanity through the abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Today I’m healthy and thriving, and<a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/sobriety-guide"> just over 2 years sober</a>!

<em>— Carter, Oxford Center alumnus</em>

This Memorial Day, Don't Let Addiction Ruin Your Holiday Weekend

<h2>What Does Heroin Withdrawal Look Like?</h2>
Heroin withdrawal symptoms may only last a week or so, but the symptoms can be severe and include:
[columns count="2"]
<ul>
 	<li>Nausea</li>
 	<li>Abdominal pain</li>
 	<li>Sweating</li>
 	<li>Shaking</li>
 	<li>Nervousness</li>
 	<li>Agitation</li>
 	<li>Depression</li>
 	<li>Muscle spasms</li>
 	<li>Cravings for drugs</li>
</ul>
[/columns]

<a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/medical-detox-centers">Medical detox providers</a> use medications and therapy to soothe symptoms, boosting the chances that a person will move through withdrawal safely and successfully.
<p style="text-align: center;">[button-color width="auto" link='/insurance-coverage']Learn more about insurance coverage and verify your insurance with AAC[/button-color]</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As prescription painkillers become harder to divert, obtain, and alter, many people addicted to opiates are turning to heroin as the answer.</p>
Heroin may be a cheaper alternative to powerful and addictive drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin, and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/29/health/gupta-unintended-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> reports that close to half of young injection heroin users abused a prescription opioid drug first.

[media image="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/heroin-withdrawal-timeline.png" alt="heroin withdrawal &amp; detox timeline"][/media]

The <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heroin/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC) reports that heroin abuse has doubled for Americans aged 18-25 in the past decade. In 2013, approximately 8,200 people died from a heroin overdose, which is close to four times the number of heroin-related overdose fatalities in 2002.

[quote]Heroin is highly addictive. Due to its powerful withdrawal symptoms, those who are dependent on heroin may fare better in medical detox in order.[/quote]

[link-bank title="More on Withdrawal &amp; Timelines"]
<ul>
 	<li><a href="/dilaudid-abuse/how-long-is-withdrawal">Dilaudid</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/methadone-addiction/as-short-term-detox">Methadone</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/morphine-treatment/timelines-symptoms">Morphine</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/opana-treatment/detox-timeline">Opana</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/suboxone/withdrawal">Suboxone</a></li>
</ul>
[/link-bank]
<h2>Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms Range</h2>
Heroin withdrawal will not be the same for everyone.

The longer someone uses heroin, how it was abused, and how much was taken each time will all be factors in how dependent the brain and body are to the drug. Therefore, the severity and duration of withdrawal will vary as well. Someone with a history of mental illness or previous opioid withdrawal may have a more intense withdrawal experience.

Heroin is an opiate drug that suppresses some of the functions of the central nervous system, like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and temperature regulation. It also binds to opioid receptors, increasing chemicals in the brain that are responsible for feelings of pleasure. When heroin is abused, a rush of pleasure also occurs. During withdrawal, the effects are the opposite of the intoxicating effects. For example, instead of euphoria, reduced heart rate, and sedation, the individual may experience low mood, anxiety, and rapid heart rate, among other symptoms (see below).

Withdrawal symptoms range in severity in accordance with the level of dependence and duration of abuse.
[callout]
For someone who didn't abuse heroin in massive doses for months or years, withdrawal may be more tempered and not last as long.

[grid]
[grid-section width="1"]
<em>Mild withdrawal symptoms:</em>
<ul>
 	<li>Nausea</li>
 	<li>Abdominal cramps</li>
 	<li>Tearing</li>
 	<li>Runny nose</li>
 	<li>Sweats</li>
 	<li>Chills</li>
 	<li>Yawning a lot</li>
 	<li>Muscle and bone aches</li>
</ul>
[/grid-section]
[grid-section width="1"]
<em>Moderate withdrawal symptoms:</em>
<ul>
 	<li>Vomiting</li>
 	<li>Diarrhea</li>
 	<li>Agitation</li>
 	<li>Restlessness</li>
 	<li>Tremors</li>
 	<li>Trouble concentrating</li>
 	<li>Goose bumps</li>
 	<li>Fatigue</li>
</ul>
[/grid-section]
[grid-section width="1"]
<em>Severe withdrawal symptoms:</em>
<ul>
 	<li>Anxiety</li>
 	<li>Insomnia</li>
 	<li>Depression</li>
 	<li>Hypertension</li>
 	<li>Rapid heart rate</li>
 	<li>Muscle spasms</li>
 	<li>Impaired respiration</li>
 	<li>Difficulty feeling pleasure</li>
 	<li>Drug cravings</li>
</ul>
[/grid-section]
[/grid]
[/callout]
Withdrawal from heroin isn't generally considered life-threatening on its own; however, some of the medical and psychological symptoms may have complications that may be life-threatening.

Depression may lead someone to consider suicide, for example. Heroin should never be stopped suddenly without the support of medical and/or mental health professionals who can employ multiple methods for managing the side effects of withdrawal and keep individuals safe.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ydnFNH83A6c" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

[callout]
<h2>Heroin Detox Duration</h2>
Heroin is a short-acting opioid, meaning that it takes effect rapidly but also leaves the bloodstream quickly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that heroin withdrawal symptoms start within <strong>6-12 hours</strong> of the last dose, peak in <strong>2-3 days</strong>, and last <strong>5-10 days</strong> in total.

Detox is the set of interventions used to manage the symptoms of withdrawal. <a href="/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/">Since withdrawal can peak after a few days of the last dose</a>, detox in a substance abuse treatment center that offers medical detox may be the most comfortable way to withdraw from heroin.

Medical detox often starts before heroin completely leaves the system and usually takes between 5 and 7 days. For someone who is more heavily dependent on heroin, detox may last a little longer, up to 10 days. Medical detox often incorporates medications and therapy to help the body and brain recover from its dependence on heroin. Blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and temperature levels are all monitored to help keep individuals safe and secure throughout the entire process.

[/callout]
<h2>Managing Withdrawal at a Heroin Detox Center</h2>
The <a href="http://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Society of Addiction Medicine</a> (ASAM) estimates that 517,000 Americans battle heroin addiction. Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug by the <a href="https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drug Enforcement Administration</a> (DEA), which means that it is considered to have a high rate of abuse and potential for addiction, and no medicinal uses in this country.

[quote]There are several medications approved to treat heroin dependency, some of which may be used during detox to control the more uncomfortable physical and emotional withdrawal side effects, as well as to keep cravings to a minimum. Ideally, this process is undertaken at a professional heroin detox center.[/quote]

Heroin may be replaced with a longer-acting opioid to relieve withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings, and adjunct medications may also be used to treat specific symptoms. Anti-nausea medications, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants are some examples of symptom-specific medications.

During medical detox, mental health professionals are also on hand to offer support and assistance. The <a href="https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2017/Understanding-Dual-Diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Alliance on Mental Illness</a> (NAMI) reports that about half of all drug abusers also suffer from mental illness, which can also affect duration and treatment methods during the stay at a heroin detox program as well as throughout substance abuse recovery.

Emotional withdrawal symptoms related to heroin, such as depression and anxiety, may be more prevalent in someone who also has a history of mental illness or an underlying mood disorder. When heroin stops being active in the bloodstream, individuals may notice a dip in dopamine levels, which can result in a "crash" of emotions. Not only do vital signs and anxiety levels spike, normal things that used to induce pleasure no longer bring the same joy. Being in a supportive and calming environment during the peak of these symptoms can help someone get through the process more easily.

[callout]
<h2>Heroin Withdrawal and Suboxone</h2>
As a general practice, individuals who receive rehab treatment will undergo medical detox and then intensive therapy treatment. Heroin and other opioids are unique in that there are prescription medications available to assist with both withdrawal and abstinence maintenance. In the case of heroin, a person in recovery may be treated with <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/suboxone">buprenorphine</a> (Suboxone), <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/methadone-addiction">methadone</a>, or <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-medications/naltrexone">naltrexone</a>. Each medication can have different introduction times but all will require either an in-clinic visit or a prescription for at-home use. This particular discussion focuses on heroin withdrawal and Suboxone.
As <a href="http://psychcentral.com/lib/how-is-suboxone-treatment-different-than-drug-abuse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PsychCentral</a> discusses, the U.S. Food and Drug administration approved buprenorphine for the use of opioid withdrawal and as a maintenance therapy. In terms of the withdrawal process, these medications are regarded for their ability to suppress symptoms, including cravings. In this way, buprenorphine serves as a relapse prevention measure. Further, when used as a form of abstinence maintenance therapy, buprenorphine has a lower potential for abuse compared to methadone. Some studies report one-year sobriety rates for those on buprenorphine to be between 40 and 60 percent.

But buprenorphine, particularly Suboxone, is also sometimes used for a separate purpose than its intended use. Some heroin abusers purchase Suboxone on the street to use recreationally. These individuals use Suboxone to stave off painful or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms in between heroin uses. The Suboxone often comes from individuals who have lawful prescriptions and choose to sell the pills. Some individuals who use Suboxone between heroin doses may do so as a way of “chipping,”which is slang for using heroin recreationally without becoming clinically addicted. Chipping, by way of Suboxone use or not, is a highly dangerous behavior and can lead to physical dependence and then addiction.
[/callout]
<h2>Heroin Dependency Treatment</h2>
[media image="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/doctor.jpg" alt="getting treatment fore heroin dependency "][/media]

Methadone has long been used for the treatment of heroin addiction. It is a long-acting opioid that is substituted for the shorter-acting drug.

<a href="/methadone-addiction/how-long-in-system/">Methadone stays active in the bloodstream for an entire day in most cases</a>. Methadone works to minimize heroin withdrawal by activating the opioid receptors in much the same way as the drug itself, although with less of the intense and rapid onset of euphoria that heroin produces.

Methadone is federally regulated and usually given out as a pill once a day. Methadone doses can be gradually tapered down over time. Methadone does still have the potential for creating dependency on it as well, especially if it is abused and taken in higher than intended doses. Other options and medications may be preferable for many individuals.

Another product that is also a partial opioid agonist and long-acting opioid is buprenorphine. Buprenorphine has the added bonus over methadone of reaching a plateau after a certain amount is taken, thereby reducing its abuse potential. Naloxone may also be added to buprenorphine products to keep users from wanting to take more heroin for fear of the onset of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is injected. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors and can be used for the long-term maintenance of heroin abstinence.

Individuals should be very clear with their drug use history and disclose the correct information about the last dose in order to avoid precipitated withdrawal during detox. If someone takes an active opioid antagonist drug while an opioid agonist, such as heroin, is still in the bloodstream, withdrawal symptoms may be more dangerous and may start suddenly, which is called precipitated withdrawal.

This can be avoided by a drug assessment done upon entering detox. Medical detox can provide a controlled environment that can help prevent any other drug abuse as well.

[quote]Medical detox functions optimally as a part of a comprehensive opioid dependency treatment program that will also include further support and services.[/quote]

[link-bank title="About Drug and Alcohol Detox"]
<ul>
 	<li><a href="/drug-detox">Drug Detoxification Info</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/drug-detox/cost">What Are the Cost?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/drug-detox/dangers-of-rapid-detox">Issues of Rapid Detox</a></li>
</ul>
[/link-bank]

Heroin Withdrawal, Symptoms, Detox and Treatment

<h2>Finding a Free Drug Rehab Center</h2>
To find a free drug rehab or detox center near you, you can start your search with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Use their Directory of Single State Agencies for Substance Abuse Services to find the local resource to contact in your state. Be prepared to verify your income, whether you have any insurance, and any need for financial support before you can enroll.

For some individuals, any monetary cost of alcohol or drug addiction rehab is too much. For people living in poverty and those who are unemployed, even homeless, and struggling with the physical, emotional, and financial cost of addiction, the idea of entering a treatment program seems impossible because there is simply no money available. Because many treatment programs are beyond the ability of these individuals or their families to afford, some of them attempt a potentially dangerous cold-turkey or at-home detox, or other treatment methods that are not evidence-based. Some of these individuals, even though they want to move past their addictions, give up on the idea of rehab altogether simply based on the inability to pay.

These individuals may not know that there are options for them. Free rehab centers and public assistance for rehab do <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/public-assistance">exist</a>. Exploring treatment avenues such as these is a good idea as it may reveal detox programs and other recovery options available to you at little or no cost. There are also opportunities to defray the cost of treatment or to have it covered by another entity. Many of these options are outlined below.

[ssvob]

[callout]
Finding Drug Treatment In Specific States:
<ul>
        <li><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/california">California</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/florida">Florida</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/nevada">Nevada</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/rhode-island">Rhode Island</a></li>
        <li><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/texas">Texas</a></li>
        <li><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/mississippi">Mississippi</a></li>
        <li><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treatment-centers/new-jersey">New Jersey</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
[/callout]

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BFrUb6YWz9U?rel=0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h2>How to Start Your Search to Find Free Treatment Programs</h2>
One way to find free drug rehab or treatment programs is through the government; the <a href="https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)</a> provides a search tool that can find nearby treatment centers based on an individual’s address. The search tool allows individuals to filter programs based on their specific requirements.

<img class="wp-image-36049 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/american-culture-and-treatment-views-1.jpg" alt="American Culture on Addiction Treatment" width="398" height="265" />
<h2>State-Funded Free Drug Rehab Program</h2>
Most states provide funding for drug and alcohol rehabilitation services through public mental health or substance abuse treatment centers that can be accessed by those with no insurance or no income. These centers usually require that the clients qualify through proving:
<ul>
 	<li>Official residence in the state, based on the state’s definition.</li>
 	<li>Lack of income and insurance.</li>
 	<li>Legal residence in the US.</li>
 	<li>Addiction status and need for intervention.</li>
</ul>
Depending on the state, there may be other requirements before the individual can be accepted into the free drug rehab treatment programs. Once this information is established, if the state deems that the client cannot pay, they may provide free treatment on various levels through specific types of clinics or treatment centers.

To begin this process and to find these treatment options, a person dealing with drug or alcohol addiction can get in touch with their state or local mental/behavioral health or substance abuse services. These are often part of larger public or community health agency networks within the government. SAMHSA maintains a <a href="http://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/ssadirectory.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Directory of Single State Agencies (SSA) for Substance Abuse Services</a> to make it easier for people to find out whom to contact. The state’s government websites can also provide information on these services and how to apply for them.
<h2>Faith-Based Rehab</h2>
A number of faith-based groups operate drug and alcohol recovery programs. These include the Christian <a href="http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/adult-rehabilitation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Salvation Army</a> Adult Rehabilitation Centers and Harbor Light detox and residential centers, which can be found nationwide, as well as a variety of other rehab centers and organizations dedicated to residential rehabilitation and support based on their specific faith traditions. Some religious organizations offer support organizations for people in rehab, such as the Orthodox Jewish <a href="http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/714274/jewish/Jewish-Recovery.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chabad movement recovery program</a> and its residential treatment center for men in California, or <a href="https://jewishboard.org/listing/jewish-alcoholics-chemically-dependent-persons-and-significant-others-jacs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JACS</a>, <a href="/faith-based-addiction-recovery/judaism/">a Jewish community addiction resource</a> group in New York, along with a number of other Christian support organizations, like Alcoholics Victorious and Christians in Recovery. These groups generally provide free 12-Step support or other counseling, religious motivation, and peer support group programs, but do not provide medical detox, requiring that their clients undergo detox before beginning their programs.

Faith-based rehabs use their faith traditions as part of their treatment programs. Finding these centers is often just a matter of talking to the leaders of these faith traditions to connect with the resources. Many of these programs are free of charge, but not all of them, so individuals should confirm before getting involved.
<h2>What Is Included in Free Drug Rehab?</h2>
Depending on the provider and the sources of funding, free drug rehab can include anything from intensive inpatient care to simple outpatient medical maintenance.

State-funded programs are more likely to cover a full range of treatment options, though they may not yet have access the very latest in cutting-edge treatment technology or treatment center amenities that some private programs are able to offer. Despite the likelihood of having more basic or standard recovery settings, these state programs still provide effective treatment as well as valuable post-treatment support.

"One challenge with this method is that it’s difficult to tell whether or not the entities provide free treatment without contacting them or your state mental health or substance abuse agency."
<h2>Who Qualifies for Free Drug Rehab?</h2>
<img class="alignright wp-image-36052 size-full" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/diagnostics-1.jpg" alt="Finding Free Drug Rehab &amp; State Funded Treatment" width="350" height="233" />As discussed in part above, many of these rehab center options require that clients apply and be accepted to the programs based on certain qualifications. For free rehab, the main qualifying factor is usually a demonstrated inability to pay. Other qualifications may include residence in the state where treatment is provided, certain social qualifiers, such as being pregnant or a veteran, or being a member of the faith community that runs a faith-based rehab.

There are priority populations in many state rehab centers. For example, through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, it is clearly stated that those who are considered to be priorities for state-funded treatment are:
<ul>
 	<li>Pregnant <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/meth-treatment/how-meth-affects-the-female-body">women addicted to IV drugs</a>.</li>
 	<li>Pregnant women with addictions in general.</li>
 	<li>Anyone else addicted to IV drugs.</li>
 	<li>Women with addictions within one year after giving birth.</li>
</ul>
People in one or more of these categories will be the most likely to receive state-funded treatment services in the state of Washington.

<a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/insurance-coverage/">If a person has insurance coverage, or demonstrates an ability to pay at least part of their treatment cost</a>, free treatment programs may not be available to that person. If that’s the case, there are other ways to help cover the cost of rehab, even at private inpatient treatment centers.
<h2>Other Options Exist for Someone Who Can’t Afford Treatment?</h2>
If free treatment is not available, or if an individual doesn’t qualify for free programs or needs a treatment type that is different from those provided for free, there are other ways to obtain funding that may lower or defray the cost:
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Scholarships:</strong> Some organizations offer scholarships to help people with low incomes afford treatment. These scholarships are sometimes offered through private treatment facilities or through organizations concerned with helping those who are struggling with addiction. It is always advisable to inquire about scholarships or grants available for low-income individuals when seeking a treatment center. In some cases, SAMHSA also provides grants for treatment that can be provided through the state or treatment center.</li>
 	<li><strong>Insurance:</strong> Many types of insurance cover the cost of addiction treatment and rehab; in particular, the Affordable Care Act requires that insurance policies issued under the state health exchanges and through Medicaid programs under the ACA expansion must provide coverage for addiction treatment. It’s important to note that insurance coverage often still requires that the individual provide a co-insurance payment, and some require a deductible be paid before treatment will be free.<a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/insurance-coverage#specific-providers"> Specific plans may have different coverage levels, so it’s a good idea to check the specific policy or talk to the insurance provider.</a></li>
 	<li><strong>Loans</strong>: Many treatment centers provide financing, and there are even specialty loan companies specifically for the purpose of funding treatment for individuals. If an individual is able to pay back the amount after treatment, this course may be a way to pay until that reimbursement is possible.</li>
 	<li><strong>12-Step programs and non-religious self-help and support groups:</strong> While these groups are not recommended as a sole treatment mode for addiction, they are a strong means of support for ongoing recovery during and after rehab. Attendance of group meetings is most often free, requiring no dues.</li>
 	<li><strong>Friends and family:</strong> The loved ones of those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol often want to help but aren’t always sure how to bring it up. It’s worth it to ask loved ones if they are willing to assist with the cost of treatment, even if one is embarrassed to do so. Perhaps it could be discussed as a loan that the individual can work to pay back over time. This may be a last resort for some, and even for those who ask, the answer may be no, but it’s a chance for loved ones to be involved and invested in recovery.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Recovery Advice When Money Is Scarce</h2>
<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Rehab-Guide-Free@2x.png"><img class="wp-image-56677 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Rehab-Guide-Free@2x.png" alt="how to get free rehab treatment" width="131" height="143" /></a>Living on a limited income is challenging enough; having to deal with recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction on a limited income is even more so. Finding help with treatment can make ease some of this burden, and it can help those struggling with addiction to get their lives back. Once recovery is in progress, it can help to be surrounded by others who understand and who can help the recovering individual through the process, such as by participating in self-help groups and other counseling programs.

"Using these free services can help support recovery for the long term, making it easier to manage life after treatment and maintain sobriety into the future.

How to Find Free Drug Rehab and Detox Centers

[content-overview]Rates of substance abuse and addiction are higher among people on the LGBTQ spectrum than in other sectors of society. Thankfully, there are a number of facilities that offer services that are customized to meet the very special challenges
people in this demographic face as they attempt to get sober. The best ones offer assistance with issues of abuse, trauma,
stigmatization, violence, and harassment. They also connect people with peers who can understand them intimately.[/content-overview]

For years now, it has been increasingly acknowledged that the incidence of substance abuse and addiction is higher among
people who self-identify as homosexual, bisexual, transgendered, or somewhere else on the gender or sexuality spectrum
(LGBTQ).

This is confirmed by research reviews, such as one included in the journal
<a href="http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/2011-25205-001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Psychology of Addictive Behaviors</a>, that highlight research demonstrating that LGBTQ persons are at higher risk of alcohol
and drug abuse than the general population.

The issues that stem from this can be compounded by the fact that members of
the LGBTQ community have historically had challenges in getting the healthcare they need without judgment or bias, including
in the area of substance abuse and addiction treatment. However, over the course of the last few decades, there has been
a shift in perceptions and attitudes toward people who identify as LGBTQ, which have made it easier to get the health treatment
they need.
<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Rehab-Guide-LGBT@2x.png"><img class="wp-image-56680 aligncenter" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Rehab-Guide-LGBT@2x.png" alt="LGBTQ persons are 4 times more likely to struggle with substance abuse" width="418" height="399" /></a>

Because of this, the landscape of LGBTQ-friendly addiction treatment centers has changed throughout the US, with more
facilities offering programs specifically to help gay, lesbian, and transgendered individuals recover from addiction and
manage the specific issues that contribute to this higher prevalence of addiction. Still, some of these programs don’t necessarily
escape bias –
<a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/transgender/">especially in the case of transgendered individuals</a> – and sometimes it’s hard for those who identify as LGBTQ to find
treatment that truly meets their needs without being confronted with negative prejudice.

[quote]By knowing what to look for, LGBTQ individuals can find the right treatment center to get them on the path to recovery.[/quote]
<h2>Discrimination and Addiction in the LGBTQ Community</h2>
People who identify as LGBTQ have historically experienced extensive discrimination throughout their lives, both in their
personal relationships and in the public sphere. A study published in the <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2937001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Journal of Public Health</a> shows the toll of this constant bias: LGBTQ persons who have experienced multiple
forms of discrimination are four times more likely to develop some type of substance abuse disorder. Some of the contributing
factors can include:
<ul>
 	<li>Exclusion from social groups and activities.</li>
 	<li>Physical abuse by family members or partners.</li>
 	<li>Rejection by family of origin or by spiritual community.</li>
 	<li>Job loss, loss of child custody, or other public discrimination.</li>
 	<li>Violence based on sexual orientation or gender identification.</li>
 	<li>Peer ridicule and rejection for <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/lgbtqiapk-addiction/drug-abuse-in-the-lgbtq-teen-community">LGBTQ youth.</a></li>
 	<li>Sexuality discrimination combined with other forms of discrimination, such as gender, race, religion, etc.</li>
</ul>
An LGBTQ person struggling with addiction may have experienced multiple incidences of these or other factors; in other cases,
it may just be the fear of these occurring that could contribute to the person developing an addiction disorder.

[quote]Because the stigma against the LGBTQ community is part of what contributes to the higher prevalence of substance abuse, it is easy to see that treatment is not likely to be successful if it perpetuates the discrimination or misunderstanding of these individuals[/quote]
<h2>Addiction Rehab Options</h2>
<img class="size-medium wp-image-35679 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/calling-for-treatment-300x200.jpg" alt="calling-for-treatment" width="300" height="200" />

Recognizing these issues can be especially important for residential treatment; something as simple as making sure transgendered individuals are housed with their self-identified gender can make an important difference in the result of their treatment. Also, being aware of the particular needs of gay men as compared to those of lesbian women, or the different needs of bisexual individuals or LGBTQ youth, can make a difference in the ability to provide treatment that can lead to long-term recovery.

Approaches such as these have been outlined in a manual for treatment providers by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; this manual, <a href="https://store.samhsa.gov/product/A-Provider-s-Introduction-to-Substance-Abuse-Treatment-for-Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-and-Transgender-Individuals/SMA12-4104" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Provider’s Introduction to Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals</a>, can help treatment providers become aware of the particular needs of the LGBTQ community when it comes to rehab, to better create programs that are truly beneficial to this demographic. In fact, these guidelines were adopted and augmented by the Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Addiction Professionals and Their Allies, an organization that provides resources and advocacy for LGBTQ persons struggling with addiction.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gZ-xxSKFarY" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h2>Meeting the Particular Needs of LGBTQ Populations</h2>
A treatment center that is LGBTQ-friendly will recognize the above factors and implement the concepts in their practices. Through doing so, these treatment centers may develop more effective protocols to address several LGBTQ-specific issues, including the following reported in a research review on LGBTQ substance abuse by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0CCEQFjAAahUKEwjVwvuB0tvIAhUUWGMKHfbLBQs&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hazelden.org%2Fweb%2Fpublic%2Fdocument%2Fbcrup_lgbtq.pdf&amp;usg=AFQjCNFeZ3BvhJyHFb1HR4OGWRPBDXdY9A&amp;sig2=lPrK9E3JTfpYkzotEaepjg" target="_blank ">Butler Center for Research</a>:
<ul>
 	<li>The higher incidence of marijuana and illicit drug abuse and addiction for gay men</li>
 	<li>The prevalence of <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/lgbtqiapk-addiction/alcohol-addiction-and-abuse-lgbtq-community">alcohol addiction and binge drinking for lesbian women</a></li>
 	<li>The isolation that bisexual individuals may feel from both heterosexual and homosexual communities</li>
 	<li>The mistrust of healthcare providers that can run high in the transgendered community</li>
 	<li>How to manage the use of hormonal treatments during rehab therapies</li>
 	<li>The emotional and physical challenges faced by younger people who identify as LGBTQ</li>
</ul>
These are just some of the practical needs that are important for a treatment center to be aware of in treating individuals who identify as LGBTQ, and what those who are seeking treatment may look for in a rehab program.
<h2>Finding LGBTQ-Friendly Treatment Centers</h2>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-35682 " src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesbian-Sweethearts-300x200.jpg" alt="Lesbian-Sweethearts " width="300 " height="200 " />

Because of the growing understanding of LGBTQ issues with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, many treatment centers are asserting their ability to provide treatment that caters to the specific needs of this population. However, some of these programs may have underlying biases that somewhat counteract their good intentions. The challenge then becomes finding a facility that truly meets the needs of the individual seeking help with their addiction.

Addiction treatment experts recognize that the treatments more likely to result in long-term recovery for all populations include medically supported detox and rehab, along with therapeutic methods and support mechanisms to help individuals learn to manage their recovery in the months and years following rehab.

For LGBTQ individuals seeking treatment, as well as their loved ones, this first priority is balanced with the need to make sure that the program they enter is not only understanding of their particular personal, social, and psychological challenges, but also provides the support needed to help overcome other specific issues they may deal with during and after rehab, such as:
<ul>
 	<li>Managing responses to discrimination from others.</li>
 	<li>Dealing with depression, anxiety, and guilt that stem from sexual orientation or gender identity.</li>
 	<li>Handling peer pressure and the club scene.</li>
 	<li>Guidelines for accepting identity and coming out.</li>
</ul>
For residential rehab in particular, as referenced above, it’s important to ask whether transgendered individuals will be placed with their self-identified gender. Being forced to reside with their birth gender may perpetuate the stigma, and resultant mental and emotional struggles, that contributed to the substance abuse to begin with. Making sure that individuals are given respect and understanding of their identity is important to their paths to recovery.

Because of the potential for a dual diagnosis – <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/lgbtqiapk-addiction/lgbtq-drug-addiction-substance-abuse">LGBTQ persons who have substance abuse issues</a> are often also dealing with issues of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues – it can be helpful to make sure the treatment program can simultaneously treat these other issues as well as the substance abuse and addiction issue. This can help ensure that individuals have all the tools they need to manage their recovery after rehab.

As emphasized by the <a href="https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/principles-effective-treatment" target="_blank ">National Institute on Drug Abuse</a>, the drug or alcohol rehab program most likely to help an individual achieve long-term recovery is one that is tailored or customized based on that individual’s specific needs.

For that reason, it is essential that a person who identifies as LGBTQ, and who is ready to enter substance abuse treatment, finds a program with experience treating those in the LGBTQ community.

Looking at the Landscape of LGBT and Gay-Friendly Rehabs

[content-overview]
<a href="http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/oxycodone.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OxyContin</a> is a strong prescription painkiller derived from oxycodone, and specifically formulated to release pain medication into the body over a period of up to 12 hours.[/content-overview]

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-30738" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Pills-69723832-300x200.jpg" alt="Pills" width="300" height="200" />

This medication was formulated to help patients with severe, long-lasting pain. The Food and Drug Administration recently specified that strong painkillers like OxyContin should only be used for severe, chronic pain from conditions like arthritis and cancer. Prescription doses for OxyContin range from as little as 10 mg to as much as 80 mg. The benefit of the medication, for people who suffer otherwise unmanageable chronic pain, is that the pain relief lasts consistently for several hours, making it easier for these individuals to participate in daily activities. This also means that these individuals do not have to take pain medication every 4-6 hours and can focus on having a normal daily routine.

The time-release aspect of OxyContin, along with restrictions on prescribing practices, make the drug a bit less of a target for addiction, compared to easily accessed painkillers like Percocet or Vicodin. However, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20010726/fda-issues-new-warnings-on-painkiller-oxycontin#1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">many people still become addicted to OxyContin</a>, often for the euphoric effects that can be experienced from a high dose of opioid pain medication. Some people struggling with addiction try to find ways to bypass the time-release aspect of the medication, while others simply take excessive doses of the drug for a long-lasting high.

[button-color link='/insurance-coverage']Learn more about insurance coverage and verify your insurance with AAC[/button-color]

These dangerous abuses put these people at extremely high risk of overdose and death. Worse, when people develop a tolerance for strong prescription pain medications like OxyContin, they can experience withdrawal symptoms more quickly when the drug leaves the body, and they may feel the need to take dangerous amounts of the medication to feel “normal.”Although people who have chronic pain conditions may build a tolerance to OxyContin, this does not mean they are addicted to the drug.

These individuals should speak with their doctors about how they can best treat their pain. <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/UCM367697.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Current prescribing practices</a> recommend that medical professionals ask their patients about any history of drug addiction or abuse, or any history in their family, before prescribing the medication. OxyContin is designed only for those who have ongoing pain and need long-term pain management.
<h2>OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms</h2>
OxyContin withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other opioid pain medications, but can be more severe depending on how the drug was abused and how large the dose was. Especially with a strong medication like OxyContin, the potential for addiction and subsequent withdrawal symptoms is very high.

There are typically <a href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000949.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two phases of OxyContin withdrawal</a>, and the symptoms of withdrawal can be acute for 1-2 weeks after the individual stops taking the drug. Early OxyContin withdrawal symptoms include:
<ul>
 	<li>Mood changes, like anxiety, irritation, restlessness, or agitation</li>
 	<li>Sleep changes like insomnia</li>
 	<li>Physical changes, like muscle aches and cramps, or yawning</li>
 	<li>Symptoms similar to a cold or flu, like a runny nose, sweating, chills, fever, and congestion</li>
</ul>
Later symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal include:
<ul>
 	<li>Nausea and vomiting</li>
 	<li>Diarrhea</li>
 	<li>Abdominal cramps</li>
 	<li>Reduced appetite</li>
 	<li>Dilated pupils</li>
 	<li>Blurry vision</li>
 	<li>Shivering or goosebumps</li>
 	<li>Rapid heartbeat</li>
 	<li>High blood pressure</li>
</ul>
[quote]Although OxyContin withdrawal can feel terrible, it is not often life-threatening. However, due to the high likelihood of relapse during opiate detox, medical detox is recommended.[/quote]

<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Understanding-OxyContin-Withdrawal-Symptoms-and-Timeline-vFinal.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-56495" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Understanding-OxyContin-Withdrawal-Symptoms-and-Timeline-vFinal.png" alt="OxyContin withdrawal symptoms and timeline during detox" width="700" height="2133" /></a>

[callout title="More on Withdrawal &amp; Timelines"]
<ul>
 	<li><a href="/dilaudid-abuse/how-long-is-withdrawal">Dilaudid</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/heroin-treatment/withdrawal-symptoms">Heroin</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/methadone-addiction/as-short-term-detox">Methadone</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/morphine-treatment/timelines-symptoms">Morphine</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/opana-treatment/detox-timeline">Opana</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/suboxone/withdrawal">Suboxone</a></li>
</ul>
[/callout]
<h2>OxyContin Withdrawal Timeline</h2>
Because OxyContin comes in an extended-release format, if taken in pill form, the medication will not begin to wear off for 12-24 hours after the last dose. However, oxycodone has a half-life of four hours, so if the medication is abused in ways that bypass the time-release aspect, withdrawal can start within 4-8 hours after the last dose. Later symptoms typically start 24 hours after the early symptoms. The first full day of OxyContin withdrawal may manifest as severe flu for many individuals, but the second day shows more typical withdrawal symptoms. As with other opioid medications, OxyContin withdrawal can take 1-2 weeks. The most acute symptoms usually begin to clear up after three days, but for some people, withdrawal can continue for two weeks or more. Some individuals who suffer from severe addictions can <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/dangers/">experience psychological withdrawal symptoms for months after ending OxyContin use.</a>

Duration of withdrawal <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851054/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depends on many individual factors</a>, including the strength of the OxyContin dose, whether it was extended release or not, whether the individual found illegal ways to bypass the time-release formulas in the medication, how long the individual took OxyContin, environmental stresses, and biological or genetic factors that can contribute to addiction.

[callout title="Medications to Ease Withdrawal Symptoms"]
<img src="/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/white-pills-43854715-300x200.jpg" alt="white pills" width="300" height="200" align="right" />

<strong>When a person wants to end an addiction to opioid medications, such as OxyContin, it is important to know what options are in place to help ease the transition.</strong> Many individuals can benefit from inpatient detox and rehabilitation, because this removes them from the environmental stress that might trigger addictive behaviors or self-medication.

There are medications that can ease OxyContin withdrawal symptoms. Some medical professionals may <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/methadone-addiction">prescribe doses of methadone</a> or buprenorphine to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

<strong>In some instances, tapered doses are given rather than forcing the individual to quit “cold turkey.”</strong>

Psychiatric medications to treat depression or anxiety may be used in some instances, to ease the psychological ramifications associated withdrawal. A commonly prescribed medication to ease opioid withdrawal is <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1862300/pdf/canmedaj01379-0071.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clonidine</a>, which addresses some of the most acute symptoms like sweating, cold- or flu-like symptoms, muscle cramps and aches, agitation, and anxiety.

<a href="http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/drug-overdose-naloxone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Naloxone</a> has not been recommended as a primary treatment for OxyContin or other opioid withdrawal, but medical researchers are investigating the possibility. This medication binds to opioid receptors in the brain faster than opioid medications do, and right now, this drug is used by emergency responders in several states in the US to stop overdose symptoms long enough for the individual to be taken to the hospital. Naloxone leaves the body faster than opioid drugs, however, so overdose symptoms do not end but are instead halted. Medical research is being conducted on how naloxone could be applied to withdrawal or addiction treatment, but no guidelines have been approved yet.
[/callout]

[callout title="About Drug and Alcohol Detox"]
<ul>
 	<li><a href="/drug-detox/is-it-necessary">Is It Necessary?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/outpatient-treatment/detox">Outpatient Detox</a></li>
</ul>
[/callout]

Understanding OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms & Timeline

[content-overview]

The misuse of oxycodone, a generic opioid prescription pain reliever, can quickly lead to addiction. There is a host of physical, psychological, and behavioral signs and symptoms of oxycodone addiction, such as:[/content-overview]
<ul>
 	<li>Itching</li>
 	<li>Constipation</li>
 	<li>Dry mouth</li>
 	<li>Hallucinations</li>
 	<li>Abnormal thoughts</li>
 	<li>Dilated pupils (during withdrawal)</li>
 	<li>Diarrhea (during withdrawal)</li>
 	<li>Poor grooming or lack of hygiene</li>
 	<li>Becoming secretive about one’s whereabouts</li>
 	<li>Being in possession of multiple prescription bottles from different doctors and pharmacies</li>
 	<li>Drugged driving</li>
</ul>
<strong>One of the most basic aspects of pharmacology is that a generic drug, such as oxycodone, can be a key ingredient in numerous branded drugs, such as OxyContin.</strong>

Typically, a generic drug and a branded drug do not have names that are so closely related; hence, there may be confusion between oxycodone and OxyContin. Other branded drugs that include oxycodone are Vicodin, Percodan, and Percocet. This article refers specifically to oxycodone.

[callout position="right"]
It is necessary to highlight the distinction between <em>symptoms</em> and <em>signs</em>. A person who uses Oxycodone will experience symptoms, such as euphoria. An onlooker would see a sign, such as a person nodding off. In short, symptoms lead to signs. A concerned person may not be able to detect signs when a person who is abusing oxycodone is hiding symptoms. However, as a general matter, the more people engage in oxycodone abuse, the less able they will be to suppress the signs.
[/callout]

Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever (an analgesic) that is used to treat moderate to severe pain in people with a host of conditions, episodic and ongoing (for example, post-operation or to help cancer patients). Oxycodone is chemically designed to replicate the structure of morphine (an opiate), and it classified as an opioid (because it is synthetic). Oxycodone, like all narcotics (e.g., heroin, morphine, fentanyl, and all prescription opioid pain relievers) has an acutely high addiction profile. These drugs have psychoactive effects if more than a medically necessary amount is used. No one is immune from developing an addiction to oxycodone.


<h2>Physical and Psychological Signs and Symptoms</h2>
<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/shutterstock_303416633.jpg"><img class="wp-image-55300 size-medium alignleft" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/shutterstock_303416633-300x207.jpg" alt="Woman with depersonalization disorder putting head in hand" width="300" height="207" /></a>

The term <em>addiction</em> is deeply entrenched in the public domain; however, this term is no longer considered to be clinically accurate. Rather, the <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5<sup>th</sup> edition</em>, uses the term <a href="http://www.dsm5.org/documents/substance%20use%20disorder%20fact%20sheet.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>substance use disorder</em></a>, and even more specifically <em>opioid use disorder</em> (which is where oxycodone abuse would fall). In order for a person to receive a diagnosis of an opioid use disorder, at least of a possible 11 symptoms must be present within the same 12-month period of time. The severity of a use disorder is spread across a continuum, from mild to moderate to severe. The more symptoms that are present, the more severe the grade. In a sense, then, what the lay public refers to as <em>addiction</em> is probably in the range of six or more symptoms.

[callout]
The 11 symptoms cover physical, psychological, and behaviors factors. The following are paraphrased descriptions of each of the 11 symptoms of an <a href="http://pcssmat.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/5B-DSM-5-Opioid-Use-Disorder-Diagnostic-Criteria.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opioid use disorder</a>, as applied to oxycodone:
<ul>
 	<li>When the individual first started to take oxycodone, an abuse intention was not present but still the individual started to consume too much of this drug or take it too often.</li>
 	<li>The individual wants to cease using hydrocodone, or at least cut back, but is not able to do so.</li>
 	<li>A significant portion of the individual’s life is dedicated to getting oxycodone, using it, and/or recovering from its effects.</li>
 	<li>The individual has urges or cravings for oxycodone.</li>
 	<li>As a direct result of the oxycodone use, the individual cannot adequately fulfill obligations tied to home life, work, school, or recreational activities, such as playing on a sports team.</li>
 	<li>The individual continues to use oxycodone even though there are negative outcomes on one’s relationships.</li>
 	<li>Despite the fact that the oxycodone use is putting the individual in dangerous situations, such as driving while drugged, the use continues.</li>
 	<li>Even though the oxycodone use is causing or worsening psychological or physical issues, the use continues.</li>
 	<li>The individual develops a tolerance to oxycodone (discussed below).</li>
 	<li>When the individual reduces their regular level of oxycodone intake, or stops using it completely, withdrawal symptoms emerge (discussed below).</li>
</ul>
[/callout]

<a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/oxycodone/side-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Side effects are essentially symptoms of use</a>. Side effects do not necessarily reflect the addiction experience. When a person has an opioid use disorder, the higher amount of opioids consumed means that the side effects can be more extreme. For example, if a side effect for a prescribed user is nausea, a person who takes too much oxycodone may vomit. Still, it is helpful to understand the side effects reported for OxyContin (which again, includes oxycodone) as they provide an indication of what a person who abuses this drug might experience (but again, possibly in a more severe way).

<a href="http://www.rxlist.com/oxycontin-side-effects-drug-center.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Side effects</a> include but are not limited to:
<ul>
 	<li>Itching</li>
 	<li>Sweating</li>
 	<li>Loss of appetite</li>
 	<li>Constipation</li>
 	<li>Nausea</li>
 	<li>Vomiting</li>
 	<li>Dry mouth</li>
 	<li>Headache</li>
 	<li>Fatigue</li>
</ul>
Some individuals who abuse oxycodone may risk seizures or respiratory depression. In clinical trials, 1-5 percent of participants experienced psychiatric problems. Although it’s only a small percentage, and the study did not focus on abuse, it is helpful to know the true range of possibilities. Other effects of abuse include:
<ul>
 	<li>Abnormal thoughts</li>
 	<li>Confusion</li>
 	<li>Anxiety</li>
 	<li>Abnormal dreams</li>
 	<li>Insomnia</li>
 	<li><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treating-depression-substance-abuse/">Depression</a></li>
 	<li>Agitation</li>
 	<li>Depersonalization</li>
 	<li>Hallucinations</li>
</ul>
Individuals who abuse oxycodone face an acute risk of overdose, which can prove fatal. The following is a partial list of possible <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/hydrocodone-oxycodone-overdose#Symptoms5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">overdose symptoms</a>:
<ul>
 	<li>Extreme fatigue</li>
 	<li>Shallow breathing</li>
 	<li>Small pupils</li>
 	<li>Vomiting</li>
 	<li>Unconsciousness</li>
</ul>
It may seem obvious, but it bears discussing that addiction is always a possible side effect of oxycodone abuse. When a person uses a habit-forming drug, the body responds by building a tolerance. As a result, a person must use an increasing amount of the drug, such as oxycodone, in order to achieve the familiar, desired high. As steady use continues, dependence develops.

When a person stops using oxycodone or significantly reduces the familiar dosage, withdrawal symptoms will emerge. Depending on different factors, including the person’s duration and volume of abuse of oxycodone, withdrawal symptoms can emerge as soon as six hours or as long as 30 hours after last use. Symptoms may change over the course of the withdrawal process, but potential <a href="http://alcoholism.about.com/od/oxy/a/Oxycontin-Withdrawal-Symptoms.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrawal symptoms</a> include:
<ul>
 	<li>Muscle aches</li>
 	<li>Yawning</li>
 	<li>Nausea</li>
 	<li>Tearing</li>
 	<li>Agitation</li>
 	<li>Dilated pupils</li>
 	<li>Abdominal cramping</li>
 	<li>Sweating</li>
 	<li><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/anxiety-and-addiction/">Anxiety</a></li>
 	<li>Insomnia</li>
 	<li>Goosebumps</li>
 	<li>Diarrhea</li>
 	<li>Runny nose</li>
 	<li>Vomiting</li>
</ul>
It is critical to note that opioid withdrawal can be particularly hazardous due to complications from withdrawal symptoms, such as dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. For this reason, there is a strong advisement that individuals seek the help of a medical detox center or a drug rehab center with a detox program.

In addition to the immediate health hazards, the severity of withdrawal symptoms can motivate a person to relapse. Oftentimes, individuals will relapse during withdrawal in an effort to make the discomfort of the symptoms go away.

<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Understanding-OxyContin-Withdrawal-Symptoms-and-Timeline-vFinal.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-56495" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Understanding-OxyContin-Withdrawal-Symptoms-and-Timeline-vFinal.png" alt="OxyContin withdrawal symptoms and timeline during detox" width="700" height="2133" /></a>

[callout title="Signs &amp; Symptoms of Drug Abuse"]
<ul>
 	<li><a href="/alcoholism-treatment/symptoms-and-signs">Alcohol</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/benzodiazepine/symptoms-and-signs">Benzodiazepines</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/fentanyl-treatment/signs-of-abuse">Fentanyl</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/heroin-treatment/signs">Heroin</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/hydrocodone-treatment/signs-of-abuse">Hydrocodone</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/oxycodone/signs-of-abuse">Oxycodone</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/suboxone/addiction-symptoms">Suboxone</a></li>
 	<li><a href="/adult-addiction-treatment-programs/signs">Spotting Addiction</a></li>
</ul>
[/callout]
<h2>Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Oxycodone Abuse</h2>
The behavioral signs of addiction depend on a range of factors, such as a person’s living arrangements, finances, assets, and the severity of the addiction. CBS News, in an effort to educate the American public in the midst of an opioid pill epidemic, provides the following <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/media/five-signs-a-loved-one-is-abusing-painkillers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five signs of painkiller abuse</a>:
<ol>
 	<li><em>Fatigue</em>: The affected individual appears tired or drowsy as part of an ongoing pattern and outside of normal sleep or nap times.</li>
 	<li><em>Inability to perform to familiar standards</em>: Drug abuse disrupts a person’s cognitive functioning and makes it more difficult to concentrate. As a result, the individual may not be able to meet the requirements of home life, work, or school. The individual may miss work, not show up, leave early, or demonstrate a real drop in performance level.</li>
 	<li><em>Lifestyle and personality changes</em>: As a result of the drug abuse, the individual may have a difficult time maintaining family relationships and friendships. The individual may withdraw from once enjoyable activities, such as sports and other social activities. Social isolation can ensue, but at the same time, the individual may hang out with new people to do drugs.</li>
 	<li><em>Appearance changes</em>: In addition to showing signs like drowsiness, the individual may become lax in personal care routines. As a result, a person may look uncharacteristically disheveled, wear dirty clothes, and stop buying or using grooming products.</li>
 	<li><em>Being secretive</em>: Individuals who abuse oxycodone often end up living a double life of sorts. Since it’s an illegal activity, individuals who abuse oxycodone may strictly guard their use, and use code names or unfamiliar sounding terms to reference drug use. <a href="http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/pubs/oxy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Street names for oxycodone</a> include <em>oxy, oxycottons, oxy 80s, kickers, blue, killers</em>, and <em>hillbilly heroin</em>.</li>
</ol>
There are different <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/172269-different-ways-that-adolescents-take-oxycodone/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">methods of abuse of oxycodone</a> that can bear on the type of <a href="https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com/content/how-identify-drug-paraphernalia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">paraphernalia</a> that may be hidden in the individual’s living environment.

[quote]Oxycodone can be consumed orally in pill format, injected, taken rectally (similar to an enema), or smoked.[/quote]

If an individual abuses oxycodone pills by swallowing them, one tipoff would be that there is no paraphernalia around. There may, however, be prescription pill bottles from different doctors and pharmacies, with dates within an overlapping time period. Individuals who abuse oxycodone can get it on the street, or from people who sell their prescriptions, but they may also doctor shop (i.e., going from doctor to doctor to obtain more than one prescription for oxycodone, all the while trying to avoid detection).
[callout]
Among people who smoke oxycodone, at a minimum, it is necessary to have a mortar and pestle-type crushing instrument, a pipe or pipe-like object to inhale the smoke, and a heat source, such as a lighter. Often, individuals use little slips of aluminum to heat up the oxycodone. These aluminum pieces may be rolled up and strewn about or thrown out. If unfolded, they will show burn streaks.
[/callout]
If a person is injecting oxycodone, accompanying paraphernalia would include a syringe, an instrument of some sort to cook the oxycodone in, a heat source, and a rope or belt (to tie to the arm and make it easier to find a vein). For rectal administration, the individual will need an enema or suppository, or something of that nature. The high from rectal administration is reportedly no greater than taking pills orally, but this method can help individuals to avoid unwanted gastrointestinal side effects


<h2>A Future in Recovery</h2>

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-36223" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/intake_process-300x181.jpg" alt="treatment" width="300" height="181" />

Countless individuals have overcome addiction to oxycodone and other prescription opioids. In fact, there are special treatments, particularly medication-assisted treatments, that are designed to address opioid addiction. Compared to other drugs of abuse, there have been particularly significant strides made in the field of narcotics addiction treatment. Pharmacological treatment is not enough on its own; <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/therapy-treatment/">it must be combined with therapy and support to ensure lifelong recovery.</a>

Oxycodone Addiction: Symptoms and Signs of Abuse

<strong>When a person struggles with drug or alcohol abuse, they are likely to struggle with mental health issues and physical problems, both short-term and chronic issues.</strong>

They are also likely to cause suffering for their loved ones, including spouses, <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/alcoholic-father/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">parents</a>, children, friends, and other family.

For those who love someone who is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, it is important to know the signs of substance abuse problems and how to best help the person in need. In addition, it is important that family members and friends take care of themselves as well.
<h2>Drug or Alcohol Abuse Symptoms</h2>
Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive list of symptoms that may be displayed by a person struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. Many of these may be internal experiences for that individual; however, <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/basics/symptoms/con-20020970" target="_blank" rel="noopener">symptoms that may be evident to others include</a>:
<ul>
 	<li>Appearing intoxicated more and more often</li>
 	<li>Developing problems with cognition and memory</li>
 	<li>Being lethargic, sleeping more, sleeping irregular hours, or appearing unwell or tired</li>
 	<li>Developing problems at work or school; possibly losing one’s job or dropping out of school</li>
 	<li>Attending social events only if drugs or alcohol are available; becoming intoxicated before the social event; or attending fewer social events specifically to drink or use drugs</li>
 	<li>Stealing money or valuables to pay for drugs</li>
 	<li>Lying about the substance or how much they are using</li>
 	<li>Becoming angry, sad, or lashing out when questioned about their substance abuse</li>
 	<li>Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to take the drug</li>
 	<li>Neglected appearance and poor hygiene</li>
</ul>
People who struggle with substance abuse problems are likely to behave differently when they are intoxicated versus when they are sober; they may say or do hurtful things, and they are likely to take serious risks with their life, such as driving while intoxicated. These behavioral problems can cause intense worry and fear in loved ones.
<div class="panel-block bg-dkblue pad-all text-white">
<h2>Control vs. Influence</h2>
<div class="row">
<div class="small-6 large-6 columns">

Those who l<a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/how-to-talk-to-a-loved-one-about-their-addiction">ove a person struggling with addiction</a> may, at some point, try to force the person to get help. Even if the person agrees, they may fail in their attempt to overcome the addiction. Addiction is not a choice that an individual can control; it is a compulsion, so they are <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/spouse/">unable to stop consuming drugs or alcohol without help. </a>
<div>
<p class="text-white text-smd uppercase">The risk/reward center of their brain has been rewired with repeated reinforcement of these cravings.</p>

</div>
Blaming them or trying to protect them from consequences will not help a person struggling with addiction; <a href="https://blogs.psychcentral.com/addiction-recovery/2014/05/why-drug-addicts-will-always-choose-drugs-over-love/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this is because neither the person, nor their loved ones, has control.</a>

</div>
<div class="small-6 large-6 columns">
<div class="panel-block bg-white2 pad-all">Loved ones do hold a great deal of influence in the life of a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/Alicia-cook/what-you-learn-from-lovin_b_8112240.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">person struggling with drugs or alcohol</a>. Gathering a group of loved ones together to stage an intervention – as long as it is thoroughly planned and focused on helping the addict – can be a way to show love and support while also setting boundaries around addictive behaviors. Even just sitting the person down and talking to them about concerns in a calm, clear, and concise way can have an influence. Repeatedly offering help in the form of social support, information on drug rehabilitation programs, and other methods to get healthy and sober may prompt the person to accept help.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<h2>Ending Codependency</h2>
People who are close to a person struggling with addiction, especially spouses, intimate partners, and children, may find they are in a codependent relationship. <a href="https://blogs.psychcentral.com/addiction-recovery/2012/09/5-warning-signs-codependency/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Codependency</a> involves a desire to help the person and show love, but often, this “help” fosters the addiction, and this is damaging on a long-term basis. Signs of codependency include:
<ol>
 	<li><em>Taking responsibility for the addict</em>: People in a codependent relationship often feel a heightened responsibility for the decisions, behaviors, and thoughts of their loved one. They may feel a need to ensure their loved one is happy, even to the point of making themselves unhappy. They feel like they must protect their loved one, perhaps by driving them to and from the bar to avoid a DUI or by calling their boss when they are too hungover to make it to work and making excuses for them.</li>
 	<li><em>Putting the other person’s feelings first</em><strong>:</strong> A codependent person will put their loved one’s feelings before their own needs. As a result, they often ignore their own feelings, values, and beliefs to accommodate those of their loved one. This results in self-neglect.</li>
 	<li><em>Holding onto the relationship to avoid abandonment</em><strong>:</strong> People who are in a codependent relationship fear being abandoned, rejected, and alone. Many desperately need approval, and they seek via constantly trying to please someone. When that person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they may give the person money or shelter them when they are intoxicated in an effort to maintain the relationship.</li>
 	<li><em>Trouble talking about their feelings:</em> A person who is in a codependent relationship will often not be able to recognize their own feelings, including dissatisfaction or fear; they have a very hard talking about their needs and how those can be met. They focus on “fixing” their loved one, if that person is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, rather than getting help for themselves.</li>
 	<li><em>Inability to set personal boundaries</em><strong>:</strong> Those with codependent tendencies are more likely to say “yes” to any request their loved one makes, including those they are not comfortable with. This makes them believe they are in charge of the situation, especially when their loved one struggles with drugs or alcohol. If they can help their loved one, they believe they are helping themselves; in reality, the opposite is true.</li>
</ol>
Even if two people enter a relationship that is not codependent, it could become codependent if one person begins to struggle with alcohol or drug addiction. Both parties should get help from therapists to overcome these emotional problems; ultimately, help is required to heal the relationship.

<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5-Myths-of-Drug-Use-vFinal.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-56496" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5-Myths-of-Drug-Use-vFinal.png" alt="myths of drug use and addiction rehab" width="700" height="2973" /></a>
<h2>How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Addiction</h2>
The best ways to <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/how-to-help-an-addict-who-doesnt-want-help">help a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol</a> may seem counterintuitive, especially for people who struggle with codependent relationships. Some of these methods may seem harsh, but they come from a loving approach with the ultimate goal to help the person overcome their addiction and to help all parties heal. <a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/addiction/supporting-addict-who-relapsed.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Basic steps are outlined below</a>.
<ul>
 	<li>Remember that addiction is not a choice or a moral failing; it is a disease of the brain</li>
 	<li>Addiction is ultimately a condition that the individual must learn to manage; no one can take the fight on for the addict.</li>
 	<li>Set boundaries and stand by them.</li>
 	<li>Encourage the individual to seek help; this may include finding treatment resources for them.</li>
 	<li>Find a therapist who specializes in addiction counseling and get help. Loved ones of addicts need support too.</li>
 	<li>Set an example for healthy living by giving up recreational drug and alcohol use.</li>
 	<li>Be supportive, but do not cover for problems created by substance abuse. The person struggling needs to deal with the consequences of their addiction.</li>
 	<li>Be optimistic. A person struggling with drug or alcohol abuse will likely eventually seek help due to ongoing encouragement to do so. <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/what-to-do-if-loved-one-relapses">If they relapse,</a> it is not a sign of failure; relapse is often part of the overall recovery process.</li>
</ul>
<h2>In the Event of a Relapse</h2>
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-42331" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/B_Stevens_09_16_16-9491-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />When a person seeks help to overcome addiction, they are likely to succeed in time with professional help from doctors and therapists, and the support of friends and family. However, the threat of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201210/why-relapse-isnt-sign-failure">relapse</a> can feel like it is looming, and this can create stress for people who have just completed a rehabilitation program.

The current understanding of <a href="https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery">addiction as a disease</a> means that symptoms will get worse at times. For people with diabetes or asthma, treatment will work for a period of time, and then symptoms may progress. This does not mean giving up; instead, it means returning to the doctor and developing a new treatment regimen. Understanding addiction as a disease means treating relapse in exactly this way: Work to avoid it, but if it happens, return to treatment. Relapse is only a serious problem when the person who has fallen back into addiction refuses to admit the problem and refuses to get help.

When looking at treatment options, it is important to ask how the rehabilitation program handles relapse. Many programs pair new participants with sponsors who have graduated the program; these people will understand the progression of recovery and serve as a source of <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/relapse-prevention/">support for the person if they are even tempted to relapse.</a>
<div>
<p class="text-dkblue text-lg">Friends and family should also be supportive if a loved one seems likely to relapse. Be there for the person without judgment and help them recommit to treatment.</p>

</div>
Loved ones can help to prevent relapse by removing intoxicating or tempting substances from the house, finding new activities to enjoy together that do not involve alcohol or drugs, setting healthy goals like eating or exercising together, and even finding a hobby to pursue together. It is important for the person overcoming addiction to change their behaviors, and it is also <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/how-to-support-addicted-partner-without-enabling/">important for loved ones to support and welcome that change.</a>

Loving an Addict or Alcoholic: How to Help Them and Yourself

<h2>What Is Inpatient Drug Rehab Treatment?</h2>

Inpatient drug rehabilitation</a> involves clients residing at a specific facility on a full-time basis.


A person entering this type of rehabilitation becomes a resident of the program and receives specific care and support 24 hours per day. They live in an assigned room, eat meals at the facility, and go to structured therapy sessions several times per day. There are often other scheduled activities, such as art therapy or fitness sessions, although these vary greatly, depending on the offerings of specific facilities and the overall length of stay.

The primary focus of inpatient drug rehab is to remove clients from their original environments, which could trigger substance abuse or could give them repeated opportunities to abuse drugs. Once they are out of those environments, their <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/base-for-recovery/">focus can turn fully to recovery</a>.

<h2>Why Choose Inpatient Rehab?</h2>
<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-42561" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/B_Stevens_8_26_16-9106-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />
There are many reasons to choose inpatient rehabilitation, <a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/inpatient_and_outpatient_treatment_for_substance_abuse-health/article_em.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">such as</a>:
<ul>
 	<li>The person previously attended outpatient drug rehabilitation, which did not work.</li>
 	<li>The individual has <a href="http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Dual-Diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">co-occurring disorder</a>s or has abused multiple substances simultaneously.</li>
 	<li>The person’s living situation makes it difficult to stay away from substances. For example, they may live with other addicts or in a generally unsupportive environment.</li>
 	<li>Outpatient treatment is less accessible to the individual than inpatient treatment.</li>
</ul>
[callout position="right"]There are several types of inpatient treatment available, ranging from inexpensive and short-term residential treatment to luxury programs. Since there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, plans should be tailored to fit the specific needs of each client in treatment. <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/therapy-treatment/">Ensure any chosen treatment program has the ability to adjust treatment plans as needed as clients progress in recovery.</a>[/callout]

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends remaining in a drug rehabilitation program, either inpatient or outpatient, for at least <a href="https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-does-drug-addiction-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">90 days</a>. While most insurance companies only cover one month of inpatient treatment, clients usually receive long-term follow-up care once they exit the inpatient program regardless of how long they have stayed. Many people also transition from inpatient treatment into less intensive outpatient treatment, resulting in total treatment time that exceeds 90 days.


<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/58UlB-_0PGY?rel=0" width="100%" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>


<h2>What to Look for in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Program</h2>
<ul>
 	<li><em>Licenses and credentials</em><strong>: </strong><a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/fbci_counselor_standards.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State licenses</a> and credentials awarded by a governing body are all measures of the quality of a specific drug or alcohol treatment program. It is important to confirm these for both outpatient and inpatient programs, although inpatient facilities typically require more state-specific licenses.While each state varies in details, most inpatient rehabilitation facilities will only receive a license to operate if they have followed the full approval process. Typical steps in this process include the following:
<ol>
 	<li>Complete and submit the application, alerting the state government to the program’s intention to open a facility. This leads to an inspection and a temporary license to complete the program.</li>
 	<li>Submit financial information to determine what type of business the rehabilitation program is, usually a for-profit or nonprofit venture.</li>
 	<li>File applications for food service permits and occupancy certificates.</li>
 	<li>Receive a fire inspection.</li>
 	<li>Receive a business license to operate in the specific state. This is especially important if the company is an out-of-state or multistate business.</li>
 	<li>Submit a list of clinical staff, with their contact information and credentials.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
Inpatient rehabilitation programs that receive a state license to operate agree to consistent inspections over the course of the year. These inspections ensure facility safety and cleanliness.

It is also important for these groups to have licensed therapists and professionals on staff. If the inpatient treatment facility does not feature information on their website or in brochures about staff members, contact them directly to ask questions.

[callout]
There are several other governing bodies, such as the <a href="http://www.carf.org/About/WhoWeAre/'" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International)</a>, that award accreditation when programs meet their specific compliance rules. While it is not mandatory for an inpatient rehabilitation program to file for these credentials, they mean that the program has agreed to meet additional standards of excellence in their treatment.
<ul>
 	<li><em>Experience and credentials of staff</em><strong>: </strong>Inpatient rehabilitation programs employ all kinds of people, ranging from therapists to maintenance staff, and it is important that these staff members are well-trained and skilled. The <a href="http://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/practice-support/quality-improvement/standards-of-care-final-design-document.pdf?sfvrsn=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)</a> provides member physicians with Standards of Care information, so they can better treat their clients, whether they are in an inpatient or outpatient program. When an inpatient treatment program employs a medical professional who is a member of ASAM, it’s an assurance that the physician will give each person in the program high-quality, evidence-based treatment.The <a href="http://www.naadac.org/code-of-ethics">National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)</a> requires that their members meet standards laid out in their Ethical Standards and Practices. Each state also has specific requirements for doctors and therapists who participate in substance abuse treatment. For example, <a href="http://www.caade.org/certified-addictions-treatment-counselor">the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators</a> lists requirements to become a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor, while the Hawai’i State Department of Health licenses addiction counselors and provides a <a href="http://health.hawaii.gov/substance-abuse/files/2013/05/csac-codeofethics1.pdf">Code of Ethics for Certified Substance Abuse Counselors (CSAC)</a>.</li>
 	<li><em>Medical professionals</em><strong>: </strong>These staff members may or may not be available fulltime at an inpatient drug rehabilitation facility. In many cases, physicians work at several facilities, and they are available one or two days per week to check on every resident in the facility. However, people who require more intensive medical treatment during their rehabilitation should look for facilities that specialize in their addiction, and ask the facility whether medical staff, especially doctors and psychiatrists, are available frequently.</li>
 	<li><em>Therapies offered by the facility:</em> <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads/Inpatient_Rehab_Fact_Sheet_ICN905643.pdf">Therapy to overcome addiction</a> should always be the focus of the rehabilitation facility. Programs that focus on overcoming opioid addiction may offer buprenorphine maintenance, while alcohol addiction treatment may offer prescription medications, like benzodiazepines, in small doses, if appropriate. Other programs may not offer <a href="https://www.utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/counseling/atod/pdfs/choosing_rehab_white_paper.pdf">medication management</a> at all, and focus exclusively on group and individual therapy.</li>
</ul>
[/callout]

Inpatient rehabilitation programs are likely to offer additional treatment programs, such as yoga classes, vocational classes, art therapy, meditation sessions, journaling time, and outdoor activities. Experimental or complementary therapies are also more likely to be offered in inpatient treatment programs; these therapies are offered in addition to traditional, evidence-based treatment.
<ul>
 	<li><em>Amenities</em><strong>: </strong>Of course, it is nice to live in a facility by the beach, with a pool, or that serves gourmet meals. Just like with vacation resorts, more amenities at an inpatient drug rehab mean a higher price tag. Luxury treatment programs offer a bevy of amenities to make clients more comfortable during their stay. In addition, these luxury programs may offer a more robust offering of therapies and extracurricular activities as well as a lower staff-to-client ratio.

[callout position="right"]That being said, many people struggle with addiction due to high stress levels, so a residential facility that offers relaxing amenities can be psychologically beneficial. The specific amenities that are important depend on the individual entering treatment, but they may include access to exercise programs, healthy meal options, spiritual counselors, meditation programs, acupuncture, massage, or other holistic approaches to treatment.[/callout]

The point of a rehabilitation program to overcome drug or alcohol addiction is to understand the cause of the addiction, to acquire new behaviors related to addictive substances, and to avoid relapse. When a person leaves a rehabilitation program, they should have the tools they need to understand how their addiction may resurface if triggered, and this helps them to lead a healthy, sober life. In all instances, therapy is the backbone of treatment so that should be the primary focus of care.
</li>
</ul>


<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5-Myths-of-Drug-Use-vFinal.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-56496" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5-Myths-of-Drug-Use-vFinal.png" alt="myths of drug use and addiction rehab" width="700" height="2973" /></a>
<h2>How Can a Person Find the Best Inpatient Program?</h2>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-40573" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cognitive-therapy-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />A facility is a good fit if it meets the needs of the person struggling with addiction. This doesn’t just mean addressing the addiction; it means incorporating the entire person, and all their interests and needs, into the overall treatment plan.

What makes a program “the best” is subjective, depending on what a particular client needs and taking their situation into account. Specifics like whether insurance will partially cover the cost of care and distance from one’s home environment and family also need to be taken into account. Ultimately, prospective clients and their families need to weigh the pros and cons of a given facility to determine which option is the best choice for them.

Inpatient Drug Rehab: How to Find the Best

Treatment for Sleep-Wake Disorders alongside Co-Occurring Drug Abuse

[content-overview]
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that refers to the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep even when presented with the opportunity to do so, as defined by the <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/content/what-is-insomnia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Sleep Foundation (NSF)</a>. Whether experiencing insomnia for a few days or a few months, you often wake up feeling fatigued and unable to recover from each day. [/content-overview]

<h2>Types of Insomnia</h2>
<img class="wp-image-51869 size-full alignleft" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/how-to-treat-insomnia-if-a-history-of-drug-addiction-is-present.jpg" alt="Thoughtful, pensive and contemplating man thinking in dark home at night by the window." width="400" height="267" />

The two main types of insomnia are acute (short-term) insomnia and chronic (long-term) insomnia. Acute insomnia is the most common type of insomnia and often caused by a specific life event, such as a test at school or work that causes anxiety or stress that makes you unable to sleep. Acute insomnia tends to pass on its own and does not require treatment.

Chronic insomnia, however, may require treatment to allow regular sleep patterns to resume. Insomnia qualifies as chronic if it occurs at least three nights a week for at least three months in a row. Causes of chronic insomnia can be poor sleep environment and sleep habits, new medications, mental health problems, or medical issues.

NSF reports that approximately 30 percent of the US population reports some form of sleep disruption. Ten percent of adults across the country report sleep problems that meet the diagnostic criteria for insomnia. One report from the <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Understanding-Sleep" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)</a> found that almost 60 million Americans experience insomnia each year and wake up feeling unrefreshed.

<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/insomnia.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Symptoms of insomnia</a> include:
<ul>
 	<li>Lying awake, unable to fall asleep at night</li>
 	<li>Being awake for most of the night</li>
 	<li>Only being able to sleep for short periods of time</li>
 	<li>Waking up too early</li>
 	<li>Waking up feeing unrefreshed as if you never slept</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Infographic-23-Insomnia-A-Sleep-Disorder.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-56501 aligncenter" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Infographic-23-Insomnia-A-Sleep-Disorder.png" alt="Sleep disorder insomnia and how to treat it" width="700" height="1948" /></a>
<h2>Short-Term and Long-term Effects</h2>
NSF explains that short-term effects of insomnia can include fatigue, loss of energy, poor concentration, changes in mood, stress, and irritability. In the short-term, these symptoms may be manageable, but they can quickly increase in severity if the causes of insomnia are not addressed properly.

Long-term effects of insomnia put individuals at higher risk for <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-concerns#effects-and-impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener">serious medical conditions</a> as well as mental health issues. Type 2 diabetes, stroke, asthma, seizures, decreased immune system, increased sensitivity to pain, inflammation, obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease have all been linked to chronic insomnia. Anxiety, depression, confusion, and frustration have also been seen in patients who suffer from insomnia for an extended period of time.

In addition to the above medical and mental health conditions, overall performance suffers with chronic insomnia. Performance at work and school, sex drive, memory, and judgment are all impacted when the body and mind do not receive enough sleep and recovery time. Daytime sleepiness is also of great concern, as the risk for accidents increases.
<h2>Treatment</h2>
Medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes are all modes of treatment for insomnia. Medication can be used for the short-term in order to force a better sleep pattern. <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/05/sleeping-pills-for-insomnia/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sleeping medications</a> can cause dependency, however, without adding a significant amount of quality sleep. Studies have shown that sleeping pills only add around 8–20 minutes of extra sleep to the average night. People still take a long time to fall asleep at night and wake up early in the morning even when taking pharmaceutical sleep aids.

Side effects of prescription sleep aids include:

[columns count="4"]
<ul>
 	<li>Drowsiness</li>
 	<li>Dizziness</li>
 	<li>Unsettled feelings</li>

 	<li>Chronic insomnia</li>
 	<li>Sleepwalking</li>
 	<li>Sleep-eating</li>

 	<li>Sleep-driving</li>
 	<li>Memory loss</li>
 	<li>Hallucinations</li>

 	<li>Allergic reactions</li>
 	<li>Pill dependency</li>
 	<li>Addiction</li>
</ul>
[/columns]

<a href="https://www.uptodate.com/contents/insomnia-treatments-beyond-the-basics?view=print#H1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Specific medicines</a> that have been developed to treat insomnia include sedative-hypnotics, benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines, and melatonin. Sedative-hypnotics cause users to feel sleepy, so they are most helpful for those who are struggling to fall asleep.

Benzodiazepines help to reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and induce sleep. <a href="/benzodiazepine/and-alcohol/">They are habit-forming and dangerous to use with other drugs and alcohol</a>, so they are only meant for short-term use.

Nonbenzodiazepines also induce sleep, <a href="/benzodiazepine/symptoms-and-signs/">but they have fewer side effects than benzodiazepines</a>, so they are safer to use for slightly longer periods of time. They are shorter acting and less likely to cause residual sleepiness than benzodiazepines.

For people whose insomnia makes it difficult to stay asleep, low doses of antidepressants may be helpful. Few antidepressants have been approved for the treatment of insomnia, however, and they are most effective for people who also have depression. Additionally, antidepressants can cause sleepiness during the day.

[quote]CBT can be used to treat the causes of insomnia while the individual is taking sleeping medication, if necessary.[/quote]

Some people have also found that antihistamines are useful for helping them sleep, as they often produce drowsiness as a side effect. Little clinical research supports this claim as a treatment for insomnia.

<a href="/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/">Individual therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)</a>, has been proven useful in treating underlying symptoms of anxiety and stress than could be causing insomnia. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American College of Physicians recommend using CBT first to treat insomnia rather than going straight to medication. Another benefit of CBT is that it can be used much longer than medication can, and it has been shown to have longer lasting impacts on sleep than medication has.

On their own or in conjunction with medication and therapy, healthcare providers will often recommend lifestyle changes that can promote better sleep. Creating a dark and quiet sleeping environment, eliminating caffeine in the afternoon, limiting substance use, getting regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and reducing stress are all examples of lifestyle changes that can lead to improved sleep.

<h2>Treatment with a History of Drug Addiction</h2>
<img class="size-full wp-image-51870 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/treatment-of-insomnia-with-a-history-of-drug-addition.jpg" alt="Close-up view of young beautiful woman doing morning yoga after waking up at home." width="400" height="267" />

If you have a history of drug addiction, treating insomnia with medication may not be the safest choice, as prescription drug abuse is a concern. <a href="/ambien-treatment/">Prescription sleep aids can be habit-forming</a>, so the risk of misuse is possible. Both physical and psychological dependence have developed in individuals following prescription sleep aid use.

Instead, your healthcare provide may recommend focusing on therapy and/or lifestyle changes to improve your sleep patterns. Many complementary health approaches, such as mind and body practices, herbs, and dietary supplements, have been identified by the <a href="https://nccih.nih.gov/health/sleep/ataglance.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)</a> as useful for treating insomnia.
<ul>
 	<li><em>Mind and body practices</em> identified by NCCIH include relaxation techniques, mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture.</li>
 	<li><em>Dietary supplements</em> that include melatonin and/or L-tryptophan have been shown to help people fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and sleep better.</li>
 	<li><em>Herbs</em>, such as chamomile, kava, valerian, lemon balm, and passionflower, are said to have sedative properties that encourage sleep, though little clinical research has been done to support these claims.</li>
</ul>
Like all medications, even these complementary approaches to treating insomnia can have side effects. Natural dietary supplements and herbs can interact with traditional medications, so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new supplements. For people with a history of misusing drugs, these alternative treatments for insomnia may be a safe and effective solution.

Insomnia is a difficult condition that can impact many aspects of daily life. While it can be tempting to want to target the insomnia itself right away, treatment of the underlying causes of your poor sleep will make a greater and longer lasting impact on your sleep problems. Pharmaceutical medications offer a temporary and slight improvement on symptoms of insomnia, but behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes are much more likely to create a lasting impact on positive sleep patterns.

How to Treat Insomnia if a History of Drug Addiction Is Present

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?

<img class="wp-image-61185 size-medium alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Most-Commonly-Abused-Drugs-in-College-300x200.jpg" alt="The Most Commonly Abused Drugs in College" width="300" height="200" />Many young adults experiment with various types of drugs during their college years. As many as 1 in 3 students say they have abused alcohol at some point, and 1 in 5 have used an illicit drug.This type of behavior can lead to addiction.  </span>
<h2><b>Here are five of the most commonly abused drugs in college:</b></h2>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Alcohol </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">A large number of college students are introduced to drinking at campus parties. Many of them don't just drink, though. They </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/binge-drinking-problem"><span style="font-weight: 400;">binge drink</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This means that they consume four or more alcoholic beverages per hour, bringing their blood alcohol content(BAC) to dangerously high levels. It is not only binge drinking that is dangerous, either. The medical journal The Lancet recently published a landmark study demonstrating how deadly alcohol consumption can be at any level.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">2</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> According to the study authors, “we now understand that alcohol is one of the major causes of death in the world today. We need to act urgently to prevent these millions of deaths. And we can.”</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Marijuana</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Second to alcohol, </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab"><span style="font-weight: 400;">marijuana</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is the most commonly abused drug. Popularity is not the only thing these two drugs have in common, though. Much like alcohol, marijuana is now legal in many states (although like alcohol it is not without risks simply because of its legality). Nearly 50% of college students admit that they have used marijuana for recreational reasons.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">3</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> This is likely due to the great deal of pressure students face while pursuing their education. The relaxing components of marijuana make it a tempting outlet for escape.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Opioids</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The misuse of </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/prescription-drugs"><span style="font-weight: 400;">prescription pills</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (without a prescription) is arguably the most dangerous form of substance abuse that exists today. On average, opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin contribute to the loss of 130 lives every day.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">4</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Addiction can occur after just 10 consecutive days of use, making these narcotics just as addictive as they are dangerous.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Stimulants</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prescription medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are quickly becoming the drug of choice on school campuses. This is due to their ability to increase focus and help people pay better attention to tasks such as studying. For college students who often stay up late cramming for tests, this benefit feels worth the risk. According to results from the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">approximately 60% of young adults using  </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/stimulant-drugs"><span style="font-weight: 400;">prescription stimulant</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> medications for nonmedical use have obtained them from their peers.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">5</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Sedatives</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another commonly abused class of drugs are sedatives, which include </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/valium-treatment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Valium</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/xanax-treatment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Xanax</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. They are often prescribed to patients to relieve anxiety and panic attacks. Essentially, their purpose is to assist with relaxation and promote sleep. When used in combination with alcohol, however, these drugs can slow your breathing rate so adversely that  it can result in death.  </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Research shows us that drug abuse in college continues to be a common occurrence. What begins as carefree experimentation can often lead to a dangerous fight for sobriety. Fortunately, there are rehab programs and sober living facilities available to those in need of assistance.</span>

<b>Sources:</b>
<ol>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lipari, R.N., &amp; Jean-Francois, B. </span><a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_2361/ShortReport-2361.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Day in the Life of College Students Aged 18 to 22: Substance Use Facts</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The CBHSQ Report: May 26, 2016. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD.</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Global Burden of Diseases 2016 Alcohol Collaborators. (2018). </span><a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31310-2/fulltext"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alcohol use and burden for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lancet, 392(10152), 1015-1035.</span></i></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Johnston, L.D., O’Malley, P.M., Bachman, J.G., Schulenberg, J.E., &amp; Miech, R.A. (2012). </span><a href="https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/137906/mtf-vol2_2015.pdf"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Monitoring the Future National Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975–2011: Volume II, College students and adults ages 19–50</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seth, P., Rudd, R.A., Noonan, R.K., &amp; Haegerich, T.M. (2018). </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5844400/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Quantifying the Epidemic of Prescription Opioid Overdose Deaths</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">American Journal of Public Health, 108(4), 500–502.</span></i></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2017). </span><a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/data/nsduh/reports-detailed-tables-2017-NSDUH"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></li>
</ol>
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The Most Commonly Abused Drugs in College

<img class="size-medium wp-image-61218 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Why-American-LGBTQ-Teens-Are-More-Likely-to-Abuse-Drugs-300x200.jpg" alt="Why American LGBTQ Teens Are More Likely to Abuse Drugs" width="300" height="200" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several decades of research have shown that LGBTQ teens are more likely to abuse drugs than their heterosexual peers. A </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2680081/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">study published in 2008</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has shown that, on average, the odds of substance abuse in LGBTQ teens were 190% higher than for heterosexual youth.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The relationship between sexual orientation and adolescent substance abuse is clear, and the outcomes are alarming.</span>
<h2><b>Why Are Teens Abusing Drugs?</b></h2>
<a href="http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/monographs/mtf-overview2017.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Illicit drug use in adolescents</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has dropped in recent years. 31% of adolescents admitted to using drugs in 2001. This figure fell to 24% in 2009, and it reached only 20% in 2017. These statistics show that teens are now more aware of the dangers of drugs than before.  </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">But you might be wondering why teens abuse drugs in the first place. Well, adolescents experiment with drugs for several reasons, including:</span>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>To experiment</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Adolescents are often trying to find new pleasurable experiences, particularly those they perceive as daring or thrilling. Many adolescents experiment with alcohol and/or drugs at one point in their lives.</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>To fit in</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Adolescents might use drugs because they fear being rejected by their drug-using peers if they don’t.</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>To feel euphoria</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/health-complications-addiction/central-nervous-system"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drugs interact with the brain</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, leading to feelings of euphoria. The intensity of the euphoria experienced is different for every drug and individual.</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>To feel better</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Some adolescents are unhappy and they use drugs to feel better. Teens suffer from physical pain, stress-related disorders, anxiety, and depression, just like adults. According to a </span><a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml"><span style="font-weight: 400;">study published in February 2019</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 2.3 million adolescents aged 12 – 17 suffered at least one major depressive episode in 2017. This number represented 9.4% of the entire U.S. population of that age.</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>To perform better</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Teens live in a very competitive society, in which their athletic and academic performances might influence the rest of their lives. Some adolescents use certain drugs in an attempt to enhance or improve their performances.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><b>Are LGBTQ Teens More Likely To Abuse Drugs?</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">LGBTQ teens are often stigmatized, harassed, or even rejected by their families and peers. The stress brought on by these events might wrongly convince sexual minority teens that using drugs can be an effective coping mechanism.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">A </span><a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304446"><span style="font-weight: 400;">study published in 2018 showed</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that LGBTQ teens are 12% more likely to abuse drugs than their heterosexual peers. </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/lgbtqiapk-addiction"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LGBTQ</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> youth were also three times more likely to experiment with drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamines, or heroin.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, even experimentation with these drugs can derail an adolescent’s life and negatively influence their future.</span>
<h3><b>How Can You Act?</b></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are a teen who abuses drugs or you suspect one of your loved ones is, contact our admission navigators at </span><a href="about:blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">(888) 679-9254</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The treatment options available will clear out the drugs from the user’s body and will help the user realize that they can enjoy life without drugs.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Call </span><a href="about:blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">(888) 679-9254</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and take control of your life.</span>

<b>Research Resources:</b>
<ol>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2680081/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2680081/</span></a></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/monographs/mtf-overview2017.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/monographs/mtf-overview2017.pdf</span></a></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml</span></a></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/frequently-asked-questions/why-do-adolescents-take-drugs"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/frequently-asked-questions/why-do-adolescents-take-drugs</span></a></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304446"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304446</span></a></li>
</ol>
&nbsp;

Why American LGBTQ Teens Are More Likely to Abuse Drugs

<img class="size-medium wp-image-61196 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Why-Substance-Abuse-is-Higher-within-the-LGBTQ-Community-300x200.jpg" alt="Why Substance Abuse is Higher within the LGBTQ Community" width="300" height="200" /><span style="font-weight: 400;">Substance abuse is a significant problem among members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/transgender">transgender,</a> and queer/questioning (LGBTQ ) community. From alcohol abuse and binge drinking to the use of harder drugs like </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/meth-treatment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">methamphetamines</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/heroin-treatment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">heroin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/opiates"><span style="font-weight: 400;">opioids</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, many people in the sexual minority struggle with addiction.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Statistics show that </span><a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015.htm"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LGBTQ adults are more than twice as likely</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as their heterosexual counterparts to use illicit drugs and almost twice as likely to suffer from a substance abuse disorder.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">What makes substance abuse in the LGBTQ community so prevalent? There are many contributing factors, and below are some of the most common triggering issues that LGBTQ people face.</span>
<h2><b>Discrimination and Social Stigma</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite growing acceptance in the United States, almost all LGBTQ individuals face some level of homophobia and discrimination. This may come from strangers, acquaintances, and even friends and family. They also face the constant threat of workplace harassment, bullying, and even hate crimes.</span>
<h2><b>Lack of Support for LGBTQ People</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Many members of the LGBTQ community choose to remain “in the closet,” keeping their sexual identity a secret to avoid discrimination. Living this type of double life can create feelings of loneliness and anxiety.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Those who do choose to come out often face rejection from family and friends, and as a result often turn to substance abuse to help dull the pain.</span>
<h2><b>Internalized Homophobia</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-61198 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/What-makes-substance-abuse-in-the-LGBTQ-community-so-prevalent-300x200.jpg" alt="What makes substance abuse in the LGBTQ community so prevalent" width="300" height="200" />Whether or not their families and friends provide acceptance, many members of the LGBTQ community suffer from internalized homophobia. This happens when they self-identify with anti-gay stigmas. The result is often self-loathing and an inability to feel comfortable in one’s own skin.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">For those suffering from internalized homophobia, alcohol and drugs serve as an effective mechanism for silencing negative thoughts. When drunk or high, LGBTQ individuals can temporarily enjoy living as their true selves.</span>
<h2><b>Co-Occurring Disorders</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Clinical depression, stress, and anxiety disorders are very common among members of the LGBTQ community. These individuals are also prone to mood disorders, eating disorders, and other types of psychiatric problems.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition, some may suffer from serious health issues such as hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Dealing with these medical issues can interfere with the ability and desire to seek substance abuse treatment.</span>
<h2><b>The Need for Specialized Treatment Options</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Many sexual minorities facing addiction problems are hesitant to seek help from a traditional treatment facility. Group therapy participants, and even some counselors, may display homophobic behaviors or make inappropriate remarks. This prevents recovering addicts from feeling like they can let down their guard, which is essential for successful rehabilitation.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition, most traditional treatments do not address the specific needs of LGBTQ individuals. This includes learning successful coping methods for dealing with social isolation, family problems, homophobia, and violence.  </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Luckily, rehabilitation centers have recognized this need, and many are beginning to offer </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/lgbtqiapk-addiction"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LBGTQ-specific addiction treatment programs</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. It is important for those who need help to know that viable options are available. Reaching out for support takes courage and strength,and it is also the first step towards recovery.</span>

<b>References:</b>
<ol>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Medley, G., Lipari, R.N., Bose, J., Cribb, D.S., Kroutil, L.A., &amp;McHenry, G.. (2016). </span><a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015/NSDUH-SexualOrientation-2015.htm"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sexual Orientation and Estimates of Adult Substance Use and Mental Health: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></i></li>
</ol>

Why Substance Abuse is Higher within the LGBTQ Community

<span style="font-weight: 400;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-61174 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Why-Xanax-Abuse-is-on-the-Rise-Among-Teens-200x300.jpg" alt="Why Xanax Abuse is on the Rise Among Teens" width="200" height="300" />Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/benzodiazepine"><span style="font-weight: 400;">benzodiazepine medications</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and is routinely used to treat short-term anxiety and panic disorders.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">For years, the main conversation surrounding the improper use of this prescription drug has centered around adults such as over-anxious parents, stressed-out business executives, and other individuals struggling through difficult aspects of their adult lives. But a growing epidemic which has professionals even more concerned is the increasing use of this medication in a younger population.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The prevalence of Xanax abuse in teens is rapidly on the rise, as this drug is frequently being </span><a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/04/teen-stress"><span style="font-weight: 400;">used by high school aged </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">adolescents</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to battle  stress and anxiety.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Three key reasons have begun to stand out as underlying causes for this recent surge.</span>
<h2><b>1. Increased Stress</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Teenagers in today’s society are more stressed than ever before.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">1</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The number of reported cases of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other issues is going up year after year. And as these statistics continue to rise, the level of Xanax use in teens is climbing right along with it.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Offering a release of euphoria and relaxation that starts within 10 minutes or less, many individuals become dependent on </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/xanax-treatment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Xanax</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as a means to calm down or even get to sleep at night. Addiction to these pills is often paired with opioids as an added means to remove the “pains” of stress.</span>
<h2><b>2. Easy Access</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">While some teens are getting their own prescriptions to Xanax, many others need only to walk into their parents’ bathroom and take a look into the medicine cabinet. Millions of adult Americans use benzodiazepines, giving their children easy access to try it out for themselves, whether to combat their own stress or simply due to curiosity.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Doctors often recommend that parents keep these medications in a place inaccessible to their kids due to the rising misuse by teenagers. But unfortunately,  easy access to Xanax isn’t limited to homes. The internet is also opening doors for this generation to get their hands on Xanax in other ways.</span>
<h2><b>3. Social Media Trends</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Peer pressure has always plagued young teens and to this day continues to influence their life decisions. Social media has fostered widespread peer pressure at levels never seen before. Young people everywhere are experimenting with dangerous practices, such as the Tide Pod Challenge and the rapid ingestion of cinnamon, simply because they see these trends arise on various social media sites.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">And while social media platforms like Facebook have provided a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, they have also presented new avenues for obtaining drugs. “</span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/drugs-on-social-media"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Social drug dealing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">” has facilitated the increase in prescriptions like Xanax finding their way into the possession of teenagers.</span>
<h2><b>Getting Help for Teens Abusing Xanax</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Depending on the level of use, detoxing from Xanax can range from a few hours at home to a few nights of withdrawals in a rehabilitation facility. If it has been a long-term addiction, treatment usually involves slowly tapering off the  drugs as opposed to quitting cold turkey.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">It is highly recommended to get assistance from medical professionals to monitor the </span><a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/xanax"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Xanax detox process</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span>

<b>Research Sources</b>
<ol>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bethune, S. (2014). </span><a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/04/teen-stress"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Teen stress rivals that of adults</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Monitor on Psychology, 4(45), 20</span></i></li>
</ol>
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Kristina Ackermann

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