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January 6, 2023February 1, 2023

How Does Fentanyl Kill You?

Answers About Fentanyl Lethality and Overdose Potential

Struggling with a fentanyl addiction is a life-threatening condition and can be extremely dangerous. More so than even opioid addiction. Illicit fentanyl has become much more common on the street and it has caused overdoses to skyrocket. But how does fentanyl kill you, exactly?

Despite the dangers, there are ways to address a fentanyl addiction and get the help that you need.

I entered Best Rehabs In Arizona for treatment after multiple overdoses and coming as close to death as one can with fentanyl. Drug abuse is a brutal condition to combat, but dealing with a drug like fentanyl requires a whole different level of addiction treatment.

Pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicit fentanyl are both deadly and can be abused just like any other drugs. With the rise of opioid abuse in this country, drug dealers have found new ways to cut these drugs, and fentanyl typically is used in this process. A lot of people who ingest fentanyl don’t even realize they are taking such a deadly drug.

Keep reading to find answers to how does fentanyl kill you, and how Best Rehabs In Arizona Recovery can offer you the same sort of foundation for sobriety that I found with their help.

The Rise Of Fentanyl Use and Fentanyl Overdoses

How long fentanyl stays in your system depends on your level of addiction and your body mass. Pharmaceutical fentanyl in pill form can take minutes before you feel the effects, while a fentanyl patch can one to two days to take effect. Fentanyl is usually only prescribed to people with severe pain associated with cancer and other extreme illnesses.

Many drug tests don’t detect fentanyl, and a separate test may be required to detect it. With a drug that’s manufactured to treat severe pain, it’s no wonder that when taken recreationally it can be dangerous. Because it’s used to treat chronic pain, it is easily abused. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is fifty to one hundred times more powerful than morphine.

Because of the rise of fentanyl, many addiction treatment programs are designed to treat that specific addiction. Because fentanyl is such a potent synthetic opioid, intervening in a fentanyl addiction is a life or death situation. The world of drug abuse changes over time, and new substances make their way onto the market all the time. No one has ever seen anything like the rise of fentanyl.

Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms

A fentanyl withdrawal is very similar to opiate withdrawal symptoms. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms include flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, and respiratory changes. These withdrawal symptoms vary in severity depending on a multitude of factors. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can persist for up to two weeks.

Plenty of other drugs come with very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, but opioids and synthetic opioids like fentanyl are particularly rough. I used heroin for a number of years and dabbled here and there with fentanyl. Even though I knew how dangerous it was, my fentanyl abuse continued and led me down the darkest path I’ve ever been down.

My fentanyl use messed with every part of my body. My liver function was affected, and I suffered from respiratory depression and shallow breathing. Even heavy users of opioids don’t experience the difficulty that fentanyl abuse causes. When I began taking fentanyl, my body was already in a rough spot because of my heroin abuse.

How To Detect Fentanyl Through Drug Tests

Fentanyl has led to new developments in drug testing technology. Fentanyl test strips are a way to test for fentanyl and can tell you how long fentanyl can stay in your system. Fentanyl is not easily detected in urine tests, hair tests, or saliva tests. Fentanyl test strips have revolutionized the way that we test for fentanyl.

Before my fentanyl abuse, I dealt with long-lasting opioid dependence. My drug use began in my early twenties and continued until I was in my late thirties. Even though I was a substance abuse veteran, nothing could prepare me for what fentanyl did to me. Powder fentanyl is what I became addicted to, but it didn’t start there.

My first experience with fentanyl was through counterfeit pills. These are fentanyl-laced prescription drugs that are very much responsible for the rise in overdose deaths associated with this drug. It’s extremely difficult to prevent people from ingesting these pills, because, on the black market, drug users are going to do what they’re going to do.

Fentanyl can come in many different forms. There is the powder form, but there are also nasal sprays and a transdermal patch. Fentanyl powder can also be cooked down into an injectable solution. There aren’t many other substances that come in so many different forms.

When To Seek Help

Even though I was able to hide my addiction from my loved ones, it was eating me alive inside. I suffer from a variety of mental health disorders, namely bipolar depression. This was very tricky when it came time for me to seek help. I had a lot of issues to work through beyond just my substance use.

Because I had such a severe addiction, I needed medical supervision during my detox. Getting fentanyl out of a person’s system takes a rather brutal detox process. Anyone who has been addicted to any powerful opioid will tell you how uncomfortable it is to ween yourself off of it. The side effects are crushing and can make you want to give in very easily.

When I entered rehab, I was facing potential prison time because of where my drug addiction took me. Every drug test they gave me through probation I would fail. I was given a lot of chances, but the drug testing always told the truth. I couldn’t be trusted to get help on my own.

How Does Fentanyl Kill You?

There’s no handbook for how to overcome an addiction to fentanyl. I never imagined that addiction treatment would do anything for me. Because I was so highly addicted, it seemed like it would take an act of god for me to not go back to my old ways. Drugs stay in your system longer the more you take them. It took nearly three weeks after my last dose for the drug’s half-life to dissipate.

When I finally took the last drug test that showed that I had rid of the drug from my body, it was a unique feeling. It felt like there would always be something that would come back. When you’ve quit using the drug and it still shows up in standard drug tests, it can feel like it will never go away.

There are a lot of things that got me through that initial phase of recovery. The behavioral therapies I engaged in were extremely helpful, and all the other recovering addicts I’ve met along the way have helped me stay the course. Using fentanyl as long as I did made me realize how damaged my body and my soul had become. No matter how much damage is done, you can always heal.

How To Overcome Such A Highly Addictive Drug

I got used to taking drug test after drug test when I was a fentanyl addict. Through probation and jail, I was given every type of drug test you could imagine. After taking so many blood tests, urine tests, and the occasional hair test, it really makes you feel like a human experiment.

Now that I am clean, I have a much different appreciation for forensic medicine. All of the advances in drug testing and screening for other opioids have saved many lives. I consider myself a part of this process as well as I continued my sobriety journey. I’ve met all kinds of people through group therapy who have inspired me.

These groups are a wonderful collection of folks who have overcome many different addictions, from opioids to alcohol. A lot of these people are at many different stages of their recovery as well. Some of these people are still close enough to the beginning of recovery that they still experience withdrawal symptoms. The best thing that I can do is be there to support them and let them know they aren’t alone.

Finding Lasting Recovery From Fentanyl

Individual therapy as well as family therapy has worked wonders for me in my sobriety. Gone are the days when I would pray before drug tests, hoping nothing would be detected in my urine. The respiratory arrest, insomnia, and body chills are no longer there. I am no longer looking up on the internet how I can beat a drug test. I am no longer searching for how does fentanyl kill you, as I found out firsthand.

When I go to meetings, I bring a positive attitude with me. I focus on solution-based thinking as opposed to problem-based thinking. I am no longer all doom and gloom in my personal life. It’s been a long road, but I have traveled it willingly and am open to addressing whatever issues may arise in the future.

Put Worries About Drug Testing in Your Past

I am open and willing to talk about my struggle and am aware that I’m not invincible to it. I can still slip up and go back to my old routine of using drugs, getting in trouble, and being subjected to hair tests and saliva tests. Fentanyl will stay with me forever, but in a different way than it used to.

If you are struggling with fentanyl, give yourself a chance at sobriety with the program for recovery found at Best Rehabs In Arizona. They helped me, and I am willing to bet they will give you solid options for a different outlook on life as well!

December 27, 2022December 27, 2022

Alanon vs AA

AA and Al-anon as Recovery Support Groups

Alcohol addiction was my downfall and led me to not only let myself down but all of my family members as well. I’ve struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse for much of my adult life, and by the time I sought treatment at Best Rehabs In Arizona, I was willing to do anything to get my life back. My family suffered greatly as well until they discovered Al-Anon.

Having a drinking problem is one thing, being a full-blown alcoholic is a whole other world. I started drinking when I was in high school, and by the time I reached the legal drinking age, I was already suffering from serious alcohol abuse. My family had no idea what to do with me, and it tore them apart inside.

My first time going to Alcoholics Anonymous was scary, and I learned quickly about AlAnon vs AA. Going to any alcoholism support group for the first time is nerve-wracking. I didn’t want to feel judged. I initially started going to private meetings, but I was led to believe that group-based meetings would give me a lot of good perspective from others going through addiction treatment.

Keep reading if you too did not know about Al-anon vs AA, and if you or a loved one are struggling with substances and alcohol, you can find the same sort of help I did with Best Rehabs In Arizona Recovery.

What Can You Expect From Sober Support Groups

Although I expected to be judged, I had a completely opposite experience going to Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcohol addiction affects people from all walks of life. It doesn’t discriminate. I met people from all across the social spectrum. Going to AA meetings gave me the strength to speak up and share my story with others, no matter how awkward it was at first.

A typical AA meeting is fairly simple. You go around in a circle and discuss your alcohol problems. Going to AA meetings slowly gave me the confidence to open up about my substance abuse and also my mental health disorder. I’ve struggled my whole life with my mental health, which has led me to drug abuse and alcohol dependence.

AA focuses on what led you to where you are at and how you can avoid succumbing to alcohol use disorder. I first began going to open meetings, and once I joined the program, I switched it up between open meetings and closed meetings. Open meetings refer to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are open to anybody. Closed meetings are for people who have been in the Alcoholics Anonymous program for a longer period of time.

Al Anon Meetings Vs AA Meetings

There are many different types of AA groups. Your average Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is for the alcoholic. The main difference is that Al Anon meetings are directed specifically toward the family members of alcoholics. My substance abuse and alcohol use disorder put a great strain on my family members. My parents, siblings, and other family members were greatly affected to the point where they needed to seek treatment for themselves. Al-Anon gave me the space to deal with these issues.

We don’t often talk about the effects of drug addiction, and alcoholism on our family members. Substance use is a community issue. There are more people struggling than just the drug abuser themselves, everyone around them gets affected as well. Once my family began going to Al-Anon meetings, I could see the strain lifted off of them almost immediately.

They always questioned if my addiction was because of something they did wrong. This question tormented my parents especially. I had one family member in particular who was skeptical of support groups. They wanted to try and deal with it on their own. Once they began going to Al-Anon meetings, I noticed it was very beneficial for them in their own healing.

Treatment Programs For Family Members

It was vital for my family’s well-being that they attend Al-Anon meetings. As I began the process of going to regular meetings, so did they. The other Al-Anon members were extremely supportive and uplifting, much like they are in AA and NA meetings. It’s roughly the same concept across each group. The focus is on learning what you can do to apply the same principles that alcoholics use in their own treatment.

I was so much more driven to stop drinking permanently when I saw the work my own family was putting into their recovery. My drinking problem was something that I needed to fix on my own, but I was much more inspired to do so when I saw them putting in their own work.

Alcoholics Anonymous taught me that there is only one way to stop drinking. You must recognize that there is a higher power, and you yourself are powerless against your disease. The circumstances may differ from person to person, but that higher power aspect is a big part of recovery.

Although Alcoholics Anonymous is thought of as a faith-based program, you can benefit no matter what your religious affiliation is. The religious aspect may be part of it, but it doesn’t have to be the entire focus. AA refers to itself as ‘spiritual and not religious’ and there is truth to the fact you can define your own Higher Power in the program. The main objective of these support groups is to help you get better, however, that process may look.

Al Anon Support Groups And Other Meetings

The families of alcoholics suffer just as much as the alcoholic. My alcohol problems led my family members to a lot of their own problems. Stress, anxiety, you name it. My drinking problem affected everyone around me. It’s a very helpless feeling for families to watch a loved one suffer without knowing how to stop it.

AA and Al-Anon make it possible for everyone to get better together. These days, the treatment options for the alcoholic and the family are abundant. AA is an international support group. AA and Al-Anon meetings seek to provide treatment programs to everybody affected by this disease. The two groups work in conjunction to offer support and recovery across all meetings.

When my family first began going to these Al-Anon meetings, it gave them the tools to better support me in my own recovery. I had to learn how to be self-supporting on my own, but having your family in your corner gives you the extra push that you need. A lot of alcoholics aren’t lucky enough to have family members rooting for them. I feel that my recovery from alcohol is directly related to my family going to Al-Anon meetings and knowing how to better deal with my addiction.

Continuing Support For Alcohol Recovery

Recovery from alcohol addiction is an ongoing process. There is no magic cure for addiction. There is a lot to be said about the term ‘one day at a time’. If you think you are cured at any point from your addiction, you certainly need to take personal inventory and be honest with yourself.

You can have all the support in the world, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t recognize that your addiction is right there beneath the surface. In my experience, recovery is only possible if you work on it every day. It’s more than just going to support groups. You need the right attitude. If you attend a meeting or engage in support groups, you give yourself a much better chance.

Either way, there is work that is required outside the group setting. AA and Al-Anon meetings give you a great base from which to work, but you need to also be self-supporting. The great thing about AA and Al-Anon is there are no age or education requirements. If you are directly affected by addiction, you automatically qualify. There is no gatekeeping in these groups.

Recovery Through Al Anon Groups

My family greatly benefited from Al-Anon. Their recovery from my addiction has been very inspiring for me to watch. As they go through their own personal recovery, I do as well. Going through recovery together makes us push each other to be at our best every day. When I attend a meeting, I feel like I’m doing it’s mutually beneficial to all of us, and I know they feel the same way when they attend meetings.

My addiction used to be a hush-hush situation in my family. It was always too painful to talk about. When you find the right support group such as AA and Al-Anon, you learn to talk about it without feeling shame. Al-Anon taught my family that they are not unique. Countless families deal with these issues and many of them benefit from Al-Anon. Unfortunately, some don’t ever take that leap and give al anon a shot.

Finding Your Path to Recovery

I’m proud to have such a supportive and encouraging family, and I certainly have Al-Anon to thank for that. These days there is much more support for families of addicts. Al-Anon groups make it possible for families to heal the right way. Everyone in my family learned from Al-Anon, and they try to put what they’ve learned into practice every day. It’s a wonderful thing to witness.

If you or a member of your family is struggling with alcohol and needs help, reaching out to Best Rehabs In Arizona is a solid first step. Give them a call and let them provide options, so that you or a person you love does not have to battle booze any longer. I know picking up the phone for treatment made a world of difference for me and my family, and it can for you and yours too!

December 21, 2022December 27, 2022

Meth Eyes

The Startling Effects of Meth Abuse

When I arrived at Best Rehabs In Arizonas, my meth addiction was terrible. Substance abuse runs in my family, and my meth use was another unfortunate example of that. Methamphetamine abuse is one of the most difficult addictions to contend with, and for someone in my situation, it was only a matter of time before my body gave out.

Every day that I was feeding my meth addiction, I felt that my heart was going to explode. I felt like every person I walked past was saying something negatively about me, judging me. I was probably wrong in most of these instances, but with my physical appearance being what it was, I’m certain that I scared people with my presence.

The common signs of meth abuse are some of the most obvious of any drug addiction, and I had them all. Meth mouth, skin sores, dilated pupils, red eyes, you name it. My meth eyes were what I think scared people the most. When I looked people in the eyes, I could feel their stomachs turn.

Keep reading if you are struggling with meth, to find out about getting past the damage done and into healing with the help of Best Rehabs In Arizona!

Seeing The World Through Meth Eyes

There are plenty of negative health effects from methamphetamine drug use, but the meth eyes are the most startling. I viewed the world through blurred vision, bloodshot eyes, and psychosis. My eye movements were rapid and startling. I felt like a squirrel trying not to get run over by a car.

The eyes are one of the most precious tools in our bodies. We use them not only to see but to communicate. There is a connection there when you look at someone in the eyes. When you stare into a pair of meth eyes, you are immediately filled with a sense that something is wrong.

The ocular effects in meth users can be easy to spot even if you have limited knowledge of meth addiction. The rapid eye movement, the pale skin, the sores, all of these make for a morbid physical appearance. My vision impairment was off the charts when I was using meth heavily. The rapid eye movement made me feel like I could never have one peaceful moment.

Your Meth Addiction Only Has You Fooled

Despite how obvious my condition was, I still felt like I was fooling everyone. That’s one of the biggest tricks that drug addiction plays on addicts. You think you can fool everyone. At first, you can, but the cracks begin to appear quickly and there isn’t much you can do to hide it after a while.

As I looked at the world through meth eyes and blurred vision, I looked for everyone and everything to blame but myself. It’s because of all the other external forces in my life that got me to this point. It’s hard to accept blame, even harder if you’ve been in the thick of methamphetamine addiction.

This is a common symptom of drug addiction. This is all across the drug spectrum. Whether you have an issue with prescription drugs, alcohol, or an illicit drug like meth. Drug abuse is related all across the board.

The Power Of Methamphetamine Drug Use

I never imagined I would end up in the situation that I did. As I mentioned above, drug addiction is something that has always existed in my family. I saw a lot of family members abuse alcohol and drugs.

It freaked me out when I was young, and I promised myself and the few sober family members that I had that that would not be me. Drugs would not enter my life at all. When you’re on the outside looking in, it can be easy to say that you won’t do the same.

Just saying it doesn’t make it possible. Even as you go through addiction treatment, the drug can still talk through you. The adverse effects that methamphetamine use has on your mind can be even more glaring once you stop using the drug.

Beyond the eye damage and the other side effects, the mental effects are extremely difficult to navigate. Meth use takes over your mind to a point that is terrifying. I look back on some of my decision-making and can’t believe that I was capable of some of the things that I did.

The All Consuming Effects Of Meth

The effects of meth can turn you into a person you won’t recognize. I put myself in a lot of life-threatening situations. I associated with some very questionable individuals and pushed away all of the positive people in my life. When my meth use was at its peak, I was sleeping on the streets and committing petty crimes to feed my habit. ‘

I never conceived that my meth use would have me sneaking into businesses and stealing merchandise. As I gave myself over more and more to the methamphetamine drug, I rationalized every horrible decision that I made. I made myself not care about the people that I was affecting.

The long-term effects of meth have followed me even well into my sobriety. I still get the urge to use it, and I still see myself falling back into my old crowd. I feel guilty sometimes that I got out of it while so many others didn’t. This is a common sign in recovery. It’s a form of survivor’s guilt that I continue to struggle with, but through treatment, I’ve learned to accept it and manage it.

The Lies Of Drug Abuse

When I entered my teen years, I engaged in alcohol abuse, which slowly progressed into cocaine addiction. I realized that uppers were my thing. It wasn’t long after I first got into cocaine that I began using crystal meth. This is before I graduated high school. My father was sober at this point and pressured me into addiction treatment.

I couldn’t really say no, because I was still living under his roof. I did it because I was forced into it, which typically never works out. To get over substance abuse, you have to want it for yourself. Meth use isn’t going to fix itself.

I remember my father once asking me about my rapid eye movements, and why I couldn’t sit still without obsessively shifting around. I felt attacked, and would usually blow up at him ending the conversation.

I didn’t want it. I wanted the drug. My methamphetamine addiction was in its infancy. Of all the illicit drugs that I and my peers were into, crystal methamphetamine was to me the greatest substance in the world. Something I needed to get through my day. When I didn’t have it, it was a living hell. No one tries to be a crystal meth addict.

Methamphetamine Myths

Substance use disorder makes you believe all of the lies that the drug is telling you. It doesn’t matter what drug you are addicted to. Each of them has different effects and different ways that they change the brain, but overall, substance abuse in general changes your brain for the worse. Every time someone tried to help me or talk sense into me, I felt attacked and offended.

I made up excuses. I lied. I projected and tried to turn it back on them. There was no talking any sense into me. Even as my symptoms presented themselves in such an obvious fashion, I still couldn’t admit I had a problem.

The drugs were doing the talking, not me. It wasn’t until I was in treatment at Best Rehabs In Arizona that I could speak for myself. Meth abuse isn’t much different than alcohol abuse or any other type of substance abuse.

The Effects Of Meth On Everyday Life

Because meth is a stimulant, it’s much different than any central nervous system depressant. You don’t sleep on meth. I’ve gone days without sleeping, and it feels like you are literally in a nightmare.

There isn’t any other highly addictive drug that I feel can put you into that state of psychosis. If you are dealing with a mental illness of any kind, it can shake things up. Not only that, the withdrawal symptoms can greatly increase your psychosis. Meth is the one drug that made me feel like I had lost my mind.

Methamphetamine Abuse And Your Body

Meth addiction creates some very complex problems in your brain. The effects of meth on your mind are brutal and hard to describe unless you’ve been through it. First, let’s get into the physical symptoms.

Beyond meth eyes, meth mouth is a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect. Meth users grind their teeth, and the chemicals from the drug do a lot of damage to your gums if consumed orally.

There is an increased risk of high blood pressure, vision impairment, vision loss, changes in body temperature, and retinal vascular occlusive disease. I developed a retinal vascular occlusive disease, which affected my vision. This occurs when there is a blood clot in the veins around your eyes.

Methamphetamine use increases your risk of poor blood flow and high heart rate. All of this combined throws your body into a tailspin. What negative effects does your body try to fight first? The central nervous system can only handle so much of the effects of meth.

Meth and Body Temperature

The way methamphetamine made my body temperature rise and fall was shocking. Beyond the vision impairment, skin sores, and rapid eye movement, I always felt like I was being put in and out of an oven. Meth interrupts blood flow and

Your physical health and mental health are very closely related. One doesn’t work all that well without the other. Health problems greatly affect your mood and general disposition. When you’re using crystal meth or any other drug, you’re sapping your brain of dopamine. The dopamine receptors in your brain greatly affect your emotions.

Drug abuse puts these receptors into overdrive until they can no longer produce any more dopamine. When your brain is emptied of dopamine, it can create some real havoc. The support groups that I was a part of in my initial recovery were so great at teaching me about the way methamphetamine made me feel.

Even long after I stopped using the drug, I still felt the effects. This is one of the common symptoms of those in recovery. Just because you got clean, doesn’t mean you’re not going to desire that feeling again.

Addiction Treatment and Meth Use

Both prescription and illegal drug abuse require a lot of support. Getting clean is a decision you make on your own, but you need a lot of help along the way. The support groups I have joined have given me a great sense of purpose and responsibility.

I try and stay clean not just for myself, but so I can help someone else see that it is possible. I no longer see the world through meth eyes. Crystal methamphetamine turned me into a person that I don’t want to become again, but I know it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

I may not be engaging in meth use now, but I can’t predict the future. I try to live moment by moment and help others see it that way too. Ultimately though, I’m only in control of my own life. I work on myself first before anyone else.

Long Term Effects After Treatment

The effects of meth are still with me, but I try to use them as a tool to help others. I may have gotten over my physical effects, but there are long-term effects that last well into recovery. The retinal vein occlusion is gone, but the effects linger. Meth seems like it will always be a part of my life, whether I still use it or not.

When I was going through my initial treatment at Best Rehabs In Arizona, I knew I had made the right decision even if the withdrawal symptoms were tearing me apart inside. I had tried treatment many times over the years, but never truly wanted it for myself.

A Journey of Recovery from Methamphetamine

Being in treatment has given me a new lease on life, and I make sure every day that I’m doing the best I can to not go back to methamphetamine. The long-term effects of meth may be there, but I know that it’s something I can handle if I put in the work.

If you are struggling with meth, or have a loved one that is, reach out to Best Rehabs In Arizona and ask about your options. I know it may seem scary, but I was pretty far gone, and they helped me find a strength and hope I thought were long gone. I bet they can help you find them too, all it takes is a phone call to get the ball rolling and claim your own recovery!

December 16, 2022December 27, 2022

Slang for Cocaine

Common Street Names for Cocaine

When you suffer from cocaine addiction, you pick up pretty quickly on the street names for cocaine. There have been a lot of substitutes and variations of the word cocaine. Some of the terminologies get pretty ridiculous, but if you have a cocaine addiction, you become an encyclopedia of street names for cocaine. Cocaine addiction has unfortunately become a part of American culture in the last several decades.

I didn’t think I had it in me to accept addiction treatment when I got to Best Rehabs In Arizona. Drug use in general requires a rigorous treatment process. Cocaine addiction is one of the toughest forms of substance abuse to overcome. Cocaine users have gotten pretty creative in their slang for cocaine. Cocaine abuse is a very common form of drug abuse and it crosses all lifestyles and cultures.

Keep reading if you or a loved one is struggling with coke, to find out the names for the drug you may not have heard before, and find out about effective treatment with Best Rehabs In Arizonas!

Going Beyond Nose Candy: A Dictionary of Slang for Cocaine

The slang terms also transcend these boundaries. The drug cocaine is derived from the coca plant. It is generally a drug that is smuggled and one of the biggest headaches for the drug enforcement administration. The substance derived from the coca plant is very often in a white powder form.

Cocaine use has been popular in America for decades, and as the times change, so do the cocaine slang terms. There is a lot of variation in these nicknames for cocaine depending on how the cocaine is produced. Crack cocaine is a common form of cocaine that has been highly dangerous.

Cocaine Mixed With Other Drugs

Cocaine is commonly mixed with other drugs and has various street names. ‘Nose candy’ is one of the most common slang terms for cocaine by itself. This is because it is commonly ingested in its white powder form. Typically, by the time you develop a cocaine addiction, you are no stranger to other drugs.

Cocaine is very often mixed with other drugs in order to enhance its effects. Many of the people I’ve met in addiction treatment have talked openly about using cocaine with other drugs. When I was at the height of my cocaine addiction, I used to put powder cocaine at the end of my cigarettes. ‘Cocoa puffs’ is one of the slang terms for cocaine mixed with cigarettes.

Another one of the slang terms for this is ‘Greek Joint’ or mixed with marijuana in a blunt it used to be called a ‘woo-banger.’ All the slang gets a little crazy, but it can help conceal the way you are using it and lets a coded message be passed back and forth a bit more easily.

One of the scariest substances on the rise is fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely powerful narcotic and is responsible for many overdose deaths. Dirty fentanyl is crack cocaine mixed with fentanyl. Sometimes it’s very difficult to know what you are ingesting when all you are given is a white powder or crack cocaine. I’ve known several people who lost their lives because of dirty fentanyl.

Cocaine Street Names Not Often Talked About

As new forms of drugs become more widely used, the street names for and slang for cocaine continue to multiply. There are slang terms that I first heard about in Treatment, and I thought I knew them all. Cocaine is a drug that can be mixed with many other substances.

Cocaine mixed with heroin is known as a ‘speedball’. Big flake is another term used to describe the appearance of cocaine. The street name for cocaine mixed with marijuana is known as Bazooka.

The list of slang for cocaine seems never-ending. Some of the most common street names for cocaine are Coke, Big Flake, Blow, Candy, White Girl, and Pearl. Common slang terms for crack include Rock, Black Rock, Kibble, and Ice Cubes. Cocaine mixed with meth is known as Croak. The slang terms just seem to go on and on the further, you delve into them.

Cocaine street names change often and make it difficult for law enforcement to keep up. The influx of cocaine into the United States has continued to be a big problem in the world of drug addiction. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates that Columbia produces about ninety percent of the cocaine that reaches America. Other countries in South America that produce cocaine include Peru and Bolivia.

Crack Cocaine Addiction

Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine abuse that is often found in poor neighborhoods. “Crack”, “Rock” or “Base” are common crack cocaine slang terms. Crack has been one of the most common street names for cocaine since it became a prevalent form of drug addiction.

Because crack is one of the most common nicknames for cocaine, it can be confused with white power. Those who aren’t familiar with cocaine may not know the difference between crack and powder cocaine.

Crack cocaine is made from cooking cocaine mixed with baking soda. It is then typically smoked. It is often seen as a much more addictive form of cocaine. Crack quickly became a common form of cocaine use as soon as it was first introduced. Cocaine mixed with baking soda provides a very quick, intense high. It’s a big rush that is rarely felt by other drugs.

As someone who has suffered from substance abuse and gone through addiction treatment, I can attest to the powerful grip that crack cocaine has on addicts. Cocaine use is bad enough for your body and mind, but crack is truly all-encompassing. The national institute on drug abuse has warned about the link between crack cocaine and developing STDs such as HIV and Hepatitis.

Long Term Recovery From Substance Abuse

To achieve long-term recovery from drug use, you need to be all in. The decision needs to come from you, and nobody else. This is one of the first things you’ll learn in treatment centers. There are many aspects to the recovery process.

A lot of treatment facilities focus on behavioral health and your individual needs as an addict, and in my case Best Rehabs In Arizona in Colorado helped me get to the reasons I loved coke so much, and help me find ways to stop using that seemed almost natural in hindsight. Over the years I have replaced that intense high with a ton of other ‘highs’ from daily life that are sustainable and don’t leave me filled with regrets.

There are many ways to become a drug addict. It always begins with recreational use, and normally gets worse over a period of time. No one decides to be a drug addict one day, it happens gradually and the drugs fool you into thinking you’ve got it under control. Treatment programs are designed to help you deal with the issues that led you to that place.

There is usually some sort of outside factor for the development of drug addiction. When the drug becomes the only thing important in your life, it is typically because it is masking something painful in your past. This is not one hundred percent the case, but pretty close.

Treatment Options For Drug Abuse

Drug treatment looks pretty similar for most addicts. Whether you are addicted to one drug or multiple drugs, treatment starts at the core of who you are. Addiction comes in many forms. When I finally sought treatment, not only was I falling apart personally, but so were my family members. I lived with a lot of shame for what I put them through, and I wanted to make it right.

Ultimately, you can only achieve long-term recovery if you do it for yourself first. You have to love and forgive yourself above all else. Best Rehabs In Arizona have one of the best treatment programs out there, and I tried my best not to take it for granted. They offer treatment placement tailored to your specific addiction.

There are so many great treatment options these days, and easy ways to find recovery information online. Many of these programs offer both in-person and text support for those who prefer texting. Everyone’s journey is unique, so treatment placement is tailored to the individual.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Library of Medicine were great learning tools for me during my treatment. My specific addiction was cocaine mixed with heroin. Two very strong and potentially fatal addictions. I learned a lot about these specific drugs, and how lucky I was to be alive. Cocaine and heroin are bad enough on their own. Cocaine mixed with heroin very often results in death.

Behavioral Health and Treatment Placement

Finding the right fit is key to navigating drug treatment. Many people don’t know where to start when selecting the right program. A lot of addicts assume they won’t be able to afford it. Luckily there are many programs in the network at a reduced rate. The insurance coverage I got was very necessary and was a big part of why I was able to make it work.

Once you go through treatment, it doesn’t mean the problem is totally fixed. Finding a good support group is vital to your recovery. The reoccurring messages you hear through support groups may sound old after a while, but for us in the program they are crucial. Truer words have never been spoken than ‘one day at a time’.

Reach Out for Your Own Recovery

When you receive treatment, you are doing yourself and your community a giant favor. Not to mention your family as well. I work very hard on myself and my mental and behavioral health. I know that I’m not going to completely make it all go away, but I can separate myself enough from my addiction to where I feel like I have a fighting chance. That’s all anyone in recovery can ask for.

If my story sounds similar to your own, or if you have a loved one going through some of the same experiences, please give yourself a fighting chance and seek out help. I know Best Rehabs In Arizona helped me grab hold of a life I thought was long gone for me. If you want something different for yourself, reach out now and see what your options are for a new way of life.

December 4, 2022December 27, 2022

How Long to Rewire Brain from Addiction?

Addiction Treatment and Reversing Damage from Drug Abuse

Long-term use of drugs and alcohol is associated with a wide range of adverse brain-related health outcomes, including cognitive decline and mental health disorders. The sooner a person receives treatment for their drug addiction, the sooner their brain will mend and recover from the impacts of drug use.

Drugs have a devastating effect on the human brain chemistry and overall health. The brain adapts to receiving the drug after prolonged use, affecting the brain’s chemical processes. Luckily, a wide range of effective treatment methods can help you recover from the effects of drugs.

The recovery period from drug addiction varies widely from person to person, depending on factors such as how long they were abusing drugs and whether they have any preexisting medical conditions or mental health disorders.

Read on to find out how long it may take for rewire brain from Addiction and to learn more about the connection between drug use and brain health!

The Effects of Drugs on the Brain

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a mental condition involving various neurological and psychological symptoms. Long-term treatment and recovery may be necessary due to the damaging effects of drugs on the brain.

The U.S. Surgeon General explains that the pleasure, stress, learning, decision-making, and self-control circuits in the brain are all negatively affected by drugs. Your brain’s basal ganglia is the brain’s reward system, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. When you take drugs, this pathway activates, leading to euphoric feelings.

The extended amygdala is the brain regions that control stress responses. The National Institute on Drug Abuse claims that drug abuse causes these neural pathways to become more sensitive. This leads to stress responses like irritability, uneasiness, and anxiety.

Responsible for learning, decision-making, and self-control, the prefrontal cortex is the last section of the brain to mature and develop, usually in one’s twenties. Drugs’ effects on the prefrontal cortex may lead to compulsive behavior in people addicted to substances.

Different drugs have varying effects on the brain. Opioids like heroin, oxycodone, and Suboxone, for example, enhance the risk of overdose by altering fundamental physiological processes like heart rate and respiration. Inhalants can impair cognitive function, and cocaine can cause minor strokes in the brain, damaging brain nerves.

How Long Does It Take to Heal the Brain from Addiction?

Since drug use has varying effects on different individuals, brain recovery could take several weeks, months, or even years.

Factors that Influence the Time it Takes for the Brain Cells to Recover from Addiction

It is essential to note the time it may take for the brain to recover depends on various factors, such as:

Type of substance abused
Length of time suffering from the addiction
Severity of addiction
Presence of co-occurring mental health issues

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, a person in recovery from marijuana addiction should expect to feel anxious and irritable for one to two weeks. This timeframe is significantly shorter than the recovery time required for benzodiazepine addiction, which can cause similar symptoms plus agitation, poor memory, and poor focus for up to eight weeks or longer.

Some people take the entire rehab treatment program to achieve complete abstinence, while recovery takes longer for others.

Specific treatments and lifestyle changes may speed up brain healing. These include total abstinence, exercising regularly, and maintaining proper nutrition. Moving from high-stress or hostile environments to a supportive drug rehab center would be best.

Treatment Options for Brain Rewiring After Addiction

Addiction is a complex brain disease that affects an individual’s physical, emotional, relational, and mental states. Substance use disorders (SUDs) can also trigger co-occurring disorders.

There are various management options available after completing rehab. Depending on your specific requirements and preferences, you can complete one or more of these programs individually or in combination with each other. Once you complete detox and withdrawal symptoms have subsided, you can start rewiring the brain’s physical and chemical dependency on substances through rehabilitation.

The brain can self-repair some brain damage, according to NIDA. This happens through neuroplasticity, a process where the brain forms new neural connections in response to positive environmental changes.

Drug rehab centers often use a medical detox and behavioral therapies to help clients recover from the damaging effects of drug addiction. Treatment providers may also use medications to reduce and reverse the effects of addictive substances on brain health.

Below are some of the most common treatment options:

Medical Detox for Alcohol and Drugs

Medical detoxification is the initial phase of treatment for those struggling with substance abuse. Your medical provider will conduct an assessment through diagnostic tests or brain scans like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the severity of the addiction and brain structure.

Medication is used in detox to keep patients comfortable and limit the risk of health issues during drug or alcohol withdrawal. During detox at a detox center, medical practitioners and addiction specialists constantly monitor clients, ready to step in whenever necessary to make the detox process comfortable.

Some patients may be prescribed drugs and nutritional supplements that heal brain damage and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Patients in recovery from alcoholism, for instance, may take vitamin B1 supplements to prevent memory loss, while those from opioid addiction may take methadone to correct biochemical brain irregularities.

Neurological damage caused by drugs can be treated with medicines like Deprenyl and Acetylcysteine.

Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery)

The SMART Recovery program is an alternative to the 12-step and other religiously-based approaches for addiction recovery. It centers on a group of people sharing similar experiences in overcoming addiction.

Drug and alcohol addiction is widespread because these substances’ euphoric feelings encourage users to keep abusing drugs. The primary goal of SMART recovery is to provide an alternative to drugs and alcohol for maintaining motivation.

To maintain their drive for sobriety, clients in this program are urged to discover external sources of happiness, like a fulfilling career, good health, or supportive connections with family and friends. The brain is rewired to seek happiness from within rather than from external sources like drugs. Learning to control cravings and avoid relapse is another critical goal of the program.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Many people struggling with mental health disorders or addiction turn to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The core tenet of CBT is the realization that one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions are interconnected.

Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to equip the patient with healthy coping mechanisms and counter-thoughts to the negative thought and emotion cycles. Despite CBT’s relatively straightforward theory, the process of retraining the brain to overcome addiction is lengthy.

Some people’s negative thought patterns are deeply ingrained habits that need to be chipped away at methodically with CBT techniques.

Issues Addressed in CBT Addiction Treatment

This helps in addressing the following aspects of a continuing addiction:

Triggers that reinforce an individual’s urge to continue using drugs and alcohol
Destructive or harmful thought patterns that lead to unwanted behaviors

Psychotherapy Based on Mindfulness

Mindfulness therapy is an increasingly popular option for those struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health issues like depression. Mindfulness is a philosophy that shares some similarities with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with an added focus on being present with one’s thoughts.

When aware of their immediate environment, the person is taught to identify habitual, automatic ways of thinking and replace them with present-minded ones. This helps to divert attention away from the problematic thought processes while breaking them down.

Clients participating in a mindfulness-based therapy session are encouraged to:

Consider mental processes as temporary occurrences rather than fixed truths
Focus on the present to anchor themselves in reality
Think “in the present” to help them avoid patterns of rumination

12-Step Programs for Brain Rewiring

Many people assume that 12-Step and religious-based programs are ineffective because they lack a scientific foundation. But research shows that the 12-step activities used to combat addiction can rewire the brain.

Consistently attending 12-Step meetings has been shown to strengthen neural circuits involved in decision-making and desire regulation. The environment modifies how the brain perceives the addiction, making it less likely that a person attending these meetings will relapse.

Individuals are less likely to engage in addictive behaviors if they model their actions after those they frequently meet. People find the environment at 12-step meetings to be inspiring, and it helps them stay committed to their recovery.

Most rehab facilities offer these types of care and can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. You can select a single option or a blend of multiple approaches to find the best fit for addiction recovery.

Get Professional Help for Substance Abuse and Addiction

While you can’t treat a substance use disorder by an act of will, you can gradually change your mind or rewire your brain and overcome this chronic condition. You will need personal determination to commit to addiction recovery through the help of medical professionals and evidence-based treatment options.

Call Best Rehabs In Arizona now for advice on the best treatment plan to help you beat your addiction and achieve long-term sobriety!

July 7, 2022July 27, 2022

Books for Parents of Substance Abusers

Getting Help for Children Who Use Drugs or Alcohol

Across the U.S., millions of preteens and teenagers drink or take drugs at least occasionally. Significant numbers of younger children are also involved in some form of substance use. Compared to adults, children are more susceptible to the major risks of using drugs and alcohol. They also have additional risks that are not a factor for adults.

Having a child who drinks or takes drugs is a cause for serious alarm. In this situation, you naturally want to do as much as possible to help your affected loved one. One key step is following the advice of verified addiction and substance treatment specialists. Among other places, you can find this advice in expert-recommended books and other resources for parents of substance abusers.

Why Read About Substance Use Disorders and Addictive Behaviors

Knowledge is power when it comes to helping your substance-using child. The more you know, the better your ability to understand what is happening to your loved one. You also have a better chance of responding to your child’s substance use in effective, supportive ways.

Reading is an excellent way to educate yourself about substance problems and addiction. Potential sources of useful information include:

Addiction specialists
Public health experts
Other parents who have faced similar situations
Books and articles from the wider substance recovery community

What to Read If Your Child Suffers From Addiction

All children who drink or take drugs are at-risk for addiction. Addicted children no longer use drugs or alcohol voluntarily. Instead, they have a chronic brain disease that leads to involuntary substance use.

What should you read if your child suffers from addiction? As a rule, the most reliable sources are federal public health officials. These officials belong to organizations dedicated to providing accurate information on addiction-related topics. One top federal source is the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA. NIDA features a resource page geared toward both parents and teachers. This page includes:

Information on the most commonly abused substances
Advice on how to talk to your kids about substance use
Links to a vast range of relevant articles and guides
Dozens of short, informative videos

NIDA also offers much more detailed information on addiction-related topics. One key publication is the short book Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment – A Research-Based Guide. This online book:

Explains the general principles of effective treatment
Answers common questions about addiction and its treatment
Describes the treatments used for specific forms of addiction
Identifies treatments that are especially helpful for teenagers

Another excellent source of information is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA. SAMHSA offers more than 100 publications designed specifically for parents and other caregivers.

Online Resources Related to Staging an Intervention

An intervention is designed to provide effective help for anyone caught up in substance abuse. When performed properly, it can encourage your child to seek needed recovery support. However, when performed improperly, it can have the opposite effect.

A well-designed intervention requires detailed planning. For this reason, you must choose your online sources of intervention information very carefully. One of the best online guides comes from the Mayo Clinic. This guide provides comprehensive advice on topics such as:

Relying on professional help when making your intervention plan
Creating a team of people to carry out an intervention
Deciding what to say during an intervention
Holding the actual intervention
Taking follow-up measures after an intervention

Titles That Look at Drugs and Addiction in America

A quick Google search will bring up countless titles of books that look at drugs and addiction in America. Some of these books take a historical perspective. Others look at current aspects of drug use and addiction. Still others offer advice on how to help teens affected by addiction.

How can you wade through this sea of information? After all, in today’s world, anyone can write a book and publish it online or in print. Some of these authors are acknowledged experts in their field. However, others may have little expertise to offer, if any. How can you tell the difference?

One thing you can do is consider the credentials of a given book’s author. Do they have a background in the subject they are covering? Do they have academic positions or work for organizations that specialize in addiction-related topics? What do reputable reviewers have to say about a given book? These kinds of questions can help you separate reliable authors from those whose advice may be less valuable.

Books From the Alcohol and Recovery Support Community

Books written by members of the alcohol and recovery support community can also be useful. The authors of these books typically:

Have children or other loved ones who have been affected by addiction
Speak from personal experience rather than from formal expertise

Dozens of publications in this category are released every year. There is a good chance that you can find one suitable for your current situation. The right book may:

Offer timely advice
Help you gain a better perspective on your situation
Direct you toward important treatment resources

Fentanyl and Harm Reduction Reading Resources

Harm reduction is an approach designed to prevent overdoses and other severe outcomes of substance use. Today, public health officials sometimes take this approach to help people using the powerful opioid fentanyl. Why? Fentanyl use inevitably comes with a very real chance of experiencing an overdose. Harm reduction can potentially help lower your child’s overdose risks.

A variety of reliable online resources cover the topics of fentanyl and harm reduction. Some of these resources are provided by federal public health experts. Many state governments also provide similar resources.

Reading Materials for Kids With Addicted Parents

Children in communities across America grow up with parents affected by addiction. You may know teens or younger children in this situation. If so, you may want to provide them with helpful, supportive reading materials. You will find informative brochures on this topic at SAMHSA. The nonprofit organization Common Sense Media also provides a listing of recommended books for kids with addicted parents.

Finding Effective Treatment for a Loved One at Best Rehabs In Arizona

Resources for parents and loved ones of addicted individuals come in a variety of forms. Some of the most sought-after resources are books for parents of substance abusers. Books of this type can help you understand addiction’s effects on your child. They can also help you respond to your child’s needs in ways that support their eventual recovery.

Generally speaking, public health officials are the most reliable sources of information. However, you may get crucial help from other knowledgeable professionals. Books written by members of the recovery community may also offer important support and advice.

In addition to reading up on addiction, you must help your child enter an effective treatment program. At Best Rehabs In Arizona, we specialize in the treatment of all forms of substance addiction. No matter how your loved one is affected by addiction, our customized care will help them recover. We can also help your loved one recover from mental illnesses that often occur in people with substance problems. Ready to get the process started? Call us today to learn more about our available inpatient and outpatient treatment options.

June 29, 2022December 15, 2022

What Is the Most Addictive Drug?

In a world where dozens of substances exist that cause an entire range of side effects associated with addiction, one of the most commonly pondered questions is “what is the most addictive drug?” Finding a definitive answer to this question is all but impossible, considering how relative addictions can be.

The science and medical worlds would disagree, considering the physical markers and battery of tests conducted on participants over the years. Readings of different brain chemicals and the way our body responds to abuse do show some pretty hard evidence as far as how addictive certain drugs can be.

However, the scientific and medical term is better served using the description of “physical dependence” than addiction. Addiction is far too mental to produce a definitive number one in this category.

A check of multiple sources produces multiple definitions, each with different wording or their own twist on the term:

Source 1: An addiction is a chronic dysfunction of the brain system that involves reward, motivation, and memory. It’s about how your body craves a substance or behavior, especially if it causes a compulsive or obsessive pursuit of “reward” and a lack of concern over consequences.

Source 2: Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.

By most definitions, addiction can stem from several different sources and isn’t limited to alcohol or illegal substances. People can develop habits with something as simple as Diet Coke.

Although the severity of the addiction is ultimately determined by the eyes or mind of the user, we attempt to make sense of this question in the following article.

What Is the Most Addictive Drug?

The answer to the question of “what is the most addictive drug?” depends on who you ask and the criteria you use to judge the addiction. Is it based on how often the user abuses the drug? Is it based on how much a user will go through to obtain the substance? Or is it answered based on the severity of withdrawal, using a combination of the drug’s grip on the mind and body.

If you’re using the latter to answer the question, technically, the most addictive drugs, not a drug, would probably be a three-way tie between alcohol, nervous-system sedatives, and opioids. Technically, we could cut that list down to two because alcohol can be grouped as a nervous system depressant.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroin and prescription painkillers, while central nervous system depressants include alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.

Opioid addiction is characterized by compulsive drug use despite adverse consequences to one’s health, finances, or relationships. This leads to tolerance—when users must take more significant amounts of the drug to get high—and withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it abruptly or after prolonged use.

Central nervous system depressant addiction often occurs when someone uses these substances for recreational purposes but becomes dependent upon them over time due primarily to their soothing effects on areas within the brain responsible for regulating emotions and behavior. Users often get wrapped up in a cycle of using these substances to numb certain feelings.

In addition, they also have the most severe withdrawal symptoms, with nervous system depressants edging opioids slightly in this category. And they all have a high rate of relapse. In addition, the consensus of most users would be that these two are indeed the most addictive drugs.

But that’s if you ask people who have struggled with these drugs – people who preferred them. Plenty of people tried both categories of these drugs and didn’t enjoy them, instead maybe leaning toward cocaine or amphetamine.

To this demographic of the drug user, cocaine and methamphetamine would be the most addictive drugs. This makes this question so difficult to answer with any level of certainty.

What Makes a Drug Addictive?

What makes a drug addictive? This question is a little easier to answer but may vary from person to person. However, the core driving factors typically remain the same in nearly every instance of addiction.

Typically, addiction begins subconsciously, usually by blocking or correcting a negative feeling or emotion an individual has. It could be insecurity, guilt, anger, or several other issues.

A large majority of the time, individuals aren’t even aware that they’re participating in the abuse to mask or bury the feeling. However, dependence takes hold after a significant period of use, mental and sometimes physical.

During the early abuse period, the substance in question is causing an explosion of certain chemicals in the brain. Dopamine, serotonin, and other chemicals, released in large amounts, cause the euphoric feeling or “high” users chase.

However, after an extended period of the drug driving the release of these chemicals, the body cannot produce them naturally and relates the dispensing of these chemicals with the ingestion of the drug. Eventually, the user takes the medication to maintain a somewhat average level.

Now, what about types of addictive substances?

Categories of Addictive Substances

There are several categories of addictive substances. Each of these categories seems to have its unique, addictive properties and potential level of severity. At the minimum, they can be distinguished by their levels of physical addiction or lack thereof.

Stimulants: Amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine
Inhalants: Spray paint, antifreeze, nitrous oxide
Cannabinoids: Marijuana, hash, wax
Depressants: Benzos, anti-depressants, barbiturates, alcohol
Opioids: Heroin, methadone, fentanyl
Steroids: Various performance-enhancing drugs, human growth hormone
Hallucinogens: LSD, PCP, DMT, Psylocibin mushrooms
Prescription drugs: Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, morphine

With such a variety of categories, how would we even begin to determine the most addictive substance?

How to Determine the Most Addictive Drug

Determining the most addictive drug is difficult because of the varying viewpoints. However, you can use two approaches when attempting to answer this question.

Using a scientific or medical approach to reach the answer would require looking at past data. Noting things like which drugs altered brain chemicals the most, which drug produced the most intense detox period, and other evidence-based conclusions would give you the popular answer for the most addictive drug.

The other approach requires a personal testament from specific users of various addictive substances. However, it’s not incorrect to assume that a large majority of personal opinions would point toward heroin or another opioid being the most addictive.

This also matches with scientific and medical data and is further intensified by the fact that we’re currently in the middle of an epidemic.

The Most Physically Addictive Drug

The most physically addictive drug isn’t as difficult of a question to answer. However, this spot is shared by three substances.

Alcohol, benzos, and opioids are the clear winners regarding the most physically addictive drugs. They all produce life-threatening, painful withdrawals and almost always require medically assisted detox.

The Most Psychologically Addictive Drug

This is another matter of opinion answer and garners many different results. However, many argue that methamphetamine is the most psychologically addictive drug.

The primary reason for this widespread opinion is the numerous cases of psychosis triggered by methamphetamine abuse. Typically, it takes prolonged use of methamphetamine to begin experiencing symptoms of psychosis.

However, more recent, highly concentrated batches of crystal meth are causing psychosis after only a month or two of abuse. In addition, overdose cases of methamphetamine have steadily increased after being almost non-existent for over a decade.

The Top 5 Most Addictive Drugs

The argument over which drugs are the most addictive will likely be perpetual as long as abuse exists among the population. However, a list of the five most addictive drugs is probably more agreed upon, only in varying orders.

The top five most addictive drugs, in our opinion, are as follows:

1. Heroin/Fentanyl

Heroin and fentanyl may not have the severity level when it comes to withdrawals as benzos, but they seem far more prone to quick addiction and abuse. One look at the numbers of fentanyl overdose deaths and the use statistics give insight into the grave situation that is the opioid epidemic.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol has the number two spot for a couple of reasons. First, it’s the most widely abused drug out of all other options and is more accessible because of its legality. Two, the withdrawal symptoms are dangerous, potentially causing life-threatening side effects. Alcohol is tough to detox from without the help of medical professionals.

3. Cocaine/Crack

Crack was an easy pick for the list and has been a staple among discussions of the most addictive drugs. Many crack users become hooked after their first hit, chasing that initial high through years and years of spiraling and abuse. It’s important not to forget that before the opioid and fentanyl epidemic, the crack epidemic ravaged inner-city neighborhoods across the country.

4. Crystal Meth

Number four on the list is methamphetamine, otherwise known as crystal meth. This drug was dormant for a period but is back with a vengeance, causing an epidemic of its own that’s been overshadowed by the opioid crisis. However, after a steep increase in meth overdose deaths, this dangerous drug finally has the attention of the public eye again.

5. Prescription Pills

Prescription pills round out the top five and include several different substances like benzos, pain killers, and stimulants. Although the prescription pill crisis isn’t at the heights it was in the early 2000s, it’s still a massive problem and takes lives daily. Not only does this category include benzos but also opioid painkillers, which are often a stepping stone to heroin and fentanyl.

The Rise of Fentanyl Addiction

As mentioned above, the prescription pill epidemic of the early 2000s eventually gave way to the heroin epidemic, which quickly morphed into the fentanyl crisis. Currently, massive quantities of drugs flood our streets because of the shifting availability.

Dealers no longer must import the substance from China, as Mexican cartels manufacture the drug right on our borders. This led to another record year of opioid overdose deaths and a grim reminder that the problem is far from under control.

Finding Top Treatment, No Matter the Addiction

Regardless of your drug, the top treatment regardless of addiction is essential. No addiction should ever take precedence over another, as everyone has their own battles to fight.

Each addiction case shares a common denominator – there’s human life at stake and a family that’s losing someone they love. Fighting substance abuse is a worthy cause that requires a collective effort, and winning the battle starts with awareness.

Long-term Sobriety with Best Rehabs In Arizona Recovery

If you or someone you love is suffering from any addiction, Best Rehabs In Arizona Recovery is here to help you reclaim your life and independence. Our top-notch staff is compassionate about our effort; every client gets 110%, regardless of their addiction or background.

To find out how we can help you in your journey to recovery, contact a member of our compassionate staff at any time, day or night. We have convenient locations in Arizona and Colorado that accept clients from all over the country, regardless of geography. Don’t let distance stop you – contact Best Rehabs In Arizona Recovery today.

May 17, 2017

Signs of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Relapse

What are the Reasons Relapse May Occur?

For addicts going through the recovery process, most have been told something along the lines of “relapse is a part of recovery.” Is relapse part of the recovery process? The simple answer is no. Many individuals in recovery find success the first time around. However, alcoholics and drug addicts may experience a relapse, or multiple, when attempting to get clean and sober from their drugs of choice. Relapsing can be devastating to addicts themselves, but can also take a toll on the loved ones that surround them. This article is meant to inform those who suffer from addiction and their friends and family different reasons why this may continue happening, and how to deal with relapse as it comes.

Why Does an Addict Relapse?

Addiction is unpleasant (to say the least) for the person suffering and their loved ones. Many people wonder what is the cause of addiction. Debated by some, addiction is a disease that results in changes to the brain from continued substance abuse. Addiction is not a disease that develops overnight; we generally pass through a series of phases that begin with experimenting and partying from time to time, gradually developing into loss of control regarding our substance intake.

Our substance use, be it alcohol or drugs, becomes compulsive and renders us acting irrational and abnormal. After an addict has been sober for some time the tendency to relapse is very strong. The data shows that each time you try to stay sober your likelihood of gaining lasting sobriety increases.

How our Brains Work in Conjunction With Addiction Relapse

Our brains contain complex reward systems, developed over time and evolved to help us pursue the things necessary to our survival (i.e. food, reproduction, etc). Our frontal lobes (the part of our brain that develops last and is crucial in our ability to predict, reason, and create) help us weigh the consequences of our impulses. When this system is functioning in conjunction with one another it helps us to make better decisions for ourselves.

However, in an addict it is as if our reward systems do not communicate properly with the frontal lobe in a cohesive and logical way. Our sensitive reward system can be triggered very easily causing us to crave drugs or alcohol. To sum it up, our minds don’t allow us to think the consequences of our actions through clearly, even after some time in recovery has passed.

Can you cure a drug addict? Many addicts believe their disease is one that will last forever, but this notion isn’t true. Thankfully, addiction is a disease that can be successfully treated. Education is key in kicking addiction. That’s why it’s so important to seek out the resources and information about different treatment options

Warning Signs of a Potential Relapse

Excusing unhealthy behaviors – after some time passes it can become easier to slow down on internal growth and honest self-appraisal. This happens so subtly that we don’t always notice when this is happening. Then after some time we begin to justify the behaviors that risk our sobriety and increase our chances of relapse. We know in our hearts the behaviors are wrong yet we do them anyway. This leads us to feelings of shame, anxiety, guilt etc…
Obsessing about work, money, or a romantic interest – These are good things for us to have in our lives. The key is to learn not to obsess, and let these distract us from our primary goal of staying sober and learning to love ourselves.
Unhealthy spending habits – This is something that many addicts and alcoholics struggle with early in recovery. Being irresponsible with our finances can lead to a heavy burden on our lives. This is not conducive to the new life we are trying to lead and can produce more stress and anxiety.
Elevated levels of stress and anxiety – Most people that suffer from addiction are not monitoring this effectively in their early recovery. Therefor they cannot intervene on this in a healthy manner. This can lead to the thought process of “a drink or a drug sounds like a good idea.”
Isolating – Because we as addicts have a tendency to experience difficulty in monitoring our behavior and being honest with ourselves about the impact of that behavior, we need a sober social network and support system to help us see the truth. A sober social network can help us see how we are truly doing internally, and help us redirect the driving force of those behaviors into a healthy and more productive outlet. We don’t do this alone and the beautiful thing about recovery is that we do not have to.
Romanticizing and glorifying your addiction – It is very easy for us to fall into this way of thinking, our minds remember the good times we had throughout our addiction, which there were plenty of. If we didn’t enjoy it for so long before our lives came crashing down we would not have kept using drugs or drinking. It can be difficult to remember the hangovers, withdrawals, lying, isolation, loneliness and pain we experienced that led us to try and get sober in the first place. Make no mistake about it, it starts with a lot of fun but when the party is over, it is over.
Being a pessimist and forecasting negatively for your life – No one likes to feel depressed and hopeless. Being honest and in touch with the real challenges that are ahead of us, while maintaining optimistic about those outcomes helps us to function more effectively. Having foresight for our futures, and believing we can be successful is key. “those who believe they can, and those who believe that cannot are both usually right.”

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction please call Best Rehabs In Arizona today and speak with one of our founders directly. You are not alone, and there is hope.

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