Addiction in New Jersey is 3x than in Rest of America!

Addiction in New Jersey 3X than in Rest of America!

New Jersey, the Garden State, is known for its diverse culture, bustling cities, and picturesque
landscapes. But New Jersey has been significantly impacted by the nationwide opioid (pain pills
+ heroin + fentanyl) epidemic. Heroin is a major problem and the rate of heroin overdose deaths
in New Jersey is three times the national average. NJ has lost nearly 20,000 people to drug
overdose since 2001. Other commonly abused drugs in New Jersey include cocaine, marijuana,
and prescription opioids. Drug-related crime is also a significant problem, with an estimated
70% of violent crime in the state linked to drug activity.

The opioid crisis in NJ is driven primarily by fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. In 2017,
Fentanyl accounted for as much as 50% of all overdose deaths in NJ. Addiction to heroin is a
major issue with an estimated 150,000 people in New Jersey addicted to heroin. The state has
seen a 7X increase in admissions to drug treatment programs over the past decade or so.
There are many drug rehab centers in New Jersey that treat people suffering from an addiction
to opioids and opioid withdrawal. Opioid withdrawalk can be excruiciating. However, it is not
dangerous, like alcohol withdrawal.


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Alcohol is the second most used drug in New Jersey. Thousands of people seek treatment for
alcohol in New Jersey every year. Although legal alcohol abuse can lead to dangerous
consequences. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures and stroke. So it is important to seek
treatment for stopping alcohol use.

Cocaine is the next most used substance in New Jersey following opioids. Efforts to reduce
cocaine consumption remain an issue, in cities, though, cocaine remains a typical drug. Its
addictive character and accessibility make it a persistent challenge for authorities and health
professionals. For marijuana and cocaine, there are no official detox protocols. So coming off of
marijuana and cocaine requires more work.

Like alcohol, benzos like Klonopin, Xanax, and Ativan come with dangerous withdrawal
symptoms. Benzos are often prescribed for genuine psychological issues but abuse can lead to
dangerous consequences. Benzo withdrawal can lead to seizures and stroke. So, it is important
to seek treatment for stopping alcohol use.

Data on substance abuse treatment in New Jersey yield a range of options. Thousands of
individuals in the state seek substance use disorder treatment annually. Treatment programs
range from outpatient detox inpatient to residential rehabilitation, to MAT.

The most modern way of treating addiction is Outpatient Detox. It has become more popular of
late as it lowers the barriers to accessing treatment. Most people find it difficult to check out of their daily life in order to access treatment. Outpatient Detox is available for all substances –
alcohol, opiates (kratom, oxycodone, oxycontin, tramadol, Percocet, fentanyl, heroin),
benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan) and anesthetics (ketamine). The most acute phase
of addiction treatment, detoxification, can be accessed from home.
The Center for Network Therapy is a pioneer in outpatient detox and has been providing this
level of care since 2013.

Detoxing from Polysubstance Abuse – Does it Work?

Detoxing from Polysubstance Abuse – Does it Work?

Polysubstance abuse is highly prevalent in New Jersey and it involves the simultaneous use of
multiple substances. Polysubstance abuse raises the risk of overdose and poses a greater
danger to physical and mental health. Consequently, detoxification is the starting point of
treatment, and, in New Jersey, outpatient detox is an effective alternative to inpatient detox as it
helps integrate the home environment into treatment. The Center for Network Therapy has 3
detox facilities in New Jersey – West Orange, Middlesex and Freehold – offering Outpatient
Detox since 2013.

Why do Individuals Abuse Multiple Substances at Once?

One of the key reasons is to enhance the high from using one substance – for example co-
abusing benzodiazepines with opiates helps to achieve a higher high.

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Adolescents and young adults abuse multiple substances due to peer pressure and the urge to
experiment – prevalence is higher among adolescents and young adults.

Sometimes people use multiple substances to counter withdrawal symptoms from one
substance by using another – anxiety from opioid withdrawal may lead to abuse of
benzodiazepines.

Some medications to address mental health issues are not effective – consequently,
Individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD or bi-polar disorder.

It is quite possible that New Jersey leads the nation in the concurrent co-abuse of multiple
substances. This is because NJ lies at the crossroads of the drug trade to New York after
emanating the southern borders. Towns such as Red Bank, Colts Neck, Morristown, Short Hills,
Bedminster, Summit, Westfield, Long Branch, and Mendham are particularly affected.

Examples of Polysubstance Abuse:

  1. Using cocaine, a stimulant, after binging on alcohol to counter alcohol’s central nervous
    depressant effects, to enable continued consumption of alcohol.
  2. Benzodiazepines along with opiates to obtain a higher high.

Common Substance Use Disorders.

Substance use disorders are characterized by compulsive use of substances despite negative
consequences:

  • Alcohol use disorder (AUD) – excessive drinking and a pattern of alcohol consumption
    resulting in impairment or distress. NIAAA defines heavy drinking as follows: for men,
    consuming five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week and for women,
    consuming four or more on any day or 8 or more drinks per week. Heavy alcohol use
    leads to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped abruptly.
  • Opioid use disorder (OUD) is the problematic use of opioids – it includes prescription
    painkillers such as oxycodone, percocet, tramadol and illegal drugs like heroin and
    fenatnyl. Although some of these medications are prescribed to treat severe pain, it can
    lead to dependence.
  • Cocaine is a stimulant and cocaine use disorder is compulsive use of cocaine despite
    health and legal issues. There is no official detox protocol for cocaine so coming off of
    cocaine becomes difficult.
  • Cannabis use disorder is defined by problematic use leading to impairment throughout
    various aspects of life. Although cananbis is increasingly being viewed as a harmless
    substance and efforts are underway to categorize cannabis as less harmful than other
    drugs, it is not the case as it can lead to psychosis.
  • Methamphetamine use disorder is the misuse of methamphetamine with accompanying
    physical and mental health issues.
  • Benzodiazepine is offifically used to treat various psychological issues such as anxiety
    and insomnia. But abuse is not uncommon in New Jersey. Benzo use disorder is the use
    and abuse of prescription medications like Klonopin, Valium or Xanax leading to
    addiction and dependence.

Causes of Polysubstance Abuse.

Polysusbtance abuse is likely more prevalent in New Jersey as compared to other
regions in the nation. Development of polysubstance abuse could be caused by:

  1. Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition and altered brain chemical composition might
    raise susceptibility to polysubstance abuse.
  2. Psychological Factors: Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, or trauma can cause
    individuals to seek self-medication with several substances.
  3. Environmental Influences: Polysubstance abuse might be connected to exposure to
    substance abuse in the household or social circle and access to alcohol and drugs.
  4. Social Pressures: Peer pressure, societal norms, and cultural influences may bring about
    polysubstance abuse, especially for young people.
  5. Co-occurring Disorders: The complex nature of the conditions places individuals at increased
    risk for polysubstance abuse with associated mental health disorders and drug abuse issues.

Polysubstance Detox

Addressing polysubstance abuse requires addressing the root cause and supporting
behaviors. The starting point is always detox, and detox from polysubstance abuse is
much more complicated that detox from a single substance.

Firstly, detox from polysubstance abuse takes longer than detox from a single
substance. The reason is that individuals have to weaned off from one substance before
attempting to detox them from another substance. It is also more complicated as
withdrawal from multiple substance have to be managed at the same time.

Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI),
dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) along with various other psychotherapeutic methods might
help individuals address the root causes and develop coping methods.

Fortunately for New Jersey residents, the Outpatient Detox option is available, as the
Center for Network Therapy pioneered the outpatient detox modality of care for all
substances of abuse and has been providing outpatient detox since 2013.

Click here for treatment and support for dealing with polysubstance abuse and recovery.

Understanding MAT Treatment For Opioid: A Path to Recovery

Understanding MAT Treatment For Opioid: A Path to Recovery

Opioid addiction is a serious public health issue, as it affects millions of individuals and families all around the world. Opiates consist of heroin, prescription pain pills such as Oxycontin, Percocet, Tramadol and Oxycodone, and synthetic drugs such as fentanyl. Recovery from opiate addiction requires a comprehensive addiction treatment approach including medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Historically, there has been resistance to MAT, as it was seen as drug-for-drug substitution. However, research studies over the past several years have provided conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of MAT in saving lives and helping people enter recovery.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of substances which include prescription painkillers like oxycodone, oxycontin and hydrocodone, and street drugs like heroin and fentanyl. All these drugs attach to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to pain relief and feelings of intense euphoria. While fentanyl is a synthetic drug made from chemicals, all other opiates are derived from opium. Opioids are highly addictive, and prolonged use lead to physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms are severe and may include muscle aches, chills, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia.


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Over the past 2 decades an “opioid crisis” has been brewing and has reached “national emergency” levels. Now state governments and the Fed are investing huge sums of money in prevention efforts. This crisis has led to devastating consequences, including tens of thousands of drug overdose deaths, broken families, and economic burdens on society. Opioid addiction does not discriminate, and affects people from all walks of life.

The introduction of new classes of medication called buprenorphine and naltrexone to address opiate cravings and opiate withdrawal symptoms is a game changer in addressing this crisis.  Utilizing these classes of medications in conjunction with counseling and therapy has proven to be effective in helping people recover from an addiction to opiates, or people suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

Overcoming Opioid Use with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a highly effective approach for individuals struggling with Opioid Use Disorder, or OUD. MAT involves combining the use of FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine or naltrexone coupled with counseling and therapeutic techniques such as motivational interviewing, DBT and CBT.

There are 3 common FDA-approved medications used in MAT for opioid addiction treatment: Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone.

Types of MAT

  • Methadone 

Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) is a common long-term treatment for opioid addiction, particularly heroin addiction. Although initially approved for pain relief in 1947, Methadone was integrated years later in MAT treatment to treat adults with OUD through medication and therapy.

  • Buprenorphine

The FDA approved the use of Buprenorphine, also known as Zubsolv, Suboxone or Subutex, in 2002 for treating Opioid use disorders. It was previously used as a pain reliever and works by binding with Opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain, prevent withdrawal symptoms, and lower cravings for opiate substance and prescription painkillers.

  • Naltrexone

Naltrexone helps people with opioid or alcohol addiction resist cravings and avoid relapse. It is the generic name of the brand name medication, Vivitrol. It not only helps prevent substance abuse or alcohol use disorder by reducing cravings but is also effective in blocking the effects of opioids. Naltrexone treatment must be supported with making changes in lifestyle, and seeking counseling support.

The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

  • Reduction in Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms:

MAT medications target the same opioid receptors which opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers target in the brain. Medication treatments such as methadone and buprenorphine help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which are crucial drivers of relapse.

  • Stabilization of Brain Chemistry:

Opioid misuse disrupts the brain’s chemical balance. MAT medications help restore this balance, allowing individuals to regain mental clarity and emotional stability. Stabilization enables patients to focus on their recovery journey and engage effectively in counseling and therapy.

  • Reduction in Illicit Drug Use:

MAT has been associated with a significant reduction in illicit opioid use. Individuals on MAT are less likely to engage in risky behaviors associated with seeking and using opioids. Lower illicit drug use contributes to a reduced risk of overdose and its associated consequences.

  • Improved Treatment Retention:

MAT has been shown to increase retention rates in addiction treatment programs. Longer treatment engagement is generally linked to better outcomes. MAT programs often provide a structured environment with regular check-ins and support, which can help individuals stay committed to their recovery.

  • Lower Risk of Overdose:

MAT, especially when used consistently and as prescribed, substantially reduces the risk of opioid overdose. Naltrexone, for instance, blocks the effects of opioids and can be a lifesaving intervention, particularly for individuals at high risk of relapse.

  • Holistic Approach to Recovery:

MAT is not a standalone treatment but rather a component of a holistic recovery approach. It is often combined with counseling, therapy, and support groups. Treating addiction involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses both medication and behavioral therapies, which helps address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction and achieve recovery in a sustainable way.

  • Increased Functionality and Quality of Life:

With help of MAT, individuals can regain control over their lives. It can help them become productive members of society, maintain employment, and rebuild relationships. As individuals stabilize on MAT, they can focus on personal growth, education, and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has revolutionized the field of addiction treatment, offering hope and a proven path to recovery for those struggling with OUD. When combined with counseling and support, MAT helps develop a comprehensive approach to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction to help people regain control of their lives and embark on a journey toward lasting recovery.

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How to Get Help for Ketamine Addiction: Treatment Options and Resources

Impact of Ketamine Abuse:

Ketamine is an anaesthetic, primarily used by veterinarians. A few years back a medication named Spravato, which is essentially ketamine, was approved by the FDA to treat chronic depression that was resistant to other anti-depressants  Similar to PCP, Ketamine is abused by humans for its hallucogenic properties. It is a favorite drug for sexual predators as it helps to incapacitate their potential victims. As per the U.S. Department of Justice, ketamine is primarily abused by teenagers and young adults in the 12-25 age range. This group accounted for 74% of emergency room mentions in 2000. Ketamine is popular in the rave and night club scene because of its low price, short duration of action and induction of powerful dissociative experiences.


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Ketamine is available as a liquid or a white-ish powder on the streets. On the streets ketamine has various names: K, special K, cat Valium, Vitamin K, Kit Kat, or Green K. It can be mixed with beverages, smoked along with tobacco or marijuana, snorted or injected intramuscularly. Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance like codeine or anabolic steroids, which means that it has less abuse potential than Schedule I substances like heroin or Schedule II substances like cocaine.

When abused by humans, Ketamine causes distorted perception of sight and sound and makes users feel disconnected and out of control. Abusing Ketamine can impair an individual’s senses, judgement and coordination for upto 24 hours, although the drugs hallucinogenic affects last less than 90 minutes. Chronic abuse of ketamine could lead to physical or psychologic dependence on the drug. It can cause lasting issues, such as:

  1. Memory issues
  2. Depression
  3. Delirium
  4. Amnesia
  5. Impaired motor function
  6. High blood pressure
  7. Potentially fatal respiratory problems
  8. Risk of sexual assault

If you become addicted to ketamine or similar drugs, you would be better off seeking professional help in order to avoid or minimize ketamine withdrawal. Ketamine abuse can also cause stomach pain and liver problems.

Stages of Ketamine Addiction:

Addiction to Ketamine Happens in Three Steps:

  1. Binge/Intoxication Stage: At first, it feels good to use ketamine, but after a while, you might want it more than the things that used to make you happy.
  2. Withdrawal/Negative Affect Stage: Now, you need ketamine just to avoid ketamine withdrawal symptoms.
  3. Preoccupation/Anticipation Stage: You start craving ketamine and are pre-occupied with obtaining it, despite negative consequences.

Signs of being addicted to ketamine include not being able to quit using it even when it causes problems. This doesn’t just affect the person using ketamine; it also hurts their relationships with family and friends, causing friction and isolation.

Questions to help you figure out if you might have a problem with ketamine:

  1. Do you get angry or feel guilty when someone talks to you about your drug use?
  2. Have you tried to stop using ketamine or use less of it, but have not been successful?
  3. Do you need more and more ketamine to achieve the same high?
  4. Have you stopped doing things you used to enjoy, like hobbies, sports or spending time with loved ones, because of ketamine?
  5. Have you hurt yourself physical but felt no pain because of ketamine in your system?
  6. Have you stolen ketamine or stolen money to obtain Ketamine?
  7. Do you feel like you’re invincible and don’t need to follow the rules when using ketamine?

Getting help for ketamine addiction and ketamine withdrawal:

If you are worried about being addicted to ketamine, there is help available. Licensed addiction treatment centers such as the Center for Network Therapy, can help you overcome your addiction to ketamine by effectively addressing ketamine withdrawal symptoms while building up sobriety skills. The trained staff at these addiction treatment facilities can provide tailored treatment plans, starting with Ketamine detoxification to address your addiction. Being open and honest about your situation can help you access effective care without delay.

Addiction to ketamine is treatable, but you need to make the first call!

How long does alcohol withdrawal last?

How long does alcohol withdrawal last?

It’s difficult to comprehend withdrawal from alcohol. It is socially acceptable to consume alcohol and most people find it hard to comprehend that someone can become chemically dependent on alcohol, let alone experience withdrawal symptoms from stopping alcohol consumption.

For those who are addicted to alcohol, things are real. Alcohol withdrawal is highly uncomfortable and could be dangerous, with risks of seizure or stroke.  You cannot predict how long alcohol withdrawal will last – it could last 2 weeks. Alcohol withdrawal has three stages, but not everyone goes through all three, but may experience one or more of them. The likelihood that an individual suffering from alcohol dependence may develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when stopping alcohol consumption depends on many factors.

They include:

  • Duration of alcohol consumption
  • Quantity of alcohol consumed
  • Frequency of alcohol consumption


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A person consuming alcohol on a daily basis for a longer period is more likely to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms than one who drinks for a shorter period of time, intermittently. Mental health issues may exacerbate alcohol withdrawal symptoms, as anxiety is one of the withdrawal symptoms. It is hard to predict the severity of alcohol withdrawal or duration. It may vary from individual to individual even when the duration of consumption, the amount of consumption and frequency are similar.

We can divide this withdrawal phase into three stages

First stage of alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms start to occur when a person who has developed alcohol dependence quits drinking. It could start two hours to a full day after someone has had his/her last drink. Although the first stage is the least intense, each person will experience it differently.

The first stage of alcohol withdrawal symptoms includes-

  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Heart palpitations
  • Foggy brain
  • Tremors
  • Mood swings

 

The second stage of alcohol withdrawal

The second stage of alcohol withdrawal is more severe as compared to the first stage. The second stage of alcohol withdrawal sets in about 48-72 hours after a person stops consuming alcohol.

  • Second-stage alcohol withdrawal symptoms include-
  • Rise in body temperature
  • High blood pressure
  • Confusion
  • Abnormal heart beat
  • Sweating
  • Irritability
  • Breathing problems
  • Mood swings

 

The third stage of alcohol withdrawal

The most difficult and dangerous phase of alcohol withdrawal is the third stage, where they symptoms become severe. The first signs of withdrawal appear about three days after the last drink an alcoholic consumes, and these can last for weeks.

Third-stage symptoms include

  • High fever
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Stroke

 

Please be advised that not everyone will experience these stages of withdrawal in the above order. Symptoms can vary wildly across the time spectrum referred to above, so alcohol detox should never be attempted outside of a licensed treatment facility with experience dealing with alcohol withdrawal. Some severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as seizure or stroke could lead to death. So access to a medical team that can address such issues need to be present when alcohol detox is attempted..

Consequently, it evolves that alcohol detox is not to be taken lightly as withdrawal symptoms can lead to severe medical consequences. RecoveryCNT.com can offer effective  Alcohol addiction treatment under the guidance of a Board Certified Addiction Medicine expert. Also our alcohol detox is easy to access because it in an outpatient setting. There is less resistance to entering treatment when the person suffering from an addiction to alcohol realizes that they can access detox treatment for alcohol from the comfort of their home instead of going away for days on end to an inpatient treatment center

 

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What is a Methadone Clinic & How does it Works

What is a Methadone Clinic & How does it Works?

Methadone is an opioid agonist, and it is used to treat opioid dependence. It is effective against prescription pain pills such as Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Tramadol, and Percocet, as well as heroin and fentanyl. It has been used to treat heroin addiction since the 1950s and addiction to other opioids more recently. Methadone can help people with opioid addiction by preventing the worst opioid withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.


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Before starting methadone treatment, an evaluation with a medical and clinical professional is necessary to determine treatment appropriateness and dosage. If you decide to move forward with treatment, most people will visit a methadone clinic daily in order to receive the medication. under medical supervision. If you or a loved one is addicted to opioids, you may be looking for a treatment regimen that helps you quit. Methadone clinics can be an effective treatment option for opioid dependence.

How does it work?

1) It all starts with you! It may be a cliché but is so true in the case of recovery. No one can help you unless you decide to help yourself first. You must make the initial decision to quit your dependence on substances and enter recovery. It is never easy to admit that you need help, but it is a crucial part of your recovery process. You need to gain insight into the life you are leading with addiction – the negative impact on yourself and your loved ones. If you’re not fully committed to entering recovery, it is going to be difficult to effect lifestyle changes needed to sustain recovery. The desire to change should come from within you.

2) Deciding to change is the first step, but you also need to commit to this decision through your actions. This means learning coping skills to deal with your triggers, learning relapse prevention techniques to stay on the sober path, and effecting lifestyle changes that help sustain recovery. Remember that addiction is chemical dependence you body has developed to a particular drug. Will power is helpful, but in most cases, may not be enough to pull you through to the other side of addiction. Remember it is not easy, despite getting help from medication to address cravings and withdrawal symptoms and therapeutic support.

3) The role of a supportive network – self-help groups such as AA or NA and family and friends – in achieving and maintaining sobriety cannot be overemphasized. Not only does your support network nourish your recovery with encouragement and support, they may be most available resource when you are in crisis. People in your support network can be reached any time of the day and they care enough about your recovery to prioritize it.

4) When it comes to addiction treatment, there are now many options Outpatient detox and other levels of outpatient addiction treatment are increasingly sought after, as they reduce stigma associated with the disease of addiction and they also make addiction treatment more accessible. You should take the time to do your research and explore all the different options that are available so that you can find a treatment plan that will work best for you.

If you are not sure where to start, call us and we will guide you with understanding treatment options. You can also do some research online to get familiar with treatment options and how they are different.

 

Conclusion

It is usual to feel trapped when you are trying to overcome an addiction. You might be ready to make a change, but unsure of where to begin. It can be difficult to admit you need help, but that first step is vital in beginning your journey towards recovery. It requires courage not only to admit that you have a problem but also to make the first call to seek help

 

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How Methadone can affect your emotional health

Is Methadone Addictive

What You Need to Know About Intensive Outpatient Programs

How To Get Off Suboxone – 3 Steps to Stop Suboxone Safely

How To Get Off Suboxone – 3 Steps to Stop Suboxone Safely

An FDA approved pharmaceutical drug called Suboxone, or buprenorphine, is used to treat addiction to opiates as it effectively addresses cravings and withdrawal symptoms. When used as instructed, it has been shown to increase abstinence from opiates without substituting one drug for another. Long-term Suboxone maintenance therapy, lasting multiple years, has been effective in sustaining longer-term sobriety.


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Suboxone is a partial agonist, and, even though it does not provide the user with a high, it does precipitate some withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped after many years. Although many patients who are firmly in recovery and are confident of sustaining their recovery without the aid of maintenance buprenorphine therapy, they are anxious about doing so because they do not want to compromise their sobriety.

In medication-assisted therapy for opiate addiction, buprenorphine—marketed under the brand names Suboxone and Zubsolv—is currently the popular medication. Buprenorphine is also a more convenient therapy relative to methadone treatment, as buprenorphine can be prescribed by doctors while the patient has to go a treatment facility to receive methadone.

 

How hard is it to get off suboxone?

Suboxone is not addictive relative to opiates like heroin, fentanyl and Oxycodone or even methadone (a full agonist) since it is only a partial opioid agonist. While there will be some withdrawal symptoms while coming off of Suboxone, anxiety is more of a concern, as the patient does not want to face cravings or withdrawal symptoms that could drive a relapse.

The good news is that detox off of Suboxone or other forms of buprenorphine is available in New Jersey in Freehold, West Orange and Middlesex. Also, it is important to know that suboxone withdrawal detox is fully covered by most health insurance plans.

In our opinion, three steps are needed in order to make the decision to quit Suboxone or buprenorphine and do it from home. While we believe it is best to enter an outpatient treatment facility in order to come off of Suboxone, we think, at a minimum, the following steps should be taken in order to do-it-at-home:

 

Consult your psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, therapist or other care giver:

If your psychiatrist or physician has prescribed you Suboxone or other forms of buprenorphine, do not discontinue taking the medication without first discussing it with him/her. Your physician or prescriber can educate you about what to expect when you stop using the medication and you can collaboratively evaluate your readiness to come off of Suboxone, or buprenorphine. Also, it is  good place to explore how to wean off of the Suboxone or buprenorphine – do-it-at-home or enter an addiction treatment facility in New Jersey.

 

Follow Buprenorphine, or Suboxone taper protocols:

If your prescribing physician and you decided to do-it-at-home, be sure to follow taper protocols put in place by your prescriber closely and stay in touch with you prescribing physician. Almost always psychological symptoms surface as the decision to quit using buprenorphine maintenance therapy is anxiety provoking. Be sure to be alert to signs and symptoms of common behavioral health issues such as anxiety and depression.

 

Continue participating in therapy:

It’s essential to continue receiving therapy during a suboxone taper as it is usually anxiety-provoking. Anxiety and depression are common during this phase and it needs to be effectively addressed in order to ensure that these symptoms do not lead to a relapse.

Or do Suboxone, buprenorphine detox the EASY Way – Enter an Outpatient treatment facility:

The easy and safe way to come off or Suboxone or come off of buprenorphine in new Jersey is the enter outpatient treatment at Middlesex, West Orange or Freehold. Detox off of suboxone and buprenorphine is fully covered by health insurance so there are minimal costs associated with choosing to enter a treatment facility to detox off of buprenorphine or Suboxone.

At the facility your Suboxone taper will be customized and the Suboxone or buprenorphine will be provided by the facility itself. Besides board certified psychiatrists will be available to address any psychological symptoms that come up during the process. Also, therapy to enhance support will be made available. Therefore, we believe, that it is safer and easier to detox from buprenorphine or Suboxone at an outpatient treatment facility rather that do-it-from home.

No matter which path you pursue, get professionals to help you in the process. Avoid quitting abruptly, and don’t go it alone, as th stakes are high and it could lead to relapse on opiates. Involving addiction treatment professionals will ensure that you face minimal cravings and withdrawal symptoms making the process of weaning off of buprenorphine safe and comfortable.

How to Guide a Loved One to Seek Alcohol Detox

How to guide a loved One to Seek Alcohol Detox

Addiction is difficult to live with, as it disrupts life and makes it dysfunctional. Oftentimes individuals suffering from substance use disorders are in denial that they have a problem. They feel they are in control and can stop abusing alcohol or drugs whenever they choose to. A minority of those afflicted by the disease of addiction, whether to alcohol, opiates or benzos, face the reality that they have an addiction problem. Given this, it is easy to see why most people suffering from addiction fail to access addiction treatment in a timely manner.


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Usually, it is a challenge for the loved ones of people suffering from addiction to convince them to enter addiction treatment. The fact that most treatment facilities adhere to the outdated inpatient detoxification or residential rehab model for addiction treatment only adds to the resistance to enter substance use disorder treatment, as it conveys the message that people suffering from addiction are somehow anti-social and need to be isolated from their own communities. Also, people suffering from addiction view inpatient alcohol detoxification in New Jersey or residential treatment programs as punishment for suffering from a disease.

To sum it up, there are primarily three challenges to helping a loved one to enter treatment for alcohol addiction or to other substances: their own denial, stigma associated with treatment that removes them from their own communities and insensitive addiction treatment models that condemn individuals suffering from addiction. Here are some ways how you could try to deal with these issues.

Denial:

This is not easy! Loved ones of those suffering from addiction find this to be a huge challenge. However, it can be done. The first step is to arm yourself with facts before you have a conversation with a loved one about their addiction to substances. Google is your friend! Google facts about signs and symptoms of addiction. Unkempt appearance, loss of interest in hobbies, absences/tardiness at school/work, unwarranted irritation, negative impact on job or academic performance, etc. are telltale signs. Log ones that you observe with date and time. Besides Google can also educate you about the negative impact on one’s health from excessive abuse of drugs or alcohol. For alcohol, there are official guidelines that establish mild, moderate and excessive consumption benchmarks for men and women.

Repeated presentation of facts should help to reduce denial and increase willingness to explore treatment options.

Reduce Stigma – Suggest Outpatient Addiction Treatment Options:

Most individuals suffering from addiction dread the fact that they will be removed from their living environment and sent away to an inpatient or residential facility in order to access treatment. Remember that outpatient treatment options, including ambulatory detoxification for alcohol, opiates and benzos, have become available over the past few years. Presenting outpatient treatment options to the individual afflicted by the disease of addiction could help reduce resistance to engaging in addiction treatment.

Eliminate Negative Labeling – Addiction is a Disease:

Science has proven that addiction is a chronic brain disease due to changes in the brain caused by even moderate abuse of substances over a short period of time. Research facts about addiction and avoid attaching negative labels to the person suffering from addiction. Remember that addiction is not a behavioral problem or a moral issue. So, it would not be productive to engage in a blame game that serves to alienate the person addicted to a substance. Changes in the brain trigger cravings that, unless satisfied, inhibit normal functioning. In other words, only the continued use of substances helps the person who has become chemically dependent on the substance feel normal enough to function optimally.

Basing the conversation on the fact that addiction is a disease will help lower resistance and create a positive environment for fruitful conversations. Keep the conversation objective and goal oriented, “We have a problem. How do we solve it together?”

Getting Help:

Firstly, seek medical help in treating the disease of addiction. Not only is it more effective, it is also safe. Believe it or not, even coming off of alcohol, which people believe to be benign, can be dangerous unless attempted in a medical detox facility. Alcohol withdrawal Management can cause seizures or stroke, which needs to be prevented and, therefore, safe Alcohol Detox in New Jersey can only be done in a medical detox facility. There are many treatment options for alcohol dependence in New Jersey, but remember that outpatient alcohol detox is not only a safe and effective option, it is also likely to be more acceptable to the individual affected as it lowers stigma and treats addiction to alcohol as a disease and not as a behavioral issue.

Many Ways to Overcome Alcohol or Drug Dependence

Many Ways to Overcome Alcohol or Drug Dependence

While a full recovery from an addiction to alcohol or drug addiction can be challenging, it is not impossible. The first step is to accept that there is a problem, allowing the person suffering from substance use disorders to take the necessary steps to overcome their addiction. Recovery is not easy – while in recovery, relapses are possible due to external triggers and cravings. Additionally, people in recovery may also experience intermittent withdrawal symptoms, which could lead them back to their substance of choice. Here are some tips that can help you deal with these issues so that you can sustain recovery.


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1. It all starts with you
The decision to enter recovery has to be ultimately made by the person suffering from a substance use disorder. Other people, out of concern or with the intention to help, may try to advice a person suffering from addiction to seek professional treatment but treatment is effective only when the person suffering from addiction themselves choose to enter treatment and get better,

Becoming completely aware of the consequences of addiction and then taking that first step is very important. Unless and until one realizes that addiction is negatively impacting his or her health and relationships, it becomes very difficult to accept change and attempt transformation. While ambivalence about treatment is common, your decision to enter addiction treatment is very important if you want to fight addiction. Challenges on the road to recovery is par for the course but one has to accept the fact that these roadblocks will be a part of the journey.

2. Find your own support system
Building a strong support system is crucial to attaining and sustaining recovery. Fighting addiction alone is not easy. One needs to get people throes trust into confidence, be it friends or family, so that they are aware of your struggles and can be of meaningful help. Depression and/or often set in during the initial stages of abstinence, among people undergoing alcohol detox in New Jersey. Sharing one’s fears and feelings with friends and family can help him/her overcome this phase. Spending quality time with loved ones and engaging in hobbies can help to get through these withdrawal symptoms. One must also keep sharing updates about the treatment plans with his/her family members so that they are also aware of the progress in addiction treatment.

3. Speak to experts and get professional advice
Many people think that they can overcome their addiction to alcohol by themselves, which comes with serious risks. Even understanding moderate alcohol dependence requires medical attention to deal with withdrawal symptoms, as withdrawal symptoms can lead to stroke or seizures. Different Drug Rehabilitation Centers in New Jersey offer different treatment options. It is important to seek professional help and undergo an evaluation before you choose the ideal treatment option.
Outpatient detox treatment allows a person to continue with their daily activities and responsibilities, while they are undergoing treatment. Outpatient treatment could be vastly more effective inpatient treatment for addiction. However, it is advisable to consult with addiction treatment experts before choosing the best option. It is important that treatment consists of a combination of regular counseling along with medication.
If you are seeking freedom from addiction, then it is a good idea to search for Drug rehab centers in New Jersey and start with a detox treatment under the supervision of medical experts. This will help hasten the recovery process and ensure that you develop skills and strategies that can be used to ensure that you don’t slip back into addiction again.

Choosing a Ketamine Rehab to Treat Your Depression

Choosing a Ketamine Rehab to Treat Your Depression

Feeling sad and drained at times is not uncommon. Depression is when such feelings persist and hinder one’s life. Depression or Clinical depression though a little shocking to hear, is a common mental illness. Around 5-6% of the world’s adult population suffers from it.

Depression comes under the category of mood disorders. It affects the perspective of a person towards everyday activities and one’s behavior in general. A series of physical and emotional problems accompany depression. In severe cases, the person becomes suicidal. It requires proper diagnosis and treatment.


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Causes of Depression:

  1. Biochemistry– People with depression tend to have chemical differences in the brain. These chemical differences affect the part of the brain that controls mood, thoughts, appetite, and sleep.
  2. Personality– Personality plays a crucial role in how life situations affect a person. People with low self-esteem or are pessimistic are more likely to experience depression.
  3. Hormones- Sudden changes in hormones can trigger depression. Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy, after childbirth, thyroid problems, menopause, and others lead to mood swings and depression.
  4. Genetics– A family history of depression is likely to put one at high risk of developing depression. When diagnosing a patient with depression, knowing the genetic history is crucial.
  5. Somatopsychic reasons– People suffering from diseases like cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s, chronic physical pain, and others can develop negative attitudes and depression.
  6. Environment– Constant exposure to violence, poverty, and abuse can make one more likely to develop depression.
  7. Substance abuse– Depression is common among people with a history of alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug abuse.
  8. Medications– Certain medications can also put one at risk of getting depression, such as medicines for high blood pressure, Insomnia, sleep apnea, and others.
  9. Vitamin D deficiency– Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to depression. People in countries that receive less sunlight are more prone to depression than people in countries that receive an ample quantity of it.

Symptoms of depression:

Depression affects the everyday life of a patient. Its symptoms are-

  • Aggressiveness, Irritability, and restlessness
  • Sad, empty feeling, hopeless
  • Feeling guilty, Withdrawal from social activities, loss of interest in activities.
  • Constant fatigue and helplessness
  • Little or too much sleep
  • Overeating or loss of appetite leads to weight gain or weight loss.
  • Difficulty in remembering things and making decisions. Lack of concentration.
  • Fantasizing and thoughts about suicide.

Hard to diagnose:

Depression is hard to diagnose due to a lack of trained personnel. Many times depression is incorrectly diagnosed as some other ailment. At times people who are not suffering from depression are diagnosed with it and put on antidepressants. Social and cultural taboos in some parts of the world prevent people from seeking medical help for depression. People from low-income groups hesitate to get medical assistance as it is very costly.

The Treatment:

Depression is curable. Length of treatment depends on the degree of depression faced by a patient. It also depends on social and environmental factors. Different therapies such as

  • Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive behavior therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Light Therapy
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (in severe cases)

Medicines prescribed include antidepressants and neurotransmitter inhibitors.

Ketamine drug

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug used during treatments. It causes a dissociative effect where the person using it gets cut off from reality. It leads to distorted feelings, sensory distortions, and unusual fantasies. Ketamine administered to agitated people helps to calm them down.

Ketamine treatment for depression:

Ketamine for depression treatment has attracted attention over the years. It has been in use for nearly half a century for depression treatment. If the patient is not responding to other forms of treatment, ketamine has been helpful.

Benefits of Ketamine treatment for Depression

Other forms of treatment used for curing depression often work at a snail’s pace. People need to undergo various therapies and medications to get relief. Ketamine leads to the formation of Glutamate, which triggers the brain to form new neural connections.

It helps develop a positive attitude and behavior, an effect not seen with antidepressants. It gives results faster than other methods, and its results are long-lasting.

The Risks Involved

  • The ketamine dose administered for depression is even lower than that used for anesthetic purposes. Overdose can lead to kidney failure, disturbed heart rhythm, and decreased blood pressure.
  • Ketamine doses are administered with caution as it is addictive.

Final Overview

Ketamine detox center in New Jersey uses ketamine for treating various disorders like depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD treatment, and dealing with chronic pain.

Ketamine administered to patients is in the form of ketamine infusion or nasal sprays. Ketamine detox center in New Jersey specializes in the same. As Ketamine treatment is gaining popularity, more and more studies and research papers are coming out to understand how ketamine functions in managing depression.

It is a powerful and effective antidepressant that has brought hope to many people who have long suffered from depression and found no effective remedy.

 

Related Articles

Ketamine Treatment for Treatment Resistant Depression Could Save Your Life

Ketamine Withdrawal and Treatment Clinic in New Jersey

Negative consequences of addiction

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