Can Giving up Alcohol Reduce Anxiety?

Posted on December 9, 2021September 2, 2024 by cmspresident

Can Giving up Alcohol Reduce Anxiety?

Anxiety: An Overview
You may be tempted to drink a glass of wine or a beer to calm your nerves when coping with hectic days or anxiety provoking events. However, excessive drinking of alcohol, especially over a lengthy period, can make you feel more anxious.

If you’re being treated for anxiety, drinking alcohol can have catastrophic repercussions. While it may appear that having a drink will help you relax, you may be doing more damage than good.

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The use of alcohol to relieve anxiety-related stress is a prevalent habit among both youth and adults. While the near-term feelings of relaxation and relief may provide the desired respite, alcohol is addictive and repeated use at sequentially higher quantities can lead to physical and psychological dependence on alcohol over time.

Anxiety is a very common mental health condition that can be treated with a variety of drugs and therapies. Unfortunately, many people still choose to self-medicate with alcohol while facing life stressors instead of seeking professional help.

How does alcohol consumption make anxiety worse?
Serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain are affected by alcohol, which can exacerbate anxiety. Once the alcohol wears off, you may likely feel much more anxious than before, as you just lost a coping mechanism. This anxiety may continue to intensify until more alcohol is consumed to numb yourself to your feelings.

It’s not optimal to use alcohol to cope with social anxiety. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that roughly 7% of Americans suffer from this type of anxiety.

You may find it difficult to cope with social situations if you suffer from social anxiety. Drinking alcohol to ease social interactions is prevalent among people with social anxiety disorder. This can lead to an addiction to alcohol when socializing, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Other indicators of dependence, aside from the need for alcohol to feel at ease when socializing, are:

1. needing a drink at parties
2. an inability to stop drinking multiple alcoholic beverages in one day
3. needing a drink to get going in the morning
4. drinking heavily four or more days every week.

Eliminate Alcohol from Your Diet to Reduce Anxiety
Given how alcohol contributes to the cycle of anxiety and problem drinking, it stands to reason that eliminating alcohol from your life can help you manage your anxiety. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go out with your buddies; rather, it means you should avoid situations where drinking is the main attraction.

Because stress levels are frequently fed by endless obsessive thoughts, it is important to be able to control your thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, can help.

Take time to analyze your current relationship with alcohol while you flush your liquor down the kitchen sink. When was the last time you didn’t drink alcohol, and how did you feel during that time? If you’ve been drinking for a long period of time, withdrawal symptoms are likely to be difficult to deal with.

When your body has grown used to the presence of alcohol, it is hard to function normally after you stop drinking. The following are the most common signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:
● Anxiety and paranoia
● Increased heart rate
● Insomnia
● Having trouble concentrating
● Headaches
● Vertigo
● Perspiring
● Nausea
● Tremors, shakes

Liquor is not an anti-anxiety medication
Moderate drinking is not the same for men and women of all ages. In the United States, “moderate” refers to two drinks per day for adult men and one drink per day for women. Because older folks metabolize alcohol more quickly, restrict yourself to one alcoholic beverage each day if you’re in this age range. Consult your physician to see if moderate alcohol drinking is safe for you.

The advantages of drinking alcohol are occasionally overshadowed by the hazards, which include:

● Depression
● Obesity
● Liver damage.
● Injury to the cardiovascular system

Everyone is affected differently by alcohol. It might make you feel more relaxed or brighten you up after a long day. First, talk to your doctor about your worries to discover if alcohol is safe for you.

It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t drink alcohol because:
● Anxiety reduction is possible through lifestyle changes
● Anxiety is treatable. You can, however, adopt lifestyle changes to help you live with your anxiety and reduce it
You can minimize your anxiety by making some simple daily modifications.

How to reduce your anxiety levels?
● Sleep for at least 7 hours every night
● Caffeine and alcohol can both make you feel more anxious, so limit your intake of both.
● Eat healthy
● Focus on relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
● Listening to music or paint

When withdrawal symptoms appear, it’s critical to get medical help right away to ensure you do net suffer seizures, or stroke. Many alcohol rehab facilities in NJ are available to help with dependence on alcohol.

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Most common misconceptions about addiction

Most Common Misconceptions about Addiction

Posted on December 9, 2021December 23, 2022 by cmspresident

Most Common Misconceptions about Addiction

Although we now know more about addiction than ever before, there are still many misconceptions about substance use disorders even among informed people.

There have been significant advancements in understanding the disease of addiction, addiction treatment and research, but a lack of understanding of the chronic disease of addiction creates barriers, preventing individuals suffering from substance use disorders from accessing treatment in a timely manner. Additionally, many of these antiquated preconceptions about addiction continue to stigmatize the disease and make people from addiction ashamed of their condition.

Let’s take a look at a few of them:

1. Addiction is a behavioral or moral issue:

One of the most common misconceptions about addiction is that it is essentially a behavioral problem or a moral failure. Consequently, it is assumed that people who use drugs or alcohol can stop if they really want to. Addiction is a chronic brain disease, and quitting drug or alcohol use on your own is not only extremely tough, but could also be dangerous!

Addictive substances stimulate dopamine production in the brain at ten times the rate of other pleasurable activities such as eating food, indulging in hobbies or engaging in sex. After a period of substance use, the brain’s reward system is altered – the brain stops producing dopamine in response to regular stimuli and instead waits for cues from drugs or alcohol to release a rush of dopamine. This creates dependence as the individual may not feel normal due to the lack of release of dopamine. Many individuals with addiction issues also suffer from mental health issues, which can exacerbate their addiction. The best way to overcome addiction is to seek effective treatment by consulting with addiction therapists in NJ.

2. Medications prescribed by a physician is not addictive :

Among the fallacies about drug or alcohol addiction, those involving prescription medicines are the hardest to correct. The myth is that medications prescribed by doctors are harmless and cannot lead to dependence because they are legal and prescribed by a doctor for a genuine ailment. Tragically, that’s not true, as evidenced by the opioid epidemic caused substantially by prescribed pain killers. Prescription medications are highly addictive and, if misused, can be lethal.

In 2014, an estimated 1,700+ young Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 overdosed on prescription medications, with prescription medicines having the highest overdose rate of any drug for that age range. Not only can these substances be highly addictive if overused, but stopping prescription painkillers can be dangerous, as relapse after a short period of abstinence could lead to overdose. Consequently, it is highly advisable that stopping use of prescription painkillers should only be attempted under the direction of medical professionals or detox facilities as other medications, such as buprenorphine, Suboxone or Subutex can be introduced to address withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which help prevent relapse.

3. Alcoholism is less severe than drug addiction

People assume that alcohol abuse is not as dangerous as drug addiction, as it is socially acceptable to drink alcohol. Alcoholism may take over a person’s life and have significant negative consequences on physical health, finances and mental health. In 2015, 15.1 million adults in the United States suffered from alcohol use disorder, and 88,000 Americans died each year from alcohol-related causes. Alcoholism should not be treated lightly, and individuals who are addicted to alcohol should get help as soon as possible.

Also, it is not advisable to quit drinking alcohol after a period of heavy use without medical supervision. Alcohol withdrawal can be severe and with negative medical consequences. Alcohol withdrawal could lead to seizures, stroke, or even death.

4. SUD Patients Aren’t Productive Members of Society

Conventional stereotypes of individuals suffering from addiction paints a picture of a dysfunctional individual who does not possess the qualities of an ideal employee! They are believed to have low morals and questionable behavior. They are also believed to be criminals, as frequently portrayed on television and in films.

While some people do fit this picture and are unable to work or perform basic daily duties, most individuals suffering from addiction work, support their families, and even have lively social lives. Most themselves do not believe they are addicted, and some that do, find it tough to speak about their dependence. Consequently, they are ambivalent about accessing addiction treatment, which serves to intensify their addiction.

5. Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is Drug-for-Drug Replacement

Research shows that medication assisted treatment, or MAT, saves lives and improves outcomes. Despite that fact there are many, including addiction treatment professionals, that MAT is just drug-for-drug replacement and not treatment. Many individuals believe that those who want to overcome addiction must quit “cold turkey” and maintain their recovery by a “white-knuckling” strategy or by using their will power to resist cravings. This has been proven to be a dangerous strategy, as even a short period of abstinence lowers tolerance levels and increase the chances of overdose in the event of relapse.

6. There is Only One Treatment for Addiction.

What worked for one person, may not work for another. Multiple options are needed in order to offer individualized treatment. Each person requires a unique treatment plan. While the incumbent inpatient detox model may work for some, outpatient detox is preferred by most people who need detoxification from drugs or alcohol. The need for customized treatment to suit individual needs cannot be overemphasized as it increases compliance and leads to better outcomes.

Summary

Rehabs in NJ offer help if you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, whether it’s to prescription painkillers, heroin or fentanyl. Those struggling with opioid use disorder can receive medication-assisted treatment, as well as counselling and other assistance. If you’re thinking about talking to a loved one about their addiction, reach out to us right away to learn more about our treatment options that are more flexible and lowers resistance to treatment from individuals suffering from substance use disorders.

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How Methadone Can Affect Your Emotional Health?

Posted on December 7, 2021December 16, 2022 by cmspresident

How Methadone Can Affect Your Emotional Health?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that was first developed and used by the Germans during the Second World War. It acts similarly to narcotic painkillers, such as Oxycodone, Oxycontin or Percocet, and is used to relieve acute pain. It relieves pain, makes the user feel drowsy, and delivers mild euphoria.
Methadone is available in as tablets, in powder form or as a liquid. It either dispensed daily in methadone clinics, where therapy is also provided or can be obtained through a prescription at pharmacies. There are various Methadone clinics in NJ that not only provide treatment for addiction to opiates, the New Jersey methadone clinics also can help you to learn about methadone’s side effects and possible methadone addiction.

Methadone is contraindicated for people suffering from asthma or stomach/intestine blockage, as it could escalate the conditions. It is also advisable to not use methadone along with other CNS depressants – drugs that cause drowsiness like alcohol or benzodiazepines – as it may slow down the breathing of that individual. If pregnant women have been on methadone for a long period of time, it elevates the risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome in infants.

Methadone Uses and How it Works

Methadone provides “replacement therapy” for individuals suffering from an addiction to opiates. Methadone is only part of the treatment for these individuals. In order for any addiction treatment to be successful, it must be combined with talk therapy, so that lifestyle changes can be effected and coping mechanisms learnt. Methadone is addictive and the longer the use and the higher the dosage, the more severe the dependence.

There are other medications such as clarithromycin and telaprevir, that increase or decrease the impact of methadone. Whenever consulting a doctor, the patient needs to inform the physician of any drug allergies they may have or any other prescription or non-prescription drug/medication use. Injecting methadone increases the chances of overdose, which could put the patient at serious risk.

Initially, Methadone was developed to be used as a painkiller because it can provide long-lasting pain relief. It acts upon the brain and nervous system, which provides relief from pain. But it is easy to overdose on methadone, which can lead to respiratory- or heart-related problems.

Methadone is used as a replacement to narcotic drugs as it gives the same physical effects without providing a similar ‘high’ as drugs like heroin, hydrocodone and morphine. It helps in reducing withdrawal symptoms and addresses cravings. Withdrawal is basically the body’s response to lack of opioids it has become dependent on, and it may include anxiety, irritability, sleeping problems, watery eyes, chills, tremors, vomiting and nausea. When a person becomes dependent on a substance, stopping usage abruptly causes withdrawal symptoms. Methadone clinics in NJ can help individuals to understand the effects of Methadone better.

Side-effects of Methadone

Methadone decreases control and impairs judgement and driving under the influence of methadone can be dangerous. Other side-effects Methadone can cause, mild or severe, include:

Mild side effects of Methadone:

Restlessness
Vomiting
Heavy sweating
Constipation
Dry mouth
Mood swings
Vision problem
Appetite change

Some severe problems, which may require medical assistance, are:

Breathing issues
Drowsiness
Hallucinations
Seizures
Chest Pain
Teary eyes
Dilated pupil

Effects of Methadone on emotional health

Along with physical problems, Methadone also has psychological effects on the patient.. The extent might be less than compared to other heavier drugs like heroin or fentanyl, but they do exist. Some effects of Methadone include:

Flat affect:

Methadone is used by many people to amplify their moods, but it might also backfire upon them. Excessive methadone in many cases can dampen emotions. According to a study published in the journal Addiction, “Methadone may blunt emotional reactivity following an increase in plasma methadone concentration,” which came from an experiment performed on 21 opioid-dependent patients whose moods were recorded at different times.

Psychological dependence:

Although methadone can help to elevate moods and cure depression, it can also increase the individual’s dependence upon the drug. He or she might start to believe that methadone is an essential part of his day-to-day life and a need for his body, rather than just seeing it as a supplement.

Mood swings:

As discussed above, one side effect of Methadone is that it causes mood swings. It acts upon the brain by changing its neural chemistry, which causes mood swings. It might act as a temporary solution for depression, but in the longer course, it can cause serious mood swings.

Increased anxiety:

Patients who use tranquilizers to manage their anxiety or panic attacks might find it difficult to use methadone along with it. The interaction between tranquilizers and methadone affects your Central Nervous System (CNS) and could lead to sleepiness, slowed breathing or coma.

Withdrawal:

Just like any other drug, Methadone primarily affects the brain. It is used in replacement therapy as a substitute for other heavier drugs, but it doesn’t mean that methadone by itself does not have any psychological effect. If a patient abruptly stops using Methadone, he might face extreme mood swings, physical withdrawal symptoms or just start feeling anxious or depressed.

Depression:

We know that Methadone is used as an antidepressant, but its excessive and long-term use could slowly start to reverse that effect. Your body might start feeling reliant on it to uplift your mood, and its unavailability may lead to irritability or anger issues.

Should you use Methadone or not

Just like any other drug, Methadone has its advantages and disadvantages. But if taken as prescribed under supervision, the negative effects can be mitigated. Methadone was developed to be used as a pain reliever, but with time its uses increased. And as they say, “Each coin has two sides.”, it also has its disadvantages. Excessive use might lead to severe health problems like breathing issues, nausea, vomiting and in some cases even death.

However, there is always a silver lining. For a lot of people Methadone has been a blessing. From effectively treating addiction to opiates to having antidepressant properties, methadone has a wide range of uses, when used appropriately. Get immediate assistance from top methadone clinics in Monmouth County NJ, Ocean County NJ or Mercer County NJ to overcome addiction to opiates utilizing methadone.

Detox from Methadone:

After a period of use, an individual utilizing methadone to treat addiction to opiates may want to come off of methadone and attempt a medication-free recovery. It is possible but it is advisable to attempt it only under medical supervision. The Center for Network Therapy, RecoveryCNT.com offers detox from methadone that is covered by health insurance.

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Drug Addiction Trends in New Jersey

Posted on October 18, 2021December 17, 2022 by cmspresident

Drug Addiction Trends in New Jersey

Abuse of substances has plagued humanity since history was recorded. However, the current torrent of addiction is unprecedented. The ill-effects of being addicted to drugs or alcohol is widely disseminated – educational and prevention programs, lectures informing students of its consequences, and myriad movies that have portrayed the negative impact of addiction on celebrities.

Despite increased awareness, over 36 million people worldwide reportedly suffered from substance use disorders in the last year, as per the 2021 World Drug Report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Substance abuse status in New Jersey

Within America, New Jersey in particular has been impacted by the widespread drug use of its citizens. This is likely due to the easy availability of illegal substances such as heroin as well as legal painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone in the state due to it being on the route to New York City from the south. Many Drug treatment centers in NJ provide treatment to individuals struggling with addiction, but addiction is a chronic disease and, quite often, the journey from addiction to long-term recovery takes a jagged path.

According to surveys, the current status of the prevalence of substance use disorders in New Jersey are reflected in the following ways:

9 opioid prescriptions in New Jersey were written for every 100 people in 2018, with the rate being the lowest it had ever been since data could be accessed in 2006
1% of men and 11.7% of women were reported to have an episode of excessive alcohol consumption in 2018
42% of individuals admitted for drug abuse treatment in 2019 were afflicted with heroin addiction
New Jersey Substance Monitoring System (NJ-SAMS) revealed that there were 98,479 admissions for addiction treatment in 2019 with 68% of individuals suffering from substance use disorders being male and 32% female. The counties of Camden, Ocean, and Essex were the ones with the highest number of admissions.

Effects of Covid-19 on drug addiction trends

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to increase in drug and alcohol use across the world, with local, outpatient treatments rising in popularity due to government restrictions on public movement. Stress due to social isolation, difficulty accessing treatment, and worsening mental health were the key reasons.

Deaths due to alcohol or overdose in New Jersey reached a high of 3046 lives in 2020, as compared to the 2,914 deaths in 2019. Most of these were caused by opioid overdose. This can be directly linked to relapse or vulnerability to addiction as millions of people lost their jobs as well as loved ones to Covid-19 in the last two years. Drug rehab centers in New Jersey also faced hurdles during the pandemic, keeping afflicted individuals from receiving addiction treatment.

Impact of substance abuse

Besides causing thousands of deaths every year, substance abuse also affects day-to-day functioning. It affects an individual’s ability to perform regular functions or keep up with responsibilities. Furthermore, substances such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs lead to health complications such as chronic liver disease, cardiac problems, as well as respiratory diseases.

Moreover, many accidents that hurts individuals who did not abuse drugs or alcohol are caused by individuals driving under influence; suicides have also been associated with both drug and alcohol use. Drug or alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to birth defects and improper development of the fetus. This is because drugs like cocaine permeate the placenta and limit blood flow to the embryo.

Drug’s, such as cocaine are easily available in all corners of New Jersey, be it Livingston or Monroe, Union or Phillipsburg, Somerset or Manalapan, Colts Neck or Toms River. Other drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine also being at low prices. Such easy availability has led to casual consumption of drugs across the state.

3,888 individuals in New Jersey aged 18-21 were admitted for substance abuse treatment in 2019
13,423 users resorted to Methadone to cope with meth and heroin addiction in 2018

Habitual consumption affects parts of a user’s brain, hindering their judgment and decision-making skills. Moreover, constant consumption also creates withdrawal symptoms that cause users to become stressed when a particular drug is not available.

Many users continue consumption as a way to gain relief rather than for pleasure. It has also been found that substance abuse is initially formed as a result of genetic and environmental factors, and not from the drugs themselves.

Measures taken in New Jersey to combat substance abuse

To combat the public health issue of substance abuse, Governor Murphy’s administration in New Jersey has implemented comprehensive measures across the state. This includes increased accessibility to drug rehab clinics in New Jersey, medication assisted treatments, or MAT, harm reduction, and increased prevention efforts.

Collaborative and data-driven programs such as Prescription Drug Monitoring, Drug Take-Back days, Drug-Free Communities, and National Anti-Drug Campaigns have been actively set up on the state level to facilitate recovery, and modern treatment programs aimed towards supporting recovery and reducing probability of relapse and preventing addiction offers hope for a better future wherein residents can lead safer and better lives.

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KETAMINE TREATMENT AND RELAPSE

Posted on October 4, 2021December 12, 2022 by cmspresident

KETAMINE TREATMENT AND RELAPSE

Ketamine is a drug of abuse and is classified as a short-acting (30-60 minutes) dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects. It is known as a “club” drug and is popular among teens and young adults. It distorts perceptions of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control. Street names of ketamine include Cat Tranquilizer, Cat Valium, Jet K, Kit Kat, Purple, Special K, Special La Coke, Super Acid, Super K, and Vitamin K.

However, ketamine has legitimate medicinal use as an anesthetic, mainly in a veterinarian setting. Recently, FDA approved the use of a controlled dose of ketamine to provide relief for humans from treatment resistant depression. The ketamine-based medication to treat depression is sold under the brand name Spravato.

Street ketamine is produced in liquid form or as a white powder. Ketamine is often snorted or smoked with marijuana or tobacco products. In some cities in New Jersey, such as New Brunswick, Howell or Plainfield, ketamine has been reported to be injected intramuscularly.

Low-dose ketamine intoxication leads to impairment in attention, memory and learning ability. Large dose reactions include dream-like states and altered perceptions or hallucinations. These are similar to those associated with phencyclidine, or PCP. High-dose ketamine can also result in delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression and, potentially, fatal respiratory problems.

Ketamine Withdrawal

When an individual who abuses ketamine regularly stops abusing the drug abruptly. He/she could suffer withdrawal symptoms. On the psychological side, ketamine withdrawal symptoms include aggressive or violent tendencies, psychosis, schizophrenia-like behaviors and suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety and paranoia. Physical ketamine withdrawal symptoms include confusion, loss of coordination, delirium, hallucinations, difficulty focusing, irregular heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, sleep and speech disturbances.

Fortunately, New Jersey has plenty of options for ketamine withdrawal treatment, whether you live in Monmouth County or Ocean, Somerset or Union, Hunterdon or Morris, Sussex or Essex.

Preventing Relapse on Ketamine

It is all about people, places and things!

The first thing to do is avoid risky places. Do not hang out with the same people you abused ketamine with. Find new activities that will keep you from getting bored. AA/NA groups are a great place to find new friends who are on the same sober path as you. Together you can plan activities that keep you sober.

Have a support structure in place. Identify individuals who are supportive of you and provide an uplifting ambience. Life is sometimes tough and triggers and stressors will come at you from all directions. You cannot cope with them alone, especially when you are vulnerable directly after finishing treatment. Definitely find a sponsor in the self-help group you attend. Luckily, AA/NA meetings are held all across NJ – Marlboro, Marlton, Cherry, Hill, Middlesex, Patterson, Howell, New Brunswick, Westfield, Livingston, Newton, etc.

Keep busy. Sometimes finding a job is not easy when you are in recovery. There may be charges incurred while using that is marring your otherwise clean record. Other time DUI and other charges may be causing a limitation in mobility. In most situations, volunteer your time makes sense as it provides you with a clean start. Remember, an idle mind is a devil’s workshop!

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THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COCAINE ADDICTION

Posted on October 1, 2021December 20, 2022 by cmspresident

THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COCAINE ADDICTION

Cocaine is made from the leaves of the coca plant that is native to South America. Cocaine is an stimulant and it is addictive. Cocaine has valid health care uses, as a local anesthesia for some surgeries, however, recreational use of cocaine is illegal. Cocaine is sold on the street as fine, white crystal powder. Street dealers usually mix it with other similar looking substances, such as talcum powder, corn starch, or all-purpose flour in order to dilute the potency of cocaine and increase profits. Drug dealers may also mix it with other substances of abuse, such as stimulant amphetamine, synthetic opioids, fentanyl, or natural opioids, heroin. Mixing substances increases the potency of the drug and could result in overdose or even death, as the user is not aware of the “cocktail” in the product he/she is buying. Sometimes, cocaine is process by drug dealers to make a rock crystal (also called “freebase cocaine” or “crack cocaine”). The term “crack” refers to the crackling sound of the crystal rocks when they are heated.

Cocaine can be snorted, dissolved and injected into the blood stream or rubbed onto the gums. Crack cocaine is heated to produce vapors that are inhaled. Some users also inject a combination of cocaine and heroin, called “Speedball.”
Individuals who abuse cocaine often indulge in binges – abusing the drug repeatedly within a short period of time and in increasingly higher doses. Such rapid intake of cocaine helps to maintain the high.

Like most other substances of abuse, cocaine sharply increases the levels of dopamine in brain circuits, delivering euphoria. Usually dopamine recycles back into the cell that released it, which helps to shut off the signal between nerve cells. But, cocaine blocks this from happening. As a result, large amounts of dopamine builds up between two nerve cells causing a flood of dopamine in the brain’s reward circuits. Such an intense high, drives a strong addiction. Like other drugs of abuse, tolerance to the drug builds and increasingly larger doses of cocaine are needed to achieve a similar high.

The addiction can be both physical and psychological. Short-term physical effects include sharply increased happiness and energy, mental alertness, hypersensitivity to sight, sound and touch, irritability, paranoia (unreasonable distrust). Psychologically it could lead to higher self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

Individuals suffering an addiction to cocaine can potentially overdose on cocaine. So accessing treatment for cocaine dependence is highly recommended. On the positive side, individuals who suffer from cocaine addiction in New Jersey have plenty of treatment options. Whether they live in Marlton or Cherry Hill, Long Branch or Monmouth Junction, New Brunswick or East Brunswick, Sayreville or Montville, Union or Bridgewater, Califon or Phillipsburg access to treatment is fast and easy. International Day against Drug Abuse. Young human hand trying to reach cooked heroin spoon on grungy concrete floor. Drugs addiction and withdrawal symptoms concept. Copy space.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms

The initial signs of cocaine addiction are rather mild as you may not realise that you are becoming addicted until it turns serious. The severity of the addiction depends on the amount of cocaine ingested and frequency of abuse.
As always denial in the initial stages of addiction is common. Signs of addiction include:

● Over excitement
● Dilated pupils
● Irregular sleeping patterns
● Risky and dangerous choices
● Major mood swings
● Paranoia and anxiety

Individuals who abuse cocaine regularly at frequent intervals may exhibit cocaine withdrawal symptoms such as:

● Problems in breathing and frequent chest pains.
● Borderline serious depression and including suicidal ideation.
● Isolating behaviors.
* Fatigue.
● High body temperature and high blood pressure.
● Dilation of pupils and septum damage.
● Nausea and seizures
● For pregnant women, excess usage of cocaine can also lead to serious complications in the baby and may result in a miscarriage.
● Unstable thoughts and poor decision making.
● Heart problems or stroke.
● Financial issues.

Although it is not easy, addiction to cocaine can be overcome, with treatment.

Treatment for cocaine addiction

Unlike opiates such as fentanyl, heroin or opioid pain pills, there is no medication to directly address cocaine withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Treatment for addiction to cocaine is focused on managing the “crash” and support medications that may provide a level of comfort from cocaine withdrawal. Such treatment provides considerable relief to individuals suffering from an addiction to cocaine.

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Coping with COVID-19 and Alcohol Abuse

Posted on September 7, 2021December 21, 2022 by cmspresident

Coping with COVID-19 and Alcohol Abuse

Covid-19 has brought on many new stressors, some of which most people have not experienced before – boredom, isolation and fear of health in addition to more commonly experienced stressors such as anxiety, depression, job loss and financial uncertainty. Many people turned to abusing alcohol or drugs in order to address some of these stressors. Government policies have not helped – classifying liquor stores as essential businesses and arming citizens with free cash to indulge in their weaknesses, whatever that may be!

Alcohol abuse during the pandemic sky rocketed as people used alcohol to cope with stressors and while away their time. Also, the confluence of stressors impacted people in recovery and resulted in relapse.

A big factor in the sharp increase in alcohol consumption is isolation, which severely restricted access to health care and AA/NA meetings. Even if an individual who started abusing alcohol heavily or relapsed on alcohol wanted to access treatment, it is not easy to do so due to Covid-related restrictions. There are many alcohol rehabs in NJ who were accepting patients through the pandemic to address alcohol use disorder, but people were under the impression that they were not accepting patients. Whether you lived in Manalapan or Colts Neck, Sayreville or Perth Amboy, Westfield or Mendham, Marlboro or East Brunswick, you had access to addiction treatment in New Jersey.

With being locked up at home deemed safe, the motivation to venture out was minimized. No doctor, no gym, no restaurants, no hanging out with friends, and, of course, no workplace!. The isolation was complete and boredom imminent, persistent and chronic!

Alcohol rehab facilities in NJ could have been availed of even during the pandemic. Also, technology played a big part in bringing treatment to the patient, no matter where in New Jersey they were located. Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and other similar technologies have brought interactive care to patients’ homes.

Mental health issues + Addiction:

Depression and anxiety were big reasons behind the increase in alcohol consumption and relapse. People tried to self-medicate themselves for mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety through alcohol or drugs. However, they do not think their abuse of alcohol or drugs through! Persistent alcohol abuse can lead to addiction when one’s brain gets used to stimulation from alcohol to release the pleasure neurotransmitter, dopamine. The brain stops releasing dopamine in response to regular, milder stimulants such as hobbies, food or sex, and waits for stimulation from alcohol or drugs before releasing dopamine. This leads to addiction because the body becomes dependent on stimulation from drugs and alcohol in order to feel normal.

While alcohol abuse may provide temporary relief from mental health issues, it is not treatment. Accessing and utilizing the services of an appropriate mental health care giver is crucial to addressing the issues.

To the contrary heavy consumption of alcohol will only amplify your miseries in the long run as you will be stuck in an infinite loop of mental health issues and substance abuse. Avoiding your issues will only magnify the problems over a period of time. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals seek assistance from alcohol rehab facilities in NJ in order to get the help they need coming off of alcohol.

Ideas to Stop Alcohol Abuse During the Continuing Pandemic due to the Delta variant:

Quitting alcohol is not easy, but it is not impossible either. It is always easier to do it with supportive therapy in a therapeutic setting, as you will benefit from the help of addiction treatment professionals. Luckily, there are many alcohol treatment facilities in New Jersey in Summit, Berkeley Heights, Rumson, Red Bank, Middletown, Union, Holmdel, Tinton Falls, Edison, Clinton, Whitehouse Station, Somerset and Highbridge.

Restrictions imposed by COVID make it difficult to manage your environment, a primary relapse prevention technique for those in recovery, to get away from certain triggers.
So, here are other strategies to stay sober:

Stay Active: Being bored will feed into the negativity of the situation. Remember the things you always wished you had the time to do – color code your clothes, get your financial documents in order, etc. – get these done. It will help to keep you distracted, and reduce stress in the future.

Get Moving: Exercising is a good way to kill time, reduce stress and stay healthy. Exercise, yoga, and meditation regimens are available online. Pick one that is suitable to your living situation and practice daily.

Stock Medications: Line up your doctor appointments in advance, online or in person, as they are more restricted, and pharmacies are not fully stocked – you don’t want to run out of buprenorphine or naltrexone that help you stay sober.

Leverage Support System: AA and NA groups are accessible through Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams or other online platforms. Use them and also talk to your sponsor by phone regularly and process your triggers and feelings. This will reduce stress and provide you with tools to cope with people and situations around you.

Utilize Telehealth: Access your therapist or other health care providers through telehealth platforms, as health insurance providers have eased reimbursement restrictions during the crisis. Call your provider for details.

Stop Smoking: As per some recent research, smokers who contract COVID19 are 2.4 times more likely to face severe outcomes – ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation or death. It may be time to think seriously about quitting smoking. FDA approved smoking cessation products, such as Nicorette are safe and effective and you may want to consider them.