Are Alcohol and Nicotine Sleep Disruptors?

Nicotine and alcohol are common substances used by people every day. Not everyone struggles with addictive behavior around these substances, but they may experience some of the health consequences. Regardless of whether they develop dependence or addiction, it may disrupt their sleeping pattern. Nicotine and alcohol before bed can disrupt both quantity and quality of sleep. Find out why this occurs and how to disrupt the pattern and achieve greater sleep. 

Nicotine

Nicotine can take a toll on people’s bodies. It ruins their lungs over time, wrecks their hearts, and also causes other issues with sleeping patterns. Using nicotine at night can result in a more than a 40-minute reduction in overall sleep. Nicotine may keep people up at night, whether it is vaping, dipping, smoking, or other means of inhaling nicotine. Limiting nicotine consumption prior to bedtime is the best way to encourage healthy sleeping patterns.

Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine often gets a bad wrap when it comes to sleep disturbances because it is assumed people who drink too much coffee or caffeinated drinks do not sleep well. It is true that it can have a detrimental effect on people’s ability to focus and concentrate, while also keeping them awake. Alcohol is actually a worse sleep disruptor than caffeine. Heavy use of alcohol can create disturbances in the sleep and wake cycles. A brain in withdrawal from nicotine may wake up a person to smoke more, while also creating breathing issues that impact sleep. Alcohol, on the other hand, makes sleeping harder. The body has to work more to break down alcohol, which can have a stimulant effect. Drinking before bed may cause a person to get up earlier than intended, or wake them during important REM sleep, making them tired the next day. Limiting alcohol consumption to one or two glasses of alcohol three to four hours prior to bed is usually best.

Seeking Help for Addiction

When talking about alcohol and nicotine, it is important to highlight symptoms of addiction. People who wake up in the middle of the night to smoke or drink, or cannot stop thinking about when they will be able to get their next fix may be showing signs of dependence. Drinking with the sunrise and having a nightcap each night is also a sign of addiction. There is a lot of difficulty in quitting once addiction starts. It sometimes creeps up on people before they realize it has happened. They may realize they have some symptoms when they cannot stop drinking or smoking, they start experiencing problems as a result of their drinking or smoking or begin having health issues associated with addictive behaviors. It is best to seek help for addiction by speaking with a treating physician, then heading into rehab if there is more work to be done. It is better to address the issues head-on (and underlying root causes) to recover a better life than live with addiction. It may be hard, but it is possible with the right treatment program and support.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. Our goal is to teach you how to live better without drugs or nicotine. You can have a life that is fulfilling and meaningful, while also being drug-free. For more information, sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

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People Need Therapy for Addiction: Here’s Why it Works

Prescription drug use or any other addiction is hard to move past because of so many factors. Detox is just the start, but managing cravings and avoiding relapse is part of recovery. Therapy is also a key component of its drug abuse addiction therapy because it taps into root causes. It focuses on family issues, individual issues, and support a person’s journey of healing so they feel less alone. 

Why Counseling Helps

Detox is only the beginning of the journey. Even after detox, the body can still get hooked. A high risk of relapse may occur. Certain psychological and social factors can be powerful triggers. Consider some of the following:

  • Life’s stressors
  • Environmental cues
  • Social networks

Counseling works to treat prescription drug abuse from the inside out. With medication, group therapy, and other types of support, a person can find their way much easier to a space of healing with the right individual plan in place. 

How it Works

Group therapy can work in a different way than individual therapy. People are more challenged and supported by friends who are going through rehab. When talking about group therapy, it also involves things like twelve-step programs, peer support groups, and other support groups. Individual therapy can help when people have mental health issues like bipolar disorder, depression, and any issues that require support separate from addiction. 

Types of Treatment

Counseling varies depending on the treatment program. Residential therapy puts people in a place where they are not out in the environment where they got addicted. They learn new habits or skills for sober living. This may work short term, but it depends on the person. Outpatient programs can be helpful following residential programs because they support a person where they live, in their environment, and help them navigate the challenges with support where they are.

Addiction takes over a person’s life. Successful treatment relies on strong relationships with family and friends. Counseling methods that include spouses and another family can be of great help, as well. Family can be a powerful force for people. Finding the right therapeutic support, whether it is a dual diagnosis, inpatient, outpatient, group, or individual, the goal is all the same. Focus on recovery, work on dealing with underlying issues and stay as clean and sober every day as possible and working to get stronger with the help of loved ones.  

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

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What is in CBD Oil and is it Dangerous?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive element found in the cannabis Sativa plant, and also in some strains of hemp. CBD oil is made by the extraction of resin from the cannabis flowers, or hemp stalks, which is then diluted with a carrier oil, usually coconut or olive. Most of the CBD oil that is used medicinally is extracted from hemp.

Current State of CBD

Over the years, CBD oils have become an accepted natural alternative for over the counter pharmaceutical drugs, used to treat a variety of health issues. It can be used for a plethora of issues, like lowering high blood pressure or relieving the side effects associated with cancer treatments. Marijuana is the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabis contains both CBD, as well as Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. And it is THC is which causes feelings of euphoria, typically connected with the use of marijuana. However, unlike THC, cannabinoids are non-psychoactive, they don’t alter a person’s impressions, awareness, or judgment. But it does create changes in the body, that are essential for the maintenance of good health and overall wellness.

Safety Concerns

Some people who use this drug have reported minor side effects such as feeling sleepy, lightheadedness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure, but usually nothing more severe. While CBD oil is non-toxic, it is recommended always to consult a healthcare professional before consuming it, especially if you’re taking it to treat a chronic health condition.

Benefits of CBD Oil

Individuals who are looking for pain relief, as well as relief from other ailments, but are not comfortable with using traditional drugs, often turn to CBD oil. Some of the common ailments that CBD oil has shown success in treating are:

·       Alleviating chronic pain

·       Reducing cancer-related symptoms

·       Improving heart health

·       Treating acne

·       Reducing childhood epileptic seizures

·       Treating inflammation

·       Neutralizing free radicals

CBD oil has also been shown to treat anxiety and depression. Normally, these mental health issues are treated with prescription drugs, which can have unpleasant side effects. Furthermore, some prescription drugs can be addictive, leading to substance abuse. CBD helps to regulate the body’s internal functions and also regulates the mind’s external responses. CBD binds to the body’s serotonin receptors, which causes a decrease in the feelings of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that CBD oil may be a feasible treatment for mental health issues. 

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. Our goal is to help you recover, provide education, and support your journey of healing from addiction with our tools, resources, and therapeutic support. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702. 

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Antihistamine Addiction is a Thing: What to Know to Help a Loved One

Antihistamines have the power to be addictive for some people, though staying within recommended doses for shorter periods does not mean a person will become addicted. Some people’s biology presents in such a way that the chemicals make their brains crave more, so they may become addicted or dependent more easily than people. With sedating antihistamines, higher doses for long periods of time can cause physical dependency issues and addiction. 

Sedating Antihistamines

Most people who take these drugs assume they are for coughs and allergies but are not addictive at all. The older, sedating antihistamines, from the 1940s and ’50s, get into the central nervous system (CNS), which gives them the potential for abuse and addiction. The drugs include Benadryl and Promethazine. The few cases reported of addiction focus on children who feel sleepy after using it. Some people will take it because their brain thinks it makes them feel better and they get a high from it. They may need higher doses to fall asleep and use it more frequently as a sleep aid than they should, rather than addressing underlying, root causes of the inability to sleep. After a while, they develop symptoms of addiction which causes some severe issues later. 

Abuse of Antihistamines

When people develop tolerance or addiction to antihistamines, they may need to take increasing doses of diphenhydramine to maintain the effects. This dependence, due to withdrawal symptoms, can lead to seeking the drug to relieve symptoms. Addiction can look like compulsive drug-seeking behavior and chemical or psychological dependence on the medicine. The risk of addiction is greater for people who are more susceptible to drug abuse. 

Signs of Withdrawal

After abuse of these drugs or suddenly stopping them, withdrawal symptoms may occur. This can include:

  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Diarrhea
  • Runny nose

The more a person uses these drugs, the more they may hallucinate. They may also experience sleepiness, lack of coordination, excitability, poor sleep quality, or irregular heartbeat, also. The sedative effects increase if medications are mixed with other medicines in cough syrups or are taken with alcohol and other drugs. Combine all these drugs, in what is called poly-drug use, can exacerbate symptoms and create space where a person may confuse their body and start to cause a real problem in their body that may shut down their organs or cause an overdose. 

There is help available for drug addiction and abuse issues. Dual diagnosis treatment, treatment for poly-drug use and other issues are available at treatment centers all over the United States. It is worth talking to a doctor and trusted loved ones if there is fear of addiction or withdrawal issues about how to detox safely and find help. 

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

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Find Out More About Hashish and Why it May Be Risky

Hashish is a form of cannabis produced by compressing trichomes, a potent material that comes from cannabis plants. These growths on the plant produce a resin. Hashish is basically a stronger form of marijuana. It is usually smoked as a cigarette and smoked in a pipe or bong. The most active chemical in marijuana is THC. the effects on a person’s health depend on the strength and potency of THC it contains. Find out what some of the effects of use are and how to find help for addiction use disorder.

Effects of Hashish Use

The short-term effects of hashish use include things like perception, difficulty thinking, loss of coordination, and anxiety or panic attacks. THC in marijuana is absorbed by fatty tissues in various organs. Mostly, traces of THC can be detected by standard urine testing methods several days after smoking. In heavy users, traces can be detected for weeks after use is stopped. Long-term, people who smoke marijuana often have respiratory problems as cigarette smokers. The people may have daily cough and phlegm, symptoms of bronchitis, and frequent chest colds. They are also at higher risk of getting lung infections like pneumonia. Marijuana contains some of the same, cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarette smoke. 

Learning and Behavior Challenges

With hashish, people can impact their judgment and memory. Their learning and attention skills may also become impaired by those who use marijuana heavily. Heavy, chronic, use has been linked to learning issues, aggression, and delinquent behavior as they stop going to school or work and wanting to be around other people. While this does not always last after a person quits using hashish, there is the possibility heavy use can impact a person’s brain long after they quit and cause some disruption to their daily lives. 

Potential for Addiction

When a drug is addicting, the person using it will seek it out, use it in spite of consequences, and crave the drug above all else. Not everyone who uses becomes addicted, but some people will seek and use the drug compulsively. With frequent, heavy use, tolerance builds. Tolerance means the person needs larger doses to get the same results they could have gotten from smaller amounts. While some use it recreationally, even legally, federal laws do consider cannabis a dangerous drug and it can be a serious crime to use, abuse, or sell the drug. This can lead to legal complications for a person’s life if they become addicted and end up caught by the police for any reason. Addiction is a serious business and a person should seek help for addiction so they can find help and overcome it with the help of treatment providers who understand addiction. 

A Step in the Right Direction provides a treatment space to heal from addiction with the help of people who are trained and ready to support your journey of recovery. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information, sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

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How to Find Hope for Recovery When Learning Disabilities Impact Your Addiction Story

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse links between learning like attention deficit disorder and substance abuse. This potential link suggests that people with learning disabilities may also struggle more with addiction to drugs or alcohol. Young people may struggle more as they are starting on medication earlier in life and are using it for lifelong conditions. The medications they use may be addictive in nature, so it depends on how they use it and how often, as well as the type of wraparound services they receive to support all the different challenges they face.

Substance Abuse

People who struggle with ADHD and substance abuse have many reasons for doing so. The brain itself can become dependent on any medication people use which is already addictive. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for rational thinking behavior. It has not been proven whether people with reduced activity in that area of the brain struggle with addiction more since symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsive decision-making can contribute. Impulsivity is a personality trait for some, while others struggle with mental health conditions or learning which creates this challenge in their lives. Some people who suffer from substance abuse and ADHD report using drugs or alcohol because it makes them forget the issues they have in school, work, or at home. Some people with ADHD do not get a proper diagnosis and turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. 

Finding Hope

For symptoms of learning disabilities, there are different therapies that can be done to build self-esteem and help people improve confidence. More people who are adults struggle with new or existing diagnoses of learning disabilities that impact their lives. With appropriate counseling, treatment, and support, they can find help. Dual-diagnosis treatment is usually the most successful in helping people with mental disabilities battle addiction. For children of families with alcoholism, there is a risk of addiction or abuse in the future. Practicing prevention tips and helping to find counseling can prevent future addictive behaviors. The risk of relapse is always on the horizon, but for people whose symptoms are not treated properly or are left untreated, they may suffer needlessly. They may be restless or have trouble concentrating and not be able to connect emotionally. Treatment for people with substance abuse and learning   varies, but it helps to:

  • Find therapists who understand learning disabilities and addiction specifically
  • The dual diagnosis treatment program that looks at all mental health conditions
  • Find people to be involved with, even if it is for exercise or networking
  • Find support groups, read, and get educated
  • Seek support from family for conditions and ask for their help

The key is not to feel alone in dealing with these issues. Many people struggle and they are finding hope and healing on the other side of addiction. 

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We provide healing spaces for you to share your story and get the right help for your individual situation, including learning disabilities, addiction to painkillers, and medications used for mental health issues or learning disabilities. We cover it all and make sure you are ready to face recovery. For more information about sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

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What to Know About ADHD and Addiction That May Change Your Recovery

Addiction and mental health can co-exist for some people in what are called co-occurring disorders. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can suffer from substance abuse issues at a higher rate simply due to taking medications that may be addictive. They may also drink alcohol or have other issues like mental health conditions aside from ADHD that make it difficult for them to cope without drugs. Find out why people with ADHD suffer from addiction and how to navigate these issues in recovery.

Why People Use Drugs

The impulsivity, social awkwardness, and poor judgment that can come with people who have ADHD can lead to heavy consequences. ADHD makes it hard for people to fit in, except when they find it with people who use drugs or drink. They may not think of that person as any different but accept them for who they are. There are other ADHD-related factors that raise the risk for people with substance abuse problems. With biology, some people have an association with risk-taking and novelty-seeking behavior that may predispose them to both ADHD and substance abuse. Families who struggle with addiction may find others in the family also struggle. This can be both environmental and biological in nature.

Potential for Abuse

Medications prescribed for ADHD, methylphenidate, and amphetamine are substances that may lead to abuse and addiction. They are risky to take but some people need them to concentrate and succeed. People with ADHD who take medications are less likely than those who do not to drink or use drugs. If they take them as prescribed, this goes down significantly. Appropriate treatment is key, but that does not mean people with ADHD will not abuse drugs or become addicted through poor use or inappropriate use.

Tips for Healing

When people with addiction also have ADHD, they need to seek support. This can come from twelve-step programs, sober groups, or regular meetings to have fun with friends. To heal takes time, so be on the lookout for any issues that pop up and may mean relapse. This includes untreated disorders, mental health issues, and mood problems. With treatment, ADHD can be supported by medication, but more may be needed to continue seeking the right help to stay in recovery. It is never a guarantee that people will stay in recovery, but the more support a person has, the less likely they are to relapse. 

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. Our goal is to help you navigate recovery successfully no matter your story. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

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Everything You Need to Know About Dabbing and Why it Can Be Dangerous

Cannabis sativa plant is a mixture of dried flowers. Marijuana is becoming legal in many states but a few have not. There is no federally approved use for marijuana as medicine. Concentrated forms are controversial, including those with high levels of THC. One of those is called ‘Dabs,’ the name given to potent THC extractions, though they may go by additional designations like shatter or butane hash oil. Find out why dabbing is controversial and whether it may be dangerous. 

What is Dabbing

Compared with marijuana plant materials being smoked, dabbing involves inhalation of vapors of marijuana concentrate. Dabbers use an ‘oil rig’ to consume it, which consists of a glass water pipe and a hollow metal rod. Once hot, the dab is placed on the metal rod and vapors are inhaled through the pipe. People dab of the concentrate and use a vape or e-cigarette to heat and produce vapors. 

Effects of Dabbing

Health consequences of dabbing have not been fully determined, but due to high levels of THC, people may struggle more than they realize without knowing why they have health issues. Dependence and withdrawal are more likely with dabbers, though there is not enough research out yet on this. With concentrated extractions, there can be myriad risks people have to be aware of, including:

  • Difficulty solving problems
  • Memory impairment
  • Delusions
  • Altered senses
  • Psychosis (some cases)

For concentrates with higher levels of THC than other products, it seems reasonable dabbers may experience intense drug effects. Vaporized cannabis produces stronger effects and results in higher concentrations of THC in the blood compared to smoked cannabis. High doses of THC may produce more effects and impairments than other types. Long-term use can lead to respiratory problems, chronic cough, lung infections, paranoia, hallucinations, and potential for other substance use disorders and mental health issues later. 

Additional Risk

There are many risks associated with dabbing, including ‘blasting,’ or the process of creating dabs at home. Butane is flammable and the risk of fire or explosion is huge. Severe burns have been reported for people. Even beyond this, amateur ‘blasting’ is associated with using a blowtorch to heat up dabs, getting intoxicated, and inhaling oxidized metal created by heating it up. Treatment is key to finding help for cannabis use disorder. While some may use it medicinally no problem, there are others who develop problematic substance use disorder. Participation in social support groups is helpful, along with support from family and loved ones. Interventions can help a person figure out what they need to do to heal and move forward in recovery, but they have to be ready to seek treatment for addiction. Dabbing is dangerous and can be lethal, so it is worthwhile to seek recovery and find hope in the midst of the challenges of addiction. 

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

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Why Needing Painkillers Just to Work is an Issue (and How to Seek Help)

People are turning to painkillers for everyday functioning, from waking up, to working, to going to sleep at night. Just to get through a typical day, people are pushing themselves beyond their usual limits. The need to help people manage chronic pain, even when it interferes with their life, is tempered by an opioid crisis that has gotten out of hand in recent months and years. There are legitimate reasons to be afraid as opioids cost people their jobs, relationships, and even their lives. 

Addiction Challenges

Taking painkillers is more commonplace than anyone realizes. They may start due to pain from an injury, but it can become dependence or addiction very quickly. Even with prescribed medication, dependence is likely because tolerance builds the more a person uses a substance. It also builds psychological dependence when cravings develop and it is harder to stop. People who struggle with addiction may not be able to manage for very long, including:

  • Doing a good job at work
  • Managing finances
  • Maintaining medical health
  • Having a healthy relationship

Chronic Pain

An issue for many people who use painkillers is they use them just to work. Chronic pain that is severe can be debilitating for many and it can lead them to stop working or find jobs that don’t tax their body as much. It may also lead them to a place where they have to learn how to manage pain and avoid relapse. It is a catch-22 for those who are trying to hold a job but end up addicted to painkillers just to keep moving forward with their careers. Sometimes, just to get out of bed, a person will take painkillers to begin the morning. Some of the issues then become:

  • Daily use that leads to long-term dependence
  • Seeking jobs or finding opportunities to obtain drugs for addiction habit
  • Craving drug even when not feeling in pain
  • Spending less time doing things people enjoy so they can seek pills or isolating themselves from others due to drug use

The mental health aspects of feeling isolated and alone, afraid, and anxious about chronic pain management with painkillers can be disruptive to a person’s life. Often, people will struggle with mental health aspects as well as painkiller addiction so this can become even a matter of life and death until they seek help. Dual diagnosis treatment centers are often helpful in this regard and can address these issues, as well as help a person function with chronic pain but not abuse painkillers just to get out of bed and go to work on a daily basis.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702. 

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What’s it Like to Balance Motherhood with Sober Living?

Being a mother is tough work. There are the long hours, the lack of sleep, the little time for self-care. There are myriad ways for having children make life more challenging. There are also beautiful experiences that cannot be had any other way. More mothers, however, are struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. It is not all just childrearing stressors. There are many other factors involved. Learning to balance motherhood with sober living can be one of the biggest, and most difficult, decisions of a mother’s life.

Getting Up and Moving

Mothers have to do the bulk of the housework, from research statistics. There are more women working outside the home, keeping a home nice and clean, doing laundry, and figuring out how to pay bills while the husband also works long hours. Then, there is the self-care piece that is difficult to navigate, as well. When it comes down to it, there is a ‘rise and wine’ culture that has started, which focuses on advocating for mothers ‘juicing’ with wine or drinking as often as possible while hiding in the closet during nap times because ‘that’s motherhood.’ The new motherhood culture of embracing drinking has driven some women to believe this is how to cope with life as a mom when it gets stressful. Just to get out of bed requires a glass of wine for participating in ‘adulting’ today. This can lead to dependence and alcoholism, not to mention poor safety habits for the kids and more drinking. Women are also at increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other health risks, as this continues. 

Embracing Sobriety

Sobriety starts with quitting alcohol and drugs for good. There is a lot of temptation to drink and use drugs by other moms, but there is only so much precious time with kids and family. It will go away after a while and it will be difficult to figure out how to navigate life when they are gone.  Creative ways to de-stress are healthier, but, also, long baths and self-care matters. Women who are unable to stop drinking or using drugs may want to go to rehab and ask for help. This will help them learn how to function without substances and be there for their family again. It takes admitting drug use is a problem and moving forward with plans to go to recovery groups alone and with family. Life as a mom is not easy, but it is not supposed to be a cakewalk. The biggest thing to keep in mind is women and mothers need support from family and loved ones. They will be walking a difficult path and it helps to have the backing of those that love them to support their journey forward. 

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. Women are invited to come and learn about rehab, quit substances, and bring families for the time we set aside. Healing will help the family heal. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702. 

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