Addiction Treatment Archives - A Step In The Right Direction

ASITRD
recovery
September 23, 2019

Why ‘Becoming’ is Not a Finish Line in Recovery

For some people, there is a tendency to think that life is complete with a finished set of goals that are accomplished. Being ‘set for life’ is what some people ascribe to become, while others look at it as an everyday awakening, a becoming, that they gradually move into. Becoming is not a finish line in recovery. It is much like that awakening to the everyday mundane, the step-by-step process of naturally growing into who you are. Find some ways to consider what becoming means in recovery and how to navigate this time of your journey.

Going on a Journey

One of the best ways to become more of who you aspire to be is to think about ways to meet all your needs. Early on in recovery, your needs are simple: stay sober, don’t relapse, focus on recovery. As you progress through, you will want to think about wider, larger goals and how you might accomplish them. Some of the needs you might consider looking at include:

Safety: what makes you feel secure
Love: what makes you feel loved and connected in relationships
Esteem: what self-esteem has to do with your accomplishments and recognition from others
Physiological: what is needed to survive, including food, water, and shelter

How to Get There

The steps you need to make the right changes are going to vary. When you know you are ready, you will take the necessary steps to shift away from where you’ve been to where you are going. Some ways to consider how to meet your higher potential:

Be ready to change: if you are not ready, nothing will change. It is hard to step out in faith that what you want is available to you, especially after many missteps in addiction and recovery. Even misery can feel safer than change
Belief in yourself: when it comes to recovery, you have to believe in your own ability to change. Once you’ve decided to get clean, you have to have a conviction to do it
Support: interpersonal support is key to recovery. It is not easy to maintain sobriety and recovery, especially without support. It is important to be surrounded by people who understand you, know what you’re going through and are willing to stay by your side.

The final way to consider how you might become more of who you want to be in recovery is to lead a balanced, structured life. Active addiction is very unstructured with people being all over the map, unstructured, and unpredictable. To get to your goals and be successful, you need to have help building a consistent routine you can stick with that will give your life a sense of order that is amenable to life’s changes, but gives you focus and intention for the future.

Don’t sell yourself short in recovery. Find help from mental health professionals who have experience with addiction. You are not alone.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. One of the things we teach people is how to be consistent in recovery and build a healthy routine. Life after addiction is hard, but it does not have to feel impossible to manage. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

ASITRD
recovery
September 16, 2019

Why Does Hope Matter in Recovery?

Hope is a fickle thing for people with addiction. Recovery is complex and full of ups and downs. The road is never as smooth as people think it is. You may never encounter obstacles, hardships, and heartaches. It is a journey where everyone hopes to recover from addiction but the only way is to move from a life of destruction to a life of health and healing. Find out more about how hope can redefine recovery and provide a pathway to healing.

Why Hope Matters

More than wishful thinking, hope is a solid space on which to stand and breathe. With proper action comes improvement through many steps leading to a plan of recovery. Hope heals old wounds and creates space for joy. Hope is defined differently for each person but it is typically the expectation things in the future will be better. This foundational energy booster drives people to find a way to get better. It keeps them strong through the many challenges in life. Hope provides a sense of joy and peace, knowing a better day is ahead. The only thing that gets people out of bed in the morning when they are in despair or need to feel uplifted is the sense they are moving towards something better in life.

Where Hope Lies

It is not easy to see life beyond addiction. It lies beneath the chaos, pain, and suffering. Hope can also be found there. There is no right or wrong way to find hope. Sometimes it is easy, but sometimes it takes work. When thinking about where to locate hope, it helps to have some space to go to that resonates and provides an avenue to get there. Here are some ways to travel to space where hope lives and embrace it in recovery:

Look to the future and place yourself there. Looking into the future cultivates purpose and direction in life. It helps you locate hope for something else to come
Remain positive in spite of the challenges. Focus on positive statements and affirmations about your strength and endurance to meet challenges head-on. They can build belief and confidence for you to change direction and take action quickly
Seek higher power or authority over your life. Don’t try to be in control. Whether it is spirituality, religion, or philosophy, reach to a higher power that helps you believe in a power greater than yourself to restore your life
Have a plan for your life. Action makes hope come true by developing a plan for a better future that builds hope. The more you plan, with first steps, the more you realize your vision is attainable

Focusing on future builds hope. Hope for today comes from seeing there has been strength in the journey to this point, and it will only continue to grow in the future. Hope is a central focus of recovery. Finding hoping and meaning helps people move forward on the journey of recovery.

A Step in the Right Direction understands how hard it is to find hope in the darkness. We provide space to process your experiences with addiction and find hope and healing in the journey. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

ASITRD
treatment
September 12, 2019

What It’s Like to Walk Into Treatment for the First Time

Going to treatment can be a frightening experience. It can provide just the lift a person needs to get back on track with recovery. It also is about walking into treatment with a focus on understanding the process to know what to expect through to the end. From detox to aftercare, find out what it is like to walk into treatment for the first time and how to seek support for addiction.

Detox

After the initial assessment, the first step is detox. Residential rehab centers feature in-house detox programs, while others utilize detox outside their center, then take in the person a few weeks later when they are ready to begin the rehab journey. Withdrawal when dealing with drugs or alcohol varies from person to person and this transition can last up to seven days.

Education

The key to learning about addiction is to become educated on the treatment and rehab process. The process helps people look at themselves honestly, with openness and gratitude around drug and alcohol use. Most people with addiction may be in denial but they can give up drugs and alcohol if they desire. Treatment programs try to break through denial to get to a commitment to a clean and sober lifestyle. Most typically, a person can learn about the nature of their addiction, why it happened, how to prevent relapse, and find support for triggers and cravings in recovery.

Therapeutic Support

Every rehab place will provide individual and group therapy. It may vary, but people will participate daily in therapy meetings with others that help them navigate their journey to freedom from addiction. During rehab, a person will likely receive lots of therapy to sort out their drug addiction, past trauma, and think about the future where they may encounter situations that are triggering. Learning new coping skills is a huge part of recovery.

Family Meetings

Successful drug and alcohol rehab programs include people in the family treatment program which focuses on helping family dynamics grow and challenge them. Including family and friends in this process often improves rehab outcomes significantly. The family who participates is often able to connect with the loved one post-rehab and find ways to build support for the journey alongside them.

Aftercare

Typical residential drug and alcohol rehab programs last around 28 days. This may last longer, during which time people remain in an environment where no drugs or alcohol are available. Aftercare plans vary, but counselors will know what will work the best. This might mean living in a longer residential environment for additional support. There, people attend 12-step groups, weekly check-ins are the norm, and counselors can offer support along the way to healing.

Finding the right pathway for healing can look different for people, depending on where they are in the journey. Treatment is a good way to start the journey of healing where people get supported and often get help for moving forward in ways they had not been able to in the past. In this way, it can be life-changing for the person who can enter recovery with a new mindset.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. Our goal is to help you move forward with therapeutic techniques that support your healing. 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

ASITRD
addiction
September 9, 2019

Why Some People with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Struggle with Opioid Addiction

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often comes with a litany of drugs to combat symptoms. Management of the condition includes over-the-counter and prescription drugs like opioids or anti-inflammatories. Some of these come with inherent risks. Opioids come with risks of dependency and bone fractures. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and progressive form of arthritis that causes the immune system to attack the joints. Symptoms can include swelling and pain. Find out why people with RA struggle with opioid addiction and how to provide help for loved ones who may be struggling.

Prescription Drugs for RA

Opioids are often prescribed for RA due to the nature of the disease. It causes intense pain and inflammation throughout the body, making it difficult to cope with getting out of bed or caretaking for babies. Opioids bind to receptors in the brain to release chemicals that make the body feel good. The relief provided may spark a conditioned response known as a reward pathway where the body and brain crave what made them feel good. This creates dependency and, long term, addiction. Withdrawal is often a painful process from opioids, which is why they should be a last line of defense in the fight against RA.

Risks for People with RA

Some of the associated risks to people with RA can include some serious health consequences. This includes the risk of bone fractures following drug use. Sedation from the use of opioids may contribute to fractures. Repeated exposure to opioids and other RA drugs can impact a person personally and professionally as it only treats some of the symptoms and leaves them with other issues, like addiction, and more pain due to struggles with quitting and still finding pain relief. A person who overcomes dependency on the drugs can do it with some help, but the body may not be able to adjust without medical support or detox.

Opioid Dependency

People must take the role of health advocate when dealing with appointments. The need to taper off the drug and stick with the plan often overrides the need to get off the drugs. They provide temporary relief for a lifelong condition. Alternatives may be available to help deal with RA that is not as high risk. The biggest key to arthritis management is in proper treatment protocols. Speak with a physician about alternatives to opioids and practices for reducing the risk of addiction. It helps to have alternatives to avoid complications of overuse when it comes to RA drugs.

RA drugs are potent. When used for longer periods, they often cause pain and difficulty for the person and their loved ones who care for them. We are here to help you find treatments that work so you don’t have to deal with RA pain and addiction. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

ASITRD
addiction
September 8, 2019

What Are Some Tips to Talk with a Friend About Addiction?

When friends wrestle with addiction, it can become difficult to find the words to tell them how much you care. They may think you are just trying to get them to treatment (you are) or tell them what they are doing is harmful (you are), and yet you want to do it in a way they will hear you. Addiction is a stubborn, voracious disease. Find out more about why addiction makes things a little more complicated (but not impossible) when it comes to talking with a friend about their drug or alcohol use.

Complex Issues

A loved one can struggle for years under the weight of addiction before being able to seek help. It is not that they do not want to get help. It is just that they are under the guise of not being able to fully leap into the next step of the journey due to denial and feeling like they are not sure of what will happen next. Quite often, family and friends become distant and the things that used to bring them pleasure no longer sustain them. They desperately need support and guidance to get through, but also a tough stance that says ‘enough is enough.’ It is always a good time to talk with a friend about drug addiction and help them get their life back on track.

Helpful Tips

While there is no set formula that works, it helps to have some tools in your toolbox to help the conversation get going. Think about each of these tips, which you can keep in mind when discussing with a friend about addiction.

Wait till they’re sober: don’t try to strike up a conversation about their sobriety while they are under the influence. That will likely just be the drugs talking. Set a time where just the two of you can talk. Discuss concerns but know the conversation is a two-way street. Give space to listen and humbly hear what they say, but remember you may hear much of the same excuses and denials. Focus on bringing awareness to them about the issues gently and see how that works
Speak from experience: as a friend, you likely have been down a road with them nobody else has. Speak the truth to them about what you have seen and witnessed. Maybe you have played designated driver too many times, so illuminate what that was like for you.be honest and open to sharing and how they change from the person you love to someone you don’t know when they use drugs or alcohol
Offer unconditional love: let them know that, no matter what, you love and support them. Your love and support do not mean you will be walked all over. Set boundaries and explain how addiction makes you feel

The final tip to help a friend is to encourage treatment resources. The friend may not have anyone speaking truth into their lives at this point. Offer to help research treatment options and community resources. Offer reassurance when they do counseling, support groups, and other recovery services, they can count on you to help guide them through all the way. Take interest in their sober activities and tell them how excited you are to see them finish school or get that job promotion or do something they always wanted to do (once they’re sober). Maybe talk about future plans like going on a vacation together once they hit milestones like 6 or 12 months sober. Encourage them to keep going when times are difficult but that you are right by their side. The best way to provide help is to offer support now and in the future to lower their anxiety about making the leap to treatment.

A Step in the Right Direction offers help to loved ones who have struggled with addiction to drugs or alcohol for years, even decades. We realize the importance of family and friends in the journey, so we offer lots of therapeutic support and family days to encourage people in rehab. 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

ASITRD
addiction
September 6, 2019

Is There a Link Between Autism and Addiction?

Diagnosing someone with a condition can come with labels and perceived limitations. It can also come with the freedom to discover what may have been true for a long time but went unnoticed. Autism is a disorder that is not often linked with addiction but is getting more notice lately. Find out why they are discovering links between autism and addiction and how to find support for these challenging diagnoses.

Discovering the Link

Researchers have looked at addiction for many decades, but only recently began realizing how much autism can play a role. It is not as rare as people think for those with autism to use substances. People with autism who have average, or above-average intelligence, are more than twice as likely to become addicted to alcohol or other drugs. The risk is greater for those with ADD, ADHD, or autism. Unexpected biological and psychological connections have been seen, in that there are parallel behaviors between addiction and autism within the brain’s biology that may explain why it occurs more frequently than the general population.

Higher Risk

An autism diagnosis can double the risk of addictive behaviors. ADHD is a great multiplier of risk, meaning among those with autism and intellectual disability, having ADHD increases the risk of addiction times four. Parents and siblings of people with autism also have an increased risk of addiction. Risk varies with levels of intellectual ability. People with autism are often diagnosed later (although this is shifting), so people who turn to addictive substances may not have a formal diagnosis or realize they are affected by autism. Some symptoms, like anxiety, can promote substance abuse in people with autism because it helps calm them down and keep focused. Other findings include:

Alcohol supporting better overall socialization
Using alcohol or drugs to take the edge of anxiety
Marijuana is used to relax and open up in social settings
Compulsive shopping, gambling, or other issues may be done in tandem with alcohol and drugs to avoid thinking about what they are doing

Compulsive addictions or impulsive behaviors may occur more in people with autism. This increases the risk for use of alcohol or drugs. Impulsivity is strongly linked with addiction and people with autism are more likely to seek repetitive, compulsive behaviors or ‘stimming’ to address issues of stimulation (needing more or less).

Seeking Help

There is no one way to treat addictive behaviors and autism as co-occurring disorders. Most addiction treatment programs may not understand this diagnosis or be able to create an initial diagnosis of autism in a rehab setting. Addiction therapy is done in groups a lot of the time, which may overwhelm a person with autism. For those who are obligated to participate in treatment, failure to comply may land them in jail. This can add stress and anxiety to an already fraught situation. Given the challenges, people who enter rehab programs who have autism may need to rely less on group therapy and more on individualized care. A personal approach and touch can help them feel less sensitive to the impact of rehab on their anxiety. A treatment center with a personalized approach should be able to direct individuals to the best possible scenario for their situation.

A Step in the Right Direction provides a safe space for everyone to come and receive treatment. Whether it is an autism disorder, a behavioral challenge, or co-occurring issues around mental health, we are here to support your individual goals. Our treatment team is passionate about caring for your needs. For more information, sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

ASITRD
addiction
September 5, 2019

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

ASITRD
Mental Health
September 1, 2019

Who Is At Risk for Postpartum Depression and Addiction?

Postpartum depression and addiction are more common than people think. When people think about motherhood, it can seem like it is all roses and cute babies. The truth is, many mothers struggle with anxiety, depression, fears, worries, isolation, and biological factors that change their bodies immensely. Women with postpartum depression are at a higher risk for substance abuse compared with postpartum women without depressive symptoms. Women with a history of substance abuse are more likely to show symptoms of postpartum depression. Find out what women are most at risk and how to support a loved one struggling with postpartum depression and addiction.

Why it Happens

Mothers who have babies are often overlooked when it comes to substance abuse issues. They are more likely to drink alcohol or take prescription drugs than others due to many factors. Depression is linked to substance use across the spectrum, especially amongst new mothers. Environmental factors may leave them more vulnerable to substance abuse. It can occur at any time after the baby is born in an effort to boost their mood, self-medicate, increase energy, or myriad other things. Since depression is common for people who abuse substances, the chances of a postpartum mother struggling, as well, are higher.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

There are some symptoms to look for when dealing with women who are postpartum. Even though it may look different for every mother, there is a common thread for those who struggle with depression and, also, substance abuse:

Sudden anger or rage
Insomnia or oversleeping
Crying for no reason
Feeling hopeless
Difficulty remembering things or brain fog
Withdrawing from social activity
Difficulty bonding with baby
Doubting ability to care for baby or children
Thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby

Some women who struggle with substance abuse had issues prior to pregnancy which was never resolved. It is also possible to relapse during the postpartum period for women in recovery. The biology of the brain and body shifts, along with needing to spend more attention and time on the new baby. Additional children add to this burden for the mother who struggles and deepens her postpartum mental health crisis. A healthcare provider should be asking how she is doing and what steps she is taking to get extra help for any postpartum issues.

Seeking Help

Even though the mother may be at risk with substance abuse issues and postpartum depression, a new baby is also at risk. Other children in the home and others with whom she interacts can be at risk. There is a great threat that substance abuse can wreak on families, particularly the mother, as she struggles to keep going every day with caretaking duties, perhaps work responsibilities, and also household management on top of it all. Healthcare providers suggest addiction intervention comes with a screening of women and new mothers for a history of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues to better support the new mom. Social stigma makes it hard to ask for help. Treatment of postpartum depression and substance abuse as a co-occurring disorder is key to getting women to help. She may need outpatient or inpatient treatment for severe addiction and support from family while she attends therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and individual counseling are proven methods of treating mental health issues, along with family therapy, and medication where needed.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. For women who struggle with postpartum issues, co-occurring substance abuse issues and lingering mental health concerns, we have therapeutic support available. We will help you detox, recover, and begin the healing journey together as a family. For more information, sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702

ASITRD
recovery, treatment
September 1, 2019

Inhalant Detox Support is Crucial for Healthy Recovery

The risk of developing a physical dependence on inhalant is low but people may become psychologically addicted quite easily. When a person is addicted to inhalants, they cannot stop using them. Like many drugs, there is a process of withdrawal the body has to go through. To suddenly stop confuses the body and even puts it at risk for shutting down when a drug is stopped suddenly. Find out why inhalant detox support is important for a healthy recovery and how to get it.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms may be a combination of physical and mental sensations. They may be mild, but they may be more severe like seizures. It is common to find severe withdrawal symptoms that include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Insomnia
Cravings
Nausea
Sweating
Runny eyes or nose

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms present within the first 24 to 48 hours after last use. Duration and severity vary also but most people experience the worst symptoms in a week. Cravings and depression may last longer, depending on the person. users often have psychological withdrawal for months after quitting. This is considered PAWS, or post-acute withdrawal syndrome, which can last up to two years as the body and brain adjust to not having drugs in the system.

Timeline

A precise inhalant withdrawal timeline is important to know, but it varies per person. The person’s body will experience similar symptoms but on varied timelines. Some things to consider include:

Specific products or type of inhalant used
Frequency of use
Whether the person abused inhalants with other drugs
Mental health and medical history
Gender
Bodyweight

Some of the following will help you think about the timeline for detox. Within 48 hours, a person will experience symptoms of withdrawal. This includes psychological symptoms like anxiety, cravings, insomnia, and irritability. For the next five days, it is possible to experience depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Following that, cravings may linger but will lessen with time. Detox is an important time for you to adjust to the lack of presence of drugs in the system.

Treatment Options

Detox support is critical for people with inhalant abuse in their background. Coming to rehab is a tough decision, but necessary, for healing. To detox alone can lead to relapse, harmful physical effects, or feelings of depression that can lead to deeper mental health issues. Treatment for inhalant addiction starts with medical detox, followed by various therapies to support a person in finding support throughout the process. Going through detox is only the first step of many in recovery from inhalant abuse. A treatment center can provide healthy options for learning how to navigate recovery like a pro.

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

ASITRD
addiction
August 28, 2019

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.