Effective Medications against Drug Addiction

People who become dependent on a substance of abuse, whatever that substance of abuse may be, find it especially hard to quit because their brains have undergone changes to account for the presence of that substance in the body. Essentially, this is a natural process that occurs because the brain is in a constant state of trying to balance itself out.

When an individual’s brain gets to this state, normal psychotherapy modalities for treating the addiction can become less effective. This is because the patient is no longer dealing with patterns of abuse but rather a physiological change that drives that abuse. In such cases, medication is often deemed necessary, and is used in combination with psychotherapy sessions.

Buprenorphine

A synthetic opioid medication, buprenorphine attaches to a section of same neuroreceptors that opiate drugs, such as heroin and morphine, bind to. These keep such drugs from attaching to those same neuroreceptors and causing a high.

Buprenorphine is often administered as Suboxone, which is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. This combination prevents Suboxone from being abused because it causes undesirable withdrawal symptoms.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone acts in a similar way to buprenorphine. However, it is especially useful because of its availability as a long-acting injectable. Often marketed as Vivitrol®, the injectable version of this medication only needs to be administered monthly. This makes it great for outpatient rehab, where patients may forget to take daily medications, putting them at risk of relapse.

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The Reasons Why People Use Drugs

Drug abuse is a paradox; namely, it is bad to take in something that can make you instantaneously feel good. Drugs immediately take their users on a high that slowly causes them to crash to the ground. Worse, drug abuse is rampant yet hidden in plain sight.

For all their dangers, there are different reasons why users, specifically teenagers, keep right on using them, and they have their roots in something that is deeper than a desire to get high.

One of the most common reasons as to why people use drugs is stress. The problems of daily life─ often striking all at once─ can easily stress out people who do not know how to handle them. Thus they take drugs to help them relax and forget their problems for a while.

Another thing that may compel people to try drugs is social acceptance. This reason is prevalent among teenagers who want to fit in. As teens are extremely social creatures, they seek the approval of their peers by being part of the “in-crowd” and so try out the drug.

Finally, sheer boredom with life can compel people to try them. The problem is that any excitement experienced will be fleeting. The moment will pass, all the fun will go down the drain, and the user will be compelled to seek the pleasure again and again until it consumes him.

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Tips for Avoiding Painkiller Addiction

What are the first few thoughts that run through your mind when you hear Dr. Gregory House? You may be quick to say that he was the lead in one of the more popular medical TV shows in recent memory, or you may have mentioned that he was a “medical genius”. Others would point out that he is a poster child for painkiller addiction.

It’s very easy to fall into the trap that plagued the fictional medical genius, especially when the initial reason for using the painkiller is a legitimate medical concern. After all, if it was able to help you cope with the pain, how can it not help you cope with other matters? Granted, it is difficult to avoid developing a dependency on painkillers. However, here are a couple of ways you can avoid becoming addicted to the substance:

Disclose Condition(s)

If you have a history of depression or drug addiction, be sure to mention this to your doctor before he or she prescribes you a painkiller. Be proactive in protecting yourself from possible addictions.

Alternatives

If your pain is coming from a localized section of your body, try using topical sports creams or heat-retaining athletic gear. These methods can help manage your pain, especially when it isn’t time for your next pill yet.

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How Cocaine Affects the Body

Cocaine is the second most addicting drug, trailing only meth in that aspect. However, the fact that cocaine is a runner-up does not mean it’s a less-dangerous substance. Apart from the crippling psychological dependency that it causes, the drug also adversely affects the following organs:

Heart

Cocaine increases the rate at which the heart pumps blood. However, it also constricts the surrounding arteries. Thus, the heart consequently has to exert more force to pump blood through the body. Heart attacks are not out of the question when cocaine is involved. Long-term use can even result in the development of arrhythmia, a condition where the heartbeat becomes irregular.

Kidneys

The increased blood pressure cocaine triggers can also cause damage to the kidneys, as the blood is forcefully filtered through it. Cocaine usage can also lead to rhabdomyolysis, a condition that prevents the kidney from filtering out cell waste.

Nose

Sniffing cocaine is a popular way of taking in the substance. However, this method can cause residual powder to become trapped in the sinus. Frequent sniffing of cocaine can cause nasal perforation, where a hole develops on the cartilage that separates the nostrils.

Even the smallest amount of cocaine can produce the effects mentioned above. If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine abuse, check-in at a rehab clinic in St Louis or any rehab facility nearest your place as soon as possible.

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Drug Rehab in Missouri Can Help Dependents Sleep Better Without Drugs

The need for sleep has driven people to look for drugs and other ways to help them get much needed sleep. Besides helping them get some shut eye, some of these drugs have taken root in the system of their dependents. Dependence on a drug can cause problems like anxiety and depression if the drug or alcohol is not within reach.

This is why drug and alcohol treatment in St. Louis is important. Facilities like the Midwest Institute for Addiction will supervise the development of dependents admitted into the facility. They also have an environment suitable for rewiring oneself into a sober lifestyle. Rehab, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, can make a huge difference in a person’s life.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/drug-rehab-missouri-can-help-dependents-sleep-better-without-drugs/

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Learning Proper Nutrition in Drug Rehab

When a person slides deeper into substance abuse, the chances are high that their eating habits will take a big hit. Some food experts and psychologists note that people undergoing substance abuse treatment mostly go for fast food and other suspect eating options. However, such an avenue will all but disappear when they enter rehab and are introduced to a healthier diet.

A reputable rehabilitation center will have a nutrition plan for fixing the body’s responses towards illegal substances. Amassing the willpower to continue with the rehab requires putting your brain in the right mindset and consuming foods heavy in protein. The key to a healthy recovery is to eat three full balanced meals a day, and that’s something your rehab nutritionist will see to.

Some food products have amino acids geared towards reducing addiction. Dairy products such as cow/goat milk and cheese, for example have L-glutamine and L-phenylalanine. Eating lean meats plus fruit and vegetables do add to the overall health. Vitamin supplements and other medication may be administered after every meal or as prescribed by the doctor. Sugary or caffeinated drinks must be avoided at all costs.

Going on the rehab trail requires more than staying away from substances. You need to eat right to get your body back on track. 

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A Center for Alcohol Rehab in St. Louis can Help Troubled Teenagers

As parents, it is important for you to guide your teens on proper alcohol consumption before they reach the legal drinking age. Lack of guidance could lead to difficulty in concentrating on their studies, as well as harmful tendencies like suicidal thoughts and involvement in promiscuous activities. Despite your vigilance, however, your teen may have actually been drinking for awhile and may already be an alcoholic without you knowing it.

Fortunately, there are ways to tell if your child has a drinking problem. The most obvious sign would be frequently reeking of the smell of alcohol, but this could also be supported by mood swings and the presence of alcohol-related paraphernalia (empty bottles, for example) among his or her belongings. If your teen has been showing these signs, then it is time to consider approaching reputable centers that offer alcohol rehab in St. Louis to tackle the problem.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/center-alcohol-rehab-st-louis-can-help-troubled-teenagers/

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When is it Time for Inpatient Drug Rehab?

Most drug rehab centers have two types of services, inpatient or outpatient services. While each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages over the other, inpatient might be the only recourse left for some people. So how exactly do you tell when it’s time for a loved one to accept the hard truths and go to an inpatient rehab?

Relapse after Outpatient Care

In an outpatient rehab, the client really only has his own self-control to serve as a method of drug-avoidance. Unfortunately, for many who don’t have the resilience to constantly resist the temptation of addictive substances, a relapse is just one “why not” or “one last try” away. For these individuals, being in a closely-monitored environment 24/7 just might be the key.

Physical Backlash

Addiction is more than just a mental state, trying to rehabilitate oneself can take a serious toll on the body as well. For many drug dependents, things can turn from bad to ugly to downright life-threatening pretty quick, so it’s best to have medical assistance close at hand whenever the backlash strikes.

Mental Illness

If someone you know is suffering from mental illness along with addiction, inpatient care might be best, otherwise, they might be at risk of dropping out before the treatment is complete. When this happens, and should they get back to their lifestyle of dependence, their mental illness might only worsen.

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Drink Moderately: Tips from Top Rehabilitation Centers in St. Louis

Smaller Servings

You don’t always have to order the biggest serving. Order a bottle of beer instead of a pint the next time you’re out. However, be careful that you don’t drink the equivalent of multiple large servings.

Outpatient Treatment

Continuous treatment is vital to keeping your drinking in control. Regularly consulting a therapist can help you identify and avoid situations that trigger your drinking. Fortunately, many rehabilitation centers in St. Louis, MO like Midwest Institute for Addiction offer just that: outpatient sessions to help support people in their fight against alcohol addiction.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/drink-moderately-tips-top-rehabilitation-centers-st-louis/

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Overcome Heroin Addiction with Help from a St. Louis Rehab Center

It is possible to recover from the damage that the brain sustains over repetitive heroin use. The obvious solution would be to stop using the drug immediately to allow time for the brain to heal. This may be incredibly difficult for those who have developed a dependency on the drug. These people may need to check into a facility for drug rehab in St. Louis.

It takes a lot of willpower and courage to overcome heroin addiction the way Sonya Treis did. However, if you were to take one thing from her story, it should be that even the worst addictions can be conquered. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, you can always seek help from a trusted St. Louis, MO rehab center like the Midwest Institute for Addiction.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/overcome-heroin-addiction-help-st-louis-rehab-center/

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When Undergoing Drug Rehab in St Louis Can Mean Food on the Table

Residents of St. Louis and other cities in Missouri can hope in another chance to earn government support. The food stamp ban was originally part of the 1996 Welfare Reform Act, and Missouri is one of ten states that still have it in place against 40 states who scrapped or relaxed it. The prospect of an end to the ban has already gathered steam in the state House. For one, Rep. Paul Wieland notes that the ban for drug felons was unfair when people convicted of other serious crimes were able to access the food stamps.

Whether or not the ban is ever repealed, victims of substance abuse will never lack for the aid of rehabilitation personnel like those from the Midwest Institute for Addiction (MIA). The objective of undergoing drug rehab through St. Louis, MO centers is to assist patients in reforming their ways after undergoing conviction and jail time.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/undergoing-drug-rehab-st-louis-can-mean-food-table/

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The Harm Drug Abuse Can Bring and the Role of Drug Rehab in Missouri

Annually, the bad effects of tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse account for over $600 billion in lost property and personal injury. Much of the losses are felt by states with high overdose mortality rate, such as Missouri, which recently ranked seventh in having the highest drug overdose mortality rate in the country. Such a statistic should worry not only the government, but more importantly, the families of both actual and potential drug users. WomensHealth.com provides an in-depth information on the negative effects of drug or alcohol abuse, which highlights the role of immediate drug rehab in Missouri.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/the-harm-drug-abuse-can-bring-and-the-role-of-drug-rehab-in-missouri/

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Trusted Drug Rehab Centers in Missouri Don’t Discriminate By Position

St. Clair County may be just across the stateline from St. Louis, MO, but true-blue St. Louisans will recognize the need to seek help for substance abuse. A 2013 city-wide report showed decreasing numbers of addiction to various substances but a nagging problem with busting meth labs. If you’re a private individual or a public official who’s mustered the courage to seek help, professional drug rehab centers in Missouri like the Midwest Institute for Addiction are willing to guide you on the right path.

Cook resigned and was arrested in May, 2013. The former public defender later pleaded guilty to one count each of misdemeanor heroin possession and felony drug use while possessing a firearm. He previously admitted using heroin and cocaine, but sentencing guidelines could not estimate the actual amount of heroin, cocaine, and prescription medicine he used.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/trusted-drug-rehab-centers-missouri-dont-discriminate-position/

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Breaking the Chain of Addiction with Drug & Alcohol Rehab in St. Louis

An article from The Huffington Post published last February 12, 2014 features what recovering addicts and alcoholics go through on the road to their recovery. This crucial experience, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (or PAWS), can help researchers and medical professionals, such as those in centers for drug and alcohol rehab in St. Louis, examine and evaluate patients’ conditions further to develop more effective methods.

The conditions disclosed in the article are not the easiest to go through, which only makes the process of rehabilitation for substance- and alcohol-dependent people even more admirable, especially for those who follow it through. Drugs and alcohol usually influence much of a person’s body and brain, and with habitual use, he/she may become absolutely dependent on the substance. When these are removed from the system, the body automatically seeks it and makes the craving much harder to ignore.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/breaking-the-chain-of-addiction-with-drug-alcohol-rehab-in-st-louis/

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A Rehabilitation Center in St. Louis Can Help Curb Heroin Epidemic

There’s an epidemic on the rise and, sadly, it’s not one being caused by a virus or bacteria of some sort. Heroin is pouring in from Chicago, and it’s quickly gaining popularity among youth who have used prescription drugs for recreational purposes in the past.

With this epidemic quickly spreading throughout the city, the importance of giving addicts drug rehab facilities in St. Louis, MO that they can run to is heightened. As one caller, a recovering teenage heroin addict, notes on the program, many St. Louis teens are not turning to drugs simply because they’re fun, but rather because they want to escape their own personal emotional difficulties.

At a caring St. Louis rehabilitation center, like the Midwest Institute for Addiction, youth who are embattled both against drugs and their own personal problems can get the support they need to overcome these issues.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/a-rehabilitation-center-in-st-louis-can-help-curb-heroin-epidemic/

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Chief Keef’s Rehab Stint, Useful Example for St. Louis Rehab Patients

Despite being glorified by the media, celebrities are human too. Just like any regular person, they can get addicted to drugs and, as is the case with more than a few of them, fight to overcome the addiction to lead happy and healthy lives.

Individuals who find themselves checked into a drug rehab in St. Louis should see the celebrity’s experience as an example. Going through rehab is hard, that’s bound to be a given, but it doesn’t mean that they should fight the system.

Of course, choosing the right St. Louis rehab facility is also important, and that’s where caring rehab centers like the Midwest Institute for Addiction step in. So long as the patient takes full advantage of the program’s various aspects—detoxing, diet planning, meditation, etc.—and personally resolves to challenge one’s self to change for the better, good things are bound to happen.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/chief-keefs-rehab-stint-useful-example-for-st-louis-rehab-patients/

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First Step to Recovery: Stepping Inside a Drug Rehab at St. Louis

Russell Brand’s decade-long abstinence from drugs is hope for many others. In an article for The Guardian, Brand shares his struggle and success. Since his sobriety, Brand has been advocating for substance abstinence, and supporting the recovery of fellow alcoholics and drug addicts. His case shows that while the battle can be hard and long, there exist supportive circles of people that can make the struggle less difficult.

This is where rehabilitation centers become significant. Professional treatment services tailored to the individual’s situation are provided in such venues. For instance, the Midwest Institute for Addiction, a drug rehab in St. Louis, has established programs backed with approaches that take addiction and psychosocial factors into consideration.

http://blog.midwestinstituteforaddiction.org/first-step-to-recovery-stepping-inside-a-drug-rehab-at-st-louis/

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Throwing a Lifeline: The Vital Role of Drug Rehab Centers in Missouri

Drug addiction is one of the most serious and sensitive problems that could afflict a community, as it affects not only the users, but also the people surrounding them. In Kansas City, the number of heroin overdose that often leads to deaths continue to increase over the last few years, according to a report from The Kansas City Star.

Another big blow is that heroin-related incidents have also spread to other parts of Missouri, which is also alarming. Though the problem seems far from being solved, small steps are being taken in different communities. One of the vital sectors that take part in the battle against addiction are the drug rehab centers in Missouri, that focus on helping users make that 180-degree turn away from drug abuse.



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