Fentanyl: A Growing Problem in California
Increasingly, people in California are getting hooked on fentanyl, an opioid that is fifty to one hundred times as strong as Methadone. Some of them inject it while others smoke it. As a result, deaths from fentanyl overdoses have jumped by more than 2,100% in five years, according to the Guardian. Yet, there seems to be a steady influx of the drug. This is at the same time that hundreds in the state have also ingested fentanyl unwittingly. People have accidentally ingested fentanyl when they believed they were getting cocaine, Oxycontin, or crystal meth. California Is Investing In Harm Reduction The state of California set aside money to help fight the influx of fentanyl. In addition, counties and cities are now allowed to use grants earmarked for addiction to invest in harm reduction, such as fentanyl testing strips. Other harm reduction measures include wide distribution of Naloxone, including a new version meant to counter fentanyl-related overdoses. In addition, the FDA recently approved stronger-dose Naloxone for suspected fentanyl and carfentanil overdoses. An Influx of Fentanyl to California There are a lot of illegal drugs trafficked through California. This is because it shares a border with Mexico, where many of the medicines […]
Combating Addiction Recovery Disinformation
Are you or somebody you love fooled by online addiction recovery disinformation? Many people who are addicted to substances struggle to get help, even when they know that they probably need it. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of truth as well as fiction out there on the internet. Disinformation also is passed on via word of mouth by peers. What kind of disinformation is being passed on in the drug-using community? It’s often similar to the myths or stereotypes you may see on television. Separating fact from fiction can help substance users get the help they need by empowering them with the right information to make decisions. Common Addiction Recovery Myths: You have to hit a “real bottom” to get help. This is false; anyone with a substance use disorder can get help at any time and will be taken seriously. Addiction is a progressive disease if it goes untreated. You don’t have to overdose or go to jail. Insurance won’t pay for addiction treatment. Actually, the opposite is true; due to mental health parity laws, health insurers are required to treat addiction like the illness it is. Treatment is covered but you may have to get prior approval for some […]
The Dangers of Kratom
You may have heard about Kratom, a plant native to Asian countries, which has increased in popularity among “wellness” circles in America. It’s not approved for use as a drug, but it’s has been marketed as a pain reliever, anxiety reducer, and even a way for people addicted to opioids to wean off their drug of choice. Is Kratom safe for people in recovery from addiction? The answer is no…but read on to learn more about this drug and recognize the problems it can create. What is Kratom? While Kratom is not currently listed as a controlled substance, it’s known to be addictive. Most recently, the DEA banned the importation of Kratom because it’s not believed to hold any medical value. This is a step toward eventually outlawing the drug. In South Asian countries, the substance was initially used as a substitute for opioids. Sadly, more recent research shows that Kratom use often becomes progressive and compulsive. Many users have described getting bone pain, chills, diarrhea, fever, and sweats when trying to swear it off. Some heavier users have even experienced hallucinations when they go into withdrawal. Dangers of Overdose Kratom, like opioids, can cause a slower respiration rate in […]
Opioid Overdoses Spiking Across the US
According to data from the CDC, opioid overdoses doubled or tripled in many states during the pandemic. But now that it’s summer, many towns across America are seeing an increase in overdoses as the world begins to reopen fully. Summer Opioid Overdoses Beginning to Spike Last weekend in Rochester, New York, three adults overdosed as their children played together indoors. Seven other overdoses occurred from what police presume was the same batch of drugs. “No one knows what’s in the drugs they’re taking anymore,” Joel Yager of Huther Doyle Substance Abuse Services told the local news station. “There are so many additives. A lot of it is fentanyl, and it’s being added to not just heroin but to cocaine and, in some cases, marijuana.” In the past, most summer overdoses were from “bad” batches of heroin. But in the past decade, synthetic drugs like K2 have sent people to the hospital as well. No drug is 100% pure, it seems, when it’s bought online or on the streets. Heroin Still High Cause of Opioid Overdoses In Monroe County, New York, there have been 63 heroin overdoses in the county so far this month. Substance abuse counselors say that many people […]
MAT and Therapy Options
Medication-Assisted treatments like Suboxone are essential tools to fight opioid use disorder (OUD). Many people have achieved long-term sobriety with the assistance of MAT. The FDA even considers MAT to be a “gold standard” and first-line therapy for people with OUD. Many treatments can help a person alongside MAT. A recent law gave doctors the ability to prescribe MAT without requiring a specific therapy or treatment follow-up. This is meant to help reach people who may not have access to treatment due to their geographic location or other situation. First, How Does MAT Work? MAT helps the body cope with withdrawal symptoms, helping significantly reduce them over time. Some people take MAT long-term to help them stay sober. The way MAT is prescribed depends on various factors, including the type of drug you used. MAT is beneficial for people with opioid use disorder. The withdrawal effects typically felt when ceasing opioids use can be incredibly uncomfortable and can even include fever, hallucinations, and nausea or vomiting. These sensations are dramatically reduced by MAT, helping individuals concentrate on staying sober. Types of Therapies That Help Alongside MAT Most people who struggle with substance use disorder benefit from support groups. Inpatient and […]
Finding Gratitude for the Big Things
How has your gratitude been lately? Do you feel bored, unstimulated, or lonely from the months of lockdowns? COVID-19 has created a wealth of challenges in the last year. But things are beginning to re-open up slowly as the country get vaccinated. So how can you make the most and start living gratitude again each day? A Perfect Time to Be Grateful If you’re like many people in California, you’ve been staying home. A lot. For people who have support in recovery, it’s been quite a burden. Even if you’re able to exercise outdoors or pick up dinner from your favorite restaurant, it’s not the same as before. But there are new and exciting things on the horizon. It’s a perfect time to be grateful because America in general is on a path to returning to things that we’ve missed. So how can you find your gratitude again? There is still a lot to be grateful for. Being Grateful for 3 Big Things The first few months of this crisis were hard for everyone. For example, there was a time last year when no one knew when, or if, we would be able to have a COVID-19 vaccine. Here are […]
Dual Diagnosis and Recovering From Addiction
Many people who are in recovery also live with other mental health issues. When addiction specialists discuss this topic, they use the term “dual diagnosis” to discuss it. Both substance use disorder and a mental health disorder need to be treated equally when it comes to recovery. It can be tough to heal from a substance use disorder if you live with untreated mental health issues such as bipolar disorder or PTSD. When a person first gets clean and sober, they go through a lot of emotional changes. Most of these are a normal part of getting clean. However, some symptoms may be extreme, such as anxiety or depression. When a person’s mental health seems to be faltering, they must get help from an expert to begin to recover. Learning you have a dual diagnosis may be frightening at first. However, it’s the start of a journey where you’ll have treatment that will help you recover and live your best life. Addiction and Dual Diagnosis: The Connection According to the National Institute on Drug abuse, nearly half of people who experience a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder. You’re not alone if you have been diagnosed with […]
A Year of COVID-19: How Have You Grown?
It’s been a whole year since COVID-19 shut down entire countries and made the world much smaller for most of us. Yet some people, including people in recovery, have made profound changes in the way that they live. Are you somebody who has managed to grow and change through this ordeal? How have you managed to adapt and thrive? COVID-19 Changed Us All So it’s been a year since COVID-19 really hit home for most Americans. How have you dealt with it? There have been so many challenges that people have faced, it’s sometimes hard to see the way that you have changed or grown. Here are some questions you may want to think about. If you journal, consider writing on a few of these questions whenever you have time. It’s amazing all the struggles we’ve all had, big or small, in the last year. Have you gotten and stayed sober? This is your most important achievement. No matter what, staying sober can help you get through what comes next. Have you learned to appreciate things more? Have you learned to live without certain things – like paper towels or your favorite breakfast item – because they became scarce? How […]
COVID, Recovery and Mental Health Disorders
Many people in recovery from addiction also have what is called a co-occurring disorder. Usually, this is a mental health disorder. Many people who have mental health disorders have struggled during the pandemic. Being alone can be challenging, and some people have lost access to services. It’s not uncommon for people who lost jobs to quit taking medication or attending therapy. People who have lost employment may have lost healthcare or the ability to pay for services. If you or somebody you love with a mental health disorder, some of these challenges may sound familiar – but like most challenges, they can be navigated! Mental Health, Isolation and Stigma Many people with mental health disorders have trouble with being isolated or alone. It’s normal to feel lonely, but sometimes that loneliness can take people to a dark place. It’s easy to get “in your head” and listen to your disease when you’re alone. In society, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health disorders. But most of it is false. Being alone is bad for our mental health as humans. That’s why it’s so important to connect with others. For most people, this means going online on a […]
Start 2021 With Compassion For Yourself
Do you struggle with showing yourself compassion? After all, you just survived a really rough year! The New Year has come and gone, but it’s left a lot of chaos in its wake. There has been civil unrest and violence for people in the United States not even a week into 2021. These issues have caused a lot of fear and sorrow. On top of that, many people spent the holidays alone or taking risks that are now contributing to the COVID-19 crisis. Getting past these feelings can be challenging, but starting the new year with compassion for yourself and others can help immensely. After all, 2021 does come with a lot of hope. There is a vaccine and a new president in America. And you, wherever you are, are alive to celebrate and stay sober another day. It’s time to learn to be more forgiving and compassionate with yourself. Having Compassion Yourself Why do you need to be kind and compassionate to yourself? For one thing, it helps you be confident and healthy. For another, you can’t help others if you’re not taking care of yourself. Instead of focusing on saving the world, you also need to make time […]
At-Home Sober Activities for the Holidays (And Beyond)
People in recovery are having a lot of ups and downs during the pandemic. You and people you care about may be struggling with loneliness, relapse, or the loss of somebody close to you. Online activities aren’t exactly the same, but making an effort and trying to connect with others who feel isolated can make everyone feel less lonely. To do this, you’ll need to think of some fun sober activities for the holidays. Connecting with other people is essential. Using online technology or even 3-way call conferencing can help you connect with others and try to entertain yourself and your loved ones. (You can set Zoom up to have a call-in line for older members of your family or others who can’t use a computer.) At-Home Sober Activities To Try Of course, these ideas can work for any time during the pandemic, especially if you feel like your social life needs more: Just meet up for coffee with a loved one or friend online. It’s so simple, but it can boost your day! Ask them to set up a time for you in the morning, and make sure you have both brewed your coffee or tea. Sober activities like […]
Holidays, COVID-19, and Self-Care
COVID-19 has changed the way that many people are visiting with family. This year health experts recommend changes for celebrating the holidays. For people in recovery, the lack of stability and certainty during the coronavirus health crisis can be a challenge. Health officials will most likely recommend that you don’t go to gatherings with people outside your household. You’ll have to find new ways to visit with others, but remember this is temporary. You won’t be alone every holiday, even if you must this year. At the same time, take care of yourself during the holidays and be gentle. Make COVID-Safe Plans for the Holidays The holiday season is quickly approaching. Do you feel pressured by family or friends to do things you’re not comfortable doing? Your health and sobriety always come first. Meeting with others outside of your household could spread COVID. The disease can be very asymptomatic, and unfortunately, you cannot trust everyone to socially distance when they leave the house. You can form a “pod” with 3-4 other people in recovery if you feel isolated. This pod can be for the holidays and beyond. The people in your pod can meet with each other but not other […]