Monthly Archives: December 2013

When Painkiller Addiction Turns Into Heroin Addiction

It has been all over the news in recent months, “Prescription drug and heroin use is skyrocketing, around the country.” The rising epidemic of painkiller use has been attributed to many factors including over-prescribing by physicians, an increase in illegal sales of painkillers, and a popular opinion that prescription drugs aren’t dangerous “hard drugs,” like heroin or cocaine.

How Painkillers Are Similar To Heroin

The truth of the matter is that these prescription painkillers are opiates, just the same as heroin, methadone, morphine, and other highly addictive drugs. Even in cases where the painkillers are being prescribed for legitimate medical reason, the patient can become addicted to the drugs just as quickly as those users of illicit drugs.

Quick And Unexpected Heroin Addiction

One of the most frightening trends of addiction to opiates that has been seen recently, is the large number of painkiller addicts that are becoming addicted to heroin. In many cases these heroin addicts were formerly addicted to painkillers such as oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, or other prescription drugs; and some were using it legally and legitimately for medical issues. A great many of these addicted individuals never even considered using heroin in their lifetime, but ended up with an addiction to heroin anyway.

What happens to these prescription drug addicts is that their addiction to the painkillers is so strong, that they will start going through the severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms that are often seen in heroin withdrawals. These withdrawals are so severe and agonizing to the addict, that if they cannot find prescription drugs to make the agony go away, heroin becomes an available drug that may take the withdrawals away. It is in this moment, that an addict uses heroin for the first time, and often can become addicted to the heroin form of opium after the first use. Professional and safe detox is then required to safely get you off of the drug.

Dangerous Trends With Drug Dealers

Law enforcement around the country has even seen a trend in-which drug dealers are intentionally getting teens and young adults addicted to painkillers, only to take away the painkillers and offer heroin instead, trying to force addictions on their customers that keeps them coming back for more.

All of the trends surrounding addicts transferring addictions are quite scary, and the rates are rising at an alarming rate. Law enforcement is not sure how to combat these rising rates, but are looking towards drug rehab, counseling, and more readily-available addiction help as proactive approaches to help combat this rising epidemic.

Treatment For Addiction

If you or a loved one need to detox from opiates contact New Beginnings Recover Center now at 888-840-5189. We are here to get you on the right path to happiness and freedom from addiction!

5 Tips To Choose The Best Alcohol Treatment Center

When a friend or family member is struggling with alcoholism so severe that it warrants residential treatment, the task of locating the right facility can be overwhelming. If you’re in charge of making the decision, it’s important to research your options. Choosing the wrong facility can increase an addict’s relapse risk. Choosing the right facility will place them on track to a long and happy sobriety. In this entry we will offer tips and insight to promote an informed decision.

5 Tips On Choosing Alcohol Addiction Treatment

5 Tips To Choose The Best Alcohol Treatment Center | Alcohol Addiction 1.) Search for alcohol treatment centers in your area via the web or through the U.S. Department of Health. Take digital tours, check out reviews and read up on each program to gain a better understanding of the services they offer.

2.) Make sure that each prospective facility is accredited. Though a non-accredited facility may offer similar services, you can that ensure proper treatment is provided by choosing an accredited option. At New Beginnings Recovery Center, we are fully licensed and accredited.

3.) Determine which facilities offer detoxification programs. Alcohol detox treatment is a vital step in the rehabilitation process, involving the complete cleansing of alcohol from the body. When an alcoholic stops drinking or reduces their intake, serious withdrawal symptoms may occur. An alcohol rehab program that offers detoxification can offer medication to help ease these symptoms.

4.) Request a tour of the facility. Check to ensure that all areas of the center are clean while taking time to familiarize yourself with the staff. Make certain that the facility is staffed adequately with seasoned professionals.

5.) Determine which option is best suited to your needs and budget. Avoid sacrificing quality for cost. Rehabilitation is not an area to “skimp” on. If the facility appears to meet your needs, it is probably worth the extra investment.

Are you or a loved one ready to start a new beginning of life-long sobriety? Or have questions? Contact the addiction specialists at New Beginnings Recovery Center today! We offer some of the most comprehensive and personal recovery programs available!

Tips And Tricks To Stay Sober During The Holidays

Maintaining sobriety can be especially difficult during the holiday season. Office parties, family gatherings and other social occasions make it hard on those in early recovery. Thoughts of holiday fun in previous years are often associated with celebratory drinking or drug use.

Though the idea of a sober holiday season can prove difficult to get your head around, especially when others tend to indulge, there are ways to stay sober and happy throughout the festivities.

Tips And Tricks To Stay Sober

Plan out each day of the holiday season. Spend your time with family and friends who are supportive of your sobriety and who are non-users.

Locate a nearby meeting. Many support groups like AA and NA hold special meetings throughout the holiday season to share their hope, strength and experience. Search online for a list of area meetings and add them to your daily routine.

Get support from friends and family members. Those who are truly supportive of your sobriety will be happy to help you through the holiday season. Plan a sober activity with them during the holidays. Or have them over to your place and treat them!

Exercise. Routine exercise will not only keep you fit throughout the season, but keep you focused and motivated on your recovery.

Avoid the regular hangouts. There is absolutely no reason to check in on your former friends or establishments. You know where those roads lead… try something new! Try a non-alcohol holiday party.

Be grateful. The easiest cure for the holiday blues is counting your blessings each and every day. Whenever you feel negativity coming on, simply jot down 5 things you are grateful for!

Volunteer. No matter how down you feel, there are always people in the community who are less fortunate than you. Help yourself by helping the needy this holiday season.

Don’t deny your healthy cravings and emotions. If you get hungry, eat. If you get angry, breathe deep and talk it out. If you get lonely, call a friend or attend a local meeting. If you get tired, treat yourself to a nap. The better you feel, the less likely you will be to resort to old habits.

Write yourself a letter. Getting your ideas out on paper is powerful exercise! Jot down a list of events and activities that will aid in your quest to enjoy a happy, healthy and sober festive season.

Live day by day. Be in the moment, living one day at a time. The past and future are neither here, nor there! Live today. Enjoy today. Celebrate today!

Contact New Beginnings Recovery Center at 888-840-5189 for additional substance abuse help. Let us guide you in the path of long-term sobriety!

How To Ensure A Safe And Comfortable Detox

When an individual becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol their bodies become dependent to the substance. This is defined as a physical addiction, meaning that when access to the addictive substance is denied, withdrawal symptoms will occur. These symptoms can be extremely serious – even fatal. In order to ensure a safe and healthy transition into sobriety, addicts are encouraged to seek out the aid of a medically monitored outpatient detox facility.

Detox Symptoms And Withdrawal

The symptoms associated with detox, specifically opiate detox range from mild irritability to delirium, tremors, convulsions, seizures and even fatality. The more you use, the more intense the withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can set in around 12 hours following use, and typically span a period of 3 – 14 days; though it should be noted that every patient is different. At New Beginnings Recovery Center (NBRC) we provided individualized care to each patient.

Detox Monitoring

During outpatient detox, patients are subjected to a series of tests while under close supervision of a licensed physician. This is to ensure both the continued health and comfort of patients throughout the process. Physicians at New Beginnings Recovery Center pay close attention to detox symptoms. If these symptoms are apparent or too severe, physicians may recommend intravenous medication, sedation, electrolytes or fluids and in some cases, anti-psychotic medicines to control hallucinations.

Outpatient Detox

Outpatient detoxification programs differ from other detox programs in that the patients are not required to remain at the facility. Participants are afforded the ability to stay at home with family and maintain employment while overcoming their addictions. Here at NBRC we work around your schedule to create a detox program that fits your individual needs.

Individualized Detox Difference

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, a New Beginnings detox is recommended for a safe and comfortable detox as well as a successful recovery. With a team of seasoned addiction specialists available to address each patient’s individual needs, you can count on New Beginnings Recovery Center to have you on the fast track to recovery in no time. Call us today at 888-840-5189 to begin your journey!

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Is It Right For Me?

You may be wondering if an intensive outpatient program is right for you. These types of addiction programs are an option for addicts who are unable to take advantage of inpatient treatment programs for a variety of reasons, ranging from the inability to fund the higher cost of care to not being able to commit the time away from family and work. Outpatient programs also offer many similar services found at residential facilities without the excess cost.

Time Frame At An Intensive Outpatient Program

Most intensive outpatient treatment programs require attendance of patients for approximately 3 hours each day. This allows patients to still return home to their families and lives outside of the facility. The number of weeks that a patient would need to stay depends on the severity of the addiction(s), personal growth and involvement and their ability to stay drug free.

What’s Expected From The Patients?

In addition to committing to a specified period of time each week, intensive outpatient rehabilitation patients must adhere to a variety of additional requirements. Those enrolled are generally expected to attend education and psychotherapy classes, 12-step meetings and other beneficial group or one-one-one activities, drug tests, and addiction counseling.

Family Involvement In Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Family members often play a vital role in the patient’s success at an intensive outpatient program. In addition to counseling, loved ones are often encouraged to attend education programs and adhere to guidelines set in regard to the home environment of a recovering addict. Transportation, child care and social service assistance may be offered to the loved ones of those enrolled.

Treatment Staff

The staff at an intensive outpatient facility is generally as broad as the attending clientele. Medical nurses and physicians remain on call, checking on each patient regularly. Staff members are highly trained in both dual diagnosis and the detoxification process, ensuring that each patient receives the optimum personal care and attention they need to get them on the path to recovery and long-term sobriety.

Looking for an intensive outpatient program? Contact the recovery specialists at New Beginnings Recovery Center or 888-840-5189 today!