Tag Archives: Signs and Symptoms

Program Spotlight: Outpatient Opiate Detox

Until It’s Done-Outpatient Opiate Detox Program-NewBeginningsRecovery New Beginnings Recovery Center’s Outpatient Opiate Detox Program is available to those who are looking for a safe and more comfortable method of detox that will help them overcome the withdrawal effects of opiates.

Outpatient Detox Program

We offer a specialized outpatient program for individuals who are dependent on opiates and other types of painkillers. By choosing our outpatient program, clients can detox comfortably from prescription medications while still attending work, school or other responsibilities.

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Those who are detoxing from Suboxone® are especially prone to experiencing the symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) (persistent problems that happen after withdrawal). During this stage, most people report similar types of experiences, characterized by these symptoms among others:

Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Mood swings
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Tiredness
Variable energy
Greater sensitivity to pain

At New Beginnings Recovery Center, we have refined our detox protocol so that both the acute and post acute symptoms are minimized. Suboxone® tends to effect people so that their opiate withdrawal symptoms last longer and the PAWS symptoms are more intense than with other opiates. Our Suboxone® outpatient detox has been modified to address these issues.

Ongoing Treatment Plan After Detox

Once our clients complete any of our Outpatient Opiate Detox Programs, we perform a follow-up evaluation to determine their mental state and to understand the underlying reasons for addiction. An ongoing treatment plan, customized to meet each individual’s needs, will be developed. These customized treatment plans can include holistic therapies, individual and group counseling, mental health services, nutritional support and much, much more.

To prevent relapse, we also provide real-life tools to help clients cope with cravings and stressors in the real world.

Take That First Step To Recovery!

Drug detox is just the beginning of a life of healing and sobriety. Take that first step and contact us now! We will help you walk away from the darkness and into the light toward your new beginning.

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The Signs Of Meth Abuse In A Loved One And Why Long Term Treatment Is The Best Choice

Are you concerned that a loved one may have become addicted to methamphetamine? “Meth” has been called “the most dangerous drug on Earth,” and for good reason. It’s easy to find this street drug can be made from a few basic household products. Once someone becomes addicted, they will not be able to stop using on their own and will need professional help at a long term addiction treatment program for the best chance to become clean and sober.

Meth comes in two forms; crystal and powder. “Crystal meth” is a crystallized chunk or rock that can be smoked or heated and injected. Powdered meth, also known as “speed” is less potent than the crystal variety. It is a white, bitter-tasting powder that can be smoked, eaten, snorted, dissolved in a liquid or injected.

How Does Meth Addiction Happen?

Signs Of Meth Abuse In A Loved One-NewBeginningsFacility Both forms of the drug produce a rush of euphoria. The person feels energized and confident. These effects will generally last from six-eight hours, although some people will experience them for 12 hours or more.

When your loved one uses meth, it causes their brain to release a massive amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This is why the pleasurable experience of the drug lasts for several hours. With repeated use, meth actually depletes the dopamine in the brain. One reason a person becomes addicted to the drug is because they no longer possess the naturally occurring neurotransmitter and cannot experience pleasure on their own.

Signs And Symptoms Of Meth Abuse

The exact signs and symptoms of meth abuse will vary from person to person. If your loved one displays signs from the below, he or she may have a substance abuse issue that requires professional treatment.

Aggression
Anxiety
Depression
Disorganized thoughts
Hair loss
Euphoria
Insomnia
Intently focused attention (tweaking)
Loss of appetite
Loss of skin elasticity
“Meth bugs” (sensation of bugs crawling beneath the skin)
“Meth mouth”/tooth loss
Nausea
Nervousness
Open sores
Repetitive behaviors
Social isolation
Unexplained financial problems
Vomiting

Long Term Addiction Treatment Program In FL

At New Beginnings Recovery Center, we know that our clients have the best chance for achieving sobriety if they are enrolled in a long term treatment program. Long term care helps us address any mental health issues as well as the addiction while teaching real-life relapse prevention skills. We offer both a 60 and 90-day program to help our clients. During this stage of treatment, clients are housed in one of our beautiful North Palm Beach homes to focus on their transition to real life while still attending group and individual therapy and counseling sessions, as well as following a 12 step program.

Learn more about both our inpatient treatment housing and our sober living houses which include full access to our effective recovery services.

Call Us Now To Learn More About Our Programs And How We Can Help Your Loved One Today!

How Do I Know If My Loved One Is Addicted To Drugs?

No one wants to think that their loved one has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Even if you begin to suspect there may be an issue, your first instinct may be to push your suspicions to the back of your mind and look for another explanation. There are signs that substance abuse may be an issue, and turning away from them will only allow the problem to grow and become more serious.

How Do I Know If My Loved One Is Addicted To Drugs-New Beginnings

Signs Your Loved One May Be Addicted To Drugs

Here are some questions to ask yourself regarding your loved one’s behavior. The more “yes” answers you provide, the more likely that you are dealing with a substance abuse issue.

Do they get cravings and urges to use their drug of choice?
Are they unable to cut down or stop using on their own?
Does your loved one take the drug in larger amounts than recommended/prescribed and/or for longer than recommended (in regards to prescription drugs)?
Do they spend a large portion of their time obtaining, using or recovering from drug use?
Have they given up opportunities to be with friends and family or work-related activities because of their drug use?
Are they unable to perform well at work, school or at home due to drug use?
Do they continue to use drugs even when it leads to problems in their relationships?
Do they need to take more of the drug to get the effect that they want?
Does your loved one experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, body aches, nervousness or irritability, which are relieved by taking more of the drug?

Help For Your Loved One’s Addiction

Addiction can happen to people from all backgrounds. This disease doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, income level, gender, education or any other basis.

If you know or suspect that your loved one has become addicted to drugs, we here at New Beginnings Recovery Center can help by offering customized and innovative addiction treatment options including integrative medical programs and PHP partial hospitalization programs. We also utilize licensed therapeutic practitioners and can perform a biopsychosocial assessment on clients.

Call us today to learn more about our effective treatment programs so that you can encourage your loved one to get the help that they need.

Opiates vs. Opioids: How To Tell The Difference

The words opiate and opioid are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different types of drugs. Opiate refers to the opium poppy, and the drugs which are derived directly from the plant. Opioids are synthetic drugs made in laboratories which act in a similar manner to opiates.

Use Of Opiates Throughout History

Opiates have been used to relieve pain for thousands of years. The first writings referring to opium as an analgesic compound date to the third century BC. It was used during the American Civil War as a pain reliever, and a number of soldiers became addicted to morphine. At that time, it was called “soldier’s disease,” and those affected could achieve the highs they sought with a hypodermic needle, which had been invented in 1853 by Scottish surgeon Alexander Wood. Today, opiates and opioids, are prescribed often by physicians as part of a pain management program.

Opioid Addiction Treatment-www.NewBeginningsRecoveryCTR.com

Examples Of Opiates

Opium
Heroin
Morphine
Codeine

Opium is the powder made from the dried juice of the opium poppy. When it is ingested orally, it induces a state of peaceful well-being and sleepiness. It has been used since Babylonian civilization. Codeine is a naturally occurring opium alkaloid that be made synthetically. It is especially effective at treating pain when combined with other pain relievers, such as Aspirin.

Examples Of Opioids

Hydrocodone (sold as Vicodin, Lortab)
Hydromorphone (sold as Dilaudid)
Oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan, Oxycontin)
Oxymorphone (Opana)
Meperdine (Demerol)
Fentanyl
Methadone

How Opioids Work

Opioid pain medications bind to specific proteins called opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body. They reduce the level of pain signals sent to the brain to provide relief to the user. Medications in this class may be prescribed by a doctor when other pain medications have not been successful at controlling a patient’s pain.

Opioid Addiction

Since opioids can reduce pain and produce a sense of relaxation, it’s understandable that people who are experiencing pain regularly or on a daily basis may start taking more than their prescribed dosage of opioid pain medication or taking it more often than the doctor has prescribed, due to the feelings experienced and a quick-building tolerance. From that point, it’s a slippery slope toward prescription addiction.

Signs Of Opioid Abuse And Addiction

The signs and symptoms of opiate/opioid addiction include mood, behavioral and physical symptoms and include, but are not limited to:

Mood Symptoms

Increased anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Psychosis
Improved self-esteem (while high)

Behavioral Symptoms

Using a greater amount or longer than intended
Unsuccessful attempts to decrease amount taken
Doctor shopping
Losing interest in normal activities & focus on obtaining the drug

Physical Symptoms

Increased heart beat
Decreased appetite
High blood pressure
Increased sensitivity to sensory stimulation

Side Effects

Nausea
Confusion
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Constipation
Dependency
Overdose

Opioid Addiction Treatment

If you or your loved one suffers from an addiction to opioids, caring and professional treatment in necessary. New Beginnings Recovery Center offers safe outpatient opiate detox and treatment programs. We focus on the entire person – mind, body and soul. If you or a loved one needs help for prescription addiction, contact us now.

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Finding Help For Bipolar Disorder And Addiction

Bipolar disorder, which is also called manic depression, is a type of mental illness that is characterized by extreme mood swings. While everyone has times when their mood shifts over the course of weeks and months depending on the events of their lives and their own thoughts and feelings, for a person with bipolar disorder, these mood swings are so pronounced that they interfere with the person’s ability to think and function.

The States Of Bipolar Disorder

This long-term condition is usually made up of three states:

Mania, where the person has an abnormally elevated or irritable mood that lasts for at least four consecutive days. During this time, they may have racing thoughts, be unusually talkative, and need little to no sleep. They may also do things that are more reckless than usual or have the potential for negative consequences, such as going on shopping sprees, making ill-considered business investments, or committing sexual indiscretions.

Depression that lasts at least two weeks. The depressed mood must be present most of the day, nearly every day. People in this phase report feeling empty, sad or hopeless. They may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable. Fatigue, lack of energy, difficulty getting to sleep or excessive sleeping are also all characteristics of this phase of the illness. Thoughts of death or suicide may occur, and some people may actually attempt suicide.

A well state where the affected person’s moods are normal and they function well.

About one-two percent of the adult population has bipolar disorder, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Depending on the affected person, the mood swings can range from mild to severe. Rapidly-cycling Bipolar Disorder occurs when a person has four or more cycles of depression, mania or mixed states within one year. People in this category are at especially high risk for developing a substance abuse issue.

Bipolar Disorder And Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is very common among people with bipolar disorder. Someone who is living with a mood disorder may find the experience very uncomfortable and/or unsettling and look to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate in an effort to numb or temporarily alleviate the symptoms.

Certain drugs, such as marijuana, opiates, barbiturates and alcohol, which are known for their sedative properties, seem to slow down the mood swings, at least temporarily, but cause negative effects later. Other substances only serve to exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Someone who already has manic tendencies who turns to something like crystal meth, methamphetamine or cocaine is only going to push themselves toward that type of mental state.

Florida Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

At New Beginnings Recovery Center, we recognize the specialized treatment needed for bipolar disorder and addiction issues. Our Florida mental health and substance abuse services focus on getting at the root of both the mental illness and the addiction while creating a personalized recovery plan. Call us today to find out how we can help you or a loved one!

Are You Ready For Freedom From Mental Illness And Addiction? Call Us Now – We Are Available 24/7

What Is Major Depressive Disorder?

Major depressive disorder is also called clinical depression or major depression. It is not the same thing is feeling, “down” or “blue,” nor is it the same type of sadness that someone experiences when faced with grieving a loss. Depression has been described in different ways by those who have experienced it, but one theme that comes up over and over is the lack of interest in and enjoyment of life that comes with this mental health disorder.

Symptoms Of Depression

Get Mental Health Treatment Now- New Beginning Recovery CTR According to the DSM-5(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a major depressive episode is when the following criteria have been met:

Five or more of these symptoms have been present for two weeks and represent a change from a person’s previous functioning. At least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.

Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day. Children or adolescents may appear irritable instead of sad or low
Lowered degree of interest or pleasure in almost all, or all activities most of the day, nearly each day
Increased or decreased appetite, or significant weight loss without dieting, or weight gain
Difficulty sleeping or wanting to sleep more than usual
Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness almost every day
Difficulty thinking or concentrating, having trouble making decisions
Feeling either agitated or as though things are slowed down nearly every day
Frequent thoughts of death, thoughts of suicide without a specific plan, a suicide attempt or a specific plan for taking one’s own life

Who Is At Risk For Developing Major Depressive Disorder?

Clinical depression can affect people of any age. Women tend to be diagnosed more often than men but many people who are depressed are not diagnosed simply because they do not seek treatment. Researchers have identified factors that increase the likelihood that a person is at higher risk for developing an episode of major depression.

Low self-esteem and being self-critical or pessimistic
Depression that started as a teen or young child
Family history of blood relatives who had depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism or suicide
History of anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or borderline personality disorder
Serious or chronic illness, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or being in chronic pain
Addiction to drugs or alcohol

Major Depressive Disorder And Substance Abuse

Alcoholism can produce symptoms of depression as the disease develops. The longer a person continues to drink, the worse the symptoms will become.

Someone who is already feeling depressed may start to use drugs as a way to try to self-medicate. They may not know or realize that depression can be treated.

Outpatient Mental Health Services

We here at New Beginnings Recovery Center provide personalized outpatient mental health services to clients living with a mental health issue and an addiction. We are here for you!

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What Are Behavioral Disorders?

Behavioral disorders, also called disruptive behavioral disorders can affect children as well as adults, and cause difficulty for a person in his or her personal relationships, in school and at work. There are several types of disorders in this group, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Causes Of Behavioral Disorders

Sunset & Lavender - Behavioral Disorders - New Beginnings Rehab There are a number of factors that can lead to the development of a behavioral disorder. The underlying cause can be explained by a combination of the person’s genetic make-up and his or her environment at home and school. These factors include:

Malnutrition
Physical illness or disability
Divorce or major emotional upset in the home
Inconsistent or harmful discipline
Poor attitude toward school or education

Signs Of A Behavioral Disorder

The first indications that someone is dealing with a behavioral disorder will likely become apparent through emotional symptoms. The exact symptoms will vary, depending on the person and the severity of the disorder. However, someone who is living with this type of issue may:

Find it hard to deal with being frustrated
Argue with other people often
Throw temper tantrums when they get upset
Refuse to follow rules that apply to everyone else
Question authority at every turn
Put blame on others and refuse to take personal responsibility
Appear angry more often than their peers
Get annoyed or nervous more often than others

Behavioral Disorders And Substance Abuse

To deal with the difficult effects of behavioral disorders, many people turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.

Substance Abuse And Behavioral Disorders Treatment

Our expert mental health professionals evaluate clients to provide an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment for both the addiction and mental health issue.

You are not alone in your pain. We are here for you!

Contact Us Now To Find Out More About How We Can Help Successfully Treat Your Behavioral Disorders & Addiction!

Does My Loved One Need Drug And Alcohol Rehab?

Does My Loved One Need Drug And Alcohol Rehab Are you concerned that your loved one may have a problem with drugs or alcohol? Perhaps you have noticed a change in their behavior or personality. These changes may leave you wondering if they are struggling with addiction or simply going through a rough patch in their life.

When deciding whether or not your loved one needs to seek drug and alcohol rehab, it is important to closely evaluate the signs and symptoms of substance abuse.

There are five major signs of a drug or alcohol addiction that you should look for to determine if your loved one needs drug and alcohol rehab. While these signs may not indicate an addiction, in many cases they are the first signs you may notice.

5 Signs Of Addiction

1) Out Of Character

Behaviors that are out of character for your loved one may be a red flag when determining whether your loved one is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Behaviors such as anxiety, paranoia, and mood swings may be an indication of substance abuse.

2) Financial Trouble

Those suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction will typically spend all of their money on their habit. This can lead to bills being left unpaid on a regular basis. Once the addiction surpasses the person’s income, they may begin participating in illegal activities as a way to fund their habit. If your loved one has asked on several occasions to borrow money for rent or utilities, you may want to evaluate the situation more closely.

3) Legal Trouble

Traffic tickets, DUI, and DWI are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the legal troubles addictions can cause. If your loved one has been charged with crimes such as theft or possession, it is time discuss the option of drug and alcohol rehab treatment.

4) Physical Appearance

Have you noticed your loved one looking slightly unkempt? Perhaps they have shown up at family events in dirty clothing, messy hair and/or pick-marks on their skin. These physical changes in your loved one may cause you to consider a possible drug or alcohol addiction. If your loved one is typically well groomed, you may need to discuss substance abuse issues with them.

5) Physical Symptoms Of Substance Abuse

While most people know the signs of marijuana use such as bloodshot eyes, there are many physical signs for each type of drug. Depressants will cause contracted pupils while stimulants will cause dilated pupils. Injected drugs will leave track marks or needle marks on the arms, legs, hands, and/or feet of the user.

If You Believe That Your Loved One Has A Substance Abuse Problem, Call Us Now!
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Nick Carter Marries After Rocky Years Dealing With Addiction

Image courtesy of Google

Former Backstreet Boy Nick Carter married Lauren Kitt in Santa Barbara on April 12. The ceremony took place outdoors with the bridal couple surrounded by white and purple flowers. The bride’s father did walk her down the aisle, but it’s not clear how many of the groom’s family members were present on his big day.

Carter has been open about struggles with alcohol and drug use, which started in childhood. In his memoir, entitled Facing the Music and Living to Talk About It, he wrote that alcohol was a familiar presence in his home growing up. His parents used it as a way to relieve stress about family finances, and Carter writes that he was shocked to see himself mimicking their behavior in home movies where he pretends to be drinking at the age of nine or 10.

Heavy Alcohol Use Began In Teens

He began drinking heavily in his teens and added drugs into the mix at the age of 18 or 19. Marijuana was the first one, followed by cocaine, Ecstasy, and prescription pain medication.

Getting arrested in 2002 for resisting arrest without violence after a night of partying at the Pop City bar in Tampa didn’t slow down Carter’s alcohol and drug use. He continued to use, and was arrested again in 2005 for DUI. This time, he was sentenced to 13 AA meetings. While he learned something about his addiction problems, he was still not living a sober lifestyle.

Wake-up Call And Heart Problems

For Carter, his wake-up call to seek addiction counseling at a rehab facility was after yet another night of heavy partying when he was hallucinating that people on the street were zombies. He had gained weight from drug use, lack of exercise and poor diet.

Carter was also diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle which causes weakness over time. This disorder killed singer Andy Gibb and actor Chris Penn. Now Carter is committed to a healthier lifestyle but admits that he does slip up when it comes to alcohol use – proof that dealing with addiction requires a long-term strategy.

Get Help For Drug And Alcohol Addiction Now

Are you looking for help with a substance abuse problem for yourself or a loved one? The New Beginnings Recovery Center offers intensive outpatient program (IOP), which includes mental health services and counseling. Follow us on Twitter @NewBeginningsRC!

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How Ignoring Hepatitis C Can Be Deadly

Recently I had a close friend pass away. He was 58 years old. When he died he was in liver failure and we all wondered how this could have happened so quickly. Actually it ended up that it wasn’t that quickly. I spoke with one of his brothers who is a Pathologist in CA. He told me that approximately 6 years ago his brother had some lab work done and that it showed liver problems. His brother chose to ignore the results because he didn’t believe the blood work was correct. He denied having any liver problems. Here we are six years later now with my friend gone. All of his friends began talking and I realized that not that many people are educated about liver disease, Hepatitis C and or liver cancer.

Hepatitis C results from the infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use and bacterial and viral infections can all cause Hepatitis.

What Is Hepatitis C?

How Ignoring Hepatitis C Can Be Deadly | Hepatitis C Treatment Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious lifelong illness that attacks the liver. It results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus, which is spread primarily through contact with an infected person. Hepatitis C can either be “acute” or “chronic”. Acute Hepatitis C infection is a short term illness that occurs within the first six months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis C virus. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection.

Chronic Hepatitis C infection is a long term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis C virus remains in a person’s body. Hepatitis C can last a lifetime and lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer. Approximately 75-80% of people who become infected with the Hepatitis C virus develop chronic infection. An estimated 3.2 million people in the United States have chronic Hepatitis C virus infection.

How Is Hepatitis C Spread?

Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from an infected person with Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected.

Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs is a common cause. Needle stick injuries in healthcare settings can also be a cause. Lastly, those born to a mother with Hepatitis C can infect the newborn child. Lesser common causes would be sharing personal items that may have come in contact with another person’s blood such as razors or toothbrushes, sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus.

The Hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body at room temperature, on surfaces, for at least 16 hours but no longer than 4 days.

Possible Signs Of Acute Hepatitis C

Approximately 70-80% of people with acute Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms. Others can have mild to severe symptoms soon after infection such as:

Fever
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite

In persons without symptoms, Hepatitis C is often detected during routine blood tests to measure liver function and liver enzyme level. Hepatitis C is a serious disease that can result in long term health problems, including liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer, or even death. Approximately 15,000 people die every year from Hepatitis C related liver disease.

How Is Hepatitis C Treated?

Acute Hepatitis C can be treated. When diagnosed, treatment does not reduce the risk that acute Hepatitis C will become a chronic infection. Acute hepatitis C is treated with the same medications used to treat chronic hepatitis C. In the treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C there are several medications available to treat chronic hepatitis C. The FDA maintains a complete list of approved treatments for Hepatitis C.

In conclusion, Hepatitis C is a serious illness and should not be taken lightly. A Physician consult with the appropriate lab tests should be completed. Once the results are back there should be a conversation between the doctor and patient discussing the treatment options.

Sadly with my personal friend, he chose to disbelieve the lab results and deny his liver issues. Please do not follow in his footsteps. Life is precious. There is treatment and it is lifesaving.