Monday, June 20, 2022

Can Vaping Cause Seizures?

Can Vaping Cause Seizures?

Vaping is the practice of using e-cigarettes or vape pens. Vape pens can be described as electronic devices that heat liquids to produce vapor for users to inhale. Vape pens can use cartridges that contain nicotine, tobacco, and sometimes marijuana. More reports are being made about vaping and seizures as the trend becomes more mainstream. Our Massachusetts treatment center is currently investigating whether vaping can cause seizures.

Can Vape Pens Cause Seizures?

The brain’s sudden and abnormal electrical activity can cause seizures. Although many people associate seizures with convulsions that cause shaking of the entire body, seizures can also be caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Another sign of seizures is a loss of awareness or consciousness, as if the brain has temporarily shut down. These moments can make it seem like the person is staring into space or suddenly stopping moving.

Seizures can cause people to fall. Most seizures resolve within minutes or seconds. After that, the person might feel confused or sleepy.

A person might also forget what they were doing prior to the seizure. Although they are not likely to cause permanent harm, severe convulsions or bodily shakes may lead to injury that will require medical attention.

The FDA found 127 cases of seizures and other neurological symptoms in 2019, mainly due to vaping devices and e-cigarettes. These seizures were most common in teenagers and young adults. 1

These vaping seizures can occur within a matter of minutes or one day following use, according to the FDA. Seizures also occurred in long-term and first-time users. 1

People have had seizures following vaping. This could also be due to marijuana use or stimulants (amphetamines). This link was further investigated by the agency, as well as whether vape pens or cartridges make a difference.

The FDA found that vape pens can cause seizures if users inhale high levels of nicotine or are exposed to it. The FDA noticed a slight increase in seizures reported to them in 2018, but it was not significant.

They found that there were 35 cases of seizures related to e-cigarettes in the records of poison control centers between 2010 and 2019. The reports covered first-time, long-term, and repeat users of e-cigarettes.

Vaping is linked to seizures and lung disease. Long-term vaping can lead to nicotine dependence, depending on how severe the habit is.

Seizures, Nicotine Overdose

So why does nicotine cause seizures? Nicotine has a structural similarity to the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. It acts by activating the nicotinic Cholinergic Receptors (nAChRs).

Nicotine binds to the nAChRs and opens the ion channel, allowing calcium or sodium to enter the receptor. Other neurotransmitters are also released by nicotine, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

These chemicals have the following functions: pleasure, arousal and stimulation; reward, motivation; mood stabilization; and reduction in anxiety. Similar to stimulants, nicotinic actions can also cause increased metabolism and suppression of appetite.

Neuroadaptation is a process in which the brain develops tolerance to nicotine over time. This can be caused by long-term nicotine use. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when regular nicotine use is stopped. These withdrawal symptoms include a sudden decrease in neurotransmitters.

There is an increased risk of nicotine tolerance and seizures in people who overdose. Seizures have also been reported in children and adults who accidentally ingested nicotine-containing vape pen and e-cigarette cartridges. Although children are more likely to overdose on nicotine, it can also happen in adults.

You may experience rapid heart beat, confusion, seizures, respiratory depression, or even death from nicotine overdose. These symptoms may occur in as little as 15 minutes after nicotine consumption.

Although there are reports that nicotine vaping can cause seizures, further research is needed to verify this. The habit has been linked to lung disease, oral problems, and many other health issues.

Consider Vaping as a gateway drug

Vaping, in addition to the danger of seizures, is also considered a gateway drug. Vaping can open the door to other forms and abuse. It not only exposes the body to brain-altering chemicals such as nicotine, but it also places vapers in situations that encourage substance abuse.

Our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehabilitation can help if you or someone you love has fallen for addiction to drugs or alcohol. To help clients get through withdrawal safely and to prevent them from ending treatment too soon, we offer medically supervised detox.

We offer treatment for substance-specific addictions, including heroin, cocaine and meth. Our specialists can help you or your loved ones achieve long-term sobriety.

Call All In Solutions Treatment Centers at 855-762-39796 for more information on our Massachusetts drug rehab programs.

Source:

  1. FDA – E-cigarette users are experiencing seizures, most reports involve young adults and youth.

Similar Reading:

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Sunday, June 19, 2022

How to Help Someone Quit Vaping

How to Help Someone Quit Vaping

Vaping is a popular way to smoke marijuana and tobacco. Vaping, also known as electronic cigarettes, is a device that heats liquids to produce vapor. The small containers that hold these liquids in vape cartridges can contain nicotine and other unhealthy ingredients. The addictive and cancer-causing component in tobacco products is nicotine. Although vape cartridges contain less nicotine than normal cigarettes, there are still health risks. Here are some ways you can help someone quit smoking.

The dangers of vaping

Although vaping products typically contain one-third to half the nicotine of cigarettes, there are still health risks. One 5% strength JUULpod can replace an entire pack cigarettes in nicotine strength. So what do these mean about potential dangers?

Although they are not always listed on the labels, nicotine, which is a stimulant, can be found in many vape pens and e-cigarettes. Nicotine can affect the formation of brain connections.

These connections or communications can cause learning, mood, attention, impulse control, and other problems. The risk of addiction to nicotine, long-term smoking, and other drug use can all be increased, particularly among teenagers.

Many vape cartridges contain heavy metals and chemicals that can cause cancer, such as nickel, tin and lead. Common flavors like diacetyl can cause lung disease. Ultra-fine particles from other components can also be inhaled into your lungs, irritating them and causing more serious conditions.

Vaping can also cause headaches, dry throat and shortness of breath. These risks are not serious, but many vapers need help to quit smoking due to nicotine dependence.

Good news: Recovery is possible.

How can you help someone stop vaping?

It can be difficult to quit smoking, especially if someone feels they must vape in order to fit in or feel normal. It can be hard to explain to people why they need to stop vaping, especially since it has become so popular.

There are many ways you can support someone who vapes often and has experienced side effects or quits. Here are some suggestions to help someone quit smoking.

Ask them why they vape

People often fall for the wrong people or engage in harmful behaviors like substance abuse. It is often the “why” they do it. Asking the person why they started vaping can help you to see the negative aspects of their lives that they are trying to avoid or hide.

To find a lasting solution, it is important to address heartache, stress, peer pressure, mental illness, as well as other factors that can contribute to unhealthy behaviors. Asking should be your first step.

Ask them how they think quitting would benefit them.

Ask them to envision a life without vaping. They might be able walk farther without feeling tired, or have whiter teeth.

It’s a great way to find out why someone is reluctant to stop vaping, especially if there have been negative side effects. They might feel more motivated to quit if you point out the many benefits.

Be a good listener

Even though you might not agree with vaping it does not mean the reasons are invalid. Many people mistakenly believe that vaping is a better way to cope with stress than other drugs.

Perhaps the person vapes because they feel like they need to be liked by their peers. Perhaps vaping helps them relax after a stressful day at school or work.

Don’t judge them for what they do, but lend your ears. It is a personal decision to seek help in quitting vaping. This can require a lot more soul-searching, self awareness, and self discipline. Be patient.

Skip the Lecture

It will not make someone quit vaping. It might, however, cause some pride or hurt and push them into vaping.

It’s important to remember that vaping users aren’t allowed to ask about their past use of tobacco or complain that they feel irritable during withdrawal. It is possible for nicotine to alter brain chemistry so quitting can be difficult emotionally and physically. Any judgment, scolding or nagging can only make it worse.

Do not be distracted

You can come up with other ways to spend time together that don’t involve smoking or vaping. You might suggest going on a walk, watching a movie, starting a hobby, or attending a game night.

Encourage them to withdraw

As your loved one experiences withdrawal, be patient and positive. Keep your head up. If they are irritable or snappy, don’t take it personal.

You can say, “I know it’s hard for you, but I’m proud that you have stuck with it!” This will remind them that you are there for them.

Do not use tobacco products or vape around them

This may sound like common sense but there are many people who don’t practice what they preach. Even when they’re trying to quit vaping, there are still many others. Do not be like this.

You should quit vaping if you are a smoker. You can support one another through difficult times so that you can both quit.

The person will decide what helps them quit vaping. Encourage them to seek safe and healthy ways of coping with their cravings. Other ways you can support your partner include calling them frequently to check in on them, or taking them along to parties or other locations where they might be tempted to vape.

Do you need help with substance abuse?

Vaping is a gateway drug, just like marijuana. Gateway drugs can open up the doors to other dangerous and more addictive substances, such as prescription drugs, opioids and stimulants, or depressants.

Our Massachusetts treatment center is here to help if you or someone you love has become addicted to harder drugs. All In Solutions provides residential and medically-assisted detox to assist clients in recovering from their addiction.

Family services are also offered to clients and their loved ones in order to help them recover from the effects of substance abuse. Sessions with clients and their families help to bridge the gap and create strong support networks.

Our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehabilitation is available to anyone, no matter their level of addiction. All In Solutions Treatment Centers can be reached at 855-762-39796 for more information about our residential mental healthcare and treatment options for substance abuse.


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Saturday, June 18, 2022

How Does Ecstasy Affect You Socially?

How Does Ecstasy Affect You Socially?

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA and ecstasy for short, is a recreational drug that’s often used in social and party settings. It can increase the activity of at most three neurotransmitters, serotonin (dopamine), and norepinephrine. Ecstasy, like other stimulants, increases the neurotransmitter release and blocks their reuptake. This allows them to flood the brain. These effects can include an increase in energy, mood, empathy, and compassion for others. This last effect begs the question: How does ecstasy affect your social life?

MDMA Social Effects

Many people report Ecstasy’s social effects. This includes the alleged feeling of empathy and closeness that is attributed to the drug. This is why MDMA is often used recreationally, as well as in social settings such music festivals, clubs, and parties.

Animal studies have shown that ecstasy can have a social effect on animals. Although the details are not clear, it is believed that ecstasy can affect your social life by increasing your mood.

Researchers compared MDMA’s effects to methamphetamine’s effects and found that MDMA produced a positive response in healthy young adults to affective touch (low-force mechanical stimulation) and increased visual attention to emotions faces. Study results showed that MDMA selectively increased ratings of the pleasantness and affective touch of MDMA as well as greater attention to happy faces.

Ecstasy’s Long-Term Social Effects

Although this may sound appealing, what long-term social effects will ecstasy have on you? MDMA can alter your mood by manipulating brain levels of mood-linked chemicals such as dopamine or serotonin. Long-term use can cause brain damage.

This is a common problem for users of similar drugs like methamphetamine. As the brain gets used to being stimulated, it becomes lazy and forgets how to balance and release these chemicals.

MDMA long-term abuse can lead to addiction and can negatively affect the user’s mental well-being. This can impact their ability to socialize with others and their ability to make connections.

There are also issues with the ingredients. The illegal drug Ecstasy, which is made without a license, is not subject to any regulations. Drug dealers may mix Ecstasy with other substances to increase the drug’s risk.

The gateway to other, more dangerous drugs can be opened by drug use. Dependence on MDMA for socialization is a dangerous habit that can lead you to an addictive lifestyle.

Can MDMA cure social anxiety?

Many people have suggested MDMA as a treatment for social anxiety. However, it is not an easy concept. Contrary to popular belief MDMA does not cure social anxiety.

Although the drug may increase empathy and socialization, the side effects are temporary and do nothing to change the person’s actual symptoms. Although one might experience some emotional highs from taking the drug, this does not mean that there will be any real improvement in their symptoms.

Anxiety disorders aren’t just emotional. These disorders are also caused by chemical imbalances and brain structure. MDMA has not been shown to regulate these factors. Because ecstasy stimulates various chemicals including serotonin activity, it is more likely that problems such as serotonin syndrome will occur than any relief of social anxiety for long-term users.

Do you need help with MDMA abuse?

MDMA has been touted as a panacea for social anxiety. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. MDMA, like all other drugs, has many disadvantages. Any MDMA use would be done in a medical setting, not a recreational one.

Addiction is one of the many risks associated with long-term ecstasy use. Although ecstasy is not addictive like opioids and cocaine, it can be used to relieve stress and socialize.

Users may develop a dependence on the drug over time to simply have fun. This is dangerous for many reasons. Some users may even consider using stronger drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine to increase their enjoyment.

Drug use can quickly spiral out of control. It’s crucial to seek help immediately if you notice any signs of drug abuse in your loved one. Our Pennsylvania drug rehab can help if you or someone you love is suffering from ecstasy addiction.

Our facility provides ecstasy addiction therapy that includes a variety of services to address clients’ psychological and physical needs. We offer everything from medically monitored detox to fight withdrawals to family therapy for broken relationships.

Call All In Solutions Treatment Centers at 855-762-33796 today to learn more about our Pennsylvania addiction treatment.

Source:

  1. National Library of Medicine – Effects of MDMA upon attention to positive social cues, pleasantness of affective touch and attention to positive social cues

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Friday, June 17, 2022

Caffeine and Weed: What Happens When They’re Mixed?

Caffeine and Weed: What Happens When They’re Mixed?

Mixing weed and caffeine is a popular choice for many people, with some interesting results. There is a lot to be said about mixing cannabis and energy drinks or other caffeinated beverages, especially since many companies now produce products that include both. Before cannabis became mainstream, cannabis enthusiasts would come up with creative ways to combine cannabis oil and coffee. Is this safe?

Marijuana and its Effects

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a cannabinoid that’s derived form the cannabis plant. There are many types. There are 113 cannabinoids in cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol, and 120 terpenes. These can have a variety of psychological and physiological effects.

The two main types of properties that most people are familiar with are the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD). CBD, which is the main component of marijuana, is responsible for relaxing effects. THC, on the other hand, is responsible for side effects such as anxiety, euphoria and hallucinations.

THC is what makes marijuana so addictive. It stimulates the brain’s part that responds to pleasure activities like eating and sex. THC triggers the release a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger), called dopamine. This chemical messenger is associated with mood, pleasure, reward and motivation.

You can smoke dried cannabis leaves or make tea from them. You can also smoke electronic cigarettes with vape pens or dabs.

Caffeine and its Effects

Caffeine, a natural stimulant of the central nervous system (CNS), is known to prevent drowsiness by blocking the action on receptors of adenosine. It also increases energy and decreases drowsiness. You can find caffeine in many substances such as coffee beans, tea leaves and kola nuts.

Synthetic caffeine can also be used in medicine, food, and beverages. Synthetic caffeine is found in many pain relievers, cold medications, and other over-the-counter energy-boosting medicines.

Red Bull and Bang, , as well as energy drinks such as Red Bull and , as well as snacking gums and energy-boosting gums, contain synthetic caffeine. The caffeine content of different drinks can vary, with some beverages containing as much as 200 mg (mg).

Caffeine can have side effects that may include:

  • Increased energy
  • Diminished drowsiness, sleepiness
  • Urination
  • Heartburn
  • Calcium absorption is inhibited
  • An increase in blood pressure

There is no such thing as too much caffeine. A caffeine overload can be identified by:

  • Restlessness
  • Shakiness and jitteriness
  • Trouble sleeping or insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Dehydration
  • Anxiety
  • Dependency is the need to take more to achieve the same effects, or to avoid side effects like headaches.

What happens when you mix weed and caffeine?

Although both marijuana and caffeine have their side effects, how do you combine them? Many people consume marijuana and caffeine, which are both popular compounds.

Older studies have shown that THC in cannabis can negatively impact short-term memory in rats. However, caffeine has been shown to increase short-term memories. Preclinical studies also examined the effects of caffeine and cannabis on rats.

Combining low doses with caffeine and marijuana produced memory deficits comparable to those experienced by rats who were given high doses. THC-induced memory deficits were also not reversed by caffeine. 1

Because caffeine is a stimulant, and cannabis can cause stimulation or inhibition, individual effects may differ. People have reported anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and other unpleasant side effects from marijuana use. The combined effects of caffeine and cannabis products such as coffee can cause unpredictable results.

However, caffeine and marijuana can have side effects based on individual effects.

  • Heart rate increases
  • Headache
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • High blood pressure
  • Confusion
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Impaired judgment
  • Get up stomach

Although more research is needed on the effects of the combination, researchers also suggest that THC and caffeine can cause side effects. This could be due to the interaction between adenosine (the place where cannabis and caffeine act in the body) and cannabinoid system (the place where they interact with each other). 2

The interaction of the two substances could occur in the hippocampus. This is the area of the brain that houses receptors for the cannabinoid and adenosine systems. The brain’s hippocampus plays an important role in memory and learning. 2

Combining cannabis with caffeine may cause cognitive impairment. This mechanism could explain the potential dangers of cannabis-caffeine combination, but further research is needed to confirm it.

Help for Cannabis Addiction

Both caffeine and marijuana seem to have different effects on memory. The former can cause more damage than the latter. The combination of marijuana and caffeine can have unpredictable side effects.

Long-term marijuana use can lead to addiction and other serious health problems. While cannabis isn’t addictive like stimulants or opioids, it can make a person dependent on the drug for their emotional and physical support. They may eventually become unable to function well or happily without it.

Synthetic weed is also becoming more popular due to drug dealers’ creative production methods. Many drugs, including marijuana, sold on the streets are often laced in other toxic chemicals that can increase the chance of side effects such as overdose or even death.

Now is the right time to seek help if you or someone you care about is addicted to marijuana or any other drug or alcohol. Our Pennsylvania drug rehab provides marijuana addiction treatment. This includes medical detox, individual and group therapy. Clients can heal mentally and physically.

Other forms of Pennsylvania addiction treatment are also available, such as treatment for alcohol addiction and stimulant abuse. Don’t delay if you or someone you care about has a problem with substance abuse.

For more information on our services, call All In Solutions Treatment Centers at 855-762-39796.

Sources:

  1. National Library of Medicine – Combined effects of THC/Caffeine on Working Memory in Rats
  2. ResearchGate – Caffeine and Adenosine Modulation of Cannabinoid Influence on Cognitive Function

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Thursday, June 16, 2022

Myths & Facts About Heroin

Myths & Facts About Heroin

Heroin, an opioid drug made of morphine and produced from the opium poppy plants, is a form of heroin. To get immediate results, addicts may inject, snort or smoke heroin. Because heroin reduces pain and gives people pleasure, they are easy to become addicted. The short-term side effects of heroin include severe itching, cognitive decline and skin flushing. What myths and heroin facts are worth noting?

Myths about Heroin

First, heroin addiction is a myth. It can happen after only one or two use. It can take time for physical dependence to develop depending on many factors, such as genetics or the amount of heroin used.

Another myth states that heroin injection is more dangerous than smoking it or snorting it. However, it doesn’t matter how heroin is consumed. Side effects can occur when the drug is introduced to the body.

It is important to remember that heroin withdrawal is not always fatal. This is especially true if you are using or have used heroin. Although it is possible to pass away from withdrawal symptoms, it is not common. Due to excessive sweating and vomiting, dehydration is a common cause of death. However, heroin addiction detox can still be effective if it is done at a respected rehabilitation facility.

Heroin is often misunderstood as a more dangerous substance than methadone. However, methadone is actually safer in nature. Methadone, a synthetic opioid agonist, helps to reduce heroin addiction symptoms.

Some Interesting Facts about Heroin

Heroin is dangerous and addiction is linked to substance abuse. The side effects and withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin include those that have been reported and are being treated. Truth is, heroin can affect your brain and slow down your reaction time. It also risks memory loss. A person’s body can also be affected by heroin use. HIV and related diseases are more than 50% likely to be passed from one person to another if there are multiple users. To avoid overdose, it is important to understand the facts about heroin and the symptoms that accompany it. These are the signs and symptoms of heroin addiction:

  • Itchiness
  • Constipation
  • Dental problems
  • Students with restricted learning abilities
  • Breathing shallow
  • Unregular heartbeat
  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Vein and skin injuries
  • Mental impairment

The withdrawal symptoms of Heroin include diarrhea, sleep problems, hot and cold flushes and rapid heartbeat. Heroin can look like a fine, white or brownish-blackish powder. It also feels like a sticky gel. These myths and interesting facts can help people avoid becoming addicted to heroin or relying on other drugs for their medical benefits.

Our Pennsylvania Drug Rehab offers Heroin Addiction Treatment

All In Solutions Cherry Hill Treatment Center offers special programs and therapies such as our faith-based program. These programs help patients identify their addiction patterns and turn it around. Our medical staff will safely guide you through withdrawal and help you on the path to recovery. We offer heroin addiction treatment as well as opioid and meth detox. We know that addiction can be experienced in different ways for each person. However, we believe that recovery and maintaining sobriety is possible.

To get started, call our Pennsylvania addiction treatment center at 855-622-3796 to speak with a specialist.


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Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Peer Pressure Effects on Mental Health

Peer Pressure Effects on Mental Health

Many parents try to help their children make healthy and wise decisions from the moment they are born. As children get older, their parental influence decreases and their peers’ opinions become more important. But peer pressure doesn’t just affect children. Peer pressure can also affect adults. It can also affect adults’ thoughts, actions and behaviors. This includes academic performance, substance abuse, mental health, and the latter, which we will discuss today: peer pressure’s effect on mental health.

Different types of peer pressure

Peer pressure is the pressure from others to behave in a certain manner, regardless of whether they are good or bad. Peer pressure can start in elementary school and persist into adulthood. As we socialize with other people and experience social fluctuations throughout our adolescences, so do we socially fluctuate as adults.

Below are six types of peer pressure to help you better understand peer pressure and how to recognize it.

  • Spoken When a peer influences your behavior through vocal persuasion, suggestion or influence.
  • Unspoken When you identify yourself with certain characteristics of a group.
  • Positive: There is no spoken or unspoken pressure to do something good, like spend more time with friends or eat better.
  • Negative: Unspoken or spoken pressure to conform to a group or do something that is wrong, even if it is hurtful or wrong.
  • Direct: It can be spoken or unspoken, but it is often recognizable.
  • Indirect: Peer pressure is a powerful influence.

Although peer pressure can be helpful, it is bad peer pressure that we should be most concerned about. This is when you are forced to do something that you don’t want or know for certain is wrong. This could be spending more than you planned on while shopping with friends, or even drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

Extreme cases of peer pressure may lead to a lifestyle that is beyond your financial capabilities or puts you and those you love in danger. You may change your appearance and speech to fit in with a unhealthy lifestyle or crowd. It can also affect your mental health, relationships, and physical well-being.

What does peer pressure have to do with mental health?

Peer pressure is a major factor in mental health. This is something many people don’t realize. Peer pressure can be subtle and even occur in loving relationships. Peer pressure can be a good thing. However, it can cause mental problems. Below are some signs that peer pressure can have a negative impact on your mental health.

Your confidence is shot

Your confidence is the first thing that will affect your mental health. Do you feel confident? Peer pressure can make someone who is normally confident the worst overthinker in their group. Your confidence may plummet if you spend a lot of time with people who constantly press you to act, think or behave in a certain manner.

You’ll find it easier to second-guess yourself over time, even when your gut says “no!” This can have a significant impact on your self-esteem and can lead to self-doubt and overthinking. It can also trigger depression.

You’re Less Productive

Peer pressure can have a negative impact on your productivity. It’s common to obsess about something if you are under pressure to do or think certain things. You have a new friend who is into rock music. Your music, fashion choices, and even your speech patterns could lead to you obsessing about your playlist. This desire to change is a result of pressure and inorganic. Eventually, your concentration may drop and your productivity at work, school, and/or at home will suffer.

This sudden shift can also affect your relationships, which can lead further stress. As you become more dependent on the external pressures to act, think, and look a certain way, your mental health can decline over time.

You’re Practicing Bad Habits

Peer pressure is often linked to substance abuse, gambling, or other self-destructive behavior. These habits can have a devastating impact on your physical and mental health. Drugs like heroin, cocaine, and alcohol can also change your character and how you interact with your loved ones. They can also affect your brain’s ability and regulation of chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.

These are all important for your mental and physical well-being. Negative habits can become so overwhelming that they will overshadow other priorities and cause a significant decline in your psychological and physical health.

Your relationships with loved ones change

Peer pressure can have a similar effect on adults. Just as teenagers tend to listen to their friends more than their parents, it can also affect how you think about your family. When they see how others live, they often feel ashamed or embarrassed about their family.

This comparison goes beyond financial differences. It also impacts relationships with siblings, parents, values, traditions and other family members. As one feels ashamed of their family members, they might begin to treat them poorly or ignore their advice. Isolation and anxiety can lead to depression if you abruptly cut off loved ones.

You are emotionally unwell

Nearly everyone wants to have friends and be accepted. However, peer pressure can lead to you doing things that you don’t like to do in order to fit in with their circle. You might appear happy by pretending to be happy. You will eventually succumb to peer pressure and become more concerned about how others accept you.

How to deal with peer pressure

Peer pressure can lead to bullying, isolation, embarrassment and even rejection. There are many ways to protect yourself.

  • You can practice your response before you speak. This leaves less room to persuade.
  • To keep you accountable, bring a friend.
  • With a loved one, plan a safety strategy. If you feel trapped at a party and are being forced to drink, have someone you trust to help you.
  • Listen to your gut instincts. If your gut says “no”, then you should run the opposite direction.
  • Talk to someone. If someone is isolated from a support group, it’s easier to force them to do something they don’t like. It’s important to speak to your spouse, parent, or therapist if you are experiencing peer pressure.

MA Mental Health Care

Peer pressure can be a serious burden on mental health and lead to dangerous behaviors such as substance abuse. Our Massachusetts treatment center can help those who have suffered from either one of these issues. Our Massachusetts treatment center offers residential mental health care and various psychotherapy programs that help clients live a happy, healthy life.

You are not the only one. Call All In Solutions Treatment Centers at 855-762-39796 to find out how we can help you with your Massachusetts inpatient drug rehab or mental health services.


Similar Reading:

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Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Family History and Alcohol Addiction: Is Alcoholism Genetic?

Family History and Alcohol Addiction: Is Alcoholism Genetic?

People can be affected by alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism, or alcohol addiction. Many people who have AUD are not affected by it, even those with a family history. We still hear and read the question “Can alcoholism be inherited?” quite often. Right?

Yes. Yes. There is a genetic component to alcoholism. Family history is much more than the genetic component. Alcoholism and other drug abuse disorders have an environmental component, which includes family history. There is help available for those who are suffering from alcoholism or drug abuse disorders. All In Solutionss can help you with alcohol and drug rehab in Florida.

What causes alcoholism exactly? This is a difficult question, but it’s one that deserves attention. We will give honest and straight answers to your questions, without fear, guilt, or shame. Only truth…and hope!

What causes alcoholism?

Before we get into the causes of alcoholism, let’s first define what it is. More accurately called alcohol use disorder, it’s “a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse…consequences.”2 It is a medical condition, a brain disorder. It can be treated and managed in the same way as other medical conditions.

Can Alcoholism be Inherited

What is the cause of AUD? Why does AUD seem to be so common in some people and not others? It is not clear what causes AUD.

There arecertain elements that can help to develop AUD3:

  • What age were you when you began drinking?

Your risk of developing AUD can be affected by the age you began drinking. Higher risk is associated with younger people. The highest risk of AUD is to start drinking, especially heavy, as an adolescent (12-17 years old) or as a young adult (18-late 20s).

  • Stress levels and other environmental factors

Alcohol is commonly used to deal with stressful situations. This is the main external factor that influences AUD. One person’s definition of stress may be different from another. AUD can be caused by regular use of alcohol to manage stress. Your alcohol consumption will increase if you are dealing with chronic stress from work, relationships or other sources. You are at greater risk for AUD if you rely on alcohol to cope.

  • Mental health conditions

Alcohol is often used to manage stressful situations. It is also a common coping strategy against mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Some people have a genetic component to their mental illness. Even if there are no alcohol-related family history, it is possible that AUD can be caused by a genetic component of mental disorders. Although alcohol may temporarily help with anxiety or depression, it can actually make the problem worse.

  • Genetics

Although there is no single gene that causes alcohol abuse disorder, genetics and family history can have an impact on your risk. Genetics can affect your alcohol tolerance, alcohol metabolism, and vulnerability to various elements.

What makes alcoholism genetic?

You may be more likely to develop alcohol abuse disorder if you have a genetic component. It’s more than one gene. How is alcoholism genetic? The physical and mental effects of addiction to alcohol or other drugs are affected by genetics.

Some people inherit a low tolerance to alcohol. They can consume a lot of alcohol without it affecting their health as much as others. This tolerance is not good for you in order to prevent AUD. It can actually make it worse by making you drink more. Due to the excess alcohol required to achieve the desired response, it can also lead to additional health problems in the brain and liver.

Other genes can also influence how alcohol is metabolized in your body. A 36% proportion of East Asian people (Chinese, Japanese and Korean) has a variant in their DNA that alters the production of a particular liver enzyme. This can lead to unpleasant side effects when you drink. Although it might be a deterrent for some, light drinkers who have this genetic expression could be at greater risk of developing esophageal and other health problems.

Your brain’s hormone balance can have a significant impact on your emotional and mental response to alcohol. Other traits such as impulsivity and anxiety are also genetic. Genetic components can also be found in mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. There is most certainly a link between mental health, AUD.

Alcohol Dependence: Heritability Assessment

What is the heritability for alcohol addiction? It is estimated that between 50-60% of alcohol abuse disorder risk is genetically determined.5 This estimate applies to both men and women. Your genetic makeup does not mean that you will have AUD, even if it is in your family. It does not mean that you are immune to AUD if it is not in your family.

It is actually a component or a factor that can increase your chances of developing an addiction to alcohol. There still arestill behavioral and environmental components. Your risk of developing AUD if you are a victim of trauma or have used alcohol to cope. Genetics can make you more susceptible to AUD if you started drinking alcohol young and have a history of heavy drinking. This is also true for alcohol used to manage stress.

Even if alcohol abuse was a common part of your family’s history, it can still be a factor in your risk of developing AUD. It can still influence your risk of developing AUD.

Get treatment today

There is always hope for brighter and more sober futures. You have the option to fight AUD by taking a proactive approach. You don’t have the obligation to quit if you don’t drink your first drink. Your genetics are not your destiny.

Counselling, medication, therapy and other programs can be sought to manage stress, anxiety and trauma. You can also seek out healthy coping skills. You can also seek treatment for your AUD (or any other substance use disorder (SUD). You have control over your treatment for drug or alcohol detox.

All In Solutions Counseling Center is a network of drug and alcohol treatment providers. We outpatient and inpatient addiction treatment programs that are tailored to meet each client's needs. Our specialized programs include:

Our locations include:

Did you miss our previous article…
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Monday, June 13, 2022

Pete Davidson Opens Up About BPD and Marijuana

Pete Davidson Opens Up About BPD and Marijuana

Pete Davidson, a comedian and Saturday Night Live (SNL), star, has both BPD and marijuana. In an interview with Marc Maron on WTF, Davidson discusses his battle against borderline personality disorder (BPD). BPD refers to a disorder that causes unstable moods and behavior. It can affect a person’s ability for strong relationships with others. Pete Davidson may have BPD but it does not prevent him from being a successful professional.

Pete Davidson Uses Weed to Treat BPD

Pete recently spoke out about how doctors thought he was bipolar, and gave him medications. Pete continued to use marijuana while he took them. Pete Davidson suffered a brief mental breakdown in the year after he had left rehab. He was soon diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.


BPD symptoms include:

  • Fear of being abandoned
  • It is possible to inflict self harm
  • Impulsive and likely to abuse substances
  • Refusal of being alone for prolonged periods
  • Feelings of boredom or emptiness are common
  • Sudden outbursts of anger or inability to contain anger

It is a good idea to find a reputable residential mental health program if you or someone you love is suffering from BPD. As Davidson said, many people can be diagnosed and treated in a facility. BPD is a result of a person’s past experience and neglect.

How does marijuana help Pete Davidson and his mental condition?

Pete Davidson admitted that he used marijuana for many decades. He believes it could have contributed to his mental illness. However, this is not supported by scientific evidence. BPD can trigger impulsive disorder. Marijuana can reduce anxiety symptoms and relax people who are overthinking or have trouble managing emotions.

Although there are many triggers, medical marijuana is recommended for people who experience difficulty sleeping or need to relax due to high stress levels. Cannabis sativa is the best strain to treat borderline personality disorder. It helps reduce anxiety and improves mood. It is important to know the side effects and health risks of marijuana use.

Massachusetts Recovery at All In Solutions Treatment Center

Our Massachusetts addiction treatment center has a team of professionals who will guide you through every step. We also offer cognitive behavioral therapy and art therapy. Patients are encouraged to express their feelings and learn from their past addictions. Recognizing that there is a problem can help you get to recovery. We can help you, whether you have a mental disorder, addiction, or both.

Call All In Solutions Massachusetts to speak to a specialist and learn more about our success rates in care. Get started today on your recovery journey!



Similar Readings:

What happens when you mix antidepressants and weed?

What triggers bipolar disorder?

Pete Davidson Talks Openly About BPD and Marijuana appeared originally on All In Solutions Treatment Centers.

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Sunday, June 12, 2022

What are Upper and Downer Drugs?

What are Upper and Downer Drugs?

Sometimes, life can be hard. Sometimes life can be difficult. You might think that a downer can help you relax or calm down.

Informally, stimulants are drugs that alter the mind in certain ways. They can be used in illegal or prescribed ways (either illegal drugs of prescription drugs). Informally, stimulants are known as ups. They increase the speed of the central nervous system (CNS). On the other side, downers slow down your systems.

You will experience distinct mental and physical sensations from both uppers and lowers. It is tempting to try to combine them, but this can lead to disastrous and potentially fatal results. It is best to go through drug detox under supervision at All In Solutionss. This will help you get rid of uppers and downers and allow you to regain the life you deserve.

What is considered a stimulant drug and what does it do?

Stimulant drugs cause the CNS and other systems in your body to work faster. How do you determine what constitutes a stimulant drug? There are many drugs that can act as stimulants. These are some of the most popular:

  • Adderall and Ritalin are both examples of amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamines

These drugs might be known by their street names, which could include:

  • Coca-Cola
  • Crack
  • Crank
  • Crystal
  • Glass
  • Ice
  • Meth
  • Speed
  • Tweak1

What is a stimulant drug?

There are many types and uses of uppers. However, they all have the same effects. These stimulant drugs can produce the following feelings:

  • A “rush”, “flash,” or a “high”
  • Feel the exhilaration
  • Higher self-esteem
  • Enhanced sexual prowess
  • Performance improvements in mental and physical areas
  • Alertness and wakefulness
  • Appetite decrease
  • Increasing activity

After the stimulants have worn off, the “crash” is what you feel. You may feel extremely tired, depressed, anxious or even craving the drug. These feelings can lead to a greater desire to take higher doses to get that euphoric feeling. With chronic use, you may feel paranoid, anxious, hostile, aggressive or suicidal.

Do not wait until it is too late to seek help. Safely detox from stimulants and uppers. Locate a trusted drug rehab near Florida today.

What is a depressant drug?

Decadrons and downers work in the same way as stimulants, they slow down the body’s systems. There are medically acceptable ways to use depressants. However, many people illegally use them, including schedule I drugs which have no medical value.

Common depressants include:

  • Alcohol
  • Barbituates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Quaaludes
  • GHB
  • Rohypnol

These are some common street names:

  • Barbs
  • Benzos
  • Georgia homeboy
  • Grieve for bodily harm
  • Liquid E
  • Roofs
  • Tranks1

What do Downers do?

Some depressants are useful when prescribed by a doctor. However, some can also be dangerous and harmful. Some depressants can:

  • Reaction time can be reduced
  • Inhibition lower
  • Impair mental function
  • Relaxation or sleepiness
  • Encourage mild euphoria
  • Temporary amnesia, or blackout

Reach out to All In Solutions if you are struggling with alcohol addiction or other downers.

What effects do stimulants and depressant drugs have on the brain and body?

Let’s begin in the brain. The release of hormone messengers such as serotonin or dopamine by stimulants can regulate pleasure and euphoria. These messengers can be artificially stimulated and it requires a higher dose to get the feeling back. The more you use, it becomes harder to feel the natural feeling. Depressants can often produce the same effects, but with different sensations such as calm, relaxation or decreased anxiety.

An increase in:

  • Blood pressure
  • Heart rate
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid breathing
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting

Depressant drugs can have a negative impact on your body.

  • Slogarious speech
  • Loss of muscle coordination
  • Weakness
  • Headaches
  • Lightheadedness
  • Blurred vision
  • Low blood pressure
  • Slow breathing.


Is it dangerous to mix stimulants with depressants?

It sends mixed signals to the body. The long answer is that drugs combined can increase the effects of each other, causing your body to experience a feedback loop in which it expects both.

This could have serious health implications. 62% of meth-related cases in emergency rooms involve a combination of stimulant and depressant drugs. This can complicate the patient’s treatment.

Get in touch

You can help a loved one, or yourself, get out of the rat race and live a happy and healthy life.

Call 888-711-589 when you are ready. You will speak to a specialist in treatment when you call. We don’t judge you but are here to help you make the first steps towards recovery. We are Gentlemen and Ladies, looking after Gentlemen and Ladies. Get on the crazy merry-go round today by reaching out to us.


Resources:

1: Drugs and abuse (2017 edition). – DEA. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2022, from https://ift.tt/L0QgFez

2: Is it a bad idea to mix uppers and downers? : GO ASK Alice! dummy image. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2022, from https://ift.tt/2uKBaoJ

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Saturday, June 11, 2022

How To Help A Loved One Battling With Drug Addiction

How To Help A Loved One Battling With Drug Addiction

Everybody has a loved one who is addicted to something. The million-dollar question is ” how do I help an addict?” Substance Use Disorders can be classified as primary medical conditions, not moral deficiencies or personality disorders. It would be wrong to judge your child or spouse with diabetes or cancer. The first thing to do is get rid of the label. Instead of asking “how do I help an addict?” ask yourself “how can I help someone with addiction?” It is important that you treat your relative with compassion and empathy. It is impossible to talk about their addictions! The question is, “How can I help someone suffering from an addiction?”

How to help a drug addict


1. Establishing a healthy boundary is the first step.

It is easy to define a boundary as the place where you and your loved ones meet. If you are not willing to support someone suffering from substance abuse , it is impossible to help them. Dr. Brene Brown stated, “If someone is in a deep and dark hole of struggle and you make a willful leap into it, you are both stuck.”

After nearly two decades of treating addicts and their families, I’ve crafted a script to assist them. Here is an example:


It is difficult, but it is necessary to let go of your disease. It is too difficult for me to watch you ruin your life. Your addiction has created emotional stress in me and I have decided to save myself by loving you far away. I will support you only if you are actively involved in recovery and/or treatment.


I will immediately stop all communication with you if you decide to go back to active substance abuse. Active addiction means that I won’t support you financially or emotionally. Nor will I allow your addiction to develop in any other way. This decision is based on love for you and my love and respect for myself and our family.

You have established a healthy boundary between you and your relative. Now, the question is how do you help someone who has an addiction?


2. Investigate the causes of addiction.

Begin by learning about addiction and recovery from substance abuse disorders. While detoxification, rehabilitation and 12-step programs can be helpful, it is not helpful to do this over and over again. I define enabling to be the act of interrupting the negative, painful consequences that could motivate someone struggling with addiction. These are examples of enabling: paying for your relative’s substance abuse, paying their bills after their money has been spent on drugs, calling your relative’s employer if they are unable or unwilling to work. Enabling is another way to do what your relative can do for themselves. Your relatives will be more self-confident if they are able to pay their bills, make their own appointments and take care of their daily needs.


3. You can help them to self-care and personal recovery.

Personal recovery and self-care are the final steps in learning “How to Help Someone with Substance Abuse”. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon are self-help support groups that offer 12-step programs for those whose loved ones are struggling with addiction. These support groups will help you deal with the difficulties of caring for someone suffering from addiction. They can teach you how to handle the chaos and emotional pain of addiction, as well as the physical pain that comes with it. Al-Anon has a saying that refers to the addiction of a loved one. It is called the three (3) C’s. This means you didn’t cause it. You can’t control or cure it. Two (2) more C’s have been mentioned to me over time. They are “you can contribute, and you can deal with it.”

You can help the behavior continue, but not the disease. Accepting your powerlessness over other people and their behavior, focusing on your own recovery, and allowing yourself to be a part of the solution is how you can cope. You can help your relative with addiction by putting on the oxygen mask, not reacting to their behavior, and not offering advice or guidance.

You can help your loved one to recover by implementing a self-help program and practicing self-care such as prayer, meditation and exercise.

Learn More:

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Friday, June 10, 2022

Dangerous Drug Combinations

Dangerous Drug Combinations

Although medication can be very helpful, not all medications work in harmony. Prescription drugs can be powerful and have severe side effects when taken with alcohol or other drugs. You should be aware that prescription drugs can have serious side effects if you are taking multiple drugs, or consuming alcohol along with prescription drugs. It is also dangerous to mix alcohol and drugs.

Mixing alcohol and other drugs can pose dangers

Mixing alcohol and other drugs can lead to a variety of serious health problems, depending on which type of drug is being used. Prescription opioid overdoses are linked to around 22.1 percent of deaths from alcohol. It is dangerous to mix prescription drugs and alcohol.

  • It can cause impaired decision-making
  • It can make it difficult to know when to quit drinking
  • It can stop the medication working properly.
  • It can cause long-term health problems such as liver damage and internal bleeding, mental issues, heart disease, stroke, and brain injury.
  • You could end up taking too much medication.

Certain medications can mask symptoms of intoxication and make you believe you aren’t intoxicated. This can lead overconsumption or alcohol poisoning.

Prescription medications may cause a patient with a mental illness to become more severe if they are combined with alcohol. Prescription attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for example, can cause patients to feel jittery rather than alert. Because they don’t realize how drunk they are, they may be more at risk of overdosing on alcohol.

Prescription drugs should not be mixed with alcohol3

  • Pain medication:Pain medication such as Oxycodone should not be mixed with alcohol. It can slow down the heart rate and cause breathing problems, which can lead to death. Overdosing on opioids can cause breathing problems and lead to alcoholism. This applies regardless of whether you’re taking opioid pain medication like morphine and oxycodone or illicit opioids such as heroin.
  • Anxiety medication:Anxiety drugs combined with alcohol can cause slowed breathing and memory problems, impairment, or other unusual behavior.
  • Benzodiazepines – Combining Benzodiazepines with alcohol can cause overdose. The medication stays in the body for longer when taken with alcohol. Combining the two can cause drowsiness and dizziness as well as blackouts, difficulty breathing, impaired motor control, and drowsiness.
  • Cough suppressants Some cough suppressants have alcohol. When combined with alcohol, your system could have a higher level of alcohol than you know. This can increase your chance of overdosing.
  • Combining diabetes medications such as Metformin with alcohol can lead to severe low blood sugar levels, and even a coma.
  • High blood pressure medications: Drugs used to treat high blood pressure may cause irregular heart beat and fainting if they are combined with alcohol.
  • GHB – Gammahydroxybutyric Acid is an approved drug for the treatment narcolepsy. However, it can cause breathing difficulties and depressant side effects.
  • Barbiturates These medications help with anxiety but can also cause the heart rate and blood pressure to drop too much when taken with alcohol. This could lead to death or coma.
  • People with trouble sleeping can receive medication to aid their sleep. They may also take alcohol to relax. Combining these medications can slow down the heart rate and lead to coma, or even death.
  • Prescription stimulants This includes drugs with amphetamines such as Adderall, as well as medications with methylphenidate like Ritalin. Both drugs can be easily misused and can cause high blood pressure, jitters and mask the effects of alcohol.
  • Medicines for cold and flu, allergies and cold: Medications like Claritin, Dimetapp and Sudafed can help relieve congestion. However, when they are combined with alcohol, it increases the risk of an overdose. Combining alcohol and Claritin can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
  • Nitroglycerin – Commonly prescribed for chest pain and coronary heart disease, nitroglycerin is used to treat chest pain. It can cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fainting, changes in blood pressure, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat when taken with alcohol.
  • Arthritis medication: When combined with alcohol, medications for arthritis pain such as Celebrex or Voltaren can cause ulcers and liver damage.
  • Blood thinners Medicines like Coumadin thin blood to prevent blood from clotting. It can cause internal bleeding if mixed with alcohol.
  • Heartburn medication: Mixing medications such as Reglan or Tagamet can cause rapid heartbeat and sudden changes in blood pressure.
  • Cholesterol medication: Mixing alcohol with drugs like Niaspan and Mevacor can cause liver damage. Pravigard, when taken with alcohol or aspirin, can cause stomach bleeding.
  • Antibiotics –Medications to treat infections such as Zithromax, the Z-pack, and Nizoral can cause stomach pain, rapid heartbeat, and liver damage if combined with alcohol.
  • Anti-nausea and motion sickness medication: Some medications, like Dramamine or Antivert, can cause dizziness, and increase the chance of alcohol overdose.
  • Muscle pain reliefrs: Combining alcohol with medications like Soma or Flexeril can lead to major problems, including impaired motor skills, memory impairment, difficulty breathing, an increased risk of seizures and a greater risk of overdose.
  • Pain medications: Over-the-counter pain medication or the prescription-strength versions of common pain relief medicines can lead to ulcers, bleeding, and liver damage when mixed with alcohol.
  • Anti-seizure medication Combining alcohol and anti-seizure drugs, like Dilantin can increase the risk of seizures, as well as causing changes in behavior or mental health.

Get in touch with us today for assistance

Ask your doctor if you can abstain from alcohol while you are on medication. It is unsafe to mix alcohol with other drugs.

All In Solutionss can help you if you have a substance abuse disorder or need drug rehab in Florida. To help you get started on your journey to recovery, we offer drug detox and addiction treatment. Contact us if you or someone you care about is concerned about the risks of mixing drugs.


Sources:

  1. Statistics and facts about alcohol. NIH. March 2022. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (nih.gov)
  2. Here are some important facts about alcohol and drugs. HHS.gov. Retrieved from Important Facts About Alcohol and Drugs (surgeongeneral.gov).
  3. Mixing alcohol with medicines. NIH. 2014. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (nih.gov)

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Thursday, June 9, 2022

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Substance Use and Mental Health

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Substance Use and Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic will have negative effects on substance use and mental well-being around the globe. It is predicted that there will be an increase in anxiety, depression and substance use disorder (SUD), diagnosis 1,2. Fear of contagion and job loss, as well as the stress from having a loved one with the virus have all contributed to an increase in stress 1.2. Being severely ill or working in a health care setting can cause trauma. The virus may also have adverse neuropsychiatric consequences that could lead to a worsening mood and cognitive function 3,4. These adverse effects are compounded by the lack of access to treatment and isolation that mitigation measures have taken to lessen virus spread, such as quarantining and stay-at-home orders and travel bans.

What we know so far about the negative effects of the Pandemic

Overdose of Opioid

The number of emergency department visits and the rates for opioid overdoses and suicide attempts was significantly higher in a large study that was conducted in multiple emergency rooms. This could be due to increased drug use, solitary or more risky use, and reduced access to naloxone or other treatment _. Another study found increases in overdose rates. One showed an increase of 11% (fatal), and 18% (nonfatal) in overdose deaths between January 2020 and April 2020. The other indicated that there was a 17% rise in emergency medical service opioid overdose runs that included transportation to an ED, 71% more runs that were refused transportation, and 50% more runs for suspected opioid overdoses that resulted in death at the scene of the pandemic 6.

Alcohol use

Alcohol sales 7, severity measures 7 and self-reports 2-8-12 show that alcohol consumption has increased in many countries during the pandemic. Anxiety 2 and depression are all factors that contribute to an increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic. These factors, along with others, are well-known to increase the likelihood of alcohol-related problems. 12,15 and 16

Other addictions and substance abuse

In addition to increased cannabis use 9, and other substance use 17, gambling and internet addiction behavior 8 were also reported during the pandemic.

Mental health

In April 2020, nearly 1 in 7 Americans reported psychological distress during peak stay-at-home orders. This compares with 1 in 25 in April 2018, 1,18. Between April and June 2020, 12% and 29% more people reported a new diagnosis of generalized anxious disorder and depression, respectively, compared with recalls of one month prior to the outbreak. In addition, premorbid mental health diagnoses showed a greater prevalence of anxiety and depression in these individuals than in pre-outbreak measures 9. In the discussion about opioid overdose risk, we also saw an increase in ED visits and suicide attempts. The following factors are associated with mental health problems during the pandemic: female sex; younger age; lower income; poorer coping skills; multiple psychiatric complications, prior trauma exposure; deteriorating physical and emotional health; lower exercise 9.

COVID-19 and substance abuse

The homeless and incarcerated are more likely to have substance use disorders (SUD). This is because they are more susceptible to disease transmission due to their insecurity and poor living conditions. More than half of U.S. prison inmates have SUD19.

The increased mortality and serious infections from COVID-19 is evident in pathophysiological data for people with Substance Use Disorders 6,20. There is also an underlying protective role for nicotine use 620. Data from the population show better outcomes for active smokers than for those who quit, but it is not clear 21. There are also higher rates of COVID hospitalizations with CUD (1.78 OR and AUD 95.68) 22.

Treatment effects

Initially, access to care for substance abuse disorders and mental health was reduced during the pandemic 5,19 HTML23. This contributed to higher rates of opioid withdrawal 6 as well as overdose. But the use of telehealth and other technology is expanding5 and governmental regulations regarding prescribing of medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine were relaxed early on, resulting in an increase in access to care later on in the pandemic4,6,19,24,25. It is known that group work and the development of relationships with other recovering individuals are important parts of recovery from psychiatric or substance use disorders. However, it is not clear if the current care, which is often remote, will continue to be as effective.

All In Solutions Counseling Center is a network of addiction treatment providers. We provide inpatient & outpatient substance abuse treatment programs that are tailored to meet each client's needs. Our specialized programs include:

Our locations include:

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Wednesday, June 8, 2022

What Happens When You Mix Weed and Antidepressants?

What Happens When You Mix Weed and Antidepressants?

Marijuana, or marijuana, is also known as weed. It is a psychoactive drug that is made from Cannabis sativa (or Cannabis indica) plants. THC, which is the main psychoactive component in marijuana, can be smoked or extracted from the plant. The oil is then heated and smoked. What does marijuana do to antidepressants? Many antidepressants are available, including SSRIs that are frequently used, SNRIs and TCAs. Also, typical depressants such as bupropion and trazodone. Combining weed and antidepressants can lead to adverse side effects.

Smoking weed and taking antidepressants

Cannabis can induce a deep relaxation and calm nerves. Although marijuana is an antidepressant, it is also a mind-altering drug. The supposed benefits of marijuana can be reversed if someone is addicted to using antidepressants. Vibryd and Effexor are some of the most popular antidepressant drugs. Antidepressants can cause side effects that range from confusion and nausea to low blood pressure and memory loss.

A study that looked at antidepressant interactions and marijuana use in children and teens found that anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders among adolescents and children. Youth with depression are twice as likely to report cannabis use, and data suggests that THC concentrations of CYP219-metabolized SSRIs increase the risk of concentration-related SSRI side effects.1

Weed and SSRI

SSRIs are also known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and are often prescribed for antidepressants. Prozac (Aropax) and Paroxetine, both SSRIs, are two examples. The potency of antidepressant drugs is increased by cannabis consumption, which decreases their metabolism. There is not much research yet on the interaction between cannabis and antidepressants. There is a low to moderate risk of cannabis interactions with SSRIs. The risk of interaction with SSRIs, NDRIs (norrepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibits) is low to moderate compared to tricyclic antidepressants such as doxepin or types of sedatives such as Klonopin.

High doses of cannabis and antidepressants can lead to mental disorders. Notability: CBD counteracts many negative effects of THC, and plays an important role in fighting anxiety and depression. However, marijuana mixed with other forms of cannabis can lead to cognitive decline, addiction, and long-term health problems.

Our Detox in PA offers addiction treatment

All In Solutions Cherry Hill Treatment Center offers detox for all types of drugs such as heroin, cocaine addiction, and benzos. Women with children often resort to marijuana, antidepressants or other drugs for coping. However, our facility offers treatment for pregnant users. Our unique programs include a veterans program and an alumni program. We want our patients know that we offer long-term support, no matter what your situation.

We provide safe and secure environments for patients to recover. To get started on your journey to recovery, please call our Pennsylvania addiction treatment center at 855-762-33796 to speak with a specialist.


Source:

  1. NCBI – The Effect of Marijuana Use in Adolescents as Antidepressant Treatment

Similar Readings:


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Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Benefits of Keeping a Daily Mental Health Journal

Benefits of Keeping a Daily Mental Health Journal

Journaling may be a cost-effective and affordable way to manage your mental well-being. Journaling, in its simplest form, is a casual act of writing for personal purposes. Journaling can take many forms, and it is possible for everyone. Journaling is more popular among teens and children than it is for adults. However, adults can still benefit from keeping a journal about their mental health every day.

Why you should keep a daily mental health journal

Everybody needs a safe, constructive way to express themselves. Writing allows you to express yourself in a private, personal way. Journaling can reduce anxiety, promote emotional healing, manage negative thoughts, regulate emotions and help with stress management. These are just a few of the many benefits that keeping a daily journal on mental health can bring.

Decluttering your Mind

Journaling can be very beneficial for clearing your mind and organizing your thoughts. Many people with mental illness experience cycles of negative thinking and confused thoughts that can lead to physical exhaustion. People with anxiety and depression often have trouble sleeping because they worry too much.

Journaling can be used to help you make better decisions and less impulse-driven. Journaling can be used to process difficult emotions and help you deal with worries and concerns. You can also use journaling to help you define and identify your feelings. This is especially important if you are struggling with anxiety or depression.

Give yourself permission to be creative

Journaling is an informal way to express yourself creatively. Journaling allows you to feel at ease with your emotions, such as sadness, anger, exhaustion, or frustration, and can be written down any way that suits you. Talk therapy can be helpful and is often recommended as part of mental health care. However, you might not want to share certain thoughts or emotions with others. Journaling can be a private way to express your feelings and thoughts without judgement.

Focusing on Gratitude

A daily mental health journal allows you to be anonymous and have the space to think freely. It can also help you focus on gratitude and record all the things that you are thankful for. Even if you only have the best of luck, there is always something to be thankful for. Share your joys, triumphs, celebrations and insights.

It is possible to overcome sadness and anxiety by thinking about the people and places that make you happy. This is not an easy task for everyone, but it can be helpful in getting out of depression.

How to Catch Your Triggers

Daily journaling prompts are great for your mental health. It’s almost as if you are reading back a journaling prompt that was written when you were younger, and your greatest dream was to own horses. When we look back at what we have written, we often see how our thoughts and behaviors change.

It is the same for mental illness symptoms. You might notice certain events that happened on days when your symptoms were particularly difficult to manage. You might have been exposed to certain things that can trigger anxiety or depression. This is something you should keep in mind for the future.

Get to know yourself

Mental illness can lead to a loss of affection for the things you love. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms. You may find yourself unable to enjoy the activities you used to love, such as spending time with friends or engaging in hobbies. Many people reach a point in life where they lose the joy of going out to have fun or reading a book.

Food is blander and has less flavor. Journaling can help you to find your way back. You almost have to sit down and write on a blank piece of paper. You can find a voice that you may have lost.

Privacy

We’ve already mentioned privacy as a benefit to journaling for mental well-being. To avoid misunderstanding or judgment, there are many things that we don’t need to or can’t share with others. It’s important that you communicate with your therapist and loved ones. However, it’s also okay to keep your thoughts and feelings private.

Journal Prompts For Mental Health

You might be asking, “But where do you start?” Here are some prompts to help you start a daily journal for mental health if you are interested in it:

  • Write about your day
  • Write about what you are grateful for
  • Make a list of possible coping strategies.
  • Define your goals
  • Send a letter to your thoughts
  • Describe your emotions and list them
  • Description of yourself to a stranger
  • Note down the things that you love about yourself
  • Send a message to your self to be read on difficult days

We Can Help

The Massachusetts treatment center provides residential mental health care. Clients can receive support and therapy daily in a private, comfortable setting. Our psychotherapy programs can be used by anyone who is suffering from mental illness.

Family therapy is also offered to clients’ spouses, parents, or siblings in order to ease the emotional impact of their loved ones’ mental illness. All In Solutions Treatment Centers can provide more information on our programs and how they can help you. Call us at 855-762-39796.



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All In Solutions Treatment Centers has published the article Benefits of Keeping a Daily Mental Health Journal.

All In Solutions Counseling Center is a network of addiction treatment providers. We provide inpatient & outpatient addiction treatment programs that are customized to meet each client's needs. Our specialized programs include:

Our locations include:

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.allinsolutions.com/bath-salts-vs-meth/

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