Millions of people suffer from issues with drug and alcohol abuse. Luckily, there are various addiction treatment plans available for such individuals when they decide they want to get better.

However, it’s essential that you pursue the treatment plan that’s right for you.

This is where drug and alcohol evaluations come in. These evaluations examine your history, pattern, and frequency of substance abuse, your mental and physical health, your family history, and the environmental factors that may be causing your addiction.

By using comprehensive tools and methodologies to assess your situation, our counselors at the Illinois Recovery Center can recommend the treatment options that give you the best chances of recovery.

Read on to learn more about how drug and alcohol evaluations work. We’ve also outlined how their results are used to help you get the treatment you need to get better.

Understanding Drug and Alcohol Evaluations

A drug and alcohol evaluation is a process that involves gauging the seriousness of an individual’s drug or alcohol addiction. In essence, it’s a way of deciding if this individual needs treatment to address their problems with substance abuse.

The person being evaluated works with an addiction counselor to determine whether their usage habits fall under the category of social use, abuse, or dependence.

These evaluations can take place in person or over the phone. The counselor asks you questions about various factors that may be correlated to your drug or alcohol addiction. These factors include things like your lifestyle, living conditions, relationships, and employment status.

Here are some topics a counselor is likely to ask about during a drug and alcohol evaluation:

• The frequency of use.
• The substance being used.
• The period of use.
• The location of use.
• The usage patterns throughout different life stages, such as childhood and adolescence.
• The objectives you wish to achieve through treatment.

Tools and Methodologies Used in Drug and Alcohol Evaluations

There are various tools professional counselors use when conducting a drug and alcohol evaluation. These tools include physical exams, questionnaires, and physical assessments.

Additionally, there’s a trio of standardized screening tools that can be utilized: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-C (AUDIT-C), the National Institute on Drug Use Screening Tool (NIDA), and the CAGE assessment.

Here’s a brief overview of the questions to expect during a CAGE assessment:

• Cutting down on drinking: Have you ever felt you should cut down?
• Annoyance due to people criticizing your drinking: Have you ever been annoyed when people criticize your drinking?
• Guilty feelings: Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
• Eye-openers: Have you ever felt it necessary to drink as soon as you wake up?

If the answer to any two of these questions is yes, then a deeper evaluation is deemed necessary.

The Role of Drug and Alcohol Evaluations in Developing Personalized Treatment Plans

As previously mentioned, the main objective of drug and alcohol evaluations is to determine the severity of a person’s substance abuse problems. However, the role of such evaluations doesn’t end there.

They’re also meant to provide counselors with the guidance they need to put a person in the right setting to help them get better.

The severity of an individual’s drug or alcohol problem determines the type of treatment they’ll need and the intensity of care they’ll require to achieve the desired outcome.

The Benefits of Drug and Alcohol Evaluations

Conducting drug and alcohol evaluations has many benefits that make the treatment process more likely to be successful.

Here are the main ones:

Identifying the Presence and Severity of Substance Use Disorders

First off, going through the process of drug and alcohol evaluation gives counselors a better idea of an individual’s specific situation. Perhaps someone feels like they have a substance abuse problem, but the evaluation’s results show that they can resolve their issues without treatment.

In cases where the evaluation shows that an individual really is suffering from a struggle with substance abuse, it also sheds light on how severe this struggle is.

Assessing Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions and Other Underlying Factors

Substance abuse is often closely related to other conditions and factors. Drug and alcohol evaluations allow counselors to better understand these underlying causes of a person’s struggles with drug or alcohol use.

Perhaps an individual suffers from mental health issues, such as depression, and is using drugs or alcohol to cope. Another person may have developed an addiction due to environmental factors, such as childhood traumas.

Unearthing these causal factors during a drug and alcohol evaluation is essential to the success of the treatment process.

Informing Appropriate Treatment Recommendations and Interventions

Another major advantage of drug and alcohol evaluations is that they provide the foundation to base your treatment plan.

The correct treatment type for a given patient depends on their specific circumstances.

Some people may be better off with residential treatment plans or partial hospitalization programs. On the other hand, another person may get better results from dual diagnosis treatment or individual counseling.

Conducting a comprehensive drug and alcohol evaluation before starting treatment goes a long way in choosing the right path for the patient.

Establishing a Baseline For Monitoring Progress and Outcomes

You can’t measure progress without knowing where you started, and that is the final benefit of drug and alcohol evaluations.

They give counselors and all the people involved in your treatment a baseline to benchmark your progress against throughout the process. As a result, the people helping you get better have a clearer view of whether the treatment path you’re on is working or not.

In turn, they can tweak your treatment and customize it if your progress is slow or non-existent. 

The Process of a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation at Illinois Recovery Center

At the Illinois Recover Center, we assist you in your journey of overcoming your struggles with drug or alcohol abuse from A to Z.

The process starts with a comprehensive drug and alcohol evaluation. Our team of professional counselors conducts this evaluation.

They use the most advanced assessment tools and methodologies available to gauge how severe your problem is. Once they’ve gained a better understanding of your situation, they inform you of the best treatment options for you to choose from.

Illinois Recovery Center offers patients a wide spectrum of treatment options, including intensive outpatient programs, medical detox programs, and relapse prevention plans.

Our drug and alcohol evaluation process is completely confidential. We take your privacy very seriously, and the information you disclose during your evaluation is strictly between you and our staff.

Comprehensive Assessment Areas in Drug and Alcohol Evaluations

Drug and alcohol evaluations involve assessing a wide range of factors that may be the source of your substance abuse issues. They include:

Substance Use History, Patterns, and Frequency

Drug and alcohol evaluations allow counselors to better understand your situation by examining the characteristics of your substance use.

First, they identify when you started using a substance and what prompted you to do so. Additionally, they evaluate your usage patterns and frequency.

To clarify, a drug and alcohol evaluation gauges the triggers that cause you to drink or use a drug. By identifying these triggers, counselors can get a clearer view of how often you’re using the substance in question.

All of these factors are important in determining the treatment plan that suits you best.

Physical and Psychological Health Evaluation

Another factor that counselors assess during the evaluation process is your psychological health. In many cases, a person’s struggles with drug or alcohol addiction stem from mental health issues.

Those who suffer from depression or low self-esteem are prone to resorting to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. In these cases, dual diagnosis or individual counseling treatment is usually the best way to go.

Furthermore, drug and alcohol evaluations identify the effects of your addiction on your physical well-being. This assessment is also useful because having a healthy body plays just as big a role as having a healthy mind in overcoming addiction.

Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Substance Use

Those who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction are often affected by environmental factors.

A prime example of such factors is peer pressure. An individual surrounded by a group of people who regularly use alcohol or a certain drug is prone to following in their footsteps.

Additionally, those that have experienced severe traumas in their formative years are highly likely to develop addictions. These traumas could be standalone events or continuous trends such as family instability and conflict.

Family History and Support System Assessment

Drug and alcohol evaluations also examine your family history of drug and alcohol abuse.

The importance of this lies in both genetic and environmental factors. Genetics plays a part in determining a person’s susceptibility to substance abuse. If there’s a family history of addiction, an individual is more likely to fall victim to it too.

Additionally, those who were neglected by their families as children are more predisposed to suffering from drug or alcohol abuse.

Utilizing Evaluation Results For Treatment Planning

Once the evaluation process is complete, your counselor uses the results to determine whether you need treatment. If you do need treatment, the counselor bases their recommendation of the treatment type best for you on your results.

There are many substance abuse treatment plans available. They differ in terms of their approach and the intensity of care they involve.

Here are some of the recommendations you’re likely to get from your counselor following the evaluation:

• No treatment is needed at present
• Monitoring and further assessment required
• Outpatient Education Services
• Group Therapy
• Community Support Groups
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Medical Detoxification Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Inpatient Residential Treatment

Your counselor will also determine the outcomes and objectives that should be achieved through treatment based on your evaluation’s findings.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions About Drug and Alcohol Evaluations

Many people feel reluctant to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and initiate their treatment process. This hesitation comes from a fear that they’ll be judged or even punished when they disclose such private and sensitive information to their counselor.

These fears are completely unfounded. Judgment and punishment aren’t at all the objectives of drug and alcohol evaluations. Such assessments are designed to help those struggling with substance abuse get the treatment they need to get better.

Furthermore, the information you disclose during a drug and alcohol evaluation is strictly confidential. Your counselor is forbidden by law to reveal anything you say to them to another party.

The things you tell your counselor about your history and pattern of substance abuse, your mental health, and your family history are used to inform their treatment recommendations for you.

This is highly important because pursuing the correct course of treatment is essential to your recovery and self-improvement.

Future Directions and Continuous Evaluation in Recovery

The drug and alcohol evaluation process doesn’t end when you begin your treatment plan. It’s an ongoing process that continues throughout your recovery journey.

Your counselors will set checkpoints at which you’ll be evaluated once again to gauge your progress. Monitoring your improvement in this way allows the staff working with you to have a better idea of the kind of help you need.

Additionally, getting a drug and alcohol evaluation after you’ve completed treatment is also a great idea. It lets your counselors know how prone you are to relapse and gives them the chance to take steps to prevent that from happening.

Conclusion

Drug and alcohol evaluation is the first step in your journey to recovery from substance abuse. Additionally, they’re arguably the most important step of your journey.

The results of your evaluation provide the basis on which your counselors will tailor a treatment plan that suits your situation and needs. In turn, that’ll give you the best chance of having successful treatment and overcoming your addiction issues.

At the Illinois Recovery Center, we’re committed to providing comprehensive evaluations and using the results to provide you with effective and individualized care.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

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If you are convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI), you may be required to take DUI classes as part of your sentence. You may also be required to take these classes if you lose your license as a result of failing to comply with implied consent laws in your state. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to drive while under the influence, why courts require drivers to take DUI classes and what happens if you don’t complete a course in a timely manner.

What Is a DUI?

In most states, you are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol level is greater than .08%. Commercial drivers may be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol level is greater than .04% while motorists under the age of 21 may be charged if they have any alcohol in their systems at all.

Generally speaking, consuming one alcoholic beverage increases your blood alcohol level by .02%. However, your weight, gender and the contents of your stomach can influence the exact impact that beer, wine or liquor have on your body. Furthermore, if you have a low tolerance for alcohol, even a single drink may make it unsafe for you to drive.

By the time your blood alcohol level gets to .08% or higher, you will have trouble regulating your emotions, processing information or maintaining control of your body. Ultimately, this increases your risk of speeding or maintaining your lane. It may also make you vulnerable to running red lights or going through stop signs without even knowing what you have done.

Officers will use a number of criteria to determine if you are under the influence of alcohol. For example, physical signs of impairment include bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and difficulty standing. A Breathalyzer test might be used to get a clearer idea of how much alcohol is in your system. A blood draw may also be obtained in an effort to confirm the results of the Breathalyzer test.

What to Know About DUI Classes

DUI classes are designed to be both educational and insightful. For instance, a typical course will go over seemingly mundane topics such as the DUI laws in your state or the signs of impairment. However, you will also learn more about your relationship with alcohol and how it impacts your life and the lives of those around you.

In a typical class, the first thing that you will do is take an alcohol assessment test. The test is designed to determine if you should be labeled as dependent on beer, wine or other intoxicating beverages. If you are found to be dependent on this substance, you may need to take a longer course that is focused on rehabilitation as much as it is focused on education.

Why a Court May Compel You to Take a DUI Class

For a first-offense, a judge may allow you to take a DUI class in lieu of jail time, community service or a fine. If you complete the course in a timely manner, it’s possible that the charge will be dropped or reduced, which will make it easier to get your license back or remain employed.

However, you may be required to take the class if you are convicted of an aggravated felony or have been convicted of misdemeanor DUI in the past. Aggravating factors may include an extremely high blood alcohol level or an accident causing bodily injury or property damage.

How a DUI Class Can Help You

At first, you may agree to take a DUI class because it is the only way to maintain or reinstate your driving privileges. However, you will likely find that such a course can transform your life in a positive way. If your assessment shows that you aren’t dependent on alcohol, you’ll likely only have to take the standard 12-hour class.

This class generally features guest speakers and other interactive activities designed to help highlight the danger of driving while impaired. However, courses for those who are considered to have an alcohol dependency will likely be enrolled in a course that takes up to 30 weeks to complete.

During this time, you’ll learn to identify the triggers that lead to excessive drinking. For instance, you may drink because you’re stressed about paying bills or how you’re perceived at work. You may also drink because it helps you cope with childhood trauma or a traumatic event that happened as an adult such as the loss of a close friend or relative.

In some cases, simply understanding your triggers is enough to overcome the urge to drink alcohol when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. If your trigger was an undiagnosed mental issue such as anxiety, depression or ADHD, taking medication may enable you to manage your symptoms.

At a minimum, understanding your triggers may help you avoid them altogether. For instance, if you get stressed when you pass by the spot where you were struck by a vehicle, you may decide not to travel past that spot whenever possible. If your trigger is a day of the week, month or year, you can think of peaceful activities such as yoga or meditation to take your mind off of your anxiety.

Other possible coping strategies include journaling, going for a run or talking to a therapist. If you enroll in an outpatient rehabilitation program, you may be given a sponsor who you can contact at any time when you’re feeling vulnerable.

You Learn How to Be Accountable

If you take a DUI class seriously, it can provide you with an opportunity to turn your mistake into an opportunity to help others. For instance, if you have friends or family members who are dependent on alcohol, you can use the tools that you were given in class to help them understand that change is possible.

You may also decide to offer yourself as a designated driver to those who may need a ride home. Acting as a designated driver may prevent another person or family from dealing with the pain of losing a loved one. Furthermore, by helping a friend or family member avoid a DUI, you may be saving that person’s family avoid the problems that come when a parent is in jail or a breadwinner is no longer employed.

Make Sure to Take an Approved Course

Your attorney may be able to help you find an approved course provider in your area. The DMV in your area may also be able to help you take a course that is in compliance with state law. Although these courses are often made available online, a virtual course may not qualify for the purposes of getting your license back or otherwise completing your sentence.

The Consequences of Not Taking a DUI Class

Taking a DUI class is typically a requirement of getting your license back after it has been suspended. It may also be a requirement to obtain a provisional license or to prevent your full license from becoming restricted or suspended. Therefore, if you fail to enroll or complete an approved DUI course, your driving privileges will likely be taken away.

It’s also possible that failing to comply with a judge’s order could result in being held in contempt of court. A contempt charge may come with a fine as well as a jail sentence of several days or weeks. Even if you aren’t held in contempt, drawing the ire of the court may make it seem as if you aren’t taking your actions seriously.

If you were given a suspended jail sentence after a DUI conviction, a judge could move to restore the original penalty. Alternatively, failing to take a DUI course might be seen as a violation of your probation, which could also result in jail time or other penalties.

Conclusion

When you are ready to start the journey to sobriety, the folks at Illinois Recovery Center are ready to help. The alcohol detox and rehab center uses a variety of evidence-based programs designed to help you overcome your dependence on alcohol. You can visit our website to learn more about our services or begin the process of enrolling in our program.

FAQ

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When it comes to using cocaine as an appetite suppressant, it’s important to be aware of the risks. While it’s true that cocaine can temporarily reduce hunger and cravings, it’s not a safe or effective way to maintain a healthy body weight. In fact, long-term cocaine use can lead to serious health problems, such as addiction, heart disease, seizures and even death. While cocaine may be an effective way to suppress appetite in the short term, it’s definitely not a recommended weight loss solution.

A Closer Look at Cocaine and Its Prevalence in Society

Cocaine has been around for centuries and was a common medicinal treatment in the 1800s. It became a recreational drug in the early 1900s before becoming the party drug of choice in the 1970s. Cocaine was, at the time, a symbol of wealth and power among the elite and was quite common in high society circles.

It was also a favorite of celebrities and musicians, leading to a rise in its popularity. As its use increased, so did its abuse, leading to many cases of addiction and overdose. In the 1980s, the drug became commonplace even in less affluent social circles, and the media began to call it an “epidemic.”.

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can cause drastic changes in metabolism, resulting in an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, raised body temperature, abnormal alertness and insomnia. These conditions can lead to excessive calorie burning, which may cause dramatic weight loss in a short period of time. However, the long-term health effects of using cocaine to lose weight can include heart and respiratory complications as well as addiction.

What Cocaine Does to Your Body

When cocaine enters the body, it alters the way neurotransmitters in the brain work. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are responsible for sending signals between nerve cells. Cocaine binds to these neurotransmitters, which causes them to become overactive, leading to a rush of pleasure and energy in the body. Also, the user may experience a racing pulse, dilated pupils, extreme talkativeness and an overall sense of euphoria.

Cocaine works by altering the brain’s chemistry, specifically by affecting the levels of two important neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. The increase in dopamine and serotonin levels causes feelings of euphoria, increased energy and heightened alertness. However, these effects are short-lived and can be followed by a crash, which may include extreme fatigue, depression, irritability and cravings for more cocaine.

Furthermore, long-term cocaine use may cause a decrease in dopamine and serotonin levels, which can lead to impaired cognitive abilities, difficulty concentrating and an inability to feel pleasure or satisfaction. Worst of all, cocaine use can cause physical damage to the brain, leading to impaired memory and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.

Cocaine has a powerful effect on norepinephrine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate alertness and heart rate. It causes the brain to release an abnormally high amount of norepinephrine, which leads to a feeling of alertness, increased energy and a sense of pleasure.

Cocaine can also cause coronary artery constriction, leading to decreased blood flow to the heart and other organs. It can cause blood vessels to constrict, resulting in decreased oxygen delivery throughout the body.

Can Cocaine Help With Weight Loss?

Cocaine suppresses the appetite by making users feel less hungry and making food taste less appealing. This suppression can have a dramatic effect on weight, leading to significant weight loss in the short term. Plus, the stimulant properties of cocaine can increase energy levels, encouraging more physical activity and further weight loss.

Cocaine use can significantly reduce the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, eventually causing malnutrition. The drug has a powerful effect on the body’s metabolism, forcing it to burn calories faster while reducing calorie intake. The result is that cocaine users often eat less food than their bodies need, leading to excessive weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.

Cocaine use can also increase the risk of dehydration, which will further deplete essential nutrients and vitamins in the body. Long-term cocaine use may even damage the digestive system, making it harder for the body to absorb nutrients. In extreme cases, cocaine-induced malnutrition can cause anemia, weak bones and even organ failure.

Years of abusing cocaine can lead to muscle atrophy and physical weakness. Because cocaine reduces appetite, it can cause protein deficiencies and impair the body’s ability to build muscle. Moreover, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can further weaken muscles and rob users of their physical strength.

Long-term cocaine use can have a devastating effect on the immune system as it suppresses the body’s natural ability to ward off infection and disease. With cocaine-induced dehydration, the electrolyte imbalances can make it hard for the body to fight off infection. Additionally, cocaine use can lower healthy white blood cells, which are essential for warding off disease. It can also change the endocrine system, disrupting hormones and other important metabolic processes.

How Else Does Cocaine Harm the Body?

Cocaine use raises the risk of heart attack and stroke as it increases blood pressure and heart rate while constricting blood vessels. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Cocaine use can also cause an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of clot formation.

Seizures are one of the most serious neurological risks associated with long-term cocaine use. They can occur even after a single use of cocaine, but the risk increases significantly with long-term use. Seizures can be life-threatening, especially if they become severe or prolonged.

Cocaine’s chemical makeup can cause damage to the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. The drug can also interfere with the brain’s ability to transmit and receive information, resulting in slower reaction times, difficulty making decisions and decreased focus.

Losing Weight the Healthy Way

Eating a balanced diet of lean meat, fruit and vegetables is a much healthier and safer way to lose weight than suppressing your appetite with cocaine. A balanced diet will give your body the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Additionally, it can provide satiety, which will help naturally control your appetite.

Regular physical activity is one of the safest and most effective ways to achieve a healthy weight and maintain it in the long run. Exercise has numerous other benefits, too, such as improving health and fitness, increasing energy levels, boosting mood and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Sleep and stress management can have a significant impact on weight loss. High-quality sleep is essential for the body’s recovery and repair, and it helps regulate the hormones that control hunger and satiety. Additionally, excessive stress can lead to behaviors such as overeating and emotional eating, so stress management and adequate sleep are essential to maintaining a healthy weight. Adding stress-relieving activities to your daily routine—such as yoga, meditation and spending time in nature—can quickly bring your stress levels down.

To get started on your weight-loss journey, you might consider talking with a nutritionist who can help you understand the best foods to eat as well as the right portion sizes for your weight-loss goals. Plus, they can help you manage emotional eating and offer strategies to maintain a healthy weight over time.

Another excellent line of support is a personal trainer. During private sessions, a trainer can help you set realistic goals, create an individualized exercise plan and provide advice on nutrition and lifestyle. Having a personal trainer by your side can make the process of losing weight more enjoyable and rewarding. With their professional knowledge of fitness, a trainer can help you find activities that you enjoy and make you excited to work out.

It’s important not to overlook psychological counseling during your weight-loss journey. A therapist can help you learn healthier ways to manage emotions and stress, ultimately reducing your cravings for unhealthy food and increasing your motivation for healthier behaviors. They may also help you identify any underlying psychological or emotional issues contributing to your weight gain.

Cocaine and Weight Loss: A Dangerous Combo?

Cocaine use is often associated with weight loss, but any weight lost with cocaine use is potentially dangerous and unsustainable. Cocaine increases adrenaline levels, which can depress appetite and eventually lead to malnutrition. This weight loss often comes with hazardous side effects, such as cardiovascular damage, insomnia and addiction. Furthermore, when you use cocaine to lose weight, you’re likely to regain the weight as soon as you stop using the drug.

If you’re looking to lose weight, there are many healthier alternatives. Eating a nutrient-rich diet and increasing your physical activity can help you achieve sustainable weight loss without the risks associated with cocaine. If you’re struggling with cocaine addiction, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to break the cycle.

At Illinois Recovery Center, we offer support and counseling for people struggling with cocaine addiction related to weight-loss issues. If you’d like to lose weight without using cocaine, call us today to speak with someone who can help.

FAQ

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Antidepressants are the third most commonly prescribed prescription medication in the United States; from 2005 to 2008, 11% of Americans aged 12 years and older were taking an antidepressant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Indeed, more than 40 million Americans take antidepressants, and for many of them, the drugs allow them to live full, productive lives, which they may not otherwise be able to do. That said, it can be tricky for medical professionals to determine what dose is ideal for each individual, and they often don’t get it exactly right when they first prescribe it.

If you’re taking an antidepressant medication, it’s important that you be on the lookout for signs that your dose is either too low or too high so that you can work with your primary care provider to get it right. These medications may cause mood swings, particularly in those with bipolar disorders or a family history of the mental illness.

What Are Antidepressants, and How Do They Work?

As the name implies, antidepressants are primarily used to treat clinical depression, but they do have some other uses. In addition to treating depression, according to the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS), antidepressants are also used to treat:

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Severe phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Certain eating disorders

It’s important to understand that clinical depression is very different from situational depression. Feeling sad occasionally happens to everyone, but clinical depression is a serious mental health condition that affects mood, behavior, sleep and thought patterns, general mental health and can even lead to suicidal ideation (SI).

There are four main types of antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

SSRIs

Serotonin is a chemical that the body produces naturally and uses to send signals throughout the body. Serotonin plays a key role in several bodily functions, including blood clotting, mood, sleep, sexual desire and wound healing.

After serotonin sends a message, it’s reabsorbed by the body’s nerve cells, a process known as reuptake. SSRIs work by blocking this process, which allows the body more serotonin with which to send signals. Common brand-name SSRIs that continue to be used today include Paxil, Zoloft (Sertraline), Citalopram, Prozac, and Lexapro.

Although depression isn’t caused by low serotonin levels per se, the increase in serotonin levels that SSRIs provide can improve symptoms of depression and make other types of treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), more effective.

SSRIs are generally healthcare providers’ first choice when treating depression with medication because they tend to have fewer side effects than other antidepressants. Nonetheless, SSRIs do have side effects, the most common of which are:

• Feeling anxious or shaky
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Diminished sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction

If your healthcare provider prescribes an SSRI, you’ll most likely need to check in with them every few weeks to assess the medication’s effectiveness and monitor side effects.

SNRIs

SNRIs are similar to SSRIs in that they block the reuptake of messenger chemicals in the brain. SNRIs include Cymbalta (duloxetine), Fetzima (levomilnacipran), Savella (milnacipran), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), and Effexor XR (venlafaxine). Generally speaking, SNRIs are more effective than SSRIs for most people, but the side effects can be slightly more severe. The most common side effects of SNRIs are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Changes in sexual function or desire
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Insomnia

In rare cases, SNRIs can also cause elevated blood pressure or worsen liver problems. Just like with SSRIs, you should see your healthcare provider regularly when taking an SNRI and keep them informed about any side effects that are severe or persist for more than a few weeks.

TCAs

Like SNRIs, TCAs also treat depression by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Unlike SNRIs, however, the side effects of TCAs are more severe, with blurred vision, weight gain, constipation and difficulty urinating being the most common.

Additionally, TCAs have a lower threshold for toxicity, which means they can more easily lead to overdose; for these reasons, TCAs are seldom prescribed as a first choice in the treatment of depression.

MAOIs

MAOIs were the first type of antidepressants available and have been largely replaced by SSRIs, which have fewer and milder side effects. Nonetheless, healthcare providers still sometimes prescribe MAOIs when SSRIs aren’t proving effective.

MAOIs work by preventing monoamine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for removing serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine from the brain, from doing its job, which increases the availability of these chemicals and alleviates depression symptoms.

In addition to most of the mild side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs, MAOIs can cause involuntary muscle jerks (tardive dyskinesia), tingling sensations in the skin (paresthesia) and dangerously high blood pressure when mixed with certain foods, beverages or medications.

Factors Affecting Optimal Antidepressant Dosage

There are several factors that affect dosage when it comes to antidepressants. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the proper antidepressant dose depends on:

• Age
• Weight
• Severity of symptoms
• Genetic factors
• Lifestyle

It’s also important to note that, in a study consisting of 23 separate interviews, the effectiveness of antidepressant medication was aided by self motivation and belief in the medications and significantly hindered by stigma and the fear of adverse effects, which often lead to diminished adherence to treatment and eventual discontinuation.

In a nutshell, adherence, attitude and belief in treatment play a large role in determining how effective treatment will be.

Signs Your Antidepressant Dose Is Too Low

There are a few telltale signs that your antidepressant dose is too low:

Ongoing Symptoms and Incomplete Alleviation

If your antidepressant dose isn’t high enough, you’ll probably experience ongoing symptoms of depression. Additionally, you might feel like, even though your medication is helping somewhat, the alleviation of your symptoms is incomplete.

It’s important to remember that it takes time for antidepressants to build up effective levels in your body. In fact, in can take up to eight weeks, and even longer in some cases, to experience the full benefit of your antidepressant medication.

Your Side Effects Diminish or Go Away, but Your Symptoms Persist

If you’ve been taking your antidepressant long enough for the side effects to peak and then decline, but you’re still feeling depressed, there’s a good chance your dose is too low. If that’s the case, talk to your healthcare provider about increasing your dose or switching to a different medication. Sometimes, it takes longer than 1 or 2 weeks for your medication to have its full effect. So, if you feel immediately different after starting an antidepressant, it could simply be a placebo effect.

Your Symptoms Go Away but Return

Researcher’s aren’t sure exactly why, but it’s not uncommon for people to experience a marked improvement only to see the return of their symptoms after time. Some have suggested that this is the result of the body building a tolerance to the medication, and increasing the dosage may help.

Signs Your Antidepressant Dose Is Too High

The consequences can be severe when your antidepressant dose is too high. Fortunately, these will be pretty obvious when you know what they are. Here are the most common signs that your dose might be excessive:

• Excessive side effects
• Feeling like you can’t get any pleasure out of things you usually enjoy
• Increased anxiety or irritability
• Significant weight changes
• Mania that’s noticeable to others

What To Do If You Suspect Your Dose Is Incorrect

If you think there’s something wrong with your dose, the most important thing is to be patient; it can take some time for your healthcare provider to zero in on the dose that’s right for you, so it’s imperative that you don’t give up.

Other Reasons Your Antidepressant Isn’t As Effective as It Should Be

The National Institutes of Health estimates that about 15.4% of people with major depressive disorder self medicate with alcohol, and about 7.8% self medicate with drugs, which may or may not include alcohol. Self medicating can seriously inhibit the effectiveness of antidepressants and can even cause dangerous interactions.

Although drugs and alcohol may provide temporary relief from depression or anxiety symptoms, they’re not a sustainable solution; in fact, they are likely to make your symptoms worse over time, and they can cause serious damage to your work life and personal relationships.

Of course, kicking a habit is always easier said than done. Nevertheless, quitting excessive drinking or drug use is entirely possible; people do it every day. If your struggling with substance abuse, you’re not alone, and when you’re ready to live free of addiction, Illinois Recovery Center can help. Call or email Illinois Recovery Center today.

FAQ

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Even though some people mistake drug detoxification and rehab as the same thing, they’re not interchangeable. The former is a stage of addiction treatment, and it’s shorter than the entire rehab process. But how long does it take to detox from drugs?

In this article, we’ll discuss the timeline of different drug detoxifications. We’ll also explain the factors that affect the length of the former process. So, keep reading to find out more!

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Drugs?

Generally, the drug detoxification process ranges from a few days to several weeks. In some cases, the withdrawal symptoms associated with detox can last for months. Regardless, most symptoms usually peak within the first week to 10 days of withdrawal.

That said, detox is just one part of addiction recovery. The latter process is a lifetime journey that requires ongoing therapy and support to maintain sobriety and prevent relapses.

What Are the Types of Drug Detoxification?

Typically, addiction experts can use two methods to remove the substance from a patient’s body. Those are cold turkey and tapering. Each treatment option is effective for withdrawing certain drugs, and in many cases, doctors pair them with other prescription medicines to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Let’s take a closer look at the two main drug detox methods!

Cold Turkey

As you might have known, cold turkey refers to the abrupt cessation of drugs. The term comes from the symptoms patients experience when they suddenly stop abusing substances. Those include cold burns and goose pimples appearing on the skin, which resemble a cold turkey.

Of course, abruptly quitting drugs results in an unpleasant experience that can be even life-threatening. For that reason, the former method should be done under the care of a doctor or a rehabilitation center.

Even with the potential serious side effects, the cold turkey method can be more efficient in detoxifying certain substances than tapering. That’s especially true in the case of nicotine.

Research suggests that patients who quit smoking cold turkey abstain from tobacco longer than those who gradually decrease the dosage. Other drugs that are safe to detoxify cold turkey include:

• Marijuana
• D-lysergic acid (LSD)
• PCP (phencyclidine)
• Magic mushrooms (psilocybin)

As you might have noticed, the above drugs are psychedelics, which are generally less addictive than other drugs. Consequently, they are safe to quit cold turkey.                   

Tapering

Tapering is the exact opposite of going cold turkey. The former refers to slowly weaning off the drug by gradually decreasing its dosage. As you can see, this method is safer to use on drugs that cause serious side effects when quitting cold turkey.

Typically, such substances cause the nervous system to adapt to high dosages and alter the system’s function.

For instance, opioid drugs like heroin affect the brain’s reward system. They do so by stimulating dopamine release, a brain neurotransmitter associated with happiness.

That creates feelings of extreme euphoria, which the brain records. Because those happy memories are associated with the drug, the body craves heroin. Over time, the brain stops producing dopamine and relies solely on opioids to feel rewarded.

The problem doesn’t just stop there; there’s also the risk of tolerance. After an extended period of taking heroin, the brain receptors become less responsive to the drug. Consequently, it leads to higher-dose abuse.

From the above, you can see how drugs alter the body’s physiology. For that reason, quitting cold turkey leads to health-threatening side effects, such as seizures, anxiety, severe depression, heart problems, and psychosis.

Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates are other drugs that cause life-threatening withdrawal effects when treated using the cold turkey method.

In the case of opioids and alcohol, the doctor won’t give patients low dosages of the substances to wean them off. Instead, other medications that mimic those drug effects inside the body are used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Factors That Influence Drug Detoxification Length

Several factors play a role in drug detox duration. Drug type is probably the most significant factor in determining detoxification length. Other factors that influence the period include the severity of use, age, and health condition.

Let’s discuss each factor in further detail!

Drug Type

Since drugs act differently inside the body, the withdrawal timeline, as well as symptoms, vary from one substance to another.

Here’s a brief explanation of the detox time for common drugs:

Alcohol

Withdrawal symptoms begin as anxiety, insomnia, and shaking after 24 hours and peak on the third day. Hallucinations, fevers, and seizures usually occur after 72 hours and last until the fifth day. After the first week, symptoms begin to taper off.

Opioids

Symptoms may begin after a few hours and cause insomnia, anxiety, sweating, and muscle pain. Peak symptoms happen in the first five to seven days. In severe cases, detoxification may take up to six months or more. Withdrawal symptoms of the latter include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• abdominal cramping
• Goosebumps
• Blurry vision
• Rapid heart rate
• Digestive problems

Stimulants

Peak symptoms of detoxifying stimulants, such as cocaine and meth, occur during the first week and can last for several months. Those include drug cravings, severe depression, and other psychological effects. The former symptom is the most persistent.

Benzodiazepines

Early symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and muscle pain, happen after 24 hours. Anxiety can appear after a few hours of withdrawal.

Peak symptoms include irritability, shaking, restlessness, dry retching, and heart palpitations. Those usually last for two weeks before tapering off.

The severity of Drug Abuse

Aside from the drug type, how long a patient has been abusing a substance also influences the detoxification period. As mentioned earlier, long-term use of drugs builds tolerance in the body.

As you might have guessed, such addiction late stages take more time to eliminate drug dependency from the body.

Unfortunately, even though detoxification helps the body get rid of drugs and heal, extended abuse of substances can cause irreversible damage.

Age and Overall Health Condition

Detoxification involves eliminating drugs through the body’s natural metabolism. Sure, doctors can prescribe medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, but the process mainly relies on the body’s natural ability to detoxify harmful substances.

The problem is that such physiological processes to eliminate drugs slow down as we age. That’s why the elderly can take longer to detox from substances. Not to mention the underlying medical conditions associated with aging, such as diabetes, can also impair the body’s metabolism.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to detox from drugs?

Drug detoxification generally ranges from a couple of days to several weeks. In severe cases, getting rid of withdrawal symptoms completely takes a couple of months.

However, the length may vary depending on several factors. Those include drug type, the severity of drug abuse, age, and overall health.

Regardless of the drug addiction you want to cure, it’s best to seek medical help, as withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.

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Some say addiction is a battle that you should win every day. Others say addiction is a monster that you need to slay daily.

Whatever figure of speech you use to describe addiction, one fact remains certain: beating addiction is easier said than done.

Today, you won’t get any magical solutions or shortcuts to overcome your dependence.

Instead, I’ll be walking you through a step-by-step guide on how to break an addiction realistically and effectively. It’s a 7-part plan, so buckle up and let’s get to work!

Step 1: Admit the Truth and Set a Date

The first step toward breaking an addiction is admitting it exists. You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s such a difficult action to take that many people may take weeks, months, or even years to do it.

That’s perfectly normal though.

Admitting that you have a problem is the gateway to making a change in life, and to most folks out there, change isn’t easy to accept. Admitting is the first step to help you overcome addiction.

Admitting an addiction, such as drug addiction or alcohol addiction, is also an admission that you have a problem. A lot of people have a hard time seeing the fault in their ways, which makes this step an even bigger challenge.

That said, an admission of addiction is also a declaration of being brave enough to face the problem. It marks the beginning of the confrontation process that’ll eventually lead to finding out the underlying reasons behind the addiction.

As such, truly acknowledging an addiction is probably the toughest step in the recovery scheme.

That’s because it involves more than just recognizing the issue; you need to dig deep, uncover, and deal with parts of your personality and mentality that you prefer not to experience or feel.

Still, this is a crucial step to setting sail on your journey to becoming a better you. Only after admitting your addiction can you start to take active measures to commit to sobriety.

Once you acknowledge the problem, set a quit date. That should be the last day you’ll ever submit to your addiction.

Step 2: Expect the Symptoms

After admitting your addiction problem, you need to prepare yourself for the fight. In this case, one of your most important weapons is knowledge of what to expect.

When you quit an addiction, withdrawal symptoms are likely to hit soon after. Withdrawal is also known as detoxification or detox. It’s when you cut out, or cut back, on alcohol use or other drugs. Knowing and understanding what’s coming at you doesn’t only make the hit just a little bit less harsh, but it also helps you get ready to deal with it.

Generally, withdrawal symptoms are classified under two categories: psychological and physical.

While these symptoms mostly depend on the type of your addiction, they’re sure to fade over time and often stop completely after a while from quitting.

Psychological Symptoms

You should expect to go through psychological withdrawal symptoms when you quit an addiction.

These may include anxiety, irritability, aggression, depression, mood swings, cravings, hallucinations, and sleeping difficulties. The withdrawal stage may make any underlying mental health condition worse.

The exact symptoms vary depending on the nature of the addictive substance you’re leaving behind, your age, and your current health/mental state, but they’re never pleasant. These symptoms may make quitting more challenging, but choosing effective treatment options can improve your ability to succeed.

Going through psychological withdrawal symptoms can be very tough, so it’s best to have the help of a professional in dealing with them.

Physical Symptoms

In addition to psychological symptoms, physical withdrawal symptoms are common to experience when you quit an addiction. Again, the exact symptoms vary depending on the type of addictive substance you quit, but they’re always unpleasant.

Stomach upset, shaking, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, sweating, malaise, fatigue, and appetite changes are some of the physical withdrawal symptoms you may have to endure.

How long these symptoms will last and how severe they’ll get is determined based on the nature of the addiction, your age, and your current health/mental state. However, physical symptoms go away before psychological ones do.

In some cases, dealing with physical withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and requires professional help along with supporting medication.

Step 3: Stay Away From Triggers and Temptations

Next on your agenda is identifying triggers that drive you to your addiction and avoiding sources of temptation.

Let’s start with pinpointing your triggers. To do this, you need to take a thorough, analytical look at your life and the circumstances surrounding your addiction.

Are there specific places, times, people, issues, or emotions that cause you to want to use the addictive substance?

Any factors that you can identify can help you come up with a plan to stay away from the triggers and lower the chances of you using drugs or alcohol. People who drink or give in to drug use to address the symptoms of their mental illness may find this stage considerably more challenging.

As for resisting temptation, it requires an active effort on your part to make it a reality.

Whether it’s the temptation to go back to familiar places where your triggers are present, be with familiar people who also act as triggers, or enter a familiar mental state that triggers your substance use.

Once you catch yourself starting to get tempted, you should immediately take a different action as this can affect your addiction recovery.

Tell yourself that you don’t have to go to a certain place to have a good time; the world is full of fun activities that don’t involve your addiction. Tell yourself that people who really love wouldn’t want you to stay addicted; they’ll help you stay sober instead.

Staying away from your triggers and resisting temptation isn’t as hard as you think. You’ll discover this once you begin doing it. Remember, it’s for your own well-being and giving in will only result to negative consequences.

Step 4: Get Help

While it’s commendable and possible to break some types of addiction on your own, other substance abuse problems are nearly impossible to overcome without proper help from professionals. It’s common for people with substance use disorders to discover that recovering from it is harder than they anticipated.

Even the addiction issues that you can beat alone will be less tiresome and time-consuming if you get help from an expert. Not to mention, having a professional to follow up with ensures better commitment to recovery.

Professional help can take various forms, including:

Speaking With a Physician

This can provide you with an accurate evaluation of your problem and the withdrawal symptoms to expect.

The physician can also prescribe medications to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms and make the recovery process more tolerable.

Speaking With a Therapist

Seeking the help of a qualified therapist, preferably with a specialization in addiction treatment/management is another great way to obtain an assessment of your condition.

The therapist can guide you through the psychological aspect of recovery and recommend ways to proceed with getting the needed help.

Calling a Rehabilitation Center

By contacting a rehabilitation and treatment center, you can get answers to questions or concerns regarding the treatment process. You can learn more about the treatment options and the most appropriate type of setting for your case.

When you join a treatment program, you can attend therapy sessions, apply coping mechanisms, and more.

Step 5: Manage Your Negative Emotions

Quitting the addictive substance and going into treatment doesn’t mean that the issues that caused your addiction in the first place will magically go away. You’ll still have to confront your problems and work them out.

Whatever the reason that led you to your substance abuse; be it unwinding after a stressful job, calming after a fight, or trying to forget a certain experience, the negative emotions you used to suppress with drugs or alcohol will resurface.

All those bad feelings will come back, and they’ll come back hard. For your sobriety to be effective and permanent, you must be ready to work through your actual issues, accept the negative emotions they cause you as a natural part of life, and overcome them.

Step 6: Track Your Success

Breaking your addictive behavior is the ultimate goal, but the road to achieving it is far from a smooth ride.

More often than not, the bumps and obstacles you’ll face during your recovery process will cause you to lose sight of the progress you’ve made.

This is why it’s important to keep track of your success so you can stay motivated when you’re having a bad day or forget how far you’ve come.

Remembering the fruit of your efforts helps you appreciate the energy, emotions, and time you’ve invested in your journey. From there, sticking to the grand plan becomes easier.

An effective approach to tracking progress is writing down about it every day. Make the time to document your daily thoughts, feelings, accomplishments, problems, and whatever else you feel is worth noting.

Step 7: Stay Busy

Filling your time with activities and tasks is useful in distracting your mind from wandering off and revisiting destructive thoughts that can push you into substance abuse.

Make a plan of things that you can do when you feel like you’re tempted to relapse. For example, you can clean the house, read a book, learn a skill, call a loved one or family member, or watch a show.

Consistency and productivity are key aspects of maintaining sobriety, so be sure to actively seek responsibilities or actions that keep you busy whenever a craving hits.

Wrapping It Up

If there’s one takeaway from this guide on how to break an addiction, it’s that beating your addiction isn’t impossible.

It can be a very difficult challenge, but it’s nothing you can’t handle if you’re armed with the right plan, knowledge, and tools.

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If you need medical attention while using an illegal substance or drug, chances are that your doctor will find out about your drug problem. So, what happens if doctors find drugs in your system?

In most cases, the lab test results of private drug testing are protected by HIPAA, which grants the right to medical privacy. However, if the laboratory test is done as part of a court case, arrest, parole, etc., doctors may be obligated to share the results with law enforcement.

In today’s guide, we’ll answer this question in further detail by walking you through everything you need to know about physician-patient privileges in that situation.

What Happens If Doctors Find Drugs in Patients’ Systems?

If you’ve recently taken any illegal substance and your doctor tests your blood or urine for drugs, it’ll show up in the test.

However, medical records are confidential and protected by the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Additionally, doctors also swear an oath to abide by a code of ethics, including Patient-Doctor confidentiality, which prevents them from disclosing private information about their medical status without their consent.

So, in everyday situations, doctors are obligated to keep the results of the drug test between you and them.

However, there are a few situations when a doctor has to share patients’ medical records, including drug tests, especially when a court order is involved.

Will Doctors Report to the Police If They Find Illicit Drugs in Patients’ Systems?

Doctors or toxicology medical review officers won’t routinely report to the police when they find illegal drugs in patients’ systems. This applies whether you let them know about using an illegal substance or if they find it themselves through blood or urine analyses.

This code is meant to develop trust between patients and doctors, encouraging them to be open about health and drug problems and receive medical help.

In fact, one of the main reasons the code was established was to encourage substance abusers to seek medical help without worrying about their secrets coming out.

With that being said, doctor-patient confidentiality has its limits, and there are exceptions to the rule that constricts when it applies.

Situations When Doctors Are Obligated to Report to the Police

When Patient-Physician Confidentiality interferes with the law, doctors must oblige and share medical information with law enforcement.

The specific situations may vary depending on local laws where you live. For example, some states limit patient-doctor privileges to civil cases only.

One of the most common cases when doctors have to report to the police is when a court order is invoked and mandatory, such as DUI arrests, probation, custody, etc.

Some employers may also require drug testing as a part of their employment process. However, in those cases, the tested employee will have to sign a waiver of consent to disclose the results.

Doctors are also obligated to involve law enforcement if harm is involved. This includes self-harm, child abuse, elderly abuse, physical injuries, gunshot wounds/burns, etc.

How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?

The length of a drug’s stay in human systems varies greatly depending on the chemical nature of the drug in question.

However, one thing you should know here is that the length of the effects is not necessarily linked to how long they stay in the blood.

In other words, a drug’s effect may wear off completely. However, traces of that drug could still be detected in the body for up to several months after taking it.

Besides the type and amount of drugs used, several factors may also play a noticeable role in determining how long it stays in your system. These include but aren’t limited to:

• Weight
• Metabolic rate and factors that affect it
• Drug interactions
• Physical activity and hydration levels
• Genetic factors like gender and ethnicity

Are All Blood Samples Tested for Drugs?

When you undergo a blood test, you might notice that several vials are filled with your blood sample. These vials are used for various specific tests, often referred to as “kits” or “panels.” However, not all routine or private blood work automatically includes tests for drug use. Drug screens, including tests for opioids, amphetamines, and other substances, are typically conducted only when specifically requested by you or your healthcare provider.

Types of Drug Testing:

One of the types of tests for substance use is Blood tests, which can provide a snapshot of recent drug use, especially when it comes to prescription drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and opiates such as codeine, and oxycodone. While blood testing can detect some drugs like methamphetamine and cannabis, urine drug tests or urine drug screens are more commonly used for a comprehensive analysis of drug use. These screens can reveal the presence of a wide variety of substances, including opioids and other prescription medications.

Positive Drug Test Results:

A positive test result can occur for several reasons, including the use of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances. It’s important to understand that false positives can also happen, particularly with certain medications or when testing for specific substances. In such cases, confirmatory testing is crucial to validate the initial results.

Implications of Positive Results:

If you receive a positive drug test result, your healthcare provider will typically discuss your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. This is to ensure that any positive drug test is accurately interpreted, particularly when it comes to substances such as fentanyl or methamphetamine. Confirmatory testing may be conducted to verify the type of drug in your system and rule out any false positives.

In summary, while blood samples can be tested for drug use, such testing is not automatically included in routine testing unless specifically requested. The interpretation of drug test results, whether from blood or urine samples, requires careful analysis and confirmatory testing to ensure accuracy and account for potential false positives.

Do Illegal Drugs Affect Insurance?

Another thing that some people might be concerned about is whether drug detection could affect insurance, whether it’s health or car insurance. This includes canceling the policies or increasing its rates.

Since your test results are protected by HIPAA and doctor-patient confidentiality, your insurance provider shouldn’t have access to this type of information.

Not only that but there are some cases and policies that involve coverage for substance abuse treatment.

So, you don’t have to worry about your health insurance being affected by the results of your drug tests.

Should You Disclose Drug Problems with Your Doctor?

The short answer to this question is yes, as your doctor’s main obligation is to keep you healthy and safe!

Since your doctors are obligated to keep your medical records and history confidential, you should always disclose any health or drug abuse problem to your doctor to receive proper help.

Additionally, some illicit drugs can actually cause a variety of adverse effects or even interact with other treatments that you might need.

By letting your medical care providers know about any drugs in your system before administering treatment, you can save them a lot of valuable time and avoid any serious interactions from any drugs you have been taking.

Wrap Up

Taking care of your health is your doctor’s number one priority. For that reason, you should always trust your healthcare professionals or medical professionals and disclose all information about any drugs you have been taking to receive proper medical help.

As you can see, doctors aren’t allowed to reveal any of your medical history or records unless required by the law.

Not only that, but you shouldn’t also worry about your medical insurance being affected by drug abuse.

FAQ

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Many people come to the conclusion that they need help with a substance use disorder, but not everyone follows through with obtaining that help. You may be wary of getting help for any number of reasons, and one may be because you don’t believe that therapy or treatment will work. The first thing that we must explain is the difference between therapy and treatment and then we can determine which one is right for you.

Therapy or Treatment?

Many people are unaware that there is a difference between the words “Therapy” and “Treatment.” Therapy is the tool that the medical community uses to rehabilitate patients. In this instance, rehabilitate means “to restore to a condition of good health…” The word “treatment” refers to curing the individual.

You may have heard people say that they are obtaining therapy for their addictions. Others may have said that they are in treatment for their addictions. The truth is that there are several therapies that the medical community uses to treat people with substance use disorders.

The Cure for Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders are classified as “ chronic diseases,” and as such, they can be treated, but they cannot necessarily be cured. As treatable conditions, substance use disorders respond to therapy. Substance use disorders require that your physician or therapist develop the right therapy for you. Since the first treatment that your physician or therapist develops for you may not be the right one, the physician or therapist will continue to change your therapy until you are both satisfied that you have found the correct one. The treatment of substance use disorders is an ongoing, long-term process, so you can expect to be in therapy for your substance use disorder for several years.

Detoxification Programs

Detoxification can be considered a treatment because it can be a method of curing the individual’s physical addiction. In this instance, the treatment is not curing the substance use disorder. It is seeking to return the person to the level of health he or she was enjoying before the addiction occurred. Detoxification assists the body in eliminating all traces of the substances so that the person can engage in therapies that keep him or her from relapsing in the future.

Therapy for Addiction

Therapy is a pathway rehabilitation centers use to “rehabilitate” substance users. All of the therapies are different, but they all have a few things in common. For instance, they all require that you attend sessions. Your therapist will set up a schedule in which you will attend several sessions that may last an hour or so. Each therapy teaches you skills that you need to remain sober. Most importantly, you will learn strategies that you can use when you are in difficult situations that led you to use substances in the past.

Therapies for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders at Illinois Recovery Center:

Acupuncture Treatment

When you are using substances, you may have been medicating the pain that past trauma has caused or the physical pain that you are experiencing. You may be unwilling to stop using your substance of choice because you will have to face the underlying reason for your substance use. Acupuncture is a treatment that can relieve your mental and physical pain. Once you are no longer in pain, you can devote your full attention to therapy for your substance use disorder.

When you undergo the detoxification process and begin acupuncture treatment, you will experience the following:

• A reduction in your cravings
• A new emotional balance
• Less irritability and fewer mood swings

Yoga

As your rehabilitation causes the underlying issues that you have been medicating to come to the surface, you may begin to experience physical pain and negative emotions. Yoga is one method that helps you endure the physical pain and the stress that comes with these new sensations. At Illinois Recovery Center, we incorporate yoga into your comprehensive treatment plan to effectively treat your addiction.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is particularly useful during the detoxification process. If you are experiencing physical pain that causes you to use substances, you will not be able to medicate your pain away. At Illinois Recovery Center, we place you in a physical therapy program during the detoxification process so that we can help relieve your physical pain. Then, you can concentrate on working your way through recovery.

Massage Therapy

As a massage therapist works your muscles and soft tissues, massage relieves stress and pain that you may be experiencing. The decision to get help overcoming your addiction often causes you to feel relieved, but it can also lead to anxiety. During the detoxification process, the underlying pain and emotions come to the surface and result in anxiety. At this time, many people begin to notice the physical tension in their bodies, but massage therapy relieves the stress that detox brings forward so that you can continue on with the detoxification process.

Chiropractic Care

During the detoxification process, we can offer chiropractic care. Chiropractic care aligns your spine so that your nervous system can function at optimal levels, and this has the effect of causing you to feel better. When you feel better, you have fewer reasons to medicate yourself with substances. It also relieves your stress so that you can continue to heal during your other therapy sessions.

Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

As was mentioned above, addiction and substance use disorders cannot be cured, but many people within the medical community use the term “treatment” to describe rehabilitation from substance use. At Illinois Recovery Center, we offer medication-assisted treatment or MAT. Along with the therapies listed above, you may also be placed in our MAT program to help you endure the withdrawal symptoms that will present themselves when you are no longer ingesting your drug of choice.

According to the research, you have the best chances of overcoming your substance use disorder when you participate in the holistic therapies listed above as well as MAT. The medications that will be chosen for you will reduce your cravings for your drug of choice and alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Obtaining both of these therapies increases your chances of moving forward toward sobriety and preventing relapses.

The Effectiveness of MAT

Some people are concerned that the medications clients are given in the MAT program are a substitute for the Substances that these clients have already been using. This is a myth. For example, if you are addicted to opioids, we will administer medications that treat opioid use disorder. The medication that we will administer is not capable of creating a high. Instead, it will reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The medication gives your brain a chance to restore its balance while you work toward long-term recovery.

If you are seeking treatment for your substance use disorder,. Contact us today at Illinois Recovery Center.

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If you come to work under the influence of marijuana, cocaine or other controlled substances, you could be at a higher risk of hurting yourself or your colleagues. If you play on a sports team, you could create an unfair competitive advantage by taking steroids or using other banned substances. To ensure that everyone is abiding by the rules, employers, sports governing bodies and government agencies may subject individuals to random or scheduled drug tests. Let’s take a look at how you can prepare for them and what to do if you receive a positive test result.

How to Prepare for a Drug Test

It’s possible that your employer may ask you to take a drug test during the work day or immediately after your shift comes to an end. There is also a chance that you will be subject to random drug testing while your sport of choice is in season. If you are pulled over by the police or have been convicted of a crime in the recent past, you may also be subject to random testing that you can’t truly prepare for.

However, if you have some idea as to when you might be tested, the best thing to do is to refrain from using any substances that a test is designed to detect. For example, if you know that your employer conducts an alcohol screen in January, the best thing to do is to not drink alcohol in the hours or days prior to that event. If your sports league tests for the presence of marijuana, steroids or other items that may linger in your system, you’ll need to refrain from using them for days or weeks prior to your test.

It’s also important to create a full list of any medications that you take on a regular basis or have taken in the recent past to treat an injury or deal with a chronic health condition. There is a chance that you’ll need to switch to another product during the testing season if any of your medications contain banned substances. This may be true even if taking it would otherwise be legal.

Items That Can Increase the Risk of a False Positive

Cough syrup, allergy medications and products used to help you lose weight may all contain ingredients that could result in a false positive drug test. Specifically, cough syrup could cause you to test positive for PCP while medications used to treat allergy symptoms may make it seem as if you are using methamphetamine. In some cases, using products such as Advil that contain NSAIDs may be enough to test positive for THC, which is the primary ingredient in marijuana.

It’s also worth noting that items such as shampoo or lotion might also trigger a false positive. Therefore, if you have a drug test coming up, it’s important to carefully read the label on everything that you use. Your physician, personal trainer or other professionals in your life may be able to help you screen anything that you use on a regular basis to reduce the risk of a false positive occurring.

Defending Yourself After a Positive Test

The type of defense that you use will depend largely on the reason why you were tested and who conducts the testing. For instance, your employer will likely conduct a drug test to determine if you are using substances that are prohibited by state or federal law. In addition, they may test to ensure that you aren’t using substances that might make you drowsy or otherwise have side effects that could make you more likely to make a mistake while on the job.

In such a scenario, you will want to show that a positive result was triggered by a legal substance or one that causes a few dangerous side effects. You may also avoid negative consequences if you can show that you have a prescription for any medication that might have triggered a false positive.

This strategy may also be ideal if you are taking a drug test as part of a plea deal in a criminal case. Generally speaking, you won’t get in trouble for using or ingesting something that is used to treat a legitimate medical condition.

You may also assert that you were unintentionally in the vicinity of someone who was using marijuana, cocaine or other substances. Therefore, you would likely argue that a positive test result was caused by accidentally inhaling smoke or by residue left on your clothes or luggage. Trace amounts of residue that is on your clothes or luggage could conceivably make their way into hair follicles or into your blood or urine.

If you are being tested because you play a sport, claims that you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time may fall on deaf ears. This is because most leagues and governing bodies require athletes to know exactly what they are putting in their bodies. However, you may be able to avoid a suspension or other penalties by asserting that there were issues with the way a test was conducted or how samples were handled after they were submitted.

How to Dispute a Positive Drug Test

There are several strategies that you may be able to use to dispute a positive test, and the one that you choose will depend largely on the circumstances surrounding the result. Let’s say that a positive result occurred because you were using marijuana, cocaine or some other controlled substance. In such a scenario, it may be best to simply acknowledge your guilt right away.

Taking responsibility for your actions may encourage whoever required you to take the test to show leniency in your case. Instead of being terminated from your job, you may be suspended while you go to rehab. If you were tested because you are an athlete, you may merely be suspended from your sport for several months instead of being banned for life. A judge may decide not to revoke your probation and send you to jail if you agree to go back to rehab or agree to submit to more stringent testing requirements.

In some cases, simply taking responsibility for your actions is the first step toward overcoming drug addiction. It’s not uncommon for those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol to deny that anything is wrong. This may be true even if a chemical dependency has resulted in the loss of a job or the loss of relationships with friends or family members. If you are a parent, admitting that you have a problem may be the first step toward obtaining custody or other rights to your children.

If you can show that a positive test was caused by an error with the test itself, the result may be thrown out. The same may be true if you can show that it was caused by prescription medication or some other substance that you have the legal right to use. Finally, if you can prove that you were given something against your will or that it was improperly labeled, you may be able to save your job or avoid other negative consequences.

Get Help Today

If you are struggling to overcome your dependency on methamphetamine, cocaine or any other type of controlled substance, we can help. The folks at Illinois Recovery Center will help you pinpoint the cause of your addiction and provide you with a plan to achieve long-term sobriety. We offer a variety of treatment methods in an effort to tailor a plan that meets your needs. Feel free to. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to start your journey to a life that is free of dependency.

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Sleeping pills may be prescription or non-prescription substances. Today, they are becoming more common among adults of all ages. In some cases, people become dependent on them for sleep, and misusing sleeping pills can be dangerous. It is important to understand how they work, common side effects, why they are problematic and what the overdose risks are.

What Are Sleeping Pills?

There are several types of pills that are sleep aids. For prescription sleeping pills, the drugs typically prescribed are hypnotics, tranquilizers or sedatives.[1] They either cause drowsiness or affect an area of the brain that is responsible for alertness. Ambien and Lunesta are two common sedative-hypnotic prescription sleeping pills. Some doctors may also recommend various antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Some common over-the-counter sleep aids people use are Benadryl, Unisom, melatonin or valerian.[2] Benadryl and Unisom are both antihistamines with sedative effects. The drugs are commonly used for allergy relief. Valerian is an herbal supplement that makes some people feel sleepier.[2] Melatonin is a hormone that helps balance waking and sleeping. It tends to have mild effects and is often recommended to relieve jet lag.[2]

Why Are Sleeping Pills So Prevalent in Today’s Society?

In one study of nearly 650 adults, 19% regularly used prescription sleep aids.[3] One year later, almost 70% of those individuals still used sleep aids. While sleep aids are not meant to be long-term solutions, many people use them regularly anyway. There are plenty of potential contributors to the growing use of sleeping pills or sleep aids. Prescription sleeping pills are often given to people with insomnia.[1] Stress is a leading cause of insomnia.[4] These are some examples of stressors that may temporarily affect sleep:

• Job loss
• Death of a loved one
• Major life change
• Illness
• Noise
• Extreme temperatures

Some of these stressors are inevitable. However, people who face stress continually may be more likely to misuse sleep aids.[3] Also, people with underlying mental health needs that are unmet may be more likely to misuse sleep aids or other substances.[5] Some mental health disorders come with insomnia or sleep disturbances. This may be another contributor since at least 25% of the population has a mental health issue.[6] About 45% of those who have a mental illness do not receive professional treatment for it.[7]

How Long Do Sleeping Pills Take To Kick In?

The time sleeping pills take to work depends on the person and the type of sleep aid. For example, melatonin often takes between 30 and 60 minutes to make someone fall asleep.[8] Ambien usually works within about 30 minutes, and most people see an improvement in sleep within a week.[8] With many sleeping pills, the substances help people fall asleep between eight and 10 minutes faster than most people.[1]

Can You Overdose on Sleeping Pills?

Yes, you can overdose on sleeping pills; taking more than the recommended dose is possible and potentially dangerous. Medications can affect people differently, which is why it is important to discuss the possible effects of any OTC or prescription sleep aid with a doctor before taking it. Also, some sleep aids may interact with other medications and cause adverse effects. If a doctor prescribes a non-OTC sleep aid, it is important to follow the dose instructions precisely.

What Happens if You Overdose on Sleeping Pills?

The specific dangers of overdosing on any OTC or prescription sleep aid depend on the substance and its actions. Even OTC sleep aids can be dangerous when taken in high doses.

OTC Antihistamine Overdose Symptoms

Both Unisom and Benadryl that people often take to aid in sleep are first-generation antihistamines, which are known to have more potential dangers than second-generation drugs.[9] These are some common symptoms of an antihistamine overdose:

• Blurred vision
• Extreme drowsiness
• Vomiting or nausea
• Elevated heart rate
• Poor coordination
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Coma

If a person who is taking antihistamines for sleep is unconscious or having a seizure, call 911. These are both serious complications.

Prescription Sleep Aid Overdose Symptoms

Since the medications prescribed to help people sleep are usually tranquilizers and sedatives, brain function and voluntary functions become slower.[10] The effects of a sleeping pill overdose may look similar to an alcohol overdose. These are some possible symptoms:

• Slurred speech
• Bluish-tinted lips, skin or fingers
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Poor coordination
• Slowed heartbeat or breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold-to-the-touch skin
• Difficulty responding or thinking
• Difficulty breathing
• Shock
• Coma
• Unconsciousness

If you see someone who is taking sleeping pills demonstrating signs of an overdose, call 911. Even if the person is talking, slowed heartbeat and breathing can be especially dangerous.[10] It is possible for people who take too many sleeping pills and do not receive medical treatment to die.

Can You Overdose on Melatonin?

Yes, you can overdose on melatonin. While it may not produce the same dangerous effects that antihistamines or prescription sleep aids can, it may produce other effects. Since there is no official standard on melatonin dosing, it is difficult to define an overdose.[11] For example, some packages may recommend taking one tablet, and others may recommend taking two. However, taking more than what is recommended on the packaging can be an overdose. If you take large amounts of melatonin, it may disrupt your sleep cycle.[11] Additionally, it can cause more pronounced side effects, which will be discussed more in the next section.

What Are the Side Effects of Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pill side effects depend on the specific medication and its actions. These sections cover a few common side effects.

OTC Sleeping Pill Side Effects

Some common side effects of OTC antihistamines are constipation, drowsiness, UTIs and dry mouth.[2] Both melatonin and valerian, which are also OTC substances, may cause headaches for some people. Additional possible side effects of melatonin include daytime sleepiness, reduced blood coagulation and a lower body temperature.[12] In people who take other prescription sleep aids, melatonin may also interact with some medications. For example, it worsened the side effects of Ambien for some people who took the two substances together.[12]

Prescription Sleeping Pill Side Effects

Since there are several types of sedatives, hypnotics and tranquilizers that are prescribed to treat sleep problems, some medications have their own potential side effects. For example, some possible side effects of Ambien are uncontrollable shaking, chest pain, rash, difficulty breathing and sleep walking.[8] For any prescription sleep aid, be sure to read and understand all the potential side effects. There are some common side effects that apply to most types of prescription sleeping pills.[2] These are some examples:

• Headaches
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea
• Lasting drowsiness
• Sleepwalking
• Changes in thinking
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Memory problems
• Suicidal thoughts

With antidepressants that are prescribed to aid with sleep, there may also be weight changes or irregular heartbeat.[2]

Which Sleeping Pill Is Most Dangerous?

All prescription sleeping pills have the potential to be highly dangerous for some people. Although even antihistamines can be dangerous in a few cases, the biggest dangers are with prescription medications that come with a risk of dependence and addiction. Dependence happens when the person’s body is chemically dependent on the substance.[13] If a person cannot stop using the substance, that means the individual is addicted. There are several medications prescribed as sleep aids that have a higher risk of dependence and abuse, which makes them potentially more dangerous.[2] These are some sleeping pills with a high risk of abuse:

• Dayvigo
• Quviviq
• Lunesta
• Ambien
• Halcion
• Sonata
• Ambien and Ambien CR
• Belsomra
• Restoril
• ZolpiMist
• Edluar

Sleeping Pill Addiction and Overdose Treatment

If you or someone you know is addicted to or taking too many sleeping pills, help is available. Addiction treatment is designed to help people learn the causes of behaviors or triggers and how to beat addiction. Behavioral therapy may also help improve sleep problems. Since many people who misuse prescription medications have a mental health condition that is untreated or treated insufficiently, dual diagnosis treatment for the issue and addiction may also help.

Detox, dual diagnosis treatment, outpatient treatment and inpatient programs are available to suit varying needs. Let the professionals at Illinois Recovery Center help you start on the path to recovery. Please. Contact us to learn more about sleeping pill addiction treatment.

FAQ

References
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/15308-sleeping-pills
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep-aids/art-20047860
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791616/
[4] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11429-common-sleep-disorders
[5] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
[6] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics
[7] https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2021/05/24/why-so-many-americans-do-not-seek-professional-help-for-mental-disorders/?sh=131d8d6f3de7
[8] https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/july/sleeping-aids
[9] https://www.healthline.com/health/antihistamine-overdose#symptoms
[10] https://www.verywellmind.com/the-danger-of-sedative-overdose-66578
[11] https://www.healthline.com/health/melatonin-overdose
[12] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/melatonin-side-effects#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6

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