Lara, Author at Sanctuary Treatment Center

Learn how long it takes to rewire the brain from addiction

How Long Does it Take to Rewire the Brain from Addiction?

Written by Lara on July 17, 2024. Posted in Addiction.

The brain has a remarkable ability to repair itself after being damaged by drug abuse, but this process can take time. Realizing how long it takes to rewire the brain from addiction may be the motivation you need to get help today.

How Long Does it Take to Rewire the Brain Following Addiction?

The brain’s ability to heal itself after being harmed by addiction is known as neuroplasticity.

This process, which is often referred to as “rewiring” the brain, can include both functional and structural repairs. The brain may develop new neural connections, reorganize or repair damaged neural pathways, and even create new nerve cells.

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to the question, how long does it take to rewire the brain from addiction. The duration of this process can be influenced by many factors, such as:

The individual’s age and developmental level
Which drugs they abused and how long they engaged in this behavior
The type and degree of damage their brain incurred
If they have any neurological conditions
If they receive effective care in a timely manner

Depending on these and other influences, the amount of time it takes to rewire the brain from addiction can range from a few months to a few years.

What Does Long-Term Addiction Do to the Brain?

Alcohol, opioids, and other psychoactive substances can interfere with the production and functioning of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

By altering how messages are delivered throughout the central nervous system (CNS), these substances can impact several characteristics and functions, including a person’s mood, thoughts, feelings, memory, capacity for learning, and ability to perceive their environment.

Over time, these effects can cause significant harm. Examples of the negative impact of various drugs:

Alcohol: One of the more severe types of alcohol-related brain damage is called Wernicke-Korsakoff (WK) syndrome. WK involves harm in several brain regions, including the thalamus, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. Effects can include impairments in language use, vision, memory, and muscle coordination, as well as diminished motivation and disrupted sleep patterns.
Opioids: This category includes heroin, fentanyl, and many prescription painkillers. Brain experts have linked long-term opioid abuse with diminished brain volume and abnormal transmission of dopamine in the frontal regions of the brain. This area is involved in functions such as learning, memory, problem solving, and impulse control.
Stimulants: Studies have found that amphetamine and methamphetamine use can lead to reduced volume and density of cortical grey matter in the temporal, frontal, occipital, and parietal lobes. This can undermine a person’s ability to focus, use language, make judgments, and solve problems.

This, of course, is by no means a comprehensive list of drug- or addiction-related brain damage. But it offers a glimpse into the range and severity of harm that compulsive substance abuse can cause. It also illustrates why it can be so difficult to predict how long it takes to rewire the brain from addiction.

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center To Get Started Today

You don’t have to wait until you’ve “hit bottom” or incurred serious damage before you can benefit from addiction treatment. At Sanctuary Treatment Center, we can meet you wherever you are in your journey. It’s our job to help you get to a much healthier place, free from the constraints of compulsive substance abuse.

To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.

Signs Someone is Drinking Alcoholic Beverages

Written by Lara on July 9, 2024. Posted in Alcohol, Alcohol Addiction, Alcoholism.

You suspect that someone you love has secretly been drinking, but you’re not sure how to confirm your suspicions. Even if they try to hide what they’ve been doing, a person who has been drinking alcoholic beverages will usually leave some clues. When you understand what these clues look like, you will be better prepared to take appropriate action.

A Person Who Has Been Drinking Alcoholic Beverages Will Usually:

When it comes to identifying someone who has been drinking, there are few absolutes. Different people may be affected in different ways depending on a variety of factors, such as:

Their age, weight, and metabolism
How often they drink
How much they typically consume
If they are also abusing other addictive substances
If they have certain medical or mental health concerns

Also, if a person is trying to hide their drinking from their parents, a spouse, or someone else, they may take additional steps to keep their behavior a secret.

Having said all that, there are some common actions, characteristics, and behavior patterns that are difficult to conceal, especially for someone who drinks on a regular basis.

For example, a person who has been drinking alcoholic beverages will usually (or often) exhibit signs such as:

Odor of alcohol on their breath
Glassy or watery eyes
Slurred speech
Impaired coordination
Changes in mood and attitude
Confusion
Memory problems
Poor judgment
Diminished inhibition
Uncharacteristic aggression or recklessness
Increased talkativeness
Difficulty remaining awake and alert

It is also important to keep an eye out for signs that aren’t directly related to alcohol intoxication, but which could suggest that your loved one is drinking.

If you think your spouse or another adult has relapsed after a period of sobriety, pay attention to signs such as:

Problems at work
Unexplained financial difficulties
Unintentional weight change
Disrupted sleep patterns
Frequent need to “run errands” or otherwise leave the house by themselves
Lying or otherwise being deceitful about where they’ve been
No longer attending recovery support group meetings

If you are a parent and you suspect that your teen has begun to use alcohol, watch for indicators such as:

Downturn in performance in school
Increased behavior problems at home or in school
Lack of motivation
Secrecy about how they spend their time and who they have been associating with
Abandoning their usual friend group
Ending their participation in sports, clubs, hobbies, or other activities that used to be important to them
Pulling away from you and other family members
Lack of attention to appearance, grooming, and even hygiene

Of course, none of these signs on their own are conclusive proof that your child has been drinking. They could be experiencing a problem with stress management, anxiety, depression, or another mental health concern. Or they could simply be dealing with the hormonal and attitudinal changes that are common among adolescents.

In general, though, any significant alterations in attitude, behavior, and/or appearance should be cause for concern.

What Can You Do if You Suspect a Loved One May Be Drinking Alcoholic Beverages?

If someone in your life should not be drinking alcohol, but you suspect that they are, you may be worried, frustrated, or even angry.

Please know that it is both normal and understandable to feel this way. However, an immediate emotional reaction could make the problem even worse than it already is. Instead, take the time to assess the situation and review your options. This way, when you take action, you will be responding thoughtfully instead of reacting on a purely emotional basis.

Please remember this: There is no perfect response to situations like these. You will need to consider an array of factors, including the nature of your relationship with your loved one, if they have developed alcohol use disorder (alcoholism), and how their drinking has affected them, you, and your family.

With those thoughts in mind, here are a few steps that may be appropriate for you:

Don’t ignore your suspicions. Even though you wish you didn’t have to deal with this challenge, pretending that it’s not happening will only allow the problem to grow.
If your loved one is addicted to alcohol, take the time to educate yourself about alcoholism, treatment, recovery, and relapse. This can help you respond in the most meaningful and beneficial manner.
Consult with experts. If the person you’re concerned about is your partner or another adult, you may want to contact an addiction treatment provider or a support group for the loved ones of people who are struggling with addiction. If you think your child has been drinking, reach out to their guidance counselor or a substance abuse professional who works with teens.
Talk to your loved one. Let them know what you’ve observed and express your concerns about their behaviors. Be prepared for denial, pushback, or even anger. Try not to let the conversation descend into an argument.
Listen to your loved one. Their response, such as if they admit or deny what they’ve been doing, can give you valuable insights into their state of mind. If they do acknowledge that they’ve been drinking, their willingness or refusal to get help can inform your next steps.
Set (and maintain) appropriate boundaries. If you are dealing with an adolescent or teen, this can include establishing clear rules to ensure you know where they are, who they’re with, and what they’re doing. For adults, this can involve letting them know what types of behaviors you will no longer tolerate.
Get help for yourself. Alcoholism and other types of addiction don’t only affect the person who has the disorder. Parents, partners, siblings, close friends, and other loved ones can also be impacted. Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you process your experiences and decide how best to help your loved one while keeping yourself safe.

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center to Learn About Our Alcohol Treatment Center

If someone that you care about has become addicted to alcohol, they may need professional care to stop drinking and start building a healthier life in recovery.

Sanctuary Treatment Center offers a full continuum of care within a safe and welcoming environment. Programming options at our alcohol addiction treatment center in Los Angeles include detoxification, inpatient rehab, and outpatient care. At every level, your loved one will receive personalized services from a team of skilled and experienced professionals.

To learn more about how we can help, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.

Understanding the SMART Recovery Program

Written by Lara on June 20, 2024. Posted in Recovery.

SMART Recovery is a secular, evidence-based peer support program for people who are trying to end their use of addictive substances and curtail other compulsive behaviors. It is one of the more popular alternatives to the 12-Step model that is central to organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

What is SMART Recovery?

The “SMART” in SMART Recovery stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training.

According to the organization’s website, this acronym represents “a transformative method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self-regard and willingness to change.”

Features of SMART Recovery include:

Incorporating the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) to help people live healthier lives.
Emphasizing personal choice, self-management, and mutual support.
Holding meetings led by trained volunteer facilitators, many (but not all) of whom have personal histories of addictions or compulsive behaviors.
Sponsoring SMART Recovery Family & Friends to help the loved ones of individuals who have become dependent on alcohol or other drugs.

SMART Recovery USA is a 501(c)3 organization, which means it has been approved by the U.S. government as a tax-exempt non-profit company. It is led by a national executive team and a board of directors.

The History of SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery was officially established in 1994, though the roots of the organization go back a bit farther than that:

The organization that we know today as SMART Recovery was originally part of Rational Recovery Systems, a for-profit company that was owned by Jack Trimpey.
During this period, it was identified as the Rational Recovery Self-Help Network.
In 1994, the Rational Recovery Self-Help Network separated from Rational Recovery Systems and changed its name to SMART Recovery.

Today, SMART Recovery reports that it has a presence in more than 23 nations and hosts more than 2,500 regular meetings throughout the world.

In 2018, SMART Recovery International was established to coordinate the efforts of groups in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.

How Does SMART Recovery Work?

SMART Recovery works by combining peer support with time-tested therapeutic principles. By attending meetings, participating in volunteer training sessions, and reviewing handbooks and other printed materials, participants improve their skills in areas such as:

Managing their thoughts and behaviors
Making healthy and productive choices
Sharing support with others who are working toward similar goals

While SMART Recovery and the 12-Step recovery model both offer structured support to help people overcome the urge to use addictive drugs, there are a few key differences between the two approaches. For example:

Unlike the 12-Step model, SMART Recovery does not have a spiritual element. SMART Recovery does not require you to acknowledge any type of higher power.
The 12-Step model directs participants to admit that they are powerless over alcohol and other drugs. SMART Recovery does not call for any such admission.
The 12-Step model emphasizes complete abstinence from all addictive substances. SMART Recovery encourages abstinence, but it allows participants to define success as they see fit.
Some 12-Step groups do not consider people to be in recovery if they are taking methadone, Suboxone, or another prescription drug as part of an approved medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program. SMART Recovery welcomes participants who are taking medications as directed by a doctor to help them stay sober.

The 4-Point Recovery Model

SMART Recovery is structured around a four-point program that can help people accomplish the following goals:

Build and maintain motivation: This point focuses on helping participants find the motivation to make significant changes in their life, then retain the drive to resist relapse and protect their sobriety.
Cope with urges and cravings: Drug cravings and other unhealthy urges are common among people in recovery. Learning to process these emotions without resorting to substance abuse can be vital for long-term success.
Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors: Using the principles of CBT and REBT, SMART Recovery helps participants identify maladaptive beliefs and self-defeating behavior patterns, then adopt healthier ways of thinking and acting.
Live a balanced life: Balance and moderation are key attributes of a healthy life in recovery. SMART Recovery helps participants achieve this sense of harmony, which includes finding productive and satisfying ways to fill the hours that were previously taken up by seeking, using, and recovering from the effects of alcohol and other drugs.

SMART Recovery Meetings

As we noted earlier in this post, SMART Recovery meetings are led by trained volunteer facilitators. There is never a charge to attend meetings, which are conducted both in person and online.

Meetings are designed to be safe and supportive places where participants can gain important information about recovery, share their thoughts, and learn from the insights and experiences of others.

The content and focus of a meeting will understandably be influenced by the contributions of the participants. In general, though, most SMART Recovery meetings adhere to the following structure:

Check-in: Participants have the opportunity to share any current milestones or challenges, as well as highlight successes and setbacks from the previous week.
Discussion: The majority of a standard meeting will involve a facilitator-led discussion on a topic or topics related to the four-point program. These discussions often incorporate the principles of CBT or REBT. Though the facilitator plays an important role, this section of the meeting is a discussion, not a lecture. All participants are encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback, and otherwise remain actively engaged.
Checkout: As the meeting’s end approaches, participants are given the opportunity to highlight a lesson they learned or a discussion point that was of particular interest to them.

A typical SMART Recovery meeting lasts 60-90 minutes.

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center to Learn About Using SMART Recovery During Treatment

At Sanctuary Treatment Center, we are committed to providing the personalized services that reflect each patient’s unique needs, goals, and preferences. This includes recognizing that there are many valid pathways to successful, long-term recovery.

We do not host on-site SMART Recovery meetings at our rehab facility in Southern California, but we do support patients who wish to explore the benefits of this approach. We also offer cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, both of which are research-supported approaches that align with the SMART Recovery philosophy.

To learn more about SMART Recovery and other recovery support methods at Sanctuary Treatment Center, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.

Medetomidine in Illicit Drugs

Written by Lara on June 5, 2024. Posted in Drugs.

Public health officials have recently begun to sound the alarm about a new street drug that may be responsible for overdose surges in a few large U.S. cities. This drug, medetomidine, is typically added to fentanyl and other illicit recreational substances during the manufacturing process. This means that many people who are harmed by it may not even know that they’ve taken it.

What is Medetomidine?

Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative and anesthetic. In the U.S., it has earned approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sedate dogs for certain procedures.

The FDA has also approved a version of medetomidine called dexmedetomidine. This is authorized to be used on human patients who need to be sedated while on a mechanical ventilator or prior to surgery.

Medetomidine can be both safe and beneficial when it is administered by qualified professionals for legitimate medical purposes. Unfortunately, as we will discuss in greater detail later in this post, illicit drug manufacturers have begun to add medetomidine to some recreational substances, particularly opioids.

A synthetic drug that is classified as an alpha-2 agonist, medetomidine is similar to xylazine, another drug that has recently been linked to a spike in overdose deaths. However, public health officials have emphasized that medetomidine is more potent than xylazine. This increases the risk faced by individuals who intentionally or unintentionally abuse it for recreational purposes.

Illicit Drugs Laced with Medetomidine

Fentanyl and heroin appear to be the two illicit drugs that are most likely to be contaminated with medetomidine. Some sources have also detected medetomidine in samples of cocaine. However, this doesn’t seem to be nearly as common as opioid and medetomidine combos.

When abused on their own, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine can all put people at risk for serious negative outcomes, including overdose and death. When they are combined with medetomidine, they can become much more dangerous. This danger may be magnified by the fact that most people don’t realize that the drug they’re taking contains this undisclosed ingredient.

In a June 3, 2024, CBS News segment, an employee of the Philadelphia Department of Health said that the department detected medetomidine in samples of street drugs that also contained fentanyl and xylazine.

The combination of fentanyl and xylazine is often referred to as “tranq.” According to one source in the CBS News segment, some people are referring to the fentanyl-xylazine-medetomidine combination as “rhino tranq.” However, another experts have said that they had not heard that term.

Regardless of what they are called, the recent surge in illicit street drugs that have been combined with medetomidine suggests that the nation may be on the verge of another devastating increase in overdose deaths.

Dangers of Medetomidine

A June 2, 2024, feature on National Public Radio (NPR) reported that medetomidine was involved in “mass overdose outbreaks” in Chicago and Philadelphia during the previous two months. In Philadelphia, according to the NPR feature, medetomidine-related overdoses caused 160 hospitalizations over a four-day period.

In addition to the risk of overdose, someone who takes medetomidine in a non-medical setting may also be in danger for a variety of other problematic outcomes, including:

Slowed heart rate and breathing
Low body temperature
Dangerously low blood pressure
Elevated blood glucose level
Excessive urination
Vomiting and diarrhea
Twitching
Easing of anxiety
Hallucinations
Delusions
Paranoia

How to Help Somone Who Is Overdosing on Medetomidine

Common signs of medetomidine overdose include:

Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
Extremely slow or shallow breathing
Faint pulse
Disorientation
Difficulty remaining awake
Loss of consciousness
Cool, clammy skin
Blue or purple color near lips or fingertips

Anyone who exhibits these signs after using medetomidine or another drug needs immediate medical help. If you are with someone who is in the midst of a medetomidine overdose, take the following steps:

Call 911 or otherwise summon the closest emergency responder in your area.
If you have naltrexone (Narcan), administer it to the person who has overdosed.
If the individual is awake, help them into a seated position in a comfortable chair.
If the individual is unconscious and cannot be awakened, place them on their side. Do not put them on their back (to reduce the risk of choking if they begin to vomit).
Cover the person with a blanket to keep them warm.
Remain with the person until the emergency responders arrive.
Be prepared to tell the emergency responders as much as you know about what substances the person took, how much they took, and what overdose signs they exhibited.

Also, here are a few important notes about naltrexone (Narcan):

Though Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose if it is administered in time, it cannot reverse the effects of a xylazine or medetomidine overdose.
Since people who ingest medetomidine have usually taken it in combination with an opioid, most trusted sources advise giving Narcan to someone who has overdosed.
However, even though the person may appear to be revived and out of danger after receiving Narcan, any medetomidine in their system may still be harmful to them.
This is why you should always call 911 first, even if you have Narcan with you. A person who has overdosed on an opioid combined with medetomidine needs to be thoroughly assessed by a qualified healthcare provider, even if they appear to be OK after receiving Narcan.

Get Help for Drug Addiction at Sanctuary Treatment Center

Sanctuary Treatment Center offers a full continuum of care to help adults who have become dependent on opioids or any other addictive substances. We also serve patients whose struggles with addiction are accompanied by anxiety, depression, PTSD, and certain other co-occurring mental health concerns.

Programming options at our addiction treatment center in Los Angeles, California, include detoxification (detox), inpatient rehab, and outpatient care. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to assess your needs, determine which level or levels of care are right for you, and select the therapies and support services that will best prepare you to achieve successful, long-term recovery.

When you’re ready to end your compulsive substance abuse for good, the Sanctuary Treatment Center team is here for you. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.

Chroming and this Dangerous Trend

Written by Lara on May 31, 2024. Posted in Uncategorized.

You may not have heard about chroming, but your children probably have. This dangerous behavior isn’t new, but it has recently received renewed attention through social media. When you understand what chroming looks like and why it can be so harmful, you’ll be better prepared to keep your loved ones safe.

What is Chroming?

Chroming is a form of inhalant abuse. Other common terms for this practice include huffing and bagging.

The term “chroming” originally referred to inhaling fumes from aerosol paints that had been sprayed into a paper bag. People who engage in this behavior usually use metallic spray paint. When they hold the bag to their mouth and nose in order to inhale the fumes, they often end up with a paint ring where the bag came into contact with their face. That effect let to the practice being called chroming.

Through the years, chroming has evolved in to a more general term. Today, it can be used to describe the intentional inhalation of several dangerous substances. In addition to spray paints, chroming can also involve:

Household solvents
Gasoline
Kerosene
Paint thinner
Certain types of glue
Nail polish remover
Hairspray

Chroming is most popular among adolescents and teens. This may be due to the fact that the practice incorporates many common household items, which may be easier for young people to acquire than other recreational substances.

Videos on Tik-Tok and other social media platforms can make chroming look like fun, without acknowledging its many dangers. For some young people, this misinformation can be fatal:

In March 2024, an 11-year-old boy from the UK died of what authorities believe was cardiac arrest after engaging in chroming. Members of his family reported that the boy had learned about chroming from videos on Tik-Tok.
This was unfortunately not the first death that has been tied to chroming and social media. In March 2023, a 13-year-old incurred irreparable brain damage and later died after engaging in this behavior at a sleepover party.

As evidenced by previous trends such as the Benadryl challenge or the choking game, teens can quickly become swept up in hazardous fads like chroming. Some may be fueled by the desire to gain social media attention, while others may simply want to feel like they are fitting in with their online peers.

Regardless of what prompts a young person to try chroming, the results – as we will discuss in the next section – can range from upsetting to devastating.

Dangers of Chroming

Chroming is extremely dangerous. People who engage in this behavior put themselves at risk for many harmful effects, some of which can be severe and irreversible.

The long list of possible chroming-related damage includes:

Nausea and vomiting
Confusion and disorientation
Problems with coordination and muscle control
Muscle weakness
Respiratory distress
Cardiovascular damage
Liver and kidney damage
Delayed responsiveness
Cognitive impairments
Brain damage
Hallucinations and delusions
Psychosis
Seizure
Death

How to Talk to Your Kids About Chroming

With such a significant amount of incorrect and intentionally misleading information available to young people online, parents need to be sure their children understand the very real risks that chroming poses.

5 Tips on Having a Productive Conversation with Your Children about Chroming:

Be honest: If your children spend much time online, there’s a decent chance that they’ve already heard of chroming. They may even know peers who have engaged in this behavior. So you need to be honest about why some people get involved with chroming and realistic about the dangers they face.
Take an age-appropriate approach: For younger children, it may be enough to say that chroming is dangerous, they should never do it, and they should find a responsible adult if someone tries to convince them to try it.
Discuss, don’t lecture: Lectures or threats can cause your children to tune you out or immediately become defensive. Instead, make your conversation about chroming a true discussion. Ask them what they’ve heard about this practice, correct any misinformation, and help them brainstorm ways to say “no” if someone asks them to try chroming.
Focus on education, not intimidation: We’ve touched on this in other tips, but it bears repeating. Threats, ultimatums, or efforts to intimidate your children into staying away from chroming can easily backfire. Instead, help them understand the dangers of this behavior and provide practical guidance on how to avoid it.
Plan to revisit the topic: One conversation about chroming can be a great start. But it’s just that: a start. Be prepared to have many discussions about chroming, other types of substance abuse, and other potential threats to your children’s well-being.

Contact Our Substance Abuse Treatment Center Today

Chroming can lead to a type of addiction known as inhalant use disorder. If you or someone that you care about has become trapped in the downward spiral of compulsive inhalant abuse, please know that help is available at Sanctuary Treatment Center.

When you choose our addiction rehab in Los Angeles, you will find a safe and welcoming place where you or your loved one can receive personalized services from a team of skilled and experienced professionals.

Our continuum of care includes detoxification, inpatient treatment, and outpatient programming. We work closely with each patient and, when appropriate, their families to understand the full scope of their needs, so that we can provide them with the most effective types of treatment.

To learn more about our programs and services, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.

Kratom Withdrawal

Written by Lara on May 21, 2024. Posted in Addiction, Withdrawal.

Don’t believe the myth that kratom is safe and non-addictive. Using this drug can put you in grave danger – and if you develop an addiction, the intensity of kratom withdrawal can make it extremely difficult for you to stop using it.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is the name of a tree that grows in Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian countries. It is also the name of a drug that is derived from the leaves of this tree. The primary psychoactive compounds in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Traditionally, laborers in areas where kratom is indigenous have chewed the leaves as a means of remaining alert and warding off exhaustion. The drug can also be ingested by swallowing it in pill or capsule form, smoking it, or drinking it in teas or cold beverages.

In addition to its stimulant-like properties, kratom can also elicit effects such as sedation and analgesia (pain relief), which are similar to what opioids produce. This has enticed some people to use it as a painkiller or for recreational purposes, and prompted others to take it to ease the effects of opioid withdrawal.

Many reputable sources advise against kratom use for any reason due to the risk of addiction, other dangerous side effects, and the potential distress of kratom withdrawal.

Some American soldiers used kratom during the Vietnam War. However, the drug did not become popular in the United States and other western nations until the early 2000s. In 2021, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that about 1.7 people ages 12 and older in the U.S. had used kratom at least once in the previous 12 months.

Kratom’s legal status in the U.S. can be confusing.

It has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it has also not been banned by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Several states have outlawed kratom or placed restrictions on its sale, possession, and use, yet it continues to be sold openly in many stores and as well as online.

The Painful Side of Kratom Withdrawal

The lack of a federal ban and the relative ease with which kratom can be obtained may have contributed to a belief that it is a harmless substance. This is not the case. People who use the drug, either recreationally or for self-medication, may be exposing themselves to considerable harm.

The potential dangers of kratom use include liver damage, hypertension (high blood pressure), depressed respiration, and seizure. Kratom use can also lead to addiction, overdose, and death.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone becomes addicted to kratom, they may have to endure intense withdrawal symptoms.

The type and severity of a person’s withdrawal symptoms can be influenced by several factors. These include their weight and metabolism, how long they have been using kratom, and how much they typically use.

With those caveats in mind, common kratom withdrawal symptoms can include:

Runny nose and watery eyes
Blurred vision
Elevated body temperature
Heavy perspiration
Loss of appetite
Abdominal cramping
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Tics and twitches
Muscle spasms
Muscle pain
Insomnia

Kratom withdrawal can also include various forms of psychological distress, such as:

Powerful drug cravings
Drastic mood swings
Agitation and irritability
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal ideation

How to Safely Withdrawal from Kratom

The intensity of kratom withdrawal – and the knowledge that you can alleviate this pain simply by using the drug again – can quickly overwhelm even the most fervent desire to stop using it. The risk of suicidal ideation is another reason why trying to get through withdrawal on your own can be a very bad idea.

If you’re trying to end your kratom use after developing an addiction, there’s no way to avoid withdrawal. But there is a way to get through this experience safely and more comfortably.

Detoxification, or detox, is a short-term, professionally supervised program that can help you complete the kratom withdrawal process without endangering your health or exposing you to avoidable distress.

Here are a few of the many benefits of beginning your treatment in a detox program:

Environment: While you’re in detox, you won’t have access to kratom or other addictive substances. This removes the temptation to use the drug to stop your withdrawal symptoms.
Expertise: The professionals who provide your care in detox will be familiar with all aspects of the withdrawal process. This can eliminate fear of the unknown. It can also provide you with the peace of mind that your team is prepared for whatever contingencies may occur.
Clinical services: While you’re in detox, you may receive medical and/or therapeutic support to ease your pain and help you manage your remaining symptoms.
Continuity of care: Once you’ve completed detox, you can transition directly into an inpatient or outpatient program, where you can establish a solid foothold in early recovery.
Sense of success: Getting through kratom withdrawal can be a significant step toward a much healthier future. It can also be proof that you are capable of much more than you may have once believed. This knowledge can be a source of both strength and hope as you face future challenges on the path of lifelong recovery.

Contact Us to Detox from Kratom in Los Angeles, CA

Don’t let withdrawal prevent you from achieving the healthier, drug-free future that you deserve.

Sanctuary Treatment Center offers a full continuum of customized addiction treatment services, including detox, inpatient care, and outpatient programming. Our compassionate experts can help you get through withdrawal, then develop the skills that will support your successful, long-term recovery. We will work closely with you to understand the full scope of your needs, identify your goals, and develop a personalized plan just for you.

To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.

Cost of Sober Living in California

Written by Lara on April 26, 2024. Posted in Sober Living.

Sober living residences in California fill a vital need for individuals who don’t have a supportive home to return to after they have completed an addiction treatment program or while they are enrolled in an outpatient rehab.

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center at (888) 584-4314 to learn the exact cost of our sober living.

About Sober Living in California

California, sober living residences (which are often referred to as sober living homes, sober living houses, or simply sober living) are supportive home-like environments where people can live while they are working to establish a foothold in early recovery. These residences are typically designed for people who are currently in an outpatient program or who have recently completed treatment.

Each residence has it own rules and procedures, but here are some common features of sober living in California:

Accountability: For their safety and for the safety of others who are living in the home, residents usually must agree to random drug tests, and possibly unannounced searches of their belongings, to ensure that the environment remains free of substances and other prohibited items.
Activities: Some sober livings have on-site support group meetings that all residents must attend. Others may require residents to attend off-site peer support meetings. Some houses mandate that residents be in treatment, while others expect residents to either be employed, looking for a job, doing volunteer work, or engaged in other approved activities.
Responsibilities: Sober living residents are usually required to perform certain household chores or duties, such as cleaning, helping with meal preparation, doing dishes, or maintaining the yard.
Structure: Whether you are in a peer-run or professionally supported sober living residence, you will have to adhere to a variety of house rules, some of which we have already discussed in this section. For someone who has recently stopped using alcohol or other drugs, vast stretches of unstructured time can be dangerous. A structured environment can help you fill your days with healthy and productive pursuits.

How Much Does Sober Living in California Cost?

Monthly rent at sober living residences can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Factors that can influence the cost of sober living in California include:

Which city and neighborhood the house is located in
If residents have private or shared rooms
If cable, Wi-Fi, meals, or other amenities are included
If meetings, counseling, or other recovery services are provided
If fitness training, massage, supervised recreational activities, and similar services are offered
If the house is affiliated with a treatment center, or is privately owned and operated
If the house is peer-run or staffed by professionals
If rent is a set rate for all residents or determined on a needs-based sliding scale

Once you have identified one or more sober living residences in your area that offer the structure and support you need, contact the homes directly to discuss availability and determine cost.

Is Going to a Sober Living Worth It?

Customization is the key to almost every aspect of addiction treatment. A facility, program, or therapy that is perfect for one person might have limited value to someone else. The same holds true for sober living. Not everyone needs this service – but for those who do, sober living can make a lasting positive difference in their lives.

Here are a few examples of why sober living is worth it:

You will be in a drug-free environment. If you can benefit from extra support as you begin your recovery journey, or if you’re working to remain sober in the aftermath of a relapse, being around people who are using alcohol or other substances can be extremely difficult. When you’re in a sober living residence, you won’t have to worry about being exposed to drug abuse.
You will be among others who are working toward a similar goal. Every person who is in recovery is walking their own path. But these paths often overlap or run parallel with each other. In a sober living residence, you will be living with people who have had similar challenges and who are also in the process of building a foundation for long-term recovery. These individuals can be sources of motivation, inspiration, and guidance. They can also serve as valuable reminders that you are not alone.
You can practice your recovery skills. While you are living in a sober living residence, you will be able to use skills that are essential for establishing and maintaining healthy sober relationships. Examples of these important skills include treating others with respect, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, sharing support, advocating for your needs in an appropriate manner, and resolving conflicts.
You will have a safe space. There’s no point in trying to hide the fact that recovery can be hard. This can be especially true during moments of transition, such as when you’ve just entered or completed treatment. While maintaining your newly earned sobriety, you may also need to find a job, meet certain court-ordered responsibilities, begin to rebuild relationships, and deal with myriad other challenges. Knowing that you have a safe and supportive place waiting for you at the end of the day can make a world of difference.

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center About Sober Living in California

If you have questions about sober living in California or any other aspect of addiction treatment and recovery, Sanctuary Treatment Center is here to help.

Our rehab center in Los Angeles offers a full continuum of care, including detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient programming. If you can benefit from a supportive sober living home while you are in our outpatient program or after you have transitioned out of our care, we will be happy to refer you to trusted residences in the LA area.

To learn more, please visit our Contact Us page or call us today.

Smoking Salvia: Effects & Dangers

Written by Lara on April 11, 2024. Posted in Addiction.

Its effects have been compared to LSD and magic mushrooms – but unlike those drugs, salvia is legal in several U.S. states and many other nations. What is salvia, where did it come from, and (perhaps most important of all) how dangerous is it?

What is Salvia?

Salvia (full name: salvia divinorum) is an herb that can produce dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. These effects are due to the naturally occurring presence of salvinorin A, a compound that interacts with opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

Salvia is native to southern Mexico, where the Mazatec have been incorporating it into healing practices and religious rituals for centuries. More recently, it has experienced a rise in popularity as a recreational substance in the United States.

Historically, salvia was typically ingested by chewing its leaves or drinking an extract that was derived from the plant. Today, some people also grind the leaves and smoke them.

Why Do People Smoke Salvia?

People who smoke salvia typically do so with the intention of having a recreational hallucinogenic experience.

As for why someone might choose to smoke salvia instead of using other hallucinogenic drugs (such as LSD or psilocybin), the plant’s legal status in the U.S. is likely an important factor. The ease with which salvia can be purchased from smoke shops and similar outlets in some states has surely contributed to its popularity.

There are currently no federal laws to regulate the production, sale, possession, or use of salvia. However, as of the writing of this post, 29 states plus the U.S. territory of Guam have banned it, and some other states have placed some restrictions on its possession and use.

To some people, salvia’s legality in many parts of the U.S. (and in many other countries throughout the world) indicates that it poses little risk of addiction or other harmful effects. Is this an accurate perception, though? Can people become addicted to salvia?

As is the case with LSD, psilocybin, and other hallucinogenic drugs, the likelihood of becoming addicted to salvia is low. However, as we will discuss a bit later in this post, this doesn’t mean that salvia is a harmless substance.

What Are the Effects from Smoking Salvia?

Descriptions of salvia’s effects usually include words like psychedelic, hallucinogenic, and dissociative. Some people who use the drug have enjoyable, insightful experiences. For others, the effects are far from pleasurable.

Depending on a variety of factors – including a person’s history with the drug; their age, weight, and metabolism; and how much they have taken – here are some examples of what salvia’s effects can feel like:

Distorted sense of time and space
Seeing light patterns and other images
Hearing voices and other sounds
Feeling of deep sedation and serenity
Dreamlike state
Depersonalization (sense of being detached from your body and/or mind, which is sometimes described as having an out-of-body experience)
Derealization (sense that you have been separated from your environment or lost contact with reality)
Difficulty communicating with others
Disturbing hallucinations
Confusion and disorientation
Anxiety and agitation
Fear and paranoia
Dizziness
Nausea

If a person smokes salvia, these effects can occur virtually instantaneously, and last for about 20 minutes. If someone chew the leaves, it usually takes about five to 10 minutes for effects to occur, though they can last for up to two hours.

Experts believe that salvia’s effects are related to the drug’s impact on the default mode network (DMN). The DMN, which encompasses several areas of the brain, activates when you are not focusing on your immediate environment. When you are relaxing, daydreaming, reminiscing, or similarly looking inward, the DMN is typically at its most active.

However, an October 2020 study that involved functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) suggests that other factors may also be at play.

“Salvinorin A is unique as a kappa-opioid agonist that has psychedelic-like effects, and this calls into question whether reduced default mode network connectivity is really a specific mechanism of ‘classic’ psychedelic drugs,” neuroscientist Fred Barrett, who coauthored the study, said in an article about his team’s research.

Dangers of Smoking Salvia

Although salvia poses a low risk of addiction, it is important to remember that low risk is not the same as no risk. In other words, while salvia addiction is unlikely, it is not impossible.

Also, people who use this drug may be exposing themselves to other types of damage. For example:

A bad experience with salvia can feel a lot like a psychotic episode. Some experts fear that having one or more so-called bad trips could trigger the onset of long-term mental health problems or worsen the effects of existing mental health challenges.
The perceptual distortions that are central to a salvia high can lead to injuries due to slips, falls, and other accidents. While under the influence of this substance, a person may also be vulnerable to attacks, assaults, and other forms of victimization.
Due to a relative dearth of studies on the long-term effects of salvia, it is impossible to know for certain what types of physical and psychological problems a person may incur after using this drug.

If you feel compelled to use salvia or any other substance, you may need professional addiction treatment. The good news about substance use disorders (addictions) is that they are treatable. When you find the right type of care, you can end your drug use and live a much healthier life in recovery.

Overcome Drug Abuse at Sanctuary Treatment Center

Sanctuary Treatment Center offers a full continuum of care – including detox, residential rehab, and multiple outpatient options – for adults who have become dependent on salvia and other substances.

At our addiction treatment center in Los Angeles, you will work with experienced professionals who can assess the full scope of your needs and develop a customized plan just for you. We understand how addiction affects different people in different ways, and we are committed to providing the personalized services that will help you build a foundation for lifelong recovery.

To learn more about how we can help, please visit our Contact Us page or call us today.

Woman with the alcohol shakes after a night out

Alcohol Shakes: Am I an Alcoholic?

Written by Lara on April 8, 2024. Posted in Alcohol, Alcoholism.

Alcohol shakes can be a sign that a person’s drinking has reached a perilous point. If you have been experiencing this symptom, but you don’t take the appropriate steps to end your alcohol use, you may be exposing yourself to life-threatening consequences.

What are Alcohol Shakes?

Alcohol shakes are one of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that involve twitches and tremors. This shakiness is most common in the arms and hands, though it can also affect other parts of the body as well.

Discussions of alcohol withdrawal typically involve someone who is trying to stop drinking after developing alcohol use disorder (which is the clinical term for alcoholism). Alcohol shakes can definitely be a part of this process, but they aren’t limited to people who are making a concerted effort to end their alcohol use.

The experience that is commonly referred to as a hangover is actually a form of alcohol withdrawal. For people who drink infrequently, common withdrawal symptoms after a night of heavy drinking include headache, nausea, and dehydration. But for someone who has been drinking heavily for an extended period, “the morning after” may also include the alcohol shakes.

In extreme cases, the frequency and severity of alcohol shakes can cause people to start drinking as soon as they wake up, in an attempt to ease their tremors so they can function.

Are the Shakes from Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?

Alcohol shakes don’t necessarily pose a grave danger on their own – but they can be a sign that a person’s alcohol use has progressed to a dangerous point:

If someone has been experiencing alcohol shakes on a regular basis, there is a good chance that their chronic alcohol abuse has also caused other (possibly less obvious) harm. For example, while it is fairly well known that alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease, it is not as widely understood that a person may not exhibit symptoms of this damage until it has reached an irreversible stage.
If a person develops alcohol shakes while trying to quit drinking on their own, the distress caused by their tremors and other withdrawal symptoms can become overwhelming, and push them back into active alcohol abuse.
If a person experiences excessive shakiness while going through withdrawal, this can be a symptom of delirium tremens (which is commonly referred to as the DTs). The DTs are a set of particularly dangerous withdrawal symptoms that, if not treated, can be fatal. This underscores the importance of professional detoxification for people who have severe alcoholism.

Does it Mean I’m an Alcoholic if I Get the Shakes?

Alcohol shakes are not specifically mentioned in the criteria for alcohol use disorder as established in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, the presence of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is one of the criteria in the DSM-5.

Alcohol shakes strongly suggest that a person has become addicted to alcohol. Anyone who develops this symptom may be in crisis, and they should consult with a healthcare provider. An addiction treatment expert or another qualified professional can assess the full scope of their symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options.

How to Stop Alcohol Shakes?

The best ways to stop alcohol shakes are to either quit drinking or dramatically reduce the amount and frequency of your alcohol use.

If you have become addicted to alcohol, quitting drinking can be quite difficult – but it is by no means impossible. When you get the right type of treatment, you can end your alcohol use and develop the skills that will help you achieve successful, long-term recovery.

For many people who have developed alcohol use disorder, the path to recovery begins with detoxification, or detox:

Detox is a short-term program where you can receive both medical and therapeutic support to protect your health and minimize your discomfort while you go through withdrawal.
Detox for alcohol withdrawal typically lasts about five days, though the exact duration of the process can vary depending on a variety of individual factors.
Once you have completed detox, you can transition directly into the next phase of your treatment. This can minimize your risk of immediate relapse and help you establish a strong foothold in early recovery.

After you have completed detox – or if you don’t need this service – your best next step may be inpatient rehab or an outpatient program.

While you are in an inpatient rehab program, you will live at the treatment facility. This gives you access to round-the-clock supervision and support while providing temporary respite from the stresses and distractions of daily life. A typical day in inpatient rehab includes several therapies and support services, along with nutritious meals and time for relaxation and reflection.
At the outpatient level, you will only need to be at the facility while you are receiving treatment. When there are no sessions scheduled, you can return to your home or to a supportive residence. Depending on your needs and the structure of the program, you may even be able to work part-time, take classes, or volunteer in the community while you are in treatment.

Some people complete detox, transfer into inpatient rehab, then step down to an outpatient program for additional support before they transition out of care. Others only spend time in one or two of these programs. There is no “right way” to get help for alcoholism and overcome the alcohol shakes. All that matters is finding the path that’s right for you.

Contact Our Medical Alcohol Detox to Safely Withdraw Today

If alcohol shakes or other withdrawal symptoms have been preventing you from safely quitting drinking, Sanctuary Treatment Center is here for you.

Our full continuum of care includes medical detox, which can help you to rid your body of alcohol safely and with minimal discomfort. Our alcohol addiction treatment center in Los Angeles, California, also offers inpatient rehab and outpatient treatment options, so that you can learn how to live a healthier life, free from the constraints of compulsive alcohol abuse.

To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, visit our Contact Us page or call us today.

Using EMDR for Treating Addiction

Written by Lara on February 28, 2024. Posted in Addiction, EMDR.

EMDR was originally developed to help individuals whose lives had been impacted by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other effects of trauma. In the decades since this approach was introduced, it has also been effectively incorporated into treatment for other mental and behavioral health concerns, such as EMDR for addiction.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR is short for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. As its name suggests, this type of therapy incorporates rapid bilateral (side-to-side) eye movements to help alleviate psychological distress that is associated with certain traumatic memories.

EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. The first controlled study on the effectiveness of this approach was published in 1989, and the first sessions to train other providers were held in 1990.

In its modern form, EMDR is an eight-phase approach:

History and treatment planning – This phase involves a discussion of the patient’s symptoms, so the therapist can determine their suitability for EMDR and identify areas to focus on during later phases.
Preparation – During this phase, the therapist explains the EMDR process to the patient and helps them develop appropriate expectations. This is an important time for establishing a productive alliance between the therapist and the patient.
Assessment – This is when the therapist and patient identify a specific memory to target. This is also the time for the patient to describe the negative emotions and images that result when they recall this memory.
Desensitization – The fourth phase involves the patient’s use of bilateral eye movements or a similar activity while recalling the traumatic memory. This will be repeated until the patient no longer experiences the distress that they identified during the assessment phase.
Installation – During the installation phase, the patient begins to associate a positive emotion with the traumatic memory.
Body scan – Once the positive emotion has been installed, the patient participates in a body scan to ensure that they are no longer experiencing muscle tension or other painful physical effects when they recall the traumatic memory.
Closure – Once the therapist and patient have reached the fourth phase, every session will end with a closure activity. This ensures that the patient is not experiencing overwhelming distress due to the traumatic memory, as it can take several sessions before the desensitization and installation are complete.
Reevaluation – After the therapist and patient reach the desensitization phase, all future sessions will begin with a reevaluation exercise to identify the optimal area to focus on during the new session.

How Does EMDR Treat Addiction?

The eight phases of EMDR have proved to be an effective path for overcoming negative emotions that are linked with particularly distressing memories. But how can these steps benefit someone who is attempting to end their compulsive use of alcohol or another drug?

Many people who develop substance use disorders began abusing alcohol or other drugs as a means of coping with or blocking traumatic memories. Using EMDR for addiction treatment can eliminate the need for this misguided form of self-medication. When a person’s memories are no longer a source of extreme emotional distress, they won’t need substances to elevate their mood or temporarily numb themselves.

EMDR for addiction doesn’t always have to focus on painful memories. For example, this approach can also help people develop healthier ways of responding to memories of pleasurable experiences they had while they were abusing substances. This can prevent these memories from undermining their recovery and pushing them back into active drug abuse.

The potential value of EMDR for addiction underscores the importance of taking a comprehensive, personalized approach to help people end their compulsive substance abuse. EMDR may not be right for every person who receives treatment for addiction – but for some patients, it may be the key to successful, long-term recovery.

Where to Find the Best EMDR Therapy for Treating Addiction?

The effectiveness of EMDR can be significantly influenced by the skill and experience of the therapist who is providing your care. In the case of EMDR for addiction, it is also essential to ensure that this service is incorporated into a comprehensive plan that addresses the full scope of your needs.

These are two of the many reasons why it is so important to evaluate your options and research providers in your area. When you find a provider that seems to be a good fit, don’t be afraid to ask questions about their programs and services, the qualifications of the professionals who will be providing your care, and how they will determine which types of care will be best for you.

For example, at Sanctuary Treatment Center, EMDR is one of several evidence-based, research-supported therapies that we can select from when we are developing a patient’s customized treatment plan. Before you begin to receive care at our center, you will complete a thorough assessment. The information that we gather during this assessment will help us to select the services that are most appropriate for you.

Your assessment will also help us determine which level or levels of care are right for you. Many people who heal at our center begin in our residential program, then step down to our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) for continued support.

As with the services that we include in your treatment plan, all level-of-care decisions will reflect our thorough review of your history, needs, goals, and preferences. We understand that addiction affects different people in different ways, and we are committed to providing you with a truly personalized experience while you are in our care.

Contact Us About EMDR for Addiction

Sanctuary Treatment Center offers a dynamic array of customizable services, including EMDR for addiction, to help people achieve successful, long-term recovery.

To learn more about EMDR for addiction or any other aspect of care at our treatment center in Los Angeles, California, please visit our Contact Us page or call us today. We look forward to answering all your questions and helping you determine if Sanctuary Treatment Center is the ideal place for you or your loved one.

Author: Lara