A woman cries while wondering if Tizanidine is addictive.

Is Tizanidine Addictive?

Tizanidine can be a safe and effective medication when it is used as directed. But before you start to take it, you should ask your doctor about any potential drawbacks, such as: What side effects does it cause? Is tizanidine addictive? Will you go through withdrawal if you stop using it?

What is Tizanidine?

Tizanidine is a prescription medication that can alleviate muscle spasms, muscle tightness, and severe muscle cramping. In addition to being sold as a generic, it is also marketed under the brand names Zanaflex and Ontralfy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tizanidine in 1996 to treat patients who have been experiencing muscle spasticity as a result of:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Stroke

Doctors in the U.S. also prescribe tizanidine on an off-label basis to treat a variety of other concerns, including:

  • Chronic migraines
  • Some types of chronic pain
  • Regional musculoskeletal pain syndromes
  • Treatment-resistant insomnia in patients with quadriplegia 

Tizanidine is typically taken orally in capsule, tablet, or liquid form.

What Does Tizanidine Do?

Tizanidine is classified as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. This means that it interacts with receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) that release certain excitatory neurotransmitters. 

These types of neurotransmitters increase the speed with which messages are delivered throughout the CNS. By preventing their release, tizanidine inhibits the functioning of neurons that trigger muscle movements. 

This neuronal inhibition can cause an easing of spasms, tightness, and cramping.

Can Tizanidine Get You High?

In addition to its antispastic effects, tizanidine can also cause relaxation and sedation. 

For someone who has been experiencing intense pain due to muscle spasms, these effects may lead to an easing of anxiety and an overall improvement in mood. But tizanidine does not typically cause the degree of euphoric disorientation that is commonly associated with the recreational use of opioids, benzodiazepines, and certain other prescription medications. 

Even when a person takes tizanidine as directed by their physician, they can experience a range of adverse effects, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Panic
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Mood swings

This doesn’t mean that no one abuses tizanidine in an attempt to get high. However, given the unpredictability of the drug’s mental health effects, as well as the likelihood of unpleasant results when people misuse it, tizanidine is not a particularly popular recreational drug.

Is Tizanidine Addictive?

Though tizanidine is available only by prescription in the U.S., it is not classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

This signifies that, in the opinion of the U.S. government, tizanidine use is unlikely to lead to abuse and addiction. But even a minuscule risk is not the same as no risk at all.  

So, is tizanidine addictive? It can be.

Compared to the risk posed by opioids and benzodiazepines, tizanidine addiction is rare. Yet it is possible, and people do become dependent on this medication.

Tizanidine Addiction Symptoms

The signs that someone has become trapped by tizanidine’s addictive properties can include:

  • Having strong cravings for the drug
  • Taking tizanidine in a greater amount or for a longer period than directed
  • Exaggerating or lying about physical symptoms in order to get additional prescriptions
  • Acquiring tizanidine illicitly, such as by borrowing or stealing it from someone else or purchasing it from unlicensed online pharmacies
  • Using tizanidine is circumstances that are particularly dangerous, such as by combining it with alcohol and other mind-altering substances
  • Continuing to use tizanidine even after experiencing some type of physical, psychological, or social harm as a result of prior use
  • Developing withdrawal symptoms when they abruptly reduce or end their tizanidine use
  • Wanting to stop using tizanidine, but being unable to quit 

Side Effects of Tizanidine Dependence

In addition to causing the psychological side effects listed earlier in this post, tizanidine use has also been linked with several adverse physical effects, including:

  • Abnormal heart rate
  • Chest pain
  • Respiratory problems
  • Liver damage
  • Blurred vision
  • Discomfort during urination
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Exhaustion 
  • Muscle weakness
  • Unintentional weight gain

When a person becomes dependent on tizanidine, the disruptive impact of their continued compulsive use of the drug can include:

  • Declining performance in school or at work
  • Conflicts with friends, family members, and colleagues
  • Financial problems
  • Legal problems
  • Onset or worsening of mental health concerns

It is also possible to overdose on tizanidine, which can cause symptoms such as:

  • Disorientation
  • Chest pain
  • Slow, shallow, or strained breathing
  • Slowed other otherwise irregular heart rate
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Bluish coloration near lips and fingertips

Anyone who exhibits these types of symptoms after taking tizanidine needs immediate medical attention. If you are with someone who overdoses, call 911 immediately and remain with them until help arrives.

What Happens If I Suddenly Stop Taking Tizanidine?

When you take tizanidine for an extended period, either illicitly or by prescription, your body will begin to adapt to the presence of this drug. Abruptly ending your use of the drug can trigger a variety of withdrawal symptoms as your body attempts to reestablish equilibrium.

Typical signs of tizanidine withdrawal include:

  • Hypertension (elevated blood pressure)
  • Tachycardia (heart rate above 100 beats per minute)
  • Hypertonicity (excessive muscle contractions)
  • Anxiety

It is never advisable to alter or end your use of tizanidine or other prescription medications without first consulting with your doctor. If they agree with your decision to stop using tizanidine, they can set up a schedule to gradually reduce your use over time. 

Tapering in this manner gives your body time to readjust, which minimizes the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms and other problematic effects.

Treatment for Tizanidine Abuse

To be most effective, treatment for tizanidine abuse and addiction should be customized to reflect the full scope of each patient’s unique needs and goals. This includes addressing any medical and mental health concerns as well as their compulsive tizanidine use.

Depending on a range of personal factors, an optimal course of care may include elements such as:

  • Prescription medication
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • EMDR and other trauma-focused therapies
  • Experiential and holistic therapies
  • Psychoeducational sessions

Untreated addictions can have a devastating impact on virtually every part of a person’s life. But when someone gets the right type of treatment from a reputable provider, they can end their drug use and begin to build a much healthier life in recovery.

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center for Help

Sanctuary Treatment Center offers comprehensive, personalized treatment for adults who have become addicted to tizanidine and other drugs. 

In addition, programming options at our addiction treatment center in Los Angeles, California, include detoxification (detox), inpatient rehab, outpatient care, and aftercare planning services. Moreover, our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to identify the therapies and interventions that best align with your specific needs, goals, and expectations.

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

Published: 6/13/2025

Holistic Addiction Treatment

Understanding Holistic Addiction Treatment

Many treatment centers incorporate holistic practices into their programming, but there is considerable misunderstanding among the general public about what this term means. What is holistic addiction treatment, and do its benefits outweigh its potential drawbacks?

What Is Holistic Addiction Treatment?

Holistic addiction treatment is an integrative approach that is designed to help patients heal in mind, body, and spirit. 

Holistic programming doesn’t focus solely on the symptoms that prompted a patient to seek treatment. Instead, it treats the whole person. This approach often complements standard medical and therapeutic care. It also includes alternative, experiential services—many rooted in traditional Eastern practices.

Types Of Holistic Addiction Therapies

The term “holistic addiction treatment” describes an overall approach, not a specific type of treatment or set of activities. However, centers that embrace a holistic approach typically offer services such as:

  • Mindfulness 
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Tai chi
  • Reiki
  • Acupuncture
  • Breathwork
  • Nutrition education
  • Art therapy
  • Dance therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Recreational therapy
  • Spiritual practices

In addition to promoting recovery from addiction, a holistic approach can also introduce patients to activities that they can continue to practice after they have transitioned out of treatment.

Is Holistic Addiction Treatment Effective for Substance Abuse Treatment?

No single technique or approach works for everyone who has developed a substance use disorder (which is the clinical term for addiction). 

The effectiveness of any type of treatment can be influenced by a range of factors, including the patient’s age and gender, their personal history, the severity of their symptoms, if they have previously been in treatment, and if they have any co-occurring medical or mental health concerns. 

With these caveats in mind, holistic addiction treatment has proved to be effective at helping people end their drug use and begin to build a healthier life in recovery. 

In addition to anecdotal reports, several research studies have shown the effectiveness of holistic treatment. This approach may improve outcomes for people addicted to alcohol and other drugs.

  • An April 2020 article about research on holistic treatment from the University of Illinois reported that, “interventions that take a multidimensional approach – tackling the biological, social, environmental and mental health obstacles to overcome while also addressing a person’s substance use – work best for those hoping to stop using drugs.”
  • A February 2022 study in the journal JAMA Internal medicine found that participants in an eight-week mindfulness-based program experienced a greater decrease in opioid misuse and pain severity than did participants who took part in eight weeks of traditional group therapy.
  • A March 2024 study in the Journal of Holistic Nursing concluded that “A holistic rehabilitation program improves the quality of life of drug abusers.”

Holistic Addiction Treatment Options

Regardless of whether a center offers standard or holistic services, personalization is one of the most important characteristics of quality addiction treatment. 

Each patient who enters rehab brings a unique set of needs, expectations, and experiences with them. To prepare these individuals for successful recovery, a provider must be able to customized their services based on what’s best for each person.

For centers that follow a holistic approach, treatment options may include:

  • Detoxification (detox) for patients who need additional help to get through withdrawal
  • Multiple levels of care, including both inpatient and outpatient programs
  • Varying lengths of stay based on each patient’s progress and continued need
  • A dynamic combination of traditional and alternative therapies and support services
  • Discharge planning services and aftercare support to help patients build on the progress they make while they are in treatment.

Benefits of Holistic Addiction Treatment

The specific benefits that a person receives from their experience in a holistic addiction treatment program will, of course, vary according to their unique history, needs, and goals. In general, though, the advantages of a holistic approach is that it can help patients to: 

  • Understand the physical, psychological, and social components of addiction and recovery
  • Adopt beneficial lifestyle habits such as following a nutritious diet plan and exercising regularly, which can be vital for maintaining health, managing symptoms, and remaining in recovery
  • Develop healthy techniques for managing stress and dealing with setbacks without resorting to substance use or engaging in other maladaptive behaviors
  • Discover and hone their innate skills and talents, which can boost their self-confidence and enhance their self-esteem 
  • Find positive and productive ways to fill the time that they previous devoted to using alcohol or other drugs

Disadvantages of the Holistic Treatment Program

As noted earlier, no type of treatment is ideal for everyone. And no type of treatment comes without drawbacks. 

Potential disadvantages of holistic treatment include:

  • Centers that overemphasize on alternative therapies and lifestyle changes may not adequately address mental health concerns that require evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
  • Hesitance among patients to participate in unfamiliar activities such as acupuncture or reiki can prevent them from gaining the full benefit of their time in treatment.
  • Providers of many holistic services are often not required to meet the strict certification and licensure requirements that govern psychiatrists, therapist, and other clinicians.
  • Many aspects of holistic treatment have not been researched as rigorously as standard elements of care such as prescription medications and psychotherapies.
  • Insurance may not cover some services, which can increase out-of-pocket costs for patients and their families.

What a Holistic Recovery for Addiction Should Look Like

While holistic addiction recovery can look different from one person to the next, common features should include:

  • A welcoming environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported
  • Experienced, compassionate professionals who encourage patients to play an active role in all aspects of their care
  • Thorough intake assessments to identify the full scope of each patient’s needs
  • Personalized treatment plans that reflect the information gathered during the patients’ intake assessments
  • Ongoing evaluation of patients’ progress and the flexibility to adapt their treatment plans as needed
  • Dual diagnosis programming for patients who have anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Activities to address physical health, psychological strength, and spiritual well-being
  • Opportunities for participants to share support with others who have experienced similar challenges and who are working toward a common goal
  • An unwavering commitment to the safety of all patients, staff, and visitors

Visit Our Sanctuary Treatment Center for Holistic Recovery

Sanctuary Treatment Center is a trusted provider of holistic recovery services. We help adults whose lives have been affected by addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns.

Our detox and rehab facility in Los Angeles, CA, offers an intimate and comfortable setting. Patients collaborate closely with a team of experienced and compassionate professionals. Together, we can help you end your substance use and find your path toward a healthier future in recovery. Moreover, to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Contact page or call us today.

Published: 5/19/2025

The Dangers of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Abuse

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Abuse

Nitrous oxide is a sedative used by health professionals and the food service industry. When used in medical settings, it blocks pain receptors in the central nervous system and causes patients to relax. In the food service industry, it is used to rapidly pickle vegetables, for craft cocktails, in whipped cream, and to infuse oils with flavors.  However, due to its effects, some people misuse this colorless, non-flammable gas. Regular abuse of nitrous oxide can lead to dependence and addiction. 

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting gas with a sweet smell and taste. It is called laughing gas because of some of its effects. While it is a sedative and central nervous system depressant, it is also considered a dissociative drug. Dissociative drugs can make people feel detached or separated from their bodies or experience hallucinations. 

It is one of the most widely used sedatives in the healthcare industry due to its fast-acting effects, which last only a short time. Dentists and doctors use it to help sedate people for minor procedures that require only a short time to complete. 

Why Do People Abuse Nitrous Oxide?

People abuse nitrous oxide due to the effects they experience when inhaling the gas. These effects include:

  • Euphoria
  • Calmness
  • Relaxation
  • Happy
  • Giggly
  • Light-headed
  • Heaviness
  • Dizziness
  • Tingling sensations in the arms and legs

Is Nitrous Oxide Addictive?

Nitrous oxide is a highly addictive substance, and regular use will lead to addiction. The brain remembers the pleasurable effects experienced while under the effects of laughing gas. So, it develops a craving for the substance and encourages future use. If someone continues to give in to their cravings and continues to use nitrous oxide, they will eventually become dependent on it. 

As they do, they will also experience tolerance to the substance, where they will have to use higher amounts of the gas to achieve the desired effects. Eventually, they may become addicted to the gas and struggle to function without its effects.

Side Effects of Inhaling Nitrous Oxide

Usually, people inhale nitrous oxide from a balloon that is filled with the gas from a capsule or large cylinders. Inhaling the gas directly from a capsule or large cylinder can cause serious damage to the lungs. Other potential short-term side effects people can experience include:

  • Headaches
  • Agitation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fainting
  • Nere damage
  • Heart attack
  • Hypoxia

Long-term nitrous oxide abuse can cause these side effects:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Memory loss/blackouts
  • Numbness
  • Weakened immune system
  • Muscle spasms
  • Psychosis
  • Hallucinations
  • Tinnitus

How Long Does Laughing Gas Last?

The effects of laughing gas usually begin to be felt within two to three minutes of inhaling it. When used in a medical setting, the effects last for however long the person is administered the gas. Once a person stops inhaling the gas, the body clears nitrous oxide within five to ten minutes, restoring a normal feeling. All effects typically wear off in about half an hour. 

Recreational use of nitrous oxide affects the duration of its effects based on the dosage. A small dose may last between five and ten minutes. However, inhaling multiple doses or a large dosage could result in effects lasting between 30 and 45 minutes. 

What Are the Risks of Using Nitrous Oxide Recreationally?

Using nitrous oxide recreationally and regularly does have its risks. Frequent or excessive use of the gas can cause low oxygen levels, which can cause dizziness initially. As oxygen levels drop lower, it can cause unconsciousness and, in extreme cases, respiratory failure and death. 

Another risk associated with the regular use of laughing gas is nerve damage. The substance depletes vitamin B12, which is responsible for red blood cell production, nervous system functions, and immune system support. As the vitamin depletes, it causes tingling sensations in the arms and legs. Some might view this as pleasurable, but it can lead to long-term neurological damage. 

There are also psychological risks of abusing nitrous oxide. The gas causes changes in the brain and central nervous system, causing the body to become reliant on it. When someone attempts to cut down or stop using the gas, the body goes into withdrawal as it attempts to function without the gas. 

Additionally, those addicted to nitrous oxide can engage in risky behaviors and impaired decision-making. Some people will inhale any substance from non-medical containers, believing it is nitrous oxide. Doing so not only increases the risk of lung damage but also exposure to other substances, chemicals, and contaminants, which could cause serious health problems, accidental overdose, or even death. For example, Someone could add a small amount of fentanyl to a balloon before filling it with nitrous oxide.

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center for Help With Addiction

Are you struggling with nitrous oxide addiction and want help to quit safely? Reaching out for help is the start of your recovery journey. At Sanctuary Treatment Center, our caring and compassionate team is here to support and guide you as you overcome your substance addiction. We provide comprehensive, evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to start your path to a brighter, nitrous oxide-free future.

Published: 3/27/2025

Man Struggling with Addiction Parts of the Brain While Drinking Alcohol

Addiction Parts of the Brain

Addiction parts of the brain refer to the different areas in the brain that are altered and affected when someone has a substance use disorder. Alcohol and drugs alter how the brain functions and reinforce continuing to use the substance of choice. Learning more about these areas of the brain and how addiction affects them can provide encouragement and motivation for people to seek help and start their recovery journey to a brighter, substance-free future. 

Parts of the Brain Involved in Addiction

Several different parts of the brain are involved in addiction. Each of these areas uses neurons, which are chemical messengers, to send messages to other areas of the brain and throughout the body. They work together to complete various tasks, process information, solve problems, and provide feedback about emotions and feelings. 

The two main parts of the brain affected by addiction are the reward center and the stress center. In the reward center, the body naturally releases dopamine and serotonin, which are “feel good” neurons when we do something rewarding and enjoyable or exercise. 

Cortisone is released by the stress center when we feel threatened or in danger to trigger the body’s “flight or fight” response. When alcohol and other substances are introduced into the body, they alter how neurons function and the release of dopamine, serotonin, and cortisone. 

Many substances force the brain to increase the release of reward center neurons that flood the brain and result in pleasurable feelings and euphoria. When the effects of these substances begin to wear off, they trigger a release of cortisone, which is tied to experiencing negative withdrawal symptoms. 

Because the body dislikes the negative symptoms, the reward system encourages continued substance use through cravings. Cravings are a powerful urge to keep taking the substance in order to avoid the negative withdrawal symptoms. As a result, the body becomes addicted to the substance of choice. 

How Addiction Affects Brain Function

Substance use disorders affect addiction in parts of the brain responsible for different brain functions. The three primary regions of the brain that are impacted include:

Prefrontal Cortex: 

This brain region helps people reason, think, solve problems, and plan. It also helps people avoid making impulsive decisions or engaging in risky behaviors. When substances are introduced to this brain region, it slows cognitive functioning. As a result, people are more likely to act impulsively and take risks they would normally not.  

Basal Ganglia: 

This brain region is associated with motivation, enjoyment, and pleasure. It is also responsible for helping people make healthy choices, like eating a balanced diet or exercising daily. When the basal ganglia is functioning normally, it will naturally release a small amount of dopamine or serotonin, improving our moods and making us feel good. 

When substances are used, it forces the release of dopamine and serotonin at much higher levels. This causes a rush of pleasure and euphoria, which most people refer to as a “substance high.” The more the substance is used, the more this brain region associates substance use with pleasure.

Eventually, people can no longer feel any type of pleasure or enjoyment without using the substance because the natural stores of the neurons have been depleted. However, when they use the substance, it still forces the body to release the neurons. 

Another aspect of addiction in this part of the brain is tolerance. The more a substance is used, the more the brain adjusts to it. As it does, the euphoric and pleasurable feelings are no longer experienced without increasing the amount of the substance used. Every time there is an increase, the euphoria will be short-lived until the body becomes even more tolerant of the substance, further reinforcing addiction. 

Extended Amygdala:

This brain region is associated with stress, worry, and anxiety. It is related to addiction through the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms people experience when their substance of choice wears off. With continued substance use, the sensitivity of this brain region increases, resulting in even more intense and severe withdrawal symptoms. 

Another aspect of the extended amygdala related to addiction is the development of co-occurring mental health disorders. Some people can develop depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues from prolonged substance use. 

Recovery and the Brain

The brain is very resilient and can repair most damage caused by substance use disorders. The extent to which it is able to recover is influenced by:

  • The age of the person
  • Their overall health
  • The type of substance that was used
  • The amount taken
  • The duration they took the substance

Once the substance has been removed from the body through medically supervised detox, the brain goes to work to return to pre-substance use functioning. It does this through a process called neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to build new brain cells and neural pathways to grow, modify, and restore functioning.

However, it takes time for addiction in parts of the brain to heal. Initially, it will work on restoring the natural stores of depleted neurons. This is why some people experience psychological withdrawal symptoms for several months or longer after detox. Once these levels are restored, the brain starts rebuilding and repairing damages in the prefrontal cortex. 

To help improve healing and recovery not just for the brain but the body as well, some important holistic practices people can do are:

  • Exercise daily 
  • Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet
  • Get sufficient sleep
  • Meditate and practice mindfulness 

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center for Help

When searching for help to overcome addiction, you can count on Sanctuary Treatment Center in Los Angeles. Our caring and supportive team provides comprehensive treatment services tailored to your specific needs and objectives. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized treatment options for healing and recovery from addiction in parts of the brain or to start the admissions process.  

Published: 1/27/2025

Man who is in early recovery from addiction is experiencing the pink cloud

Understanding the Pink Cloud

You know that the challenges of successful recovery include getting through detox, making essential lifestyle changes, and developing vital relapse-prevention skills. But has anyone told you that you might also be impacted by something called the pink cloud?

What Is the Pink Cloud?

The pink cloud refers to a temporary period of supreme confidence and elevated mood that some people experience after completing withdrawal.

Other terms for this phenomenon include the honeymoon phase of recovery, pink clouding, and pink cloud syndrome.

Discussions of early recovery often focus on the pain of withdrawal and the frustrations of trying to adopt a drug-free lifestyle. These are legitimate concerns, but they don’t encompass the full scope of emotions that people can feel after finally ridding their body of alcohol or other addictive substances.

For some people, these emotions can include a dramatic resurgence of hope and possibility, a sense of pride in making it through withdrawal, and a renewed belief in their ability to achieve a healthier and more promising future. 

Individuals who develop these or similarly positive feelings are said to be in the pink cloud. Though this experience isn’t permanent, it can be a significant step (and also pose a substantial obstacle) for those who are working to achieve long-term recovery from addiction.

How to Recognize the Pink Cloud

You won’t find an entry for a pink cloud recovery stage in the withdrawal sections of the DSM-5. So there’s no universally agreed-upon set of criteria for what this phase consists of. But generally speaking, someone who is pink clouding may exhibit signs such as:

  • They seem to be especially happy, even to the point of euphoria.
  • They are committed to making the lifestyle changes that will support their continued recovery.
  • They are confident that they’ll be able to maintain their sobriety.
  • They believe that their recovery journey won’t be as difficult as they once feared.
  • They’re focused on the progress they are making, but ignoring potential threats that could undermine this progress.

There’s nothing wrong with having a positive outlook, especially when you’re trying to accomplish something as arduous as ending your compulsive substance use. However, as we’ll elaborate on in the next section, optimism that doesn’t acknowledge reality can cause a range of problems

The Pink Cloud Effect: Benefits and Challenges

Being able to find moments of joy during particularly dark or difficult days can keep you going when your motivation is lacking and your urges are kicking in again. One of the many important lessons you can learn in an addiction treatment program is how to prevent despair from pushing you back into active substance use or other self-defeating behaviors.

But when you’re looking on the bright side, it’s important not to forget that the darkness still exists. 

Keeping with the color-coded theme of today’s post, it could be said that people in the pink cloud are looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. Ignoring hardships or setbacks doesn’t make them go away. It only delays your inevitable reckoning with them. Additionally, it gives them time to become an even greater threat to your well-being.

How Long Does the Pink Cloud Last?

There’s no set timeline for how long a person’s time in the pink cloud sobriety stage will last. For some people, it’s a few weeks. For others, it can be months. And of course it’s also important to remember that many people don’t go through this phase at all.

What just about everyone can agree on, though, is that pink cloud syndrome is not permanent. And when your time in the cloud comes to an end, your continued successful recovery can hinge on how well you respond.

What to Do When the Pink Cloud Goes Away

If you’ve been pink clouding, the end of this experience can be the first significant roadblock in your recovery. Here are a few tips for how to get over this obstacle without undermining the work you’ve put in:

  • Remain positive: The end of the pink cloud recovery phase doesn’t mean the positive thoughts you’d been having are now null and void. It simply means that you’ll begin to realize that the process isn’t as easy as you momentarily believed. Don’t think of this as an either/or situation. You can acknowledge difficulties while remaining optimistic.
  • Stay connected: Reach out to the members of your personal support network. Isolation can be a breeding ground for negative emotions. This can threaten to push you back into active substance use again. Keeping in touch with people who care about you can prevent this type of backslide. 
  • Practice self-care: Continue to follow a healthy diet plan, incorporate physical activity into your daily schedule, and get an appropriate amount of sleep. Efforts to maintain your physical strength can also do wonders for your emotional stability. 
  • Write in your journal: Journaling can be a great way to acknowledge difficulties without reacting in a negative or self-defeating manner. Writing about what you’re going through also forces you to consider your experiences from a slightly different perspective, which can help you respond more intentionally and thoughtfully.
  • Set small, achievable goals: There’s a reason why “one day at a time” remains such a significant mantra within the recovery community. Focus on what you can accomplish in the next few hours or days. Small wins add up to substantial victories. 

Perhaps most important of all, don’t rule out a return to treatment. Getting additional professional help can prevent a minor setback from becoming a major threat to your health and your recovery.

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center for Help

Sanctuary Treatment Center is a trusted source of personalized care for adults who have become addicted to alcohol and other drugs. We offer in-house detox, residential rehab, and outpatient programming in a beautiful Los Angeles residence.

Whether you’re seeking treatment for the first time or returning for a “tune up,” our team will work closely with you to identify the full scope of your needs and help you set meaningful goals. Then we’ll develop a customized plan that can put you on the path toward a much healthier future.

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

Published: 12/06/2024

About sleeping pill addiction

Sleeping Pill Addiction: Dangers

When they are used as directed for a limited time, sleeping pills can be both safe and effective. But misusing or abusing these drugs can lead to a variety of problems, including sleeping pill addiction.

Are Sleeping Pills Addictive?

The term sleeping pills can refer to variety of prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements. For the purposes of today’s post, we’re going to focus on prescription sleeping pills, a category that includes:

To answer the question at the top of this section, yes, sleeping pills can be addictive. A person’s risk of developing sleeping pill addiction can be influenced several factors, including:

  • Which type of sleeping pill they have been taking
  • How long they’ve been using the medication
  • How much they usually take in order to get to sleep
  • If they also abuse sleeping pills for recreational purposes
  • If they have also been abusing alcohol or other drugs

The Signs & Symptoms of Sleeping Pill Addiction

Someone who has developed a sleeping pill addiction may have symptoms such as:

  • Frequently taking larger doses of sleeping pills than they intended
  • Experiencing strong cravings for sleeping pills
  • Becoming agitated or irritated when they can’t use sleeping pills
  • Continuing to use sleeping pills even after incurring harm as a result of previous use
  • Using sleeping pills in ways that are clearly dangerous, such as by taking them in combination with alcohol or other drugs
  • Missing school or work, or failing to meet other obligations, as a result of their sleeping pill use
  • Lying to family and friends about the frequency and amount of their sleeping pill use
  • Exaggerating their symptoms or visiting different doctors in order to get additional prescriptions 
  • Trying to borrow, buy, or steal sleeping pills that weren’t prescribed to them
  • Wanting to end their use of sleeping pills, but being unable to do so

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like these, or if someone that you care about has been exhibiting signs of sleeping pill addiction, the best first step is to schedule an evaluation with a doctor or an addiction treatment specialist.

Being evaluated and getting a diagnosis can be essential steps toward finding the treatment that’s right for you or your loved one.

Dangers of Sleeping Pill Abuse and Addiction

Untreated sleeping pill addition can have a negative impact on virtually every part of a person’s life. As with the risk of addiction, the potential dangers can vary depending on a variety of personal factors, including which type of sleeping pill a person has been using.

In general, though, compulsive sleeping pill abuse can lead to:

  • Conflicts with loved ones
  • Injuries due to impaired coordination and judgement
  • Automobile accidents
  • Decline in performance at work or in school
  • Legal problems, especially if a person illicitly acquires the drugs
  • Diminished cognition, including memory problems
  • Onset or escalation of co-occurring mental health concerns
  • Overdose

The danger of overdose may be greatest among people who use benzodiazepines as sleeping pills, especially if they combine them with alcohol or opioids.

Signs of a sleeping pill overdose can include:

  • Profound confusion or disorientation
  • Slow or faint pulse
  • Extremely shallow or slow breathing
  • Inability to be awakened
  • Skin that is cool or clammy to the touch
  • Blue coloration near lips and/or fingertips

If you are with someone who is showing signs of sleeping pill overdose, call 911 immediately. Once you’ve called 911:

  • If the person is awake, help them into a sitting position
  • If they are unconscious, roll them onto their side to minimize risk of choking if they vomit
  • Cover them with a blanket or coat
  • Stay with them until the emergency first responders have arrived
  • Be prepared to tell the responders as much as you can about what medication the person took, how much they ingested, and if they had also been using other drugs

Do NOT try to wake the person up by slapping them, putting them under a cold shower, or forcing them to drink coffee. None of these actions can counteract the effects of the sleeping pills, but they could expose the person to additional harm.

Is There Treatment for Sleeping Pill Addiction?

Sleeping pill addiction can clearly be quite dangerous, but there is piece of good news about this condition: It can be treated.

When you get the right type of care, you can free yourself from the grip of compulsive sleeping pill abuse. Depending on how you have been affected by your addiction to sleeping pills, you may be best served by spending time in one or more of the following programs:

Detoxification, or detox, is a short-term program that may be necessary if you develop intense withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using sleeping pills. While you’re in detox, you will be cared for by professionals who can safeguard your health and help you manage your discomfort.

While you’re in a residential or outpatient program, your treatment team can help you:

  • Understand the issues and concerns that may have led to your sleeping pill abuse and addiction
  • Develop relaxation skills and habits that promote healthy sleep patterns without relying on medication
  • Address any co-occurring mental health concerns that may have contributed to or been intensified by your sleeping pill abuse
  • Put together an effective personal support network
  • Begin to repair any harm that you incurred as a result of your dependence on sleeping pills
  • Share support with others who are working toward a similar goal
  • Connect with the community-based resources that can assist you after you have transitioned out of treatment

Contact Sanctuary to Start Treating Sleeping Pill Addiction Today

If you aren’t able to control your use of sleeping pills or other prescription medications, Sanctuary Treatment Center is here to help.

Our detox and rehab center in Los Angeles, California, is a safe and welcoming place where experienced professionals offer personalized care for addictions and co-occurring mental health disorders. With our assistance and a concerted effort on your part, you can stop abusing sleeping pills and build a foundation for lifelong recovery.

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

Learn how long it takes to rewire the brain from addiction

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

The brain has a remarkable ability to repair itself after being damaged by drug abuse, but this process can take time. Therefore, 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, often called “rewiring” the brain, includes 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. Many factors can influence the duration of this process, including:

  • 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

Consequently, 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. 

As a result, these substances alter message delivery in the central nervous system (CNS), affecting mood, thoughts, feelings, memory, learning capacity, and environmental perception.

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

  • Alcohol: Wernicke-Korsakoff (WK) syndrome is a severe type of alcohol-related brain damage. 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 handles functions like 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.

Facts about kratom withdrawal and addiction

Kratom 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.

Why do people smoke salvia

Smoking Salvia: Effects & Dangers

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?

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 people differently, and we commit to providing personalized services that 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.

EMDR for addiction

Using EMDR for Treating Addiction

EMDR was originally developed to help individuals affected by PTSD and trauma. Over the decades, it has also been effectively used to treat other mental and behavioral health concerns, including addiction.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

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

EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. The first controlled study on this approach was published in 1989, and training sessions for other providers began in 1990.

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

  1. History and treatment planning – This phase involves discussing symptoms to assess suitability for EMDR and identify focus areas for later.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Installation – During the installation phase, the patient begins to associate a positive emotion with the traumatic memory.
  6. Body scan – After installing the positive emotion, the patient checks for muscle tension or pain when recalling the traumatic memory.
  7. Closure – Once the therapist and patient have reached the fourth phase, every session will end with a closure activity. This prevents overwhelming distress from the traumatic memory, as desensitization and installation can take several sessions.
  8. Reevaluation – Each future session will start with a reevaluation to determine the best focus.

How Does EMDR Treat Addiction?

The eight phases of EMDR have proven effective in overcoming negative emotions associated with 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 responses to memories of pleasurable experiences from substance abuse. This can prevent these memories from undermining their recovery and pushing them back into active drug abuse.

The potential value of EMDR for addiction highlights the need for a comprehensive, personalized approach to ending compulsive substance abuse. While it may not suit everyone, for some, it could be crucial for successful, long-term recovery.

Where to Find the Best EMDR Therapy for Treating Addiction? 

The effectiveness of EMDR depends greatly on the skill and experience of the therapist. For addiction, it’s crucial to integrate EMDR into a comprehensive plan that addresses all your needs.

These are reasons to evaluate your options and research local providers. When you find a good fit, ask about their programs, qualifications, and how they will determine the best care for you.

At Sanctuary Treatment Center, EMDR is one of several evidence-based therapies we may include in a patient’s 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 start in our residential program and then move to our PHP and IOP for ongoing support.

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 our care in Los Angeles, please visit our Contact Us page or call us today. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you decide if Sanctuary Treatment Center is the right fit for you or your loved one

We Take Insurance!

Sanctuary Treatment Center accepts most private PPO insurance plans, as well as some private HMO plans. Through private insurance plans, individuals and families can access high quality addiction treatment services. If you have questions regarding insurances, please give us a call.

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License: #190042AP Expiration: 02/28/2026

Additional License: #190042BP Expiration: 04/30/2025 #190042CP Expiration: 07/31/2025

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