Category: Addiction

Moderation in Drugs: A Dangerous Road or Logical Harm Reduction?

Is moderation in drugs or alcohol even feasible if you have an addiction? It’s controversial, and the topic leaves people sharply divided. Most drug addiction treatment programs subscribe to the modality of total abstinence, meaning they abstain from all use of drugs and alcohol. The belief is that if you have addiction in your genes you are powerless against it, and unless you remain completely sober, you will eventually succumb to your addictive behavior.

Total abstinence may be the best chance to prevent relapses for a person with a history of drug abuse, or alcohol abuse, but some people don’t like to subscribe to the idea that they are powerless. You may feel like a slave to your addiction, or like you will always be “an addict” if you can’t control yourself to have a drink occasionally in appropriate circumstances; some of these people may try to exercise restraint and practice moderation.

Moderation in drugs is a skill that involves great discipline, knowing when it’s okay to use, and knowing when to stop. Most people who struggle with addiction lack these skills, and for this reason, substance abuse treatment centers generally avoid this thinking and tell you to focus on long-term sobriety.

Understanding Addiction Recovery

Before you can delve into moderation in drugs when someone is technically in addiction recovery, it’s important to understand how addiction works.

Addiction is a disease affecting the brain, body, and behavior. When someone first uses a substance, that’s ultimately a choice. Then, their brain develops a tolerance to the drug, affecting their brain’s reward centers.
When your brain feels like something is creating positive or pleasurable effects, it may compel you to keep seeking it out. That compulsion can develop into an addiction. Compulsive substance use of addiction is characterized by continued use, even when there are harmful consequences.
There are changes in the brain structure that cause intense cravings, changes in personality, alterations in movement, and other effects. Researchers have done brain imaging studies and found that the parts of the brain related to decision-making, learning, judgment, memory, and behavioral control are all affected by substance use.
The complexity of addiction as a psychological and medical condition highlights some of the reasons why it can be dangerous to consider moderation in drugs or alcohol if you’re in addiction recovery.
The majority of people who use drugs or alcohol don’t become addicted. However, some people are predisposed to addiction for one or more reasons, or their brain responds to the stimuli of drugs and alcohol differently. Someone with an actual addiction can have a triggered brain response, even when they think they’re using moderation or when that’s the plan.

Some of the same symptoms medical professionals use to diagnose addiction address this topic. For example, one of the symptoms of addiction is using more of a substance than intended or being unable to stop using drugs or alcohol even when you try or want to. That lack of control and compulsive substance use makes moderation difficult if not impossible for many people with a substance use disorder.

Comparing Moderation in Drugs and Abstinence

Abstinence is a concept in addiction recovery where you avoid all substances. There is no gray area.
Moderation requires self-discipline and control, and you theoretically could practice moderation in drugs or drinking, meaning that you limit yourself.

There’s a term called Moderation Management or MM that may be interesting to some people. Moderation management is an approach that offers an alternative to the abstinence of 12-Step programs. Moderation management teaches problem drinkers more responsible habits so that their drinking doesn’t become compulsive. Moderation can work, possibly, but not for everyone. It typically won’t work for someone with a full-blown addiction. Instead, it might be a good option for someone whose use of drugs or alcohol is problematic and who wants to make a change without being abstinent.

Demi Lovato recently coined a phrase that garnered a lot of attention— “California sober.” After a nearly fatal overdose, many were surprised to hear her refer to herself with this term because there’s a pretty common opinion that sobriety has to be all or nothing. California sober can mean different things to different people, but the general idea is that someone in recovery might still drink occasionally or only use “soft drugs” like marijuana.

In some cases, controlled drinking or moderation in drugs is utilized to get to complete abstinence. This controlled drinking or drug use can be beneficial for someone resistant to the idea of treatment initially.

What About Using a Substance to Treat An Addiction To Another?

Sometimes, in addiction recovery, one substance is used to treat another substance addiction.

For example, opioid addiction often uses prescription medications, that are explicitly approved to treat opioid use disorder (such as methadone, naloxone, and buprenorphine) to ease the dependence off of the opioid addiction
With alcohol, someone might use naltrexone or disulfiram to treat withdrawal symptoms
Nicotine addiction uses drugs like bupropion that can help with cravings

These medications can help reduce cravings and restore normal brain function. Some medication-assisted treatments also block the effects of substances on the brain and body.

This area of addiction treatment is controversial; the idea is somewhat in line with harm reduction principles. The ultimate goal of using medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is typically to help the person get off all substances, although it might be gradual.

Are There Benefits to Moderation?

For some people, there are genuine benefits to a moderation approach. It can be intimidating and overwhelming to stop drinking or using drugs suddenly; moderation may make quitting seem more manageable. Also, going back to the idea of harm reduction, any steps that a person can take to lower the risks and harms associated with substance use is a positive thing.

We’re learning more about the fact that not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol has an addiction, and there are many types of problems that exist on a spectrum. For some, that can mean that full-fledged abstinence isn’t needed.

Moderation vs. “True Addiction”

Recognizing the differences in problem substance use and addiction is very important when discussing the concept of moderation. Someone with a less severe problem may shy away from taking steps to help themselves because they fear abstinence. On the other hand, moderation is probably not a viable option for someone with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, and it may be dangerous.

There is something that tends to happen when someone completes treatment. They may begin to think they can exercise moderation in drugs or alcohol, leading to relapse. There’s a false sense of security or comfort, and that slippery slope quickly appears. With that in mind, someone who is most likely to benefit from moderation or be successful at a moderation approach could include:

A person with a shorter history of substance use
Someone without physical dependence on substances
An individual not experiencing severe life problems as a result of substances
A person without co-occurring medical or psychiatric problems

On the other hand, abstinence is likely a better choice if:

You’ve been diagnosed with a substance use disorder
You lose control when you use substances
You become violent or aggressive
There have been legal issues resulting from substance use
You have a mental health disorder made worse by drinking

The benefits of abstinence over moderation include:

Abstinence is the safest option. There’s no safe level of drug or alcohol use that eliminates all harm.
You can take on a new perspective with abstinence and see the actual effects of substances on your life and what it’s like to live without them.
You can learn how to control your emotions and process them without relying on substances.
You may discover voids in your life that you were filling with drugs or alcohol.

So, with all that being said, is moderation in drugs or alcohol an option in addiction recovery? For people who have a genuine, diagnosable addiction, moderation is probably not an option. For someone like Demi Lovato, who experienced a near-death overdose, the concept of “California sober” may be a hazardous one.

Whether you’re completely sober or plan on practicing moderation Anchored Tides Recovery can help equip you with the aftercare resources you need to be successful in your recovery goals, contact us today for more information.

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Screen Addiction and Substance Abuse

Screen addiction and substance abuse are two things that are growing increasingly prevalent independently of one another. Sometimes, they also develop together, or one might come before the other. Many of the underlying factors that contribute to screen addiction also play a role in substance abuse.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in both screen addiction cases and substance abuse as well, highlighting the importance of discussing both right now.

What is Screen Addiction?

Screen addiction isn’t an addiction to the screen itself. Instead, it’s usually an addiction to social media, certain apps, video games, or mobile device dependence. Younger people, including children, are especially susceptible to screen addiction, which research shows can lead to changes in the structure of their brains. Screen addiction can impact long term neural development, which is one risk factor for a screen dependency disorder.

Some of the signs of screen addiction, especially in kids and teens, can include:

There’s no control over screen use. You may notice this in your child, your partner, or even yourself. You or your child or loved one might try to stop using a device and find that they’re not able to stop for an extended period.
With a screen addiction, there may be a loss of interest in other activities. For example, someone could stop spending time with friends to use their device instead or play a game.
Thoughts are preoccupied with a game, social media, or a smartphone, even when it’s not being used.
Screen use contributes to problems in relationships and conflict.

How Does Screen Time Change the Brain?

There was a study done by the National Institutes of Health in 2018 that found that children younger than 11 who spent more than two hours a day on screen activities scored lower on thinking and language tests. Children who had more than seven hours of time in front of a screen day had thinning in the frontal cortex of their brain. This is the part of the brain related to reasoning and critical thinking.

While more research needs to be done, this could show that the effects of screen time can change the brain in pretty profound ways by narrowing the focus.

Children can develop tunnel vision rather than experiencing a varied environment and different experiences, which impedes their development. Children who spend a lot of time on screens may have slow social and language development, and they may develop problems with attention and focus.

Understanding Behavioral Addictions

Screen addiction can fall into the larger category of behavioral addictions. Behavioral addiction is also called process addiction.

A process addiction can include video games and screen time, sex, exercise, eating, gambling or shopping.

There is debate as to whether or not “process addiction” should be classified in the same way as substance addiction, although we are increasingly finding similarities.
With both process and substance addictions, a person continues to engage in harmful or damaging activities, even with the negative consequences they create.
Studies have shown changes in the neural pathway of the reward system in the brain that are similar to behavioral and substance addictions. For example, if someone is addicted to social media and gets likes or comments, they might have a rush of dopamine that is the same as what someone addicted to drugs gets.
When the behavior becomes an addiction, the person is entirely focused on getting that dopamine rush again and again by doing the same activities. Once something reaches this point, it’s often destructive to relationships and every area of the person’s life.

Researchers have looked specifically at social media. For example, a study by Harvard University found that self-disclosure on social media platforms can light up the same parts of the brain that are affected by taking an addictive substance.

When you get a dopamine rush because of social media, your brain starts to be rewired due to positive reinforcement. You’re getting attention for very minimal work on your part.

Researchers have also found that our brain reward centers are most active when we talk about ourselves. When you’re on social media, and you’re sharing something about yourself or posting a picture of yourself, then your brain is again stimulated to release dopamine.

Does Screen Addiction Affect Substance Abuse?

There can be direct and indirect relationships between screen addiction and substance abuse.

For example, if the brain is wired to want easy dopamine spikes from screens, then that could make you more susceptible to chase the same high from substances. It could also be that the changes in your brain that occur because of screens make you more likely to develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Someone who’s absorbed with screens may have impaired relationships with other people, leading them to rely on substances because of loneliness.

Another possible link between screen addiction and substance abuse is that if someone is regularly overstimulated, they might want to keep up that high level of stimulation throughout their life. That can then contribute to a substance use disorder. There are a lot of ways screen addiction and substance use can interact with one another.

Getting Substance Abuse Treatment Without Screens

Interestingly, if someone is going for substance abuse treatment in an inpatient facility, they are often not allowed to use their phone and usually any other device. While all centers have their own rules, the idea is that cell phones and devices can distract people from their recovery during substance abuse treatment.

There’s also the fact that having screens and devices while you’re in substance abuse treatment can bring stress into your life so that you cannot fully put all of your attention into your recovery. Treatment centers for so long have been mainly against bringing devices to rehab. It may be that they were onto something, now that we see the negative ramifications of screen addiction. It’s also possible that some people dealing with their screen addiction could become part of their substance abuse treatment.

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What it’s Like Being a Late Bloomer in Alcoholism

Are you an early bloomer or a late bloomer when it comes to alcoholism? You’ll know if you are a late bloomer because, after your early adulthood, you’ll start to have periods of heavy drinking.

What is a Late Bloomer?

A late bloomer in alcoholism is a person who drinks regularly but does not become an alcoholic until later in life (usually after the age of 30). The term “late bloomer” is commonly used to describe an individual who starts drinking at a later age than most of their peers. The reasoning is that the individual may have been abusing another substance, such as prescription drugs, and started drinking to cancel out their withdrawal symptoms. While it’s impossible to say whether or not somebody will become dependent on drugs as a late bloomer, there are definite risks associated with drinking for the first time in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

The people who become alcoholics after their early adult years tend to experience more complications than younger drinkers. This disorder is becoming increasingly common. Approximately 60% of people with Substance Use Disorder develop their drinking problems after turning 30.

Late bloomers in the United States

The latest report by National Institute on Alcohol shows that the most severe cases of late bloomers in alcoholism in the United States were diagnosed between the ages of 35-39. The most prevalent form in males, with 46 cases identified during 2011, followed by females with 18 cases reported. Although very common globally, alcohol dependence has increased among late bloomers in alcoholism in the United States by 25%. As many people know, addiction is a progressive disease; that means that as the disease worsens and one continues to drink, more and more problems will occur.

The body of a late bloomer progresses through a series of stages that sometimes resemble those of the people who are addicted to liquor. Once an alcoholic has reached this point, significant physical, mental, and emotional changes occur, and as they progress, the person may not be able to recall these changes. This is due to the dilapidation of brain cells resulting in loss of memory, anxiety, depression, and other problems.

Risk Factors for Late Blooming Alcoholism

You are more likely to be a late bloomer if there is a genetic link (the risk of binge drinking increases the risk by 50% if there is a family history). You are more likely to be a late bloomer if you have a social environment that promotes heavy drinking. You’ll know if you are a late bloomer because you will have periods of heavy drinking that occur after your early adulthood. While genetics play a key role in problem drinking, environmental and social influences can also trigger alcoholism.

A few causes that result in being a late bloomer in alcoholism include:

Losing a friend or closed one due to death, health problems, or moving away
Loneliness due to Empty Nest Syndrome as the kids grow up and move away
Poor health conditions
Major life traumas, such as a close friend or spouse’s illness or death
Experiencing boredom or lack of socialization after retiring from work
Sadness due to a significant financial loss

Signs and symptoms of late bloomers

The late bloomer in alcoholism does not follow a distinct pattern of behavior; instead, the circumstances that lead to abuse and heavily consuming alcohol vary from person to person. A few common symptoms of alcoholism in the elderly include:

Hiding the truth about the exact number of drinks consumed
Drinking excessively to forget a loss or cope with anxiety
Consuming with prescriptions and lying about medications
Increased level of irritability over unimportant matters
Stashing or hiding liquor bottles so nobody can find them
Having slurred speech

Alcoholism can happen to anyone, and sometimes the earliest indicators may be missed or dismissed. Too often, people begin drinking alcohol too early or start drinking heavily when they’re very young. However, late bloomers start drinking after high school and college. While it’s sometimes harder than you realize to admit you have problems with alcohol and drugs, late bloomers need help from treatment facilities just like everyone else with addiction. If you think you are an alcoholic or suffer from any other substance abuse problems, contact one of our treatment counselors today.

Anchored Tides Recovery Center is specifically designed for women. Our goal is to provide every woman with the addiction treatment she requires for recovering from alcohol. There are several important components to our alcohol abuse and alcoholism treatment program. Call us today at 1-866-753-5865.

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The Relationship Between ADHD and Substance Abuse

There is commonly a relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with substance abuse disorder. According to the National Institutes of Mental Illness, when someone has a mental health disorder along with a substance use disorder, it’s called a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders can begin simultaneously, but more commonly, one might appear before the other.

In the case of ADD/ADHD, it’s usually present before someone develops a substance use disorder.

What Are ADD and ADHD?

ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder, and ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; both disorders are considered subtypes of one condition.

The term ADD is somewhat outdated, and you’ll most often hear these conditions referred to generally as ADHD.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are around 6.4 million children with ADHD diagnosed with it in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making this condition one of the most common childhood mental disorders.

Types of ADHD

Some variations of the disorder are:

Inattentive
Hyperactive
Impulsive
Combined
Adult

Inattentive

With the inattentive type, a child may specifically have problems focusing; symptoms for this particular subtype include:

Distracted easily
Forgetful
Not able to pay attention to details
Trouble staying on-task
Doesn’t follow instructions
Disorganized

Hyperactive/Impulsive

Symptoms of this type of ADHD can include:

Excessive talking
Squirms or fidgets
Moves around in inappropriate situations
Has a hard time staying quiet
Interrupts others
Experiences difficulties waiting their turn

Combined

The combined subtype of ADHD symptoms includes both inattention as well as hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Adult

Most adults who have ADHD had it since childhood, but it might not have been diagnosed until they were older. Symptoms of ADHD in adults can include:

Being easily distracted
Not paying attention to details
Some may have hyperfocus, meaning they delve so much into a project that they lose awareness of what’s happening around them
Disorganization
Problems with time management, such as often showing up late
Forgetfulness
Impulsivity
Shifts in mood
Negative self-image
Lack of motivation
Anxiety
Restlessness
Fatigue
Problems in relationships

Along with the symptoms above, adults with attention deficit disorder are also more likely to experience substance abuse, including alcohol and tobacco, and other illegal drugs.

What Are the Symptoms of Substance Abuse?

Some of the symptoms of substance abuse can overlap with ADHD symptoms. That can make a diagnosis of one or both conditions more challenging. Symptoms of addiction can include:

Urges or cravings to use a substance
A single-minded focus on getting and using the substance
Developing a tolerance and needing higher doses to get the same effects
Regularly taking more of a substance than intended
Financial difficulties that arise because of spending on drugs or alcohol
Continual use of the substance despite adverse side effects and outcomes
Engaging in risky behaviors while on the drug, or to get more of it
Not being able to stop using the substance
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if cutting back or trying to quit

If someone is dealing with addiction, the people around them may see more outward manifestations. These can include:

Problems at work or school
Failing to meet obligations in daily life
Physical health issues such as weight loss
Not caring about grooming or physical appearance
Changes in behavior
Being secretive
Problems with money

Why Are People with ADHD At Higher Risk of Substance Abuse and Addiction?

It’s estimated that more than 25% of adolescents with substance use disorders also fit the criteria for ADHD. Around the same percentage of adults who seek treatment for drug or alcohol abuse also have ADHD.

There are so many factors that can play a role in the links between ADHD and substance abuse, some of which are explored below.

Underlying Vulnerability

One theory as to why people with ADHD are more likely to develop substance use disorders is because both conditions are considered disinhibition disorders; when someone doesn’t have inhibitions, they are more likely to be impulsive in their behaviors. Impulsivity leads to risky behaviors, and that can include using substances.

Children, throughout their lifetime, are significantly more likely to try different substances than people without ADHD.

The brain of someone with ADHD can be wired to seek out new experiences because of their impulsivity. That means that not only could they be more likely to use substances, but their brain could move toward full-blown addiction more quickly.

Dealing with the Effects of ADHD

When a child or adult struggles with ADHD, it can have profound effects on their life, including overall quality of life. Someone with ADHD may struggle with relationships and in situations like school or work. It may be overwhelming for them to keep up with the demands of their daily responsibilities.

They may feel like they’re different from other people, or they may feel like they aren’t achieving what they’d like to because of ADHD. These negative feelings can impact self-esteem and can make someone more likely to use substances.

Self-Medication

In some ways, self-medication was touched on above, but it can also be talked about on its own. When someone is dealing with ADHD symptoms, they may find that it’s hard for them to calm down or relax, which can lead to self-medication with substances.

For example, if someone with ADHD often feels restless or as if their mind is racing, they might use a depressant like marijuana or alcohol to deal with the symptoms. Someone with ADHD could also self-medicate to improve anxiety, sleep, focus, or depression.

Do ADHD Medicines Contribute to Substance Abuse Problems?

There are some theories that the use of ADHD medicines like Adderall and Ritalin could themselves create an addiction risk. While amphetamine and methylphenidate are potentially addictive, most people with ADHD who take these drugs as prescribed are less likely to abuse them than people without ADHD.

When someone has ADHD symptoms and takes their medicine as prescribed, it doesn’t create that same high as it does in someone who’s recreationally abusing the drug. Research is increasingly showing that it may lower their risk of substance abuse when someone takes their ADHD medicine as prescribed.

Substance Abuse Treatment with Co-Occurring Disorders

For someone who has both ADHD and a substance abuse disorder, they may require long term treatment for both co-occurring disorders. When someone has a co-occurring disorder, dual diagnosis treatment is critical. If a person isn’t treated for both conditions, then there’s a higher likelihood of relapse. Once a dual diagnosis has been established, co-occurring disorders require specialized treatment that tends to be more in-depth.

Dual diagnosis treatment addresses the mental, physical and social factors of addiction and the mental health disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment may include a combination of behavioral therapies in both individual and group settings. The therapist might use medication as well.

The big takeaway is that while people with ADHD are more likely to have substance use disorders, treatment can work when it deals with both issues separately and their relationship to one another.

Anchored Tides Recovery is a safe place for women with co-occurring mental health issues, along with addiction issues, can heal. Call us today, find comfort and start to build your support group, one woman at a time.

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How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System?

how long does marijuana stays in your system.

When asking “How long does marijuana stay in your system?” the answer depends on a number of factors. Detection times may vary depending on the dose of marijuana and the testing method. Read on to learn how long marijuana stays in your urine, blood, saliva, and hair.

What are Marijuana Tests and Why Might You Need Them?

Marijuana can impair your focus, memory, and performance. Thus, your employer, or sometimes, the police, may require you to get tested for it. Drug tests help detect THC or marijuana metabolites (tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid; THC-COOH).

How long does marijuana stay in your system correlates with the detection window. The detection window is the period between drug use and a positive test result. This definition can also include the period between the first positive and second positive tests.

Several factors affect how long marijuana (cannabis) stays in your system. These include:

Body fat percentage: THC, the main compound in marijuana, stays longer in a fat person than a skinny person. THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
Genetics: Some people excrete THC more rapidly than others
Method and frequency of use: Frequent users retain THC for more extended periods than infrequent users
Type of the testing method (urine, blood, saliva, or hair)
Concomitant use of other drugs that affect liver enzymes
The strength of marijuana and its form of use

A Quick Overview of Marijuana Addiction, Use, and Trends in the United States

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and CDC,

Marijuana is the third most frequently used addictive substance in the U.S., after tobacco and alcohol.
Marijuana-involved ED visits increased by 21% from 2009 to 2011.
Each month, there are about 22.2 million active users.
Adult marijuana use was highest in the District of Columbia (27.42%) and lowest in South Dakota (11.13%) between 2018 and 2019.
About 10% of the users eventually develop marijuana addiction.
Studies have linked chronic or frequent use to a higher risk of psychosis or schizophrenia in some users.

Tests used to determine how long does marijuana stay in your system can check your:

Urine
Blood
Saliva (oral fluids)
Hair

The results can vary depending on:

The pattern of marijuana use (frequency and duration of use)
Sample collection time (some tests cannot detect recent use)
Method of testing

Marijuana Urine Testing

This is the confirmatory test for marijuana. It does not detect THC, as THC is rapidly removed through the urine. Instead, it measures the amount of THC-COOH. THC-COOH is detectable in urine within 60 minutes to 4 hours after you use marijuana and shows how long does marijuana stay in your system.

Having THC-COOH in the urine can mean two things.

Marijuana use within the last three days (for infrequent users)
Use in the previous 30 days (for long-term heavy users)

The detection windows for marijuana (THC-COOH) in urine samples are:

Three days following single-use
Five days if you use it four times a week
Ten days if you use it every day
Thirty days if you have been using it daily for several months

Pros

Urine contains high amounts of metabolites
A well-established and non-invasive testing method
Point-of-care tests are available.

Cons

The detection window is short or intermediate
Risk of sample adulteration
You may find it difficult to collect urine if you have something called “shy bladder” syndrome.

Marijuana Blood Testing

In the blood sample, THC typically becomes detectable within 0.5 to 2 hours after use. The detection window for THC ranges from 2 to 8 hours. Likewise, the detection window for THCCOOH is 7 to 51 hours.

Pros

Useful for detecting recent use
Well-established laboratory test method

Cons

Higher cost
Narrow detection window
An invasive procedure that may increase the risk of infection
It may not be suitable for you if you have not palpable veins

Marijuana Hair Testing

Marijuana hair testing generally gets used as a complementary test for urine, blood, and saliva analysis. It is because THC is fat-soluble, and the concentration in hair of how long does marijuana stay in your system is extremely low.

In general, one cm of hair segment from the root gives the amount of THC used in the last 30 days. THC can take up to 15 days to reach the hair shaft and is detectable for up to 90 days.

Pros

Longest window of detection
May help assess changes in drug use over time
Non-invasive procedure

Cons

Not suitable for assessing recent use (Use within the last 7–10 days is not detectable)
Costly and time-consuming procedure
Only a few labs provide hair testing
Point-of-care tests are not available
Single-use may not show up
Hair color may affect the results
Close contact with a marijuana user may transfer THC-COOH to your hair, increasing the likelihood of a false-positive result.

Marijuana Saliva Testing

Among recreational or infrequent users, the THC detection window is a maximum of 24 hours. In chronic or frequent users, saliva testing may detect marijuana for up to 30 hours.

Pros

Helpful in assessing recent use. THC becomes detectable within 10 minutes to 30 minutes after use
Non-invasive procedure
Point-of-care tests are available

Cons

Marijuana levels in saliva may not correlate with blood concentrations
The use of other drugs, such as stimulants, reduces saliva production

FAQs

Can you metabolize marijuana faster with detox remedies?

There is no evidence that detox remedies can speed up marijuana metabolism. However, in most cases, it’s the amount you use that determines how fast marijuana leaves your system.

What happens if an athlete tests positive for marijuana?

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), an athlete who tests positive for marijuana get barred from competing for 365 days or more from the test date.

How long does marijuana stay in your system after just one hit?

Urine samples can contain detectable amounts of marijuana for up to 3 days in one-time users.

Marijuana Addiction

This article was meant to be a resource to inform on the testing process of how long does marijuana stay in your system, and the process of how your body handles THC metabolites. If you’re trying to beat a marijuana test, there’s a good chance you have an addiction to marijuana. The truth is, while the drug may not be considered a “hard drug” or be illegal everywhere, it is still a drug and can potentially ruin your life.

Just because marijuana is legal where you live doesn’t mean it can’t get you expelled from school, fired from a job, kicked off a sports team, or cause addiction. Chronic users who have been smoking marijuana for long lengths of time have reported problems sleeping, mental health issues, physical health issues, and even marijuana withdrawal when they can’t smoke.

Since this drug is a form of substance abuse, like any other drug, there are support groups and resources to help overcome marijuana addiction.

Anchored Tides Recovery offers a number of options to help with marijuana addiction that focus on the whole person. Call us today and talk to one of our team about some treatments.

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Legal Drugs are Still Drugs – A Hard Pill to Swallow

Are legal drugs safer than illegal ones? It’s a question many people ask but often misunderstand. While prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies are designed to improve our lives, their misuse has created a growing crisis. From painkillers to sleep aids, the widespread availability of legal drugs often masks the serious risks of dependency and addiction. Families and individuals across the country are grappling with the devastating impact of these substances, proving that legality doesn’t always equal safety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the misuse of legal drugs, help is available. Reach out to Anchored Tides Recovery today to take the first step toward healing and recovery.

What Are Legal Drugs and Why Are They Dangerous?

Legal drugs are substances that are regulated and approved for medical or recreational use. These include prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, alcohol, and even nicotine products. While these substances are deemed legal due to their controlled production and distribution, their accessibility can make them prone to misuse. The dangers of legal drugs often lie in their addictive potential and the misconception that their legal status makes them inherently safe.

Common Legal Drugs and Their Risks

1. Prescription Medications:

Examples: Opioids (e.g., oxycodone), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax), stimulants (e.g., Adderall).
Risks: High potential for dependency, overdose, and addiction when not used as prescribed.

2. Over-the-Counter Drugs:

Examples: Cough suppressants (e.g., DXM), antihistamines, and sleep aids.
Risks: Misuse can lead to dangerous side effects, including hallucinations, organ damage, and addiction.

3. Alcohol:

Examples: Beer, wine, and spirits.
Risks: Despite its widespread acceptance, alcohol is one of the leading causes of addiction and long-term health issues like liver damage and mental health disorders.

4. Nicotine Products:

Examples: Cigarettes, vaping products.
Risks: Highly addictive and linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Drug Legalization

The United States right now is in the midst of a transformation regarding how it views legal recreational drugs or “soft drugs.” We are quickly joining countries with more relaxed drug law views, like Portugal. This is in sharp contrast to the ongoing war on drugs waged somewhat unsuccessfully in the U.S. decades ago.

Many states in the U.S. have moved toward the drug legalization of marijuana, although it remains illegal federally. Along with legalizing certain drugs, there are also moves to decriminalize their use and possession.

This is similar to what’s happened in many European Union countries where drugs are legal, technically legal recreational drugs that law enforcement won’t throw you in jail for possessing, but still make significant investments made in harm reduction programs.

While there are countries like Switzerland that are managing legal recreational drugs reasonably well, the U.S. isn’t there yet.

In the United States, as was mentioned, the three deadliest drugs are all legal. These are tobacco, alcohol, and opioids. Heroin and cocaine, two illegal drugs, come in third and fourth respectively when it comes to the deaths attributed to their use.

The Risks of Legal Drugs

While the fear of criminal penalties is not present, the potential for addiction, accidental death, and long-term health problems are all risks of legal drugs. These risks are highlighted more below.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco is a legal drug if you’re 18 and older. It’s also the deadliest in America.

On average, smokers die ten years earlier than people who’ve never smoked.
The use of tobacco is the top preventable cause of death in this country.
Tobacco use accounts for around 1 in 5 deaths annually.

Smoking is linked to around 20% of all cancers in the U.S. and 30% of cancer deaths.
Along with cancer, tobacco damages your lungs and increases the chances of developing long-term lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
Tobacco products can also affect your heart and blood vessels, reproductive system, and immune system.
Nicotine is the primary addictive chemical found in tobacco. As is the case with illegal drugs, when you’re exposed to that nicotine, it creates an adrenaline rush and an increase in dopamine. Dopamine activates your brain’s reward and pleasure centers, leading to addiction.

Alcohol’s Dangers

Among legal drugs, the effects of alcohol can be the scariest in many ways. When you drink alcohol, it doesn’t take years for adverse side effects to occur. They can become almost immediately apparent.

When you include all causes of death associated with alcohol, such as homicides and drunk driving, this legal drug is responsible for nearly 90,000 deaths a year.
The number of alcohol-related deaths has also been increasing in recent years.
According to drug experts, when looking at damage to the person using the substance, socioeconomic effects, and the impact on crime, alcohol is the single most dangerous drug.
Over the long term, alcohol increases your risk of developing most types of cancer including head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer, and liver cancer. Breast cancer and colorectal cancer risks are also increased with excessive alcohol use.
Alcohol is highly addictive, and you can develop a physical dependence on it as well. Withdrawal, when you’re dependent on alcohol, is among the most dangerous you can go through, compared to all other substances.

Prescription Drugs

The opioid epidemic was fueled initially not by heroin but prescription pain medicines. The Purdue Pharma company was one of the drug manufacturers in the 1990s that pushed their products through aggressive marketing.

Doctors were encouraged to prescribe huge amounts of prescription opioids. Over the years, it became apparent that these prescription drugs were fueling addictions and overdose deaths.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Since 1990, more than 840,000 people have died from a drug overdose, and the vast majority of those involve an opioid.
Many people who have been prescribed opioids legitimately for pain issues become addicted and then move on to other types of illegal opioids like heroin, which can be cheaper and easier to get.

While opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone are among the most talked-about addictive and dangerous prescription medicines, they aren’t the only ones.

Benzodiazepines have a high potential for abuse and addiction also. Benzodiazepines are prescribed to help with sleep and panic disorders and include drugs like Xanax.
Benzodiazepines slow down the central nervous system and can lead to impaired memory and confusion.
When combined with alcohol or other depressants like opioids, there is a risk of overdosing.

Another category of legal drugs that are addictive and have a high rate of misuse are stimulants.

Amphetamine is one such stimulant. Amphetamine is the ingredient in prescription medicines like Adderall.
These cause drug users to feel focused, energized, and have a sense of well-being.
These are also addictive and can cause health problems such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart attack, seizures, or stroke.

Marijuana

While drug legalization proponents are pushing for marijuana to be legalized on a national level, that doesn’t mean that it’s not without its risks. In 2018, nearly 12 million young people said they’d used marijuana in the past year.

In the short term, the effects of marijuana can include impaired memory and thinking, hallucinations, and delusions. Psychosis is also possible.
Over the long term, marijuana use affects the development of the brain.

When someone uses marijuana from a young age, it can impact how their brain connections are formed. Some researchers believe these changes could be permanent. For example, a study found that teen marijuana users, aged 12 to 38, lost an average of 8 IQ points per year; even after quitting, their mental abilities didn’t fully return.
Marijuana can affect the quality of life too. For example, a number of people who are considered frequent marijuana users often report poorer physical and mental health, more relationship problems, and a lower level of satisfaction with their lives.

Other Addictive Substances

Beyond alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, and marijuana, things we might use daily aren’t always harmless. For example, we are learning more about the potential for sugar addiction to develop. Sugar affects your brain and your reward centers in the same way as alcohol and drugs. Like alcohol and other substances, sugar also has serious adverse effects on your health.

Another addictive substance is caffeine, the most commonly used drug throughout the world. While it’s relatively rare, caffeine overuse can affect your life negatively and can be dangerous to your health.

Why Are Legal Drugs Addictive?

Many legal drugs act on the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and creating feelings of euphoria or relaxation. Over time, repeated use can rewire the brain, leading to dependency. For example:

Prescription opioids mimic natural pain-relief chemicals, making it difficult for the body to function without them.
Alcohol lowers inhibitions and anxiety, encouraging overuse in stressful situations.
OTC drugs may seem harmless but can produce effects similar to illicit substances when taken in large quantities.

Understanding the dangers of legal drugs requires dispelling the myth of their safety. Just because a substance is legal doesn’t mean it can’t have life-altering consequences when misused.

If you want to learn more about the risks associated with prescription or alcohol misuse, check out our blog on prescription drug addiction or our alcohol addiction treatment resources.

Are Legal and Illegal Drugs Both Controlled Substances?

When discussing drugs, a common question arises: “Are legal and illegal drugs both controlled substances?” The answer is yes, but the distinction lies in regulating and classifying them.

Controlled substances, whether legal or illegal, are categorized based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and risk of dependency.

Understanding Controlled Substances

Controlled substances are drugs or chemicals the government regulates to prevent misuse and protect public health. They are classified into five “schedules” by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with Schedule I being the most restrictive and Schedule V the least.

Legal Controlled Substances

Examples include prescription medications such as opioids (e.g., hydrocodone), stimulants (e.g., Adderall), and benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium). These substances are legal when prescribed but become illegal when misused or distributed without authorization.

Illegal Controlled Substances

Examples include drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, which have no accepted medical use and pose a high risk of addiction and harm.

How Legal Drugs Become Controlled

Legal drugs can fall under the category of controlled substances due to their potential for abuse. For instance:

Opioids

Initially prescribed for pain relief, they are tightly regulated because of their high addiction risk.

Benzodiazepines

Often used for anxiety or insomnia, these medications are controlled due to the dangers of dependency and withdrawal.

OTC Medications

While not typically classified as controlled substances, some (like cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan) can become restricted when misused.

Legal vs. Illegal Drugs: What’s the Difference?

The primary distinction lies in their intended use and regulation:

Legal drugs: Approved for medical or recreational use under specific guidelines. Misusing them can lead to severe legal and health consequences.
Illegal drugs: Banned entirely due to their high abuse potential and lack of medical benefits.

While their legal status differs, both legal and illegal drugs can have devastating effects when abused. Recognizing that both types can be harmful is crucial to addressing the broader issue of substance misuse.

If you’re concerned about the risks of controlled substances—whether legal or illegal—our team at Anchored Tides Recovery is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about treatment options tailored to your needs.

Common Types of Legal Drugs and Their Risks

Legal drugs come in many forms and serve important medical or recreational purposes. However, their potential for misuse can lead to serious health risks, addiction, and long-term consequences. Understanding the common types of legal drugs and their associated dangers is essential to addressing substance misuse and addiction.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medications are often necessary for treating pain, anxiety, or other medical conditions. However, their misuse can quickly lead to dependency.

Painkillers (Opioids):
• Examples: Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Morphine.
• Risks: High addiction potential, respiratory depression, overdose.
Stimulants:
• Examples: Adderall, Ritalin.
• Risks: Increased heart rate, paranoia, dependency.
Sedatives and Tranquilizers:
• Examples: Xanax, Valium, Ambien.
• Risks: Memory impairment, extreme drowsiness, withdrawal seizures.

Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs

OTC medications are widely accessible and generally safe when used as directed. However, misuse or high doses can pose significant health risks.

Cough Medicines (Dextromethorphan):
• Examples: Robitussin, NyQuil.
• Risks: Hallucinations, impaired motor skills, addiction when abused.
Sleep Aids:
• Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Melatonin supplements.
• Risks: Dependency, confusion, adverse reactions in high doses.

Alcohol

As one of the most widely accepted legal substances, alcohol carries significant risks, particularly when consumed in excess.

Common Forms: Beer, wine, spirits.
Risks: Addiction, liver damage, impaired judgment, increased risk of accidents.

Treatment for Legal Drug Addiction

Legal drug addiction can be as devastating as addiction to illegal substances, impacting physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the need for help is the first and most important step toward recovery. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we offer tailored treatment options to address addiction to prescription drugs, alcohol, and other legal substances, guiding you or your loved one toward a healthier future.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Legal Drug Addiction Treatment

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand that each individual’s journey is unique. That’s why we provide a range of evidence-based and holistic treatment options to meet your specific needs.

Our services include:

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment: Addressing misuse of opioids, stimulants, and sedatives with personalized care plans.
Alcohol Addiction Recovery: Offering detox, therapy, and long-term support for those struggling with alcohol dependency.
Dual Diagnosis Care: Treating co-occurring mental health disorders alongside addiction to ensure comprehensive recovery.
Holistic Therapies: Incorporating yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy to heal the mind, body, and spirit.

Why Seek Professional Help?

Recovery from legal drug addiction is not just about stopping use; it’s about addressing the underlying causes of addiction and building a foundation for long-term success. Professional treatment provides the tools and support needed to navigate this challenging journey, including:

Safe and supervised detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Therapeutic interventions to uncover and address the root causes of addiction.
Aftercare planning to maintain recovery and prevent relapse.

Recovery Is Possible

No matter how overwhelming addiction may feel, recovery is always within reach. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way with compassion, expertise, and a personalized approach.

Take the First Step Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to legal drugs, don’t wait to seek help.

Contact Anchored Tides Recovery now to begin your journey to freedom from addiction. Recovery is possible, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Learn more about our services or reach out today to start your recovery journey.

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Coexisting Eating Disorders And Addiction

Eating disorders are more common in individuals who suffer from addiction: 35% of individuals with a substance use disorder report disordered eating, compared with just 5% of the female population. Some experts have questioned whether this connection reveals more significant similarities between eating disorders and addiction than were previously thought.

Researchers have proposed an “addiction model” describing eating disorder behavior, where the ED is simply another form of addiction. Others have called binge-eating disorder (BED) and obesity the consequences of an addiction to food. So, just how accurate are these models in representing disordered eating and addictive behavior? Read on to find out what science has to say about it.

Eating Disorders and Addiction: Are They The Same?

There are many similarities between eating disorders and addictions that have led some experts — rightfully or wrongfully — to propose an “addiction model” of eating disorders. For example, eating disorders and addictions are both diseases with physiological and psychological components. They are also both characterized by compulsive behavior.

Researchers have proposed that individuals with “addictive personalities” may be more prone to developing substance use disorders and eating disorders. An addictive personality type is characterized by obsessive behavior, anxiety, impulsivity, and risk-taking. Individuals who develop certain eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, may share some of these traits — especially ones of an obsessive-compulsive nature.

Some have even said that disordered eating behaviors, such as self-starvation, may represent an addiction to the body’s endogenous opioids. Eating disorders can also sometimes resemble an addiction to diet pills or laxatives.

Still, the consensus is that eating disorders are separate diagnoses. Although addiction often co-occurs alongside eating disorders, eating disorders are not the same thing as addictions. They are different enough that they even belong to different categories of the DSM-V handbook used by psychologists to diagnose mental health conditions.

How Are Food Addiction And Eating Disorders Alike?

“Food addiction” is another explanation that has been proposed for binge-eating disorder (BED), as well as obesity—eating triggers the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which tell us to keep eating so that we can survive. The idea behind “food addiction” is that we can experience a high off these chemicals, leading us to keep eating far beyond our fullness cues

People with BED share some traits in common with individuals who have an addiction. They may eat compulsively, feeling out of control and unable to stop. But binge-eating is also characterized by feelings of guilt or shame associated with the binges and disruptions in body image. It frequently starts with a failed attempt at dieting.

Sometimes, individuals may try to compensate for the binges by making themselves throw up or abusing laxatives, comprising a disorder known as bulimia nervosa.

These disordered thoughts and behaviors are not explained by the “addiction model” of eating disorders. If binge eating were the result of “food addiction,” it would not be grouped with other eating disorders but with substance use disorders instead. But because binge-eating is so closely linked to dieting and disruptions in body image, like other eating disorders, we consider it a separate disease from addiction and group it with disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

“Food addiction” has also been proposed as a potential explanation for obesity. However, what’s important to understand about obesity is that it is not considered an eating disorder. While many obese individuals suffer from binge-eating disorder, obesity is a physical health issue, not a mental health one. Whether or not “food addiction” is to blame for obesity, this is a different problem from the confusion of “food addiction” with binge-eating.

Why Substance Abuse Coexists With Eating Disorders

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), up to half of the people with eating disorders abuse substances; this rate is five times higher than that of the general population. Other than the “addictive personality” explanation, why do eating disorders so frequently coexist with substance abuse?

The most likely reason is a nonspecific genetic predisposition to developing mental illness. Scientists believe that we inherit genes that make us more likely to develop mental health issues in general, but not to develop one mental health problem over another.

It may be likely that the gene that makes us more likely to develop eating disorders is the same as the one that makes us more likely to develop an addiction. Accordingly, many people with both eating disorders and substance use disorders also have another first-degree relative who suffers from the disorder.

Another reason is that the risk factors of eating disorders closely resemble the risk factors of substance use disorders. The two disorders may have similar motivations behind them: an individual can self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, just as they can self-medicate with starvation or purging.

This self-medication may develop as the result of anxiety, depression, or trauma. High pressure and familial expectations can also contribute to the development of eating disorders and substance use disorders.

Even so, substance use disorders do not directly cause eating disorders, nor do eating disorders directly cause substance use disorders. It is difficult to say whether the substance use disorder came first or the eating disorder in many cases. One does not necessarily precede the other. The course of these diseases is different for everyone; sometimes, the two conditions may even develop simultaneously.

For example, “drunkorexia” is a colloquial term for a disordered eating behavior where people who binge drink withhold food to make up for calories consumed through planned drinking. If an individual exhibits “drunkorexic” behavior, it may be challenging to say which came first, the alcohol abuse or the caloric restriction.

Other times, people with eating disorders may adopt addictive behaviors to distract themselves from the consequences of the eating disorder. A common example is the use of cigarettes and nicotine in place of eating meals. Some individuals may pick up smoking (or the use of other drugs) as a way to facilitate self-starvation behaviors during the course of their eating disorders.

Eating Disorders And Drug Addiction Treatment

While eating disorders closely resemble addictions in many ways, the treatments for these disorders are vastly different. Most eating disorder treatment centers are equipped to handle certain types of addictive behavior, such as the abuse of diet pills or laxatives, but not to facilitate the withdrawal from addictive substances like alcohol or drugs.

If you suffer from both an eating disorder and an addiction, it’s crucial to locate a rehabilitation facility that can treat both conditions safely and effectively. Again, not all eating disorder treatment centers will be prepared to support you through the process of withdrawal. You may need to attend separate treatment programs for your eating disorder and your addiction or find a remarkable rehab facility equipped to handle both. Sometimes the most effective treatment or aftercare is having a support group of people who can understand what you’re going through. Anchored Tides Recovery is a place for women to heal. An all-female staff and all-female client base provide a comfortable environment for growth.

We work with all types of eating disorders and substance abuse. Our team will help you achieve your long-term goals, whether that is related to drug abuse, or you just want to change your relationship with food, we are here for you.

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Alcoholism: Gender and the Rate of Addiction in Women

Until the late 1990s, almost all clinical studies on drug addiction in the United States were only done on men; no consideration was given to the differences between gender or how drugs may affect each differently. Advanced research in recent years shows that addiction in women has different, and often far worse, effects than in men. These consequences are much more exaggerated for women who are pregnant and the developing child.

Science didn’t discover most of the gender-based differences in addiction’s impacts on the body until recent decades. Advanced research shows that addiction affects women differently and often far worse than men. These consequences are much more significant for women who are pregnant and the effects on the developing child.

Addiction in Women

Addiction to substances such as heroin and alcohol affects women differently than men. Men and women respond differently to addiction and drug abuse. The differences between addiction in women suffering from addiction arise from biological and sociological differences. Many researchers now explain gender differences between the two due to society’s impact (such as child care responsibilities, addiction stigma, relationship dynamics, etc.).

There are also biological differences between men and women, revolving primarily around testosterone and estrogen production and average body size and composition, which cause substances to affect the body adversely.

Does Alcohol Affect Men and Women Differently?

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Addiction, “Women are more vulnerable than men to alcohol-related organ damage and trauma, and tend to develop alcohol addiction in much less time.”

In today’s age of stress and anxiety, people often tend to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol for their mental disorders to find an escape from reality. Research shows that women’s addiction is often related to controlling emotional pain. Feeling stressed and fed up with the grind of daily life grind, some women resort to binge drinking to forget about their worries for a period of time.

Consequences of Alcohol Addiction in Women

Women report unique reasons for using drugs, including controlling weight, battling fatigue, coping with pain, and attempts to self-treat mental health problems. Scientists who study substance abuse have found that women may experience issues related to hormones, menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.

At every stage of life, women quickly become dependent on Alcohol and drugs and suffer the consequences, including mental issues, damage to the brain and other organs, and fatal accidents. What’s most dangerous is the severe attack of alcohol addiction on pregnant women. The fetus suffers the tension created by Alcohol in the woman’s body and may permanently damage or have limited growth.

Women are more prone to the physical and emotional damages caused by addiction. Women addicts are more likely than men to develop liver infection and get addiction-related brain changes. Women addicts are also likely to get heart disease and strokes more than men. Besides, women are more likely than men to develop addictive hepatitis and to die from cirrhosis.

What is the Effective Treatment Strategies for Women?

With so many differences between how men and women experience and deal with addiction, it’s a wonder that so many treatment facilities aren’t gender-specific. Yet, it only makes sense that treating a disease that is so different for men and women that the treatment options aren’t different.

Unfortunately, people may feel ashamed of having an addiction because they have been told that it’s just something you need to get over, so they see themselves as unique and less than human when they can’t. This isn’t true.

Just as is the case with any other mental health issue, it takes much more than lectures, willpower, and other platitudes to conquer an addiction. When it comes to addiction in women, proper health care takes a professional treatment program and support groups of other women who can empathize with your experience.

Substance Abuse Treatment

If you have substance use disorders that affect your daily life, short or long term, consult one of our care coordinators.

Anchored Tides Recovery is a comprehensive dual-diagnosis enhanced Huntington Beach rehab program explicitly designed to treat addiction in women. Contact us today, and we can help you recover from alcohol addiction if you’re ready.

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Addiction During Pregnancy and Inpatient Rehab for Women

Until the late 1990s, all clinical studies on addiction were only done on men; no consideration was given to the differences between gender or how drugs may affect men and women differently. Advanced research in recent years shows that the consequences of addiction are far worse in women, especially women who are pregnant and the developing child. As a result of this advanced research, we were able to develop more effective treatment options, such as inpatient rehab for women only, to develop the field of addiction further.

Drug Use During Pregnancy

While pregnant, the fetus inside of you shares your resources. Everything you put into your bloodstream gets absorbed by the child, including toxic chemicals. Smoking, drinking, or using drugs during pregnancy may all have a significant impact on the development of the fetus.

Research indicates that pregnant women’s usage of cigarettes, alcohol, or illegal drugs or abuse of prescription drugs may have serious health effects for infants. Certain drugs quickly move through the placenta (an organ that joins the mother and fetus) because the fetus is often reached by any drug that a pregnant woman takes. The latest research indicates that smoking cigarettes or marijuana, taking prescription pain relievers, or using illicit substances during pregnancy are associated with double or even triple the risk of stillbirth.

More than 50% of pregnant women, for example, take prescription or non-prescription drugs or use social drugs such as cigarettes and alcohol or illegal drugs during pregnancy at some stage, and drug use during pregnancy is growing gradually as well.

Unless instructed, women should generally not use medications during pregnancy because many can affect the unborn baby. About 2 to 3 percent of all congenital disabilities are induced by medications used to relieve a disorder or symptom. Here are reasons why you should definitely opt for inpatient rehab for women if you can’t stop taking drugs.

Risks of Stillbirth from Substance Use in Pregnancy

Tobacco Use:

The risk of stillbirth is 1.8 to 2.8 times higher, with the highest risk occurring in the heaviest smokers

Marijuana Use:

2.3 times higher risk for stillbirth

Evidence of Any Stimulant, Marijuana, or Prescription Pain Reliever Use:
The chance of stillbirth is 2.2 times greater

Passive Exposure to Tobacco:

The chance of stillbirth is 2.1 times greater

Addiction During Pregnancy

Addiction is nothing to be ashamed of; it is a chronic condition affecting millions of Americans, including pregnant women. Research reveals that over 17 million people are dealing with alcohol abuse, and over 25 million adults are abusing prescription and illicit medications.

If you have a physical dependence on a drug, your child will be born addicted to that drug. Except once they separate from your umbilical cord, they will no longer have that substance in their bloodstream and will experience potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Drug withdrawal symptoms in newborns can develop immediately or up to 14 days after birth and may include:

Blotchy skin coloring
Diarrhea
Excessive or high-pitched crying
Abnormal sucking reflex
Fever
Hyperactive reflexes
Increased muscle tone
Irritability
Poor feeding
Rapid breathing
Seizures
Sleep problems
Slow weight gain
Stuffy nose and sneezing
Sweating
Trembling
Vomiting

Effects of using some drugs could be long-term and possibly fatal to the baby

Birth defects
Low birth weight
Premature birth
Small head circumference
Sudden infant death syndrome

Nobody plans to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. However, you can opt to seek help, and you’re not going to be alone: substance treatment intake statistics indicate that about 5 percent of women are pregnant when they reach rehab. If you have become pregnant when addicted to drugs or alcohol, several supportive recovery facilities and inpatient rehab for women are trained and ready to support you through this challenging situation. Do not let your fear of being judged put your baby’s life at risk.

Women-only rehab provides a supportive place for pregnant women to get the medical care they need for drug and alcohol addiction; It gives you and your baby the best possible opportunity for a safe pregnancy and childbirth.

Choosing a Women Only Rehab

Addiction can be a daunting matter to manage during pregnancy. Emotions are elevated, and the added tension or feelings that come with pregnancy may feel like too much to handle. The longer you wait to get treatment, the greater the risk of complications during your pregnancy.

Seeking immediate treatment eliminates the risk of birth defects and gives your child a chance at a better life for themselves and a mother’s gift of recovery.

Anchored Tides Recovery is a comprehensive dual-diagnosis enhanced Huntington Beach rehab program designed specifically for women by women. We can help you find the resources you need to manage addiction and pregnancy and provide the aftercare you need to beat your addiction. Call us today.

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Opioid Overdose: Causes, Signs, and Precautions

Opioid Overdose

About .5 million deaths are attributable to drug use worldwide; more than 70% of these deaths are related to opioids, with more than 30% of those deaths caused by overdose. According to The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, approximately 115 000 people died of opioid overdose in 2017. What are opioids, and why is opioid misuse so common when there are so much evidence points to a drug overdose? Here is everything you need to know about the epidemic of life-threatening opioid overdose, its causes, signs, and precautions.

What are Opioids?

Opiates, or opioids, are narcotic painkillers that bind to neural opioid receptors in the brain. Once attached to your opioid receptors, the substance depresses your central nervous system, creating a “downer” effect, and suppresses pain while simultaneously producing a euphoric effect. In a medical setting, opiates are prescribed for pain management, which is how many people get hooked. Opiates are highly addictive and currently are the most abused substances in America.

Opioid use and misuse can result in addiction, overdose, withdrawal, and death.

Can a Narcotic Painkiller Become My Drug of Choice?

The United States is currently facing an opioid epidemic; according to the latest statistics from National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 11.4 million people in the United States and around 36 million people worldwide abuse opioids every year.

Narcotic pain relievers include:

Codeine
Heroin
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Methadone
Meperidine (Demerol)
Morphine
Oxycodone (Percocet or Oxycontin)
Fentanyl (Synthetic Opioid)
Tramadol

The regular use of opioids, prolonged use, abuse, and use without medical supervision can lead to opioid dependence and other health problems, such as overdose.

Signs of Opioid Overdose

You can identify an opioid overdose by a combination of three signs and symptoms:

Pinpoint pupils
Unconsciousness
Breathing difficulties

Prescription opioid use can even lead to opioid overdose death due to the pharmacological effects on the part of the brain that regulates breathing.

Prevention of Opioid Overdose

There are specific measures that can be taken to prevent an opioid overdose at an early stage:

Increase the availability of opioid dependence treatment
Reduce irrational or inappropriate opioid prescriptions
Carefully monitor opioid prescribing and dispensing
Limit inappropriate under-the-table sales of opioids
Find alternative pain management methods

Opiate prescriptions have been increasing since 2010, despite the data showing opiate overdose death rates increasing as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), In 2017, there were almost 58 opioid prescriptions written per every 100 Americans.

There is a massive gap between recommendations and practices. Only half of the countries provide access to effective treatment options for opioid dependence. Less than 10% of people worldwide, who are genuinely in need of such treatment, are receiving it.

What to Do if you Witness an Opioid Overdose?

If you witness someone, or you yourself feel you are, on the verge of collapsing due to an opioid overdose, calling 911 for an emergency response protocol may save a life. Opioid overdose death can be prevented if the person receives a timely administration of the drug Naloxone, an antidote that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose if administered to the patient in time

There is limited availability of naloxone in many countries, and access to naloxone is generally limited to health professionals and not available over the counter. On the contrary, some countries have already made naloxone available in pharmacies without a prescription.

People with substance abuse are generally aware of the risks and dangers that come along with opiate addiction. If one were to decide they wanted to overcome their addiction to opiates before things got worse they may likely be facing Opiate withdrawal and a detoxification process.

Opioid Withdrawal

When you’ve become addicted to opiates you will become emotionally and physically dependent on the presence of the substance. With time, your body becomes desensitized to the drug, and you’ll need more of it to feel its effects. After heavy use, once you stop taking these drugs you will likely experience several symptoms of withdrawal.

Opioid withdrawal can be categorized as mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe. Your healthcare provider can determine this by evaluating your opioid use history and symptoms.

Opiate withdrawal occurs in two phases. The first phase includes several symptoms, such as:

muscle aches
restlessness
anxiety and depression
teary eyes/ runny nose
excessive sweating
Insomnia
agitation

The second phase is marked by:

diarrhea
abdominal cramps
nausea and vomiting
increased heart rate and blood pressure

These initial phases can last anywhere from a week to a month and can be followed by long-term withdrawal symptoms that may involve emotional or behavioral issues.

Medical detox from Opiates

It takes time to recover from opiate addiction. Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Opiate detox from home is strongly not recommended, it is dangerous and statistically ineffective.

Recovery centers are best suited for medical detoxification from opiates; will improve your overall health and reduce your risk of complications related to opioid dependence and help prevent relapse. In some cases, withdrawal from opiates could be deadly. A recovery center with medically assisted detoxification services will have a team that can monitor your vitals, keep you safe, and use medications to mitigate the symptoms of withdrawal (making the process as comfortable as possible.)

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about addiction treatment programs. Once you successfully get through detox, you will feel an overall improvement in your physical and mental health.

Aftercare

Detox is generally the first step in the recovery process, but detox alone is not a treatment. After detox, your counselor will curate a plan for you to follow that will have you stepping down levels of care. You may be recommended to complete residential inpatient care, followed by outpatient therapy services, followed by sober maintenance through treatment options such as support groups. The process may seem long, but it has been proven to help save countless lives and provide hope for those who feel lost.

If you want to learn more, visit our website or call us at 1-866-753-5865 and talk to our health professionals to enroll in an effective women-only treatment center and live a drug-free life.

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