Category: Addiction

What Happens When You Smoke Too Much Weed?

When it comes to cannabis, do you realize we’re witnessing history unfold? The prohibition of marijuana will be written about in history books, just like the alcohol prohibition from the early 1900s. Over the past 20 years, we’ve witnessed a lot of progress regarding the national status of weed addiction, and those changes continue to happen and come with some questions.

What are the long-term effects of marijuana?
Can you have a fatal overdose of marijuana?
What are the proven health benefits of marijuana, if any?
Is it possible to have a “weed addiction?”
Is there a cure for marijuana addiction?

Anchored Tides Recovery has been helping women struggling with addiction for years. In our experience, these are some of the questions that are commonly asked in a treatment setting. While there is no shortage of questions as we navigate through the developing status of marijuana. There is, however, a shortage of long-term scientific research to have conclusive answers. This article will do our best to answer some of the most commonly asked marijuana-related questions using science. We will educate you on the long and short-term effects of marijuana use, and what you read may shock you. Before we get into the effects of marijuana use and abuse, it helps first to understand how we got here and the current state of the drug…

Marijuana Prohibition…

For years we have seen a movement to legalize marijuana that has gained a lot of traction and attention. In 1996 marijuana was first legalized for medical use in the state of California; before this, marijuana was highly illegal across the country, with no explanation given as to why. One thing that was clear, whether it was legal or not, people were still using marijuana. As of 2016, millions of U.S. dollars were being spent annually to keep 2.3 million people incarcerated over marijuana-related crimes. It was legal to drink alcohol when, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 95,000 deaths a year.” Meanwhile, there is not a single recorded death in history from a marijuana overdose? It just didn’t make sense. The public demanded some leniency and logic from their government and eventually got what they were asking for. After California made cannabis medically legal in 1996, other states soon followed. As of 2020, 11 states allow legal recreational use of marijuana, and 47 out of 50 states allow medical use of marijuana in some form. However, marijuana is still technically illegal on a federal level. The morality and the legality of marijuana use in the united states come with many different opinions. Regardless of where you stand, the fact is there is still a lack of long-term scientific research to support or refute marijuana use.

Lack of Scientific Research Regarding Marijuana? Why?

Before 1996, no research was allowed on the effects, medicinal benefits, dangers, or any other aspect of the drug. The government considered marijuana explicitly to be a dangerous controlled substance and not to be tampered with. Once it became legal for medical use in California, grants were issued to begin conducting research.

We understand more now than we did 20 years ago, but we are still learning and making scientific advancements. This research has allowed for the creation of CBD (Cannabidiol), an extracted component of marijuana with no psychoactive effects. Scientists are trying to utilize the medical properties of marijuana without the “getting high” part. Like with marijuana, the data related to CBD is still limited and in the early stages. We face a clear divide on the topic of marijuana in the United States. Marijuana is a drug; as with all drugs, the common factor is long-term damage. Despite its widespread use, the truth is there are many risks to using marijuana.

Short-term Effects of Weed Addiction:

There are no recorded deaths related to marijuana overdose; it may not be possible to die due to a pure marijuana overdose. That being said, it would be incredibly irresponsible to think marijuana is not dangerous. Even though there is no evidence of a fatal overdose, many deaths are related to marijuana use. People with pre-existing medical conditions are the ones at the highest risk for short-term marijuana-related issues, such as: Heart attack: Marijuana increases your heart rate for up to 3 hours after use, so older people and people with any existing cardiovascular issues are at high risk for heart attack. Breathing problems: Marijuana is typically smoked, which is an irritant to the throat and lungs. There are obvious long-term effects of smoking any substance, but in the short term, someone with asthma or other lung issues may stop breathing after inhaling harsh marijuana smoke. Choking hazard: THC binds to saliva-producing receptors in your glands and can prevent new saliva production. This is referred to as “cottonmouth” among users. Cottonmouth can make it difficult to swallow or breathe; when a person has a hard time swallowing or breathing, this also tends to make them panic, possibly to the point of losing consciousness. Disorientation: Marijuana is an intoxicant, so it does disorient your senses. This makes you more likely to have some form of accident. You are at higher risk for a car accident or possibly falling while disoriented. Psychosis: There are many ways to ingest marijuana. A common occurrence is when someone takes an edible form of marijuana and ends up eating too much. This can result in panic attacks or even psychosis. The effects after consuming an edible can last for 6-12 hours. Marijuana has also been found to awaken some resting mental health issues, such as schizophrenia. If you have schizophrenia but never showed any symptoms, marijuana could trigger it.

Long-term Effects of Smoking too Much Weed:

Although people with pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk for short-term issues, nobody is safe from the long-term effects of marijuana abuse. The more you use marijuana, the more tolerance you build up, and you feel less high and more “normal.” Eventually, chronic users find themselves getting high just to perform everyday functions like; sleeping, laughing, or finding motivation.

Dependence

While marijuana isn’t chemically addictive, it is still possible to have a weed addiction. Habitual use will increase your tolerance for the drug’s effects and cause your mind to become dependent on its use. This leads to a host of other issues, such as:

Insomnia
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Laziness

Cancer

For certain types of cancer, A doctor may prescribe marijuana to help ease some of the chemotherapy symptoms and improve life quality. Ironically, smoking marijuana will put you at a significantly higher risk to develop certain cancers, such as:

Lung
Throat
Mouth

Inhaled Illnesses

Aside from lung cancer, the inhalation of marijuana smoke will also contribute to other smoking-related issues, such as:

COPD
Emphysema
Asthma
Chronic cough
Halitosis (Sour breath)

Is There a Cure for Marijuana Addiction?

There is no simple cure for marijuana addiction, although sobriety is attainable through a combination of counseling and treatment at a recovery center. Marijuana is not considered to be a “hard drug,” so marijuana addiction is often overlooked, but the long and short-term effects and risks you face by using this drug are apparent. Once use becomes abuse, then you are facing more long-term risks. The prolonged exposure to the effect of the drug can wreak havoc on your mental health, while the long-term effects of common ways to administer the drug bring potentially fatal physical risks. Anchored Tides Recovery believes some important aspects of overcoming cannabis addiction are environment, counseling, and support. We provide a gender-specific climate for women to overcome addiction and an all-female support group to help with cravings and moments of weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with marijuana addiction, contact us to take the first steps towards a healthier life.

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Treatment for Co-Occuring Disorders

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Co-Occurring Disorders

Individuals who struggle with addiction or substance use disorders and mental health disorders are diagnosed with co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses. A dual diagnosis is an approach that allows healthcare providers to treat the whole person and not solely their addiction. This has shown to be incredibly beneficial as substance use and mental illness are often closely related. Lets talk about some treatment for co-occuring disorders.

Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder is diagnosed when a person’s use of alcohol or illegal drugs leads to severe mental and physical health issues. This can result in problems at work, school, or home and ruin close relationships with family and friends. Substance use disorder often occurs with mental health issues such as depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral illnesses. It is difficult to determine if the substance use caused the mental illness or the other way around in many cases. In either case, substance use cannot be treated without considering cognitive and behavioral health disruptions.

What does substance use disorder include?

A substance use disorder includes:

Alcohol or drug abuse
Alcohol or drug dependence

Co-occurring disorders can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of illicit drug abuse or addiction and mental illness may mask one another, making it difficult to identify what a person is actually struggling with. Often, individuals with mental health problems do not discuss their drug use with mental health professionals because they do not think it is related to their illness. This can increase the amount of time it takes to get to a correct diagnosis. It is not uncommon for people struggling with their mental health to turn to drug use. Anxious people may take drugs to feel calm, and depressed people may take drugs to numb the pain. In addition to addressing the mental health problem, alcohol or other medications often prevent a person from developing successful coping skills like maintaining satisfying relationships and feeling happy with themselves. It is also important to know how drugs and alcohol impact medicines prescribed for mental illness. Dru and alcohol use, in short, makes mental health conditions worse when not properly disclosed to your healthcare provider. People with co-occurring disorders can stop using alcohol or other substances, but as symptoms of their mental health disorders continue, they may face difficulties. To remedy both conditions, patients need a care team with an awareness of the entire patient history and experience in treatment for co-occuring disorders.

Substance Abuse & Addiction

Though it is a fine line, some people may use drugs without becoming addicted. Addiction begins with compulsive behaviors to seek out and use drugs with little regard for the consequences. The increased drug use leads to drug abuse where a person continues to use more of a substance to chase the same high. The increased volume of drug consumption results in long-lasting changes in the brain. Some of these changes are irreversible and permanent. Exposure to drugs in social settings is often where drug use begins. It may also start with misusing a valid prescription ordered by a doctor. As the person becomes accustomed to the feeling of using drugs, they increase the amount and the frequency in which they operate. This leads to experimenting with and abusing different drugs. The risk of addiction varies according to the substance (controlled or illegal) and how easily you become addicted. Some medicines have a greater risk and induce dependence more quickly than others, such as opioid painkillers. Attempts to stop drug use abruptly may cause intense cravings, make you feel physically ill (withdrawal symptoms), and be dangerous if not properly supervised.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Previously, in the United States, opioid and alcohol abuse treatment was distinct from mental health treatments because there was not a broad understanding of co-occurring conditions. Care was administered using drastically different clinical methods at various facilities. Consequently, many individuals with depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, treatment for co-occuring disorders and other severe conditions never received a treatment plan for their substance abuse problems. Treating only one condition will not cause the other to change immediately, and a siloed treatment approach will not give you lasting results. Both conditions must be treated simultaneously, in the same place, by the same care team to be successful. This is a form of integrated cognitive behavioral therapy, and it is highly effective. About 7 million people who have received treatment for mental health still suffer from opioid or alcohol abuse. The secret to shielding this population from poverty, disease, loneliness, incarceration, and homelessness is integrated care for co-occurring disorders. Are you someone who is looking to help your daughter, mother, sister, or friend? Are you looking for substance abuse treatment options and support groups specifically for women? Join us at the women-only treatment center, Anchored Tides Recovery. Call us today at 1-866-524-6014 and get your loved one on the road to recovery.

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Understanding Addiction – Taking Care of Your Mental Health When a Loved One is Battling Addiction

Addiction is a chronic disease that affects all aspects of a person’s life, including their relationships, career, health, family dynamics, and psychological well-being. When a loved one struggles with the disease of addiction, you may find yourself struggling as well. Anchored Tides Recovery has 20+ years of experience of understanding addiction, an all-female staff, and an all-female client base. Many generations of women find their path to recovery with our treatment options. We have also learned some methods of coping with the challenges of loving someone who is struggling with addiction. Here is some vital information to keep in mind to avoid losing your mind…

Help Yourself First

It is natural to be ready and willing to do whatever it takes to help your loved one in their time of need, especially if you are a parent. Believe it or not, this is often detrimental to their process and does more harm than good. Trying to be the hero who saves the day can come at the cost of your relationships, finances, physical health, and sanity. The road to recovery is a long and personal process. When you try to involve yourself too much, it can have an adverse effect. You may end up pushing the person further away or even trigger drug abuse to cope. Accepting that a loved one has an alcohol or drug problem is extremely difficult. Until the person is ready to take the first step, you cannot do much to help them.

Taking the First Step to Overcome Drug Addiction

For many people trapped in the vicious cycle of drug addiction, the most challenging step toward recovery is the very first one. They have to decide on their own that they want help. This concept is crucial to understand. You can not force a person to get help if they’re not ready to admit they have a problem. It can be very frustrating to be willing to do anything to help someone but have your efforts yield no results because that person isn’t ready to accept your help. For this reason, it’s essential just to make sure you’re focusing on your mental health problems and not enabling them further. People with an addictive behavior may feel uncertain about whether they’re ready to attend treatment facilities. You need to understanding addiction and know that strong emotions such as anger, shame, guilt, depression, and anxiety usually come along with the thought of needing help. Usually, a person needs to hit their own personal version of “rock bottom” before they even admit they need help. Hitting rock bottom is personal. For some users, this part of the journey may take a long time to happen or may not ever happen at all.

Raising the Bottom

“Raising the Bottom” is a term that describes helping a person hit their version of rock bottom sooner. It requires a lot of discipline and strength, but many counselors agree that understanding addiction may be the best way to help someone who isn’t ready to admit they need help. Your role in raising the bottom is to stop any enabling behaviors and make it so their drug habit becomes inconvenient. Here are some examples of “Raising the Bottom.”

Cutting them off financially.
If they’re using drugs in your house, tell them they can’t stay there anymore.
Call the authorities if you find them using drugs.

To many, this is considered “tough love,” which makes it difficult to do when you care about someone. It helps to change your mentality and keep in mind the long-term goals of raising the bottom. Making it harder for them to live comfortably with their choices does not mean you do not love them. The more difficult it is for them to live this lifestyle, the more likely it will be that they come around to the idea of accepting help.

Is Addiction A Family Disease?

Here are some reasons why addiction is considered a “family disease”:

Addiction’s impact extends to the entire family. When one family member struggles with substance abuse, it can negatively affect everybody else who cares about them. Family and friends may get stuck in a cycle of trying to fix the person and then feel resentful when they see no results or see that their efforts are not appreciated.
Mental health conditions, such as addiction, are hereditary. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA), more than half a person’s susceptibility to drugs and alcohol addiction is linked to genetics.
Families play a large role in the drug rehabilitation process. Spouses, parents, children, siblings, and friends need to forgive past mistakes and be empathetic towards the current efforts. Empathy will help you to provide the love and support they need to make progress.

Be Patient and Understanding

The road to recovery can be a long and complicated process, both for the person in treatment and for the people around them. They may try and fail multiple times. They will have some good days and some bad days. Don’t assume that a good day means they’re “cured,” and try not to get frustrated if a string of bad days makes it seem like they will never recover. Just remember always to prioritize your own mental health no matter where they are in their recovery process. Don’t enable or do anything to help facilitate their drug use. You can not help someone who is not ready to accept help. You are not responsible for their sobriety, but you are responsible for your well-being. Have you found your mental health being affected by a loved one who struggles with drug or alcohol addiction? You are not alone; We are here to help you. At Anchored Tides Recovery Center, we always recommend family members to take part in our family programs. Once the client has completed drug addiction treatment, we recommend the family continue working with support programs to better learn about relapse conditions and understanding addiction. Call us today to get started on the road to recovery and addiction-free life. We will educate you on what the process looks like to begin a drug addiction treatment and what is needed to support your loved ones.

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The Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for Women

In the last few years, the number of searches for the best dual-diagnosis treatment centers for women has significantly increased. More women are seeking gender-specific treatment centers, and we will explain why.

Addiction is a common disease, but it affects both genders differently. Research on how gender influences addiction has shown that male and female bodies react to substance abuse differently. For instance, women tend to develop dependency and eventual addiction to drugs faster than their male counterparts.

Another proof of this difference is how women metabolize alcohol. The female body produces an enzyme that slows down alcohol metabolism. Eventually, women with substance abuse problems tend to experience more severe symptoms than men.

These are just a few examples of how the effects of substance abuse differ from men to women.

Research has shown that an addict’s gender plays an important role in their treatment journey in recent years. Whether they get treatment, how they get treatment and the barriers they face can also affect addiction treatment and recovery.

Women tend to have a harder time sticking to a treatment plan than men. This issue is often influenced by their responsibilities at home. Also, women experience more mental health comorbidities than men.

With all of these differences, no wonder the need for the best dual-diagnosis treatment centers for women is prominent.

What Is Dual-Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual-diagnosis is treatment for co-occurring disorders. Someone who experiences co-occurring disorders will experience a mental health disorder and substance use simultaneously. Some common mental health disorders that co-occur with substance use disorders are:

Depression
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Borderline personality disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
Eating disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Schizophrenia

Co-occurring disorders are different from regular substance use disorders because they create a loop.

People who suffer from a dual-diagnosis require a more specialized treatment than those who only deal with substance abuse. This is because the individual has to be treated for the mental health issue as well as the substance use disorder at the same time. Most comorbid disorders influence themselves in a vicious cycle.

For example, a mental health disorder like depression can lead the individual to drink or take drugs. This influence also goes both ways as a substance use disorder can worsen a mental health issue. Most treatment centers opt for an integrated treatment plan where both issues are treated simultaneously to treat dual-diagnosis.

If you do suffer from mental illness and substance use disorder and only receive treatment for SUDS, your likelihood of relapsing is much higher. This can be due to the fact that some of the uncomfortable feelings associated with mental illness drive someone to use drugs or alcohol.

How Anchored Tides Recovery Helps Women Recover From Addiction

With many treatment centers in the United States, why choose Anchored Tides Recovery? First, Anchored Tides Recovery is a gender-specific treatment center dedicated to helping women recover from addiction. This means Anchored Tides Recovery have trained staff that understand and deal with the peculiar differences women go through when seeking treatment for their addiction.

In addition to this, Anchored Tides Recovery also offers a couple of treatment plans like partial- hospitalization and outpatient tailored for women. Are you looking for a women-only rehab center for dual-diagnosis treatment? Anchored Tides Recovery is the right choice.

Our treatment approach combines evidence-based addiction treatment and dual-diagnosis modalities while incorporating a program geared toward women’s issues.

We offer various levels of addiction treatment services including a Women’s Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, an Outpatient Program, and an aftercare program.

In addition to our numerous treatment programs, we provide a highly serene and conducive environment for healing. Reach out to us today for help with your addiction.

Am I Becoming an Alcoholic? Signs to Watch Out For

“Am I becoming an alcoholic?” How often do you ask yourself this question? Sometimes? One too many times? Maybe you only drink at night, or maybe you only drink wine and no liquor so — you can’t be an alcoholic, right?

Well, unfortunately this is not the case. Alcoholism can take several forms, and the stereotype portrayed on TV is not always applicable. So how can you tell if you are becoming an alcoholic?

What Is Considered Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is also known as alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence, where someone has a compulsion to drink alcohol. It is slightly different from alcohol abuse or harmful drinking, which has to do with behavior patterns where someone drinks to extreme levels despite the adverse effects.

Alcoholism, on the other hand, is a form of alcohol abuse where an individual is unable to manage their drinking habit so that they feel they can’t function well without alcohol. Alcohol abuse can spiral out of control and may develop into alcoholism.

When you drink excessively, your body gradually becomes dependent on alcohol. According to the National Institute of Health, about 17 million adults (18 and above) have some sort of drinking problem.

Signs You Are an Alcoholic

Are you worried you may be an alcoholic? The following is a list of common signs of alcoholism or a developing alcohol dependence (please note this isn’t a comprehensive list):

Drinking in secrecy or hiding how much you drink
Alcohol cravings
Feeling the need to drink in the morning
Unable to control alcohol consumption
Putting alcohol over personal responsibilities and relationships
Buying excessive amounts of alcohol regardless of the financial implications
Continue to drink despite health problems
Trying to cut back on drinking but finding it difficult
Quitting other activities to drink
Unable to control your behavior after drinking
Having school troubles, job troubles, relationship problems due to alcohol
Getting into harmful situations after drinking alcohol, like drunk driving, unsafe sex, swimming, and fighting.
Continually increasing the usual quantity of alcohol you take to get the desired effect
Withdrawal symptoms when you aren’t drinking, like nausea, hallucination, sweating, restlessness, depression, or insomnia.

Getting Treatment for Alcoholism

If you or someone you love is addicted to alcohol, and you think it’s affecting their lives, it is crucial to seek professional help. If you are unsure you have a drinking problem or a physical dependence, always consult your physician for more information.

Treatment for alcoholism can vary, the most common treatments being:

Detoxification

Detoxification is for people with severe alcohol addiction; this is a crucial first step towards recovery. The aim is to quit drinking and allow your body time to get the alcohol out of your system safely. Alcohol withdrawal can cause serious health complications so please never try to detox alone.

Psychotherapy or Counseling

Psychotherapy or counseling address emotional problems causing you to drink. These types of therapy are incorporated in inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment. Also, a therapist will help you deal with behavior and triggers that make you want to drink.

Peer Led Support Groups

There are also support groups and programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, and Narcotics Anonymous to help people through their recovery path. These support groups are often peer led, are free to join, and are available multiple times throughout the day, 7 days a week. Support groups are offered during addiction treatment and can easily be continued after treatment.

Anchored Tides Recovery Is Here for You

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, then the answer to this question, “am I becoming an alcoholic?” is possibly yes. Identifying and accepting an alcohol problem is the first step to recovery from addiction.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we help women living with alcohol addiction problems and mental health issues. Our goal is for women to live healthily and access long-term recovery treatments by offering a unique treatment center with professional staff and enhanced treatment options designed by women for women.

Reach out to us today to begin your journey to recovery!

Knowing When It’s Time to Plan a Drug and Alcohol Intervention

Sarah didn’t know how bad her addiction to drugs and alcohol was until her loved ones planned a drug and alcohol intervention for her. She also didn’t realize that her actions affect others. At this point, she realized that it was time to get better for herself and those affected by her addiction.

Addiction is a chronic illness that affects two categories of people – the primary and secondary individuals. The truth is, many addicts live in a world that revolves around drugs and alcohol.

Most addicts find it hard to picture a life sober through the haze of substance-induced euphoria. But an intervention can help a person break through that haze.

While some addicts might hit rock bottom and decide to seek treatment for their addiction on their own, this isn’t the case for everyone. Sometimes, it takes the secondary party staging a drug abuse intervention to realize they need help.

Are you a concerned friend or parent? Do you wish to intervene and get your loved one to agree to treatment? Are you conflicted about how to achieve this? Keep reading to find out when and how to stage an intervention!

What Is a Drug and Alcohol Intervention?

In the simplest terms, it is a conversation between addicts and their loved ones about the addict’s addiction. The goal of every intervention is to eventually get the addict to agree to treatment and rehabilitation.

A successful intervention is one where the addict realizes how much his addiction affects not just them but their loved ones and decides to get help.

That realization is important because, for an addiction treatment program to be effective, the addict must want to get sober.

But unfortunately an intervention is not as easy as having a conversation. It sometimes doesn’t work especially when the addict denies their addiction or willfully refuses to discuss it. An intervention is all about communication on both sides.

While loved ones want the addict to know how the addiction affects them, it’s important to also know the “how” and “why.”

If a regular intervention with family and friends is unsuccessful, consider inviting an intervention specialist to help out. After a successful intervention, both parties can find a treatment center together. You can use this SAMHSA locator to find one.

How Do You Know When You Need to Plan a Drug Abuse Intervention?

Is there a sign that says it’s time to have a drug and alcohol intervention? Well, no, there isn’t. However, studies show that early intervention is often the best.

Early intervention might be as soon as you notice certain signs that show that your loved one is struggling with an addiction. Signs of addiction can range drastically from person to person as addiction manifests differently in everyone.

Here are some telltale signs to look out for:

Increased aggressiveness or moodiness
Excessive borrowing of money
Increased deterioration in physical appearance
Recent secretive behavior
Lack of interest or problems at school or work
Increased fatigue

Please note that the list above is not an exhaustive list of signs of addiction.

Before staging an intervention, you might want to talk to other people close to the addict. They might have noticed the same issues and may want to be a part of the intervention.

If you are too worried about the addict’s reaction to an intervention or what you will say, contact an intervention specialist first and ask them to be a part of the intervention.

Anchored Tides Recovery Is Here for Your Loved One

Are you looking for a good addiction treatment center for your loved one? Try Anchored Tides Recovery, a top women-focused rehab center located at Huntington Beach. We offer treatment programs tailored to treat addiction in women. Reach out to us today to learn more about our program and how we can help your loved one recover!

The Link Between Sexual Abuse and Addiction

There are numerous reasons an individual falls victim to sexual abuse and addiction. Childhood trauma can put people at risk for drug and alcohol addiction. In actuality, women who have experienced sexual abuse at a young age are three times more likely to use drugs, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

As a result of this truth, it is vital to know the negative effects one can experience when suffering from sexual abuse. Together, we can work together to end the stigma of addiction and get any women struggling with substance abuse the help they need.

Defining Physical and Sexual Abuse

Physical abuse is a large umbrella that encompasses sexual abuse and other forms of abuse. To better understand both terms, let’s define them separately.

Physical abuse involves causing harm to another through body contact. Sexual abuse, on the other hand, is the act of coercing another into sexual activity without consent.

The Link Between Sexual Abuse and Addiction

Sexual abuse and addiction are locked in a cycle that often has an indefinite start and endpoint. Most times, kids are at a high risk of sexual or physical abuse, especially if they live with an addict. This is because drugs and alcohol can undermine the ward or parent’s ability to give daily care in the same manner they would if they were sober.

If the parent or caretaker isn’t the abuser, the child can still be exposed to abuse from others if they’re left unsupervised. With that being said, not all children that experience trauma and abuse won’t necessarily grow up to be addicted to substances as addiction is not unique to childhood sexual trauma. But when an individual experiences a trauma that’s typically linked with violent sexual misconduct, the individual may turn to alcohol or drugs to suppress the pain associated with the trauma they’ve endured.

If the parents of the child abused alcohol or drugs, they might likely continue the cycle afterward. For specific people, this act can become a fully developed addiction. Why? It’s simple! When a person starts using, their brains and central nervous systems adapt to these chemical substances and slowly take more of the substance to produce the same feeling they sought originally.

The above mentioned describes the intent of an addict who starts using drugs as a coping mechanism for the sexual abuse they suffered. It also captures the link between sexual abuse and alcoholism.

For those who have been sexually abused, they may experience the following:

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

The victim experiences flashbacks of the traumatic event. These flashbacks become so haunting that they feel less confident and a constant void. If the victim goes through these without communicating with a therapist, the situation may likely exacerbate.

Depression

Depression is just one of the numerous ways PTSD manifests. In this case, the victim loses interest in basically everything and may even contemplate suicide.

Anxiety and Fear

Following the event of sexual abuse, the victim may experience shock or anxiety. The event can also make the individual experience denial, become withdrawn, fearful, or develop substance abuse disorders. Efficient treatment for victims may include several therapies such as group therapy, behavioural therapy, and cognitive therapy.

Treat Your Addiction With Help From Anchored Tides Recovery

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us at Anchored Tides Recovery today. We’re located in beautiful Huntington Beach, California, and are dedicated to providing women the best addiction treatment possible.

We understand the link between sexual abuse and addiction. As such, we have different programs that will help you heal from the trauma and take you on a path to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

How PTSD and Addiction Are Linked

PTSD, also known as post traumatic stress disorder, is often linked with addiction and substance abuse disorders. If you aren’t familiar with PTSD or addiction, or how the two can be intertwined, Anchored Tides Recovery is here to share with you more information regarding the two disorders.

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Evelyn lost her parents at the age of 8 to a terrible accident. Since then, she has suffered several panic attacks and exhausting emotional outbursts.

Some nights, she hardly sleeps. And some days, anxiety and depression disconnect her from friends and family.

To cope with loneliness and feelings of depression and anxiety, she started experimenting with drugs and alcohol, and eventually became addicted to these substances.

This is just one of the many examples of a person experiencing PTSD and addiction. Most people who, at any point in their lives, suffered trauma can often overcome the experience on their own. However, when PTSD ensues, the symptoms hardly go away.

What is PTSD and Addiction?

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health and anxiety disorder. It happens when a person witnesses or experiences a life-threatening or traumatic event. Examples of such events are:

The death of loved ones
Sexual abuse
Physical abuse
Fatal accidents and injuries
Natural disasters
War
Terrorist attacks

Sadly, you don’t need to have to witness any of the events above before suffering PTSD. You might develop PTSD when a loved one experiences life-endangering occurrences.

In another case, having a history of mental illness can also lead to PTSD. And if you’re a woman, the chances of having PTSD are unfortunately higher. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are more likely to develop PTSD than men.

How to Tell If You Have PTSD

When a person suffers PTSD, they may display specific symptoms. The common symptoms include (but are not limited to):

Panic attacks
Insomnia and nightmares
Persistent anger
Mood swings
Excessive agitation and fear

Some people with PTSD may turn to alcohol and drugs to manage and cope with the symptoms, and ultimately end up becoming addicted to said substances. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD and addiction, please don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

At the earliest stages of PTSD with early intervention, it’s very possible to recover from PTSD without medications. However, when the symptoms of PTSD become disruptive and unmanageable, getting prescription drugs or treatments is a good option. Presently, the widely-approved medications for PTSD are antidepressants. Antidepressants are likely to suppress PTSD symptoms such as anger issues, fear, and agitation.

Another medication is Prazosin. It helps to suppress PTSD symptoms such as sleeplessness and nightmares.

How PTSD and Addiction Are Linked

The two disorders share a mutual link/nature. PTSD alters brain chemistry just as much as substance abuse.

For that reason, a singular trauma can simultaneously trigger PTSD and substance. And that is why substance abuse can lead to PTSD. Sudden withdrawal from drugs or alcohol will develop post-traumatic stress disorder in an addict.

Another connection between PTSD and substance abuse is PTSD medications. Indeed prescription drugs can help manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. However, one of the dangers of prescription drugs is that people living with PTSD often abuse them. For example, antidepressants such as Ativan and Xanax (Benzodiazepines) tend to create a high feeling. If someone suffering from PTSD takes too much of those, they are at risk for developing an addiction.

Anchored Tides Recovery Can Help

Hope is not lost. Anchored Tides Recovery’s women’s drug rehab will help you live an addiction-free life. We are a comprehensive dual-diagnosis program created specifically for women who need help.

We provide different levels of addiction treatment services including an Intensive Outpatient Program, Women’s Partial Hospitalization Program, Outpatient Program, and an aftercare program. If you or your loved one is struggling with PTSD, contact us NOW and begin your journey to full recovery.

The Dangers of Prescription Pills

Drug Prescription pills had always been a threat to all – even before the recent opioid epidemic. Yes, they are safe for people who have prescriptions for them and take them as prescribed. However, prescriptions can easily be abused and pills also can be purchased illegally. This is extremely dangerous and can even be life threatening. Today, Anchored Tides Recovery would like to spend some time highlighting the dangers of prescription pills.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, NCDAS, 53 million Americans had a case of drug abuse in 2018. And of the lot, prescription pills accounted for a significant 30%. Now, you see that prescription pills misuse and abuse poses a lot of health risk to everyone. With that said, what are those risks?

Before we discuss the risks of misusing or abusing prescription pills, let’s talk about the “what” and “why.”

What Are Addictive Prescription Pills?

Ordinarily, prescription pills are not necessarily meant to be addictive. The common prescription drugs fall into three categories, namely:

Opioids
Depressants
Stimulants

As the name suggests, these pills are prescribed to people with certain health conditions. And the three major health conditions include pains, anxiety disorders, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Even to “the administered,” doctors only prescribe the drugs under strict conditions and often as a last resort because they are strong medications.

Why Do People Misuse or Abuse Prescription Pills?

People abuse prescription pills for various reasons. Some do so for fun (to get high), and others may start to build a tolerance to their prescription, and need to take more to feel the same effects.

Others may abuse prescription pills in the bid to study better, lose weight, or keep fit. Whatever reason you have for misusing or abusing prescription medication, they all often face the same complications listed below:

Risks Associated With Prescription Pills Addiction

Loss of Memory

Memory loss is often associated with depressants. Depressants generally increase the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. And that explains why it treats anxiety.

However, high levels of GABA lower brain activity. In the event of depressant abuse, your brain will then stimulate more GABA. That would eventually result in memory loss and a lack of concentration.

What’s worse is that if you suddenly stop taking depressants after a long period of use, you might experience life-threatening withdrawal seizures.

Respiratory Complications

Opioids are responsible for respiratory challenges in prescription pills’ abusers. They can indeed help manage pain under a doctor’s supervision.

Nevertheless, at the slightest overdose, you can experience life-endangering breathing difficulties. It is even worse when you combine opioids with alcohol.

In addition to breathing problems, opioids deteriorate sleep patterns. Over time, your immune system suffers from your misuse or overdose of opioids.

Paranoia

Prescription medications generally affect the internal workings of the brain. Put simply; they disrupt how the brain cells send and receive information.

In particular, they (opioids and stimulants) affect the brain’s reward sequences. As such, you get high and joyous when you take. But when you don’t use these pills, you start showing paranoia tendencies.

Stimulants especially can make you paranoid, and short doses make abusers go aggressive and withdraw.

Organ Damage and Failure

Prescription pills can cause heart-related problems such as collapsed veins and eventual heart failure. For starters, the medications are strong. And for that reason, the heart starts experiencing abnormal heartbeat rates.

Another organ often affected by prescription medications are the liver and kidney. These pills often make your liver and kidney go on overdrive. In other words, the two organs require more work to digest the substances in opioids, particularly.

How Anchored Tides Recovery Can Help

In the end, whatever complications or risks you face for abusing any prescription drug, there is hope. It’s never too late to get help, and you don’t have to live a life abusing prescription pills. We can help you at Anchored Tides Recovery.

Our range of treatment services for women includes partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and other outpatient programs. Most importantly, we have some of the best guides to help you navigate your addiction! Trust us, and get help today!

Tips to Help Your Loved One During the Recovery Process

Addiction is a terrible disease and it can take a tremendous toll on not only the addict but the rest of the family as well. When someone first agrees to get help for drug abuse and addiction, they often think that detox is the only step during the recovery process. People who are addicted to alcohol might even come out of the detox process and think they can drink socially. This is not the case. Sobriety represents a lifelong commitment and people need to embrace this commitment every day. Having support from friends or family is one of the main factors that keep a recovering addict determined and disciplined. It’s a great idea for friends and family members to familiarize themselves with ways they can help an addict through the recovery process.

How to Tell if Addiction is Taking Hold of a Loved One?

In order to be able to support someone throughout the recovery process, you’ll need to be able to spot the signs of addiction. There are a few key signs that someone is suffering from addiction:

Defensive behavior: Addicts tend to become defensive during their addiction. If you start to ask them why they don’t have money or why they’re losing weight, they’ll get angry and most likely try to turn the conversation around on you. Although this can be hurtful, remember that they aren’t doing this maliciously.
Hiding their use: People drug and alcohol abuse are generally not socially acceptable, addicts hide their use. An addict may stash alcohol or drugs in their car so no one can find them. They’ll often lie about what they’re doing as well to hide their use. If you ask an addict to come over for dinner, it’s common for them to make up an excuse because they want to get high.
Mood swings: Drug and alcohol use can cause unstable moods. Someone using a stimulant will be down one minute, then up the next. Someone who is addicted to alcohol may start their day out feeling happy and normal, but the more they drink, the more depressed they can become.
Financial problems: Sustaining an addiction can become very expensive. If you suspect someone is struggling with substance abuse, and they ask to borrow money, they might have a problem. If you find someone going through your personal belongings to steal money, they most likely have a problem.

When is it Time for Help?

It’s never too soon to get help. Once you recognize that someone you love is suffering from substance abuse, it’s time for help. Addiction is a progressive disease, the longer it manifests, the worse it gets. It is critical to stop addiction in its tracks as early as possible to limit the collateral damage that might result.

How To Help Someone with Addiction

It may feel hard at first to try to help someone who is suffering from addiction. It’s normal to feel angry, or sad, or confused, especially if someone’s addiction has impacted you directly. The most important thing to remember is your loved one is sick. If they did something to hurt you, it wasn’t purposefully. It’s important to approach someone who is suffering from addiction with care and compassion. If they feel like they’re being attacked or misunderstood, they may resist getting help.

There are different ways to approach someone about their addiction. Because everyone is different and every addiction is different, it can be hard to determine what is the right thing to do. If your loved one is struggling and is an introvert, try having a private conversation with them. They may get overwhelmed if too many people confront them at once. If your loved one gets agitated easily, you may want to confront them with someone else present.

After you confront the addict, the most important thing to do is let them know you’re here to help them. You can offer to help them with researching different treatment options and even help by calling different facilities to learn more about their program.

The best thing to do when helping someone during the recovery process is to not judge them and lend a shoulder to cry on. You’d be surprised at how much it can mean to someone by just saying “I’m here for you if you ever need to talk”.

Let Us Help You With Your Addiction Treatment

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we are a complete, dual-diagnosis enhanced addiction treatment program, designed specifically for women, by women. This program provides a variety of levels of outpatient services, which include a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), a traditional Outpatient Program (OP), and long-term recovery monitoring. Our goal is to help women overcome addiction and mental health disorders. If you are interested in learning more about how our professionals can help you overcome the bonds of addiction, please contact us today!

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