Who becomes Addicted to Prescription Drugs?

The addiction may start from a genuine illness or injury where the prescription was initially necessary and not harmful for a short period of time when used as prescribed. Some people fall “accidently” into addiction either because the tolerance for the medication no longer eases their condition or because they assume that the prescription is harmless.

Prescription drug addiction often befalls the elderly. Misunderstanding the dosage or overdosing because of confusion or forgetfulness happens all too often. Many senior citizens are left alone or undersupervised; there is no one there to help look out for their best interest. A defensive about their drug use or change in behavior are the most common signs in prescription drug abuse in seniors. Encouraging them to bring all their prescriptions to their doctor’s appointments can help alleviate concern as well as head off any abuse whether intentional or unintentional.

The addiction of prescription drugs is most relevant in young adults, between 18 and 25. Most common are the abuse of pain killers, sedatives and depressants. It appears that the growth in this abuse is due to the ease of accessibility of prescription medications. The drugs are usually given by a friend or relative to the user. Prescription drugs are often times seen as not harmful, since initially they were prescribed by a doctor and are not illegal such as cocaine and heroin. However, prescription medication can prove fatal if not supervised by a qualified medical professional.

Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

Those addicted to prescription drugs will show the signs of addiction and dependency similar to an illicit drug addict or alcoholic. They will build up an increased tolerance for the drug and withdrawal symptoms will appear if doses are missed; they will continue to use the drug even after the issue it was prescribed for has ended. The abuser may remove themselves from family and friends and may have work and financial problems. Mood and behavior changes will occur, including secretive or deceitful behavior to acquire the drug and hostile, agitated or anxious behavior if they are not able to obtain the drug.

Prescription Drug Abuse Rehab

In the same way that an individual with a heroin or cocaine addiction needs to journey through the physical withdrawal, so does a prescription drug abuser. An inpatient drug treatment program will provide the best chance for a positive outcome. Once the drug addict is ready for rehabilitation, here are some things to look for in a treatment center: qualified facility with highly trained and educated staff, holistic healing options and programs that specialize in drug addiction. Your physician or local medical center should be able to refer you to a comprehensive behavioral health facility.

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Alcohol abuse can affect any one at any age but in the last decade we have heard terrible stories of binge drinking and alcohol abuse in college students. Many of these young adults have not tasted as much freedom as they suddenly get when they begin college. They also have not fully developed their decision making skills yet and often engage in risky behavior without thought of consequence. Though college students are not the only ones that participate in this type of drinking, dangerous behaviors and habits can start at this point and continue into adulthood.

Most professionals would agree that between 2-5 alcoholic beverages during a week’s time is considered a normal, healthy amount of drinking. Much of what determines the abuse of alcohol however isn’t the amount alone but how and why it’s used. Here are the top 10 common warning signs that alcohol use may have turned to abuse:

• Drinking to Intoxication
• Not Having the Ability to Limit Consumption
• Increased Tolerance to Alcohol
• Alcohol Use has Affected Work, Home or Personal Life
• Drinking While at Work or Driving
• Legal or Financial Problems Stemming from Alcohol Use
• Changes in Behavior or Values While Drinking
• Lying About or Downplaying Amount of Alcohol Consumption
• Craving Alcohol or Irritability if Unable to Drink
• Using Alcohol to Relieve Sadness, Depression, Stress or Anxiety

The biggest tell-tale sign between use and abuse is the control one feels over their alcohol consumption and drinking behavior. Alcohol abuse can easy and quickly take over healthy decision making. Some safe drinking guidelines are eat before drinking, do not drink when emotionally upset, do not mix alcohol with medication or drugs and do not drink to the point of intoxication. If you are worried about your own or others drinking behavior and think that there may be signs of alcohol addiction, consult a health care professional immediately.

Resource:

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Casa Palmera is proud to announce Kevin McCauley, M.D. will join Casa Palmera on April 22 as part of our Guest Lecture series to speak about addiction recovery management. Doctor McCauley will discuss the Chronic Care Model and the elements of Disease Management. He presents how the model can be used in the lifelong treatment of addiction recovery. He will also be discussing drug testing benefits and limitations.

Kevin McCauley is co-founder of the Institute on Addiction Study and advocates for the patient rights of those suffering from the disease of addiction to drugs or alcohol. Kevin is a graduate of the Medical College of Pennsylvania. He was a Naval flight surgeon for many years with the Blue Angels and Sharpshooters and treated pilots with alcohol and drug problems during this time.

As required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, this course meets the requirements for 2 hours of continuing education created for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and LCSWs, Provider Number PCE4659. This course is also approved by CFAAP/CAADAC for 2 CEH’s, provider number 1S-09-101-0115.

The lecture is open to the public and will be held at our residential treatment facility location in Del Mar on Monday, April 22nd, from 3 to 5 pm . Tickets are $25 per person and $20 for students. Please RSVP by April 15th to reserve your seat.

Casa Palmera Care Center is a holistic-based residential treatment facility that specializes in the treatment of drug and alcohol problems, mood and eating disorders. They host lectures throughout the year as well as present and/or sponsor a number of symposiums and conferences to stay abreast in the latest of health care and addiction disorders and treatments.

Click here for more information and to register online

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It is undeniable the impact that mental illness has on society. All those affected by a mental disorder, have loved ones, friends and acquaintances that are influenced by their illness as well. Those with common mental health issues such as depression and anxiety manage quite well with the help of medication or therapy or a combination of both; others would be hard-pressed to guess that they have any ailment at all. However, even the most subtle of mental illness can lead to bigger problems like addiction or violence without treatment.

Addiction and Mental Illness

The mentally ill are five times more likely to also suffer from drug or alcohol addiction than the rest of the population. One in ten Americans become addicted to drugs or alcohol in their lifetime; almost half of the mentally ill do. This is commonly called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Mental health issues can cloud addiction recovery and substance abuse can not only mask mental disorders in need of treatment, but can also complicate rehabilitation and healing.

The Myths of Violence in the Mentally Ill

There is a small occurrence of violence in the mentally ill; however, it usually stems from other factors like substance abuse or a family history of violence. In fact, those suffering from mental illness have less cases of incidences of violence overall than in the general population. The two ways that those suffering from mental illness and violence are united is the stigma that society has placed that a mentally ill person is automatically presumed to be dangerous. The reality is that those suffering from mental health issues are more likely to be the victims of violence rather than the perpetrators. People with a mental illness are much more likely to hurt themselves than others.

Mental Illness Warning signs

Common symptoms in people with mental health disorders can manifest as both physical and emotional warning signs. Some possible indictors are significant mood swings, extended periods of depression or anxiety, problems coping with daily work and family issues, delusions, confusion or unexplained physical ailments. Mental health issues can easily be managed with the proper care. If you notice these or other symptoms of mental illness in yourself or others, reach out to a health care professional immediately.

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Though there are benefits and disadvantages to both, usually the type of addiction that you suffer from, the length of your addiction as well as your support system, environment and surroundings, and history of your addiction determine whether inpatient or outpatient treatment is the best solution for your situation.

In-Patient Rehabilitation

Inpatient treatment programs tend to last a minimum of 30 days. Patients check into and stay at the facility around the clock so that they can detox, recover, heal and learn new ways of dealing with life outside of their addiction. For drug dependency and alcohol addiction, inpatient treatment is often the best path to a successful and sustainable recovery.

Inpatient therapy allows the patient to be removed from the drug or alcohol they have been using, as well as situations and people that might have been contributing to their addiction. Drug and alcohol rehab recovery includes cleansing your body of the substance being abused and often adds a holistic approach to help treat mind, body and spirit for a complete chance of recovery. An inpatient recovery program provides therapeutic counseling and support whenever the patient needs it – 24 hours a day.

The drawbacks to treatment where the patient is admitted are disruption of family, work or school life and the possibility of less anonymity. The life of the patient will be disrupted for between 30-90 days, based on the rehab program; therefore some people are just not able to do this and pause their life schedules. Due to the absence of the patient from their standard routine and lives for a time, keeping the recovery confidential may be quite difficult.

Out-Patient Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs vary widely based on the facility, the problems being addressed, and if this is during recovery or as continued care after treatment. Outpatient therapy includes psychotherapy, cognitive and behavioral treatment as well as Alcoholic Anonymous, Narcotic Anonymous, Over Eaters Anonymous and Eating Disorders Anonymous.

In an outpatient setting, families can be integrated to assist with healing. The patient can meet with nutritionists to formulate a healthy diet and work with alternative healing options such as acupuncture or yoga. Outpatient treatment allows the patient to continue their work, school and family life simultaneously while attending therapy. Out patient therapy can be quite successful if the patient understands their addiction, is ready to make a life change, and is dedicated to their sobriety and recovery.

Choosing inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab is optimally done in coordination with a health care professional to decide the best option based on the situation and individual. Seeking help and taking the steps to recovery is the most important choice that you can make towards a life free of addiction.

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Is The Facility Licensed and Accredited?

It is imperative that any drug rehab facility that you are considering attending is licensed and accredited. The most common and prestigious accreditation is the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organization (TJC). Their strict requirements demand the highest quality of treatment.

How Long Is the Program?

Research shows that therapeutic and addiction treatments are more likely to have positive long term effects when stays are longer than 30 days. Most rehabilitation centers offer 30-day, 60-day and 90-day options for treatment and may be customized based on the addiction or dual diagnosis involved.

What Should I Expect From Rehab?

Rehabilitation for drug addiction, alcohol abuse or an eating disorder should start with a comprehensive evaluation – both physically and psychologically. Depending on your reason for attending rehabilitation, there may be some physical effects that occur from the cessation of drugs or alcohol. The first days in rehab may be challenging but with renewed wellness and therapy, it should quickly improve.

What is the Environment at the Facility Like?

Based on the drug rehab or behavioral health facility it may be more clinical or more like a retreat. The setting can aid in recovery as much as the treatment itself. By sure to look at several options before choosing the rehab center that you will attend that best fits your needs.

What Recovery Services Do You Offer?

Research your prospective treatment center, many offer holistic or alternative treatments as part of recovery. Some services that may be offered are art therapy, yoga, meditation, acupuncture or acupressure, reiki, therapeutic massage and nutritional and fitness.

Do You Treat Dual Diagnosis?

This is one of the most important questions that you can ask before committing to a recovery treatment facility. Most research shows that about 65% of those suffering from addiction and eating disorders also have an underline mental illness, depression, anxiety or personality disorder. It is crucial that both co-occuring disorders are treated simultaneously for healthy recovery to take place.

Does Your Facility Offer Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?

Many alcohol, drug and trauma treatment centers offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment. For addiction and severe eating disorders, however, inpatient therapy is vital. Aftercare and outpatient counseling is suggested for the best recovery outcomes.

What Kind of Aftercare Support Do You Offer?

Aftercare following addiction or trauma treatment will decrease the patient’s chance of relapse. Many rehab centers offer group and individualized counseling for a set amount of time following release from inpatient therapy. Counseling can also be arranged by the health facility if the patient is not local.

What Payment Options Do I Have?

Some insurance programs will cover some or all inpatient treatment stays. You need to make sure to get a pre-authorization from your insurance company prior to admission to a recovery treatment center. Many treatment centers offer financing options and take cash as payment as well.

What Type of Help is Available for Families?

The more involved the family of the patient is the better for all. Make sure that you ask if family counseling is involved in the recovery process as well as if it’s available for family members of the patient. If counseling is not offered by the recovery center, they should be able to refer you to a skilled counselor of support group in the area.

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Dual diagnoses have been neglected for a long time. Dual diagnosis also refers to a co-occurring condition in which a person is simultaneously diagnosed with an Axis I and an Axis II psychiatric disorder. While Axis I conditions are considered more or less amenable to treatments such as individual therapy and psychotropic drugs (e.g., antipsychotic, anxiolytic, and antidepressant medications), Axis II conditions are typically considered more resistant or even refractory to such treatments.

According to Mental Health America (MHA), thirty-seven percent of alcohol abusers and fifty-three percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness. It’s hard to know if the mental disorder led to substance abuse, through self-medication, or if those suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction have developed psychiatric ailments.

A person with a dual diagnosis has additional challenges in rehabilitation. Often times, treatment centers will focus only on the primary disorder – substance abuse – and not deal with the co-occurring condition of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. It is most beneficial to treat both simultaneously in order to have a higher chance of full recovery.

Dual diagnosis covers a wide array of disorders and is as individual as the patient. A co-occurring condition can be difficult to diagnose initially when the patient is actively abusing alcohol or drugs. Often cessation of the substance will allow the most precise diagnosis. However, that is not always possible. A recovery and rehabilitation center likely will perform one, if not multiple, assessment throughout the stay.

Some individuals with co-occurring disorders have experienced trauma that has become integrated with substance abuse. Trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also considered a co-occurring condition. It is important when seeking treatment that research is done – both on the probable disorder as well as the possible rehabilitation options. Finding a recovery and behavioral health facility that is skilled in dealing with dual diagnosis will go a long way in insuring that proper treatment is given and full healing can begin.

Treatment for a patient suffering from a co-occurring disorder will vary based on what mood disorder the patient may suffer from. For example, depression or anxiety may be treated with talk therapy and journaling while more extensive treatment may be necessary for bi-polar or anti-social conditions. Either way, it is imperative to treat both problems concurrently. Treatment should view both the substance abuse as well as the emotional issues as equal priorities in recovery.

A holistic approach is often the best path to healing. Rehabilitation should include therapy for the mind, body and soul to allow the patient to heal physically, emotionally and spiritually. Healthy nutrition, regular exercise and defining life goals and values assist in the patient’s restoration as well. Some alternative therapies may consist of reiki, yoga, acupuncture or acupressure, massage, meditation and art therapy.

Treating concurrent disorders will help you to understand how the dual diagnosis affects your life, will teach you ways of managing your condition and stress once recovery has begun and will reverse negative behaviors that led to substance abuse. Leading a happy and satisfied life is possible – one step forward is the beginning.

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1. Fitness: Physical activity encourages creating a healthier self-image, improvement in overall movement and the reduction of unhealthy habits as well as stress and anxiety. Higher energy levels, a decreased chance of disease and better quality of sleep are other benefits of fitness. We have a state of the art fitness room, a challenge rope wall and planned nature walks.
2. Art Therapy: Art therapy is a great way for patients to deal with pain and self esteem. Therapy through art is used for many addiction and behavior issues. The benefits are improved self awareness, self esteem and stress management.
3. Healthy Nutritious Food: Nutrition is seldom included as an integral part of rehabilitation. However a healthy lifestyle can lead to increased energy and happiness, both of which are fundamental during recovery. Our trained dieticians work with each individual to create a customized plan during their stay at Casa Palmera as well as after in-patient treatment is complete.
4. Stress Management: While all people need to deal with stress, people in recovery face more challenges in managing stress without succumbing to negative behaviors. We give our patients the tools that they need to deal with stress in every day circumstances.
5. Spiritual Reflection: Defining and strengthening of the spirituality can help to assist in rehabilitation. Spiritual well-being allows a person to gain a sense of purpose and clarity in their life.
6. Meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga and Self-Hypnosis: Discovering ways to calm your soul and reflect leads to higher self awareness and peacefulness. These activities increase flexibility, balance as well as teach calming breathing techniques.
7. Alternative Behavioral Therapies: There are multiple options for therapies at Casa Palmera that work the body, mind and spirit. Standard treatment includes talk, cognitive and client-centered therapies. A holistic approach may also include body work and massage, healing touch and breath control, as well as shiatsu and acupressure.
8. Acupuncture: People in the midst of drug recovery and behavioral rehabilitation can often suffer from physical pain and anxiety. Acupuncture can help to ease both physical discomfort and emotion unease.
9. Holistic Medicines: Especially when trying to free patients from chemical addiction, holistic and naturalistic remedies might serve as a good alternative.
10. Journaling: Journaling serves many purposes in recovery and rehabilitation. It allows for reflection; a patient can start to understand the feelings and behaviors that led to their addiction. Journaling can be used to freely express thoughts, desires and needs while providing privacy and confidentiality for the patient.

Trauma and Addiction Rehabilitation is a long and complex path. A holistic drug rehab and recovery center seeks to heal all areas affected. Contact Casa Palmera today to get further information on our holistic approach to treatment.

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Top 10 Signs of Depression

Depression affects every person differently. Some people will experience a few symptoms, while others will experience many. The most common signs of depression are:

1. Persistent sadness, emptiness or anxiety.
2. Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness or helplessness.
3. Fatigue, decreased energy or feeling “slowed down.”
4. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.
5. Restlessness or irritability.
6. Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
7. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, early-morning waking or oversleeping.
8. Eating and weight changes, such as appetite and weight loss or overeating and weight gain.
9. Thoughts of death or suicide, including actual suicide attempts.
10. Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment, such as headaches, chronic pain and digestive disorders.

Treating Depression

About 80% to 90% of people who seek treatment for depression feel better within two to three weeks. There are a variety of successful depression treatment options, including psychotherapy (“talk” therapy) and medications. There are also holistic treatments for depression like as yoga, acupuncture and meditation that help to restore balance by reconnecting the mind and body.

If you or someone you love exhibits any of the warning signs of depression, it’s important to seek help right away, especially if they’re abusing drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with and mask their symptoms. Casa Palmera offers a comprehensive alcohol and drug addiction treatment program that helps patients with depression and other mood disorders to learn how to cope with their disorder without the use of substances. Our skilled, compassionate staff will tailor a drug and alcohol treatment program to the patient’s specific needs to help the person develop the hope, knowledge, skills and support needed to manage their disorders and pursue a life in recovery.

If you know someone who is struggling with a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and depression, call Casa Palmera today and help them get the life they deserve back.

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One of the reasons that depression in men is less recognized is because our culture requires men to “be strong” and discourages them from talking about their feelings. As a result, men who are depressed are less likely to talk about the emotional symptoms of their depression — since expressing emotions is considered a “feminine” trait — and are more likely to talk about the physical symptoms of their depression. Most people are aware of the emotional symptoms of depression, but the physical symptoms are rarely discussed. As a result, when a man (or woman) complains about being tired all the time or that he has trouble sleeping through the night, we don’t realize these are warning signs that he may be depressed.

The Center for Disease Control reports that men in the U.S. are nearly four times more likely than women to commit suicide. Knowing the warning signs of depression in men could literally save your life or the life of a loved one. That’s why we’ve compiled the following list of the top five warning signs of depression in men.

Top 5 Signs of Depression in Men

Men and women share many of the same symptoms of depression, including:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness or anxiety
• Feeling fatigued or tired all the time
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, early-morning waking or oversleeping
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Eating and weight changes, such as appetite and weight loss or overeating and weight gain
• Thoughts of death or suicide, including actual suicide attempts
• Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment, such as headaches, chronic pain and digestive disorders

Men, however, tend to exhibit slightly different symptoms and/or express their symptoms differently. Some of these signs of depression in men are:

Feeling unusually aggressive or having inappropriate rage. Men who are depressed often repress their feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Instead of crying or talking about their feelings, men will keep their emotions hidden, which can make them more irritable, aggressive and angry. This can manifest itself in different ways like having a short tempter, road rage, and even violence.

Increased alcohol consumption or drug use. Since men don’t typically talk about their feelings and emotions, they may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their feelings and mask their symptoms of depression.

Changes in sexual behavior. Depression can affect sexual desire and cause men to become uninterested in sex or unable to perform. Conversely, it can also make men more prone to sexual liaisons as a way to feel better through thrill-seeking behavior.

Increased risk taking. Sometimes depressed men will engage in risky, thrill-seeking behavior like reckless driving, compulsive gambling, casual sex or dangerous sports.

Escapist behavior. Men who are depressed may throw themselves into activities such as work, hobbies or sports in order to escape their feelings of depression. They may also go to the opposite extreme and isolate themselves from friends, family and co-workers by avoiding events, meetings and work.

Getting Help for Male Depression

Depression is a devastating condition that can put your life on hold. Our caring, highly skilled staff knows how difficult it is to admit you’re depressed, and are trained at helping men overcome the unique issues they face in depression treatment.

Don’t let depression control your life any longer.

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