Whether you’re a trauma survivor, know someone who had traumatic experiences, or work as a mental health professional, you understand that living through hardships can deeply affect people in a wide range of ways.

Each person’s brain has a unique perception of traumatic events accompanied by unique processing of emotions, thoughts, and actions. As a result, predicting an individual’s response to trauma is nearly impossible.

In today’s guide, we’re exploring common trauma responses. Is overthinking a trauma response? What causes it? How to recognize it? How to break free from it? We’ll answer these questions and more to help you cultivate a healthier mind and body.

What Is a Trauma Response?

When a person who has experienced a traumatic event perceives a threat, their brain will unconsciously respond to it in a certain way that translates their survival instincts and reflects how the trauma affected them.

This change is called a trauma response, and it often causes individuals to alter how they feel, think, behave, or react to their surroundings or other people.

Leaving trauma untreated and trauma responses unaddressed means they’ll grow more intense and tiring, harming the individual’s mental and physical health.

On the mental health fort, symptoms of unresolved trauma include agitation, anxiety, nervousness, low concentration, and depression. As for physical health, symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, and headaches may result from untreated trauma.

Trauma Response vs Trauma Symptom

A trauma response and a trauma symptom are two different things that manifest and progress differently depending on the individual and their trauma.

A trauma response typically happens quickly after something triggers a memory of the trauma, whereas a trauma symptom usually persists long after the traumatic incident.

Is Overthinking a Type of Trauma Response?

Yes, overthinking is one of the most common types of trauma responses. It’s also referred to as rumination, obsessive thoughts, and hyper-rationality.

Overthinking is a coping mechanism that people develop from an early stage in life, typically due to childhood trauma. Experiencing abuse, invalidation, or neglect as a child can push individuals into overthinking as a coping mechanism to have a sense of control and safety.

In other words, overthinking can be used as a means to protect oneself after experiencing trauma. It’s a known symptom of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and is mainly characterized by trapping the mind in a loop of negative or intrusive thoughts.

What Are Other Examples of a Trauma Response?

Besides overthinking, the following are examples of traumatic responses:

• Over-apologizing
• Hyper Independence
• Oversharing
• Overworking
• Constant apologizing
• Lack of Memory
• Isolation
• Lying
• Procrastination
• People-Pleasing
• Hoarding

What Causes Overthinking?

Overthinking results from the combination of trauma, fear, and uncertainty.

Traumatic experiences make the individuals who survive them more prone to overthinking, especially when it’s childhood trauma. The impact of distressing events that happen during those early years can last throughout the person’s life and affect their physical and mental health.

Examples of childhood trauma that may turn people into overthinkers range from events that seem less significant such as over-criticization, negligence, and lack of validation, to more seemingly serious ones such as abuse (physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional), subjection to tremendous loss, or witnessing violence.

Exposure to such events at a young age interferes with the development of the brain, causing psychological and emotional ramifications later on.

One of the most common consequences is the brain becoming wired for hyper-alertness as it’s always on the lookout for potential threats. The fixation on trying to plan everything to predict and avoid future danger enters the mind into a chronic cycle of repetitive negative thoughts.

Common Patterns of Overthinking

Different people manifest overthinking in various thought patterns that commonly include:

• Obsessing about the future: This type of chronic overthinking about the future typically causes feelings of nervousness/worry or worsens existing anxiety disorders.
• Obsessing about the past: Chronic overthinking about the past typically causes depressive symptoms or exacerbates existing depression.
• Catastrophizing: In this sort of thought pattern, individuals use incomplete or little information about a situation and jump into thinking of the worst-case scenarios that could happen.
• Personalization: Trauma survivors manifesting this thinking pattern tend to feel personally responsible or guilty for things that are out of their control.
• Black and white thinking: In this line of reasoning, people think in extremes. It’s either right or wrong, good or bad, left or right – completely ignoring the gray zone that often lies between two points.

How Does Trauma-Fueled Overthinking Affect Health?

Yes, chronic ruminating originating from traumatic events can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being.

When an analytical mind is too active, an individual’s mental health will suffer. They may isolate themselves as a way to avoid having to deal with emotional responses. They’re also likely to suffer from chronic stress, anxiety disorders, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and depression.

Being stuck in a loop of recurring intrusive and negative thoughts can also affect the person’s physical health due to the overwhelming tension and stress. They may suffer from headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, muscle pain, disrupted sleep patterns, and insomnia.

Additionally, the consistent rise in the production of stress hormones (namely cortisol) can have a high risk of developing chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Conclusion: How To Overcome Overthinking Patterns?

The first step to break free from overthinking is to identify your overthinking pattern and recognize how it’s linked to childhood trauma.

From there, seeking therapy with a professional is essential for addressing the lingering trauma, exploring the root cause of your mental health condition, and learning healthy coping strategies.

Examples of therapy techniques for treating overthinking include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), clinical hypnotherapy, Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).

Practicing self-awareness while nurturing your self-compassion and self-esteem is key to anchoring your mind to live the present moment and forgive past mistakes.

If you or your loved one is struggling with chronic overthinking and need support in overcoming trauma, don’t hesitate to reach out.

References

• https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
• https://dmh.mo.gov/healthykids/providers/trauma
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/understanding-ptsd/202404/4-trauma-responses-that-may-be-hurting-your-relationships
• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/

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Published on: 2024-07-13
Updated on: 2024-07-17

Aleve is one of the most commonly used medications out there because of its wide range of uses while not requiring a prescription to purchase.

In fact, the drug is often dubbed one of the safest pain medications used to treat various symptoms including headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and fever.

But despite its safety, they can interact with various drugs and cause serious side effects if you’re not careful. For example, combining Aleve and alcohol together is often regarded as safe despite causing several health problems.

Keep on reading to find out more about the risks associated with combining the two drugs and how they affect your health.

A Brief Overview of Aleve and How it Works

Aleve is a brand name for a well-known painkiller containing naproxen sodium as its active ingredient. The same active ingredient is present in competitor treatments, such as Naprosyn.

This active ingredient falls under the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or (NSAIDs) for short.

These are a broad group of medications commonly used to manage pain relief and reduce inflammation, including popular drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), etc.

Like many other drugs in this class, Aleve is available as an over-the-counter medication, also known as OTC drugs. This means you can buy and use it without needing a prescription from a doctor.

The main use of Aleve is to treat painful inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, but its scope has extended to include a variety of minor health conditions and ailments, such as:

• Menstrual cramps
• Headaches and mild migraines
• Back pain
• Toothaches
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Fever-induced Muscle aches

Does Aleve Have Side Effects?

Although the pain reliever’s safety profile is one of its main selling points, it’s also worth noting that it can still have some side effects and adverse reactions. The good news is that most of these effects are rare and minor, including:

• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Bloating

The drug is also associated with riskier side effects like bleeding gums and chest pain. However, these are extremely rare and associated with allergic reactions to naproxen.

Besides the primary and secondary side effects, it can also interact with some other drugs, which results in undesired adverse reactions.

What Is the Mechanism of Action of Aleve?

As previously established, Naproxen belongs to the NSAID class of drugs. These medications work mainly by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body involved in various functions, including inflammation, fever, and pain.

Naproxen functions through inhibiting a group of enzymes called cyclooxygenases or COXs. These enzymes are responsible for various processes, including the production of previously mentioned prostaglandins.

However, we have two main types of COX enzymes in our bodies, which are COX 1 and COX 2, each one of them has its own functions and properties.

COX 1 is found in various soft tissues of the body, including the intestine and stomach lining, and isn’t heavily associated with prostaglandins.

On the other hand, COX 2 is produced in response to injury or inflammation, as it’s the type of COX enzyme responsible for the production of prostaglandins that cause pain.

Naproxen is a non-selective inhibitor of COX enzymes, so it inhibits both type 1 and 2. This is why it can be effective in reducing pain, fever, and inflammation.

However, inhibiting COX 1 enzyme is why the drug is also associated with some unwanted side effects, such as stomach ulcers and heartburn.

How Does Alcohol Use Affect the Body?

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used CNS depressants. In other words, it slows down multiple brain functions, including reaction time, thinking patterns, speech, balance, and coordination.

The effects of alcohol consumption are almost immediate, as the liquid is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream where it crosses the blood-brain barrier.

That’s why even drinking minimal amounts of alcohol can make you experience drowsiness and impairment of judgment. This effect becomes more intense as you increase the amount of alcohol you consume.

Your liver starts breaking down alcohol right away, but it’s bound by a certain filtration limit. As a result, alcohol is one of the most common reasons behind liver damage and cirrhosis. This process can also be further slowed by other medications.

Beyond the liver, heavy and/or long-term drinking can lead to other problems. For example, it can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks. Additionally, it can also irritate the esophagus and stomach, causing stomach bleeding.

What Are the Risks Associated with Combining Aleve with Alcohol?

Using Aleve while drinking alcohol is generally not recommended and there’s a warning on the drug’s label not to use the two drugs at the same time. Here’s an in-depth look at the two main reasons why you should avoid this combination:

Gastrointestinal Bleeding

As previously established, gastrointestinal problems are among the most common side effects associated with both Aleve and alcohol.

For that reason, issues like stomach ulcers and irritation of the stomach lining can be the fastest adverse effects that result from combining the two drugs.

In fact, these ulcers can even develop into more serious problems, such as gastritis. Inflammation of the stomach is characterized by severe stomach pain, indigestion, and a high risk of gastric bleeding.

In rare cases, gastritis can even lead to extremely dangerous side effects, such as stomach cancer.

Increased Risk of Serious Liver Diseases

Aleve and alcohol both put stress on your liver and taking them together can significantly increase your risk of developing serious liver problems.

Both Aleve and alcohol need to be processed by your liver, either partially or mainly. The combination of the two drugs puts extra stress on your liver, which increases the rate of liver cell damage over time.

Of course, these adverse reactions can vary depending on your initial liver health. However, with increased alcohol consumption, liver damage becomes more prominent, which affects naproxen metabolism and leads to further toxicity.

Potential Kidney and Other Organ Damage

Your kidneys filter waste and keep your body’s fluids balanced. Although alcohol is mainly metabolized by the liver, it still causes a massive impact on the health of your renal system.

For starters, alcohol can throw off your electrolytes balance, which are minerals your body needs to stay healthy.

Additionally, it can disrupt your body’s acid-base balance, which not only affects your gastrointestinal system but also the blood’s pH level.

Moreover, as previously mentioned, alcohol makes you severely dehydrated by increasing urination. The lack of fluids during filtration puts a lot of extra work on the kidneys, especially if you already suffer from kidney problems.

Meanwhile, most NSAIDs, including Aleve, are processed mainly by the kidneys. The disruption of alcohol, combined with the strain of drugs on kidney functions, can result in renal damage and even renal failure.

Renal failure can lead to further organ damage and may even develop into cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and heart failure, as the two systems are heavily linked.

Is Aleve a Suitable Hangover Medication?

One of the most annoying side effects of overdoing alcohol is suffering from hangovers as the drug wears off. This severe headache and extreme weakness are the result of dehydration, disrupted sleep, and inflammation.

For that reason, many people might consider using Aleve as a treatment for hangovers. But as previously mentioned, combining Aleve and alcohol usually comes with unwanted side effects, and since alcohol is usually still present in your system during a hangover, it’s best to avoid the drug altogether and use other remedies, such as hydration.

Why Do Many People Use the Two Drugs Together?

As a general rule, you should separate Alcohol and alcohol to avoid the unwanted side effects of combining them.

Since it takes around 12 to 24 hours for either drug to be fully eliminated from your body, this should be the ideal waiting time between them.

That being said, a wide range of other factors can also affect this waiting time, either by extending or shortening it. For example, those with reduced liver or kidney performance should wait up to 36 hours to ensure complete elimination before consuming alcohol or Aleve.

It’s also worth noting that individuals suffering from compromised liver are advised against consuming any alcohol at all, so make sure that you consult a qualified healthcare professional if you suspect any signs of liver problems.

Are There Alternatives to Aleve?

If you want to avoid the risk of stomach bleeding associated with Aleve, you may switch to acetaminophen while treating minor pain.

However, you should note that Tylenol and other acetaminophen-containing medications are mainly metabolized by the liver, so you should still avoid taking these drugs while under the influence of alcohol.

Final Thoughts: Seeking Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Illinois

In addition to the risks associated with combining alcohol with Aleve, you should note that excessive drinking has the potential for addiction as alcoholism is one of the most prevalent forms of substance abuse across the nation.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, don’t hesitate to contact Illinois Recovery Center to receive immediate support.

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Published on: 2024-07-13
Updated on: 2024-07-17

If you’re feeling stuffy and uncomfortable, Sudafed can be a brilliant remedy to clear up your nasal congestion, and the best part is that it doesn’t require a prescription like many antihistamines.

That being said, a prescription-free medication can still have negative consequences if not used properly. For instance, you should be careful not to mix sudafed with some other drugs, including alcohol.

In today’s guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at Sudafed, covering all the potential effects of mixing it with alcohol. Let’s dive right in!

A Brief Overview of Sudafed and How it Works

Understanding what Sudafed is and how it works is essential for other information in this guide. So let’s start with a brief round-up of the drug.

Sudafed is one of the most popular brand names for pseudoephedrine, an over-the-counter (OTC) active ingredient used to treat a variety of symptoms, including:

• Sinus issues
• Nasal congestion
• Common colds
• Fever
• Asthma

As a natural stimulant, the drug exerts its nasal-relieving effects by constricting the blood vessels supplying the nasal passage. This results in reducing the congestion and swelling of the sinuses, which causes the “cleared nose” sensation after using the drug.

What makes pseudoephedrine unique is that, unlike many other stimulants, its side effects are quite milder.

In other words, it can still cause high blood pressure, rapid breathing, tachycardia (increased heart rate), and tremors. Yet, these effects are much less likely to manifest while using the safe dose of the drug and without mixing it with other drugs.

Still, since it can be used to manufacture stronger stimulants, such as amphetamines and methamphetamines, there are various restrictions regarding its purchase across the United States.

How Does Alcohol Affect Our Bodies?

Now that we’ve covered Sudafed, here’s a quick look at alcohol from a chemical point of view, and how it impacts the body.

Alcohol is a strong chemical that affects nearly every organ in your body, and contrary to popular belief, alcohol is actually a central nervous system depressant, not a stimulant.

Once you consume alcohol, it travels from your stomach and small intestine into your bloodstream. From there, it reaches your entire body, including your brain.

Alcohol disrupts the communication between brain cells, which can impair your judgment, coordination, and speech. It can also lead to memory problems, drowsiness, and blackouts due to severe intoxication.

It also has potent effects on various organs of the body, especially the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing alcohol. In fact, heavy drinking can lead to conditions like alcohol poisoning and cirrhosis.

Additionally, the side effects of alcohol are far-reaching and can impact a wide range of organs across the body, including:

• Heart: Can lead to high blood pressure and other heart problems
• Nervous system: Drinking alcohol excessively leads to permanent nerve cell damage, leading to impaired mental health
• Compromised immune system: Extreme alcohol use can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
• Organ damage: Besides the liver, alcohol can also affect other organs of the body, such as the pancreas (causing pancreatitis) and the stomach (causing severe irritation of the stomach lining)

Due to excessive alcohol interactions with other compounds, mixing alcohol with other drugs often leads to an increased risk of side effects in addition to worsening them.

Is It Safe to Mix Sudafed and Alcohol?

While Sudafed and alcohol won’t necessarily cause a severe adverse reaction, mixing them is still generally discouraged for several reasons. Here’s a quick look at some of the main reasons why you shouldn’t combine them:

Alcohol Reduces the Effectiveness of Sudafed

Since one drug is a stimulant and the other is a depressant, it’s no surprise that the two drugs go in the opposite direction when it comes to their effects on the body.

In fact, several studies have shown that alcohol consumption can directly contribute to nasal congestion, which defeats the decongestant properties of Sudafed and reduces its overall effectiveness.

Higher Risks of Manifested Side Effects

While the two drugs possess different effects on the body, they can still amplify certain side effects of each other.

For example, both substances can induce drowsiness and dizziness, and taking them together can significantly worsen these effects. This can be dangerous if it impairs your coordination or reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents or falls.

Similarly, Sudafed can cause a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Alcohol can have a similar effect, and combining them can put additional strain on your cardiovascular system.

Sudafed Can Mask the Symptoms of Drug Intoxication

One of the dangers of mixing Sudafed and alcohol is that Sudafed can hide the effects of intoxication caused by alcohol.

As previously established, alcohol slows down the central nervous system, producing a sense of inebriation. Meanwhile, the stimulant properties of Sudafed have a counteracting effect, making you feel more alert.

This can be misleading because you might continue drinking even though you’re already significantly intoxicated, which can lead to serious complications including life-threatening alcohol poisoning

Other Common Drug Interactions with Sudafed

Sudafed can interact with several other medications, which can cause a wide range of adverse effects or reduce their effectiveness. Here’s a quick look at them:

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

The most serious interaction of Sudafed is with MAO inhibitors, which function as sedatives, antidepressants, and treatments for Parkinson’s disease. This group includes various drugs, mainly phenelzine or tranylcypromine.

Combining the two medications can lead to a massive spike in blood pressure, and the problem here is that MAO inhibitors last for weeks in your system, so you have to wait longer before taking potentially interacting drugs.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

These are another group of antidepressants that work by affecting serotonin levels in the brain. Taking Sudafed with tricyclic antidepressants can increase the risk of insomnia and anxiety during the treatment course.

That’s why seeking medical advice to treat nasal congestion while using tricyclic antidepressants is essential

Alpha Blockers

Alpha-blockers are mainly used to treat enlarged prostate in men. Using Sudafed while on alpha blockers can increase urine retention, which reduces the effectiveness of the drug.

Sleep Medications

Since Sudafed is a stimulant, it can counteract the effect of many sedatives and sleep medications used to treat insomnia.

Some of these drugs also have an addictive potential upon misuse, which increases the risk of dependence when patients increase the dose on their own to counteract the effect of Sudafed.

Other Stimulants

Combining various stimulants can increase the effects of the drugs even more than the individual sum of the effectiveness of each drug. This is known as synergism and is widely common among drugs of the same functionality.

The problem here is that too much stimulant can result in exacerbated side effects, such as increased alertness, irritability, insomnia, and heart problems.

When to Consume Alcohol Before and After Using Sudafed?

As a general rule, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether while taking Sudafed, as mixing them can cause a wide range of side effects and interactions that we’ve previously discussed.

For that reason, you need to wait anywhere between 24 to 36 hours until the effects of one drug are completely worn off before taking the other.

Keep in mind that this waiting period may extend if you use sustained-release versions of Sudafed. That’s why it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult a doctor or a pharmacist for the ideal waiting time for your situation.

What to Do If You Consumed Alcohol and Sudafed?

If you accidentally consumed alcohol and Sudafed, here’s what to do. First and most importantly, you shouldn’t panic. This is because in most cases, consuming a moderate amount of alcohol with a single dose of Sudafed won’t cause a severe reaction.

Be aware of how you’re feeling, and look out for any signs of adverse reaction, such as increased dizziness, drowsiness, or a rise in heart rate.

If you experience any discomfort or these symptoms start worsening, seek medical attention immediately.

Of course, you should stop consuming any alcohol and try to purge it by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated is essential to help both substances leave your body quicker.

Once you’ve established you’re okay with no severe side effects, you may want to get some rest in a safe environment while keeping your loved ones informed to keep an eye on you.

Seeking Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Illinois

While responsible alcohol consumption can be fine as long as it stays in moderation, you should always be aware and cautious of its dangers, especially when you end up mixing it with medications like Sudafed.

You should also note that alcohol is a highly addictive substance that can significantly impact a person’s health, relationships, and overall well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence in Illinois, Illinois Recovery Center is here to help.

Contact us to book a consultation session with an expert to help you start your journey towards abstinence.

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Published on: 2024-07-13
Updated on: 2024-07-17

Despite being relatively new, ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression is already gaining massive popularity. Back in 2015, there were around 60 ketamine clinics operating in the US. By early 2024, the number had jumped up to more than 1,000.

More and more people are trying to get their hands on an infusion or a nasal spray—so much so that the US ketamine clinics market is expected to reach $6.9 billion by 2030. That would be a growth of 10.63% CAGR from its 2023 valuation!

Can a new treatment option bring in that much money? How much is ketamine therapy on average?

Read on to find out the average prices for different ketamine products, the additional expenses, and the main risks to watch out for.

Spravato Sprays vs. Ketamine Infusions: Quick Overview

Before we get to the pricing details, we need to cover one caveat: ketamine isn’t approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression or any psychiatric disorder, for that matter.

So far, its sole approved use is as a dissociative anesthetic. In fact, the FDA has issued a warning against off-label use (more on that later) for psychiatric disorders.

Yet, a lot of clinics in the US still provide ketamine infusion for depression, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Some even use the drug as a treatment for chronic pain.

Things get even more complicated when you consider that there’s a slightly different option on the market.

We won’t dig deep into the scientific jargon, but you need to know that ketamine is actually a mixture of two enantiomers (a fancy name for molecules that are mirror images of each other). These molecules are called R-ketamine (arketamine) and S-ketamine (esketamine).

A vial of ketamine hydrochloride contains both enantiomers. However, esketamine alone is sold under the name Spravato, which is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Here’s a quick comparison between the two treatments:

	Ketamine	Esketamine
Brand Name	Ketalar	Spravato
Route of Administration	Intravenous (IV) infusion	Nasal spray
Use	Anesthetic (TRD off-label)	TRD (with oral antidepressant)
DEA Scheduling	Schedule III Controlled Substance	Schedule III Controlled Substance
Antidepressive Effect	Kicks in within 1 hour	Takes 2–4 hours to kick in
Typical TRD Treatment Plan	Six infusions, followed by boosters	Four-week induction, then maintenance doses
Requires Supervision	Yes	Yes
Insurance Coverage	Usually not covered	Might be covered

Average Cost of Different Ketamine Therapy Options

Outpatient clinics that provide ketamine treatments typically operate on a fee-for-service arrangement. The facilities are run by healthcare providers who source the infusions/sprays and provide them on-site.

However, the prices can vary drastically from one clinic to another.

Here are some insights into the average cost for the different types of ketamine treatments:

IV Ketamine Infusions

A single ketamine infusion therapy can set you back $400 or more.

Some people report that each infusion in Boston costs $600. In other areas, ketamine clinics charge as much as $800 or even $1,000 per session!

Even at a $450–500 price point, the total cost of a six-infusion treatment plan can run as high as $4,500 when you factor in the pretreatment consultation and follow-up fees.

Note that some clinics set different prices for mental health patients and neuropathic pain patients.

It’s also worth noting that since ketamine infusion treatment isn’t even FDA-approved for mood disorders and mental health conditions, most insurance companies won’t cover the treatment costs.

So, that’s all money you’ve got to pay out of pocket.

Intranasal Ketamine Sprays

The typical esketamine treatment plan using drugs like Spravato calls for

• Weeks 1–4: Two doses per week for the induction month.
• Weeks 5–8: One maintenance dose per week.
• Weeks 9 and later: One maintenance dose every week or two, based on clinical judgment.

The induction month alone can easily cost you $4,800 or $6,800. The cost of the maintenance therapy, however, is somewhere around $1,200 to $3,600 per month.

That said, it’s possible to find an insurance plan that covers esketamine treatments. Get in touch with your insurance provider to check the details.

There’s also the Spravato withME support program. If you’re eligible, the medication costs could drop to $10. But, of course, there are maximum benefit limits for the savings program.

At-Home Ketamine Therapies

Not all ketamine therapies are done inside clinics. Some providers offer a sort of mail-order alternative that the patient then self-administers at home.

At-home therapies are often cheaper than IV infusions and nasal sprays offered at clinics. You could get enough medication for one session for less than $200. Some companies also pair their services with telehealth evaluations.

However, there are questions about the safety of at-home ketamine therapy.

With on-site nasal spray sessions, you have a medical professional there to monitor you for any side effects and negative reactions. That’s not guaranteed with at-home alternatives.

Plus, there’s the issue of taking more than the recommended dose, either accidentally or intentionally.

Extra Expenses to Consider Before Starting Ketamine Therapy

The session itself can be pretty pricey, but you might have to pay more for:

Other Prescribed Medications

TRD patients might need to take antidepressants along with the ketamine therapy. In fact, Spravato sprays are approved to be used only in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.

For reference, a 30-day supply of antidepressants can cost anywhere from $228 to $1,200+, depending on the type and dosing.

Psychotherapies

Medication (ketamine and/or antidepressants) alone might not cut it. The healthcare provider usually recommends sticking to some form of follow-up therapy session, and these aren’t particularly cheap, either.

In a clinic where the ketamine treatment costs $750, the therapy might be priced at around $250.

Boosters

Some people finish 6–8 sessions of ketamine therapy and don’t need to come back again.

Others notice that the symptoms start coming back after a while. In this case, they’ll need booster infusions, which can add up over time.

5 Reasons to Reconsider Ketamine Therapy

Even if you put the high price points aside, there are still concerns that can easily make ketamine therapy seem like a less-than-ideal choice.

Here are some things to consider before deciding if this treatment is the best option for you:

1. FDA Warning

In 2023, the FDA released a warning regarding ketamine products, including oral formulations.

The warning makes it clear that the FDA is aware that people are using compounded ketamine products for psychiatric disorders. The administration just doesn’t support these off-label uses.

After all, their safety and efficacy haven’t been evaluated yet.

2. Side Effects

There are a lot of side effects associated with ketamine use in general, including:

• High blood pressure
• Respiratory depression
• Bladder pain (and possibly incontinence)
• Stomach pain
• Problems with concentration and memory
• Disorientation and imbalance

3. Abuse Potential

Ketamine can be addictive. This is often a bigger concern with at-home therapies, where there’s no supervision.

4. Repeated Dosing and Effectiveness Drops

Another concern with ketamine therapy is that some patients will need larger doses over time. Otherwise, the treatment won’t be as effective.

As a result, the healthcare professional following up with the case might need to spread and taper treatments carefully.

5. Co-Existing Conditions

Finally, ketamine therapy isn’t for everyone. That’s not only because some patients don’t respond well to the treatment but also because the drug should be avoided altogether (or at least used with extreme caution) in some cases.

Take Spravato, for instance. It shouldn’t be used if the patient has certain health issues like aneurysmal vascular disease or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Meanwhile, a patient with a history of psychosis or an active substance use disorder can be fully excluded from ketamine therapy.

Alternative Options for Treatment-Resistant Depression

When someone is diagnosed with TRD, their primary care provider might alter the medication strategy by switching antidepressants, changing doses, and so on. They’ll likely recommend psychotherapy if the patient isn’t seeing anyone as well.

So, ketamine and esketamine are hardly the first-choice therapies for depression.

What other options are there?

Aside from ketamine, the healthcare provider could resort to other treatment options like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Before You Start Treatment: Final Thoughts on Ketamine Therapy

There are still concerns with ketamine therapy in terms of FDA approvals, administration, and even pricing. The protocols could vary from one clinic to the next, and the prices fluctuate as well.

If you decide that the therapy is suitable for you, we recommend consulting your primary care provider before going in for your first infusion or treatment session.

Then, when you’re choosing a clinic, make sure to consider more than just the pricing. Don’t hesitate to ask about the success rate, treatment areas, follow-up therapies, evaluation strategies, and staff qualifications.

Hopefully, scientific research will keep providing us with safe, effective, and affordable treatments for conditions like treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.

Additional Resources

• DEA’s Ketamine Drug Fact Sheet
• Spravato (Esketamine) Patient Brochure
• Johns Hopkins Medicine: Next Steps for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
• A figure to visualize the difference between the two ketamine enantiomers

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Published on: 2024-06-10
Updated on: 2024-07-12

The detection window of a standard 5-panel drug test ranges between a few hours and up to three months!

Why is the window so lengthy, and what determines my test’s detection period?

In this article, we’ll answer these questions. Read on to find out how far back a 5-panel drug test goes.

The Must-Know Information About 5-Panel Drug Tests

Every drug test contains different panels, each representing one drug being tested. Still, the five-panel test is considered the standard that most employers and government agencies use.

It’s usually a part of the background check employers require from their job candidates. This test is especially vital for positions related to the Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Some employers may also conduct random drug testing on existing employees from one time to another. 

Here’s how the test goes: 

Technicians perform the test by taking a saliva, hair, blood or urine sample from the person and analyzing it. 

The drug test results become available within 3 to 5 days, depending on the service provider. 

A “positive” result indicates that the tested person uses drugs. If the results are “negative,” though, the test indicates that the person is drug-free.

That said, the results might show a “false positive” in rare cases. This happens when the person’s body contains medications with chemicals similar in properties to the tested drugs.

What Drugs Show Up on a 5-Panel Screening Test?

The 5-panel test screens for the following five commonly abused substances in the provided sample: 

Substance	Detectable form
Opiates	heroin, morphine, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, codeine, and oxycodone metabolites
Phencyclidine	PCP
Cocaine	benzoylecgonine metabolite
Amphetamines	methamphetamine and amphetamine metabolites
Marijuana	THC compound

Does a 5-Panel Drug Test Detect Alcohol?

Alcohol testing isn’t part of five-panel drug tests. The test only screens for the five substances mentioned above. 

However, most drug testing services offer employers an option to include a separate alcohol use test with the 5-panel drug screening.

These alcohol screening analyses usually use urine, breath and blood ethanol testing methods.

How Far Back Does a 5-Panel Drug Test Go? An In-depth Look

The detection window of a panel drug test varies dramatically with the following three factors make that variance:

1. The test sample type
2. The type of abused drug
3. Frequency of use

Here’s a real example:

Occasional smoking of marijuana might not show a detectable THC in the test sample after only a couple of days. 

Conversely, smoking cannabis heavily can lead to a detectable THC in the blood for weeks.

With that said, let’s take a look at the average time a drug can stay detectable in different types of drug tests.

The Detection Window for Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most commonly used drug screening option, and they can only detect drug use in the short term, ten days max (except for Phencyclidine)

Here are the approximate durations different drugs can be detectable in a urine test sample:

Substance	Detection time frame
Opiates	2-3 days
Cocaine	2-4 days
Marijuana	2-7 days for light & moderate smokersUp to 15 days for daily smokersUp to 4 weeks for chronic smokers
Amphetamines	2 days
Phencyclidine	8 days for moderate usersAround 30 days for chronic users

The Detection Window for Hair Drug Tests

Hair strand drug testing offers a significantly longer detection window than urine tests. It can detect drugs for a duration of up to three months after the last use.

But why does a hair test go much further back than a urine one?

When a person consumes a certain drug, it enters the bloodstream and becomes part of the hair cells within a short time.

Because the hair growth cycle and changes are considerably slow, the substance remains in the hair for weeks and even months. 

That’s why a hair sample is the best option to detect repetitive drug use patterns. 

The Detection Window for Saliva and Blood Tests

Although less common, saliva and blood screening tests are used to detect substance use. 

The reason for being less frequently used is that these drug tests can’t detect drugs consumed more than four days earlier. 

Given that, the following is the average time frame the substance can be detectable in saliva and blood samples:

Substance	Saliva	Blood
Opiates	Up to 4 days	For 24 hours
Cocaine	Up to 3 days	1-2 days
Marijuana	For 24 hours	Up to 14 days
Amphetamines	Between 1 and 2 days	Less than 12 hours
Phencyclidine	1-3 days	1-4 hours

How to Prepare for The Five-Panel Drug Detection Tests?

Following some preparation tips before undergoing a five-panel drug test makes the process easier and prevents the need for repeating the analysis.

We’ve compiled the following most important preparation steps to help you with that:

Preparing for a 5-Panel Urine Drug Test

Keep these tips in mind when preparing for your next analysis:

• Avoid using tobacco or eating half an hour before the test.
• Stay hydrated around the time of the test. Try to consume around 8 ounces of water half an hour before providing the sample.
• Provide the sample in a clean container.

Preparing for a Hair Test

These two pieces of advice will help you be ready for a hair drug test:

• Avoid overusing styling products a few days before undergoing the test.
• Don’t choose damaged hair strands for the analysis because the lab will likely reject them.

Preparing For a Saliva Test

Try to follow these couple of tips for a successful saliva drug test:

• Drink a considerable amount of water on the test day. You’re allowed to consume water until 10 minutes before providing the sample. 
• Don’t eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, sniff, or cough for half an hour before the test.

Does Your Addiction Threaten Your Career? We Can Help! 

Substance abuse can devastate one’s job and even their entire professional life. It can deteriorate their performance and increase avoidable work errors. 

An employed person may be at risk of being fired if they undergo a random workplace drug test because of a reasonable suspicion from the employer.

Not to mention that you can’t apply for any job that includes drug testing requirements.

Do you relate to these issues? Don’t worry; you still have a chance to save your career and income source. 

With Illinois Recovery Center, you can take actionable steps toward recovery now. Our healthcare professionals will design a science-backed addiction treatment program tailored to your needs and condition. 

They’ll also give you guidance and support in each step of the recovery process.

Suffering from dependence on opioids, angel dust, or any other substance? We offer top-notch treatment for all addiction conditions. 

Contact us now, and let’s break addiction’s chains.

References 

• https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/human-resources/guide-to-background-checks-drug-testing
• https://www.testing.com/tests/opioid-drug-test
• https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=amphetamine_urine_screen
• https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-weed-stay-in-your-system#test-type
• https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-follicle-drug-test
• https://interclinical.com.au/htma-pathology/how-to-take-a-hair-sample

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Published on: 2024-06-10
Updated on: 2024-07-12

Mental illness doesn’t define a person, but it could put a strain on their relationships. Whether you’re dealing with an ill partner, friend, or family member, pushing through day-to-day challenges can be incredibly difficult.

But mental illness can also come in episodes.

So, is this a rough patch that you can work through? Or is it time to cut ties for the sake of your own well-being?

In this post, you’ll learn when to walk away from someone with mental illness. We’ll also talk about your options: ending things peacefully and trying to salvage the relationship.

5 Valid Reasons to Walk Away From Someone With Mental Illness

You should never end a relationship solely based on your loved one’s diagnosis. Instead, the decision needs to be based on how you’re treated in the relationship and how the mental health condition impacts your life.

Here are five worrying situations:

1. You’re Concerned About Your Safety

Mental illness doesn’t necessarily translate to violent behavior. In fact, people suffering from certain conditions, like schizophrenia, are more likely to harm themselves than hurt you.

However, psychotic paranoias and command hallucinations can create a dangerous living environment. Plus, when substance abuse is involved, there’s a higher risk of violence.

Once your safety is in jeopardy, it’s time to leave or at least call a crisis line and put some distance between the two of you.

Keep in mind that the verbal and physical violence doesn’t have to be directed at you. Destruction of your belongings still counts as domestic abuse. Even the threat of violence in and of itself is a cause for concern.

2. The Relationship Seems Emotional Abusive

Physical abuse isn’t the only danger to your well-being. Emotional abuse is also a valid reason to walk away.

Again, mental health conditions aren’t to blame for abusive behavior. The disorder alone won’t make your loved one emotionally abusive. There’s more to it than just the diagnosis.

Yet, that doesn’t excuse the abuse. It doesn’t make the situation any more bearable for you, either.

Some signs that the relationship is taking a toll on your own mental health are:

• Your loved one shifts the blame and leaves you feeling guilty.
• You feel humiliated or belittled during your interactions.
• You have to deal with unrealistic expectations and demands of your time and energy, forcing you to give up important aspects of your own life.

3. The Person Refuses to Get Professional Help

Does your loved one refuse to get help? They aren’t alone in that decision. About 45% of individuals with a clinical mental health disorder in the US don’t seek professional help.

Some prefer self-help alternatives. Others don’t even believe they need any mental health treatment. The stigma and expenses can also deter a lot of people from getting help.

You can try to understand your loved one’s reasons and fears. But, at one point, the illness can become hard to live with.

Since involuntary hospitalization is often not an option, you can either accept and cope or walk away.

4. You’re Staying for All the Wrong Reasons

Leaving someone when they’re suffering from a mental health issue might seem cruel, but staying with them out of pity isn’t ideal, either.

Maintaining open communication, getting them help, and building their self-confidence—these are things you can do to actually improve their situation.

5. Resentment Crept in and Took Hold

Despite your best efforts, love and respect can fade over time. Resentment might take over, especially if you feel that being around this individual has cost you a lot.

Keeping the relationship going at this point can backfire. Your presence won’t be helping all that much. On the contrary, it might become harder to empathize with their struggles.

Note that resentment is no stranger to caregiving scenarios. There’s enough perceived disparity in effort to create anger and bitterness.

Still Can’t Tell if It’s Time to Leave? Gain Different Perspectives

Perhaps you still can’t say for sure if the relationship is beyond salvaging. That’s okay; figuring out how you really feel about a loved one with a mental health issue can take time.

Seeking guidance can help you, though. Consider consulting a trained therapist to better understand the challenges.

Even your support systems (friends, family members, etc.) can confirm your fears or show you things from a new perspective.

Ending Things With Someone With Mental Health Issues: 3 Tips

Realizing that you need to cut ties can be scary and overwhelming. But, if it’s the right move for you, you need to stick to your guts and do it.

Here are some tips to help you end things:

1. Plan for the Change

Before you actually say anything, make sure you have a solid plan.

Do you need a safe place? Do you need to change work schedules to avoid contact soon after cutting ties? Think it all over and make arrangements as needed.

2. Know What to Say

You don’t want the “goodbye” talk to end in screams. So, go ahead and think about what you’re going to say. Some people find that it helps to write down their thoughts, while others prefer to practice with a friend.

Either way, know what you need to say and how you’re going to say it (preferably calmly and with compassion).

Then, arrange a suitable time and place to talk. Depending on how close the two of you are, you might want to talk in person rather than over the phone.

3. Get Support (For the Both of You)

Make sure your support system knows about your decision ahead of time. You’ll need all the support you can get once it’s all over to let go of your guilt and get over the experience.

As for the other person, you’ll feel better about ending things if you know they have at least one source of support. You could let a friend of theirs know about the breakup or give a heads-up to their primary healthcare provider.

Trying to Salvage the Relationship: 5 Tips

Maybe reflecting on your relationship made you realize you’re not ready to walk away just yet.

That’s also a valid choice, but you might want to consider making some changes to the relationship dynamic. Otherwise, you’re getting back to the same loop.

Here are some tips to help you work through the challenges and build a healthy relationship:

1. Get Educated (Again and Again)

Loving someone with a mental illness can be hard, especially if you don’t understand their condition.

So, start there. Grab resources and get in touch with mental health professionals. Hopefully, this will help you understand the symptoms and work on not taking them personally.

2. Communicate Your Feelings and Hear Their Needs

Healthy, effective communication is vital for pretty much any relationship. Yours is no exception.

Keep everything you’ve learned about the condition in mind, and then sit down for a talk with your loved one. Using “I” statements, share your own needs and let them know how their mental illness impacts you.

Then, open yourself up to hearing their needs and struggles. Ask how you can help and provide support.

3. Talk About Treatment and/or Counseling

Professional help can go a long way in saving a relationship. Obviously, you’ll want to discuss treatment options with your loved one to see if they’re more receptive this time.

Just keep in mind that you might have to help with the leg work if they do agree to seek help. For instance, you can find a therapist, drive them to appointments, and attend support groups.

Aside from seeking treatment for the mental health condition, couples therapy can be helpful.

4. Establish Healthy Boundaries

It’s possible to set boundaries and still support a loved one. That’s as long as you know your role in the treatment plan (if the individual is getting treated) and can balance their needs with yours.

However, you’ll want to put an end to any abusive behavior. You should also make it clear that you need time for your well-being and self-care activities.

Consult your therapist if you’re not sure how to establish boundaries without being unfair. Boundaries can come in many shapes and forms (emotional, physical, financial, etc.) based on the nature of the relationship.

5. Take Care of Yourself

If you nail the previous tip, you should have more time and energy for yourself. Use them to the max by:

• Picking up your old hobbies and interests.
• Taking care of your body by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
• Maintaining a support system.
• Seeking professional help for yourself if you need to.

Final Thoughts

It’s okay to leave if someone’s mental health illness is chipping away at your feeling of self-worth or endangering you in any way.

So, take time to re-evaluate your relationship and consider all the available options.

Additional Resources

• Mental Health Crisis Lifeline: 988
• The Relationship Spectrum (for evaluating how healthy a relationship is)
• Mental Health Services offered by the IDHS
• NAMI Tips for Helping a Person With Mental Illness

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Published on: 2024-06-10
Updated on: 2024-07-12

Alcoholism is a serious medical condition and is one of the most common addictions worldwide. While each person experiences it differently, there are some typical phases of alcohol addiction and recovery that many people go through, as shown and described by the Jellinek Curve.

Understanding this visual tool can help you or your loved ones spot the early signs of alcoholism, break the destructive cycle of addiction, and let go of obsessive drinking behaviors in favor of a healthier, happier life.

What Is the Jellinek Curve?

The Jellinek Curve, named after American alcohol researcher, Dr. Elvin Morton Jellinek, is a U-shaped chart that describes the common phases of alcohol addiction and recovery. It lists the specific symptoms of each stage and illustrates how alcoholism progresses for most individuals.

The chart also shows how obsessive drinking can turn into a vicious cycle that repeats until the person breaks free and seeks help. Although the Jellinek Curve was originally created to explain the trajectory of alcoholism, it has since been applied to many other types of addiction.

Origin of the Jellinek Curve

The Jellinek Curve is based on the work of Dr. Elvin Morton Jellinek, one of the founders of modern addiction science. In the 1940s, as part of his research, he surveyed thousands of people suffering from alcohol addiction about their personal experiences.

After analyzing the results of his surveys, Dr. Jellinek identified significant behavioral patterns and used them to define the phases of alcohol addiction. His findings also proved to him that alcoholism wasn’t a moral shortcoming, but a disease, which revolutionized its treatment.

The Jellinek Curve was first introduced in the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. Dr. Max Glatt, a German British psychiatrist and addiction expert, further refined the chart, by adding his findings about the shared experiences of his patients in recovery.

Understanding the Jellinek Curve: 5 Phases of Alcoholism

According to E.M. Jellinek and M. Glatt, people who are addicted to alcohol tend to go through the following progressive phases:

1. Pre-Alcoholic Phase

In the first phase of the Jellinek curve, a person uses alcohol to relax, relieve stress, or cope with mental health problems, like depression and anxiety. They may be drinking to feel better about themselves and to forget any emotional or physical pain they’re experiencing.

This phase is sometimes called “early relief drinking” or “gray area drinking.” It can be the hardest to spot since alcohol consumption is considered normal for many, and binge drinking can be a common activity for some during the weekends, at parties, and other celebrations.

At this point, the person can still function without alcohol throughout the day. They don’t experience any negative consequences from drinking, and there are no signs of physical dependence. However, repeated use can lead to tolerance.

Eventually, the person may need to drink more than before to feel the same effects. Instead of developing healthy coping mechanisms, they start to rely on alcohol to deal with their emotions.

2. Prodromal Phase (Early Alcoholic Stage)

When a person enters the prodromal phase, also known as the early alcoholic stage, the amount of alcohol they consume and how often they drink increases. Occasional nights out can turn into regular binge sessions. Experiencing blackouts is a warning sign of this phase.

In addition to thinking obsessively about drinking, many people will feel guilty about their cravings at this stage, so they may attempt to hide their drinking patterns. They begin to feel an impact from their alcohol use, such as sleep troubles, poor judgment, and relationship problems.

The person may also neglect their personal and professional life, and have a hard time fulfilling home, school, or work responsibilities because of hangovers.

Some of the troubling signs and symptoms of the prodromal phase include:

• Frequent weekday drinking
• Drinking to sleep or to intoxication
• Refusing to talk seriously about drinking habits
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Nausea, headaches, or poor memory from drinking

3. Crucial Phase (Middle Alcoholic Stage)

The crucial phase is characterized by a person’s loss of control over their alcohol consumption. In most cases, the individual is completely dependent on alcohol, and can even start drinking in the morning. They often try to rationalize their behavior, make excuses, or isolate themselves.

During this phase, the damage of drinking is evident to the person’s friends and family. Their physical health declines and hospital trips may be common. Signs of alcohol abuse include facial redness, stomach bloating, weight gain or loss, mood swings, and sluggishness.

The person struggling with alcohol may also lose interest in their work, education, hobbies, and loved ones. As a result, they may encounter relationship, financial, and legal problems. It’s also common for people in this stage to try to stop drinking and to fail repeatedly.

4. Chronic Phase (Late Alcoholic Stage)

At the bottom of the Jellinek curve, there’s a loop where people can get trapped in a vicious cycle of alcohol addiction. It’s called the chronic phase, also known as “end-stage alcoholism.” Drinking becomes an individual’s sole focus, and alcohol is no longer a want but a need.

Their dependence on alcohol has become so high, that stopping may result in serious and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. To escape the withdrawal patterns, they start drinking again and the cycle continues. They may also get addicted to other harmful substances.

The person’s physical and mental health spiral downward until they hit rock bottom. This may provide a wake-up call for them to seek help and start working toward recovery.

The health effects of long-term heavy drinking at this stage include:

• Liver disease
• Heart failure
• Brain damage
• Aggression and impulsivity
• Hallucinations and paranoia
• Psychotic episodes or mental health disorders

5. Rehabilitation Phase

The road to rehabilitation begins with an honest desire for help. In the final phase of the Jellinek curve, the path steadily turns upward, as the person struggling with alcohol addiction makes an effort to break free from their old patterns and starts their recovery process.

After they stop drinking, symptoms of substance abuse gradually disappear. Foggy thinking clears up and is replaced by hopeful thoughts of a new life. They learn healthy coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and manage stress. Their health stabilizes, and their self-esteem is renewed.

The rehabilitation phase can be long and complicated, requiring lots of time and perseverance. However, the outcome is always worth it. With hard work, the right treatment, and support from loved ones, the person can fully recover into a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life free of addiction.

Signs that someone is in the rehabilitation phase are:

• Improved nutrition, hygiene, and sleep
• New interests and hobbies
• A network of stable and supportive friends
• Stronger emotional control
• Move toward financial, social, and emotional stability

Why Is the Jellinek Curve Important?

The Jellinek Curve serves as a science-backed visual tool that helps people understand the stages of addiction and the path to recovery. It clearly demonstrates how alcoholism can progress from occasional drinking to obsessive binging and addiction if left untreated.

The chart can help patients and loved ones identify whether certain drinking habits are a cause for concern, recognize that recovery is possible, and take action sooner rather than later.

It can also assist addiction treatment professionals in recognizing the early warning signs of addiction and tracking a patient’s journey, which can be helpful for their recovery. 

The Jellinek Curve is widely used as an intervention aid in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), related support groups, and many other addiction treatment programs. It has destigmatized addiction, showing it as a treatable condition with hope for recovery, instead of a personal weakness.

What Are the Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol addiction is clinically referred to as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Much like many other medical conditions, it can be successfully managed and treated. There are a variety of options to treat AUD, including detoxification, rehab programs, therapy, medication, and support groups.

• Alcohol Detoxification: A medical process that allows an individual to safely and comfortably withdraw from alcohol and cleanse the substance out of their system.
• Addiction Treatment Programs: Inpatient and outpatient alcohol rehab programs offer different levels of care and support in treating AUD, depending on the person’s needs.
• Therapy for Addiction Recovery: Seeing a therapist can help an individual stay sober for the long term by teaching them coping strategies and ways to deal with triggers.
• Peer Support Groups: Support groups offer companionship and shared experiences on coping with AUD, preventing and dealing with relapses, and staying sober.

Chart Your Path to Addiction Recovery Today

The Jellinek Curve visibly illustrates that recovery is always possible no matter what phase of alcoholism a person is in. It serves as a symbol of hope for people struggling with addiction, assuring them that there’s a bright path ahead, and guiding them on the road to recovery.

If you or a loved one is dealing with alcohol use disorder, you can use the Jellinek Curve as a tool to chart your path to a successful recovery and live your life addiction-free. Contact Illinois Recovery Center today to learn how we can be there for you every step of the way.

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Published on: 2024-06-10
Updated on: 2024-07-12

By 2022, a little over 10 million people in the US had used crack cocaine at least once in their lifetime.

Do you suspect the crack epidemic affects a loved one? If so, how can you tell for sure?

Not just anyone can diagnose a substance use disorder. However, there are a few visible signs of crack use, from behavior changes to chronic itching. Friends and family can spot these warnings, stage an intervention, and convince the person to get professional help.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the most common signs, the at-risk groups, and what you can do to help someone who’s suffering from crack addiction. We’ll also go over the signs that indicate a possible cocaine overdose.

Who Can Diagnose Crack Use Disorders and Addiction?

Let’s get one thing out of the way: Only medical professionals can diagnose a cocaine-related substance use disorder.

Usually, they rely on the DSM guidelines to see if a person meets the official criteria of addiction to stimulants, among other illicit substances.

But to convince a loved one to seek professional help, you need to recognize the warning signs.

7 Warning Signs That Someone Is Using Crack Cocaine

Crack use can cause both physical and psychological damage. Some effects might appear shortly, while others take longer to kick in.

High blood pressure, narrowed blood vessels, and heart rate irregularities are all common issues. However, these types of health effects are hard to spot without proper examination.

Instead, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the more apparent signs, including:

1. Various Respiratory Issues

People who abuse crack often smoke the white crystalline substance. Then, it’s absorbed straight from the lungs and into the bloodstream. That’s why smoking crack leads to a quick (but brief) sense of euphoria.

Unfortunately, this route of administration hits the different parts of the respiratory system hard. In fact, it could cause a condition known as “crack lung.”

Crack lung can show up as increased coughing (sometimes with blood), wheezing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, the condition could escalate to respiratory failure!

2. Visible Signs on the Skin, Eyes, Teeth, and Lips

Lots of illicit substances affect the eyes, either causing redness or altering the pupils’ size. Crack cocaine causes dilated pupils. The eyes aren’t the only visible indicator, though.

For one, the lips might be blistered from smoking crack. So could the fingertips.

Crack users tend to have dermatological issues as well. Severe and chronic itching is the most common (and easily spotted) problem. Itching happens because the drug causes formication tactile hallucinations, where the person feels like bugs are crawling under their skin.

Plus, the person’s oral hygiene might deteriorate since crack cocaine use is associated with a higher risk of tooth loss, dental caries, and periodontal diseases.

3. Ulterted Eating Habits

Nausea and loss of appetite are two signs that a person is using crack cocaine (and stimulant drugs, in general). So, a sudden weight loss is to be expected.

In the long term, these altered eating habits could lead to malnutrition.

4. Bursts of Energy Followed by a Devastating Crash

When someone smokes (freebases) crack, they get an immediate rush, feeling focused, energetic, and euphoric. That’s because crack use releases a lot of dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitter) in the brain.

But the high lasts for 15 minutes or so.

Once the effects wear off, the person experiences an unpleasant “come down” or “crash.” They’ll feel groggy and tired. That’s when the intense cravings start hitting, and finding the next dose of crack seems like the most important thing in the world to the user.

As a result, you’ll likely notice wild fluctuations in the person’s focus and energy levels. Alternatively, they might get stuck in a binge cycle, trying to maintain the high.

Over time, more of the person’s brain function will be altered. Aside from dopamine, cocaine can also affect glutamate, which is vital for learning and memory. So, it’s not surprising that cocaine abuse is associated with cognitive impairment.

5. Sleep Pattern Distributions

During a crash, the person might sleep longer than usual. Otherwise, stimulant drug use can keep a person up for days at a time.

You need to look for changes in the person’s sleep patterns.

6. Behavioral and Psychological Changes

The use of crack cocaine can change a person’s behavior quickly. Look for erratic, aggressive, and sometimes outright violent behavior for no clear reason.

You might also be aware that your loved one has lost interest in most social interactions. Risky behaviors, hyperactivity, and mood swings are also common signs.

Psychosis, hallucinations, and paranoia are all red flags as well.

7. Ownership of Crack-Use Paraphernalia

Finally, a dead giveaway that your loved one is suffering from a substance use disorder is finding drug paraphernalia in their belongings.

That said, some crack paraphernalia (bowls, cans, lighters, coat hangers, etc.) might go unnoticed for a while if you don’t know what to look for. Keep an eye out for small glass/metal tubes that people use to smoke the crystalline form of cocaine.

Note: Not all crack looks like white rocks. Crack sold on the street might be cut with other dangerous substances that change its appearance.

It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with the street names (like rock) for crack cocaine to see if your loved one talks about any of them.

Identifying the At-Risk Groups

Now, you might be wondering if your loved one is particularly at risk. The thing is, it’s hard to define who’s really at risk of crack abuse.

Some reports indicate that kids as young as 13 are already caught up in this drug addiction epidemic.

Meanwhile, the SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health breaks down the use of crack in particular (and cocaine in general) into demographics based on age.

Here are the highlights of the findings:

Demographic/Illicit Substance	Cocaine	Crack
12 or Older	1.9% (5.3 million people)	0.3% (918,000 people)
18–25	3.7% (1.3 million people)	0.1% (39,000 people)
26 or Older	1.8% (3.9 million people)	0.4% (877,000 people)

You can see that the highest calculated percentage of crack use in 2022 was among adults at least 26 years old.

What to Do if You Suspect a Loved One Is Using Crack Cocaine

Did you notice enough signs of crack cocaine addiction in a friend or a family member?

We know the initial shock can be overwhelming, but you need to calm down and think about the best way to help your loved one.

1. Consult a Professional

First things first, you need to get in touch with a medical professional. They won’t be able to confirm the diagnosis without examining the patient.

However, they could provide educational resources and maybe even recommend a nearby addiction treatment center with a detox facility.

Once you know the available hospitalization and treatment options, you can start planning an intervention.

2. Stage an Intervention

Crack use can rewire the brain to compulsively seek the next high. That’s why convincing someone that they need help won’t be easy, even if you have family members on your side.

If you don’t think you confront them properly, consider hiring an intervention specialist.

3. Join a Support Group

From overcoming the cocaine withdrawal symptoms to working on relapse prevention, the recovery journey will be long and hard on your loved one. They’ll need your continuous support through all the ups and downs.

However, you also need a bit of support. After all, the journey can take its toll on your mental health and well-being.

Joining a local support program for families in a similar situation can go a long way. If that’s not possible for logistical reasons, you can still attend virtual meetings.

Knowing the Warning Signs of a Crack Overdose

Not all families will be lucky enough to notice the signs of abuse early on. Some will only get to spot the drastic warning signs of an overdose (OD), including:

• Fever
• Sweating
• Delirium and hallucinations
• Losing consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizing

Reacting Quickly

As always, the best thing to do in emergencies is to dial 911 and stay with your loved one until the help arrives.

Don’t hang up the phone while you wait for the first responders. If there’s anything you can do to help, the operator will walk you through the steps.

For instance, if your loved one is seizing, they might direct you to remove sharp objects from the area and roll the person onto their side.

Final Thoughts

Violence, cardiovascular disease, respiratory failure, and ODs—the crack addiction road can be ugly and deadly. However, help is available in the form of cocaine addiction treatment programs.

If you believe someone you know and care about is suffering from a substance use issue, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Additional Resources

• Cocaine Anonymous (CA) state directory | Chicago, Illinois: (312) 834-3784
• SAMHSA’s Substance Abuse Treatment: A Booklet for Families
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Published on: 2024-06-06
Updated on: 2024-07-12

Physiological dependence is a huge component of substance use disorder. Essentially, your body becomes so reliant on a substance that you start experiencing tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when you try to cut back or quit.

It can develop with all sorts of substances, including recreational drugs and prescription meds. Recognizing the warning signs is a big first step toward getting better and achieving lasting wellness.

Today, we’re covering how physiological dependence develops and what you can do about it.

What Is Physiological Dependence?

Physiological dependence is another way of saying you’re physically reliant on a substance. You feel like you need it to survive, even though you know that’s not true.

When this happens, your central nervous system goes haywire. You get these intense signals, insisting you can’t function without this substance. You crave it and look forward to your next fix.

The biggest red flags about physiological dependence are tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is when you need higher doses of the substance to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal, on the other hand, is how your body reacts to its absence.

How Does Physiological Dependence Develop?

Many substances affect our neurotransmitters, the chemicals in the brain that help regulate mood, behavior, and many other bodily functions.

For instance, opioids can pump up your levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine. They block pain and reward you with temporary bliss.

The problem is that the longer you use them, the more your body adapts—you start building up a tolerance. Your brain constantly expects the flood of dopamine, and it takes more and more of the drug to get the same high.

When you suddenly stop or reduce intake, your body struggles to cope. It doesn’t just snap back to how it was before you started it. Instead, your nervous system goes into panic mode, trying to compensate for the lack of these chemicals.

That’s when the withdrawal symptoms hit, which can be painful or even life-threatening. They can be so bad that you start using again just to make them stop. It then becomes a vicious cycle that can be impossible to break without help.

Symptoms of Physiological Dependence

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the hallmark sign of physiological dependence is withdrawal.

Withdrawal can look different for everyone, but the most common symptoms include:

• Muscle aches or spasms
• Anxiety or depression
• Restlessness or irritability
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Elevated heart rate
• Poor concentration
• Delusions or hallucinations

Symptoms can fall under two categories: acute withdrawal syndrome and post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS for short.

Acute withdrawal usually lasts briefly, while PAWS can drag on for years, although the symptoms are less severe.

The specifics of what you’ll experience and how long it will last can vary depending on a few factors. What kind of substance are you taking? How high are the doses and how long have you been taking it?

It’s always best to have professional guidance when managing withdrawal to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible.

High-Risk Substances for Physiological Dependence

Below are substances that are most likely to lead to physical dependence:

1. Antidepressants

Antidepressants help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain. Experts don’t consider them addictive, but some people can develop a dependence.

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking the antidepressant or abruptly reduce your dosage after a month of use or longer. The exact term for this is antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which affects 20% of patients.

Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, insomnia, nausea, mood swings, and electric shock sensations in your head.

2. Opioids

Doctors prescribe opioids to treat acute pain in patients recovering from an injury or surgery, as well as chronic pain from diseases like cancer.

You might be familiar with some common prescription opioids. Codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and morphine are a few examples.

These medications are proven effective at relieving pain. However, they also come with a high risk of dependence and abuse, especially if taken in higher doses or for longer than recommended.

Opioid abuse has become a major public health crisis. Many who develop an addiction to prescription opioids end up turning to street drugs like heroin when they can no longer get scripts.

If you’re prescribed opioids, make sure you take them exactly as directed, and never share them with anyone else. Be honest with your doctor about any history of substance abuse, and speak up if you start noticing symptoms of physical dependence.

3. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or just benzos, are prescription drugs for anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. Some well-known brand names include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin.

Benzos work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which calms the brain. If you quit taking benzos suddenly, your brain is left with a deficit of GABA activity. This can trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as

• Intense anxiety
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations

In severe cases, benzo withdrawal can cause seizures. Long-term benzo use can lead to memory problems, mental impairment, and an increased risk of fractures.

4. Barbiturates

Barbiturates are a class of drugs that were once widely prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. They’re still sometimes used in hospital settings as anesthesia and to treat certain types of seizures.

Like benzos, they work by depressing the central nervous system, producing a calming effect.

The danger with barbiturates is that they have a high potential for physical dependence, even more so than benzos. Attempting to quit “cold turkey” can be extremely risky.

What Are the Types of Treatment for Physiological Dependence

Physical dependence on a substance, whether it’s an opioid, benzo, or something else, can be a real struggle. But the good news is, there are effective treatments available to you.

1. Detox

The first line of defense against physiological dependence is detox. This is where you safely stop using the substance under medical supervision. It can happen in a hospital, a specialized treatment center, or even on an outpatient basis with close monitoring.

Typically, you take medications to help wean you off the substance and manage your withdrawal symptoms. For example, methadone or buprenorphine might be used for opioid withdrawal.

These medications either mimic the effects of the substance in a controlled way or block them altogether.

2. Aftercare

Once you’re through the acute withdrawal phase, the real work of recovery begins.

Aftercare is all about treating the psychological side of addiction and building your support network. Because even though your body might be physically free from the substance, your mind is still catching up.

Many different types of therapy can help with dealing with the aftermath of physiological dependence. Rehab offers more flexibility, and a counselor can help figure out the best approach for you.

Some people do well with regular outpatient care, where they schedule therapy sessions around their other commitments. Others benefit from more intensive programs, like partial hospitalization, where you go to treatment during the day but sleep at home at night.

Addiction vs. Physiological Dependence

The tricky part is that physiological dependence can also happen with prescription drugs, even when you’re taking them exactly as advised. It’s also a doctor’s dilemma, especially for medications like opioids, which they prescribe for managing acute and chronic pain.

Regular use builds tolerance. Or, it could indicate that the underlying problem isn’t being properly addressed, with the pain worsening or other factors needing attention.

If you’re worried that you’re developing dependence and considering coming off your prescription meds, talk to your doctor. They can safely taper you off it and explore alternative treatments with you.

Remember, physiological dependence doesn’t equal addiction. For instance, people who rely on pain meds for chronic pain can have physiological dependence or even high tolerance without having an addiction to them.

Addiction is more complex and involves compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. It almost always includes both physical and psychological dependence.

Addiction is when using a substance becomes the most important thing in your life, even if it’s harming you or the people you care about. You might find yourself doing things you never thought you would just to get your hands on your substance of choice.

Bottom line: It’s a fine line, and physiological dependence can quickly escalate to addiction if not managed correctly.

Final Thoughts

Physiological dependence is simply your body’s way of telling you to quit. Withdrawal symptoms can be painful, but sometimes, they’re the wake-up call you need to commit to getting better.

Please, don’t ever feel ashamed to seek help for substance abuse issues. Drug dependence is a medical condition, not a personal failure.

If you or your loved one is struggling with physiological dependence, let us help you. We can find a treatment plan for your unique situation and needs.

You deserve to have your concerns taken seriously and receive compassionate care. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

References:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22513-neurotransmitters
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/#b1-189e747
• https://www.hrsa.gov/opioids
• https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acschembio.8b00144
• https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0815/p224.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/

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Published on: 2024-06-06
Updated on: 2024-07-12

NyQuil is one of the most popular medications in the United States, and it is used to relieve common cold and flu symptoms. Although it’s safe when taken correctly, NyQuil can be misused, and in severe cases, become addicting, habit-forming, and even life-threatening.

Read on to learn more about NyQuil addiction, how it begins, and common signs and symptoms to look out for. We’ll also discuss withdrawal side effects and treatment options to help people struggling with the misuse of this medication.

What Is NyQuil?

NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication that provides temporary relief of cold and flu symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, fever, and minor aches and pains. It’s manufactured by Vicks and sold in most drugstores across the country.

Many people take NyQuil to help them manage their sickness and sleep through the night. Its ingredients can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so it’s important to avoid driving vehicles, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require alertness when taking NyQuil.

Active Ingredients and Safe Dosage for NyQuil

NyQuil is a combination medication that contains three active ingredients:

• Acetaminophen: an analgesic that acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer
• Dextromethorphan (DXM): a cough suppressant that calms your body’s cough reflex
• Doxylamine succinate: an antihistamine that relieves allergy and cold symptoms

When taken correctly, this medicine is generally safe for short-term use in adults and children aged 12 and above. It’s available in both capsule and liquid form. You can experience symptom relief within 30 minutes, with effects lasting for up to 6 hours.

The typical dose for adults and kids 12 years and older is 30 mL of oral liquid every 6 hours. For kids aged 6 to 11 years old taking Children’s NyQuil, it’s best to ask your child’s medical provider for the correct dosage. Always read the instructions and use as directed by your doctor.

Is NyQuil Addicting?

Yes, the improper use of NyQuil may lead to dependency and drug addiction, resulting in serious side effects and withdrawal symptoms. A person can misuse NyQuil by taking excessively high doses over long periods of time and for the wrong reasons, without consulting a medical professional.

NyQuil is intended to relieve short-term symptoms, and not treat long-term issues like asthma,  chronic bronchitis, or insomnia. It shouldn’t be used as a sleep aid or for recreational use. If too much is ingested, an individual can overdose on NyQuil.

Understanding NyQuil Addiction

One of NyQuil’s active ingredients, dextromethorphan (DXM), can have mind-altering effects, especially when consumed repeatedly in large amounts. A person who abuses this medication can experience feelings of euphoria and hallucinations similar to that of getting “high.”

Dangers of Robotripping

Since NyQuil is legal, affordable, and easily accessible without a prescription, people suffering from addiction resort to it as an alternative to illegal substances. The act of abusing NyQuil for recreation is often called “robotripping” or “skittling” and the consequences can be serious.

Despite being an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, the effects of high doses of NyQuil are close to those of illegal and hazardous hallucinogens. The DXM content can weaken judgment and coordination, and in some cases, has even killed several people.

Sleep Disorders

Additionally, people who struggle with sleep-related problems may attempt to take NyQuil to help them fall asleep quickly and get some rest at night. They might fall into the habit of ingesting too much and too often, rather than consulting their doctor to find healthy ways to improve sleep.

It should be noted that NyQuil isn’t an approved sleep aid. Individuals who misuse NyQuil for recreation and to fall asleep are at risk of developing an addiction to the medication.

Risk Factors for NyQuil Addiction

Individuals who have a personal or family history of substance abuse, trauma, and mental illness are especially at risk of developing a NyQuil addiction.

Adolescents and young adults who are around people who use the medication for recreation are also vulnerable to its misuse. Lack of parental monitoring and support as well as growing up in a dysfunctional household can also increase a person’s tendency to abuse NyQuil.

Additional risk factors for NyQuil addiction include having easy access to the drug, misconception of its safety, having a risk-taking personality, and being of the male gender.

Signs and Symptoms of NyQuil Addiction

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms to be aware of in cases of NyQuil abuse and addiction:

• Irregular sleeping patterns
• Confusion and dissociation
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Dry mouth or slurred speech
• Constipation, vomiting, diarrhea
• Cravings for NyQuil or DXM
• Rapid heart rate or high blood pressure
• Mental health challenges, like anxiety and depression

You may also notice the following behavioral changes in someone suffering from abuse or addiction to NyQuil:

• Intense urges and difficulty controlling NyQuil use
• Needing to use higher doses of NyQuil or in combination with other drugs
• Anger, agitation, or mood swings connected to NyQuil use
• Social withdrawal and not telling loved ones about the amount or frequency of use
• Cognitive decline or injuries from diminishing coordination and perception
• Neglecting to meet personal or family responsibilities due to NyQuil use
• Poor performance resulting in academic failure or job loss

Withdrawal Side Effects of NyQuil

NyQuil withdrawal symptoms may appear within just a few hours of the last use of medication and typically peak within three days.

They can include stomach pain, nausea, chills, excessive sweating, hot and cold flashes, restlessness, moodiness, shaking, tremors, insomnia, blurred vision, cravings, and weight loss.

Factors that affect the withdrawal process include how long a person has misused NyQuil, how much they consume, use of other medications, and if they are polydrug abusers. Individual differences in age, weight, metabolism, and mental and physical health can also have an impact.

Drug Interactions, Overdose, and Allergic Reactions to NyQuil

Drug interactions can increase a person’s risk of harmful side effects when misusing NyQuil. Taking MAO inhibitors, including muscle relaxants, antihistamines, sleeping and anxiety drugs, with NyQuil can result in health complications, liver damage, heart attacks, and seizures.

There is also a risk of overdose when a person uses NyQuil without the guidance of a doctor. Symptoms include yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, extreme tiredness, confusion, sweating, and abdominal pain.

Meanwhile, an allergic reaction to NyQuil can manifest in breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, rashes, hives, skin reddening, and blisters. Get medical help immediately if you or someone you know experiences any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

What Are the Treatment Options for NyQuil Addiction?

Nyquil addiction can be serious and life-threatening, but with the right care, it is treatable. The following treatment options can help a person end their NyQuil abuse, regain control of their behavior, and get back to living a normal and healthy life:

Medical Detox

It can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking NyQuil or to quit “cold turkey,” as this can cause more intense and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox can help an individual in cleansing their body of an addictive substance safely, in a medically supervised environment.

During this time, doctors may also prescribe medications that can help relieve the painful effects of withdrawal. The length of a detox will depend on the severity of the addiction. The entire process can last for a week or more.

Residential or Outpatient Treatment

Once the detox is complete, there are several types of addiction treatment that can benefit the person and lead them on the path to full recovery, depending on the level of care that they need.

• Residential Treatment: 24-hour care for patients with moderate to severe symptoms of addiction in a safe, substance-free facility under the support of medical staff.
• Partial Hospitalization Program: Also known as “day treatment,” a hospital-based program that provides structured support to promote addiction recovery and prevent relapse but doesn’t require patients to live in the facility
• Intensive Outpatient Program: A non-residential treatment program designed for people with substance use disorders who require a high level of mental health care but don’t need medical detox or round-the-clock supervision
• Outpatient Treatment Program: A flexible rehabilitation program that allows patients with mild to moderate addiction to maintain their employment or education and live at home while receiving the treatment that they need

Treatment programs provide individuals with professional help in dealing with their addiction and equip them with tools that they can use to live a healthy, happy, and drug-free life. They often involve individual and group therapy, workshops, support groups, and life skills training.

Struggling With NyQuil Addiction? Start Your Journey to Recovery

If you or a loved one is suffering from NyQuil Addiction, it’s important to get professional medical help as soon as possible. Illinois Recovery Center offers personalized, evidence-based treatment programs for all stages of addiction recovery in a safe and supportive environment.

Reach out to one of our admissions representatives today to learn more about our treatment center and how we can get you on the path to a successful recovery. For more information on our programs, call us today!

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Published on: 2024-06-06
Updated on: 2024-07-12