Updated 02/02/2022

Many individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol, avoid giving these substances up — because they’re afraid of the withdrawal symptoms associated with detoxing from drugs and alcohol. They may have tried before, but given up as soon as these side effects started to arise. That’s why a professional, medically supervised detoxification program is so crucial. It ensures these substances are cleaned out of your system in a safe environment. No matter what substance you are addicted to, our team has massive experience and vast medical background to ensure your detox is as safe and comfortable as possible. We at CNV Detox and Rehab in Los Angeles, California provide 24-hour-a-day monitoring so that if any issues arise, you have a qualified team on hand to help. So, what to expect when detoxing from alcohol?

If you need FREE help please contact the National Helpline about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, treatment, and recovery in English and Spanish.

What Is Alcohol Detoxification?

Detoxification, or detox, is the process of letting the body remove the drugs and substances in it. The purpose of detox is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking drugs or alcohol. Everyone has a different experience with detox. The type of drug and how long it was used affect what detox will be like. Medications used in detox help keep former users comfortable while the drugs leave their bodies. It can take days or weeks to get through withdrawal symptoms for most drugs. The length of withdrawal depends on a number of factors, including:

• Type of substance the user is addicted to
• Duration an addiction has lasted
• The severity of the addiction
• Method of abuse (snorting, smoking, injecting, or swallowing)
• The amount of a substance the user takes at one time
• Family history
• Genetic makeup
• Medical condition
• Underlying mental health conditions

What About Detoxing From Alcohol At Home?

Whether you’re addicted to alcohol, it’s dangerous to attempt to detox on your own. Not only is there a higher chance of relapsing back into substance use, but there are also health risks associated with detoxing without medical supervision. Some withdrawal symptoms are so severe that they can damage your health or even cause death if not addressed immediately. Quitting “cold turkey” or without medical supervision can lead to serious issues such as seizures and severe dehydration. People with severe addictions should seek inpatient detox because withdrawal can be fatal. Inpatient detox includes 24-hour support and monitoring.

If you’re ready to kick your addiction to drugs or alcohol, then it’s time to contact our team at CNV Detox. Our luxurious facilities located in California ensure your detox is done in the safety and seclusion of our luxurious surroundings.

What To Expect When Detoxing From Alcohol?

Depending on what substance you are addicted to and other individual factors, each detox experience is slightly different. However, here is an overview of what to expect:

1. Patient Evaluation

During your stay at CNV Detox in Los Angeles, California, an evaluation of your condition will be performed. Not only does this help us determine your level of addiction, but it’s also useful in determining if you have a co-occurring disorder. We specialize in dual diagnosis treatments, which is when a patient has both an addiction and an underlying mental health disorder. Once we understand all these factors, we can create a personal treatment plan that fits your needs. We also ensure it addresses all areas of concern, whether it be a single addiction, addictions to multiple substances, or the additional treatment of psychiatric symptoms.

2. Treatment Tailor Made for Each Patient

There is no solution that fits all. This is why an individualized plan is so essential to our patients. We begin the detox process by understanding as many factors about your condition as possible so that you can get the best care. The first step of detoxification is the withdrawal process. WE need to make sure all substances work their way out of your system. In some cases, we may provide medication to ease these side effects. No matter what, our compassionate staff is on hand 24-hours a day to monitor your progress and offer support. Depending on what substances you use and your level of addiction, the withdrawal process could last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. But during that time, we will make you as comfortable as possible.

Each guest is provided with their own private or semi-private room. We encourage our patients to attend therapy sessions so that we can help them identify problem areas that need to be addressed during the recovery process.

3. Post-Detox Treatment

Detox is just the first step to successful rehabilitation from drug and alcohol addiction. To ensure our patients remain strong in their sobriety, we encourage them to seek out further post-detox treatment: inpatient or outpatient rehab, PHP, IOP, and sober living. These types of programs are designed to identify the stressors that led to addiction and also to teach you the skills to cope with issues when they arise.

Alcohol Detox Programs

The average duration of detox at CNV detox is usually between 5 to 14 days, depending on your individual need and substance abuse. We offer treatment options for:

• Alcohol detoxification: Withdrawal symptoms of alcohol abuse can be challenging if not life-threatening. Severe alcohol withdrawal reactions include extreme confusion, severe alcohol cravings, fever, hallucinations and seizures. Our treatment goals aim to address these symptoms, prevent current or future health issues and address abstinence. How long it may take you to detox from alcohol depends on the length of your addiction. Often, treatment extends beyond several days- if patient’s condition is severe. Although extreme symptoms subside after just several days days, some patients may still experience some symptoms seven to ten days after their last drink.
• Opiate detoxification: Patients detoxing from opiates usually go through two phases of withdrawal. The first set of symptoms include excessive tearing, cramping, paranoia, anxiety, body aches, sweating, yawning and insomnia. Later withdrawal symptoms include rapid pulse, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, goosebumps, rapid pulse and increased blood pressure. Symptoms from short-acting opiates such as heroin usually begin showing within 12 hours of last use. Longer-acting drugs like methadone result in withdrawal symptoms starting just 30 minutes after previous exposure.
• Benzodiazepine detoxification: Seizures are one of the most dangerous symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal and could be deadly without proper supervision. Other symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, headaches, sensory distortions, heart palpitations, psychosis, tremors, hallucinations, nausea and dry retching. Recovering from benzodiazepine addiction is a process, so we offer emotional as well as medical support. Without medical supervision, attempting to detox from benzodiazepine can be life-threatening.
• Stimulant detoxification: This process is usually not life-threatening. Symptoms vary from patient to patient and are based on factors such as tolerance and metabolism. When detoxing from stimulants, withdrawal symptoms appear within a couple of hours to a couple of days after last use. More severe psychological symptoms can last up to a few weeks or months after quitting.
• Marijuana detoxification: Marijuana withdrawal is not typically life-threatening. Symptoms usually begin 24 hours after last use and can last up to two weeks. Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include fear, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, poor appetite, poor sleep and more.
• Heroin detoxification: Heroin is an opiate. Therefore, symptoms and recovery times are identical to those of opiate detoxification. Patients detoxing from opiates usually go through two phases of withdrawal. The first set of symptoms include excessive tearing, cramping, paranoia, anxiety, body aches, sweating, yawning and insomnia. Later withdrawal symptoms include rapid pulse, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, goosebumps, rapid pulse and increased blood pressure. Symptoms from short-acting opiates such as heroin usually begin showing within 12 hours of last use. Longer-acting drugs like methadone result in withdrawal symptoms starting just 30 minutes after previous exposure.

Why Is Alcohol Detox Important?

Alcohol detox is the first step on your journey to sobriety. However, some withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous or even fatal. At CNV Detox, our medical team, monitor the progress of our clients at all times. While we offer private and semi-private rooms, time for meditation and relaxation, our health practitioners consistently monitor clients to ensure safety during the detoxification process. Detoxing from drugs and alcohol at home may pose serious health risks due to the severity of symptoms.

Get Professional Help at CNV Detox & Rehab in Los Angeles.

CNV Detox provides drug & alcohol detoxification and residential rehabilitation in Los Angeles, California. CNV Detox is an accredited and licensed facility offering medically supervised detox programs. Our dual diagnosis program provides a multi-faceted family approach that simultaneously treats addiction and mental health for a full recovery. No matter what substance you are addicted to, our team has tremendous experience and vast medical background to ensure your detox is as safe and comfortable as possible. In addition, we provide 24-hour monitoring so that if any issues arise, you have a qualified team on hand to help. So, what to expect when detoxing from drugs and alcohol?

We treat substance use disorders through a combination of medication and therapy. Medication is initially used to ease the patient from the physical pain and anxiety of detoxification when needed. Once the patient is relatively comfortable, an individualized treatment plan is created. Patients play an active role in developing their treatment plans. No one’s addiction experience is the same, therefore their treatment must also be tailored.

At CNV Detox, all calls, live chat sessions, and information provided via contact forms are strictly confidential! Contact Us Today!

Meth Withdrawal in Los Angeles, California

Detox can induce symptoms of withdrawal. The substance the individual is addicted to can affect the symptoms they have. For example, alcoholics have different withdrawal symptoms than opioid users or marijuana users. Some common symptoms of withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Pain
• Sensitivity to light/noise
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Seizures
• Coma
• Intense craving for the substance you were addicted to (drugs/alcohol)

Meth Detox in Los Angeles, California

Methamphetamine, or “meth,” can destroy the lives of those struggling with addiction. The first step in confronting meth addiction is detox, which is the process of ridding the body of an addictive substance. Detoxing from meth can mean experiencing some pretty tough withdrawal symptoms, but the benefits of overcoming meth addiction far outweigh the negative side effects of detox.CNV Detox Can Help with Methamphetamine Withdrawal, Meth Detoxification, and Residential Rehabilitation in Los Angeles, CA.  An Average Stay for Methamphetamine Detoxification Only is 5-9 days.

Detox is the first step to recovery and a life of sobriety. This is because detoxing allows the body to rid itself of the harmful toxins inside of it, put there by the addictive substance. For the best chance at recovery, however, patients must also undergo treatment for addiction such as rehabilitation, counseling, therapy, medication, and other forms of treatment after the detox. Going through an addiction treatment program will help the individual learn the root cause of their addiction so they can work to maintain sobriety in the long run.

What Factors Influence Meth Detox?

Various factors will determine if an addict should do a subacute or acute detox. These factors include:

• The substance(s) the person is addicted to
• How long the patient has been an addict
• The severity of the addiction
• Any co-occurring mental health issues
• Any other medical issues present
• The age of the patient
• Drug allergies
• The local laws where the patient is receiving treatment
• The specific policies and procedures of the treatment center where the patient is detoxing
• How much support the patient has
• The motivation level of the patient

Acute vs Sub-acute Meth Detox

Acute Methamphetamine Detox

The medical definition of acute describes life-threatening or critical conditions. Therefore, acute detox is for those that have a severe addiction. This detox must be monitored twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, at a hospital-like facility. It involves hospitalization, around-the-clock medical attention to reduce severe withdrawal symptoms and prevent or treat dangerous complications during the detoxification process. This is because there is a higher risk of fatal side effects, respiratory failure, and seizures.

Sub-Acute Methamphetamine Detox

Sub-acute detox is for those undergoing recovery with less severe withdrawal symptoms in comparison to acute detox.  This level of detoxification takes place in a residential treatment setting. Medical and mental health professionals monitor you or your loved one’s mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms, providing prescription detox medication if needed. These medications help reduce the severity of any experienced withdrawal symptoms throughout the detox process. CNV detox is a sub-acute treatment center.

How Does Treatment at CNV Medical Detox & Residential Rehab can Help

Detox might be a difficult first step to getting clean, but considering the effects of meth use, it’s definitely worth it. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, CNV Medical Detox & Residential rehab is here to help. Undergoing detox in a treatment facility not only provides medical supervision but also a safer environment away from drugs.

CNV Drug and Alcohol Medical Detox & Residential Rehab in Los Angeles specializes in drug and alcohol sub-acute detoxification & residential rehabilitation. Our dual diagnosis treatment is also available for those who are suffering from addiction & mental health issues.
We treat substance use disorders through a combination of medication and therapy. Medication is used to ease the patient from the physical pain and anxiety of detoxification when needed. Once the patient is relatively comfortable, an individualized treatment plan is created. Patients play an active role in developing their treatment plans.

While there are no drugs that have been proven effective in removing meth from the body, drugs targeting withdrawal symptoms could help with getting through detox and maintaining long-term sobriety. Treating meth withdrawal symptoms might include medications like Modafinil, a narcolepsy drug that helps regulate sleep, according to the National Institutes of Health. Modafinil has also shown promise in alleviating the cognitive effects of meth use, such as memory loss and difficulty processing ideas. A study from The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse found the drug could help with meth addiction treatment when combined with therapy.

Bupropion, commonly referred to by the brand name Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant that has also helped people quit smoking. Long-term meth use can cause a dopamine deficiency. Bupropion could help with meth withdrawal by regulating dopamine, the brain chemical messenger that stimulates pleasure and focus.

Fluoxetine, most commonly known as Prozac, is an antidepressant that is also prescribed for anxiety. The drug has shown promise with meth withdrawal in trials with mice, and it might help some people, according to Dr. Tarugu. “Fluoxetine can benefit people suffering by helping them resolve heart problems and relieve all other depressive symptoms,” Tarugu says.

Update 1/31/2022

In the US, over 85% of American adults say they’ve drunk alcohol at some point in their life. Drinking profoundly alters an individual’s mood, behavior, and neuropsychological functioning. For many people, alcohol consumption means relaxation. However, the effect of alcohol can actually trigger anxiety & increase stress. 

To understand exactly how alcohol impacts your life, you should find out a little about it. Yes, it is known that alcohol affects brain function, but you may wonder exactly how it works. Some people think of alcohol as a stimulant that can increase your heart rate, give you energy, and decrease your inhibitions. However, this is not the whole story. At the same time, alcohol slows your body down. So, do you know the right answer to this question: is alcohol a stimulant or a depressant? Read on to find out more about alcohol and its effects on your brain and body.

Is Alcohol a Stimulant?

Stimulants are substances that increase central nervous system activity. This can include increased heart rate, rapid breathing accompanied by increased energy, and positive feelings. For a substance to be classified as a stimulant, these effects must be the dominant ones produced by the substance. For example, the brain may release it when we eat or even see the food we crave. This can result in feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Dopamine can also increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Some examples of stimulants include caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine, and betel nut. As you can see, some stimulants are legal, while others are illicit substances. While some level of dopamine in the brain is important for our well-being, high levels may generate aggression, anxiety, poor impulse control, and risk-taking behavior.

Alcohol, particularly in the early stages of consumption, is a stimulant on the central nervous system. It triggers an increase in dopamine levels. This speeds up the heart and respiration rate and can increase energy and confidence, lower inhibitions, and improve mood.

Is Alcohol A Depressant?

Based on the name, many people think that depressants make you feel depressed. However, that’s not necessarily true. “Depressant” refers to the effect that these substances have on your central nervous system, not how it’d impact your mood. Depressants slow down central nervous system processes. For example, the heart rate and breathing are slowed, and reflexes and response times are dulled. To be classified as a depressant, these effects must be the dominant ones produced by the substance. Examples of depressants include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, ketamine, and heroin. Most of the substances on this list are either controlled ones or flat-out illegal to use. So when you ingest a depressant, you might feel relaxed and even sleepy and/or sedated. Depressants will slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.

After the initial stimulant effects, alcohol slows down your central nervous system, decreasing your blood pressure, heart rate, and mental clarity. In turn, people who have ingested large amounts of alcohol have slower reaction times and may seem sleepy, disoriented, or sedated. In addition, higher doses of alcohol can suppress dopamine production, making you feel sad or listless. Depressant effects of alcohol occur when your BAC reaches about 0.08 mg/l. Once your BAC reaches 0.2 mg/l or greater, its depressant effects on your respiratory system can become so powerful that they cause coma or death. 

It’s important to understand that when alcohol is referred to as a depressant, that doesn’t mean it gives people depression. Depression is a mental health issue. Although it can arise from alcohol addiction and many people develop an alcohol use disorder attempting to self-medicate when depressed, the substance itself doesn’t create the mental health condition. Rather, when alcohol is referred to as a depressant, it is meant in a medical sense as it slows down several processes in the body. For example, alcohol abuse slows breathing, blood flow and can dull the senses. Thus, alcohol is a depressant. But again, drinking alcohol does not give you depression; mental health conditions cannot be transmitted or created this way.

The Bottom Line: Is Alcohol a Stimulant or a Depressant?

You might’ve noticed that we haven’t put alcohol in either category above. Alcohol is a depressant with some stimulant effects. In small doses, it can increase your heart rate, aggression, and impulsiveness. However, in larger doses, alcohol typically causes sluggishness, disorientation, and slower reaction times, as it decreases your mental sharpness, blood pressure, and heart rate.

It is a common myth that alcohol is a stimulant. After all, it ramps up your confidence, makes you giddy, and certainly gives you a burst of energy! It does raise your heart rate, along with some other physical changes. However, these effects are just temporary. Plus, they’re a result of your brain releasing more dopamine after your initial drink. Dopamine is also known as the feel-good hormone, as it can make you feel happy and lessen pain processing.

Alcohol, is in fact, truly a depressant. Think about how you feel when you drink alcohol, especially in excess; you start slurring your words and have slower reaction times. As you can see, while alcohol does have some stimulant effects, it’s scientifically classified as a depressant. You’ll typically feel the stimulant effects at a BAC of under 0.05mg/l. But once you go over 0.08mg/l, the depressant effects will take over. Do note that you should never mix stimulants (or other medications such as SSRIs) with alcohol. Doing so can have serious and even fatal results.

What Effects Does Alcohol Abuse Produce?

Alcohol alters both your brain and your nervous system. It just depends on how much alcohol you have as far as your body’s degree gets altered. The more alcohol you have, the more significant the effects of the alcohol are. If you drink too much alcohol, your body will become completely sedated. Here are some of the effects of alcohol, starting with the mildest and progressing to more serious effects:

• Lowered ability to make good choices
• Struggles focusing
• Decreased depth-perception
• Heart rate increases, then slowly decrease as alcohol intake increases
• Slurring speech
• Coordination problems
• Digestive tract issues (vomiting and diarrhea occur frequently)
• Mood changes
• Lower than normal body temperature
• Increase in blood pressure
• Struggles staying conscious
• Memory loss
• Increased risk of cancer
• Decreased ability to retain information
• Liver problems
• Stroke
• Heart problems
• Death

This list is full of a lot of health issues that can result from alcohol. However, it is only a small portion of all of the issues that alcohol can lead to. The occasional drink is typically not a problem that will result in long-term negative effects of alcohol. What is a problem is chronic drinking or binge drinking on a regular or semi-regular basis. Your body can only handle so much alcohol. The more you drink and the less time off you give your body, the more your body will struggle and the worse the effects will likely become.

The Effects Can Be Wildly Varying for Everyone

Do note that the depressant effects (as well as the stimulant effects) can be different for everyone. For example, you might feel giddy and alert after one beer while your friend is sulky and incoherent on the same amount of alcohol. The main things that affect how someone’s body handles alcohol include their:

• Age
• Sex
• Weight
• Unique body chemistry
• Alcohol tolerance

Alcohol Addiction

Some can drink casually, while for others, one drink can be all it takes to spiral into addiction. Are you concerned that you or a loved one might be developing alcohol dependence or addiction? Then watch out for these signs:

• Blackouts
• Drinking in isolation
• Excessive excuses for drinking
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Hangover symptoms when not drinking

If you’ve noticed these signs in either yourself or a loved one, it may be a good idea to go to rehabilitation so you can get sober.

Get Help for Alcohol Addiction Today

Alcohol is a powerful drug. It can raise you for a short time, and it can keep you down for a lot longer. It will leave you struggling with how you feel about yourself or your situation if you let it. Regardless of whether you still think that alcohol is a stimulant or a depressant, one thing’s for sure: dependence or addiction to this substance can have detrimental effects on your life. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, then a trip to rehab can be beneficial. There, caring professionals can help you get on the road to recovery and sobriety. Are you ready to get help for alcohol addiction? Then get in touch with us now. We’re here to help you 24/7.

Some drugs should never be mixed. Alcohol and ADHD medications such as Adderall are just one example. In the past, doctors mistakenly believed that mixing some ADHD medications with alcohol was fine. However, more recent studies show that you should never mix the two. Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of mixing alcohol and Adderall or similar prescriptions.

Why Alcohol and Adderall Don’t Mix

The main reason you can’t mix ADHD medications with alcohol is that their compositions are different by nature. Alcohol is a depressant, while ADHD medications such as Adderall are stimulants. Oftentimes, people believe that the combination of a stimulant and a depressant cancels each other out. In reality, the drugs battle for control over your body. As a result, mixing Ritalin and alcohol, or a similar combination can cause a number of issues.

In some cases, people mix these drugs because they don’t know that ADHD medications are stimulants. After all, they assume that stimulants are the last thing doctors would want to prescribe to individuals with hyperactivity. On the contrary, the stimulants actually help them stay focused.

When mixing these drugs, such as Vyvanse and alcohol, you end up with a dangerous combination that can make you drink more than you should. This puts your health at risk and can even lead to an emergency room visit.

Side Effects of Mixing ADHD Medications With Alcohol

With a better idea of why mixing alcohol and Adderall is detrimental, let’s discuss some of the side effects that can arise. In fact, some people mix the drugs because they aren’t aware of the real danger that they put themselves in. It’s never safe to mix ADHD medications, or any prescription stimulants, with alcohol. Some of the side effects that can arise include:

• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Sleep problems
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Depression and anxiety

Also, such a combination of drugs can harm your judgment, causing you to make choices that you normally wouldn’t. Since the stimulant enhances focus, it can be harder to tell when you become drunk. This can lead to more drinking, which may lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.

Types of ADHD Medications

There are many ADHD medications in the prescription market. Sometimes, people take them without knowing what they are. That’s why it’s important to know some of the different types and what sets them apart.

The most commonly talked about ADHD medications are probably Ritalin and Adderall. Both are brand-name drugs but are different versions of generic drugs. Ritalin is an immediate release version of methylphenidate, and Adderall is an immediate release version of dextroamphetamine.

Another popular ADHD medication that people often abuse is Vyvanse. Like other ADHD medications, you shouldn’t mix Vyvanse and alcohol. Similar to Adderall, Vyvanse is a brand-name version of dextroamphetamine, but it comes in the form of a chewable tablet.

Some other ADHD medications include Concerta and Daytrana, which are different versions of methylphenidate. Concerta is an extended-release formula that keeps the medication in your body longer. Rather than a pill, Daytrana is a skin patch.

The last popular medication for treating ADHD is Focalin. It’s slightly different from the rest because it’s a brand name of dexmethylphenidate. Despite that, it’s still an immediate-release tablet. In general, it stays in your system for around four hours. Another version of the brand, Focalin XR, can stay in your system for eight hours.

Is There a Potential for Abuse With Adderall and Alcohol?

Yes, there’s a potential for abuse with both alcohol and ADHD medications. Despite being easy for people to get, alcohol is an extremely addictive and dangerous substance. Like other stimulants, ADHD medications are also very addictive. Mixing these different drugs together creates a dual dependency that’s a health risk.

When combining these two drugs together for an extended period of time, people put their mental health at risk as well. These drugs have the ability to destroy memory, concentration and problem-solving skills.

Keep in mind that the potential for abuse is higher in some individuals than others. Those who have a history of drug abuse in their families are more likely to abuse drugs themselves. Individuals with underlying mental health issues are more likely to abuse drugs too.

Treatment Options For Managing Adderall and Alcohol Abuse

It should go without saying that overcoming any addiction isn’t easy, and alcohol and ADHD medication abuse is no different. That’s why it’s vital to seek professional treatment. That said, what kind of treatment should you look for when you choose a rehab center.

Before getting into specific programs, remember to find rehab and detox centers that create custom treatment plans. There’s no one way to deal with addiction because no two people are the same. You need to seek rehab centers that put your individual needs first.

Detox Comes First

The first thing to remember is that detox needs to be the first step. You can’t focus on recovery if you can’t get past withdrawal. Both ADHD medications and alcohol can cause withdrawal symptoms. In fact, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be deadly, increasing the importance of seeking professional care.

In general, people start to notice the first withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours. Within 48 hours the symptoms peak in severity. It’s essential to be enrolled in a detox center by the time this happens. Sometimes, the symptoms can last for weeks, but the intensity eases after the peak period.

While detox is just the first step on the path to getting clean, it’s an important step. People who fail to undergo proper detox treatment have a higher risk of relapsing compared to those who do.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Another important program to look for in a rehab center is dual-diagnosis treatment. In most cases, people don’t choose to develop an addiction. There’s usually some kind of underlying problem that leads them down that path. Failure to deal with the problem can lead to relapse even after seeking professional help.

For example, people who struggle with anxiety and depression often drink or abuse drugs to get relief. Of course, the relief that they get is only temporary. As a result, they continue to abuse drugs. Eventually, this behavior turns into a dependency.

Going to traditional rehab will set them down the road to recovery. However, if they don’t address the underlying problem, they’re likely to fall victim to relapse. The reason is that drugs are the only way that they know how to deal with the anxiety, depression or other mental health issue that they have.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a great way to address not only drug abuse but also some mental health disorders. The idea behind it is to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Experts believe that replacing negative thoughts can mitigate negative or bad habits, such as drug abuse.

Don’t Underestimate Family Therapy

Family therapy is another important part of every recovery program. In fact, a large majority of addiction problems start within the home. Anything from poor relationships to a history of abuse at home can lead to these problems.

Family therapy helps people get to the root cause. By addressing the problems straight on, they can start the healing process. Like with dual-diagnosis therapy, the main goal here is to deal with the underlying issue.

Additionally, family therapy provides people who struggle with addiction some much-needed support. It’s always nice to know that they have the support of their loved ones behind them, and family therapy facilitates that comfort.

Gender-Specific Treatment

Men and women aren’t the same in many ways, so they often require different approaches to rehab treatment. Thankfully, many centers offer gender-specific rehab. Such a program is designed in a way that it addresses the immediate concerns of men or women.

Another benefit of gender-specific treatment is that men and women are often separated for the duration. This aspect is important because studies show that both genders typically have an easier time concentrating and sharing information when members of the opposite sex aren’t around. It gives them a better opportunity to focus on their recovery.

Don’t Wait to Get Help; Reach Out to CNV Detox Today

If you or a loved one abuses Ritalin and alcohol, or a similar combination, it’s crucial to get help right away. This dangerous combination of drugs can become addictive and lead down a dangerous path.

At CNV Detox, we can help you not only detox from these drugs but also begin the journey to recovery. Beyond detox, some of the programs that we offer include:

• Inpatient treatment
• Dual-diagnosis treatment
• Individual and group therapies
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic addiction treatment

CNV Detox offers gender-specific treatment as well. We have a women’s detox program that can help women get the most out of their treatment. This program can address some gender-specific concerns and reasons why women abuse drugs.

Our goal is to provide the tools that you need to overcome addiction. Don’t wait any longer to get help. Contact us today to start the recovery process.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), or alcoholism, is a disease that doesn’t discriminate and can affect any gender, ethnicity, body type, or personal belief system. So what are the commonalities in alcoholism? The 4 most common factors that cause alcoholism to develop are:

1. Biological 
2. Environmental 
3. Social 
4. Psychological 

The common risk factors of alcoholism are:

• Drinking at an early age
• Family history of alcoholism
• High-stress levels
• Peer pressure
• Frequent Consumption over a Long Time

What Causes Alcoholism?

Biological factors

Research has disclosed a close link between alcoholism and certain biological factors and physiology. Even though some people can limit the amount of alcohol they consume, others have a strong drive to keep going. For some individuals, alcohol gives feelings of pleasure or reward which encourages the brain to repeat the behavior. This kind of repetitive behavior can make you more susceptible to developing AUD.

The reason for this is that there are certain chemicals in the brain that can make you more inclined to alcohol abuse. For example, scientists have pointed out that alcohol dependence may be associated with up to 51 genes in various chromosome areas. If these genes are passed down through generations, family members are more likely to develop drinking problems.

Environmental factors

Recently, studies have investigated a possible connection between the environment and the risk for AUD. Researchers have examined whether or not an individual’s nearness to bars and liquor stores can affect their chances of developing alcoholism. It has been found that people who live close to alcohol establishments tend to look at drinking more positively and are more likely to take part in the activity.

Also, alcohol manufacturers are plying the public with advertisements showing drinking as an acceptable, fun, and relaxing leisure activity. In the decades between 1971 and 2011, alcohol advertising in the U.S. increased by more than 400%.

Money

Income is another environmental factor that can also play a part in the amount of alcohol a person consumes. Contrary to popular belief, people who come from prosperous neighborhoods are more likely to drink than those living below the poverty line. Recent Gallup polls show that about 78% of people with an annual household income of $75,000 or more consume alcohol. This is considerably higher than the 45% of people who have an annual household income of less than $30,000.

Social factors

Other things that contribute to a person’s view of drinking are social factors. Your culture, religion, family, and work influence a lot of your behaviors. This includes drinking. Family plays the biggest part in a person’s likelihood of developing AUD. Children who grow up around alcohol abuse are more at risk of getting into dangerous drinking patterns.

Beginning college or starting a new job can make you more receptive to alcohol abuse. You’re likely trying to make new friends and develop new relationships with peers during these times. The wish to fit in and be well-liked may cause you to take part in activities that you normally wouldn’t. Before long, you’re headed to happy hour with coworkers, drinking more often, and craving alcohol after a long workday. These are all warning signs of alcohol use disorder.

Psychological factors

Several psychological factors can increase the chances of heavy drinking. Everyone handles situations in their way. But, the way you cope with feelings can affect certain behavioral traits. People with high stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions are more susceptible to developing alcoholism. And in these types of situations, alcohol is frequently used to suppress feelings and relieve the symptoms of psychological disorders.

After a while, drinking can become a habit and lead to an AUD. The more you use alcohol to relieve feelings of pain and hardship, the more your body becomes tolerant to the effects and requires more to achieve the same relief. 

Dual Diagnosis

Co-occurring alcohol abuse and mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, can cause a multitude of serious side effects. This is known as a dual diagnosis and to overcome these issues, each one needs to be treated separately and at the same time by medical specialists.

Alcoholism Risk Factors

There are a lot of things involved in the possibility of developing alcoholism. Alcoholism risk factors do not mean you will develop AUD. But they should be viewed as a prevention measure. 

Drinking at an Early Age

Trying out alcohol at a young age can lead to problems later on, particularly in your 20s and 30s. This is especially true when adolescents participate in frequent binge drinking. This early drinking can increase the likelihood of alcohol abuse. Alcoholism can affect anyone at any age.

Family History Of Alcoholism

Growing up around family members and close relatives who have an alcohol abuse issue increases the risk of alcohol abuse in future generations. When you are surrounded early on by people who drink heavily, you can look at drinking differently and become a victim of bad habits.

High-Stress Levels

Trying to reduce stress by drinking can quickly turn into a problem. Careers that are likely to face high levels of stress because of long hours and strenuous tasks include nurses, doctors, first responders, construction workers, and the military. Nurses and people in other helping professions have higher rates of alcohol addiction than other professions. Professionals in any industry must find other ways to de-stress to prevent alcohol abuse.

Peer Pressure

When close friends or a partner drink frequently, you may be more willing to join in. Giving in to peer pressure can be the start of drinking problems later on, as well as health complications that come from excessive alcohol consumption. Instead of feeling the need to drink, it’s better to offer to be the designated driver. 

Frequent Consumption Overtime

You greatly increase your chances of developing an alcohol-related problem when drinking too much becomes a pattern for you. The more you drink, the more your body builds a tolerance. As mentioned, previously, tolerance means you need more alcohol to feel the same effects you used to feel with less.

9 Ways to Help Manage Alcoholism

1. Stop hiding the problem: If you’ve been keeping it a secret, you need to stop. Tell anyone in a position to provide support. When everyone close to the situation knows about it, it can be dealt with head-on.

2. Get support: Plan to talk to the addicted person with whoever in the family or friends they respect the most. And who can remain the calmest?

3. Don’t attempt to talk to the person when they’ve been drinking or are highly stressed: Find a time when they are as sober and untroubled as possible. This is usually early in the day.

4. Form a calm, non-accusing team to confront the person with the damage they are doing to themself, their job, community, and career: Be specific but be patient and uncritical. But don’t back down and don’t sympathize.

First Confrontation?

5. If this is the first time you have confronted the individual, you may give them another chance to quit on their own. If they are a long-term drinker it is very unlikely that this is the first confrontation and almost certain that the person’s body and brain are so addicted that they can’t stop on their own.

6. If the person has already been given a chance and failed, they probably have plenty of excuses. Now is the time to talk about rehab. 

7. If they refuse to talk about a rehab facility, the family and friends will need to reach an agreement on the next steps. Refusing to bail the person out of legal, financial, professional, and personal problems can help them decide. If they’re being housed for free, this may also need to be taken away to get them into rehab.

8. If all this fails, then there may be someone else that the alcoholic views as an authority, or holds in high regard. See if that person can help convince them to get help.

9. And finally, you may get to the stage where you need to contact a professional interventionist. Bring the interventionist in and give them all the assistance they need to get your friend or loved one to agree to get help. Fortunately, correctly managed interventions are effective at getting addicts into rehab.

Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder

Only about 15-25% of people with alcoholism get help from doctors or treatment programs. Many people don’t use treatment services until they are forced to by a family member, court, or an employer. Nevertheless, studies show that 66-75% of problem drinkers do make positive changes. Overcoming AUD flows along a continuum. Each step flows into the next with the goal of long-term sobriety. Steps along the road of recovery include:

Medical Detox

Detoxification or “detox” for short, is the first key step for most people with an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This method is done before a person can begin their treatment program and be on the road to recovery. The goal of the detox process is to give a person’s body time to rid itself of the toxins from the alcohol and have it become balanced again. Typically within 6-24 hours after the last drink, withdrawal symptoms will begin. This can happen even while there is still alcohol in their blood. For the following reasons, most people require a medically supervised detox in a treatment center:

• Tremors (mostly in the hands)
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Delirium tremens (DTs), a life-threatening problem that can make a person restless, confused, and cause fever, seizures, and hallucinations
• Sleep problems
• Unstable blood pressure and heart rate

Patients in a medically supervised detox receive 24-hour monitoring with clinicians available to administer medications should it become necessary. The ultimate goal of detox is to stabilize the individual and get them into the formal treatment program.

Inpatient or Residential Rehab Program

Residential programs offer the highest level of patient care. In this type of program, the client lives at the treatment facility for a duration that depends on their specific needs.  This gives the individual a secure and structured environment removed from any reminders or triggers for alcohol use. 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Clients in a PHP spend their days at the treatment facility but are able to return home at night. The days are structured and the activities are similar to the residential program. This program is good for someone who has a stable and supportive family network.

Outpatient Program (OP)

An outpatient program could be considered the third level of care. This level is a good step-down program after completing a residential or PHP. The outpatient program makes it possible for the patient to return to school or work while attending therapy sessions at the treatment facility several times a week.

Aftercare Programs

After completing formal treatment programs, some people don’t feel confident enough to transition into a non-drinking life. And in fact, people have a better chance at long-term sobriety if they continue in some type of treatment. This is where aftercare comes in. Whether it’s participation in a 12-step group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or residing in a sober-living home, recovering alcoholics will find valuable support in an aftercare program.

Recovering From Alcoholism in Southern California

So, are you an alcoholic? Do you know or love someone who is? Are you tired of going through the cycle of addiction day after day? You are already taking a step in the right direction. CNV Detox is a treatment center in Southern California that can offer you the care and professional treatment you are looking for. We are experienced in identifying the common causes of all substance use disorders and treating them, including alcoholism. 

CNV can provide a wide range of behavioral and holistic therapies to help you find your real, whole self again. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to a full and fulfilling life and we will help you design a program specifically to suit your needs. It’s all possible. Contact us now and let’s get started together.

References:

www.registerednursing.com