by roottn | Oct 17, 2023 | Sober living
Overdosing on kratom isn’t typically a concern unless you’re taking extremely large doses (not recommended) or mixing kratom with other painkillers, alcohol, or prescription medications. Dried leaf material sold in capsules or bulk powder, used to make teas or just consumed whole, tends to be less potent, McCurdy notes. Other kratom supplements are made from leaves that have been processed, refined, or manipulated to produce extract products that deliver a higher chemical dose with a higher risk of negative effects. A person who experiences pain or other symptoms as a result of a health condition should speak with their doctor. In 2019, approximately 49,860 overdose deaths were caused by various opioids. In 2020, numbers reached an all-time high of 93,331 overdose deaths caused by opioids. Kratom products have been linked to a small number of deaths. Nearly all deaths from kratom also involved other drugs or substances that might have been harmful. Some people take kratom to ease the symptoms of quitting opioids, called withdrawal. The DEA notes several cases of psychosis or hallucinations have been reported after kratom consumption. Though possible, a research review suggests serious adverse effects from kratom are very rare. The FDA has linked more than 35 deaths to salmonella-tainted kratom. An article in Clinical Toxicology concludes that kratom has links with serious medical outcomes, especially when people use it with other substances. People report using kratom for pain relief and to help cope with depression and anxiety. Kratom leaves and teas have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, but the products consumed in the United States are quite different and often far more...
by roottn | Aug 23, 2023 | Sober living
More studies are required to establish the exact mechanisms of does alcohol help you sleep the opioid-induced effects on sleep–wake cycle. Melatonin supplements don’t carry a lot of risks or negative side effects. Most of the time, in controlled doses, melatonin won’t have any noticeable effects on your body or sleep cycle. Outcomes Buy from a reputable source, because melatonin supplements are not standardized in processing or packaging. Melatonin is not monitored by the FDA for purity, safety, or effectiveness. Sleep specialists, too, stress the importance of balancing the desire for a good night’s sleep with responsible alcohol consumption. #1 It might improve the quality of sleep Using ingredients such as magnesium, valerian root, and melatonin in Relaxium Sleep aligns well with this approach. Alcohol also affects people with central sleep apnea (CSA), which occurs when the brain periodically stops sending certain signals involved in breathing. A high dose of the adaptogen is thought useful for improved sleep quality; however, the dosage in the Relaxium product is relatively low. These side effects can have potentially dangerous consequences, as they put a person at risk of accidents and losing consciousness. Over the years, I have seen firsthand how poor sleep can affect physical health, mental health, and quality of life. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. It’s best to avoid alcohol when taking Relaxium Sleep or any sleep aid. Alcohol disrupts healthy sleep cycles so other supplements won’t overcome its negative effects. The sedative qualities of alcohol and Relaxium’s ingredients like melatonin may also dangerously compound. Are you...
by roottn | Aug 14, 2023 | Sober living
One of the main factors increasing the prevalence of MDRTB is noncompliance by patients who do not complete their normal 6-month treatment regimen, leading to the emergence of drug-resistant M. A recent study of MDRTB in South Africa reports that of 225 patients diagnosed with MDRTB, only 50 percent were cured or completed treatment. Treatment default rates were highest among alcohol users (Kendall et al. 2013). Other countries also report similar TB treatment defaults in individuals with AUD, resulting in poorer treatment outcomes and increased mortality rates (Bumburidi et al. 2006; Jakubowiak et al. 2007). Along with noncompliance, people with AUD have compromised lymphocytes, which are among the main immune components combating TB infections. The three main types of lymphocytes are natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and B cells. How do I take care of myself? Alcohol abuse is therefore a risk factor for active TB (Borgdorff et al. 1998; Buskin et al. 1994; Kline et al. 1995; Narasimhan et al. 2013). Typically, a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder doesn’t require any other type of diagnostic test. There’s a chance your doctor may order blood work to check your liver function if you show signs or symptoms of liver disease. Long-term health risks of chronic alcohol use Alcohol use can begin to take a toll on anyone’s physical and mental well-being over time. For those seeking help, centres like Madison Recovery Center offer comprehensive treatment programmes that address both the physical and psychological facets of alcohol dependence. Stopping suddenly will likely cause symptoms, and they can be serious. Studies show most people can reduce how much they drink...
by roottn | Jun 30, 2023 | Sober living
You may not need to completely reinvent your life to quit drinking, but making a few changes in your surroundings to help avoid alcohol triggers can make a big difference. It’s possible to develop a better relationship with alcohol and make more mindful, informed choices about drinking without total sobriety. Don’t bring up the subject when they’re already drinking or hungover. If they’re intoxicated, they might be more likely to misunderstand you, lash out, or forget the details of the conversations. Wait until you’re both able to have a clear, unrushed, and uninterrupted conversation. Setting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships The physical reactions of binge drinking can then lead to other incidents like driving accidents, physical violence, and problems with friends, family, and colleagues. If someone is trying to coerce you to have another beer, be polite but firm in saying no. Your life doesn’t have to stop while you make progress. Learn more about the health effects of drinking alcohol here. You have a hard time cutting yourself off once you start drinking. Perhaps you frequently get caught up in the feeling of euphoria that comes with being intoxicated. You feel compelled to keep drinking to maintain that high. Limit Number of Drinks Per Week Beyond that, take time to examine the feelings or routines that drive you to drink in the first place. Mindfulness is a good place to start for this, but you can try any activity that helps you reflect and relax. And don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and get some fresh air if being stuck at home feels triggering at times. Millions...
by roottn | Feb 27, 2023 | Sober living
Opioids are safest when used for three or fewer days to manage serious pain, such as pain that follows surgery or a bone fracture. If you need opioids for severe pain, work with your healthcare signs of opioid addiction professional to take the lowest dose possible, for the shortest time needed, exactly as prescribed. Also, be sure to ask if drugs other than opioids are available or if other types of treatment can be used instead. YOUR TREATMENT MAY BE COVERED! When using opioids, there is also a risk of opioid use disorder (OUD). Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable but are not typically considered life-threatening. Hospitalization typically is needed for severe withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms after stopping shorter-acting opioids—such as heroin—begin within hours of the last dose. Recovery Advocacy According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were nearly 645,000 fatal overdoses involving opioids from 1999 to 2021. There is not a single approach that works well for everyone, and a person may try several therapies before finding the ones that support lasting recovery. Your doctor may prescribe certain medicines to help relieve your withdrawal symptoms and control your drug cravings. Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs produced from opium or made synthetically. This creates tension on both sides, and often leads to serious family and relationship problems. One thing you can do for your loved one is to try and get them help, rather than dismiss or ignore their problem. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information for a number of treatment programs and resources. It may also be a...
by roottn | Nov 7, 2022 | Sober living
Substance abuse group therapy can facilitate healthy discussions about relatable topics in recovery. Additionally, you can use substance abuse group therapy activities for teens if you are working with a younger population. This gives the Counselor leading the group an opportunity to tailor the group activities to the current concerns of the group members. Structured activities within these groups are highly effective in promoting personal growth, enhancing self-awareness, and building strong community bonds that can bolster resilience. Lastly, substance abuse group activities can provide group leaders with an opportunity to provide psychoeducation in an interactive way that members respond to. Cognitive Restructuring Activity As therapists, we know loneliness can sometimes be a trigger for our clients. Another option for your substance abuse group activities, have the clients discuss being alone. Recognizing addiction as a chronic condition akin to other enduring health issues is essential. Consequently, relapse, or a return to drug and alcohol use, can be an inherent part of the recovery process. However, it’s crucial to understand that relapse should not be viewed as a treatment failure. In this activity, members create individualized relapse prevention plans, identify their specific warning signs, and develop strategies to seek support before a potential relapse. This topic encourages members to create a new, healthy identity, emphasizing positive traits, values, and goals to build a fulfilling life without substances. Effective group leaders can help create an environment where members can challenge each other in a productive manner while practicing these life skills. Understanding the Impact of Substance Use on Health Process groups are mostly unstructured with no singular topic of discussion. Theme groups...
