Addiction Treatment

Detox programs in San Diego have to be prepared for the rise in addiction rates and to understand where the roots of addiction can stem from. Addiction is one of the fastest growing, most unpredictable struggles in modern history because it has physical, mental, social, and even economic triggers, often revolving around past traumas. Understanding the interplay between trauma and addiction can help us provide better, more sustainable recovery for our patients.

The Cycle of Trauma and Addiction

Trauma can introduce addictive behaviors. It can also inhibit recovery and abstinence. Studies have shown this link between trauma and addiction to affect every niche and sector of the US, from soldiers and police officers to children to African-American Women. Everyone is susceptible to addiction, and that vulnerability is amplified in the presence of a traumatic history.

Trauma has a unique way of rewiring our brains and can be addictive in and of its self. One animal study found that our own internal stress response to trauma can produce a sense of calm and relaxation. Essentially, we become so over-loaded that our brains stop being able to process the negative aspects of our stress. We shut down. In much the same way that drugs and alcohol help us dissociate from our surroundings, and provides an escape from pain, boredom, or other unpleasant experiences, so can our own stress response. It should come as no surprise then that stress and addiction have a powerful biological link, and that trauma can create a dependency on immediate pain relief or euphoria in response to stress. When addiction is fueled or catalyzed by such a disorder, both the addiction and underlying traumatic disorder have to be treated as comorbid disorders.

Overcoming Comorbid Trauma and Addiction

Comorbidity is a term used in the medical fields to describe the presence of two or more disorders or diseases that can influence one another. Often times, comorbidity can mean treatment will be more difficult, have lower success rates, or pose unexpected risks. In addiction, we see that depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders have a profound influence on treatment outcomes. acute traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can make recovery difficult because they leave people vulnerable to specific stressors related to their trauma. This vulnerability increases the risk for relapse, which is exponentially more dangerous following a reduced tolerance post-recovery.

Treating addiction without treating underlying trauma can leave people vulnerable to relapse and injury. A full-fledged treatment program for patients suffering from both trauma-related disorders and addiction will have to target both disorders simultaneously. A mixed treatment program might include group or individual therapies focused on reducing the stress response to their unique trauma, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, aimed at helping the patient monitor their own signs of stress, tension, anxiety, and cravings. The overall goal of these programs is to reduce the response associated with these disorders and to reduce the need for alleviating stress with substances.

Detox and addiction treatment in San Diego is available to residents and guests who need it at our AToN recovery center. If you or anyone you know is in need of treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction we urge you to contact us directly. Our program focuses on treating the underlying causes of addiction, to prevent relapse post recovery and to help you lead a lifelong recovery.

The stigma behind drug addiction and substance dependency has been one of the major drawbacks for researchers, care providers, and patients for detox programs in San Diego County and abroad. Many patients who are in desperate need of addiction services feel scared or helpless when seeking treatment because of the way the disease is treated by the public. This is creating a barrier to entry that’s quickly becoming a National health problem.

Drug Addiction in the US

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse over 70,000 people died of overdose in 2017. While prescription opiates have the highest death rate, other drugs are still climbing steadily in fatality rates. It’s clear that addiction is a snowballing problem, one that is not only reaching more families throughout the US, but becoming progressively more lethal. We have to take action to overcome our dependence on drugs and alcohol. But before we can overcome addiction, we have to overcome societal stigmas regarding the disease.

The Stigma of Addiction

Addiction has been depicted as a personal failing for decades. All current research points to the opposite. Addiction is a complicated disorder influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Drugs are designed, often synthetically, to be acutely effective in influencing our behaviors.

The belief system that drugs and addiction are “sins” ignores the very nature of the disease. These substances are often developed to fill very human, essential needs. Pain tolerance. Relaxation. Treatment of other disorders. When we need a drug to manage chronic pain, it should come as no surprise that we can become dependent on it, which is why opiates like prescription painkillers have been one of the fastest growing addictions.

Slowly, but surely, public opinion is starting to reflect this plethora of new research. Parity laws were passed in the US that treated addiction and substance dependence the same as other chronic disorders, like mental health, diabetes, and heart health. The “Not in my Backyard” syndrome, where residents refuse to put in public service facilities, like addiction treatment centers or temporary housing, are also quickly becoming a thing of the past, with recent legislation encouraging progressive goals for communities to heal.

Overcoming Addiction

The 12-step program, used in AA and treatment centers worldwide, is designed with the stigmas and social repercussions of addiction melded into the healing process. As we mentioned earlier, before we can heal from addiction we have to admit to it. We have to overcome the stigma behind addiction, admit we are ill, and develop the tools, skills, and resources to overcome drug dependence.

Drugs and alcohol can cause us to burn bridges, isolate ourselves, and push others away. For true recovery, we have to overcome our fears, our stigma, and our past to reconnect with others. That can mean addressing a mighty elephant in the room. Learning more about the disease, preparing for those conversations, and helping others move beyond addiction is how we can finally turn the tide on addiction and overcome these stigmas once and for all.

Fentanyl is one of the most deadly drugs in the addiction epidemic in the US. Because of its extreme potency, overdose and death occur frequently. Detoxing from Fentanyl can be challenging due to dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Patients looking to abstain from Fentanyl after a long period of dependency should never attempt recovery on their own, but should seek a professional recovery or rehab program because of the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms and adverse reactions.

What is Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is commonly used as a prescription painkiller for patients with severe pain who are resilient to other drugs like morphine. Because of this, Fentanyl is often produced to be 50 to 100 times more powerful than other opioids like heroin and morphine, according to https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/Fentanyl. While a number of illegal variations of the opiate are produced, the pharmaceutical prescriptions may include Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze®.

What does Fentanyl do

Generally Fentanyl is prescribed as an option for long-term extensive pain, such as in cancer treatment or after extensive surgeries. Because many patients on long-term pain care can build a tolerance to opioids, stronger drugs like Fentanyl are generally prescribed as a last measure for patients who no longer respond to most opioid pain treatment options.

Many people become addicted to opioids like Fentanyl because the drugs promote a feeling of euphoria and relaxation, but the aftereffects can include drowsiness, nausea, and potentially dangerous withdrawal effects.

Why has Fentanyl use skyrocketed?

While Fentanyl and other opioids are important for pain medication with certain treatments and surgeries, the spread of dependence on the drugs is largely due to over-prescription and illegal “street” production of the drugs. A now infamous example of the over-prescription of these drugs, the small town of Kermit, West Viriginia, with a population of under 400 residents, was fulfilling millions of prescriptions for opioids on a yearly basis.

The danger of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is largely responsible for the rise in drug overdose deaths in the US. Because the drug is so potent, it can have a much more serious reaction than heroin or other opioids, even with a smaller dose. Worse yet, in street use the drug is often included in a “cocktail” of other drugs, either in attempt to get multiple “highs” or as way to fortify the effects of other drugs. This cocktail use of Fentanyl is partly assumed to be the reason behind the 2016 death of musician and entertainer, Prince. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that “In 2017, 59.8 percent of opioid-related deaths involved Fentanyl.”

Withdrawal from Fentanyl

Fentanyl withdrawal can include a myriad of terrible symptoms, including bone and muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cold flashes, muscle spasms and more. The cravings that come with Fentanyl withdrawal are particularly severe, and often require medical intervention. A professional residential treatment center with qualified medical and clinical staff is recommended during Fentanyl withdrawal to help mediate symptoms. Prescriptions medications can help alleviate uncomfortable side effects of detox and mitigate cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

If you or a loved one is in need of an opioid treatment program, please do not hesitate to contact us. Likewise, if you see someone experiencing an overdose, or experiencing an adverse reaction to a medication, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not attempt to quit a serious addiction without professional consultation, as many substances have severe and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Klonopin – Uses of Klonopin and benzodiazepines

Klonopin is one of the most common prescription drugs in the US, which is why it’s important to understand the warning signs and symptoms of addiction and overdose in loved ones.

Klonopin is a type of benzodiazepine, or “benzo,” which are a class of drugs primarily used in anxiety and stress related disorders to calm the patient. Klonopin, along with Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are all among the top 100 most prescribed medications. These drugs are prescribed on an “as-needed” basis because the symptoms for the related disorders are sporadic and unpredictable. What many don’t understand, is that these medications are not meant to be prescribed longer than 6 weeks – with the goal being that the person develops new coping skills for anxiety management in the meantime. Unfortunately, irresponsible prescribers will not require this – and people can be on benzodiazepines for years – leading to unsafe detoxification if the person stops taking them abruptly or without medical intervention.

These drugs also work for a variety of other purposes, such as muscle relaxants, sedation, convulsions and other involuntary movements. In drug addiction and dependency recovery programs, Klonopin and other benzodiazepines are often used in the detoxification process, to help lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

The same study found that as many as 15% of Americans have taken a benzodiazepine in the past year. Of those, only about 1-2% of prescriptions for benzodiazepine are misused.

Abuse and misuse of Klonopin

The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that Klonopin is generally misused in self-medication. The most clear signs are requests for early prescription refills, signaling an overconsumption of the drug. The drug, when abused, can cause a euphoric high in patients. These overdoses are often severely dangerous and can require hospitalization. In many cases, a reversal agent like flumazenil is required to counteract the sedatives.

Signs of an overdose are similar to alcohol or sleeping medication, including slurred speech, confusion, and loss of memory or focus and other impairment. If you experience any of these symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Klonopin

Patients addicted or dependent on Klonopin may experience severe withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing. Because Klonopin affects the receptors in the brain responsible for relaxation and calm, some patients may experience an inability to relax or reduce their stress levels. In worse cases, the symptoms may cause seizures and anxiety. Most individuals are not fully aware that withdrawal from Klonopin will lead to rebound anxiety when as the drug wears off, the individual’s anxiety spikes.

Signs of addiction

Klonopin addiction can best be categorized by a dependence on the drug for daily functioning. If you in any way feel that your will to stay sober is overpowered by your desire for Klonopin or its effects, if the use of the substance puts you or others in harm, or if you continue to use despite social and health consequences directly tied to the drug, you should seek help immediately.

Addiction generally starts when the regular prescribed dose from a doctor doesn’t “seem like enough” and you end up reaching for an extra dose. Early signs might include running out of a prescription ahead of time, or losing track of doses.

Addictions comorbid with Klonopin

Drug addictions and dependency are often not in isolation. More often than not, these follow other addictions or mental health conditions. In the case of Klonopin, some of the most dangerous comorbid addictions include stimulants and depressants.

Combining depressants, such as other “benzos” or alcohol can cause paralysis, coma, organ failure and death. Combining depressants with stimulants can confuse the body, making you feel like you can handle more of the substance because the effects shortly counteract one another. In these cases, overdose of Klonopin can be common because the effects are delayed.

If you or a loved one need support or guidance with Klonopin or any other substance, please do not hesitate to call us at (888)973-0299.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient meditative practice that dates back more than 5,000 years. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to yoke or bind.” Modern interpretations of the word “yoga” suggest that it literally means “union” as a method of discipline. 

Yoga involves stretching, breathing, and meditation. It promotes a mind-body-spirit connection through the incorporation of very intentional body poses. Most people who practice yoga report that it creates a feeling of tranquility, mental clarity, and connectedness.

The Yoga Sutra (written about 2,000 years ago by an Indian sage named Patanjali) is considered the authoritative text on yoga. It is a collection of 195 statements that provide a philosophical framework for those who are interested in practicing yoga.

The Yoga Sutra outlines eight limbs of yoga:

1. Yamas (restraints)
2. Niyamas (observances)
3. Asana (postures)
4. Pranayama (breathing)
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyani (meditation)
8. Samadhi (absorption)

In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali describes yoga as “the progressive quieting of the fluctuations of the mind.” Through disciplined practice of this ancient artform, Patanjali explains that yoga helps to cultivate detachment, which helps to relieve suffering and open the practitioner to experience their true nature.

Yoga – Now Incorporated into Addiction Treatment Programs

For centuries, yoga was only practiced in the East – in countries like India, which is where yoga originated. In the past 25 years, however; yoga has become popularized in the United States.

Yoga has become a common fitness practice, meditative exercise, and mindfulness activity. Most major fitness chains now offer yoga classes. Plus, yoga studios are found in communities from L.A. to New York City. And, instructional videos on yoga are available by the hundreds on sites like YouTube.

But, what about yoga in addiction treatment? When most people think about doing yoga, they do not associate this ancient practice with recovery from a substance use disorder. However; more rehabilitation centers across the United States are incorporating yoga as a holistic approach to treating addiction, including AToN Center. Why is this?

Yoga Restores a Spiritual Connection

When most people think of addiction, they think of physical pain and mental anguish. They understand that substances like heroin, alcohol, and prescription painkillers produce very unpleasant and dangerous withdrawal symptoms that often require a medical detox. They also understand that addiction negatively impacts brain function and can be detrimental to mental health.

It is important to recognize that addiction also has spiritual consequences. Many come into recovery feeling spiritually bankrupt, as if they have been completely emptied of their very own soul. Addiction causes people to compromise their values, hurt the people they love most, engage in dishonest and less than honorable behavior, and turn away from their own spirituality.

This is why a holistic approach to addiction treatment is so valuable to the newly recovering person. Someone who has made the brave decision to get help for a problem with drugs and alcohol desperately needs to reestablish their oneness with themselves, their fellow man, and universal consciousness.

The Many Benefits of Performing Yoga in Recovery

Of course, there are many other reasons to practice yoga during addiction treatment than boosting a feeling of spirituality. A sense of connectedness is only one of the many benefits yoga has to offer for those in recovery. In fact, many people who go to rehab do not identify with spirituality at all – and that is perfectly okay. Yoga can positively affect the atheist and agnostic as well.

According to scientific research, yoga benefits the addiction recovery process in the following ways:

• Reduces production of the stress-hormone cortisol in the brain
• Relieves anxiety
• Helps fight off depression
• Elevates mood
• Eases withdrawal symptoms
• Promotes mindfulness
• Allows for appreciation of the present moment
• Calms and quiets the mind
• Increases feelings of gratitude
• Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
• Produces healthy, restful sleep
• Helps to lessen chronic pain
• Reduces inflammation throughout the body
• Improves flexibility
• Promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being

Addiction has profoundly negative consequences for the mind and body. Yoga helps restore a sense of mental and emotional stability, promotes good physical health, and encourages a spiritual connection. Why shouldn’t it be incorporated into an addiction treatment plan?

Don’t Be Intimidated By Yoga

Many people find yoga intimidating. They think they might be too out of shape to perform the body poses. Others are terrified at the idea of having to sit with their own mind because of all of the relentless chatter it produces. And, many don’t like the idea of slowing down and being still.

Nevertheless, there is absolutely nothing to fear when it comes to experiencing yoga during addiction treatment. Here at AToN Center, we employ a certified yoga instructor who is compassionate toward those who are new to recovery. They give beginners yoga classes and meet participants at their own level of experience. This allows practitioners to perform yoga comfortably and gracefully.

Just like with any new practice, it takes time to learn yoga and familiarize yourself with all of the terminology, poses, and disciplines. However; this is an exciting voyage within, one that reaps many benefits and positive life experiences. It is a great way to kick off a lifelong recovery journey.

Hats Off to Those Who Have Decided to Get Help For A Problem With Addiction

Making the decision to get addiction treatment for a substance use disorder is a brave first step toward getting on the road to recovery.

Many people never get help. They stay stuck in the devastating cycle of addiction and continue to experience the many negative consequences that accompany a drug or alcohol problem. Or, sadly, they die from an overdose or some other addiction-related health complication.

If you have decided to seek treatment for an addiction to alcohol or drugs like heroin, prescription opioids, or crystal meth; we applaud you. It takes great courage to reach out for help. It also requires tremendous strength to stay sober one day at a time in early recovery.

So, if you are on your way to rehab – or just completing treatment – we congratulate you on your efforts to find a new way to live.

Addiction Treatment is A Challenging Process of Self-Discovery

When you go to a rehabilitation facility, there is a lot of hard work involved. No doubt about it – addiction treatment is no vacation. Quite the opposite!

First of all, you have to navigate nasty withdrawal symptoms (some have to undergo a medical detox to do this), which by itself can be exhausting. Stopping the use of drugs and alcohol can feel like a full-time job for the first 10 days.

Also, you also are asked to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings with a therapist. This often includes revisiting past traumas to experience healing. It isn’t easy to go within and find solutions to problems that led to your addiction in the first place.

Additionally, you receive extensive education about addiction, overcoming cravings, and relapse prevention while in treatment. For some, this can feel like information overload.

Staying at a Rehabilitation Facility Keeps You Safe

Indeed, addiction treatment is not for the faint of heart. However; the many rewards that come from it make it all worthwhile. Yet, as challenging as rehab might be, the truth is, the work doesn’t stop once you leave treatment. In fact, many addiction experts will tell you that your first day back in the “real world” is when the really hard work actually begins.

Basically, when you are in residential treatment, you are pretty safe when it comes to a relapse. Quite frankly, you are safe from yourself. In active addiction, you felt powerless to control your cravings to drink or take drugs. There is a feeling of safety and security in rehab. You really don’t have to fight the urge to go drink or get high because as long as you stay in the facility, you will stay clean.

You are supervised around-the-clock in a sober environment. This leaves very little opportunity for temptation. Plus, you are surrounded by a strong support system that can help you navigate triggers and cravings as they arise. And, you are completely focused on getting well. You are not confronted with the challenges and stressors that generally accompany your everyday life.

This begs the question, what happens after addiction treatment? How do you continue on the road of recovery once you have left rehab?

What Happens After Addiction Treatment?

Many feel fearful about leaving treatment after staying in a facility for a period of time. This is completely normal and totally understandable. In fact, it is a healthy and rational fear to be concerned about a relapse after experiencing the security and comfort of rehab.

However; the goal of a rehabilitation program is to equip clients with the skills they need to sustain ongoing recovery outside of treatment. While in treatment, those who have battled a drug or alcohol addiction are taught to focus on their recovery one day at a time. This doesn’t change outside of the walls of rehab.

In this way, the answer to the question, “What happens after addiction treatment?” is quite simple. Sobriety is what happens. Life is what happens. And, the good news is, they both happen just one day at a time.

While staying sober may be uncomfortable and difficult at first, it does eventually get easier and more familiar. With time, those who stay committed to a sober lifestyle will experience a wonderful new life where old dreams awaken and new possibilities arise. There are many benefits to living a life in recovery.

You Don’t Have To Stay Sober Alone – And You Shouldn’t Try To

The good news is, the world is filled with beautiful opportunities to make sober friends. There are plenty of community support resources that will help you on your recovery journey. Learning how to socially interact without drugs and alcohol does take some getting used to. However, socializing with those who are also oriented toward recovery makes it a lot more comfortable.

You have a number of options when it comes to how you will move forward with your life after you have completed addiction treatment. (In fact, the possibilities are endless now that you are free from active addiction!) Generally, as part of your treatment plan, a clinician will help you formulate a strategy for aftercare services.

This may include an outpatient treatment program where you meet with other recovering people for a few hours once or twice a week. You might become a member of the rehabilitation facility’s alumni program. Or, you might go to a 12-Step Program or SMART Recovery meetings that will teach you how to enjoy a sober lifestyle.

If you’re not sure where to start after addiction treatment, here are some resources you might find helpful:

SMART Recovery
Alcoholics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
Crystal Meth Anonymous
Marijuana Anonymous
Cocaine Anonymous
Heroin Anonymous
Opiates Anonymous

How you choose to live your life after addiction treatment is entirely up to you. We encourage you to embrace your new life and enjoy the journey.

Just remember, recovery (like life) happens one minute, one hour, one day at a time. You are only asked to make the commitment to stay sober for 24 hours at a time. And then, you renew your commitment with each passing day. Before long, this seems very natural and requires almost no effort.

Just don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Sobriety is a “we thing” not a “me thing.” There is always help available if you are struggling.