substance misuse

Addiction Recovery and the Brain

June 18, 2018 // by Lauren// Leave a Comment

It is no secret that substance abuse can impact the brain severely. The brain stem, cerebral cortex and the limbic system, among other parts of the brain, are particularly affected. A severe consequence of alcohol misuse can be Korsakoff’s Syndrome, a term indicating alcohol induced dementia. This is one of the reasons why, along with evidence based psychotherapy practices, AToN encourages a holistic approach to nourish the brain and promote PsychoNeuroPlasticity.

PsychoNeuroPlasticity is a term that references how the brain has the ability to heal itself under particular circumstances. According to experts, the brain requires 30-90 days of abstinence in order to attain a “clean” brain. In order to promote this healing process, multiple factors are implemented under AToN’s trained medical and clinical team:

Abstinence – it bears repeating as abstinence decreases brain inflammation
Highly nutritious meals –including high protein, healthy fats and green, leafy vegetables – AND avoiding neurotoxins such as MSG, aspartame and sugar
Supervised exercise (improved balance can stimulate PsychoNeuroPlasticity)
Hydration
Learning how to sleep naturally (AToN does not allow high risk sleep medications)
Structure! The brain craves structure when it is learning a new lifestyle such as addiction recovery
Mind/Body regulation, including relaxation, meditation, hypnotherapy and yoga
Building new neurological circuits – AToN focuses on coping skill building which assists in stimulating brain function and healing

These are just a few of the aspects of AToN’s curriculum that benefit our residents. If you or a loved one could benefit from treatment, please contact us!

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
AToN Center 888-535-1516

MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine)

June 15, 2018 // by Lauren// Leave a Comment

MDMA, also known as Ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic stimulant with hallucinogenic effects. It was discovered in Germany in 1912 by Anton Kollisch who was working for the pharmaceutical company Merck. MDMA was originally made to treat uterine bleeding.

In 1970 it came to the attention of Alexander Shulgin and David Nichols from Dow Chemical Co., who saw the potential for the drug to reduce fear in patients and increase insight. MDMA became the drug of choice at clubs, house parties and raves.

MDMA is a Schedule 1 substance. It is given this rating because the FDA sees no legitimate medical use for it and it has the potential for abuse and addiction.

MDMA causes the release of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the body. The neurotransmitter serotonin plays an important part in the role of sleep, mood, pain and appetite. When large amounts of serotonin are released while taking MDMA, it causes the brain to become depleted of this neurotransmitter and the user ends up experiencing confusion, depression, fatigue and memory problems. MDMA can even damage the serotonin-containing neurons which could cause long-lasting damage. Other long-term effects include irritability, impulsiveness, sleep problems, increased body temperature, decreased sexual interest and memory impairment.

Some of the short-term effects include euphoria, increased energy, distorted perception, increased heart rate, hallucinations, nausea, blurred vision, chills, and sweating. The most dangerous short-term effects are dehydration and hyperthermia.

Combining MDMA with other substances

MDMA and Alcohol

Mixing MDMA with alcohol will put an enormous strain on the kidneys. Heavy drinking can lead to dehydration and a worse come down from the drug. Alcohol is often involved in MDMA related deaths.

MDMA and Cocaine

MDMA and Cocaine are both stimulants and when used alone can be life-threatening, when used together the risk is compounded. The most serious effects are heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, paranoia, seizures, tremors, coma, dehydration and hyperthermia.

MDMA, Cocaine and Alcohol (A lethal combination)

When Cocaine and Alcohol are combined together they create a lethal combination called Cocaethylene in the liver. This is a metabolite that increase the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias and strokes and when MDMA is added to the mix the combination can be fatal.

MDMA and drug interaction

MDMA used with other serotonergic drugs can lead to a life threatening condition called Serotonin Syndrome and a severe overdose can result in death.

MDMA and Caffeine

Caffeine increases the psychostimulants in MDMA and promotes the toxicity of the amphetamines.

MDMA and treatment

Currently there are no specific medications for the treatment of MDMA dependence; however different pharmacological tools can be helpful. There are several different sleep aids that can be prescribed to combat insomnia and anti-depressants can be used to help replenish serotonin and dopamine levels and manage depression and anxiety. An increase in fluids will be necessary to help with dehydration, and regular, healthy balance meals are essential to correct possible weight loss and anorexia.

Psychosocial treatment

Inpatient and residential treatment centers can vary from a 30-90 day stay; treatment is intensive. Some treatment centers can also include various forms of holistic.

Outpatient treatment can vary in length from 8 weeks – 6 months. An outpatient program is a good option for someone who has gone through a recovery program, but still needs to gain more knowledge about addiction.

The Matrix Model in an intensive outpatient program of approx. 16 a weeks and is helpful for addiction to stimulants. This model includes relapse prevention, urine testing, self-help, therapy and family education. A therapist plays the role of coach and fosters a positive environment and focuses on self-worth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that human behaviors, thoughts and feelings are interconnected. The approach is to change unwanted behaviors and develop different coping strategies and self-monitoring practices.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that helps people learn and use new skills and strategies to develop a life that they experience as worth living. DBT skills include skills for mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Future research

There has been some positive data to show that MDMA could be useful for individuals diagnosed with PTSD or for social anxiety in adults suffering from autism, but more research is needed to determine the benefits of MDMA as a treatment option.

References:

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2013). MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly). Retrieved online from www.drugabuse.gov/drugsabuse/mdma-EcstasyMolly
americanaddictioncenters.org

Johnina Noar, CADC-II
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

November 27, 2017 // by Aton Center

When residents enter into treatment, often they fear the physical withdrawal symptoms and forget about the emotional and psychological withdrawal symptoms that can make long-term sobriety so difficult.

These emotional and psychological symptoms comprise the second stage of withdrawal, called “Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome” or P.A.W.S. There is no set length of time that these symptoms may linger. It depends on variables such as age, length and type of substance misuse, environment, and recovery program.

Post Acute Withdrawal symptoms may include the following:

Lethargy
Anhedonia
Emotional Lability
Stress Sensitivity
Memory Problems
Sleep Disturbances
Physical Coordination Problems

At AToN Center, we teach you how to manage P.A.W.S symptoms by providing recovery study groups, mindfulness exercises and developing healthy habits with emphasis on the following:

Stabilization and Awareness (Mindfulness)
Nutrition
Exercise
Relaxation
Spirituality
Balanced Living

While there is no short- term “cure” for Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, AToN Center focuses on developing the ability to accept and manage the uncomfortable symptoms. Recovery from addiction is a process that requires learning new coping skills and developing a healthy support group to be maintained long after leaving AToN Center.

Kate Judd M.S., CADC-II
CD Counselor

AToN Center 888-525-1516

CD Counselor

Hepatitis C and IV Drug Use

September 12, 2017 // by Aton Center

Many people come to AToN with medical conditions. We take these seriously and believe mental health and physical health cannot be separated. One of these conditions is Hepatitis C (Hep C). Hep C is a liver disease that can be chronic or acute. Some people clear Hep C from their body after acute infection without treatment. However most people will go on to develop chronic infection. The name Hep C has a scary connotation, but much has changed in the last few years regarding what we know about the virus and our options to treat it. Read on to find out important facts about Hep C and how it may impact you.

In our addictions, we often do things we never thought we would. Nobody plans on sharing contaminated items prior to their addiction, but it is something that becomes a part of many people’s story. We aren’t able to make the best choices for our long-term health during addiction, and we may find ourselves in risky and unsafe situations in the midst of drug use. Hep C is often an unintended consequence of sharing equipment used to inject drugs such as needles, fluids, syringes, spoons, cotton, and water. Most people think that they can avoid Hep C simply by not sharing needles, but this is not true. In order to be totally safe, people should not share any personal items used to inject or snort drugs.

Hep C is a blood-bourne pathogen and is not spread by kissing, touching, sharing food, or even most sexual encounters. It is also recommended not to share razors or tooth brushes with someone who has Hep C because blood can carry the virus on these items. Hep C can survive for around 6 weeks in and on the wet and dry tools people use to inject and sometimes snort drugs. It is highly infectious and exists in amounts too small to see. Remember, people with Hep C can appear healthy for many years, so you cannot tell if someone has it by looking at them. Also, many people do not even know they have the virus until decades after infection. Symptoms sometimes only appear in the late stages of the disease when their liver functioning is significantly impaired.

Most people who may have had an exposure are terrified of getting tested. While this is understandable, knowing your status can protect your health and the health of those around you. Knowing your status is empowering and allows you to plan for treatment. Many doctors will not treat people until they have been abstinent from IV drug use for a specified period of time, because contracting the disease again is likely. Hep C treatment used to be very log-term, uncertain, exhausting, and difficult. Many people were not cured. With several new medications that have come to market, people can have a 95% chance of complete recovery. These new medications can be quite costly, and sometimes people have to work with their insurance company to ensure coverage.

To avoid Hep C, the CDC recommends ceasing injection drug use. This is the best and safest way to prevent Hep C. Substance use disorder treatment can not only help you stop using, it will also help you manage withdrawal symptoms, learn coping skills, understand relapse prevention, and build long-term support. However, if stopping is not an option for you right now, The CDC has set out these guidelines to prevent infection:

Do not share any equipment used to inject drugs with another person.
Always use new, sterile needles, syringes and preparation equipment—cookers, cottons, water, ties, and alcohol swabs—for each injection.
Set up a clean surface before placing down your injection equipment.
Do not divide and share drug solution with equipment that has already been used.
Avoid using syringes with detachable needles to reduce the amount of blood remaining in the syringe after injecting.
Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water before and after injecting to remove blood or germs.
Clean injection site with alcohol or soap and water prior to injecting.
Apply pressure to injection site with a sterile pad to stop any bleeding after injecting.
Only handle your own injection equipment.
If you do inject with other people, separate your equipment from others to avoid accidental sharing.

(Source: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/pdfs/factsheet-pwid.pdf)

We support people through all types of illness and we make sure all of our residents are safe. We can help you get tested for Hep C, assist you in exploring your treatment options, and provide you with emotional support through the process.

You will not be stigmatized here and our sensitive staff is used to dealing with the many illnesses that coincide with all types of addictions.

AToN Center 888-535-1516

Combining MDMA with other substances

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