Palm Desert Recovery Center

Drug Treatment Who Needs it?

Who needs drug treatment? At what point is it time to seek help? Many addicts believe they can stop on their own. Some family members are afraid to approach their loved ones. Is there really a problem? Is it as bad as I think it is? They are going to be so angry with me if I address it with them; what will I say? When is the right time?

Here is the truth about drug addition, if you think it is a problem, it is likely worse than you think. SO, you are on the right track. Next, when is the right time. If you wait, you could regret it – don’t wait. Overdose, takes one time. AND, it is worth the confrontation. If you do nothing, nothing changes. The risk is too great, you must do something.

The question is what do you do? First, you may have noticed some things. Write them down. Changes in behavior, sleeping patterns, disposition, self-care, friends, job loss or loss of ambition, loss of meaningful relationships, legal consequences and other negative outcomes. An interventionist can be needed and helpful to mediate approaching your loved one. However, should you and other family have an opening to discuss treatment, let them know – compassionately what you have seen – without judgement, but rather with concern. Express your fear and love. Ask them to get help.

Invite them to look into resources for treatment that you have researched. Let them know you support them in getting help and that you understand and will be there to help them get into a program.

If they refuse care, be prepared to set boundaries in advance. Know what those boundaries are. Have them written down and express them without anger. I can no longer pay your rent until you get help. I can no longer give you money until you get help. You can no longer live here until you get help. I love you and care about you and am here for you when you are ready to get help. I understand you are not ready. Do not argue. Notice that they might try – it is their addiction and your fear that will engage. It is fruitless.

Call a professional for support. Attend Alanon for you. For more support or an assessment call 760.550.0613

Alcoholism, Addiction: A Family Problem

Alcoholism and Addiction – it can’t be avoided – it’s a tireless family problem. When we have a loved one struggling with addiction or alcoholism it is so hard to watch, it’s hard to know what to do, how to approach it, and how to set boundaries to keep us and other family members safe.

We may question, “is this my fault?” We might not notice how some of our interactions and behavior toward our loved one is enabling their addiction. Be certain that doesn’t mean we are causing them to drink or use drugs, it means there could be other things we could do that could narrow the path to get them to seek help.

Often the best we can do is, or what we think the best we can do is cut them off. And it is true cutting off an alcoholic or addict is a good way to narrow their path to seek recovery if done with love and compassion. Generally, it is important to look at how are we supporting them. Are we afraid to be direct – your drinking and using appears to be increasing and I have noticed that there have been these ______, _____, ______, consequences as a result and I am concerned it will get worse for you and perhaps could even result in the loss of your freedom or life. I am not willing to continue to support you finically in these ways ______, _____, ______, anymore because I feel I am taking away an opportunity for you to be responsible for yourself and it is contributing to your ability to drink or use drugs. However, if you get help I will be here for you in recovery.

Most of the time, the “cutting off” the alcoholic or addict happens in fear and sense of not being able to control or fix the problem and comes out in anger rather than compassion and love. Many addicts and alcoholics need to know the door is closed, but they can call for help when they are ready.

The truth is no matter how they say they don’t they do need their family. Shifting the dysfunctional dynamic takes time and practice. It can start with you and you are not alone there are professionals that can help and support you and your loved on in the process. Call Palm Desert Recovery Center at 760.550.0613.

Medically Supervised Detox

Medically Supervised Detox require a full assessment. Proper assessment is imperative to determine what is required for each individual for drug and/or alcohol detox. There are certain medications as well as detoxing from certain levels of alcohol that can be fatal. Some addicts and alcoholics have tried to detox on their own, but find the detox symptoms overwhelming, sometimes painful, perhaps have had seizures and KNOW they need medically supervised drug and alcohol detox.

Detox Admission Intake

An intake assessment can determine if detox is needed, how long detox will be, and how detox will be managed. The identified client can find trust and can be more willing to get help if they know the pain and health risks are managed. In addition, the risk of relapse can be reduced with the appropriate care.

Medically supervised detox provides the client medication that reduces anxiety, muscle cramping, risk of seizure, and other related symptom reduction or elimination. The phrase “kicking drugs” comes from the painful process of detox without the support of medication. Many people would rather continue use than “kick drugs or alcohol.” Medically supervised detoxification can help.

How does Medically Supervised Detox work?

After an assessment, the client is admitted into a detox program. Further evaluations are completed for medical compromises and nutrition deficiencies. The medical staff, which may include nurses, a nurse practitioner and/or physician will create a treatment plan to treat, manage, reduce or eliminate your withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.

Depending on the type of substance use, length of drug use and frequency impacts health risks and detox symptoms. Addiction to alcohol or benzodiazepines can be life-threatening. Medically supervised detox is also highly recommended for opiate abuse.

A licensed physician can prescribe medications such as methadone, Suboxone and buprenorphine to minimize drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms for a short period of time to reduce or eliminate detox symptoms. Other medications, often non-addictive medication, can be used to treat, anxiety, dehydration, and pain.

Is Medically Supervised Detox Enough?

Medically Supervised Detox is just the beginning of the recovery process. It is true that some people leave treatment after they complete Medically Supervised Detox. However, they are at a high relapse risk rate as the reason they have been using drugs or alcohol in the first place has not been addressed. Most people who want sobriety follow Medically Supervised Detox with residential drug and alcohol treatment.

For a no cost assessment please call 760.550.0613

Opiate Addiction Signs & Symptoms

Opioids drugs are commonly thought of as heroin. However, the opiate crisis that is occurring today in the United States encompasses much more. In fact, it generally doesn’t begin with heroin, but can end up with heroin use.

Many teens and young adults report beginning their opiate use with opiate prescriptions out of household medicine cabinets. Adults report being prescribed opiate medications for an injury or pain, such as

Opioids medications like OxyContin, Vicodin, fentanyl, morphine and the like. For both, the adult and teen/young adult dependency can develop but access to ongoing prescriptions becomes impossible and detox symptoms begin and are painful.

At the point the search for relief begins and the possibility of heroin use is likely. It is cheaper and easier to access.

What are Opiate drugs?

Opiates or Opioids are compounds found in opium poppies. Opioids include prescription painkillers like oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), morphine, codeine, fentanyl, and others and Heroin, which is illegal.

Heroin can be inhaled, injected, or smoked, while most pain killers are taken as a pill, however when abused can also be inhaled, injected or smoked.

Tolerance is built quickly requiring the user to take higher doses and dependence is established rapidly and there is high risk of overdoes.

For treatment or detox from opiate use please call 760.550.0613