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

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