Gabapentin Withdrawal

Written by

Gabapentin Withdrawal | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin) is a prescription medication commonly used to treat neuropathic pain and seizures. Although gabapentin is thought to have a significantly lower potential for abuse and dependence than many other drugs that treat pain, both do occasionally occur. Those who use Neurontin in excessive amounts or for recreational purposes are more likely to develop a dependence that those who use it as directed with a prescription.

Gabapentin misuse is believed to be relatively rare but increasing, and some research as reported statistics on its abuse. Gabapentin abuse often occurs in conjunction with other psychoactive substances, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

A person who develops a physical dependence on gabapentin will experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to discontinue use. These symptoms may manifest between 12 hours to 7 days after stopping the medication and can persist for several weeks. Symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and anxiety.

Detox from gabapentin is, by no means, considered to be risky or life-threatening. However, adverse emotional effects can be highly unpleasant and compel an individual to return to the misuse of this drug or other substances. For this reason, the safest way to discontinue gabapentin is by using a tapering schedule under the supervision of a physician or undergoing medical detox.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

Unfortunately, even patients who use gabapentin as directed may develop some level of physical dependence. Using the medication in excessive doses or for an extended period can lead to the onset of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use.

Because gabapentin has depressant properties, withdrawal symptoms may be comparable to those of alcohol and benzodiazepines, although much less severe. This similarity is believed to be because gabapentin and these other substances all have an effect on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurochemical in the brain.

Withdrawal symptoms associated with long-term gabapentin use include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Light sensitivity
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Nausea

Also, people who are using gabapentin to treat seizures and suddenly stop taking it may encounter an uptick in seizure activity, including prolonged, uncontrollable seizures. In this instance, withdrawal from gabapentin could, in fact, be hazardous and is not recommended without medical supervision.

Factors for Gabapentin Withdrawal

Gabapentin Withdrawal | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Factors that can influence the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms include the following:

  • Age
  • Height and weight
  • Average dose
  • Length of use or misuse
  • Presence of other disorders
  • Use of other substances

Rarely, individuals who are at risk of or already experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms may require intensive medical monitoring and intervention if complications occur.

Health professionals generally advise that a patient receive increasingly lower doses of gabapentin to wean them off the drug gradually and comfortably. Tapering schedules that are employed for medications like gabapentin have the potential to reduce adverse withdrawal effects when the medication is eventually stopped altogether.

Gabapentin use can often be tapered down to cessation over one week, but in some instances, slower tapers may be used to address safety concerns. Experts recommend reducing the daily dose by a maximum of 300mg every four days.

Why Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms Occur

It is not wholly understood why withdrawal symptoms manifest when some individuals abruptly stop using gabapentin, but they do occur nonetheless. This fact suggests that gabapentin use does indeed have the potential to result in physical dependence.

When dependence occurs, a person’s body has adjusted to the consistent presence of a substance and has begun to rely on it to function normally. Then, when a dependent individual suddenly stops using the drug or significantly cuts back, they will soon start to encounter the onset of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are the result of the person’s brain and body trying to re-stabilize without the drug’s presence.

Dependence often develops in combination with tolerance, a condition in which the person’s system no longer responds to the substance to the extent it once did. As a result, the person will need to take increasingly larger doses if they are to achieve the effects they desire.

Chemical dependence is often confused with full-blown addiction, but there are some key differences, and they are not the same. While dependence is a required component for addiction, the converse is not true. A person can become dependent on a substance even if they use it properly, as directed by a doctor. Addiction is further hallmarked by substance abuse and compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite the adverse consequences that a person experiences as a result.

Moreover, an individual who is addicted to gabapentin will not only abuse it, but will become obsessed with obtaining and using it, and they will continue to do so regardless of the problems this causes.

Getting Help for Drug Dependence

Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers multi-faceted, state-of-the-art programs designed to treat drug abuse, dependence, and addiction, as well as all aspects of an individual’s health and well-being. Our programs feature therapeutic services clinically proven to be integral for the process of recovery, such as behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, group support, and aftercare planning.

If you or someone you love is struggling with a dependence on drugs or alcohol, contact us today and find out how we can help you get started on the road to recovery, one step at a time!

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: Dangers of Snorting Gabapentin

What Is an Alcohol Urine Test?

Written by

What Is an Alcohol Urine Test?

The EtG test is commonly used to identify the presence of ethyl glucuronide in the urine of a person who may have consumed alcohol. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a metabolite of ethanol, the intoxicating component in alcohol. It can also be screened for in blood, hair, and nails, but the alcohol urine test is the most commonly used because it is cheaper than other tests and, when compared to blood screens, much less invasive.

Who Takes EtG Tests?

EtG tests are used to detect alcohol abstinence or non-compliance under circumstances in which drinking is not allowed, including the following:

  • Alcohol treatment programs
  • As legally required for a DUI/DWI probation
  • Liver transplant patients
  • Schools
  • Military
  • Professional monitoring programs (e.e, airline pilots, healthcare professionals, etc.)
  • Court cases (e.g., child custody)

EtG test is not typically used in workplace testing programs as it does not measure a person’s current level of impairment from alcohol. Furthermore, because alcohol is legal in most areas of the U.S., it’s not a commonly administered test because alcohol could have been consumed days before a person is required to work. And if they show signs of impairment, it is not really a helpful tool on the spot.

What Is an Alcohol Urine Test?

Detection Window

Urine tests are quite sensitive and can detect very low levels of alcohol, and can do so up to five days after consumption. In studies of subjects who did not have alcohol use disorders, EtG was identified in urine samples for as long as 80 hours (or 3.3 days) after heavy alcohol consumption.

Limitations

One drawback of the EtG testing method is that it can sometimes produce a positive result from exposure to alcohol that’s present in many common household goods, including mouthwash. Other examples of environmental or home products that contain alcohol include the following:

  • Foods prepared with alcohol
  • Cleaning products
  • Breath sprays
  • Hand sanitizers
  • Hygiene products
  • Aftershave lotion
  • Cosmetics
  • Hair color dye

In reality, there are hundreds of household goods that contain ethanol, and exposure to them could potentially lead to a false positive on an EtG screen.

Interpreting Alcohol Consumption Results

A high positive EtG test (>1,000ng/mL) may indicate the following:

  • Excessive drinking on the testing day or the day before
  • Light-moderate drinking on the testing day

A low positive EtG test (500 to 1,000ng/mL) may indicate the following:

  • Excessive drinking within the previous three days
  • Light alcohol consumption within the past day
  • Recent heavy exposure to environmental products containing alcohol with the last day

A very low positive EtG test (100 to 500 ng/mL) may indicate the following:

  • Excessive drinking within the past three days
  • Light alcohol consumption within the past 12-36 hours
  • Recent incidental exposure to environmental products that contain alcohol

EtG is a test that can help determine if a person has been recently exposed to alcohol in some way. Therefore, it offers law enforcement and others the ability to determine if a person is compliant with alcohol abstinence or not, and can do so accurately at least 70-85% of the time.

All in all, the EtG test is considered a highly useful test for detecting recent alcohol consumption. But due to the possibility of exposure to alcohol-laden environment products, in some cases, a separate verification may be warranted. This may include a blood or breathalyzer test, depending on the situation.

Other Testing Methods for Alcohol Consumption

Two other commonly drug screening tests that can be used to detect alcohol include the following:

BAC Blood Test

For a blood test, consent to have blood drawn and tested is usually required. Moreover, refusal to take a blood test in some cases can have legal consequences, including a suspension of one’s driver’s license. In fact, people who refuse to undergo blood alcohol tests tend to incur higher fines and longer jail sentences than those who are compliant.

Blood sample screening is believed to be more accurate than breath and urine tests, but testing errors can occur and lead to inaccurate results.

BAC Breathalyzer Test

Law enforcement most commonly uses breathalyzer tests is to estimate a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) because breathalyzer devices are lightweight, easy to use, and produce immediate results. Breathalyzer results are usually considered to be admissible in a DUI/DWI prosecution case.

Getting Help for Alcoholism

If you have an alcohol abuse or addiction problem, you may be afraid that you are going to fail a urine test or other alcohol screening test. Regardless of whether or not this is true, if you are an alcoholic and ready to reclaim your life, we urge you to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Harmony Treatment and Wellness features personalized, comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment programs and services intended to treat all aspects of a person’s health and wellness. Our programs are based around behavioral therapy, counseling, and group support, which can help patients uncover the underlying causes of their addiction and identify healthier, more effective ways of coping with life’s stresses and temptations.

Contact us today if you or someone you love is ready to break the destructive cycle of alcoholism and reclaim the fulfilling life you deserve!

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: How to Help an Alcoholic

Is Lean Liquid Heroin?

Written by

“Lean” is a slang term for a drug-laden drink that consists of the medications codeine and promethazine. Codeine is an opium alkaloid like morphine, the drug from which heroin is derived. Although morphine and heroin are both much more powerful than codeine, excessive consumption of this substance has the potential to cause death as well as a wide array of mental and physical health problems.

Lean is also commonly referred to as “purple drank” or “sizzurp”. Promethazine is an anti-allergy medication that is relatively benign but can cause drowsiness. It is sometimes found in combination with codeine, a painkiller that also helps with cough suppression in prescription cough syrup formulas. The Lean concoction includes cough syrup such as this in addition to soda and flavored candies, often Jolly Ranchers.

When consumed, especially in high amounts, Lean can induce euphoria, not unlike heroin and intense feelings of relaxation and drowsiness. Unfortunately, it is very possible to overdose on Lean, and a number of celebrities have succumbed to this. Because codeine is a central nervous system depressant, it can decrease breathing, heart rate, and body temperature down to perilously low levels. Without emergency medical intervention, death can occur.

Who Uses Lean?

Over the last few years, promethazine-codeine cough syrup has rapidly become a popular recreational drug among teens and young people in certain regions of the United States. According to government statistics, in 2017, more than 3% of high school seniors misused prescription or over-the-counter cough or cold medication.

Lean has been largely popularized by rap/hip-hop musicians and cases involving NFL players. African-American men are perceived as those who use Lean most often, but research from 2013 suggested that it is used by young persons from a range of demographics. The study reported Lean use among more than 2,300 students enrolled at a large public university in the U.S. Southeastern region.

The results were as follows:

  • Males were more likely to consume Lean than females
  • Hispanics had the highest rate of Lean, followed by whites and then blacks
  • Many students who consumed the concoction struggled academically
  • LGBT students used Lean at a higher rate than their heterosexual counterparts
  • More than 10% of marijuana users drank Lean

Perhaps the main reason why people believe that black males are the most likely to use Lean is that many rap/hip-hop artists, including Lil Wayne, have glorified Lean use in music, and a number them have died of complications associated with its use.

How to Identify Lean Use

Signs of lean use include the following:

  • Empty foam cups or bottles of cough syrup containing promethazine and codeine
  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Lack of motivation
  • Lack of interest in hobbies once enjoyed
  • Adverse changes in appearance
  • Frequent and sudden trips to the bathroom
  • In students, poor academic performance

What Does Lean Do?

Is Lean Liquid Heroin?

Many young people erroneously believe that prescription drugs, including those containing codeine, are relatively safe. But, as noted, excessive amounts of codeine can slow heart rate and respiration. When combined with promethazine or other substances such as alcohol, it can significantly increase the risk of health problems, including death.

Side effects of codeine include the following:

  • Dizziness
  • Flushing of the skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion
  • Slowed pulse
  • Brain damage

Promethazine is an antihistamine that can also cause several adverse reactions. Side effects of promethazine may include the following:

  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Heart arrhythmia
  • Breathing problems
  • Hallucinations
  • Disorientation
  • Seizures

Codeine Overdose

Codeine is less potent than morphine and heroin, but it is still a powerful substance, and using it in any other way than as prescribed can cause an overdose.

Symptoms of codeine overdose include the following:

  • Bluish lips or skin (cyanosis)
  • Chest pain
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Decreased alertness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma and death

Several mental health problems are closely associated with codeine use. A study from 2015 found that individuals who codeine chronically have a 30% higher risk for depression than those who use hydrocodone, another prescription opioid that is derived from another opium alkaloid, thebaine.

Getting Help for Lean Abuse and Addiction

Regular consumption of lean can lead to addiction, a chronic brain condition that adversely affects a person’s emotional and physical health and social life. People who have an addiction to codeine will be chemically dependent on the substance and compulsively seek the drug despite the incurrence of negative consequences.

Professional long-term treatment is often necessary to help people overcome codeine addiction. Harmony Treatment and Wellness employs highly-trained medical professionals experienced in assisting clients to overcome substance use disorders, including those related to opioids.

Our programs are comprehensive and customized to each individual’s needs and goals, and feature services required to achieve the best outcomes, such as psychotherapy, counseling, group support, aftercare planning, and more.

If you or a loved one is abusing Lean, we urge you to seek help right away, before it’s too late. Contact us today and discover how we help people break the vicious cycle of addiction for life!

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: Codeine Addiction

Is It Safe to Combine Claritin and Alcohol?

Written by

Claritin and Alcohol | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Drinking alcohol while taking Claritin is not advisable because when these substances are combined, some of the effects of each substance will be amplified. Also, it is believed that the use of alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of medications intended to treat allergies.

Alcohol can induce many side effects when used in conjunction with medications, even those that can be obtained over-the-counter. Some of these side effects can be risky and in extreme cases, life-threatening. Claritin is an allergy medication that people sometimes use at the same time as alcohol, either in an attempt to induce particularly sedating effects or simply because they don’t know they shouldn’t.

Claritin works by blocking the body’s response to chemicals known as histamines. These chemicals produce an immune system response that can cause allergies. Suppressing these chemicals, therefore, results in decreased allergy symptoms. The primary side effects caused by combining Claritin and alcohol exist because both substances can lead to sleepiness and fatigue.

Side Effects of Claritin and Alcohol

Although the side effects of mixing Claritin with alcohol may not usually be as severe as, say, mixing alcohol with other medications such as opioids, there are still some adverse side effects that can occur.

Some of the side effects of drinking alcohol and taking Claritin may include the following:

Drowsiness and Dizziness

Because Claritin and alcohol both produce a sedative effect, this can lead to fatigue, drowsiness, and dizziness. While Claritin’s ability to do this is not particularly noticeable for most people when used on its own, it becomes a more significant factor when Claritin and alcohol are combined. Both substances amplify the effects of the other and can make the associated dizziness and drowsiness worse.

Increased Risk of Injury

Alcohol, when consumed in excess, is very effective at impairing a person’s judgment and motor skills. This two-fold whammy can lead to falls and serious injury. People are often unaware of the extent of their intoxication and will make poor decisions such as driving or even ordinary activities such as trying to ambulate up and down stairs.

Claritin and Alcohol | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Increased Risk of Overdose

Using Claritin and alcohol in conjunction may increase the risk of alcohol poisoning because the liver is forced to work harder to process both substances together versus either one on its own. Moreover, the presence of Claritain causes the liver to process alcohol more slowly, allowing it to accumulate in the bloodstream and increase the risk of overdose. As the liver fights to process these substances, a person’s risk of intoxication increases, which also increases the dangers of driving or other activities requiring the use of motor skills or concentration.

Increased Risk of Allergy Symptoms

Because alcohol can interact with many medications, it is also thought to have the potential to undermine their effectiveness. For this reason, allergy symptoms may not be relieved to the extent they otherwise would. If you have severe allergies, you are probably well aware of how unpleasant they can become—this is why you are taking medication for them.

In fact, a few studies have found that alcohol can cause or exacerbate common symptoms of asthma and hay fever, such as itching, sneezing, coughing, and headaches—studies show that this may be especially true for women.

But the problem is not just the alcohol itself. Alcohol beverages usually contain histamine produced by bacteria and yeast during the process of fermentation. As noted, histamine is a chemical that triggers allergy symptoms. Beer and wine also contain compounds called sulfites, which have also been know known to aggravate asthma and other symptoms related to allergies.

Also, long-term alcohol use can have an adverse impact on a person’s immune system and ability to heal properly. These other effects might also contribute to allergy problems. 

Getting Help for Alcoholism

If you are taking Claritin and are planning on drinking alcohol, discuss the risks with your doctor who can help you decide if doing this is in your best interest. If you are struggling with alcohol dependence and have found yourself unable to quit, we urge you to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Harmony Treatment and Wellness is dedicated to helping people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol break free from the vicious cycle of abuse and foster healthier and more meaningful lives. Our comprehensive programs and integrated services are customized and designed to treat all aspects of a person’s health and well-being. They are intended to address the root causes of each person’s addiction, as well as any mental health problems that may be plaguing them.

We urge you to reach out to us today and discover how we can help you get on the road to recovery! When you are ready to take that step, we are here for you!

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: Valtrex and Alcohol: Safe to Mix?

Trazodone Withdrawal and Detox

Written by

Trazodone Withdrawal and Detox | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Trazodone is a prescription medication that is intended to treat depression. It accomplishes this by preventing serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain, from being reabsorbed by neurons. In doing this, the amount of serotonin is increased, thus improving a person’s mood and mitigating feelings of depression.

Like other such medications, Trazodone can be also be prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia in addition to depression. Since depression is a prevalent mental health disorder, Trazodone is a relatively common medication that is prescribed often.

Relying on trazodone can and often does lead to a chemical and psychological dependence, which can become problematic, especially if the person wants to quit using it or cannot obtain it for some reason. Because the use of this drug is closely associated with a mental health condition, treatment for both the mental illness and drug dependence is usually required for persons who are trying to stop using or abusing this medication.

Trazodone Withdrawal

Drug withdrawal is the adjustment process that the body undergoes when a substance is no longer present after having been used for a prolonged period. After a period amount of time using Trazodone consistently, the body adapts to the drug and becomes used to its effects on serotonin. When the drug is no longer in a person’s system, the brain must re-learn how to produce serotonin without the assistance of Trazodone, which takes time.

There are both unpleasant mental and physical withdrawal symptoms that individuals often encounter after discontinuing the regular use of Trazodone. These effects frequently thwart attempts to people who are attempting to stop using Trazadone.

It is critical that patients do not use Trazadone in any manner other than that prescribed by a doctor. Failure to do so can lead to a higher level of drug dependence if it is taken too often or for too long, as well “rebound effects” or withdrawal symptoms that are more severe than those a person began using the drug to treat.

In any case, it is not advised that people who are dependent on Trazodone attempting to manage withdrawal symptoms without medical supervision. A person who is determined to get off Trazodone should be in a position of safety and comfort to prevent relapse and severe depression or anxiety. During a medical detox, health providers can monitor a patient for complications while mitigating some of the most uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with Trazodone withdrawal.

Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person goes through withdrawal, he or she can experience significant discomfort and intense cravings for the drug they stopped using. Knowing the symptoms of trazodone withdrawal is essential as a person attempts to clear the substance from their system. Similar to many antidepressants, physical symptoms related to trazodone withdrawal include the following:

  • Agitation and irritability
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches

Some people may encounter additional symptoms depending on the severity of their dependence. As noted, because Trazodone is prescribed to address certain mental health conditions, there are adverse effects that can occur when the dosage is stopped abruptly. People who experience depression, anxiety, or insomnia and use Trazodone to treat these conditions may re-experience these disorders with increased intensity upon cessation of its use.

Trazodone Withdrawal and Detox | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Trazodone Withdrawal Timeline

There is no exact timeline for withdrawal, and in some cases, some symptoms may persist for weeks or months. Relatively mild dependence may result in physical symptoms that could subside in just days. For others with more severe problems, symptoms can last for much longer.

Trazodone has a half-life of 5-9 hours, with an average of around seven hours. “Half-life” is a term that describes the amount of time it takes for half of the amount of the drug to be cleared from a person’s system. Unfortunately, the process of withdrawal does not end when the substance is completely out of the system. The physical effects of the drugs subside, but people may continue experiencing some symptoms, as well as intense cravings for Trazodone to manage their depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.

When people experience withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants like Trazodone, there are a number of factors that impact the duration and severity of these symptoms, including the following:

  • How long a person has been using Trazodone
  • Average dosage amount before starting withdrawal
  • Presence of other substances
  • Individual characteristics, such as genetics and metabolism

Another factor includes the method of detox. Some people choose the abrupt “cold turkey” approach, which could lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms but also requires a shorter amount of time. Using the tapering off approach usually results in less severe withdrawal symptoms, but also the timeline is much longer and can take weeks. If you decide that weaning off of the drug is right for you, you should consult a medical professional to help you in this process.

Getting Treatment for Addiction

Trazodone addiction is relatively uncommon, but it does occur. People who end up abusing this medication often do so in conjunction with other drugs, however. As such, undergoing comprehensive treatment may be vital for the process of recovery.

Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers integrated outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs comprised of services that are clinically-proven to help people achieve a full recovery and sustain long-term happiness and wellness. These services include psychotherapy, medication-assisted treatment, aftercare planning, and more.

If you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, please contact us today and find out how we can help!

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: Is Prozac Addictive?

Is Heroin an Opioid?

Written by

Is Heroin an Opioid? | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opiate derived from the opiate morphine. It is a commonly abused illicit drug found in the U.S. and elsewhere. Heroin addiction is a devastating disease that claims the lives of thousands of people each year, and due mainly to the opioid epidemic, in recent years, it’s been spiralizing out of control.

Many people abuse heroin in a last-ditch effort to feed their painkiller addiction. Government statistics have found that nearly 80% of those who use heroin did after becoming addicted to prescription opioids, such as oxycodone. To make matters worse, illicit fentanyl has made its way into the heroin drug supply and has effects that are even more potent and likely to result in an overdose. In fact, government statistics show that as many as 50% of all opioid overdoses are related to fentanyl.

What Is Heroin?

Heroin, also known as dope, smack, horse, or junk, can be found as a white or brown powder or a tacky substance (black tar heroin). As noted, heroin is an opiate, a natural derivative of the morphine from the opium poppy plant. It can induce feelings of happiness and pleasure, a mental state in which people can become addicted. However, the adverse effects of its abuse are too severe and harmful to ignore.

When heroin enters the brain, it changes back into morphine and binds to receptors responsible for pleasure, reward, and mood. It also affects areas in the brain stem, responsible for regulating bodily functions such as breathing and blood pressure. Heroin is commonly administered by snorting, smoking, or injecting.

Heroin is a very potent drug and the aforementioned ways in which it is used to facilitate a high that is experienced quickly and intensely. Because of the increase of supply and ease in obtaining it, people from many backgrounds use heroin. Prescription painkillers have become a gateway drug to heroin, so any person who has been prescribed a narcotic medication can become vulnerable to heroin abuse and addiction.

The opioid epidemic has nearly overtaken the U.S., and many people die from overdoses every single day. Due to the addictive potential of prescription opiates and opioids, people who are not able to finance their addiction may turn to heroin use because it produces an intense high for less money than prescription painkillers, and is also easily accessible.

Heroin’s Appearance

Heroin is available most commonly found in powder form and a color that ranges from white to tan to brown. The variation in colors is related to the drug’s purity. The whiter it is, the purer and more potent it is in comparison with darker colors. 

Conversely, some heroin is found as a solid, sticky, black substance known as black tar heroin. The purest forms of heroin are odor-free while the darker, less pure forms of heroin may have a smell similar to that of vinegar. If black tar and other impure forms of heroin are smoked, the smell will increase, and the scent of vinegar will be even stronger.

While pure heroin can be found on the black market, more often than not, it’s laced with adulterants and other drugs. Moreover, dealers add these substances to heroin so they can make a bigger profit. And although this process can diminish the amount of heroin used, it can also make consuming the product more dangerous, especially if it contains other drugs, such as fentanyl.

Some substances that heroin is commonly laced with include the following:

  • Rat poison
  • Baking soda
  • Laundry detergent
  • Talcum powder
  • Caffeine
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Fentanyl

While some of these adulterants are downright dangerous, such as rat poison, other “safer” ingredients may also threaten the health of the person using it. For example, caffeine combined with heroin can mask signs of an overdose, and prompt people who use it to believe it’s okay to use more. However, this can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Heroin Addiction

Is Heroin an Opioid? | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Now that many who become addicted to prescription painkillers are aware that heroin is less expensive, demand is high, and Mexican cartels have responded accordingly. And the risk of addiction, overdose, and death are also at an all-time high as dealers attempt to meet the demand by mixing heroin with other substances.

Heroin is believed by many experts to be among the most addictive drugs in the world. Overcoming addiction is not easy, but it is possible, especially when professional treatment is involved. That said, many people have struggled multiple times and relapsed after a period of abstinence. So why is overcoming heroin addiction, in particular, so challenging?

Heroin hijacks the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, essentially “rewiring” it to believe that heroin is an essential chemical and that it is needed to function normally. The addicted brain becomes singularly focused on getting high, no matter the cost—so much so that people go to extreme measures to experience this high.

Heroin works similarly to other opioids, in that it causes a flood of the feel-good chemical dopamine to release in the brain. However, the method of administration used to ingest heroin is a big reason why it has the potential to be more addictive. Moreover, unlike prescription painkillers, heroin is rarely swallowed. Drugs that are consumed orally are processed through the stomach and liver and are released into the bloodstream much more slowly than if they are snorted, smoked, or injected.

Following this experience, many people report feeling a compulsion to use the drug repeatedly, and this behavior progresses into heroin dependence rapidly. This condition, in addition to tolerance, are what drives and perpetuates further heroin abuse, and ultimately, addiction.

Heroin Detox and Withdrawal

Although rarely life-threatening, detoxing from heroin can be highly unpleasant and compel a person to use again to quell symptoms such as anxiety, depression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and body aches and pains. Heroin also alters regions of the brain responsible for judgment and motivation, ensuring that the person who is addicted is highly-motivated to use, and their ability to make sound decisions regarding use is very impaired.

For this reason, people seeking recovery from heroin addiction are urged to undergo a medical detox in which they can be supervised to prevent relapse. Detox should be immediately followed by an intensive addiction treatment program that includes a variety of approaches clinically-proven to be beneficial for those who are in the process of recovery.

Getting Help for Heroin Addiction

Heroin abuse and addiction can be devastating, life-threatening problems that destroy a person’s health, well-being, and relationships. Fortunately, however, professional treatment is available for those seeking to recover once and for all.

Harmony Treatment and Wellness features comprehensive programs that include evidence-based services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, group support, and much, much more. Our caring, highly-trained staff are dedicated to providing individualized support and treatment to each client and provide them with the tools they need to recover fully and sustain long-lasting health and well-being.

If you or someone you love is battle heroin addiction, contact us today! Find out how we can help you achieve abstinence and experience the healthy, happy life you deserve!

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: Signs Of Opiate Abuse

Is Prozac Addictive?

Written by

Is Prozac Addictive? | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Prozac (fluoxetine) is an antidepressant that belongs to a class of drugs referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurochemical responsible for feelings of well-being. When serotonin levels are low or unbalanced, this can lead to a wide array of emotional issues such as depression, panic, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Prozac is not believed to be addictive in the sense that some other drugs are, such as opioids. Moreover, it does not generally lead to intense cravings or compulsive drug-seeking behavior. However, when taken long-term, the development of chemical dependence on Prozac is wholly possible. When this occurs, a person will encounter very unpleasant symptoms if he or she tries to quit its use.

Dependence and Withdrawal

Physiological dependence occurs when the body has adapted to the drug to an extent in which it requires regular doses to function normally. Because of this, it is essential that patients take fluoxetine only as prescribed and that they do not suddenly discontinue use. Patients who quit using Prozac “cold turkey” are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.

The more significant problems, however, are related mainly to emotional upheaval. People who stop taking antidepressants after months or years are likely to experience profound depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or panic due to the body’s inability to regulate serotonin levels—a problem with which Prozac is intended to help. 

In fact, going off Prozac can result in rebound symptoms that are much more severe than the initial symptoms. For these reasons, a tapering schedule is often recommended by doctors, and long-term addiction treatment may be beneficial. By slowing weaning a person off Prozac, the will be much less likely to encounter severe symptoms. If the use of Prozac has been problematic, it may be possible to replace it with another antidepressant that will work better.

If you are considering the use of Prozac or another antidepressant, talk to a doctor about the pros and cons of their use. Antidepressants can be extremely helpful but are not meant to be a cure-all. Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are best treated using a broader approach that also includes behavioral therapy, counseling, and group support.

What Is Prozac and How Is It Used?

Fluoxetine is commonly prescribed in doses between 10-380 milligrams, and it may be used with or without food. For the treatment of depression, doctors usually start patients on a relatively low dose and gradually increase the dose if needed. Most people will notice some improvement in symptoms within two weeks of starting Prozac, but it may take up to a month to experience the full benefits in some cases. It is important to continue using fluoxetine even if you are feeling good.

Prozac is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and some eating disorders. It has also been prescribed off-label to treat generalized anxiety disorder, migraines, diabetic neuropathy, and fibromyalgia.

Fluoxetine can improve a person’s overall mood, help with insomnia, and increase energy levels. It can be used to relieve anxiety and reduce the urge to perform the repeated tasks that are commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Remember that a physician should only prescribe fluoxetine because he or she believes that the potential benefits outweigh possible side effects. However, you should consult a physician if you experience any of these common side effects:

  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Increased sweating
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Insomnia
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Tremor
  • Impotence
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Abnormal dreams

Is Prozac Addictive? | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Rarely, serious side effects can occur. Patients should contact a health provider immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Impaired judgment or thinking
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Allergic reactions such as skin rash
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Severe anxiety
  • Sudden mania
  • Vision problems
  • Seizures
  • Significant weight loss
  • Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a very serious and life-threatening condition caused by too much serotonin and requires immediate treatment. It is essential that patients take Prozac only as directed by a doctor. It should never be taken in larger doses or more frequently than as prescribed.

Getting Treatment for Addiction

If you feel you need intensive treatment for a Prozac dependence or addiction to other substances, contact us today. In addition to comprehensive treatment for substance use, we use a customized approach that addresses all aspects of a person’s health and mental well-being. This includes treatment for depression, anxiety, and other such potential severe mood disorders.

Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers evidence-based programs and services vital for the recovery process, such as psychotherapy, counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and much, much more. If you are suffering from addiction and mental illness, do not delay—we are ready to take your call and discuss treatment options.

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: Rehab for Depression and Addiction

Rehab for Depression and Addiction

Written by

Rehab for Depression and Addiction | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Clinical depression is a severe mental disorder that can lead to adverse consequences for the person who suffers as well as his or her loved ones. Unfortunately, this type of depression is common and affects millions of people and prevents them from living healthy, happy lives. 

Substance abuse is common among those who are struggling with a depressive disorder. Many depressed people turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to self-medicate and or escape painful thoughts and feelings. As a result, substance abuse and depression feed into one other, with each condition often making the other even worse.

By some estimates, approximately 25% of adults with a mental health condition also have a substance use disorder. When a person suffers from both mental illness and addiction, this is known as a dual diagnosis. Also referred to as co-occurring conditions, the combination of depressive disorders and substance abuse is among the most common. An estimated one in three adults who suffer from depression also struggles with issues related to substance abuse or addiction. 

Both clinical depression and addiction pose a high risk of accidental injury, self-harm, and suicide. Also, both have adverse effects on the body, increasing the risk of other physical and emotional health problems.

Is It Depression or Just Being Sad?

It’s important to note that brief periods of sadness or grief is not the same thing as clinical depression. Clinical depressions typically last for weeks, months, or years and interfere with a person’s ability to work or go to school, maintain healthy relationships, and function socially or engage in enjoyable hobbies and activities.

People with depression may experience several of the following symptoms daily:

  • Anxiety
  • Feelings of hopelessness and despair
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Sleeping too much
  • Insomnia
  • Tearfulness
  • Aches and pains
  • Lack of energy
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulties with concentrating
  • A loss of interest in activities or hobbies
  • Feelings of apathy
  • Nihilism/believing life is meaningless
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Most frequently, depression manifests as feelings of sadness, low energy, and hopelessness. However, some people, especially men, experience depression as hostility or anger. Regardless of how depression expresses itself, it should be evident that this mental state is quite different from the person’s norm.

When a person has clinical depression, the basic tasks of daily life may seem impossible, and the mood seems unending and permanent. Drinking excessively or using drugs might seem like an effective way to relieve the overwhelming pain and emptiness that a person with depression experiences. 

Rehab for Depression and Addiction | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Depression as a Gateway to Addiction

Depression frequently serves as a gateway to substance abuse. Those who experience negative emotional states often use alcohol or drugs in an effort to escape or numb these emotions. Unfortunately, however, people who are severely depressed are likely to stay that way if they continue this method of self-medication rather than seeking professional treatment. And those who use drugs or alcohol regularly are at a high risk of developing a dependence or full-blown addiction.

Warning signs of a burgeoning addiction include the following:

Tolerance – When tolerance occurs, the body has been accustomed to the presence of the substance and requires increasing amounts to achieve the desired effects.

Dependence and withdrawal – Dependence occurs when the body has fully adapted to a substance’s presence and can no longer function “normally” without it. Dependence can be both chemical and psychological in nature, and when it occurs, attempts to quit the use of a substance will be met with unpleasant mental or emotional symptoms that, at worst, can be life-threatening.

Feelings of guilt and shame – Although a person is using a substance to feel better, they ultimately feel worse. They may be ashamed of doing this and experience intense feelings of remorse as a result.

Relapse – Cravings and withdrawal symptoms drive a person to return to substance abuse after attempting to quit.

For some people who experience depression and addiction, giving up drugs or alcohol “cold turkey” can also make depression worse. If a person has used substances for years to bury depressive symptoms, these may rise to the surface early in sobriety. For this reason, it’s vital to receive integrated treatment for both depression and substance abuse simultaneously.

Moreover, if the underlying causes that drive addiction, such as depression, are not addressed, the likelihood of relapse will be much higher in the future. In some cases, people who have depression and addiction problems drop out of subpar rehab programs because sobriety feels life more than the person can handle without the appropriate level of therapeutic support for depression.

Recovery From Depression and Substance Abuse

Rehab for Depression and Addiction | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

One of the main reasons why a dual diagnosis notoriously difficult treat is that each disorder can exacerbate the symptoms of the other. Substance abuse causes emotional dysregulation, which can lead to a worsening of depression. When this occurs, the person may use more substances in a misguided effort to counteract this effect.

Indeed, there is a great deal of complexity involved in effectively treating a dual diagnosis patient. It has been well established among medical professions that those who have co-occurring conditions will not receive the care they need in a conventional, one-dimensional treatment program.

Only substance abuse rehab programs also equipped to address psychiatric problems will be able to effectively assist with detox, therapy, counseling, and aftercare planning. Such an integrated program will need to incorporate counseling, group support, behavioral therapy, education, and relapse prevention for both depression and addiction.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an integrated treatment plan should include the following goals:

  • Helping the client to understand the nature of depression and addiction
  • Teaching the client that recovery from addiction and depression is possible
  • Motivating the client to make significant changes in his or her life
  • Providing the client with practical skills for handling negative thoughts and feelings
  • Helping the client identify and change addictive patterns of behavior

Medication therapy is typically a core component of treatment for patients who suffer from addiction and depression. Antidepressant drugs have helped many people who struggle with this depression cope with their symptoms and lead more stable, satisfying lives. Also, addiction can be treated with other types of medications designed to curb cravings and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.

A well-rounded approach to treatment that involves support, encouragement, and motivation is vital in the struggle against depression and addiction. Clinical depression can drain a person’s energy and make them feel that rehabilitation is a hopeless cause. But, through individual counseling, peer group support, and family counseling, individuals can get the strength they need to continue their recovery despite the challenges they will face.

Getting Rehab for Depression and Addiction

Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers customized, comprehensive programs intended to address the root causes of addiction as well as a person’s overall mental and physical well-being. Our programs feature therapies and activities shown to be vital for the recovery process, including the following:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Individual and group counseling
  • Peer support groups
  • Substance abuse education
  • Health and wellness education
  • Holistic techniques, such as yoga
  • Art, music, and adventure therapy
  • Aftercare planning

If you or someone you love is suffering from active addiction to drugs or alcohol, contact us today! We give people the tools and support they need to free themselves from the shackles of addiction and begin to enjoy the healthy lives they deserve!

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: What Is Emotional Sobriety?

Love and Sex Addiction and Substance Abuse

Written by

Love and Sex Addiction | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Love and sex addiction are both intimacy disorders, hallmarked compulsion and obsessive behaviors that surround being in love or having sex, respectively. The two share many characteristics, with the main difference being the type of addictive behavior in which the sufferers seek to engage. Both addictions are commonly found among those who also abuse substances, including prescription medication, illicit drugs, and alcohol.

Sexual Addiction

Sex addiction, or hypersexual disorder, is a condition in which a person experiences adverse consequences or life disruptions as a result of compulsively seeking sex-related activities. These may include excessive self-gratification, paying for sex, repeatedly having anonymous/casual sexual encounters, or any number of other explicitly sexual behaviors.

Like other addictions, sex addiction is often progressive, meaning that behaviors tend to accelerate and worsen over time. It is believed that a person who is a sex addict is attempting to numb emotional pain, self-medicate, or to experience a “high” to escape problems or avoid intimacy. Unfortunately, the consequences of guilt, shame, or damaged relationships often drive more addictive behavior. And, sex addicts may seek to enhance their sexual experiences by abusing substances, including methamphetamine.

While sex addicts have a preoccupation with sex, those who experience love addiction may exhibit emotional neediness and cling to a partner, seek romance to avoid dealing with problems, and remain in dysfunctional relationships in order to feel “loved.”

Love Addiction

Love addiction is often characterized by a pattern of intense, painful, obsessive relationships. The person who suffers is typically desperate for intimacy and is insecure both inside and outside of relationships.

A love addict may also be “love avoidant,” in that they are unable to experience prolonged feelings of attachment. A love avoidant individual is addicted to a pattern of unsuccessful relationships, and they may avoid long-lasting commitment altogether by jumping from one partner to another.

In essence, love addicts pursue the neurochemical rush of a new love interest and romance, one which is not that different than the rush induced by substance abuse. Love addicts try to maintain this early, intensely pleasant stage of the relationship. When the high of new love subsides, they may desperately try to cling to the sensation or seek out a new partner.

The Development of Addiction

Love and Sex Addiction | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Love, sex, and drug abuse can all flood the brain with endorphins, which result in intense feelings of reward and pleasure. Both love and sex addicts who are not having their desires met may experience emotional symptoms, not unlike those of drug withdrawal. They may include depression, anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. These feelings are uncomfortable and may drive a person to continue to actively seek out love or sex, not unlike a drug addict seeking their next fix. 

Although drug addiction has a more apparent and direct chemical component, many of the underlying reasons for this and behavioral addictions are the same. The basic problem behind love and sex addiction is a lack of emotional intimacy, which is often related to how caregiver attachments were formed in childhood. Similarly, substance abuse is also the result of emotional difficulties or family dysfunction and is used as a means to self-medicate or avoid the pain associated with these problems.

In the end, all addictive behaviors, whether they are associated with a drug or an activity of choice, result in adverse consequences. These consequences can impact a person’s mental and physical well-being or their interpersonal relationships, and they often require comprehensive treatment to recover from.

Does Love and Sex Addiction Lead to Substance Abuse?

Whether or not substance abuse contributes to love and sex addiction, or that it is the other way around is difficult to answer. It is believed, however, that individuals who suffer from love or sex addiction are more likely to also engage in drug or alcohol abuse. This may be true because of underlying factors that relate to the development of any addiction—emotional issues, the need to self-medicate, and the same chemically-driven feelings of reward that are experienced when being in love, having sex, and using psychoactive substances.

Of course, not every person who suffers from love or sex addiction also has a substance use disorder. Each individual is unique, with a different set of biological and experiential factors that affect how they cope with the world around them. These factors contribute to whether or not a person develops an addiction to drugs, love, sex, or all of the above.

Getting Help for Addiction

Love and sex addiction are two behavioral addictions that are commonly found in conjunction with substance abuse. Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers state-of-the-art, integrated programs designed to treat all aspects of a person’s health and well-being. Our highly-skilled, licensed staff are dedicated to ensuring that each client receives the care and support they need to experience a full recovery and enjoy long-lasting happiness and wellness.

If you are ready to reclaim your life, free from the abuse of addictive substances, contact us today and find out how we can help!

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: What Is Emotional Sobriety?

Dangers of Meth and Sex Addiction

Written by

Sex Addiction and Meth | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

Meth addiction comes with many risks and the potential for adverse consequences, including impulsive, unsafe sex. Meth use lowers inhibitions and can lead to a person having sex with someone they don’t know or engaging in unprotected sex or risky behavior.

Sex addiction is a process addiction that works on the brain in similar ways as meth. Meth use increases concentrations of dopamine, a neurochemical in the central nervous system related to feelings of pleasure and reward. Having sexual encounters with others can essentially do the same thing. A person who is addicted to sex will seek it out despite adverse consequences, including broken relationships, financial hardships, or any other problems that result.

For these reasons, it’s not hard to see why a person on meth would be sexually promiscuous, nor is it difficult to understand why a person with a sex addiction would use a stamina booster like meth. Initially, a person may be drawn to meth use as a means of enhancing and prolonging a sexual experience. Unfortunately, those who do are at a high risk of developing a chemical dependence on meth, as well as full-blown addiction.

Meth and Sex

Why These Two Addictions Increase the Risk of Relapse

By some estimates, approximately three-quarters of meth addicts report that sex is the number one reason why they relapse. In recovery, sex may not be as good as it once was because they are no longer able to achieve the level of dopamine the brain produced on meth. 

This effect is a double-whammy for those addicted to both because, unlike meth use, sex is a normal part of life. In other words, sex addicts in recovery are not asked to abstain from sex forever, like people with chemical dependences are usually required to do regarding their drug(s) of choice.

Moreover, staying off of meth is very challenging for some sex addicts because, at some point, they will probably engage in sex. Their brains have already associated sex with intense pleasure, and a meth high is a big component of this experience. It may ultimately be quite difficult to disentangle the two addictions.

On a chemical level, repeated use of meth tends to cause a prolonged reduction in dopamine levels in the brains as well as the number of dopamine uptake sites. Over time, meth exposure makes it nearly impossible for heavy users to experience pleasure from any activity without meth, including during sex. Meth addicts often fear that they’ll never have sex as satisfying or intense as when they were high, making it very challenging to quit or remain sober.

Conversely, if a person relapses on meth, their inhibitions will once again fall away, and they are more likely to return to unhealthy behavior. At that point, they probably won’t be able to think of a single reason why they should not—after all, they are back on meth and not thinking about their own best interests any longer.

Active sex addicts generally feel free to act on their own desires without limits. As noted, meth use can dramatically decrease a person’s inhibitions, and this allows sex addicts free reign over their behaviors. In other words, they can do pretty much anything they want without shame or guilt. The intoxicating and stimulating qualities of meth can make people fearless and reckless and remove any doubts that addicts may have regarding the fulfillment of their sexual desires. 

Consequences of Using Meth

What Is Codependency? | Midwood Addiction Treatment

Meth is a highly addictive substance, and repeated use can result in a seemingly endless number of severe and life-threatening health conditions. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Severe dental problems
  • Tracks marks from injecting
  • Sores and abscesses
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiac complications
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dramatic weight loss
  • Paranoia
  • Agitation and anxiety
  • Coma
  • Death

Meth addicts also typically face a host of financial and legal problems stemming from meth manufacturing and use. They can become very secretive, isolated individuals who lock themselves away from former friends and family in favor of associating with others who use meth.

Long-term meth use can cause permanent damage to the brain and body. Former users often experience a least some dysphoria, meaning that they will not be able to feel pleasure from the same activities that they once did before meth use.

Finally, heavy meth users may neglect many personal responsibilities altogether and live in unsafe or unsterile environments. Children may be abused or neglected in some way, and people who regularly use meth are at an increased risk of engaging in domestic violence and perpetrating or becoming victims of assaults or abuse.

Risks of Sex Addiction

The effects of sex addiction are not as clear cut because it is a process rather than a substance addiction, but they are, indeed, vast. Possible physical effects include sexually-transmitted diseases and infections. Sex addicts may also put themselves in dangerous situations, risking assault, or other harm to their bodies or emotional well-being.

There are many adverse emotional problems associated with sex addiction. Sex addicts often do feel guilt or shame over their behavior and may suffer from depression or another mental illness. 

Sex addicts often fear abandonment and tend to have very deep-seated issues that may stem from long-term emotional problems. These issues may also be related to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in childhood. Having sexing does not cure these issues, and rather, merely serves as a distraction from them.

People who are close to someone who is a sex addict also suffer. Significant others or spouses may feel alienated, depressed, or angry—especially if the partner is actively cheating on them. Spouses of sex addicts are often humiliated and may be subject to a certain amount of coercion or abuse regarding their own sexual encounters with the addict.

Sex Addiction and Meth | Harmony Treatment and Wellness

There are not many known physical symptoms associated with sex addiction. Symptoms primarily include the development of sexual dysfunction or the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases and the symptoms that manifest with them. Unwanted pregnancy is another possibility.

For example, government statistics show that about 38% of men and 45% of women who suffer from sex addiction have contracted a venereal disease as a result of their behavior. Also, nearly 70% who report having sex addiction say that, at some point, they had experienced at least one unplanned pregnancy as the result of their sexual behavior.

Sex addiction can also have an adverse impact on many areas of a person’s life. These include strained or broken interpersonal relationships and decreased ability to concentrate or perform at work or school.

It can also have a profound psychological impact, such as inducing feelings of shame, guilt, inadequacy, and emotional distress. It can lead to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and problems with obsessive or compulsive thoughts or behaviors.

In general, sex addicts, just like substance abusers, feel out of control regarding their addictive behaviors, and they are not wrong in feeling that way. Addiction, regardless of its form, is considered to be a disease by most experts, or at the very least, a serious condition that may be characterized by periods of relapse. In any case, any addiction is best treated using comprehensive long-term care and support.

Getting Help for Meth and Sex Addiction

Meth and sex addiction are two probably that feed into each other, and it may be more difficult for a person who experiences them both than others who only have one addiction. That said, recovery from meth and reclaiming a healthy sex life are entirely possible. But, the first step is to seek help.

Harmony Treatment and Wellness center offers an integrated approach to the treatment of substance abuse and process addictions. This means that we treat both problems simultaneously to reduce the risk of relapse. We also address other co-occurring mental health disorders that underpin addictions and teach people how to use healthier coping mechanisms to manage emotional distress better.

If you or someone you love is a sex addict who is abusing meth, contact us today! We are committed to ensuring our clients are given all the tools and support they need to sustain long-lasting sobriety, health, and well-being!

⟹ READ THIS NEXT: What Are the Effects of Smoking Meth?