Opiate Receptor Restoration

Opiate addiction is one of the most difficult to overcome. Opiate receptors, activated by opiate compounds and consisting of cellular membrane proteins will eventually become clogged over an extended opiate use period. In some cases, extensive therapy is required to restore these receptors to their natural state by utilizing specific medications in a 12 step addiction recovery program. Restoring and cleaning these receptors may be a challenge, but with a basic understanding patients can begin the process independently.

1 – Purchase herbal supplement blends proven to aid addiction recovery. Polygala – from China – has often been touted as a willpower her due to the positive effects experienced in addicts recovering from addiction. In essence, this herb works to detox the body while cleansing opiate receptors.

2 – Consider incorporating a Dragonbone and Bupleurum supplement mix. Throughout the detox and withdrawal process, this mixture has been seen to aid in stabilizing compulsiveness or addictive behaviors while dulling opiate cravings.

3 – Locate a specialized California drug rehab center that deals specifically with opiate addiction. Here, a team of addiction specialists will be able to assess and address your individual needs while concocting a plan of action to ensure a healthy and long-lasting recovery.

4 – Perhaps the best and most effective form of receptor restoration lies in opiate abstinence. With enough time, the protein receptors will begin to regenerate and regain normal functionality. Though the time needed to achieve a full recovery varies according to patient history and usage, this tactic will ultimately provide the individual with the results they’ve been striving for.

The Alcoholic Defined

In simple terms, an alcoholic is someone who suffers from a dependency to alcohol - otherwise known as alcoholism. This condition is defined by repeated alcohol consumption to and beyond the point of intoxication, despite negative consequences. An alcoholic is physically addicted to alcoholic beverages, and as such, will suffer severe withdrawal symptoms when consumption is inhibited.

Types

When it comes to alcoholics, there are two types to be aware of: Abusers and dependents. Abuse refers to the routine consumption of alcohol that causes significant distress or impairment in one or more areas of an individual’s life. Common occurrences include calling in sick for work, or a DUI charge. Dependency is defined as a alcohol compulsion. With enough time, a dependent will develop a tolerance for a certain alcohol amount in addition to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Identification

“Alcoholic” is the most common word used to define people dealing with alcohol dependency or abuse issues. Consumption of alcohol does not need to occur every day or week in order for a person to fall under this classification. College students have long been known to drink heavily, or “binge” on the weekends. And though this behavior is considered abuse, it will often set the stage for dependency issues down the road.

Features

Occupational and/or social functioning is often impaired by both types of alcoholism. Common features include poor work performance, strained relationships and a preoccupation with obtaining alcohol, often leading to rampant financial issues.

Effects

Simply put: Alcoholism is a wretched condition. In the initial stages, alcoholics will experience bouts of intoxication resulting in memory and attention loss, slurred speech, and coordination issues. Once a drinker’s judgment has become impaired, reckless behavior often follows.

Prevention / Solutions

Fortunately, alcoholics are not at a loss when it comes to recovery assistance. At our Los Angeles drug rehab facility, recovery specialists are available to assess and address each patients individual goals and needs to help ensure a healthy and effective plan of action. Give Above it All a call today and let us help you back on track towards the happy and productive lifestyle you deserve.

Protocol For Opiate Detox During Pregnancy

Those addicted to opiates while pregnant must make a point to detox to avoid serious health risks to their unborn children. Physicians recommend mothers seek professional help to curb their addictions as quickly as possible, so the child is not born with an opiate addiction. Prior to beginning detoxification, it is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor to ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy moving forward.

Standard Protocol

When an expecting mother expresses interest in opiate detox, the standard protocol is typically a physician supervised methadone treatment plan. Because methadone use is not directly attributable to any known birth defects, it is widely considered the healthiest alternative. Other common medications include Subutex or Suboxone, but due to a heightened risk of harm to the fetus, these drugs are not recommended when treating pregnant women.

Methadone Maintenance

Maintenance and weaning are the two methods used most commonly in opiate detoxification. A patient who is “weaned” is administered doses of the drug in slowly tapering dosages until a point where use is hindered completely. These patients will still experience withdrawal symptoms, but to a much lesser extent. While this method is certainly effective, many physicians avoid it due to the risk of killing the fetus. As such, methadone maintenance is often employed to ensure a healthy and comfortable birth for both mother and child. In this method, mothers are provided a small dose of methadone daily for the pregnancy’s duration.

Considerations

Though many physicians consider methadone maintenance the safest pregnancy detox method, the choice is ultimately up to the mother. Drug detox of any kind, especially while pregnant, can be extremely risky.

Need Help?

If you or a loved one is struggling with an opiate dependency, our Above It All treatment specialists are available to help! Give us a call today, and let our team help you back on track towards the healthy and happy life you deserve.

How To Address Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin is an extremely dangerous and addictive substance. Withdrawal following heroin addiction occurs once an addict inhibits use after an extended use period. The withdrawal process is commonly defined through an assortment of uncomfortable emotional and physical symptoms, including insomnia, vomiting, yawning, diarrhea, sweating and chills. In this entry, we will discuss some common methods for combating the withdrawal process on the road to recovery.

1 – Touch base with a physician once you have decided to stop using heroin. They may be able to address your symptoms or point you in the direction of someone who can. If you do not have a general physician, consider the possibility of an emergency room or medical clinic visit.

2 – Legally prescribed medications have been found to help address withdrawal symptoms, while offering the potential for a reduced withdrawal period. Common medications include methadone, buprenorphine and clonidine. Individuals experiencing severe diarrhea or vomiting may be treated with additional substances.

3 – Locate a reputable 12 step addiction recovery program. Here, a team of seasoned addiction specialists will be able to monitor and support your transition into sobriety while providing education and tools with which to counter your addiction moving forward.

4 – Begin attending support groups in your area. These organizations serve in helping former addicts maintain sobriety while reducing the risk of relapse in a community setting.

5 – Be sure to seek out professional counseling following withdrawal.

6 – Though you may not need it, it’s important to complete a full psychological evaluation following withdrawal to help avoid potential relapse risks. We all go a little crazy from time to time… Either way, you’ll be on the road to enjoying the confidence and peace of mind you deserve.