Complementary and alternative medicine is an umbrella term for nontraditional therapies and techniques such as acupuncture, massage and yoga. When paired with conventional medical treatments, CAM can offer a holistic approach to wellness.

Benefits of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Recovery Without Walls’ clinical team uses validated, evidence-based treatment modalities to supplement proven medical and pharmacological interventions. Through personalized wellness plans, our clients find fulfilling, effective pathways to healing.

Complementary and alternative medicine can provide multiple health benefits:

• Pain relief
• Improved mood, with less anxiety and stress
• Feelings of well-being and inner peace
• More energy
• Better flexibility and circulation
• Positive life changes and renewed purpose

Are You Interested in Exploring CAM?

At Recovery Without Walls, we broaden our definition of medicine and treatment to include holistic, time-tested practices. Traditional approaches often treat the symptoms of mental and physical illness without addressing the root causes of each issue. Often, leaving these underlying factors unaddressed has ripple effects that emerge months or years later.  

CAM takes a different path, relying on the profound connection between mind, body and spirit. Using complementary and alternative medicine in tandem with mainstream practices can promote wellness, prevent illnesses and manage conditions like chronic pain, addiction and mental health disorders. Recovery Without Walls’ experienced clinicians offer the following:

• Nutritional support
• Psychotherapy
• Psychopharmacology
• Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy 
• Acupuncture
• Vitamins and supplements
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Exercise programming
• Massage therapy
• Lifestyle changes and support
• Long-term treatment planning
• Individual and family therapy

Many of our clients come to Recovery Without Walls because they want to take a more active, collaborative role in their healing journey. Others are exploring CAM because they have not achieved their desired results from more conventional treatments.

However, if you are currently on a regimen of prescription medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, do not stop taking them without consulting your prescribing physician, as abruptly quitting these medications can have dangerous side effects.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Mill Valley, CA

If you struggle with chronic pain, substance abuse or a mental health disorder, we are here to help. At Recovery Without Walls, our team of credentialed experts partners with skilled holistic treatment providers. Together, we will create a fully individualized treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more.

The post Complementary and Alternative Medicine appeared first on Recovery Without Walls .

How Blood Alcohol Level Is Used

Police officers and medical professionals often check a person’s blood alcohol level to assess their safety and general health. For example, driving with a BAC above .08 is illegal. If a police officer pulls over someone whom they suspect has been drinking, they may ask this person to submit to a breathalyzer test. This helps the officer gauge if this person is within the legal limit of alcohol consumption. Officers may also request a blood test to get a more accurate reading on this level. Levels above .08 while driving warrant an arrest for driving under the influence.

Medical and health professionals also use this number to provide treatment and support in a healthcare setting. Blood alcohol levels above .40 place a person at risk for serious health consequences, such as severe alcohol poisoning, coma, or death. If someone presents to an emergency department with symptoms of one of these conditions, a doctor will order a blood test to check these levels alongside other potential conditions. Similarly, those who are in recovery for an alcohol or substance use disorder often have to submit to these tests to ensure sobriety both during and after treatment.

Do Medications Affect Blood Alcohol Levels?

People often wonder if a high blood alcohol level is the result of something other than drinking too much. It’s not uncommon for medications or medical conditions to affect these levels. However, understanding the effects of taking prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs helps prevent unintended consequences. The most common types of medication that affect a person’s BAC include*:

• Anxiety Medication
• Pain Medications
• Cold and Flu Medications
• Antibiotics
• Ulcer and Heart Burn Medications

A majority of these medications make it more difficult for the body to process alcohol properly which is what raises a person’s BAC. Cold and flu medications differ and can be especially dangerous because they often contain a small amount of alcohol in their ingredients. 

* This is not a replacement for medical advice. Anyone who is concerned about the effects of prescription or over-the-counter effects on blood alcohol levels should consult with a doctor or pharmacist. 

Medication Side Effects and Substance Use Disorders

For those in recovery, anything that can raise blood alcohol levels can increase concern about maintaining sobriety. Because of this, it’s important to make prescribing physicians aware of past substance use and medical concerns. This helps them choose the best medication for each person’s specific situation. They can also discuss any concerns about the effects of the prescription on blood alcohol levels. Generally, prescription medications alone will not cause a rise in someone’s BAC, but over-the-counter cold medicines could. 

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment at Recovery Without Walls

High blood alcohol levels can have adverse physical and mental health effects. Often, those struggling with a substance use disorder combine medication with alcohol in an attempt to feel its effects more quickly and strongly. This can make it more challenging to manage this diagnosis, but there is hope for anyone who is managing an alcohol use disorder in combination with medication misuse. 

At Recovery Without Walls, we set our clients up for long-term success in recovery through a holistic and integrative treatment model. We use a combination of therapeutic interventions to ensure each person who walks through the door receives the care they need. Our medical model allows for close monitoring, so we can address negative side effects immediately. If you’re struggling with an alcohol or substance use disorder and need a medically focused treatment program, contact our admissions team today. 

The post Can Medication Increase Blood Alcohol Level? appeared first on Recovery Without Walls .

Adding medication to your treatment program can help with more severe or consistent feelings of depression by restoring the chemical balance in your brain. There are often concerns, though, about the effects different medications can have. Let’s look at the purpose of prescription medications for depression, the types often prescribed, and potential side effects you may experience. 

Antidepressant Types and Purposes

Antidepressants are prescribed to aid in the management of depression. There are three main types of antidepressants: SSRIs, SNRIs, and atypical antidepressants. 

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, prevent the brain’s neurons from absorbing serotonin (a neurotransmitter). This increases the serotonin levels in the brain, which improves mood. 

SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) work similarly to SSRIs but also prevent the absorption of norepinephrine, which can also affect a person’s mood. 

Any other type of medication prescribed to treat depression would likely fall under the category of an atypical antidepressant. These include older medications like tricyclics and MAOIs that may occasionally be prescribed in certain cases, but those are becoming far less common.

Each of these medications helps the brain to increase the amount of freely available serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. The method of action is fairly simple. Antidepressant drugs offer a way for the brain to avoid the process of reuptake: the reabsorption of chemical messengers like serotonin. This allows more chemical messengers to communicate with other neurons (instead of being immediately recycled). The result is an improved mood and a better-functioning brain.

Side Effects of Antidepressants

Most people who are on any type of antidepressant experience very few, if any, negative side effects. Such symptoms vary by the specific type of medication. You should consult with your prescribing physician about any potential side effects of the medication you are on, which can include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Weight gain
• Changes in appetite
• Sleepiness
• Dizzyness
• Sexual problems

These physical side effects can be alarming and warrant a conversation with your prescriber to determine if changes need to be made. 

There have also been reports of mental health issues which are attributable to medication changes. One of the most common concerns is an increase in depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation. 

Suicidal Thoughts When Taking Antidepressants

Many people taking medication for depression have also experienced suicidal thoughts. While the frequency and intensity of these thoughts can vary, thoughts of death and dying rightfully raise alarm. Taking an antidepressant should improve your symptoms of depression, but if you continue to experience suicidal ideation or are experiencing it for the first time, does this mean the medication isn’t working? 

The short answer: it depends. Sometimes your mind and body take time to adjust to the medication, and these could improve as you continue taking the antidepressant. Another possibility is that the medication simply isn’t working or is having the opposite of the intended effect. We all respond differently to doses and types of medication, so it’s important to work closely with your provider to determine the best combination of medication and dose for you. 

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts while on an antidepressant or other type of medication, you should discuss this with your doctor immediately. Suicidal thoughts can lead to dangerous choices, and you need to ensure you have the proper support in place while your body adjusts to any changes your doctor makes. 

Help for Depression and Substance Use

Substance use disorders and diagnosed depression often coincide, and these conditions must be treated together. An integrated approach sets those in recovery up for long-term success. 

At Recovery Without Walls, our holistic, patient-first treatment model can help you heal from your addiction while addressing other mental health concerns at the same time. Our medical providers will work closely with you to monitor and adjust medications as needed and ensure you have the support you need to maintain your sobriety. We can also help you to discontinue antidepressant medications that are causing suicidal thoughts.
If you’d like to learn more about our treatment model for co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health issues, contact our team of expert providers today.

The post Antidepressant Side Effects appeared first on Recovery Without Walls .

Drinking in Excess

Drinking alcohol is not always a negative experience, but consuming an excess of the substance can lead to a number of unintended consequences. So what is considered “excess” when it comes to consuming alcohol? Excessive drinking is qualified based on the number of drinks a person has or the circumstances in which they have an alcoholic beverage. For example, binge drinking is defined as a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08% which is above the legal driving limit. Circumstances that are defined as inappropriate for a person to drink also fall under the category of excessive drinking. These circumstances could be underage drinking, consuming alcohol while pregnant or against the recommendation of a doctor, or in a socially inappropriate setting.

The Effects of Alcohol

While excessive drinking is concerning behavior in and of itself, one of the more concerning aspects of this practice is the effects alcohol can have on a person’s body. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), drinking too much can have a number of long-term health effects:

• Heart issues (high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stroke)
• Liver damage
• Pancreatitis
• Various types of cancer
• Weakened immune system

The likelihood of experiencing one of these health issues increases based on how long a person engages in a pattern of consuming alcohol in excess and the amount of alcohol they consume. Short-term effects can also be a reason for concern and include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in mood
• Irritability

You may notice these changes are uncharacteristic of the person who is drinking and grow in intensity as they consume more of the substance.

Dangers of Excessive Drinking

Outside of the negative health effects of excessive alcohol use, there are also a number of life circumstances that can be affected by this practice, some of which are incredibly dangerous. Some of these dangerous circumstances include:

• Development of a substance use disorder
• Involvement in a vehicular accident due to driving under the influence
• Legal issues related to a DUI
• Loss of relationships
• Financial challenges

According to the National Institutes of Health, in 2019, 14.5 million people ages 12 and older had a diagnosable alcohol use disorder. This is a staggering number as it represents 5.3% of this age group. Developing a substance use disorder creates dangerous patterns of craving the substance and can result in a number of risky behaviors. 

Excessive drinking can also increase the likelihood of you being involved in a situation where you are driving under the influence. Whether it is getting pulled over and paying a fine, serving jail time, or being the cause of a life-altering accident as a result of reckless driving, the effects can be long-lasting and psychologically damaging. 

You may also notice a loss of relationships due to your need to continue drinking at the level you have been. As friends and family become concerned or are made uncomfortable by this, they may begin to distance themselves and limit contact. This can feel isolating and leave you without the social support you have had in the past.

Hope for Alcohol Use Disorders

If you’ve noticed a pattern of excessive drinking in yourself or in someone you love, you might be feeling helpless, but there is help available at Recovery Without Walls. Our specialized treatment for alcohol abuse utilizes safe, medically-based practices to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery, contact our team of professionals today. 

The post The Dangers of Alcohol appeared first on Recovery Without Walls .

Safe Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. If you’ve been drinking for a long time or have consumed large amounts of alcohol, you should only withdraw from the substance under professional supervision, with the right treatment for your addiction. The symptoms you may experience can be harmful to your health if not managed properly.

The Withdrawal Process

You will go through withdrawal when you stop drinking, primarily because of the way alcohol affects your brain. Your body has become physically dependent on the substance so when you suddenly stop consuming it, you can experience withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which changes the way your brain works. Your brain will produce more of a neurotransmitter that makes you feel calm and euphoric, known as GABA. It will also produce less glutamate, which is a neurotransmitter that can make you feel excitable. As a result, your neurotransmitters become unbalanced when you suddenly stop drinking alcohol.

How long alcohol withdrawal lasts, the effects that you feel, and even whether you will experience symptoms depends on how much you drink on a regular basis, how long you’ve been drinking, and other health conditions you may have. Drinking heavily over a long period of time will make you more likely to go through withdrawal when you stop drinking.

Withdrawal Timeline

How long alcohol withdrawal lasts for you will depend on your specific situation, including your level of dependence on the substance. A general timeline can give you an idea of what to expect during each phase of withdrawal, however.

First eight hours: For most people, the initial withdrawal symptoms start within the first eight hours after their last drink. Symptoms during this stage can include irritability, nervousness, restlessness, clammy or pale skin, loss of appetite, nausea, and shakiness.

Next 12-24 hours: You may notice increased symptoms in the period that lasts from 12 to 24 hours after your last drink. You may begin to experience nightmares, depression, night sweats, mood swings, “brain fog,” headaches or migraines, vomiting, and insomnia or difficulty sleeping. You may also begin to experience hallucinations during this phase of alcohol withdrawal.

24-72 hours: Your alcohol withdrawal symptoms will usually peak between 24 hours and 72 hours after your last drink. The most severe symptoms will typically occur during this timeframe, including tremors, agitation, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. Medical supervision is especially important during this period.

Delirium tremens (DTs) may also occur, which require immediate medical attention. DT symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include a high body temperature, hallucinations and illusions, paranoia, and seizures.

The weeks after 72 hours: Your alcohol withdrawal symptoms may begin to subside after 72 hours, but your symptoms may continue for the next several weeks.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

About 75% of alcohol abusers will continue to experience withdrawal symptoms that can persist for weeks or even months after their last drink. The condition, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is probably caused by the physical changes to the brain that occur during excessive alcohol use, which are responsible for the increased tolerance and for the recurring symptoms during withdrawal.

The symptoms of PAWS also are dependent on your particular situation, but may include feelings of panic or anxiety, irritability, depression, and difficulty with cognitive tasks such as learning or memory recall. Additional symptoms can include increased sensitivity to stress, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, alcohol cravings, sleep difficulties, pessimism or apathy, and difficulty with social relationships.

Contact Recovery Without Walls for Safe Alcohol Withdrawal

At Recovery Without Walls, we want you to get sober. We also understand that it can be difficult and even dangerous to stop abusing alcohol without help. We are here to guide you through a safe and effective detox from the alcohol in your system so you can get the individualized addiction treatment you need. We personalize your treatment based on evidence-informed research, exceptional psychotherapy, nutritional support, and integrative healing methods designed to treat your whole body. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

The post How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last? appeared first on Recovery Without Walls .

Depressive Disorder

When someone is experiencing the mental health condition known as depressive disorder, they are more than just sad or going through a rough patch in their life. They are suffering from depression, a condition that requires medical care. If the disorder is left untreated, it can be devastating for the individual and for those around them.

Over 19 million adults in the US had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Some people will only have one depressive episode in their lifetime but for most people, it is a recurring condition. The episode could last a few months to several years if it is not treated.

When the disorder is detected and diagnosed early, an effective treatment plan can alleviate the symptoms so the individual can feel better. Treatment usually consists of psychotherapy, healthier lifestyle choices, and medication.

What is Ketamine?

Used primarily in the medical field as an anesthetic, ketamine was first used in the 1960s in Belgium, as an anesthesia medicine for animals. In 1970, the FDA approved the medication as an anesthetic for people in the US. Subsequently, it was used to treat injured soldiers on the battlefield in Vietnam.

More recently, studies have been conducted to determine its usefulness in treating depression. Researchers warn, however, that the drug should not be used casually or misused. Risks of unmonitored use include high blood pressure and dangerously slowed breathing. It can also cause long-term problems when not used properly and under medical supervision.

New Research on Ketamine Depression Treatment

When administered by a healthcare professional, ketamine depression treatment may prove effective in alleviating depressive disorder symptoms. Researchers recently conducted a study on specific parts of the brain in individuals experiencing depression, to determine how ketamine affects the disorder. In particular, researchers have found that it may be effective in treating cases of depression that do not respond to conventional treatments.

The authors of the most recent study conducted research to identify the effects ketamine has on the brain, in hopes of leading to better options for depression that is difficult to treat. Their research consisted of giving participants low doses of ketamine, to give them an anesthetic effect. They then took images of their brains using a PET camera.

The scientists, along with a separate research team, had noticed a low density of serotonin 1B receptors in the brains of individuals who had depression. The PET images would highlight the effects ketamine had on those receptors. Medical experts believe that lower levels of serotonin are linked to more severe experiences of depression.

In the study, researchers found that 70% of the participants responded positively to the ketamine depression treatment. After analyzing the PET images, they found that ketamine was reducing the output of serotonin and increasing the output of dopamine, which has been linked to mood regulation. As Dr. Johan Lundberg, the research group leader, explained, “We show for the first time that ketamine treatment increases the number of serotonin 1B receptors.”

Potential Treatment for Depression

Based on these and other research studies, ketamine depression treatment shows potential, particularly for those individuals with depressive disorder who have not responded to other treatment options. Experts do not completely understand the cause of depression in certain people. It could result from biological, genetic, or psychological factors. They are learning, though, that new evidence-based treatments, such as ketamine administered in a controlled, clinical setting, are effective.

The emphasis is on professionally supervised ketamine use. Individuals should never try to treat their own depression with the drug and ketamine should never be taken with alcohol, as it can be fatal.  Mental health professionals, however, have developed a safe protocol for medically supervised use that can be effective for some people suffering from depressive disorder.

Contact Recovery Without Walls for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

At Recovery Without Walls, we provide a unique experience to help you heal. Our approach involves exceptional psychotherapy, evidence-informed research, and integrative healing methods, to help you with the treatment of depression, anxiety, phobias, chronic pain, and addiction. We also offer help with anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to email or call us for care and answers to your questions. Our providers continue to work to help you through treatment and recovery. Contact us today to learn more about the link between mental illness and substance use disorder and to get help.

The post Ketamine Depression Treatment appeared first on Recovery Without Walls .

Addiction to drugs or alcohol can cause serious issues with your mental and physical health, as well as your finances, career, and relationships. Recovery from addiction is possible, with the help of a supportive network and a professional treatment program. During National Recovery Month 2021, take some time to learn more about addiction, recovery, and the options for help available to you.

Recovery is for Everyone

The theme of National Recovery Month 2021 is “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.” Recovery Month is celebrated in September and is now in its 32^nd year. The month is designated for celebrating the gains made by people in recovery from their disease of addiction. Each September, Recovery Month promotes and supports evidence-based treatment and recovery practices that are focused on helping people like you move on to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

What Recovery Looks Like

When you have a chronic disease, you can take steps to manage your symptoms and improve your health and well-being. Addiction is a disease that you can recover from, with the appropriate guidance and help from those who know what you are going through and how best to treat you. In recovery from addiction, you can learn to live a self-directed life and can do what’s necessary to reach your full potential.

When you are in recovery, you will adopt a lifestyle that includes positive changes and values. You are not just learning how to live without drugs or alcohol. You are learning how to effectively handle your life every day, addressing your negative feelings, without those harmful substances. You will be able to manage your symptoms, deal with temptations that may arise, and move forward with a life that is productive and meaningful.

Addiction, Recovery, and National Recovery Month During COVID

Over the past year and a half, many people have struggled with the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. That has resulted in a new addiction or a continued addiction without treatment for some. Often, the consequences are devastating.

Every state has reported an increase in overdose deaths and other issues during the pandemic. The drug epidemic appears to now be driven by illegal fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, often in combination with each other. Prescription opioids and heroin are contributing significantly to the rates of overdoses, as they are increasingly mixed with illegal fentanyl, making them even more dangerous and deadly.

Deaths from drug overdoses reached a record high in 2020. During the 12 months of the year, ending in December, there were 93,331 overdose deaths. In 2019, that number was 72,151, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC. Opioids were involved in 74.7% of the overdose deaths. That number increased to 69,710 in 2020, from 50,963 the previous year.

While most states in the US saw similar upward trends, the highest increases in overdose deaths occurred in:

• Vermont, up 57.6%
• Kentucky, up 54%
• South Carolina, up 52%
• West Virginia, up almost 50%
• California, up 46%.

Taking an Active Role in Your Recovery

During National Recovery Month 2021, it is imperative to understand the seriously negative consequences of addiction and, in particular, overdose from the excessive use of drugs or alcohol. Opioids continue to be an issue in the US. Some people take prescription opioids to manage their pain, such as after an injury or surgery, and to manage the symptoms of chronic pain. Prescription opioids, even when they are consumed legally, can be addictive and dangerous.

Know that recovery is possible, for everyone. You can take an active role to move forward with your own recovery. Reach out to trusted family members and friends for support. Recognize that, when you have a substance use disorder it is a medical condition and not a moral failing.

Understand how to get the help you need and take action for yourself, to begin the process of overcoming an addiction that is so detrimental to your health and well-being.

Contact Recovery Without Walls for Help

At Recovery Without Walls, we provide you with confidential treatment for your addiction to drugs or alcohol. We start with comfortable, caring, physician-directed detoxification and then work with you on innovative pharmacological intervention and integration. As an evidence-based medical practice, we are focused on your comprehensive health and continuing recovery. Our professional staff provides individualized treatment, to address your specific needs in a whole-body approach. During COVID-19, we believe that early intervention can save lives and we urge you to contact us today for help.

The post National Recovery Month 2021 appeared first on Recovery Without Walls .