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. 

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Why You Should Stop Drinking

Alcohol continues to be one of the most prevalent substances used in the United States. 85% of adults reported that they have consumed an alcoholic beverage at some point in their lifetime¹. Because alcohol use is a shared experience for most adults, it’s easy to overlook the potential dangers of the substance. Drinking becomes a worrisome issue when one or more of the following takes place:

• You find yourself craving the next drink.
• Regardless of the circumstance, you’re unable to go without drinking.
• When you are drinking, you often drink more than you intended and are unable to stop.
• You’ve started to feel guilty about your drinking habits.
• Your behavior when drinking makes others uncomfortable.

These are all indicators of a potential alcohol use disorder and often prompt an individual to seek help for their drinking habits. These emotional and social issues related to drinking are only part of the potential harm caused by alcohol addiction, though. Health concerns become statistically more likely for those who excessively drink as well. Those who consume the substance often and in large quantities are more susceptible to liver disease, certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS². 

There are also physical and societal dangers when it comes to binge drinking. If someone chooses to drink and drive, there are risks of injury to themselves or others, legal consequences, and potential financial implications. Those with an alcohol use disorder may also experience a loss of relationships and consequences related to their job if they are unable to remain sober. For anyone struggling with excessive drinking, the life consequences often far outweigh any perceived benefits. 

How to Begin a Sober Life

If you’ve realized you have a drinking problem and want to pursue a life of sobriety, congratulations! You’ve already completed the first step: admitting you have a problem. This is often one of the biggest obstacles in recovery because those who have an addiction tend to be hesitant to admit their habits are an issue. It takes strength to recognize your shortcomings, so give yourself credit for reaching this first stage of recovery. Once you’ve admitted you have a problem, here are some next steps to consider:

1. Seek out support from a recovery community like Alcoholics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery. Involvement in one of these groups provides you accountability and encouragement from those who have experienced similar struggles.
2. Monitor your negative side effects. Sometimes, when you stop consuming a substance you have previously relied on, you will notice withdrawal symptoms. These can range from mild to severe, and symptoms at a severe level should be monitored by a medical professional. If you’re noticing intolerable side effects, you should consider going through a medical detoxification process. 
3. Begin looking at individualized treatment options. For anyone struggling with an addiction, having the space to process through events that might have contributed to your situation is a vital part of recovery. Individual treatment can range from attending therapy once a week to enrolling in a residential treatment program. There are also more intensive treatment options for those in recovery who require closer monitoring.

Alcohol Abuse Recovery at Recovery Without Walls

Whether you are just beginning your recovery process or have been in recovery for a while but could use extra support, Recovery Without Walls can help. Our outpatient treatment model provides alcohol addiction recovery services in Mill Valley, California. We offer counseling services where you can unpack the roots of your alcohol use disorder and develop coping skills when to combat cravings. If we determine a higher level of care is needed than our outpatient practice, we work closely with local residential rehabilitation centers. If you need support for a drinking problem, contact us today to learn more.

References: 

1. SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Table 2.17B – Alcohol Use in Lifetime among Persons Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group and Demographic Characteristics: Percentages, 2018 and 2019. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29394/NSDUHDetailedTabs2019/NSDUHDetTabsSect2pe2019.htm#tab2-17b
2. WHO. Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2018. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press, 2018, p. vii. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/274603/9789241565639-eng.pdf?ua=1

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Confronting Feelings of Stress

If you are beginning to feel like life is unmanageable, you may try to look for a “quick fix” in stress-relieving medication. The problem with this is that it does not confront the deeper issues and only masks your symptoms. Additionally, certain prescriptions come with a risk of physical and psychological dependence. Stress can be a major contributing factor to addiction as people attempt to avoid the emotions attached to their situation.

Proper stress management hinges upon your ability and willingness to confront the things that are negatively affecting you.

To begin this process, the first step is to spend time reflecting on your situation. When you are feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to identify which causes are really impacting your mood. Sometimes, it’s a combination of many different stressors. In other cases, you may be able to point to a specific situation that is causing you anxiety.

If you’re having trouble determining what the source of your emotions is, take a few minutes to write out a list of potential triggers in your life. Then, consider each item and determine what is making it a source of stress. If you can’t pinpoint a direct cause for a certain bullet point, cross it off your list. As you narrow your focus to the specific circumstances increasing your anxiety, you can then begin to address those emotions properly.

Managing Stress Without Medication

Now you know what’s upsetting you. The next step is to begin addressing your symptoms. Healthy stress management techniques both work to alleviate the effects of your anxiety and provide long-term strategies you can practice when these feelings return.

Here are some of the best techniques for managing your anxiety both in the present moment and in the future:

Creating an Exercise Routine

Developing good habits helps both your physical and mental well-being. On a physical level, engaging in an exercise routine and eating a nutritious diet improve heart and lung functioning. This gives your body the fuel needed to handle the changes you experience. By maintaining a healthy weight and eating habits, your energy levels remain stable, and stress has lessened effects on your body. There’s also an emotional benefit to physical wellness. Mentally, such routines increase serotonin in the brain, contributing to an improved mood and less anxiety.

Developing New Skills

Occupying your brain with something new can be a quick cure for overwhelm. The next time you feel stressed out, distract yourself with an exciting activity. Commit to spending a few minutes each day on developing a new skill; that way, when you’re feeling anxious, you’ll have something you can turn to for comfort. Music has proven anxiety-reducing benefits, so consider learning an instrument. The more you can engage your mind with a new skill, the better it will serve as a means of stress relief. 

Engage in Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness practices are extremely useful for refocusing your attention. Mindfulness can be anything from meditation to a nature walk to yoga. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of free apps available to guide you through the process.

Another easy way to engage in this practice is to spend time outside without any distractions. Leave your cell phone at home and leave the house. Go on a walk in nature and make note of the unique animals and trees you see along the way. You might be amazed by how quickly your mind lets go of your stress in favor of this relaxing experience.

Stress and Addiction Support

If you’ve previously developed unhealthy habits to manage your anxiety, including substance use, it may be time to seek professional support. Turning to a substance to manage stress creates harmful patterns that fail to address the root causes of your anxiety.

At Recovery Without Walls, we can help you heal from addiction while helping you to cope with life’s challenges. If you need more support for a substance use disorder, contact us today to learn about our program offerings.

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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.

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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. 

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Percocet is the brand name for oxycodone/acetaminophen: a combination of opioid and non-opioid pain relievers. This drug is available by prescription only and lasts, on average, for five hours. It was initially intended for those dealing with severe pain, usually after a surgical procedure or cancer diagnosis. However, opioid-based medications are now widely prescribed for chronic pain associated with conditions like nerve damage, arthritis, and traumatic injury. However, many people who regularly take this drug may not understand its potential interactions with other substances. Today, we’ll explore the interactions between Percocet and alcohol.

Percocet and Alcohol Interactions

Drinking while taking any drug can be unsafe, but consuming alcohol while taking opioids is especially dangerous. Both of these substances are central nervous system depressants; they slow the body’s functions. This means that when someone combines Percocet and alcohol, they magnify the depressant effects of both substances. This choice can have deadly consequences.

When someone drinks and takes opioid pain relievers, they may begin to exhibit the following symptoms:

• Changes in blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness (fainting)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of coordination and muscular control
• Nausea or vomiting
• Respiratory depression and arrest
• Coma or death

Research published by the American Society of Anesthesiologists illustrates the unique risk involved in combining these substances: death by respiratory failure. “Taking one oxycodone tablet together with even a modest amount of alcohol increases the risk of a potentially life-threatening side effect known as respiratory depression,” they write, “which causes breathing to become extremely shallow or stop altogether.” This side effect was especially prevalent among the elderly.

The long-term effects of Percocet and alcohol misuse are also worth noting. Those who regularly take these substances at the same time are at increased risk of colon cancer, cardiac arrest, liver failure, and overdose. If combining these substances is so dangerous, why do people do it?

Polysubstance Abuse: Percocet and Alcohol

There is no one explanation for this pattern of substance misuse. First, some people may be completely unaware of the potential interactions between alcohol and Percocet. Others may disregard their doctor’s orders and think that “just one drink” couldn’t hurt. Even when done unknowingly, individuals who consume both substances are at risk of overdose, death, and addiction.

Finally, some people combine Percocet and alcohol on purpose. This is a phenomenon called polysubstance abuse. In such cases, people take multiple substances in order to alter the effects of each drug.

No matter how it begins, continued misuse of Percocet and alcohol can lead to an extremely powerful – and potentially deadly – addiction. The longer someone exhibits this behavior, the higher their risk of death by respiratory depression. At a certain point, using is no longer voluntary. Individuals who develop a substance use disorder are physically and psychologically dependent on their drugs of choice. Fortunately, treatment is available for those seeking to break the cycle of polysubstance abuse.

Help for Alcohol Dependence and Opioid Use Disorder in Mill Valley, CA

At Recovery Without Walls, we understand the complex pharmacological interactions between various substances. We also know what it takes to overcome chronic pain without the use of opioid pain relievers. Through our innovative, integrated approach, we help men and women from all over the nation to find relief from addiction and chronic pain.

If you regularly misuse Percocet and alcohol, or if you know someone who does, help is just one phone call away. Contact Recovery Without Walls to learn more about treatment options in Mill Valley, California.

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Negative Effects

When used without supervision, ketamine can cause an individual to feel distanced from their environment, since it blocks the neurotransmitter glutamate at one of its receptors. The drug can cause a person to lose their sensitivity to physical pain and even feel euphoric.

However, the drug, when not used appropriately, can cause bad reactions, including high blood pressure, agitation, and potentially fatal respiratory issues. The drug impairs an individual’s ability to drive and can, in fact, cause them to be unable to move or communicate at all. This can be a frightening and disturbing state for the user.

At higher doses, ketamine is a depressant and can reduce the heart rate and respiratory function to dangerous levels. Especially when the drug is combined with other depressants, such as Valium or alcohol, the negative effects can lead to serious medical consequences. Ketamine, when not used under the supervision of a physician, can result in amnesia, impaired motor function, and delirium.

Symptoms of Ketamine Use

A condition known as ketamine toxicity, which can occur when the medication is used by an individual illegally or without medical supervision, can cause cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric symptoms, as well as abdominal symptoms. Some experts have determined that the higher occurrence of ulcerative cystitis in those who use the drug recreationally is caused by the adulterants that are typically mixed with the drug.

The effects of ketamine use and intoxication can include:

• Sedation and impaired consciousness
• Issues with the head, ear, eyes, nose, and throat, including excessive salivation 
• Cardiovascular problems such as palpitations, hypertension, tachycardia, chest pain, and arrhythmias
• Abdominal pain, tenderness, nausea, and vomiting 
• Altered mental state and disorientation
• Neurological issues such as paranoia, anxiety, confusion, slurred speech, dizziness, muscular rigidity, psychomotor, or muscular spasms
• Lower urinary tract symptoms.

In addition, the individual may experience physical trauma in the form of injuries, as they have a diminished perception of pain when using the drug.

People with existing cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure may be at an increased risk for stroke, restricted blood flow to the heart, angina, or increased intracranial pressure, since the drug stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. The result can be increased cardiac output, increased heart rate, and higher blood pressure.

Medically Supervised Use of Ketamine

Ketamine can be used safely for the treatment of depression, but only when in a setting that is supervised by a medical professional. Adults who have not been helped by other treatments, such as antidepressant medications, who have major depressive disorder, or who are suicidal, can often be helped with medically-supervised ketamine.

Some individuals with depression may lose important connections within their brains, called synapses, that let their nerve cells communicate. Research has found that within 24 hours of the first dose of medically-supervised ketamine, the lost connections begin to regrow. As these synapses continue to regrow, the positive effects of ketamine continue for these individuals.

Approximately 70% of individuals who try medically-supervised ketamine for a mental health condition experience the positive effects of ketamine for several days after the medication has been administered.

Contact Recovery Without Walls for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine is effective in treating certain conditions but should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional. At Recovery Without Walls, we provide a unique experience to help you heal from your substance abuse and mental health issues. 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.

We understand that it can be difficult and even dangerous to stop abusing prescription drugs without help. We are here to guide you through safe and effective withdrawal from prescription medications such as antidepressants. 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.

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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.

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A Comfortable At-Home Detox Experience

A fully at-home detox program enables you to recover without checking into a clinic. Through designated detoxification protocols, clients interface directly with medical staff, who will design a treatment program tailored to each person’s specific needs. They will then prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal, resulting in a comfortable detox experience.

At-Home Detox for Alcohol, Opioids, and Depressants

Alcohol and other depressants represent some of the greatest risks in an unassisted detoxification. Individuals who quit these substances on their own face withdrawal symptoms which can be life-threatening. An at-home detox program is overseen by pharmacological experts, ensuring that all side effects are minimized and effectively managed.

Alcohol

If you drink heavily for a long period of time, discontinuing alcohol use may cause severe withdrawal. Symptoms may begin after just a few hours, and include anxiety, nausea, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures. With proper medical oversight, it is possible to deescalate these symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable detox experience.

Opioids

Opioid medications and illicit opiate drugs present a high level of addictive potential. Without proper medication, it is often extremely difficult for a person to discontinue these substances. An evidence-based withdrawal management protocol addresses the array of symptoms triggered by sudden cessation of hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), oxymorphone (Opana), morphine, codeine, fentanyl, and heroin.

Depressants

Benzodiazepines are a class of drug intended to depress the activity of the central nervous system. These depressants are intended to treat insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. Common medications include alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin). Even at therapeutic dosages, these drugs can cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Expert clinicians help clients to taper a person’s doses to avoid potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, visual disturbances, depression, and memory problems.

A Convenient, Comfortable Path to Recovery

Addiction is a medical condition requiring clinically sophisticated care. Certain physicians provide created an at-home detox protocol that protects your privacy, maximizes your comfort, and enables complete healing.

Thanks to same-day prescriptions and daily follow-up during the withdrawal process, clients typically complete this detox protocol in no longer than one week.

To learn more about the process of physician-directed withdrawal management, please contact Recovery Without Walls or dial SAMHSA’s national helpline.

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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.

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