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The progression of alcoholism follows a predictable pattern; the alcoholic continues to drink alcohol despite knowing that it negatively impacts their health, relationships and overall well-being. Its physical, psychological and social effects intensify with the progression of the disease. Alcohol abuse tends to cause serious problems with one’s health, relationships, finances and professional success.

Stages of Alcoholism

A person’s physical, mental, and social health deteriorates at a faster rate and in more severe ways as they go through the phases of alcohol addiction. People in the early stages of alcohol use disorder (AUD) often begin with social drinking and light alcohol consumption, with no outward signs of alcohol problems. However, they may start drinking alcohol more often and more heavily, seeking the euphoric effects that use of alcohol can provide. At this stage, individuals may continue to go about their day-to-day lives relatively well, but they might start noticing warning signs like minor hangovers, mood swings, or needing greater amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects.

Alcohol dependency intensifies during the intermediate stage of alcoholism. It becomes increasingly difficult to resist the urge to drink as alcohol is used as a crutch to dull mental distress, anxiety, or stress. By this stage, tolerance to heavy drinking has developed to the point where severe physical symptoms, such as memory loss or blackouts, might begin to appear. Drinking becomes a necessity rather than a social activity, and binge drinking episodes are common. Friends and family usually start to express concern as the effects on relationships, work, and social life become more evident.

When alcoholism progresses to its late stages, control of the condition becomes extremely challenging. Severe alcohol addiction is evident, with drinkers in this stage experiencing a compulsion to drink despite the serious consequences. Attempts to abstain may trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as trembling, sweating, and nausea. Serious health complications—including liver disease, heart problems, and brain damage—often develop at this point. As alcohol intake takes priority over all else, the person may face worsening social isolation, financial difficulties, and legal problems. At this advanced stage, without alcoholism treatment or addiction treatment, the complications of untreated alcoholism can be life-threatening.

How Alcohol Dependence Develops

Alcohol alters the brain’s chemistry with repeated exposure, particularly in areas responsible for reward and pleasure. Increased tolerance develops as the brain adapts to the effects of alcohol, leading people to consume more frequently and in larger amounts to achieve the desired effect.

The potential for physical and mental reliance on alcohol rises in direct relation to the speed of tolerance development, which can result in intense cravings for alcohol. As the brain and body begin to rely on alcohol for daily functioning, a person reaches a state of alcohol dependence. According to the DSM-5 criteria, symptoms of dependence include loss of control over drinking and an inability to reduce intake despite harmful consequences. At this stage, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption may lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild irritability and anxiety to severe risks such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTs).

Over time, alcohol dependency may progress into a full-blown addiction, where the individual experiences a complete loss of control over their alcohol use. This stage is often associated with an increased risk of developing other mental disorders and health complications. At this point, seeking professional treatment becomes essential to breaking the addiction cycle and beginning the path to recovery.

The Long-Term Effects of Untreated Alcoholism

Untreated alcoholism, a progressive disease, has severe impacts on the body and mind due to its chronic disease nature. The brain, heart, and liver are among the most vulnerable organs to the harmful effects of prolonged substance abuse. Long-term drinkers are at an increased risk of health problems such as heart issues, including cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias, and liver diseases like cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis, due to the progressive nature of alcohol’s effects on these organs.

Chronic alcohol use also raises the risk of certain cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, liver, and breast. The negative impact of alcohol on the brain may lead to neurological issues like forgetfulness, disorientation, and long-term cognitive impairment, signaling physical dependence on alcohol that affects overall brain function.

The mental health consequences of alcoholism are equally concerning. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are common among individuals with alcohol dependency, with alcohol withdrawal often worsening these conditions. Drinking to manage mental health symptoms may lead to a downward spiral, where mental health deteriorates, increasing alcohol use and potentially leading to severe consequences like suicidal thoughts or actions.

Alcoholism’s social effects are widespread, damaging relationships with loved ones, coworkers, and friends as social functioning declines. Families affected by alcoholism frequently face issues like marital strife, child neglect, and domestic violence. Additionally, a decreased ability to work may result in job loss and mounting debt, as the progressive disease impacts professional stability.

Aside from these issues, untreated alcoholism often leads to legal problems, such as public intoxication charges or DUI arrests. Over time, isolation, homelessness, and lasting damage to personal and professional life are also common outcomes of untreated alcohol addiction.

Can Alcoholism Be Reversed?

Although alcoholism worsens with time, it is treatable with the right combination of expert therapy and early intervention. Your chances of recovery improve in proportion to how quickly you seek therapy. People who are just starting to drink too much may find that therapy, support groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous) and adjustments to their way of living help them get back on track. Those in the latter phases of alcoholism may need more extensive treatments, including medical detox, residential treatment and ongoing therapy.

There are two sides to the coin when it comes to alcoholism: the physical and the psychological. Many people start by going through detoxification, which helps their bodies get rid of alcohol and starts the healing process. After detox, patients continue their treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy and family counseling. These programs help clients learn new coping skills, recognize when they are at risk of relapsing and repair damaged relationships. No matter how long someone has battled alcoholism, recovery is achievable with dedication and support.

Treatment Options at Long Island Treatment Center

 No matter what stage of alcoholism a person is in, Long Island Treatment Center can help with a holistic and tailored approach. Since we know that no two people’s road to recovery is identical, we personalize our treatment plans to fit each patient’s requirements. We provide a variety of outpatient programs, including counseling, group therapy and support groups, for those who are just starting to battle alcoholism. Clients learn how to control their urges, stay sober and prevent relapse in these programs.

We provide residential treatment programs that are helpful for those who are in the middle or late phases of alcoholism. For individuals who want help with withdrawal symptoms, we provide medical detox. Our medical team attentively watches each client to make sure they are safe and comfortable. All of our treatment approaches, including trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing and CBT, aim to help people overcome addiction by getting to the root of the problem.

Our aftercare programs provide clients with continuing support and ways to avoid relapse even after treatment has ended. We strive to provide our clients with all they need to stay sober and live healthy, fulfilled lives.

Why Early Treatment Is Key

The best way to avoid the severe outcomes associated with problem drinking is to seek help as early as possible. Early effective treatment significantly reduces the likelihood of major health consequences and improves the chances of successful recovery. Inpatient programs and other treatment options are essential in this phase, as early intervention can also play a critical role in restoring relationships with family members and rebuilding a stable, fulfilling life.

Get Help at Long Island Treatment Center

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcoholism, don’t wait for problem drinking to worsen. Contact Long Island Treatment Center now to explore effective treatment options tailored to meet your needs. Starting with medical detox and continuing through aftercare programs, our caring staff supports you and your family members every step of the way. Taking this step now is your first move toward a better, more fulfilling way of life.

Take the first step toward recovery—contact Long Island Treatment Center today and begin your journey to lasting sobriety.

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Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a measurement of the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. It is expressed as a percentage, indicating the grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. Understanding how to calculate BAC is crucial for anyone who consumes alcohol, as it helps gauge the effects of alcohol on the body and determine if it’s safe to drive or engage in certain activities.

What is BAC?

BAC is a scientific measurement used to quantify intoxication. The higher the BAC, the more impaired an individual becomes. Legal limits for driving vary by country but are often set around 0.08% BAC. Exceeding these limits can lead to legal consequences and, more importantly, serious health and safety risks.

The BAC Formula

The Widmark Formula is a widely recognized method for calculating BAC. The formula takes into account factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, body weight, gender, and the time over which alcohol was consumed.

The formula is as follows:

BAC = $\frac{A x 5.14}{W x r}$ – 0.015 x H

Where:

• A = Total alcohol consumed in ounces (oz)
• W = Body weight in pounds (lbs)
• r = Alcohol distribution ratio (0.73 for men, 0.66 for women)
• H = Hours since drinking began

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating BAC

1. Determine the Total Alcohol Consumed (A):

• Calculate the total amount of alcohol consumed in ounces.
• For example, if you drank three 12-ounce beers with a 5% alcohol content, the calculation would be:

Total Alcohol = $\frac{3 \times 12 x 0.05 x 0.789}{1}$ = 1.419 ounces of acohol

(Note: 0.789 is the specific gravity of ethanol, which converts volume to mass).

2. Find Your Body Weight (W):

• Record your body weight in pounds.

3. Use the Alcohol Distribution Ratio (r):

• Use 0.73 for men and 0.66 for women. This accounts for differences in body composition.

4. Calculate BAC Before Metabolism:

• Plug the values into the first part of the formula:

BAC = $\frac{A x 5.14}{W x i}$

• For instance, if a 150-pound man consumed 1.419 ounces of alcohol:

A = $\frac{1.419 x 5.14}{150 \times 0.73}$ = 0.066 (0.066% BAC)

5. Account for Time (H):

• Alcohol is metabolized over time at a rate of approximately 0.015% BAC per hour. Subtract this value for each hour since you started drinking:

Final BAC = BAC – (0.015 x H)

• If it’s been 2 hours since you started drinking:

Final BAC = 0.066 (0.015 x 2) = 0.036% BAC

Important Considerations

• Individual Variability: Factors such as metabolism, age, and health can affect BAC. The formula provides an estimate but may not be precise for every individual.
• Alcohol Content Variance: Different beverages contain varying amounts of alcohol. Always check the alcohol content of what you’re drinking.
• Legal Limits: In many places, a BAC of 0.08% is the legal driving limit. However, even lower levels of BAC can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
• Safety First: The best way to avoid impairment is to consume alcohol responsibly and plan for safe transportation if you’re drinking.

Conclusion

Calculating your BAC can be a useful tool for understanding how alcohol affects your body. While the Widmark Formula offers a method for estimating BAC, it’s important to remember that individual factors can influence the results. Always prioritize safety and consider alternatives like designated drivers or rideshare services when consuming alcohol.

FAQ

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While enjoying a drink from time to time is generally okay, excessive consumption can lead to devastating consequences, as alcohol addiction is a serious condition and can be as life-threatening as other forms of substance abuse.

If you want to take a proactive approach to your well-being by cutting down on your alcohol consumption or stopping it altogether, this guide will have you covered!

In today’s article, we’ll have a brief overview of the different methods you can use at home to stop drinking and explore the effectiveness of in-home abstinence. Let’s dive right in!

Home Remedies and Tips to Help You Reduce Drinking Alcohol

The following list will include a variety of helpful yet simple remedies that you can use to reduce or stop mild alcohol cravings. Here’s a quick overview of each one of them and how they work.

1. Maintain Proper Hydration

One of the oldest remedies to alcohol cravings that still works to this day is simply drinking more water.

Cravings for alcohol can be linked to a hormone called “ghrelin”, which stimulates appetite and can be mistaken for a need to drink.

According to studies, maintaining high hydration levels reduces the production of acetylated ghrelin, which effectively tames alcohol intake.

2. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a popular herb in traditional Chinese medicine that shows promise in managing some symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.

One study suggests Ashwagandha was found helpful in reducing anxiety and seizure risk during alcohol withdrawal. While most studies of the drug didn’t reach the clinical trials stage, many people also reported the drug’s effectiveness in the early stages.

3. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is an herb commonly used to support liver health, which is the organ most affected by excessive alcohol consumption.

The plant is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a helpful addition to your natural remedy routine as you try to cut back on alcohol consumption.

4. Kudzu

Kudzu has emerged as one of the new promising remedies to cut back on drinking habits. Studies have shown that taking the vine extract before drinking can significantly decrease alcohol consumption anywhere between 30% to 50%.

However, kudzu works in a unique way, as it contains isoflavones that accelerate the intoxicating effects of alcohol on the brain, which signals your body to slow down alcohol use.

5. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is another herb that has been used as a remedy for a wide range of diseases and mental health conditions over the centuries, including depression. Research shows that it also shows promise in reducing alcohol consumption.

According to a study, the plant contains an active ingredient called “hypericin”, which is capable of decreasing cravings by up to 50%. However, you should note that this herbal remedy often interacts with medications, so you should consult a qualified healthcare provider using it.

6. Holy Basil

Holy basil is another highly regarded herb in Ayurvedic medicine. One thing to note about this herb is that it’s not a direct treatment option for cravings or withdrawal.

Instead, it possesses calming properties that can ease anxiety which is a common trigger for alcohol cravings and one of the most common symptoms of mild withdrawal.

While it can’t eliminate cravings altogether, incorporating it alongside other strategies can help cover more ground while attempting to cut back on alcohol abuse at home.

7. Lifestyle Changes

Besides herbal extracts, making changes to your daily routine can a long way in curbing your alcohol cravings. These can include a variety of wellness and self-care aspects, such as:

• Exercise: Physical activity helps reduce stress and improves mood, which can distract your mind from cravings.
• Healthy Eating: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve your overall well-being and encourage you to stay sober. You must also consider using alcohol-free alternatives when it comes to beverages and cooking ingredients.
• Sleep: Getting enough sleep every night (in addition to healthy naps) can massively reduce stress-induced cravings.
• Identifying Triggers: Recognizing situations, emotions, and patterns that make you crave a drink can help you avoid them or have a treatment plan to cope differently. For best results, you might need to seek the help of a therapist using evidence-based approaches like behavioral therapy.
• Distractions: Getting preoccupied with a new hobby or a certain activity that you enjoy can keep your mind off craving alcohol.

8. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Focusing on the present moment and becoming more aware of your thoughts and emotions is a great way to detach from cravings without acting on them.

These relaxation techniques can include a variety of methods, such as meditation and self-awareness, yoga, massage, acupuncture, and simple breathing exercises.

In fact, many of these techniques are included in treatment plans for substance use patients who recently recovered to stay sober.

How Effective Are Alcohol Cravings Home Remedies?

The previously mentioned home remedies are a helpful starting point for managing alcohol cravings. However, their effectiveness is limited to early and mild levels only.

As alcohol tolerance develops, cravings often intensify, and home remedies alone won’t be enough.

In fact, in cases of serious alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder, attempting to quit “cold turkey” by using home remedies can be quite dangerous.

This is because the withdrawal symptoms associated with mid to late-stage alcohol addiction can lead to serious side effects, such as tremors, fever, and seizures.

This requires medical supervision and a careful tapering process during alcohol detox (medication-assisted detoxification).

Important Notes While Trying to Quit Alcohol at Home

While home remedies and lifestyle changes can be a great starting point, you must be aware of their limitations. Here are some critical considerations to keep in mind regarding alcohol dependence and abuse:

Familiarize Yourself with Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

You should be aware of withdrawal symptoms and how they vary depending on the severity of alcohol dependence.

For instance, headaches, body aches, and insomnia are common mild symptoms. However, if you experience severe pain, nausea, seizures, or anxiety, it’s usually a sign that your alcohol dependence is severe and may require medical supervision.

Be Honest with Yourself About Your Current State and Committed to Abstinence

Taking charge of your alcohol use requires a genuine commitment to change. Honestly assess your current drinking habits and your motivation to quit.

You may also want to communicate with your family members about your goals to have them support you through the process.

Supplement Your Efforts by Attending Support Groups

Just because you’re trying to quit drinking at home doesn’t mean you have to be alone in your journey.

Support groups organized by Alcoholics Anonymous can offer the guidance and encouragement you’ll need during your journey.

Talk to Your Doctor to Ensure Your Safety

Home remedies can be an excellent starting point if you want to set foot on the right path. However, as previously established, seeking the help of a healthcare professional can make all the difference while trying to overcome alcoholism.

Consider starting your journey by having a conversation with your doctor to assess your situation and establish whether quitting at home is safe for you.

Seeking Professional Help Maximizes Your Chances of Long-Term Success

Quitting alcohol can be a tough challenge but it’s not an impossible one. However, with professional help, your chances of staying sober can increase dramatically.

A treatment facility with qualified professionals would help you set up a personalized treatment plan, and even prescribe medications to help you control withdrawal symptoms.

If you or your loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction in New York, Long Island Treatment Center will offer all the professional guidance you need along the way!

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Vertigo is a relatively common disorder characterized by its unsettling feeling of dizziness or spinning. While this disruptive condition can happen to anyone, there’s an interesting link between alcohol use and the worsening of the condition.

If you want to find out more about vertigo caused by alcohol, this guide will have you covered with everything you need to know, including underlying causes, how it develops, reliable tips to manage the condition, and when to seek medical support.

How Vertigo Affects the Inner Ear and Balance

The feeling of dizziness or spinning that vertigo causes can be quite disorienting, making it difficult to stand or walk steadily.

However, you should understand that vertigo on its own isn’t a health condition or a disease. Instead, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue, such as heavy drinking or inner ear problems.

In addition to hearing, the inner ear also plays a vital role in maintaining balance. It has a complex structure made of various parts that work together to perform its function.

However, the ones associated with balance are mainly the fluid-filled labyrinth along with the vestibule.

Any mismatch between the signals these parts send to the brain compared to other sensory organs creates the feeling of vertigo.

Risk Factors and Causes of Vertigo

As previously established, vertigo is often a symptom of an underlying condition, so it can be caused by various factors. Here’s a quick look at them:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Simply known as “BPPV”, which is the most common cause of the condition where particles of the inner ear move from their original position and float in the semicircular canals.
• Meniere’s Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that causes various symptoms, mainly vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear’s labyrinth, caused by bacterial or viral infections.
• Vestibular Neuronitis: inflammation of the inner ear’s vestibule, often caused by viral infections.
• Migraines: Migraine is a form of intense headaches that happen on one side of the head, often accompanied by vertigo and nausea.
• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol affects the balance of the inner ear fluids, leading to various side effects including vertigo.

How Alcohol Interacts with Vertigo

Alcohol causes vertigo through several mechanisms and the severity of its effects depends on a few factors, such as the amount of alcohol consumed and the predisposition of individuals to suffer from lightheadedness and balance problems. Here’s a quick look at them:

Disruption of the Vestibular System

Your inner ear relies on a system of fluids and tiny hairs to stay balanced. However, Alcohol can easily disrupt this delicate system by affecting the fluid levels in the body.

This throws off the signals your inner ear sends to your central nervous system about your position, which triggers an episode of vertigo as your body tries to adjust.

Dehydration

According to various studies on the effect of alcohol on the body, it also functions as a diuretic, increasing the rate at which you urinate and lose water.

Dehydration is one of the most popular aspects that further impacts other systems, including your inner ear.

As you become dehydrated, the fluid balance in your inner ears becomes even harder to maintain, which worsens the symptoms of vertigo.

Impairment of the Nervous System

Besides the indirect effects of alcohol, it also affects the brain directly by disrupting its signals and messing with the neurotransmitter balance, especially in chronic alcohol use disorder.

This impairment is directly associated with worsening of the symptoms, making you experience severe vertigo for longer periods.

Common Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Vertigo

While vertigo is often described as a symptom of its own, it’s actually a group of different adverse effects that come together in the form of episodes. The following are some of the special symptoms of vertigo caused by alcohol intake:

• Severe dizziness that is more intense than exhaustion dizziness, often accompanied by unsteadiness and inability to stand upright or walk in a straight line
• Increased risk of falls, especially with the coordination impairment of drinking
• Feeling that the room is spinning or tilting around you
• Nausea and stomach upsets that often lead to vomiting, exacerbated by alcohol intoxication
• Nystagmus, which is a condition where the eye makes jerky and involuntary movements

How Does Alcohol Consumption Increase the Risk of Vertigo?

The effects of alcohol consumption on vertigo are quite intense. Here is how excessive alcohol intake can worsen your vertigo symptoms

Intensified Episodes

Alcohol heavily disrupts the balance of nerve signals in your inner ear and throws off your sense of equilibrium.

This translates to a more intense feeling of dizziness and discomfort during a vertigo attack, compared to attacks when you’re sober.

Prolonged Effects

As soon as a vertigo episode hits you, your body tries hard to regain its state of equilibrium and balance to overcome the discomfort and disorientation.

However, when you drink alcohol, you introduce an intoxicating substance that further disrupts your body’s efforts to maintain balance, extending vertigo episodes up to several hours or even days.

Increased Episode Frequency

Vertigo is mainly caused by a disruption in nerve signals, which is also one of the effects of drinking alcohol. As a result, the chances of experiencing vertigo attacks more frequently become exceedingly high for predisposed individuals.

Vertigo as a Withdrawal Symptom

Quitting alcohol can be quite challenging due to withdrawal symptoms, which typically include headaches, fatigue, fever, and general discomfort.

However, for people with a high risk of vertigo, it also becomes a symptom to struggle with during detox, which adds a layer of frustration and challenge to the treatment process.

How to Manage and Treat Alcohol-Induced Vertigo

While alcohol-induced vertigo is relatively similar to different types of vertigo, managing the condition can be somewhat different. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the methods used to treat it:

Limiting Alcohol Intake

As simple and obvious as this one seems, it’s actually the most effective step while trying to manage the condition.

If you’re prone to vertigo episodes after drinking, cutting back or avoiding it altogether will result in remarkable improvements in a short period of time.

Proper Hydration

Low hydration levels associated with drinking can result in a wide range of problems, such as hangover headaches and vertigo episodes.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day (around 8 glasses of water at different times) can really help you avoid the discomfort associated with vertigo.

Supportive Medications

While the previous two lifestyle changes are quite effective in managing alcohol-induced vertigo for most people, they’re not always enough.

In that case, your doctor may prescribe some medications to help you with the condition. These include:

• Vestibular Suppressants: These are the first line of treatment for chronic vertigo, mainly betahistine
• Antiemetics: These are anti-nausea drugs that manage the urge to vomit, such as promethazine and ondansetron.
• Antihistamines: These are a quick solution for episodes but are only suitable as a short-term treatment, especially cinnarizine

Final Thoughts

This marks the end of today’s guide about vertigo caused by alcohol. As you can see, both conditions are deeply interconnected due to the similarity in central nervous system effects.

The impact of vertigo as well as other symptoms becomes much more intense with heavy drinking, so you should always seek professional help if you or your loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction.

Contact Long Island Treatment Center now to connect with qualified experts and develop a personalized treatment plan for a successful recovery!

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In recent years, the legalization of marijuana for recreational use has become increasingly common across the United States.

While this shift offers options for regulated consumption, it also exposes the public to the dangers of unregulated marijuana products, especially laced weed.

Plenty of ingredients and potent additives are deliberately mixed in with marijuana for various purposes. However, laced weed poses an incredible threat to marijuana users, as it aggravates neurological damage and massively increases the risk of dependency and addiction.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this growing problem and how to protect yourself from its harmful effects.

What Exactly Is Laced Cannabis?

Regular weed or cannabis is used for its psychoactive and medicinal properties, which are mainly caused by its active ingredients tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, simply known as “THC” and “CBD” respectively.

These ingredients are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant and are both found in weed at varying levels depending on various factors.

However, sometimes cannabis is intentionally mixed or spiked with other substances for various purposes. This creates what is known as “laced weed”.

While many additives can be added to cannabis, the term “laced” is usually exclusively used to describe the addition of potent drugs that exhibit intoxicating effects when consumed.

How Common Is Laced Weed in New York?

While New York has legalized recreational marijuana use, its legal weed market is still developing. This means there’s still a black market for cannabis run by various non-state-approved and street sellers.

These sources are common problems for the authorities because they’re typically responsible for the prevalence of laced weed in the state. For instance, recent news reports show a growing concern about fentanyl-laced marijuana circulating in the black market.

It’s also worth noting that fentanyl-laced weed is a widespread problem and isn’t particularly exclusive to New York. In fact, many states across the nation where legal marijuana is sold also suffer from this deadly combination.

Why Is Cannabis Laced with Additional Substances?

While legal cannabis producers and sellers are heavily regulated, black market and street sellers may try to mix in additional substances to their marijuana for various purposes. Here are some of the reasons behind the prevalence of laced weed.

Enhanced Profit Margins

This is typically the most common cause for lacing marijuana. For some drug dealers, lacing marijuana is a way to stretch their product. In this case, the weed is laced with cheap inert fillers to increase the weight and volume of the weed they’re selling.

Generally, the filler most commonly used here is plants that look like cannabis. Street dealers and black market sellers typically use poor-quality weed with relatively low THC content, as they typically use the cheapest methods to produce it.

In this case, they may intentionally spike the weed with potent psychoactive substances to create a stronger high and make up for the reduced THC concentration.

Increasing Potency and Altered Effects

Some sellers try to attract buyers by advertising that they have the most powerful variants of weed. This is typically marketed under terms like “super weed”, which promises anywhere from a stronger high to unique psychoactive effects that other types of weed can achieve.

Unfortunately, in most cases, the product they’re selling is simply marijuana laced with other dangerous drugs with different properties that pure weed doesn’t possess, such as stimulant effects.

Poor Processing

While laced weed is typically used to describe intentional spiking with addictive drugs, it can also happen due to poor manufacturing and process.

Unregulated cannabis cultivation might expose plants to various contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals used to maximize yield and prevent plant diseases.

What Are Common Additives in Laced Marijuana?

There are plenty of added ingredients and contaminants that can find their way into marijuana either intentionally or unintentionally. Here’s a quick look at the most common ones.

Fentanyl and Other Opioids

Fentanyl is the most common additive used in laced weed. This is one of the most potent and addictive opioids out there, which is around 50 to 100 more potent than morphine. In fact, even traces of the substance can lead to fentanyl overdose when smoking weed.

In addition to fentanyl, synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids like heroin and ketamine are also added to cannabis to increase its potency.

Psychedelics

Psychedelics are also added to weed to create a new depth of euphoria and induce hallucinogenic effects while using cannabis, especially in the form of edibles.

These are almost always added intentionally to weed, as many of them are relatively more expensive. These include hallucinogenic drugs like:

• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide or LSD
• Phencyclidine or PCP
• Ecstasy, also known as “3,4-Methyl​ene-dioxy-​methamphetamine” or “MDMA”

Stimulants

Mixing weed with stimulants is typically used to enhance the addictive potential of weed. The most common stimulants used here are cocaine and methamphetamine.

This combination is extremely dangerous because it leads to various serious side effects and complications, such as:

• Extreme anxiety
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Deteriorated mental health (with continuous use)
• High risk of overdose and heart attacks

Non-Pharmaceutical Products

In addition to pharmaceutical products, some weed products, especially the cheapest options sold on the streets, can also include various non-pharmacological ingredients.

For example, improper processing methods can expose cannabis to heavy metals like lead or arsenic, which can have serious health consequences.

Additionally, some dealers even mix in embalming fluid, laundry detergents, and even crushed glass.

These dangerous additives are added for different purposes, from increasing the bulk of marijuana to increasing the drug’s effects.

For instance, embalming fluid ends up causing severe lung injuries and difficulty breathing, as it contains formaldehyde. This can also develop into life-threatening lung collapse with continued use.

Dangers and Risks of Laced Cannabis

Laced cannabis is a significant threat to unaware users because of its unpredictable nature and unknown contents.

The risks associated with these chemicals depend on their original effects. For instance, fentanyl overdose can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death.

Besides the risk of immediate overdose, mixing highly addictive drugs like cocaine and heroin with cannabis increases the risk of developing substance use disorder, which requires hospitalization and careful management of withdrawal symptoms while being treated.

In individuals predisposed to mental health disorders, exposure to the unpredictable effects of the added drugs can cause serious episodes of anxiety, which may lead to paranoia or psychosis.

How to Protect Yourself from Laced Weed

Here are some crucial steps and tips you can take to protect yourself from the dangers of laced weed:

Avoid Unregulated Sources

This is the single most important step, as the vast majority of lacing incidents are associated with cannabis purchased from street dealers.

Always acquire cannabis from state-licensed and regulated dispensaries, as they’re required by law to test their products for potency and contaminants to ensure they are free of harmful additives.

Use Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl test strips are fairly inexpensive and quite easy to use, allowing you to detect the dangerous drug in cannabis with relative ease.

They typically work by adding a sample of the cannabis to water and dipping the test strip into the solution. If fentanyl is present, a colored line will usually appear on the strip.

Important Note About the Risk of Marijuana Addiction

As you can see, laced weed poses a serious threat to health and should always be avoided by buying from certified sellers.

That being said, you should also remember that unadulterated marijuana also has a potential for dependence and addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana addiction, we’re help to help. Contact Long Island Treatment Center immediately to connect with experienced professionals who will help you create a personalized plan for recovery!

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Watching a loved one struggle with drug abuse can be incredibly painful. You find yourself desperately wanting to help and ready to do whatever it takes to ease their pain.

But have you ever wondered if your efforts might be unintentionally enabling their addiction or worsening the problem?

In fact, substance abuse can put a lot of strain on relationships, which causes mental health issues and patterns to arise. Two of the most common issues associated with these problems are codependency and enabling.

In today’s guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at these issues in the context of substance use disorder to help you recognize their signs, understand their impact, and break free from these destructive cycles.

A Comprehensive Overview of Codependency and How It Works

As previously established, substance abuse can wreak havoc on not just the user, but also those close to them.

In many cases, family members or partners end up developing unhealthy coping mechanisms in response to the addiction, and codependency is one of the most popular of them.

Simply put, codependency is a psychological pattern where your well-being, thoughts, and feelings become intertwined with someone else’s.

In that case, you end up prioritizing their desires, even when it means neglecting your own needs. This can manifest in destructive behaviors where you end up supporting their drug use, even if it goes against your better judgment.

While these actions often stem from love and a desire to see them happy, they can ultimately hinder their recovery and damage your and their health, whether psychologically or physiologically.

How Codependency Develops

In its simplest form, codependency is a form of coping mechanism, so it typically develops due to various factors, ranging from personal to environmental ones.

For instance, a person who grew up in an environment where addiction was a problem may learn to avoid conflict or gain approval by ignoring or even supporting drug use.

This can lead to difficulty establishing healthy boundaries in adulthood when they become caretakers.

Other people, especially spouses, and significant others, may suffer from insecurities about the possibility of losing their partners if they stand in the way of their drug abuse. Of course, other factors may also lead to these codependent relationships, such as:

• Low self-esteem and diminished sensation of self-worth
• Exposure to traumas and experiencing loss
• Ignoring self-care and self-love
• Engaging in a toxic or unhealthy relationship
• Poor supervision as a caregiver
• Lack of awareness of the dangers of substance abuse. This is common in alcohol addiction where people downplay the seriousness of the condition despite being as serious as other types of addiction.

What Are the Characteristics of Codependency?

A codependent person can manifest their behavior in a wide range of ways. Here’s a quick look at some of the most common codependent behaviors to look out for:

Difficulty Setting Boundaries

Codependency often involves impaired boundaries. In other words, it’s quite difficult for a codependent person to simply say “No”.

This stems from the core fear among codependent people of being alone or rejected, so they end up agreeing to conditions and situations that involve drug use, but more about that in the following sections.

Poor Emotional Regulation

People with codependency often have trouble expressing their true feelings or intentions, especially negative ones like anger, sadness, or frustration.

This can be due to a fear of upsetting others or a belief that their needs are not as important as others.

As a result, they end up bottling up their emotions which complicates the ability to communicate clearly.

Loss of Personal Identity

People in codependent relationships often prioritize their partner’s happiness and well-being above all else.

As a result, they end up neglecting their own interests, hobbies, and activities even if it used to bring them joy and fulfillment. They may even stop spending time with friends and family outside of the relationship or abandon interests they used to enjoy.

With the progression of time, their identity becomes intertwined with their partner’s, leaving them feeling incomplete or lost without their presence or approval.

Poor Accountability and Excessive Defensiveness

People with codependency might become overly defensive when their enabling behavior or the relationship is questioned. This defensiveness stems from their fear of abandonment and need to feel validated by those they’re attached to.

The Cycle of Codependency and Enabling

Enabling is simply the most common form of codependency, especially when your loved one is struggling with substance abuse

It refers to the behaviors that end up supporting someone else’s unhealthy or self-destructive habits.

The most important factor here is that enabling almost never results from bad intentions. If anything, people with enabling tendencies have a deep desire to help their loved ones, but they don’t use the right approach to manifest their desires.

Examples and Signs of Enabling Behavior

One of the most concerning aspects of codependency is the tendency to dismiss or ignore obvious signs of addiction in a loved one.

For instance, they might downplay their loved one’s addiction, especially in the case of alcohol use disorder. They would also use common excuses for their substance use.

Although it might be quite obvious to others, their good intentions can blur their assessment of the situation, thinking that they’re protecting them by denying their problems.

Here are some other key signs that indicate enabling behaviors:

• Letting them continue using drugs so they remain in a “good mood” or to avoid arguments
• Lying to employers or family members about your loved one’s withdrawal from social or professional commitments.
• Calling in sick for them or explaining away missed obligations due to substance abuse.
• Taking the blame for their actions to protect them from consequences.
• Taking over any of the responsibilities they drop due to substance abuse.
• Bailing them out financially whether by lending them money to buy drugs or supporting them financially when they quit their job.
• Avoiding directly confronting your loved ones for their substance abuse problems and their consequences.

How to Break Free from the Cycle of Codependency and Enabling

Codependency and enabling behaviors create a toxic cycle that will keep growing bigger as long as you don’t do anything about it.

However, there are some key steps a codependent person needs to do to break free from this cycle. Here’s a quick look at them:

1. Reflect on your behaviors and actions to understand the current situation.
2. Seek professional help from a qualified therapist to learn more about the ideal method to set healthy boundaries and where to draw the line in a relationship.
3. Learn to let go of the need to control the other person’s behavior while still wishing them well.
4. Acknowledge the current situation and consult a professional about starting addiction treatment for your loved one.
5. Attend family therapy sessions to learn to express your needs and concerns assertively without resorting to blame or defensiveness. This could be a part of the addiction treatment program for your loved one, which often includes family counseling and group therapy.
6. In some cases, you might have to be a little assertive and set up an intervention for your loved one

Final Thoughts

Codependency and enabling are extremely destructive behaviors that won’t yield any fruitful results, as they leave both parties unfulfilled and put the lives of your loved ones in danger.

If you suspect any of the signs above or your loved ones are struggling with drug addiction in New York, you’re not alone! Contact Long Island Treatment Center now to receive professional guidance from qualified experts in complete confidentiality.

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Sexually transmitted diseases can be caused by plenty of bodily fluids. They may be a result of coming into contact with urine, saliva, blood, mucus, or semen.

The problem is that STDs are contagious, and they don’t always show symptoms right away. So, testing them must be done cautiously and at the right time.

Some STDs can have a window period of as long as 150 days where they’re not detectable in the blood.

This brings us to the question: do normal blood tests show STDs? Not unless you ask for that.

Here’s everything you need to know about the matter:

Do Normal Blood Tests Show STDs?

No, normal blood tests don’t usually show STDs unless you request to be tested for them. However, that doesn’t mean that STDs aren’t detectable through blood tests. Some of these diseases, like hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV, can show on a blood test, but you’d have to request STD screening.

STDs are usually diagnosed through a series of tests, including blood, fluid, urine, and saliva-based swabs.

Unfortunately, the tests that detect antibodies produced because of an STD infection aren’t part of a normal CBC. Besides, there are plenty of STDs that can’t be detected through blood, so it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider about what test to take.

What STDs Show on a Blood Test?

Luckily, not all STDs need swab samples to get diagnosed. Some diseases can be ruled out based on a blood test. Here’s an overview of each one and how it’s tested:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV easily shows in blood tests because of the antigens found on the surface of the virus. The test detects both the antigens and the antibodies that the patient’s body produces to combat the disease. That’s why it’s rare to get a false result on these tests.

Other ways to detect HIV include taking a urine test or a saliva-based swab. However, saliva swabs are usually followed by a blood test because they’re not always accurate.

The thing with HIV is, patients usually need to wait for a while before getting tested because there’s a window period where the virus may not be detected even if it’s there.

Antibody tests usually have a window of 23–90 days, while the window for antigen tests is 18–45 days.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is commonly detected through a series of blood tests. The tests show two types of antibodies associated with the disease: hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis B core antibody.

Some tests also detect the antigens on the surface of the virus, commonly called HBsAg, but they’re used for different purposes.

Antigen tests are used to tell if the patient currently has the disease, while antibody tests are used to tell if the patient recovered from the infection or is immune to the disease.

Tests that detect hepatitis B core antibodies are often used to determine whether the infection is chronic or acute.

The problem with hepatitis B is that it has a window period of 60–150 days, and it can only be diagnosed through a blood test. Imaging studies are often used, but they may not be enough on their own.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

The herpes simplex virus is the primary cause of genital herpes, which affects around 12% of the population in the US. It can be detected through a blood test, but like HIV, patients need to wait for a window of 4–12 days after exposure to get accurate results.

Genital herpes can also be detected through a swab test, where the technician will take a sample from the fluid in the sores caused by the virus. In fact, this method is more common and more accurate than a blood test.

A blood test will only determine if you contacted the virus in the past because it looks for HSV antibodies. So, it may give a positive result when the infection has already cleared up.

Syphilis

Syphilis can be diagnosed using both a blood test and a swab test. However, patients need to wait for two to six weeks before getting a blood test because the antibodies will need some time to be detectable.

That’s why a swab is often the first choice when symptoms of the disease appear.

When it comes to blood tests, syphilis patients usually have to get tested twice. First, they go through treponemal tests that detect the antibodies in the body. If the results are positive, they go through another test that detects nontreponemal antibodies, confirming the disease and assessing the infection’s extent.

In the late stages of syphilis or patients who have a history of the disease, a spinal fluid test may be needed to confirm the infection.

What STDs Don’t Show on a Blood Test?

Unfortunately, some STDs don’t show on a blood test. In that case, they can only be diagnosed using swab tests, which involve taking a sample from sores or genital tissues.

Some of these STDs include gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and HPV, which is the most common STI in the US.

Some blood tests are available for HPV, but they only detect antibodies of particular virus types, so they’re not accurate and aren’t usually requested by the doctor.

To detect these conditions, the swabs taken are used to grow the bacteria in controlled labs to detect its presence. In other cases, the swab is tested genetically to detect if there’s an infection. Some swabs may be taken during a pap smear rather than on their own.

Final Thoughts

Typical blood tests don’t include STD screening, so if you want to get tested for one of these diseases, you’d have to ask specifically for it. It’s always better to consult your healthcare provider first because some STDs have long window periods, so they won’t get detected in a test even if you’re infected.

Besides, some STDs don’t show in bloodwork. In that case, you’d have to get a swab test to confirm the disease or infection.

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A substance abuse evaluation is the first step in recovery, and it may be key to finding the best treatment plan for you.

Here’s how it’s done: the addiction counselor asks you a bunch of questions to figure out the extent of your addiction, your family history, and any significant factors that may contribute to treatment.

Then, you can start discussing treatment options and different therapy types that may help you.

But where to get a substance abuse evaluation?

It’s usually offered at treatment centers for free. Here at Long Island Treatment Center, you can get your evaluation through a phone call. All you have to do is submit a form, and our team will contact you.

Here’s everything you need to know about substance abuse evaluations:

What Is a Substance Abuse Evaluation?

A substance abuse evaluation is a test used to assess the extent of someone’s addiction to alcohol or drugs. The evaluation is usually done by an addiction counselor, and it includes a bunch of questions meant to help the person suffering from addiction figure out the next step.

Any treatment center will typically offer an assessment before the treatment starts, so the treatment plan can be adjusted according to the patient’s needs.

What Is the Purpose of a Substance Abuse Evaluation?

A substance abuse evaluation is essential to determine how far the addiction is. It can be the cornerstone of the treatment plan because it helps the doctors figure out the best course of action.

Here’s how a substance abuse evaluation helps people suffering from addiction:

Assess the Severity of the Addiction

The end goal of each abuse evaluation may differ. Some people do it because it’s ordered by the court, and others do it because their families want assurance. However, the main purpose of the evaluation is the same across all cases: to assess the severity of the addiction.

Determining how severe your addiction is can be the key to creating your treatment plan. It helps your doctors figure out how dependent you are on the drug and how severe the withdrawal will be.

On top of that, learning how severe the addiction is helps the doctors decide whether you’ll need a residential treatment plan, or you’ll be okay getting treated at home.

Determine the Best Course of Action

Treatment plans of addiction patients are individually tailored according to many factors. Your family history, substance abuse history, and surrounding environment all contribute to how your treatment will go.

Besides, there are plenty of different therapies for drug addiction, including behavioral therapy, contingency management, rational emotive behavior therapy, etc. Each patient may need a different type of therapy depending on their case.

During the substance abuse evaluation, the addiction counselor will learn about your life, how your family is, whether you went through treatment before, etc. Gaining this knowledge will help determine the best course of action and the most appropriate therapy type.

Identify Mental Health Disorders

If the substance abuse is accompanied by a mental health disorder, it’ll need a specific treatment plan that acknowledges both conditions.

That’s why an evaluation is essential—because it gives the addiction counselors a comprehensive view of the patient’s condition, including any mental health disorder they’re suffering from.

The evaluation should also determine whether the abuse is limited to one substance or includes multiple substances. In either case, the treatment plan would have to accommodate that.

Is a Substance Abuse Evaluation Necessary?

A substance abuse evaluation is necessary to start your addiction recovery. Without it, the people responsible for your treatment won’t have enough knowledge about your case or the severity of your addiction.

Besides, a substance abuse evaluation is mandatory in some cases. For example, if a person suffering from addiction gets a DUI, commits any crime while intoxicated, or is involved in a custody dispute, they’ll likely get a court order to get a substance abuse evaluation.

On top of that, some employers may demand a substance abuse evaluation if they observe odd behavior from an employee. This behavior can range from showing erratic behavior to being intoxicated on the job.

In other cases, the evaluation isn’t mandatory, but it provides peace of mind to concerned family members and helps them understand the case.

If a parent suspects drug use in their child, an evaluation will give them all the knowledge they need to start treatment.

How Is a Substance Abuse Evaluation Done?

The substance abuse evaluation involves the addiction counselor asking you a series of questions. These questions will likely discuss your family background, medical history, mental health history, legal history, and patterns of substance use.

Based on the answers and your responses to the questions, the counselor will evaluate your data and prepare a report for your case. The report should include the available treatment options and an accurate diagnosis of the addiction’s severity.

You’ll then get a recommendation either not to seek further treatment, to stay under monitoring for further assessment, or to start immediate therapy. Some people will be directed to detoxification first, while some people will be enrolled in intensive outpatient programs—it differs from one case to the other.

You’ll find that each treatment facility has its own process for the evaluation, but the main concept stays the same across most centers.

Where to Get a Substance Abuse Evaluation?

You can get a substance abuse evaluation at the treatment center you’re choosing. In most cases, it’s free because it’s pre-treatment, and you can do it either online or through a phone call. Some centers will also offer a face-to-face evaluation.

Here at Long Island Treatment Center, you can submit a form on our contact page, and our team will contact you for the evaluation. They’ll gain a better understanding of your case and discuss your options.

Final Thoughts

A substance abuse evaluation is the first step in your road to recovery. It’s essential to determine how severe your addiction is and find the best course of treatment available.

A lot of treatment centers offer it for free, and it usually only includes a series of questions that you have to answer honestly.

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There are a number of ways to test an individual for drugs, but mouth swab testing may be one of the most popular methods due to its non-invasiveness. Unlike urine, blood or hair tests, mouth swab testing tends to be fast and convenient. Frequently used by police officers, healthcare workers and potential employers, mouth swab testing is often preferred by the people who are being tested.

Detection Windows for Drugs

It is important to realize that drugs will react with the body in different ways. When people reference a “detection window” for marijuana, for instance, they are referring to the amount of time marijuana — or its metabolites — can be found in saliva. In the case of marijuana, interestingly, the drug is only detectable in saliva for a few hours after consumption. Many are surprised to learn that methamphetamines, however, may be picked up by a mouth swab test three days after someone does meth.

Detection times – How far back will a mouth swab drug test go?

It’s important to note that these detection times can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the individual’s metabolism, the amount and frequency of use, the purity of the substance, and the sensitivity of the test used.

Substance	Detection Time in Saliva
Heroin	1-2 days
Cocaine	1-2 days
Cannabis	24 hours to 3 days
Alcohol	6-24 hours
Methadone	Up to 2 days
Morphine	Up to 3 days
Amphetamines	1-3 days
Opiates	1-3 days

Notes:

• Heroin and morphine fall under the opiates category. Heroin metabolizes into morphine, which can extend the detection window slightly.
• Cannabis detection times can vary the most among these substances. Regular users may have detectable amounts in their saliva for longer periods than occasional users.
• Alcohol has the shortest detection window, and the exact time can vary depending on the amount consumed and individual metabolism rates.
• Amphetamines include substances like methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy), which can be detectable within similar time frames.
• Cocaine detection times can be influenced by the method of use and the dose.
• Methadone, used in the treatment of opioid addiction, has a relatively long half-life, which contributes to its detection window.

These timelines are approximate and should be used as a general guide. The actual detection window can vary significantly from person to person.

An Overview of Mouth Swab Testing

In this article, we aim to explore what a mouth swab test actually is — and which drugs can be detected when your saliva is tested. With an eye on detection windows, we will investigate how mouth swabs — also called oral fluid drug testing — work on various substances. We will also look at some of the factors that may influence the length of time a drug may be identified in someone’s body.

How Does a Mouth Swab Drug Test Even Work?

Usually, when a healthcare professional administers a mouth swab, they will either place it under the tongue or put it between the gums and cheek. These are both good spots from which a good sample of saliva can be collected. If the sample is able to be analyzed on-site, then that analysis will usually be performed quickly. If, however, the lab is off-site, then the sample will be sent for analysis there. Lab workers will use either chromatography-mass spectrometry or enzyme immunoassay to determine the results. Mouth swabs can detect: heroin, cocaine, cannabis, alcohol, methadone, morphine, amphetamines, and opiates. Many in law enforcement do like the convenience of using a mouth swab. For example, a police officer can administer a mouth swab to someone they suspect of driving under the influence. Because a breathalyzer test can only pick up on alcohol, a mouth swab provides a much more thorough method of determining whether someone is intoxicated. It’s much easier than a blood draw and — unlike hair samples — is specifically targeted to determining whether or not someone has very recently used drugs.

The Science of Having Your Saliva Tested

When you take drugs, they will be present in your blood vessels, including even your smaller blood vessels; these are called capillaries. From the capillaries, the drugs — or their metabolites — will travel to the salivary glands, upon which point they make their way into your saliva. It’s important to note that pH levels can play a surprisingly big role in the way the drugs are processed. This depends upon whether your saliva pH is more acidic or alkaline. Saliva pH can be influenced by factors such as your diet and even how much water you’ve imbibed on a particular day. The blood-saliva barrier is another big factor. Between those aforementioned capillaries and saliva glands, seemingly tiny concerns such as molecular size can make a large impact. Even your personal blood flow to the saliva glands can influence the results of a mouth swab.

The Effectiveness of Hair, Blood, Urine and Mouth Swab Drug Tests

When one is investigating recent drug use, mouth swabs can be highly effective. Hair tests, however, often cannot determine more recent usage. Many times, they only detect drugs after someone used over a week prior. The advantage of hair tests, though, is that they may be able to detect substances years after drug use. If a company is trying to find out whether a job applicant has used any illicit drugs in their past, a hair test is highly effective. Urine testing is often used, meanwhile, to see if a person has used drugs within the past week or so. Blood testing is also useful for this purpose, but it is invasive.

Comparing How Substances Perform on Mouth Swabs

Alcohol: Alcohol can be detected within minutes of use and can sometimes even show up on a mouth swab a day later. Within the range of 12 to 24 hours, if you have consumed a fair amount of alcohol, you can expect for it to show up on a mouth swab.

Cannabis: Cannabis can also be detected within a few minutes of use. However, with cannabis, results are more likely to reflect use within the past day or two. Anything up to 48 hours is likely to be picked up by the test. For those who are frequent marijuana users, the test may pick up use from prior to 48 hours due to the omnipresent THC.

Cocaine: The sweet spot for finding cocaine on a mouth swab is also around 24 to 48 hours after usage, although it can also be detected within an hour of use.

Opiates: Perhaps it won’t come as a surprise that cocaine’s cousins — morphine and heroin — can also be easily detected around the mark of one day to two days.

Methamphetamines: Meth can also be easily detected within 24 to 48 hours, and some tests will pick up on the substance within minutes after usage.

Factors Influencing Detection Windows

There are a number of factors that can influence detection of drugs through mouth swabs. Even a person’s genetics can have an impact, so results may vary. As with any other medical test, it’s imperative to realize that there is always a possibility of a false positive.

Are You Worried About Mouth Swab Test Results?

Of course, the only way to ensure that you won’t keep having positive tests is to stop using drugs. This is so much easier often said than done. However, there is a peace of mind that comes with not having to stress about a drug test turning up positive. The team at Long Island Treatment Center works with those who are looking to turn their lives around. When negative drug tests are a necessity, this group truly excels at getting to the heart of whatever it is that is fueling your addiction — and works to help you correct it without shame or judgment.

FAQ

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1579288/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5005587/
https://academic.oup.com/jat/article/43/6/415/5524345
https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/203569.pdf

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Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms and psilocybin mushrooms, are used for various reasons, including their euphoric, creative and hallucinogenic effects. In addition, many have reported that they experienced improvements to their depression or anxiety after consuming shrooms.

But how much do psychedelic mushrooms cost? Of course, this is an important consideration for most. Unsurprisingly, a number of factors affect that, including the legal status where these psychedelic drugs are being purchased.

You should also consider any legal risks that you may be undertaking by purchasing and possessing shrooms and ensure that you understand the importance of how large or small your dose is, the state of mind that you should be in prior to taking them and the experience that you should expect to have.

Understanding Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin and psilocin are significant psychedelic compounds that are found in magic mushrooms. As a result of it, those consuming them often experience an altered perception and a newly introspective look at things as well as hallucinations.

The main reason for these types of experiences is due to parts of the brain communicating with each other much more so during this time than they normally do combined with other parts that then stop communicating as much as they usually do. As a result, mental boundaries that existed previously are often broken down, causing the user to experience new ways of looking at things.

In some cases, those who were suffering from depression or anxiety experience benefits that last for months or years.

However, there are also side effects to consider. Of course, experiencing a bad trip is perhaps the most known one and can occur when someone goes into the experience in a poor state of mind, which is then amplified as the shroom’s effects take hold. Also note that those with mental health issues, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, should not consume them.

An especially significant indirect danger exists for those who want to pay essentially nothing for shrooms and go foraging in the wild for some. Sometimes, they make a mistake in identifying what they took home and get poisoned. This can result in death. So, if you forage, have an expert analyze what you found.

Magic Mushroom Doses

If you are going to take magic mushrooms, be careful with how much you consume and keep in mind both the benefits and the not-so-pleasant experiences that can accompany different doses.

A microdose is generally defined as half a gram of magic mushrooms or less. This is intended for those who are looking to experience some mood and cognitive benefits with minimal psychedelic elements.

If you consume a high dose; still less than a gram though, you will most likely start to experience some sense of altered perception and a state of mild euphoria.

A light dose usually contains more than a gram but less than two. With this, you will begin to go through more pronounced psychedelic experiences to your thought patterns.

The standard dose is normally defined as being between 2 and 3.5 grams. This is when you would usually get the full psychedelic effects as well as the type of psychosis that you would with smaller doses.

Anything above 3.5 grams would often result in an especially transformative experience, particularly if it is more than 5 grams (also known as a heroic dose). However, this is not necessarily a positive.

Keep in mind that consuming shrooms is not any sort of competition and that, if you decide to do so, you may experience more healing and have a better trip with a smaller dose.

Also of note is that the specific effects are dependent on numerous factors, including the mushroom species (i.e. Penis Envy, Golden Teachers, Blue Meanies…etc.) the person’s biological makeup and the physical and emotional environment in which it is consumed. In addition, even two shrooms within the same species can result in different experiences for the same user.

Price of Magic Mushrooms

Shrooms are generally sold in one of five measurements.

An eighth, meaning an eighth of an ounce or 3.5 grams, should set you back around $30. If you are charged more than $40, you are likely either being overcharged, there is significant demand with low supply or the supplier is taking on tremendous risk in selling it to you.

A quarter (7 grams) would normally be around twice the price of an eighth, about $60.

If you get a half (14 grams), the per-gram cost should decrease some, from around $9 in the above examples to about $7 here. As a result, an average cost for a half is $100.

A full ounce of shrooms (28 grams) will, in most cases, cost roughly $200.

If you were to get a pound (454 grams), you should expect an even greater price break per gram, dropping it to around $5. A general estimate of this total cost would be $2,400. However, being able to purchase that much at once is not common.

Measurement	Weight (grams)	Cost Estimate	Cost per gram	Notes
An eighth	3.5	$30	$8.57	Over $40 might indicate high demand, low supply, or high risk.
A quarter	7	$60	$8.57	Twice the price of an eighth.
A half	14	$100	$7.14	Per-gram cost decreases compared to smaller amounts.
An ounce	28	$200	$7.14	Standard pricing for larger quantity.
A pound	454	$2,400	$5.29	Significant price break, uncommon to purchase in such bulk.

What does a Gram of Dried Mushrooms look like?

A gram of dried mushrooms, particularly psychedelic mushrooms, is a small amount that typically includes one or two medium-sized caps with their stems or a few smaller fragments. Because dried mushrooms lose most of their water content, they shrink significantly, making them appear more compact than fresh mushrooms.

Visually, a gram of dried mushrooms could fit easily into the palm of your hand. The pieces would be light and somewhat brittle, with the color ranging from light brown to a darker, more muted brown, depending on the type of mushroom. The texture would be dry and slightly leathery or crumbly.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Shrooms

Numerous factors can influence the cost of shrooms and take it higher or lower than the above estimates.

Legal Status

According to your local laws, is buying shrooms legal or at least decriminalized? If no, the price will likely be higher since the one selling them to you is taking on much greater risk.

Seller’s Reputation

Sellers with more revered reputations can generally charge more since those buying from them place value on trusting that the quality of the product will be high and are willing to pay extra for that.

Alternate Varieties

If you do not want to solely consume psilocybin mushrooms or are a first-time user and would prefer to be tasting something else while doing so, you can take advantage of alternate varieties. For example, shrooms can come in chocolate, gummy and tea form. If you do get one of those, expect to pay more due to the increased production costs.

Supply and Demand

Of course, the economic principle of supply and demand also impacts the price of shrooms as lower supply generally causes higher demand and increased prices and vice versa. For example, if there is a festival or similar gathering taking place this weekend, low supply and high demand and prices could result.

Growing Difficulty

If a specific species is difficult to grow, that can increase the price that you would pay as a result of the greater time and effort that was devoted to get it to you. Also, cultivation and grower methods can be relatively simple or very sophisticated. The latter, particularly if specialized equipment is being used, will generally result in a higher cost for you as well.

In some cases, location also plays a role. For example, psilocybe azurescens is not only difficult to grow, but it is generally found in the coastal areas of the Northwest. If you are not there, both of those factors combined with its higher potency generally cause higher prices for it compared to other species.

Keep in mind that there are some places where no type of fungi can be easily grown due to the climate and other reasons, which will usually increase prices, partially to account for transportation costs. Conversely, if you are somewhere the opposite is true, the price that you are charged should be lower.

Legal Status

Within the United States, the legal status of magic mushrooms varies significantly.

Wherever you are, it is important to note that federal law classifies them as Schedule I controlled substances. That means that they are viewed as drugs with no accepted medical use and a significant potential for substance abuse. Now, that does not necessarily mean that this statement is true, but that is how the U.S. government defines shrooms. Keep the related legal ramifications in mind.

On the other hand, Colorado state law, as of July 1, 2023, states that shrooms are legal to grow and consume as well as, in many cases, give to others – i.e. not sell them.

Also, several communities have decriminalized the possession of shrooms. Some of the more notable places on this list include the state of Oregon, the county of Washtenaw, Mich., which includes Ann Arbor, and the cities of Arcata, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco and Santa Cruz, Calif.; Cambridge, Mass.; Detroit; Minneapolis; Portland, Maine; Seattle and Washington.

Laws in other countries vary.

Note that shrooms are actually not legal in the Netherlands despite many believing that they are. That change occurred in 2008. However, magic truffles, which are quite similar and also contain psilocybin, remain legal there.

Conclusion

If you are looking to purchase magic mushrooms, keep a price point of around $7-$9 a gram in mind while also taking into account factors that can influence that. And consider what the experience of consuming them will be like for you. Ensure that you are a well-researched purchaser and user, and be careful.

To learn more about shrooms as well as the services that we offer at Long Island Treatment Center, reach out to us.

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Sober and clean are two of the most commonly used words by those battling an alcohol or drug addiction, by their loved ones and by people employed in this field to help them recover. What differentiates these words? As is sometimes the case when comparing a couple of words, the answer is not clear-cut, but we will discuss the main differentiations between them as well as in what ways these words are similar to each other.

A Commonly Used Distinction

One of the most common distinctions between someone saying that they are sober versus saying that they are clean is that sober is a word often used in relation to alcohol use or lack thereof while clean is often spoken or written by those not using a different type of drug.

That said, some do also use the word sober when speaking about drug use, such as someone saying that they are not under the influence of any substances whatsoever, not only alcohol. However, it is relatively rare for an individual to say that they are clean when they are referring to alcohol. Usually, in that latter example, they would instead say that they are sober.

Of course, simply looking up the dictionary definitions of these two words will further help differentiate and clarify what they mean in peoples’ minds.

According to Merriam-Webster, the word sober describes someone who is “not intoxicated” as well as an individual who is “abstaining from drinking alcohol or taking intoxicating drugs” and is “refraining from the use of addictive substances.”

So, it is true that this word can apply to all types of intoxicating drugs, not just alcohol. However, it is not as commonly used in that way. It should also be noted that the Oxford English Dictionary defines someone who is sober as being “free from the influence of intoxicating liquor.”

Meanwhile, Merriam-Webster states that one of the definitions of clean is to be “free from drug addiction,” indicating that this word is used much more often to refer to recovery from non-alcohol drug-related addictions.

Clean Does Not Necessarily Mean Clear-Headed

Another distinction that many make is that being sober is more so having a clear state of mind as opposed to being clean.

For example, someone who has been addicted to alcohol may have stopped consuming that substance, meaning that they are clean of it, but that does not necessarily mean that they are mentally recovered or acting in an even state of mind.

That could be for a few reasons. One is that they are still going through the detox process, which can be extensive and often results in the individual really struggling mentally. Also, those undergoing detox or in the time that follows often need to then get a handle on the roots of their alcoholism in order to push themselves through this part of the path towards creating a long-term solution.

In this sense, to be sober means that you are more so comfortable with your state of mind than not. Consider that one of the common non-addiction definitions of sober is to be in a serious, calm state of mind. This can also be applied to someone overcoming an addiction as those who are sober in the recovery-from-addiction sense tend to more so experience emotions such as seriousness and calmness.

More to the point, some view being sober as having, for the most part, recovered from an addiction, not still being immersed in the recovery process.

Being Clean as It Relates to Recovery

For the most part, someone who is defined as being clean is not currently consuming any drugs, no longer has that substance in their body and has completed any necessary detox process but has not necessarily done anything else to combat that addiction and help create long-term success.

In other words, they are not utilizing a treatment center, taking advantage of a support group, learning more about what caused their addiction to take hold and how they can get past it, engaging in meditation in relation to it or otherwise being proactive in their recovery process.

The main concern over simply ceasing use without getting to the roots of the problem is that the risk of a relapse goes up significantly. This is especially true in the early going but generally remains so for some time afterwards. That latter point is also why many recommend that those who are sober, even for years, continue to participate in these types of activities to help that remain the case.

Being Sober as It Relates to Recovery

Conversely, being sober as it relates to recovery is defined by many as more so having a sober mindset in addition to no longer having the substance in your body.

Another way to look at this is to consider a saying that Alcoholics Anonymous has long used: “Alcohol is but a symptom.” That means that for someone who is addicted to alcohol or, for that matter, to any substance, much more needs to be done than to simply attack the drug use itself. In other words, there is much more depth to the issue than ceasing use.

Also keep in mind that there are three primary branches of sobriety, and all should be addressed in order to progress towards overall sobriety.

Physical sobriety is, in essence, the same as being clean as far as these types of definitions for those words are concerned. That means that the substance is no longer in your body, generally allowing your thought process to be clearer and more focused than it was before.

Emotional sobriety is related to the mental element of the recovery process. For example, what is being done to rectify mistakes that were made while addicted as best as possible? Also, is work being done to regain lost connections, if desired and possible, as well as create positive new ones?

Social sobriety is similar in some ways to emotional sobriety, but it more so relates to re-entering society as a whole in a healthy way as opposed to improving specific, individual relationships with others. Part of this process can include, in a sense, making amends with society.

Challenges in Defining Recovery

Relating to the challenges of defining exactly what being clean and what being sober mean is another common struggle: defining recovery as that word relates to an addiction to alcohol or other type of drugs.

That is partially because recovery is a very individual journey, most notably because we all are different, meaning that our body reacts to and interacts with drugs and alcohol differently and also recovers from an addiction to one of those substances in its own unique way.

In addition, recovery, like all aspects of life, is more grey in nature as opposed to a simple case of being black or white – i.e. recovered or not. For instance, someone who has just started on their journey towards being clean and sober has taken important progress towards that while, in some ways, someone who most would define as being clean and sober for years may still experience urges from time to time and not feel that that they are 100% there and perhaps never will.

Also of note is that the recovery process is not a linear one. Setbacks will tend to happen from time to time although the intent is for those instances to decrease in number as recovery progresses.

Importance of Understanding Terminology

It is important to understand recovery-based terminology as best as you can as it relates to your situation as well as, if you are in a recovery facility, others undergoing their own recovery journeys. Clean and sober are just two of those words.

For instance, someone engaging in inpatient treatment essentially lives in a recovery facility for a period of time while those instead taking advantage of outpatient treatment still go about their day-to-day lives while being treated, such as sleeping at home and regularly going to work.

If there are any words that you are hearing in a recovery setting that you do not understand, make sure to ask someone what they mean or do your own research. The reasons for this suggestion are two-fold. You want to understand what people are saying to you and to others, and you need to ensure that you are being understood as accurately as possible when you are communicating.

Conclusion

If you are looking to get clean and sober or perhaps have achieved one but not the other, consider reaching out to Long Island Treatment Center for assistance in helping you experience significant progress on your recovery journey. We understand how difficult this time in your life has been and how challenging recovery can be, and we are here to help you recover in the way that is best for you.

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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) began in the state of Ohio before reaching all corners of the globe. Today, AA operates in over 180 countries worldwide as a special social group with distinctive socialization practices.

As with many peer-led social groups, AA utilizes a unique set of coded language and lingo. This language helps destigmatize addiction and provides those seeking recovery from their addiction with a sense of support, unity, and belonging.

Interested in learning more about this secret language? Scroll down for more.

The Origins of “Friend of Bill W”

AA was established in 1935 by Bill Wilson, aka Bill W, a NY stockbroker, and Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon in Akron, Ohio.

Before founding AA, Bill and Bob had been alcoholics who had tried to get sober but with little luck. Then, with help from his physician, Dr. William D. Silkworth, Bill learned that alcoholism was a curable disease.

Bill combined his experience as an alcoholic with Dr. Silkworth’s medical prowess. Together, they came up with a formula that helped Bill work his way to full recovery.

Shortly after, the recovering alcoholic was introduced to Dr. Bob and immediately recognized the doctor’s suffering at the hands of this disorder. They banded together and launched what would later become Alcoholics Anonymous.

In 1939, they published the program’s first textbook, Alcoholics Anonymous, highlighting the importance of the 12 Steps of Recovery. After that, word quickly spread about this new program that could help alcoholics beat the disorder and regain full sobriety.

Since then, AA has become a global mission to give people the best chance at recovery. Its mission has transcended language, race, and religious beliefs, uniting billions of people in a shared mission.

Decoding Common AA Phrases

In any community, shared terminology recognizes that a certain group is unique. At the same time, it values these differences because they make us who we are and highlight the things we respect, value, and hold to be truths.

Having a common language also protects the identities of all the members participating in the program, which is the chief principle of the AA program and its 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. It also ensures that anything anyone says in an AA meeting is kept in the strictest of confidence among those attending.

Furthermore, sharing catchphrases and lingo enhances collaboration and fosters empathy. It creates a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and cohesion among group members.

So, if someone asks, “Are you a friend of Bill’s?” what they mean is, ‘ Are you looking to attend an AA meeting?’

But it’s phrased in a way that protects your identity and makes you feel safe, knowing that you won’t be judged or second-guessed.

Below are some of the most common terminology used among AA members.

90 Meetings in 90 Days

Referred to as ‘90 in 90,’ this catchphrase is the practice of attending an AA meeting each day for 90 days in a row. It’s a common recommendation for newcomers to get used to being part of the AA community.

Making AA meetings a daily habit during the first three months of sobriety is critical for newcomers. It provides them with the support, encouragement, and resilience they need to continue with their recovery.

Taking it One Day at a Time

This mantra is often used in the world of recovery, especially with members currently following the 12-Step principles of AA.

It encourages people to focus on the present rather than be overwhelmed by the idea of maintaining lifelong sobriety. It’s also a reminder they need to put more energy into things they can control like how they respond to certain triggers.

Higher Power

‘Higher power’ is a subjective term used to describe a supreme deity or greater power than oneself, but needn’t be connected to a certain religion or spiritual belief.

For some, ‘higher power’ may mean God. For others, it can represent higher forces in nature that don’t necessarily have religious connotations.

Working the Steps

‘Working the steps’ refers to how all AA members need to engage in the 12 Steps, or phrases, for an effective recovery process. Each phase is essential for the success of AA’s long-term recovery program, bringing members closer to their end goal. For recovering alcoholics, this goal is a long-term spiritual journey rather than an actual destination.

Sponsor

Sponsors are experienced AA members still following the 12-Step program and offer to volunteer their time and guidance to newer members. They help provide them with the support and encouragement they need to promote long-term recovery.

Sharing

As you can probably tell, ‘sharing’ refers to the practice of sharing one’s painful story or negative emotions in an AA meeting. These feelings are usually brought on or worsened by behavior that goes against one’s set of personal values and beliefs.

Yet, by sharing them, members can let go of the negative effect these feelings have on them. It also helps them build a network of supportive and encouraging community members ready to offer a sense of camaraderie and validation.

Dry Drunk

‘Dry drunk’ refers to someone who abstains from drinking alcohol, but still manifests the known behaviors and attitudes that characterize those struggling with alcohol use disorder.

It can also refer to someone who shows regress in their personal growth individually or as part of the recovery program.

In both cases, a ‘dry drunk’ refuses to address the underlying emotional and psychological issues that had caused their disorder or helped exacerbate it.

The Global Reach of AA and Variations in Lingo

Today, it’s estimated that there are over two million AA members in 180 countries around the world. Alcoholics Anonymous pamphlets and other AA-related literature have been translated into over 100 languages.

Despite operating across different cultures and languages, the goal and mission of AA remains the same: to achieve sobriety and continue with long-term recovery. This means that members need to stick to the 12 Steps no matter where they are.

To handle this diversity and always stay current, continuous updates and revisions are frequently applied to all AA-related literature to ensure the program remains inclusive and contemporary.

Conclusion

Understanding AA lingo gives us some insight into the enduring relevance and power of the program’s unique language. When AA members are provided the support, encouragement, and compassion, they can continue safely on their path to recovery.

References:

• https://findtreatment.gov/
• https://www.aa.org/the-start-and-growth-of-aa
• https://fherehab.com/learning/history-of-aa
• https://www.recoveryanswers.org/addiction-ary/
• https://aa.org.au/new-to-aa/frequently-asked-questions/glossary-of-terms/
• https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt39441/NSDUHDetailedTabs2021/NSDUHDetailedTabs2021/NSDUHDetTabsSect5pe2021.htm
• https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/?_gl=1*q0tx1b*_ga*MTQ4NzI0MTAzMS4xNjk3NTU4Njcw*_ga_E2D8B2PVE9*MTY5Nzk5NjE4Ny4xLjEuMTY5Nzk5NjI1MC42MC4wLjA.
• https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000764.htm
• https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
• http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740547209000105
• http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/165/3/269

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Did you know that up to 30% of adults worldwide suffer from acute or chronic insomnia? Many people are constantly searching for solutions to their sleep struggles. These solutions include sleep aid drugs such as Trazodone and Ambien.

Trazodone is a generic FDA-approved anti-depressant that’s commonly used as a sleep aid. On the other hand, Ambien is a brand name for the sedative-hypnotic drug, zolpidem. Both options are controlled substances that should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.

Read on to learn more about the way each of these drugs works. You’ll also find a detailed account of both drugs’ side effects and potential for addiction.

What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is an FDA-approved medication designed to treat depression. It helps improve patients’ appetite, temperament, and energy levels.

This drug is also commonly used as a sleep aid. It’s known to treat insomnia and anxiety caused by depression.

The term Trazodone refers to the generic drug itself. It’s available under different brand names, such as Oleptro.

How Does Trazodone Work?

Trazodone has its effect as a result of its action of restoring the balance of serotonin in a person’s brain.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that acts as a messenger between your brain cells. It has a wide range of effects on your physical and mental well-being. Your appetite, mood, thought patterns, and ability to sleep all depend on your serotonin levels.

When taken in lower doses, Trazodone makes patients feel drowsy and relaxed. It inhibits the potency of the chemicals in your brain that can dampen the effect of serotonin. It also helps regulate other neurotransmitters, such as H1 histamine receptors.

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is a brand that produces zolpidem, a sleep aid used by millions of people. This drug is usually considered a temporary solution for those with severe insomnia.

Prolonged use of this sedative-hypnotic substance can lead to physical dependence and addiction, which we will discuss in depth later in this guide.

When used correctly, Ambien can lead patients to fall asleep easier and improve their overall sleep quality.

How Does Ambien Work?

Ambien produces a calming effect by working on your brain.

It does so by increasing the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This chemical is a neurotransmitter that operates in the brain and the spinal cord. In turn, it reduces the activity of the central nervous system and makes it easier for you to sleep.

Additionally, Ambien is a fast-release drug. This means it doesn’t take much time for it to get into your bloodstream and start having the desired effect. The advantage behind this is that the dosage required for Ambien to sedate a person is low.

You should also note that there are versions of Ambien designed to operate slower, and in turn, stay in your body longer. Doctors will prescribe this version to those who have no issues falling asleep but tend to wake up mid-sleep and have trouble going to sleep again.

Risks and Side Effects

If you’re going to use Trazodone or Ambien, it’s essential to be fully aware of the risks and side effects involved.

These are drugs after all, and using them incorrectly can have disastrous detrimental effects on your well-being.

Here’s a list of the side effects of Trazodone and Ambien, respectively:

Trazodone

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Feeling weak and tired
• Muscle pain
• Rash
• Stuffy nose
• Redness and irritation of the eyes
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Dry mouth
• Lower libido and dysfunction of sexual organs
• Nightmares

Trazodone can also have severe side effects that require immediate emergency medical treatment. They include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Nosebleeds
• Severe headaches
• Prolonged erection (more than 6 hours)
• Red or purple skin discolorations
• Loss of coordination
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising

That being said, don’t under any circumstances use Trazodone without first consulting your doctor. Make sure to disclose all other medications you’re currently taking to ensure that it’s safe to take Trazodone with them.

Ambien

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Lack of balance
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Reduced appetite
• Stomach pain
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Numbness or tingling of extremities
• Dry mouth or throat
• Redness and irritation of the eyes
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Ringing or irritation of the ears
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding

As with Trazodone, Ambien can have serious side effects that need to be addressed promptly, such as:

• Swelling of eyes, lips, face, or tongue
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing
• Yellowness of the eyes or skin
• Severe nausea
• Abnormally pale stools
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Pounding heartbeat
• Severe itchiness and rash

There’s a good reason why Ambien is a controlled substance. So, you should only use this sedative-hypnotic under the close supervision of a licensed physician.

Additionally, you should never take Ambien with substances such as opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines.

Are Trazodone and Ambien Addictive?

As with any drug, the extent to which you’ll become physically dependent on it is a key factor to consider when deciding whether to take it.

This is why we cannot stress enough how important it is to consult your doctor before consuming Trazodone or Ambien. These drugs should be used in the exact doses recommended by your physician.

Trazodone

While there’s no concrete evidence that Trazodone is addictive, those who consume it develop a physical dependence on it. This is evidenced by the withdrawal symptoms people experience when they abruptly abstain from taking Trazodone.

These side effects can include but are not limited to: trouble falling and staying asleep, being irritable and short-tempered, and sweating profusely.

However, these unpleasant symptoms can be easily avoided by ceasing to use Trazodone gradually. Discuss this with your doctor, and they’ll devise a plan for you to get off Trazodone in a symptom-free way.

Ambien

Unlike Trazodone, Ambien is highly addictive.

Even though this drug has helped many people live with insomnia, the proportion of users that become physically dependent on it is not insignificant.

This is especially true for Ambien users who are already predisposed to substance abuse and have suffered from it in the past.

Additionally, those who use Ambien for an extended period are likely to build up a tolerance for it. In turn, they need to take higher doses to achieve the desired effect. Needless to say, this is a very slippery slope.

That being said, you must consume this medication in the exact dosage specified by your doctor.

In a similar fashion to Trazodone, those who suddenly stop using Ambien will almost surely experience withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms of Ambien are more severe than those of Trazodone. They include stomach cramps, vomiting, and nausea.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Trazodone

Here are the positives and downsides of using Trazodone as a sleep aid:

Advantages

The first pro of using Trazodone as a sleep aid is that this drug has been around for a long time. There’s plenty of research regarding its use both in this capacity and as an antidepressant. In turn, there’s a great deal of available data surrounding the drug’s safety and how it works.

Additionally, Trazodone is a safer option for battling insomnia than other medications such as benzodiazepines. This is especially true for people over the age of 65.

Another advantage of Trazodone is that it’s designed to be absorbed by your system quickly. This means that it starts having an effect rapidly and can have you sound asleep half an hour after you take it.

Studies have also shown that Trazodone helps with sleep apnea symptoms by stabilizing breathing.

Furthermore, Trazodone is available as a generic medication. In turn, it’s covered by most insurance plans and is less costly than other sleep medications, including Ambien.

Disadvantages

The issue with Trazodone is that it’s a drug that was originally designed as an antidepressant. So, it poses the risks that are associated with this class of medications.

These risks include a higher susceptibility to suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially among those under the age of 24.

Of course, this is not to mention the side effects of Trazodone mentioned above.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ambien

Using Ambien as a sleep aid has several positives. However, it also poses some health risks. Let’s explore this in more detail:

Advantages

The main positive aspect of Ambien as a sleep aid is that this drug is highly effective in inducing deeper sleep. Additionally, it makes it easier for you to actually fall asleep.

Further, there are several versions of Ambien, each tailored to different needs. The fast-release version of the drug is more suited to those who have difficulty initiating sleep.

For those who find it easy to fall asleep but tend to frequently wake up in the middle of the night, the better choice is the extended-release version. This version stays in your system longer and induces more consistent, uninterrupted sleep.

Disadvantages

We’ve already explored the side effects of Ambien in depth. However, these symptoms aren’t the only issues with using Ambien to battle your insomnia.

The primary issue with Ambien is the aforementioned fact that it can be highly addictive. So, this drug is only a viable option if it’s going to be used as a short-term treatment. Otherwise, Ambien users build up a tolerance and need to up the dosage for it to be effective.

Additionally, many Ambien users have reported repeated incidences of unconscious behavior, such as sleepwalking, sleep-eating, and sleep driving. Such behavior can put you at risk of serious injury.

Another downside of Ambien is that it may not be safe for people with pre-existing conditions. Those with kidney, lung, and liver conditions shouldn’t use Ambien. The same is true for people with a history of depression.

Finally, Ambien is a branded drug. In turn, it’s more expensive than other sleep medications. In addition to this, it’s less likely to be covered by your insurance provider.

Trazodone vs. Ambien

Now that all the facts about the two drugs are laid out, all that remains is the question of which is the better option.

Here’s the verdict:

Which Is a More Effective Sleep Aid?

Studies show that Ambien is the more potent option out of the two drugs in countering insomnia. This is to be expected since Trazodone is actually an anti-depressant, not a sleep medication.

During clinical trials, both drugs were equally effective in inducing sleep during the first week of testing. The higher efficacy of Ambien became apparent in the second week. This shows that Ambien is more potent as a sleep aid than Trazodone.

Which Is Safer?

Both Trazodone and Ambien can have severe negative effects on your well-being when used incorrectly. Both of these drugs are controlled substances that should only be used under the strict supervision of a physician.

However, when both drugs are used the right way, Trazodone is the safer option. This is because it has milder side effects than Ambien.

Also, Ambien poses a greater risk of physical dependence and addiction. This is evidenced by the severe withdrawal symptoms that people experience when they’re trying to get off the drug.

Conclusion

Insomnia is an ailment that affects millions of people around the world. As a result of this, many individuals are in search of ways to alleviate its symptoms. Trazodone and Ambien are among the most commonly used drugs in this regard.

Both drugs are highly effective in inducing sleep and allowing users to consistently get a good night’s rest. However, they also have numerous side effects and pose the risk of physical dependence.

If you’re thinking of using either Trazodone or Ambien, make sure to consult a licensed physician first to ensure that you’re fully aware of the implications. Additionally, you should use these drugs in the exact doses prescribed by your physician.

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Between 2015 and 2018, 13.2% of adults in the United States used an antidepressant within the past month. This percentage includes more women than men. As a matter of fact, 17.7% of this population is female, and men only comprise 8.4% of the population. To top it all off, 7.2% of adults stated in 2018 that they had experienced a major depressive episode in the past year.

Does Your Brain Go Back to Normal after Antidepressants?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs have shown that they work very well to reduce the symptoms of depression. Examples are Prozac, Lexapro and Celexa. When you take these medications, they help your brain increase its production of serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates your mood. It also regulates your sleep cycles and several other bodily functions. When you took one of the SSRIs listed above, you may have noticed that your depressive symptoms began to disappear. The symptoms that these drugs improve include the following:

• Weight loss or weight gain that you were not striving to achieve
• Low levels of energy
• Extreme sadness
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Changes in your appetite
• Lack of pleasure or anhedonia
• Irritability

What Happens to the Brain after You Stop Taking Antidepressants?

If you are taking SSRIs, the medication has been affecting your brain’s serotonin receptors. If you stop taking the SSRI, you may experience something called “SSRI discontinuation syndrome.”

When you are experiencing SSRI discontinuation syndrome, it reduces your brain’s levels of serotonin and causes you to experience flu-like symptoms. These include body aches, chills, light-headedness, headache and fatigue. Sensory disturbances also appear, such as shock-like sensations, tingling or burning. You may also experience vertigo or dizziness. You may have high levels of agitation, irritability or anxiety. Lastly, gastrointestinal symptoms may appear, such as diarrhea, cramps, vomiting or nausea.

These effects only last a short period of time. In general, these symptoms may last for six to eight weeks, but after that, the symptoms will dissipate, and you will feel like your normal self again.

The Difference between Withdrawal and Addiction

The symptoms of SSRI discontinuation syndrome appear to be the withdrawal symptoms that you would experience after you stop ingesting your SSRI. Because of this, some people are concerned that they are addicted to antidepressants because they believe that withdrawal is a symptom of addiction. However, the withdrawal symptoms listed above do not indicate an addiction to your SSRI drug.

As was mentioned earlier, your brain readjusts itself after you stop ingesting your antidepressant. While your brain is readjusting itself, it sends out the withdrawal symptoms, so these symptoms are not related to addiction. Paxil, Zoloft and Lexapro are highly likely to cause withdrawal symptoms after you stop taking them.

The Difference between Discontinuation Syndrome and Relapse

As you may notice from the list above, discontinuation syndrome causes the same symptoms that antidepressants were created to relieve. After you stop taking your medication, you may notice that your depressive and anxiety symptoms are returning and that they are particularly strong. This does not mean that your depressive symptoms are relapsing; it is only the process that your brain has to go through for a short period of time until the symptoms begin to fade.

If your depressive symptoms return after you stopped taking your medication, they will do so in a slow, deliberate manner. As time goes by, these symptoms will get worse. In contrast, if your symptoms return right after you stop taking your antidepressant and slowly go away, you are likely experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms may come back within days if this is the case.

How Do You Wean Yourself Off of Antidepressants?

You do not want to stop taking an SSRI altogether. Instead, you must slowly reduce your dosage until you can go without taking the antidepressant without withdrawal symptoms. According to the American Psychiatric Association, you must follow a tapering schedule that lasts for several weeks to accomplish this.

The amount of time that you need to devote to this process will depend on the type of antidepressant you were taking and the amount of time that you were taking it. The dosage must also be considered when figuring out how long the tapering process will last. The amount of time that you have been taking the medication is very important because medications build up inside your body as you take them over a longer period of time. In most cases, withdrawal symptoms begin after the body metabolizes approximately 90% of the medication.

The medical community does not recommend that you taper off of your medication on your own. When you place yourself in the care of professionals, they will determine a tapering schedule for you based on the medication you were taking, the dose at which you were taking it, the length of time you were taking it and your personal characteristics.

What If I Have Withdrawal Symptoms While I Am Tapering Off?

The schedule for tapering off of antidepressants will be different for everyone. In some cases, a person can easily taper off of an antidepressant in a couple of weeks without experiencing any difficulties. If you experience several symptoms, it will be better for you to have a tapering schedule that lasts for a period of months.

For instance, you may have some withdrawal symptoms right after reducing your medication, or you may have them right after you taper off of the drug completely. If that is the case, you will need to return to taking your original dose of the medication and then begin the tapering process again. This time, the tapering schedule will need to be longer. In the event that this doesn’t allow you to stop taking the medication without experiencing withdrawal symptoms, your physician may prescribe a SSRI that has a longer half-life. Prozac is one example of this.

Tips for Experiencing a Successful Taper

Allow Your Antidepressant Time to Work.

Before you decide that you want to stop taking an antidepressant, allow it to work for at least six to nine months. Then, you can determine whether or not you like what the medication has done for you. It will be good for you to begin tapering off of the medication after you begin to feel better. This will mean that the medication worked for you and that it is now time to move on to other types of therapy.

Be Aware of the Things that Affect the Tapering Process.

The length of the tapering process depends upon the following:

• Whether or not previous tapering schedules caused withdrawal symptoms. If so, you may need a longer tapering schedule for your SSRI.
• Whether you are taking a high dose or a low dose of your medication. Higher dosages will require that you endure a longer tapering schedule.
• The type of antidepressant you are taking. Some SSRIs require a longer period of time to be metabolized from your body.

Accept the Fact that Your Tapering Schedule Requires Your Patience.

Don’t be concerned if it seems like your tapering schedule is a lot longer than your peers. Remember that the tapering process may be short for some people but that it can take longer for others.

Take Advantage of a Mood Calendar.

A mood calendar allows you to document your moods over time. When you know exactly how your current dose of medication makes you feel every day, you can have the most meaningful conversations with your physician. You will have a place to list your withdrawal symptoms, and your physician can determine whether or not your depressive symptoms are returning.

Start Keeping Healthy Habits.

Healthy habits include eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a regular exercise schedule and finding ways to reduce stress. These three steps help reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms. They also help prevent you from experiencing depressive symptoms into the future.

Ask Friends and Family to Be Your Support System.

You need your friends and family members around you when you are tapering off of medications. The tapering process can cause changes in your moods that may be unsettling for you, so it is a good idea to have supportive people around you.

Make a Commitment to Complete the Tapering Process.

If you are going to start the tapering process, it is important that you finish it. You must visit your physician on a regular basis so that you can report your symptoms. Your physician may need to make adjustments during the process, and you will need to be assessed for the return of your depressive symptoms.

Obtaining Treatment for Depression

Even after you are finished with the tapering off process, you need to obtain further therapy so that you can prevent your depression from relapsing. At Long Island Treatment Center, you can enter our medication-assisted treatment program so that you do not have to worry about experiencing any withdrawal symptoms or cravings for your medication during the tapering off process, but this is only the first part.

After you are free from antidepressants, you may require further treatment. For example, you have been diagnosed with depression, but we may diagnose you with a substance use disorder. If this is the case, you have co-occurring disorders, but Long Island Treatment Center has a dual diagnosis program that can treat your depression and your substance use disorder. If you are prepared to get help for your depression and the troubles you are having with your antidepressant, contact us at Long Island Treatment Center today.

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Will ibuprofen and alcohol kill you?

Mixing ibuprofen and alcohol is not a good idea if you are a heavy drinker because both substances can irritate the stomach’s lining resulting in bleeding or ulcers. In addition, combining ibuprofen and alcohol may result in permanent kidney damage. Ultimately, common sense is the key. Consuming one 200 milligram dose of ibuprofen with one glass of wine on an evening out on the town may not cause any harm unless you suffer from one or more chronic illnesses. However, refraining from taking ibuprofen and drinking alcohol together is still the best way to approach the issue.

The lack of recreational results does not mean that the combination is harmless

You may think that taking ibuprofen pills with two or more glasses of wine or a few bottles of beer is harmless because this combination does not result in feeling exuberant. The way your mind feels is irrelevant. Habitual consumption of these two substances together may result in deadly consequences. Since ending up in the emergency room is not a laughing matter, it is best to avoid combining ibuprofen with alcohol.

What should you do if you have a terrible headache?

No one wants to suffer from a migraine headache, but you do not need to consume pain pills with alcoholic beverages to get rid of the pain. If you have a headache, try drinking a cup of hot coffee. Sometimes, coffee alone can eliminate a headache. If that does not work, you may want to take one ibuprofen pill with a large glass of water. Eating some food with ibuprofen can help you avoid any stomach distress. Do not drink alcohol simultaneously if you do not want to harm your health.

Refrain from drinking alcohol to cure a headache or other aches

Face the facts. Drinking alcohol is mainly to feel inebriated and escape from your problems. Alcoholics and gamblers share similar addictions, including feeling high and escaping from reality. While it is not a sin to have fun, it is harmful to become addicted to anything that results in negativity. Many alcoholics and gamblers use these means to escape from deep emotional problems. But having a few drinks or playing the slots makes things worse if you already have an addictive personality.

Alcohol can make ibuprofen’s side effects more severe

If becoming sober is your goal, then there is no legitimate excuse for imbibing even the smallest amount of alcohol. Furthermore, drinking alcohol and taking a couple of ibuprofen pills together can increase the potential side effects of the NSAID (in this case, ibuprofen). The combination may lead to excessive sleepiness or even a fatal heart attack.

Avoid experiencing harmful stomach problems

When you drink wine, beer, whiskey or any other alcoholic beverage, your stomach tends to create more acid. Ibuprofen can also irritate your stomach. If you take ibuprofen in high dosages for several months or years, you have a greater chance of experiencing bleeding in your stomach. Drinking alcohol with ibuprofen can cause a medical catastrophe in your gut.

What about acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

The main problem with Tylenol is that it can harm your liver. Drinking alcohol in excess can also cause liver damage. Unlike ibuprofen, Tylenol does not cause harm to the lining of your stomach. But liver damage is also a potentially life-threatening problem. So, using Tylenol to relieve pain is not a perfect solution. Taking a child’s dose may provide the answer for eliminating pain. However, it may take longer before the OTC drug kicks in and reduces your pain.

Should you take Aspirin?

Similar to ibuprofen, aspirin is also an NSAID known to cause stomach bleeding. Aspirin tends to thin out the blood. If you are an alcoholic, you may have already experienced stomach bleeding. Your chance of experiencing a severe medical condition is greater if you mix aspirin with alcohol. Once again, if you must take an aspirin to relieve an excruciating headache or any other physical pain, try chewing a chewable, low-dose aspirin manufactured for children.

Large doses of anything do not always provide the best results

Several drinks throughout the day can result in an addiction problem requiring treatment at a center designed to treat alcoholism with positive outcomes. An occasional drink for a person who is not an alcoholic may not cause any fatal health problems. Similarly, if you must take ibuprofen to relieve pain, a lower dose may work just as well as a large dose. A good rule of thumb is that the smaller the drink or dosage, the better. Even so, try to avoid taking even small amounts simultaneously.

Must you then suffer from physical pain?

No, you do not need to suffer. But learn to approach the matter with self-control. Learning how to master addiction is no easy task. However, it is understandable that you may need to take ibuprofen or a similar substance from time to time. Remember that approaching the issue with a non-addictive attitude is the best solution. If you are receiving treatment for addiction to alcohol, then stay away from all alcoholic beverages. If you can stick with this approach, taking an ibuprofen pill for occasional aches and pains should not pose a significant health issue.

Seek the advice of your physician or treatment counselor

Alcohol rehab at Long Island Treatment Center is here to help you overcome your addiction. If you are an alcoholic, speak to your doctor or counselor before drinking alcoholic beverages or taking pills designed to relieve pain. Whether you opt for the intensive outpatient program, intensive hospitalization program or various addiction interventions, you will receive the most up-to-date treatment at an excellent rehab facility.

Select a winning plan for a happier future

Choosing the best plan for overcoming your alcohol addiction is up to you. As the great dramatist William Shakespeare might have suggested in Hamlet Act III, Scene I, you do not need to “suffer from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.” Look toward a brighter, healthier and addiction-free future when you call or visit the Long Island Treatment Center today.

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Antibiotics are one of the most widely prescribed medications. Chances are, if you have ever had a bacterial infection, you’ve taken a one-to-two-week course of treatment. During that time, you may have gone out to dinner with friends and had a drink or two. Maybe you mentioned the drug you were taking and panicked when they warned you that you can’t drink when you take antibiotics. Too late, the damage was done, and you lay awake all night waiting for the onset of the deadly reactions that your friends warned you about. Hopefully, it was a false alarm, and you suffered no lasting consequences.

While there are some antibiotics like Bactrim and Tinidazole that may have severe reactions when mixed with alcohol, doxycycline is not one of them. When combined with alcohol, this particular drug does not appear to cause bad reactions in most people. However, that doesn’t mean that doctors recommend washing the medicine down with a swig of alcohol. You may not throw up or experience stomach cramps, but alcohol can diminish the effectiveness of the drug. This reduced efficacy is particularly true for chronic or heavy drinkers.

What Is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is a tetracycline class of antibiotics used to treat bacterial and some parasitic infections. Strep throat, pneumonia, some sexually transmitted diseases, acne, Lyme disease and malaria are among the treatable conditions. The drug prevents bacteria from creating the proteins needed for reproduction and growth.

Is There Anything in Your Medical History Your Doctor Needs to Know?

There are some things that you should tell your physician before taking doxycycline that you might not usually mention during a routine doctor’s visit. Let the doctor know if you have a history of any of the following:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Working outdoors
• Stomach surgery or problems
• Past reactions to food or medicine

You should also give your doctor a complete list of any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, illegal drugs and vitamin pills that you take.

Should Pregnant Women Take Doxycycline?

Always tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Doxycycline may have an adverse effect on fetal bone development and cause permanent tooth discoloration in the baby. There might be a higher risk of a miscarriage. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication. Birth control pills may be less effective during the treatment, so you might want to switch to non-medicinal contraceptive measures, such as condoms or diaphragms.

How Do You Take Doxycycline?

Your doctor may prescribe doxycycline in a liquid, tablet, delayed-release tablet or capsule form. Shake a bottle to mix the liquid suspension before pouring, and don’t chew or crush a delayed-release tablet since that interferes with the drug’s distribution. It’s recommended that you take doxycycline on an empty stomach unless you feel nauseous. Wait an hour after dosing before lying down to avoid acid reflux causing any throat irritation.

Doxycycline efficacy is affected by acidic fluids, foods and supplements containing calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum and other minerals. Drink water to swallow the pill and not fruit juices or coffee. Wait two hours before or after ingesting milk, yogurt, certain antacids (Tums, Maalox, Mylanta), laxatives that contain magnesium and any supplements containing minerals.

If you are taking doxycycline as an anti-malarial drug, start the treatment two days before your trip and continue for four weeks after you leave. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

What Are Some Doxycycline Side Effects?

Doxycycline is known to cause photosensitivity in some patients. Because of this, the prescribing physician or pharmacist warns the patient to avoid extended time in the sun and use sunscreen to prevent developing a rash-like skin inflammation.

Other common side effects include the following:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Mouth, nails and eyes color changes
• Vaginal discomfort or discharge

You should seek medical assistance if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Affected vision
• Yellow teeth
• Hives
• Headache
• Unusual bruising

Every patient is different. When you pick up the medicine at a pharmacy, there is usually a sheet included in the package that contains a list of reported adverse reactions. Read it before you start your treatment, so you’ll recognize the signs.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Doxycycline?

The liver processes all the blood that passes through the intestines and the stomach. It metabolizes drugs and alcohol into components that your body can more easily use. Drinking alcohol with the drug may slow the metabolic breakdown and absorption of the drug since it’s now having to work twice as hard.

There are reports in the literature that doxycycline may cause liver damage and failure. Because chronic alcohol use is also associated with liver damage, experts do not recommend this drug for individuals who are heavy drinkers. If a chronic user does need this antibiotic, they may require a higher-than-normal dose because of existing liver damage.

People start taking doxycycline because they have some type of infection, and the drug gives the autoimmune system extra ammunition to fight the germ. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is associated with a weakened immune system and a greater risk of bacterial and viral infections. When you drink alcohol, the liver has to metabolize it, and this process creates by-products that increase inflammation in your system. It should be clear that simultaneously drinking and dosing is not productive. The drug may not work as effectively as it should if the alcohol counteracts the body’s autoimmune defenses.

Drinking alcohol while taking doxycycline may not put you in the hospital, but it might result in one heck of a hangover. Since common side effects of the drug, such as headache and nausea, may already be making you feel out-of-sorts, a next-morning hangover is going to exacerbate your misery. Do yourself a favor and stay away from the hard stuff while you’re taking this medicine.

How Long Should You Wait to Drink Alcohol After Stopping Doxycycline?

While casual and moderate alcohol drinkers may have a drink or two without worrying too much about side effects, the same is not true for heavy drinkers or individuals with liver disease. As previously mentioned, the likelihood of diminished liver functions puts this group of patients in a separate category.

It takes two-to-five days for doxycycline to clear your system. So, that’s how long individuals with diminished metabolic capacities should wait before resuming drinking. Because the drug stays around for so long, it’s never a good idea for people in this category to skip a dose so that they can take a drink. You don’t want to degrade your autoimmune system while you are fighting an infection.

If your drinking is out of control and you want to stop but can’t, the caring staff at the Long Island Treatment Center can put you back on the right path. Our facility offers different levels of care ranging from early intervention to hospitalization. We customize the treatment plan for each individual. Options include detoxification, individual counseling and group therapy sessions. We also offer an evening intensive outpatient session for individuals who work during the day. Contact us today if you or someone you know struggles to control their drinking. We provide help without judgment.

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Long Island has been considered ground zero for the opiate and heroin epidemics for some time. According to a National Safety Council report, Long Island residents were more than one-fifth of overdoses in the state in 2017.

Of course, untangling the root of the problem is easier said than done. For example, drug trends point to the island’s population and low average age as significant drivers for illicit drug businesses. Furthermore, dealers have started selling more potent substances, propelling addiction even in recreational users.

Commonly Abused Drugs in Long Island

Long Island residents living with substance use may struggle with various content; people can misuse alcohol, heroin, opioids, and other drugs, including legally-prescribed ones.

Alcohol is typically the most accessible drug since it’s widely accepted in most cultures. However, it’s detrimental when misused; on average, about 30 Americans die every day from driving while intoxicated, and six more die from alcohol poisoning.

Long Island communities have taken notice of drug use in their backyard; alcohol and drug use was a top health concern, according to a 2018 survey. This same study also reports that 17.4% of Long Island residents admitted to binge drinking in the past month; this percentage was the lowest reported in six years.

Drugs of the Epidemic

The drug epidemic casts a long shadow throughout the country, especially in Long Island. Locally, the most abused drugs include:

• Oxycodone
• Prescription opioids
• Fentanyl
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium

What’s Driving Overdose Deaths?

So why are Long Island residents experiencing so many drug overdose deaths? The following are a few primary factors:

• Rise of fentanyl: Experts say fentanyl is responsible for many fatal drug overdoses; it’s an opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine. This dangerous potency strongly influences fentanyl addiction, making it easier to overdose on this drug. Not everyone may realize they’re taking fentanyl; street dealers often mix it into other substances without informing their associates.
• Loss of services: The pandemic shuttered several services meant to help those living with opioid addiction, making it challenging for people to seek care when needed. Overcrowded hospitals struggled to pick up the slack during a national health crisis.
• Increasing mental health problems: There is a clear connection between mental health, addiction, and the opioid epidemic. After all, many people who use drugs started to self-medicate and relieve symptoms from mental disorders. The World Health Organization reported a 25% global increase in these concerns since the pandemic.
• Isolation: Finally, the pandemic also isolated many at-risk individuals. Those with addictions often struggled alone, having nobody to call when overdose symptoms manifested.

Long Island Drug Statistics

• In 2015, synthetic opioid deaths increased 73% from the previous year.
• Every day, more than 1,000 people seek treatment in emergency rooms after misusing opioids.
• Private health care costs Suffolk Country $117 million
• Private health care cost Nassau County $55 million

History of Drug Rehab in New York State

Drug rehab programs in New York State help people get clean, but the state has struggled with a drug-related crime for decades.

For over a century, federal officials have legislated against drug use, but the ’70s were especially active in the prohibition. President Nixon coined the term “The War on Drugs” a year after Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Since then, local and state governments have mandated stiff penalties for possessing drugs, resulting in millions of arrests but no impact on addiction.

In the 1960s, public rehab programs were established in New York to tackle the increasing addiction problem. Legislators tried creating several expensive but largely ineffective programs, including the Methadone Maintenance program and the Narcotic Addiction and Control Commission. By the early 1970s, New Yorkers demanded stronger laws responding to violent drug crime.

Finally, New York created laws mandating 15-year minimum sentences in the so-called “Rockefeller Laws.” Again, the policy led to far more arrests but no decrease in crime. Other states followed suit despite these results. Since then, these harsh penalties have become the norm,

In 2004, the state drastically changed the Rockefeller Laws, reducing the 15-year minimum to eight and allowing nonviolent offenders to plea for fewer. Judges now have more discretion to sentence people to rehab instead of prison, dramatically dropping arrests and drug crimes. Unfortunately, other states have been slow to adopt these reforms.

Addiction Treatment Statistics

Rehab centers have helped thousands of Long Islanders recover from alcohol and drug use disorders. It’s challenging trying to fight addiction on your own; it can also be risky without medical support supervising.

Statistics on drug rehab success are high despite the ongoing opioid crisis throughout the country. Rehab centers use evidence-based treatments that can be adjusted on a client-by-client basis to help them recover from addiction safely.

• An estimated 76 percent of alcohol rehab clients remained sober after three months, 69 percent after six months, and 70 percent after nine months
• About 90 percent of people who complete drug rehab report continued abstinence nine months later

Local Resources for Help in Long Island

Long Island residents who struggle with addiction may have difficulty understanding the resources available to them.

An effective drug rehab features critical characteristics:

• Customized treatment plan: Long Island Treatment Center tailors its plans for the individual, taking into account his or her specific addiction and personal needs
• Evidence-based treatment: Long Island Treatment Center only uses tested treatment methods that are proven effective in battling drug and alcohol addiction
• Alumni support: Long Island Treatment Center includes an aftercare plan to help its clients continue their journeys once they’ve been discharged from the program
• 24-hour care: Long Island Treatment Center has round-the-clock medical and mental health support to manage any need

Rehab Centers in Long Island, New York

No two addictions or people are identical; the same is valid for drug and alcohol rehab centers. Still, many accredited facilities have similar treatment services based on evidence proven to help recovering people. The following programs are the kind you can expect at a place known for its adequate support, Long Island Treatment Center.

Alcohol and Drug Detox Programs

Detox is the first and most crucial step of any treatment plan; addiction is based on chemical dependency, and breaking physical reliance takes away substantial power.

Long Island Treatment Center offers 24-hour medical support to assist clients dealing with withdrawal and passing through the stages of detoxification. It’s rare for a recovering person not to need detox and supervision before entering a residential facility to start a program.

Inpatient Rehab Programs

Inpatient or residential treatment involves onsite housing, ensuring the individual has 24-hour access to staff for medical and behavioral support.

Typically, an inpatient regimen involves several treatment programs, including outdoor activities, counseling, fitness programs, therapy, and more. All treatment methods help people heal their minds and bodies for sustainable recovery.

Long Island Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs vary in intensity, depending on the recovering person’s needs and where they are in their journey. In all cases, outpatient treatment allows more individual freedom, including the liberty to go to work and return home nightly.

Sober Living Facilities in Long Island

Transitional living facilities allow recovering individuals to live together for some time after treatment. These sober living homes are meant for those with no other supportive accommodations and would otherwise be at greater risk for relapse.

Sober living homes allow inpatient and outpatient graduates to transition into normal daily life.

Aftercare Options

Recovering from drug and alcohol addiction can be a long road; after all, it doesn’t end after inpatient or outpatient treatment. Continuing care, or aftercare, is how recovering people sustain their sobriety after leaving Long Island Treatment Center.

Examples of aftercare may include:

• Relapse prevention programs
• Continued group therapy
• Continued individual therapy
• 12-step programs
• Addiction support group networks
• Rehab alumni programs

Finding Help in Long Island

Long Island and the state of New York are taking steps to address its drug crisis and increasing overdose rates. For example, there is a campaign to warn the public about fentanyl’s destructive properties, making testing supplies available throughout the region.

These measures are one step toward reducing deaths, but addiction treatment can do more. An evidence-based program designed for the individual can help those struggling with substance use develop new strategies to stop using drugs. Contact Long Island Treatment Center to learn more.

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Drug tests are frequently used for employment screening, workplace safety, sports, and other reasons to determine whether someone has been using prohibited or illegal drugs. Testing positive for a banned or illegal substance can keep you from getting your desired job or result in suspension or loss of employment.

In other words, a positive drug test can dramatically impact your life. With both the present and your future on the line, you need to be fully prepared for your next drug test, both before and after, depending on the results. Read further to be prepared and avoid a failed drug test in your workplace.

How to Prepare

Some drug tests are random. In these cases, there is nothing you can do to adequately prepare. Most of the time, however, drug tests are announced ahead of time. In situations like this, you can take steps to avoid a positive test result.

The first step is learning about the testing procedure. Drug tests are taken through sweat, blood, hair, or urine sample. Knowing which drugs you will be tested for may also be helpful. Most drug tests screen for illicit substances like cannabis (marijuana), cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and Phencyclidine (PCP). However, some tests are more advanced and can identify alcohol, hydrocodone, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, MDMA, and several other substances.

To be safe, it is best to try to avoid these substances. If you use any of them, it is important to immediately stop whenever you seek employment or may otherwise have a drug test planned. Some substances can be detected days, weeks, or even a month after the last use. While drinking more water may help you flush out whatever substance in your system, this often has little to no effect.

Medications That Cause a False Positive Drug Test

Certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can trigger a false positive drug test. For example, taking any over-the-counter cough medications with dextromethorphan, such as Robitussin and Delsym, could falsely result in a positive urine test for PCP.

Meanwhile, diphenhydramine, widely used in over-the-counter allergy medications, can trigger false positive results for PCP and opiates. Aside from illicit drugs, there are common over-the-counter medications known to produce false positive drug test results include:

• Sudafed – Pseudoephedrine sinus medications, like Sudafed, may produce false positive results for amphetamine or methamphetamine.
• NSAIDs – Motrin, Advil, Aleve, and other NSAIDs may produce false positive results for THC and other barbiturates.
• Phentermine – The weight loss drug may produce false positive results for amphetamine.

In addition, many prescription medications can produce false positive drug test results. Some of these include:

• trazodone – The sleeping pill trazodone may produce false positive results for amphetamine or methamphetamine.
• Wellbutrin, Effexor XR, and other antidepressants – Antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, Effexor XR, Sertraline, and Pristiq, may produce false positive results for a variety of illegal substances.
• Seroquel – The antipsychotic Seroquel may produce false positive results for methadone.
• PPI – Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), used in treating acid reflux and heartburn, may produce false positive results for THC.

Various other medications, even certain antibiotics, can potentially produce false positive results for several different illegal substances. Therefore, before submitting the required drug screening samples, you must disclose all of the medications you have recently taken. Don’t forget some substances can stay in your body for weeks.

Remember that drug tests don’t only come in hair tests or through urinalysis. There are accurate and comprehensive drug tests including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography tests. Your test administrator will determine the drug test for you according to the demands of the employer or organization and the provided medications list. Some private employers have a more strict drug testing requirement to enforce a drug-free workplace.

Best Defense for Positive Drug Test

Failing a drug test can have long-lasting consequences, so it is understandable to be concerned if you are worried about an upcoming drug test or being surprised with an unannounced test. After all, testing positive for any illegal or banned substance may impact your job or job prospects and other important areas of your life.

Knowing this, the best defense for a positive drug test is to not ingest any illegal or banned substances in the first place. However, testing positive on a drug test isn’t always so cut and dry. Several factors can influence drug test results.

What Causes a False Positive Result?

There are different factors that lead to a false positive result. Here’s what you should know:

• Secondhand smoke exposure: For example, second-hand exposure to marijuana smoke can lead to a false positive result. If you don’t engage in marijuana use but inhaled it at a party, it may produce to a false positive result.
• Over-the-counter medications: As discussed, certain over-the-counter and prescription medications used to treat everything from colds to allergies, and depression can also cause false positive results.
• Even eating poppy seeds, using certain lotions and shampoos, and ingestion of natural supplements can result in a false positive drug test result.
• While uncommon, there’s also always the possibility of lab mix-ups and mistakes. If you are concerned, you may have tested positive for an illegal or banned substance, or if you feel a mistake was made, it is crucial to ask for a retest. If the drug test results were legitimate and you fail a retest if approved, it may be a sign of drug addiction or dependency.

However, to avoid positive or false positive results and being put in the situation of defending a positive drug test, it is important to disclose every medication or supplement you have recently taken before submitting your drug screening samples. Remember, some substances can remain detectable in your system for several weeks after last being used.

Remember That Not All Drug Tests Are the Same

Remember that not all drug tests are the same. Similar to the drugs they are meant to detect, there are various drug tests, and some are more sensitive than others. For example, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography tests are extremely sensitive and can detect trace amounts of forbidden substances.

The test administrator will determine the right type of drug test according to the medications you have been taking. While some workplaces and organizations have written policies to terminate the relationship when a positive drug test occurs, others may be more lenient.

Some may allow you to return to the workplace or let you back on the team by agreeing to regular and random drug testing and completing a recognized drug rehabilitation program. Being honest with yourself and others may be challenging, but it will yield the most significant results and pay off for you personally and professionally in the long run.

How to Dispute Positive Drug Test

If you have received positive drug test results but feel an error occurred, or the results are otherwise false, there are a few things you can do.

1. Firstly, you should ask for a retest from the original test’s laboratory. If the retest results are positive, you can request to view the laboratory’s quality control records.
2. You can also opt for an independent drug test at another drug testing facility. If these results also come back positive, then there is not much more you can do. However, if the independent test results come back negative, they can be used to dispute the positive result.
3. If you believe your false positive result could be caused by something you may have ingested or used, you should disclose this information fully and as soon as possible.
4. False positive test results can be resolved by providing additional information regarding your recent exposures or medical history. If your positive test results from a legitimate reason, it is vital to be as forthright as possible about the reason.

On the other hand, a positive drug test based on legitimate results and the use of banned or illegal substances is nearly impossible to disprove. In such a case, ineffective excuses and additional tests will not help. The best thing you can do is accept the positive drug test result and the consequences of it.

Nonetheless, showing initiative in overcoming your addiction is always helpful. Some workplaces may be more lenient if you demonstrate a desire to get clean. Just know, however, that getting clean doesn’t begin with ineffective excuses.

It begins by acknowledging your substance abuse or addiction and asking for help. While being open and honest is an important first step, undergoing drug addiction counseling and treatment is essential in avoiding positive drug tests in the future and living a sober and healthy life.

Explore Your Treatment Options

At Long Island Treatment Center, we understand the devastating effects a positive drug test could have on your life. Abusing drugs or suffering from addiction can negatively impact your relationships, employment, and other vital areas of your life.

Our passionate, experienced addiction treatment professionals provide effective treatment for addiction to alcohol, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and several other legal and illegal substances. We’re here to support you throughout your journey to sobriety and provide you with the tools you need to live life on your terms. Contact Long Island Treatment Center for a private consultation and to discuss your addiction treatment options.

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Depression has baffled medical science for centuries. Without modern medicine, ancient doctors, scientists, and philosophers tried to puzzle how to treat it. Still a complex mental illness to treat, it causes great suffering for Americans who need access to medication that can help. Doctors know that trazodone can increase a chemical in your brain that improves your mood. It may provide relief from depression. However, it can pose problems when mixed with alcohol.

Facing a Problem Shared by Others

Studies show that millions of people around the world suffer from depression. A condition that affects many Americans, depression ranks as a serious medical illness. While it occurs often, it has no simple cure or one treatment that works for everyone. In addition, one person’s approach to treatment may have no effect on someone else. Instead, doctors and patients work together to find an approach to fighting the disease one case at a time. For many people, trazodone can relieve depression. However, problems can occur when anyone combines Trazodone and Alcohol.

Experiencing the Effect of Alcohol on Sleep

Normal sleep allows the body to cycle through different levels of slumber. Sleep experts say the levels include light sleep, deep sleep and the rapid eye movement phase. Each one has a vital role in rest, but the light sleep level seems less important in restoring physical and mental health.

Alcohol disrupts the cycle with its sedative effect. It lets you enter the deep sleep phase early in your rest. However, it puts you at the light sleep level when it starts to wear off. Light sleep may allow nightmares to occur, and it does not provide the quality of rest you need.

Someone who drinks alcohol excessively may not feel the sedative effect it can produce on sleep. However, most people sleep more deeply than usual for the first hours of rest. Unfortunately, the rest of the night becomes difficult with disruptions that prevent sleep.

The inability to get enough rest with a good night’s sleep may lead some people to use trazodone. However, fixing one problem by making it harder to fix another can lead to severe health issues. Eventually, alcohol can make you get less sleep.

Understanding the Dangers of Combining Trazodone and Alcohol

While Trazodone has Food and Drug Administration approval as an antidepressant to relieve depression, using it requires a careful decision. Some people find that it improves sleep. The danger with the drug comes when someone fails to use it correctly. It does not create a high when used according to directions. However, when anyone takes Trazodone and Alcohol, serious problems can result. The possibility of overdose presents real potential for a dangerous outcome.

Knowing What Effects to Expect

Mayo Clinic points out that combining antidepressants with alcohol may make your depression worse and increase the danger. Alcohol reduces the effect of antidepressants and makes depression harder to treat. While alcohol may improve your mood, it can make you feel more anxious and depressed.

In addition, combining Trazodone and Alcohol with sleep, prescription pain or anti-anxiety medications can worsen side effects such as creating a spike in your blood pressure. When you have reduced awareness of your physical condition, it puts you at risk. Further, you can expect to think less clearly or alertly when combining the drug substances. As you may know, your reaction time slows down when you combine antidepressants. Driving under sedation or feeling drowsy creates an increased risk of accidents.

Trazodone and Alcohol can increase your intoxication and make you subject to an overdose. In a state of mind that prevents you from understanding your level of intoxication, you have limited awareness. Unfortunately, you can die from the drugs in your system. In addition, long-term effects can make you dependent. Withdrawal presents unpleasant experiences that you can prevent by not combining drugs.

Trying to Stop Using Alcohol

When alcohol seems like a good friend when you start drinking it, you may not think about how your relationship may end. While you enjoy the experience, it cannot last. Relationships often get better or worse with time, but they usually do not remain the same. When you let alcohol become your friend, you face a rocky road that does not end well. Sadly, trazodone and alcohol death becomes a genuine possibility.

Until you learn what harm can occur from alcohol, you may think it presents no problem. You may drink because it seems enjoyable and relaxes you. But unfortunately, drinking alcohol can make you want more, and dependency can result. Thus, you can see that combining Trazodone and Alcohol can significantly increase your depression. Interestingly, trazodone alone has no adverse effects. Even more, it does not become a habit that you cannot break.

Seeing What Happens When You Stop Using Alcohol

A major health problem occurs when you need to withdraw. Withdrawal from alcohol alone can make you hallucinate, vomit and feel nauseous. Breaking away from alcohol dependency requires detox, and it can bring problems in falling asleep and staying asleep. The problems become more complicated with combining Trazodone and Alcohol.

You may experience sleep problems and anxiety in withdrawing from them.

Withdrawing from trazodone alone can cause some minor symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. However, you may have acute withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. Profuse sweating and rapid pulse can alert you to the extreme danger you face. The combination of two or more drugs can put you at risk for your life.

Choosing Detox Treatment

Attempts to detox on your own and without supervision can cause lasting damage to your health. Fatal consequences can result from alcohol use, and the risk of disaster increases with combining Trazodone and Alcohol. Detox offers the preferred approach as a first step in breaking away from alcohol. Unfortunately, patients can have sleep disturbances during the process. Nevertheless, scientific studies show that trazodone can help treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Finding a Drug that Can Help or Hinder

Mental health professionals know that anyone with alcohol dependence may try to enhance its effect with an antidepressant. A conflict can occur with the difference that combining Trazodone and Alcohol creates. One acts as a depressant (alcohol), and the other produces an antidepressant effect (trazodone). Some people risk the potential damage to the body to receive relief from physical and mental stress.

However, using trazodone to enhance the effect of alcohol may make it less useful if you need it during detox. Any amount of alcohol can produce unexpected results if you drink while you take trazodone. The chemical composition of the drug makes it unlikely to create dependency. However, the combination of Trazodone and Alcohol creates health risks.

Wondering If You Need Help

Depression can make it difficult to think clearly. When you want to decide about getting treatment, you need a basis for your choice. One approach that can clear things up for you lets you take a self-quiz. You can take the quiz in the privacy of your home without anyone knowing about it. When you think of the potential risks to your health from the substances you use, it may concern you. As you go through the questions, complete honesty can give you the best answers.

Taking a New Approach

You can have confidence in the approach we take to rehabilitation. We offer outpatient services that let you continue your lifestyle while getting treatment. We know your home and work duties do not go away, and we respect their demands on your time. However, we encourage you to put your health at the top of your list of essential items.

Our experienced health care professionals can help you work through any mental health issues that face you. We know how to treat addiction, and our rehabilitation counselors provide the compassionate care that helps you defeat it. So let us show you a plan that can relieve your burden of addiction. Call us today to let us get you started on living the life you deserve.