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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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The 12 Steps are something that you may be intimately familiar with if you have battled drug, alcohol or other types of addictions in your life. In fact, you’ve likely heard of them even if you aren’t dependent on drugs or alcohol. However, for those who aren’t familiar with the concept, the steps require a person to realize that addiction is something that they have no control over. Furthermore, they require a person to find a higher purpose in life, atone for their prior mistakes and take accountability for their actions each day.

What Is Step 10?

Step 10 asks you to take a regular inventory of what you have done right and what you have done wrong. You are then asked to take responsibility for the things that you do wrong and atone for them if possible. Many people interpret this to mean taking a daily inventory of their words, thoughts and actions. Of course, this could also mean taking time to consider your words or thoughts immediately before or after choosing to do something.

Why Is This Step So Important?

For many people, addiction is something that they never truly recover from. It’s not uncommon for those who have substance abuse problems to stay sober for months or years before returning to their old ways. In many cases, this is because they wrongly assumed that they had their problem under control and could limit themselves to a single drink or single hit of their favorite substance.

Of course, if you believe in the first nine steps of the plan, you realize that you have no control over your addiction and that it’s never a good idea to believe otherwise. Therefore, you need to continually take stock of your thoughts and actions to ensure that you aren’t getting complacent or otherwise losing the discipline needed to stay sober.

Taking stock of yourself each day may also make it easier to see what your triggers are and how to avoid them. For example, you may find that you are more tempted to use alcohol while driving by a liquor store or when you hear that others are going to the bar. It’s also possible that Fridays and Saturdays are triggers because you used to drink or smoke primarily on weekends.

Finally, remaining mindful of your actions can help you better understand how they can impact others around you. For example, if you and your spouse got into a fight because you joked about drinking a bottle of beer, some quiet reflection may make it easier to see why your spouse was angry at you.

The most likely explanation is that your partner has seen what alcohol use has done to you and the problems it has caused in the past. By joking about drinking again, you are minimizing both your recovery and the bad things that you put a loved one through prior to getting sober. After a period of reflection, you can approach your spouse to apologize in a meaningful way, which may preserve the relationship. Reflecting on your misdeeds also reduces the risk that you’ll engage in the same poor behavior again in the future.

Daily Reflection Can Help You Learn the Benefits of Structure

It’s not uncommon for people who suffer from addiction to also experience symptoms of ADHD or other mental health disorders. Those who are diagnosed with mental health conditions may feel like it’s hard to concentrate or make sound decisions at all times. Individuals who experience ADHD may also have trouble falling asleep at night and may be more prone to making choices that are driven by emotion as opposed to logic.

If this sounds like you, it’s especially important that you make an effort on a daily basis to collect your thoughts. Ideally, you will meditate, journal or engage in other activities that allow you to process your emotions at the same time each day. This will help you get into a routine, which can help to create some sort of structure in your life.

For instance, you may decide to meditate for 30 minutes each night before going to bed. By clearing your mind, you may find that it is easier to sleep. Getting an adequate amount of quality sleep each night may result in clearer thinking and other benefits to your mental health.

You Have to Live with the Consequences of Your Actions

Having a sponsor means that you have someone to talk to when you’re tempted to drink or use drugs. Going to group meetings means that you have a community of people who understand what you’re dealing with. For many, being part of a community gives their lives meaning, which can reduce the risk of making decisions that they may regret. You may also feel that being part of a community gives you a good reason to avoid making poor choices.

However, the real danger of relapsing occurs when you’re sitting alone in your apartment late at night or when you’re in another town visiting friends or conducting business. In those scenarios, it’s unlikely that your sponsor or anyone else in your group meetings will ever know what you’ve done.

In fact, going out of town for pleasure or business may be especially dangerous because you may feel as if whatever happens while away stays there. Of course, we all know that having a drink or doing drugs hundreds of miles away from home is the same as doing so in your own kitchen.

By constantly taking an inventory of your actions, you can keep yourself accountable when there is no one around to prevent you from making a poor choice. It can also help you remember the secondary consequences of relapsing such as gambling or engaging in infidelity because you aren’t thinking clearly.

Swallowing Your Pride May Prevent a Relapse

Pride can be a dangerous thing whether you are dependent on drugs or alcohol or not. It can be the reason why you choose to take a job you might not be qualified for or tell off the boss knowing that you are going to be fired. It might also be the reason why you believe that taking a drink isn’t a big deal or that using drugs won’t lead you right back to rehab.

If you’re like most addicts, you may feel as if your inability to gain total control of your addiction is an irredeemable character flaw. This may be true even if you adhere to the other steps that make it clear that this is not the case. However, as a human, you are prone to emotions such as pride or envy just like any other person.

Taking the time to inventory the things that you do can help you visualize all of the paths that might be available to you. For instance, instead of taking a drink out of spite, you might consider the pros and cons of calling your sponsor or simply keeping busy until the thought of using fades away.

Over time, you’ll likely see that allowing your pride to get the best of you results in nothing but additional misery and frustration. However, by leaning into the fact that you aren’t always right, you can avoid potentially destroying relationships with friends, losing your job or losing custody of your kids.

If you are ready to get help for a drug or alcohol addiction, the folks at Long Island treatment center are ready to provide it. There are a number of inpatient and outpatient programs available to meet your needs and give you the best chance of achieving long-term sobriety. We can also help those who have recently relapsed and need additional assistance to get back on a healthy, positive and productive path.

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Flagyl is an extremely common and effective drug. However, mixing Flagyl with alcohol and other substances can be highly harmful. You don’t want to experience an adverse drug interaction, so you should look closely at this quick guide on the dangers of mixing Flagyl with alcohol.

What Is Flagyl?

Flagyl is the brand name of metronidazole, a powerful antibiotic. Doctors usually prescribe the drug to treat bacterial STIs, respiratory infections, vaginal infections, and other bacterial infections. Flagyl may cause side effects such as diarrhea, insomnia, headache, weakness, dizziness, and swollen gums. If you experience burning sensations, tingling, numbness, vision problems, sensitivity to light, poor coordination, or confusion while taking Flagyl, you need to call emergency services immediately.

What Are the Symptoms of Mixing Flagyl and Alcohol?

The initial symptoms of an adverse drug interaction between Flagyl and alcohol include nausea, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, abdominal pain, and heavy perspiration. Without quick treatment, someone who has mixed Flagyl and alcohol might experience seizures, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and heart failure. Even if a person survives an adverse drug interaction, they will likely suffer permanent liver damage, brain damage, heart issues, and other severe medical problems.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Drug Interaction?

It’s essential to act as quickly as possible if you think that someone has mixed Flagyl and alcohol. First, you should get them to stop drinking. The risk of a harmful drug interaction increases as a person drinks more alcohol, so you must get a general idea of how much alcohol they’ve consumed. If they’ve only had a drink or two, you can call their doctor, explain the situation, and follow their advice. Contact emergency services immediately if someone has taken Flagyl with a lot of alcohol or is showing any symptoms of a harmful drug interaction.

How Can You Take Flagyl Safely?

You should follow the doctor’s instructions in the letter whenever you take any prescription drug. You must ask your doctor before your first dose if you have any questions about the drug. Furthermore, you must tell your doctor about your current prescriptions to avoid adverse drug interactions. You might feel tempted to stop taking Flagyl after the symptoms of your infection have subsided, but it’s essential to finish your course of antibiotics following your doctor’s instructions. Otherwise, the infection may reemerge. Do not consume alcohol for at least 72 hours after your final dose.

What Are the Biggest Dangers of Alcohol Addiction?

Drunk Driving

Over 11,600 people died in the U.S. in 2021 due to drunk driving. Even a single drink before getting behind the wheel can be very dangerous. Individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction are much more likely than the average person to drive while intoxicated.

Alcohol Poisoning

Many people who struggle with alcohol addiction have a very difficult time regulating their intake. Because of this, they may consume copious amounts of alcohol in a single session. Drinking too much alcohol at once will result in alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, slow breathing, irregular breathing, delirium, low heart rate, hypothermia, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Without quick treatment, patients with alcohol poisoning may fall into a coma or die.

Liver Damage

Prolonged consumption of alcohol may lead to fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. You need a liver to survive, but it’s almost impossible for individuals with a history of alcohol addiction to receive approval for a liver transplant. By quitting alcohol now, you can enjoy a healthier life and prevent further damage to your liver.

Drug Interactions

Flagyl isn’t the only drug that’s dangerous to mix with alcohol. Common over-the-counter drugs, pain medications, other antibiotics, party drugs, psychiatric drugs, and almost every other drug can have severe side effects when mixed with alcohol. Most individuals who struggle with alcoholism take prescription or over-the-counter drugs to treat various medical conditions and symptoms, so they are at a much greater risk of adverse drug interaction if they do not seek treatment for their addiction.

Poor Judgment

Alcohol can significantly impair a person’s ability to make good decisions. Because of this, many individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction act recklessly and engage in dangerous behaviors when they drink. You’re more likely to have unsafe sex every time you drink, use drugs, act aggressively, and break the law. You don’t want to hurt yourself or commit any crimes while under the influence of alcohol, so you must seek treatment as soon as possible to regain control over your life.

What Are the Most Common Signs of Alcohol Dependence?

Slurred Speech and Poor Coordination

When someone is under the influence of alcohol, they may have difficulty walking in a straight line or speaking correctly. If you notice someone stumbling, slurring their words, or having trouble with simple tasks, you must stop them from getting into a vehicle. For their safety, you should stay with them until they sober up. If you don’t have the time or resources to supervise an intoxicated loved one, you must call a close friend or family member to keep an eye on them.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Unstable Mood

Individuals who suffer from alcohol addiction often exhibit greater aggression, mood swings, and signs of depression. Within just a few hours of an alcoholic’s most recent drink, they may become irritable as they begin to experience early withdrawal symptoms. Initial signs of withdrawal include shaking, headache, sweating, physical weakness, and anxiety.

Memory Loss

Drinking can seriously hamper the brain’s ability to form new memories. A loved one who struggles with alcohol addiction may forget the basic details of their conversations with you. Sometimes, they might not remember interacting with you at all. The more a person drinks, the worse their memory retention will be. Prolonged drinking will significantly increase a patient’s risk of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, an incurable form of dementia. You should urge your loved one to seek treatment immediately if they often show memory loss.

What Happens Right After a Person Quits Drinking?

When someone quits drinking, they will almost immediately start to go through the detox process. While withdrawal symptoms are usually mild at first, they quickly escalate and peak around four days after a person’s last drink. Many people who go through withdrawal experience seizures after a few days. In some cases, patients may develop delirium tremens, which causes rapid onset confusion.

How Can a Person Safely Overcome Their Alcohol Addiction?

Although quitting alcohol is the best thing for an alcoholic’s long-term health and well-being, it can be extremely risky without medical supervision. This is why it’s essential for individuals who struggle with addiction to receive treatment at a reputable addiction recovery center. High-quality treatment centers have the best medical staff and addiction specialists to keep patients safe as they go through the withdrawal process.

What Does the Addiction Treatment Process Entail?

Once a patient goes through detox, they will begin a residential treatment program. During this time, the patient stays at the treatment center, meets with psychologists, attends group sessions with their peers, and engages in healthy activities to build the necessary skills to achieve long-term sobriety. Therapists will work with the patient to develop a plan for a sober life after their treatment and connect them with the right resources to facilitate their success.

After a patient has concluded their residential stay, they will continue their treatment in an outpatient program. During an outpatient program, the patient will commute to the recovery center several times per week to receive treatment, but they’ll sleep at home and slowly resume a normal life. Over time, the patient will require fewer and fewer sessions. Eventually, they’ll stop attending sessions at the treatment center altogether. After this point, the patient will regularly meet with a local addiction support group.

A Sober Life Is a Happy Life

Alcoholism can ruin your life in so many ways. Not only will heavy drinking lead to various severe medical problems, but it may also make you do things that you later regret. Life is short, so you shouldn’t waste it at the end of a bottle. Quitting alcohol may be difficult, but it’s the right choice for your health and happiness, so call Long Island Treatment Center today to take your first step towards a better life.

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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 on 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 on 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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As the holidays approach, stores are gearing up for crazy sales. Christmas shopping can be extremely stressful. It isn’t easy to select the perfect items for all of your friends and family. It may be even more challenging to find the ideal present for a person who is recovering from addiction. The recovery process is complex, and it is a long road filled with hard work and perseverance. It is usually tempting to take the easy way out and to gift loved one’s bottles of wine and similar items. This is not possible for a person who is recovering from a substance abuse disorder.

Often, people feel as though they have to approach individuals holding onto sobriety with kid gloves. Although it is important to be supportive, giving “sobriety gifts” like a reflection journal or essential oils may be thoughtful, but they highlight the problem. Also, many people who are overcoming substance abuse disorders do not use these types of items. The goal of long-term recovery is to feel as normal as possible. With this in mind, it may be wise to consider gifts that complement hobbies the take a person’s mind away from these bad habits. Here are some helpful items to kickstart your gift-giving adventures. They are innovative ideas for a friend, relative, or coworker working through the recovery process, and they are also suitable for birthdays and other occasions.

What to Get a Music Lover

Music can be soothing, and also, it can be an outlet that allows a person to release pent-up emotions. If you know that your friend or family member loves a particular band, a great gift would be tickets to a concert. Given the opportunity to watch a band perform live is an exhilarating experience. If you give two tickets, you may be asked to go to the show as well. This is definitely a win-win situation.

If you are not sure what type of music the individual likes, you can purchase a vintage record membership. Right now, vintage records are very trendy. Giving a membership allows a person to build their collection.

What to Buy a Foodie

Who doesn’t love to eat great food? On the other hand, your friend or a loved one may love to cook. There are several delicious and innovative gift options available for the foodie in your life.

Besides regular cookbooks that take up a lot of space, you still may wish to give the gift of recipes. There are smaller calendars on the market that provide easy recipes for each day of the week. To create a quick and simple snack or appetizer, this is sure to please anyone who loves to cook but has little time to spend in the kitchen.

Sobriety gifts can be fun and inexpensive. Another great present for a foodie is a mini waffle maker. Besides breakfast, this item is a smart addition to mealtime. For example, a delicious side dish is potato cakes. You can use leftover mashed potatoes in the appliance to create delectable treats. Also, you can place canned biscuit dough into this device for a tasty dessert.

What to Buy a Book Lover

Since reading is a great way to escape reality in a healthy way, many people in recovery love books. Therefore, understanding what to get these individuals ensures that you give something fun and functional.

Since many people choose to read in bed, a portable book light or lap holder will be immensely appreciated. These items are inexpensive and come in a variety of styles, and it is possible to purchase a personalized bookmarker as well. With this gift, the individual will think of you each time they open the book.

Depending on a person’s individual home space, another lovely gift would be to buy a custom set of bookends or an elegant bookshelf. A bookshelf allows an individual to display a collection, and Bookends are great to hold a specific series or the recent books being read.

Gifts for the Gamer

Video games often take a person’s mind away from reality for short periods of time. If you have a gamer on your gift-giving list, you may need a few ideas.

Even if you’ve never played a video game, you know the wide variety of consoles and platforms that most gamers use. Also, you know how many wires come with these units. An HDMI splitter is a perfect gamer gift. It allows a person to switch between two console units without touching any cables. This saves a lot of time and inconvenience.

If your friend or family member is a competitive computer gamer, getting a customized mouse would be much appreciated. Underneath it all, every gamer wants a fancy mouse for their computer. Having an item that can be personalized in color with multiple programmable buttons and pulling rate levels is quite an advantage.

What to Buy a Fitness Enthusiast

Exercise releases natural endorphins, or “feel good” hormones. When a person achieves a natural high, it keeps them from reaching for artificial means of happiness. Also, exercise is a great way to alleviate stress and depression. Many times, a person in recovery turns to exercise as a means to release negative energy.

When a person heads to the gym, they must stay hydrated. It is common to see loads of reusable water bottles. Unfortunately, these items become dirty. On top of this, they are difficult to clean. Many high-end items are not dishwasher-safe, which means that a person will have to contort and scrub all the nooks and crannies of these bottles by hand. In this case, one of the best gifts is a self-cleaning water bottle. Thanks to a built-in UVC light, water becomes purified at the touch of a button. The self-cleaning mode runs every few hours to keep the bottle clean as well.

After a person has a solid workout, sore muscles likely result. One of the best ways to soothe this discomfort is with a massage. Since personal massage is quite expensive, a much more practical gift is a “Percussion Therapy Deep Tissue Massager.” This tool is terrific for post-workout recovery. In no time, an individual’s tension will melt away. It is a gift that keeps on giving.

Gifts for a Sports Lover

Many people are dedicated to one team. Whether it is a hometown favorite or a national iconic, a sports enthusiast roots for their team. As with music lovers, a great gift would be tickets to a game. Who would pass the chance to see a live sporting event that features a favorite team?

Obviously, there are a number of different sports that a fan can follow. Many individuals do not personally play the particular game, but they have favorite players. Another great gift is a jersey or an article of clothing that relates to this person.

If a person does play a sport, it is possible to purchase a piece of equipment for their use. For example, if your best friend loves to golf, you can create customized golf balls with a name, initial, or special message.

What to Buy a Hunter

Buying a gift for a hunter may seem tricky. To be sure, it is not easy to choose a gun or a bow. However, there are many hunting accessories that would be appreciated by a loved one. For instance, if your hunter complains about missing a lot of shots, you may invest in a rangefinder. This is a thoughtful gift for a newbie or a person who has trouble judging distance.

Also, you may consider getting a smoker. Many hunters enjoy creating jerky from their trophies. Anyone who processes game meat at home would love a new smoker. It is something not many people consider, but it is a valuable and thoughtful present.

The above gifts are just a few ideas for the person in your life who is recovering from an addiction. It is important to remember that they are more than their disease. This person wants to be treated like everyone else. Even though they don’t drink and must be careful making choices during the day, it is possible to give great gifts that make sobriety easier. No matter the occasion, it is essential to make your friends and loved ones feel normal. Happy shopping!