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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 for illnesses such as pneumonia, acne, rosacea and other skin conditions, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, urinary tract infections, malaria, and lyme disease. It can also be prescribed to individuals who may have an allergic reaction to penicillin, to treat certain types of food poisoning.

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.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Doxycycline?

No, you should avoid alcoholic beverages while taking doxycycline, as it can reduce the drug’s effectiveness and increase side effects like nausea, dizziness, and liver toxicity.

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 problems 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 increased risks 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.

What are Side Effects of Doxycycline?

Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, 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 adverse effects include the following:

• Upset stomach, stomach pain, and 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
• Extreme blood pressure changes
• 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.

What Should Not Be Taken with Doxycycline Besides Alcohol?

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections, but certain drug interactions and substances can affect its effectiveness or increase potential risks. Here are some things to avoid while taking doxycycline:

1. Antacids, Calcium, and Magnesium Supplements

Why? Antacids and supplements containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum can bind to doxycycline, reducing the body’s ability to absorb it properly.

What to Avoid:

• Calcium supplements
• Magnesium supplements
• Antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox)
• Dairy products (milk, yogurt) – though less severe, they may also reduce absorption.

Solution: Take doxycycline 2 hours before or 4 hours after consuming these products.

2. Iron Supplements and Multivitamins with Iron

Why? Iron binds to doxycycline and reduces its absorption.

Solution: Take iron supplements separately from doxycycline by a few hours.

3. Metronidazole (Another Antibiotic)

Why? Combining doxycycline with metronidazole may increase the risk of toxicity and side effects like nausea, dizziness, and neurological issues.

Solution: If both antibiotics are necessary, consult a healthcare provider for monitoring.

4. Phenytoin and Other Seizure Medications

Why? Phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) can speed up doxycycline metabolism, making it less effective.

Solution: A healthcare professional may need to adjust the dosage if taken together.

5. Blood Thinners (Warfarin and Others)

Why? Doxycycline can enhance the effects of blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Solution: If taking warfarin or similar drugs, inform your doctor for monitoring.

6. Isotretinoin (Accutane) and Retinoids

Why? Combining doxycycline with isotretinoin or other retinoids can increase the risk of intracranial hypertension (high pressure in the skull), which can lead to headaches and vision problems.

Solution: Avoid combining unless absolutely necessary under medical supervision.

7. Oral Contraceptives

Why? While doxycycline is not a major risk for birth control failure, some studies suggest it may slightly reduce effectiveness.

Solution: Use an additional backup contraceptive method if needed.

8. Breastfeeding Considerations

Why? Doxycycline can pass into breast milk and may affect an infant’s bone and teeth development.

Solution: Breastfeeding mothers should consult their healthcare provider before taking doxycycline.

While doxycycline is a highly effective antimicrobial agent, it interacts with several supplements, medications, and food items that can either reduce its effectiveness or increase toxicity risks. To ensure proper treatment, always follow your healthcare professional’s guidance and avoid potential drug interactions.

Conclusion

If your alcohol consumption 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, all guided by experienced healthcare professionals. We customize a treatment plan for each individual, with options including detoxification, individual counseling, and group therapy sessions. For those who work during the day, we also offer an evening intensive outpatient program. Contact us today if you or someone you know struggles to control their drinking—our compassionate healthcare providers are here to 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.