Is Alcoholism Prevalent in the LGBTQ Community?

Is Alcoholism Prevalent in the LGBTQ Community

When looking at substance abuse in the LGBTQ community compared to the general public, the numbers are typically higher.

Gay, bisexual, and transgender men and women are more likely to abuse alcohol, but they also have higher drug use rates.

Let’s take a deep dive into alcoholism and LGBTQ community issues and see what the underlying causes of this might be.

LGBTQ Alcoholism

Alcoholism and LGBTQ community issues have been closely related for decades now. Generally speaking, society has had a poor perception of the community which has had a significant impact on the mental health of its members.

Not all people are tolerant of others, and LGBTQ people experience homophobia, discrimination, and even violence because of their sexual orientation. In turn, this can drastically impact their mental health, and increase emotional distress.

As we know, mental health problems are more than just related to alcoholism. It’s a leading cause of it.

The negative outlook has also pushed a large portion of the community underground where a culture of after-hours clubs and underground gay bars has developed.

 It’s within this underground scene and culture that many in the LGBTQ community have sought out comfort in both alcohol and illicit drugs

Prevalence of LGBTQ Alcoholism

While it’s not the entire LGBTQ population who has a problem with alcohol, numbers across the board are higher than for other groups.

Overall, 25% of the LGBTQ community is thought to have a moderate addiction to alcohol–compared to only 5-10% of the general population.

But that’s not the community’s only problem. Other popular substances that are abused among LGBTQ include tobacco, GHB, ecstasy, and prescription opiates. 

Reasons For High Levels of LGBTQ Alcoholism

There are several driving factors behind the increased numbers of alcoholism in the LGBTQ community. The root could be related to various mental illness disorders or emotions that make people more susceptible to alcoholism. 

This could be triggered by serval reasons including shame, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, anger, and self-harm tendencies. 

For one thing, it’s possible that the intense bigotry that the LGBTQ community faces on a daily basis could be behind it.

The bigotry and challenges that LGBTQ community members have to face often result in intense emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.

It is possible that members of the community may not seek help for mental health difficulties caused by this trauma. This is primarily due to discrimination within the healthcare system. Often, this leads to self-medication and alcoholism.

Co-occurring disorders in The LGBTQ Community

In the LGBTQ community, alcohol use disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions. This is known as a dual diagnosis.

The LGBTQ and heterosexual communities are both prone to depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although each co-occurring disorder affects a person differently, there are some differences between them.

LGBTQ individuals, for instance, are more likely to suffer from depression than heterosexuals. Alcohol abuse disorders can be fuelled by depression, which could lead to more community addictions. 

In the same way, anxiety can lead to alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism.

Getting Help for LGBTQ Alcoholism

Figuring out the root cause of alcoholism, providing support, and offering recovery options is a big part of the solution.  

Once the cause of drinking is determined, turning to friends, family members or treatment centers for support can be a ticket to beating alcoholism. 

Programs in treatment facilities have been expanded and tailored specifically for members of the LGBTQ community.  If you or someone you know are part of the LGBTQ community and suffer from alcoholism, you are not alone. 

This is an ongoing battle that many other members have struggled with and have been able to overcome. 

With the right support system, treatment plan, and assistance, you can come out on the positive end of the scale. 

LGBTQ Rehab

Now that you know more about alcoholism and LGBTQ community issues and how to get treatment you might want to join a recovery center that’s tailored to meet the needs of the community. 

Elysium Healthcare offers a leading recovery program for LQGBTQ that’s free of judgment.Contact us today and discover which treatment option is best for you

Are Men More Likely to Be Alcoholics?

Are Men More Likely to Be Alcoholics?

Sex disparity when it comes to alcohol and substance abuse disorders is notable. Men are culturally more prompt to drink and consume drugs than women.

But aside from cultural disparities, are men or women more likely to be alcoholics? Let’s find out.

What Makes Someone an Alcoholic?

Before we answer the question “Are men or women more likely to be alcoholics?” we need to first get clear on what it actually means to be an alcoholic.

Alcoholics are individuals who have developed a physical dependence on alcohol, which means their bodies have gotten used to having the substance in their bodies.

A physical need for alcohol can manifest in a variety of ways. In its simplest form, it’s considered to be a drinker’s inability to control how much they consume. 

When subjects with alcohol dependence stop consuming alcohol, their physical dependence symptoms become more apparent, such as withdrawal symptoms or delirium tremens.

It goes without saying that alcoholics suffer from numerous shortcomings in their social lives and health as well.

Are Men More Likely to Be Alcoholics?

There are a variety of factors that influence alcoholism, including genetics, environment, and individual behavior. 

There is a stereotype about alcoholism that men are more likely to drink alcohol than women, and research shows that men are actually more likely than women to drink excessively. 

In a study, close to 58% of adult men reported drinking over the previous week when compared to only 49% of women. Research also shows that men are more likely to binge drink than women with approximately 21% of them reporting binge drinking, a lot less than the 13% reported by women.

However, in spite of the fact that men have traditionally consumed more alcohol and engaged in heavy drinking, recent research suggests that women are closing the gender gap in alcohol consumption.

The Gender Gap in Drinking

Alcohol consumption and heavy drinking have historically been more prevalent among men. There are a number of social and cultural factors that contribute to this trend. 

For example, men are often socialized to view heavy drinking as a symbol of strength and masculinity, whereas women are encouraged to limit their alcohol consumption and maintain a more “ladylike” attitude. It appears, however, that the gender gap in drinking is narrowing.

According to researchers, the percentage of women who reported drinking alcohol in the past year increased from 44.9% to 48.3%. In contrast, the percentage of men who reported drinking alcohol in the past year decreased from 57.4% to 56.1%.

Despite women catching up to men when it comes to alcohol consumption, research suggests men are still more likely to become alcoholics. 

According to research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, men are twice as likely as women to develop alcoholism. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that men are more likely than women to suffer from alcohol-related health issues.

Additionally, men are more likely to develop alcoholism at a younger age than women—not looking so well for boys.

Talking to a Recovery Expert

Now that you know the answer to “Are men or women more likely to be alcoholics?” you might be wondering what to do if you are a gender that’s more prone to alcoholism. If so, then it’s time to get help.

 Elysium Healthcare offers bespoke treatments to each gender ensuring your program is tailored to benefit you.

Contact  Elysium today for a consultation and speaks to one of our recovery experts

Connection Between Anxiety and Drug Abuse

Addiction and anxiety are two mental health disorders that often go hand-in-hand, fueling each other in a vicious cycle of mental deterioration. 

In fact, addiction, anxiety, and depression are so closely related that it’s estimated that close to 7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. 

Anxiety and Addiction: A Loop of Suffering

Addiction, anxiety, and depression are all co-occurring disorders that tend to exacerbate each other. 

The cycle goes something like this:

  • An addict consumes drugs which creates a physical and mental imbalance
  • The drug then depresses the addict or causes anxiety
  • In order to feel happy or less anxious the addict consumes drugs again
  • The drugs aggravate their co-occurring disorder(s)
  • More drugs are needed to calm the worsening symptoms of anxiety and/or depression
  • Rinse and repeat

As one may imagine, this vicious cycle could quickly lead addicts down a path of self-inflicted destruction and worsen the dual diagnosis to the point where the addict will not be able to get well without the necessary help.

Substance abuse could also cause problems in an addict’s life that could lead to more stress and anxiety. 

For example, drug or alcohol use can lead to financial struggles, legal problems, and strained relationships, all of which are major contributors to the development of anxiety.

Anxiety and Substance Abuse

Addicts with a developing co-occurring disorder or those already suffering from mental health issues seeking to soothe their suffering are both at equal risk of falling prey to the loop of suffering.

People with anxiety disorders are more likely to struggle with substance abuse, and substance abuse can worsen anxiety symptoms. This places a great part of the U.S. population at risk considering that data shows the prevalence of anxiety in America.

Close to 31% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. It’s estimated that at least 19% of them had an anxiety disorder last year.

While most people suffering from anxiety will have mild symptoms, data shows that at least 43% of them will suffer from a mild impairment. 

It’s this part of the population that could be at the highest risk as they might not feel their problem is grave enough to consult a doctor but instead might take to self-medicating at home with drugs or alcohol.

Treating Co-Occurring Anxiety and Substance Abuse Disorders

People suffering from addiction and anxiety could be more likely to struggle when it comes to treatment. That’s because addiction, anxiety, and depression can’t be treated in their own bubble. 

If an addict is suffering from a dual diagnosis, then a holistic comprehensive approach must be taken to address both conditions simultaneously. 

If all conditions are not addressed as one, it could be a waste of time for the patient. If an addict is able to stop taking drugs without treating their anxiety and depression, they risk that those disorders will lead them back to a relapse.

One effective way to ensure addiction and anxiety are treated correctly is by attending a rehab center that offers evidence-based treatments and that takes a holistic approach to recovery.

These rehab centers usually employ effective forms of therapy for co-occurring disorders like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). 

CBT can help recovering addicts with anxiety by teaching them coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms without needing to turn to drugs or alcohol to soothe them.

This form of therapy can also help address the underlying issues that may be fueling their addictions in the first place.

Finding Anxiety and Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment

If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, anxiety, and depression then you must act quickly in order to get them the help they need before the symptoms exacerbate each other.

Elysium Healthcare offers top-rated addiction treatment programs in the U.S. that can help you or your loved ones get the help you need to free yourself from the loop of suffering.

Contact us today and see how our treatments can help.

How to Help Someone With Drug Addiction and Depression

Helping someone with a drug addiction is difficult enough. Add depression to the mix and you’ve got yourself a real  challenge. However, it’s not an impossible task, but it’s one that requires delicacy and a deep understanding of the problem and all possible solutions to it.

If you’ve been wondering how you can help your loved ones suffering from addiction and depression, or if you are seeking depression and addiction recovery then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get into it. 

Understanding Depression and Addiction Recovery

The first step in helping someone with drug addiction and depression is understanding their condition and the relationship between these two mental health disorders.

Drug addiction and depression often go hand in hand as drugs tend to affect pleasure and pain mechanisms in the brain which leads to chemical imbalances and depressive states. 

These two mental health disorders are part of a vicious cycle of deteriorating mental health by exacerbating each other. Conversely, individuals who struggle with depression may turn to drugs as a way to cope with their symptoms, which in turn aggravates depression. 

Therefore, depression and addiction recovery are only effective when both disorders are treated in parallel. Neglecting either will likely result in a relapse or a lack of progress.

Signs of Drug Addiction and Depression

If you suspect that someone you love might be struggling with addiction and depression then there are some signs you should look out for before approaching them.

Some of the signs of drug addiction and depression include::

  • Not participating in social activities
  • Neglecting hygiene
  • Having mood swings or emotional outbursts
  • Showing signs of anxiety or a frenzy
  • Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
  • Attempting to take their own lives

How to Help Someone With Drug Addiction and Depression

Once you have confirmed your suspicions, the next step is to act to offer the addict help. It is possible, however, that the addict will not be as receptive as initially thought. This is normal as both addiction and depression can cloud their thinking. If that’s the case, it’s best to use different strategies to convince them to receive help for depression and addiction recovery.

Show Empathy and Understanding

Being depressed as an addict can often bring up negative feelings like shame and the need for isolation. Offering an empathetic approach and showing you understand their condition will help the addict feel comfortable with you and ultimately help you persuade them to take the right decision.

By expressing empathy and understanding, you can also create a safe space for them to open up and share their thoughts and feelings.

Approaching an addict with judgment or force might push them away and make things worse. One must also remember that depression could be a risky mental health disorder that could lead to the addict taking their own life. For this reason, it’s always best to approach them with delicacy and with the assistance of a mental health professional.

Encourage Them to Seek Professional Help

There is no substitute for bringing a professional to the table even prior to approaching them. Seeking professional help is not just an option, it’s a necessity. 

It can be extremely difficult to treat a dual diagnosis without the help of a professional. Even if the addict finds a way to stop consuming, chances are they could relapse once their depression weighs heavily on them.

Seeking professional help may involve finding a therapist or counselor who specializes in treating both addiction and depression. But the best approach is always to get in contact with a rehab center that offers treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Be Patient

The addict might unfortunately not be receptive right away. Therefore, patience and understanding are needed when dealing with their condition. 

Even if they are receptive, challenges could come along the way like relapses. Being patient and offering continued support despite setbacks is one of the best ways you can help someone who needs depression and addiction recovery.

Encourage Healthy Habits 

Finally encouraging healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can also be beneficial in supporting depression and addiction recovery.

Healthy diet and exercise are both effective ways to help someone get out of a depressive rot and into wellness. As a result, they may be able to find the moral and physical energy they need to commit to sobriety by doing these things.

Professional Help

As we mentioned earlier there is no substitute for professional help when it comes to depression and addiction recovery.

In finding professional help you will want to look for a rehab center that’s able to meet the needs of your loved ones.

Elysium Healthcare is a top-rated recovery program in the United States that offers depression and addiction recovery treatment.

Contact us today to find out how we can help your loved ones get the help they need.

Addiction and the LGBTQ Community

Addiction is a rampant problem that greatly affects members of the LGBTQ community.

In fact, LGBT addiction statistics show that adults in the community are twice as likely to use illicit substances and suffer from substance abuse disorders. 

Let’s have an in-depth look at addiction in the LGBTQ community and how it differs from its counterpart.

LGBT Addiction Statistics on Drug Use

In comparison to heterosexuals, the LGBTQ community faces different challenges. LGBT addiction statistics show that the community also has different preferences when it comes to the substances they abuse.

Furthermore, the community has a number of drugs that are almost uniquely related to them. Poppers are an example of this. 

These drugs dilate blood vessels and allow more blood to reach the heart. Usually, these drugs are combined with other drugs like Ecstasy to increase their potency. However, they are primarily used by the gay community to enhance their sexual experiences.

The drug methamphetamine is also commonly used in the community as a means of enhancing sexual experiences. Meth has been reportedly used as a means to make group sexual encounters last for extended periods and as a way to enhance pleasure.

LGBT addiction statistics also show that other popular substances in the community include alcohol, tobacco, GHB, ecstasy, and prescription opiates. 

LGBT Addiction Statistics on Co-occurring disorders

There are a number of mental health conditions that coexist with substance use disorders within the LGBTQ community. Just as they are with other addicts.

These disorders can lead addicts in the LGBTQ community down a path of desperation and mental health degradation. Making it even more difficult to get proper treatment and recovery.

LGBTQ and heterosexual communities are both commonly afflicted with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which are all trauma-related disorders. However, there are some differences in the ways each community is affected by co-occurring disorders.

For example, LGBT addiction statistics show that the community is more likely to experience depression than their heterosexual counterparts. This could ultimately lead to more addictions in the community.

Unequal Treatment Access and Outcomes

Despite the fact that LGBT addiction statistics show higher rates of substance abuse in the community, there appear to be significant disparities when it comes to treatment access and outcomes. 

Some of these barriers might include:

  • Discrimination
  • Lack of understanding
  • Lack of accommodation for their gender
  • Lack of understanding from healthcare providers
  • Difficulties connecting with staff

Furthermore, LGBT addiction statistics show that those in the community may have lower rates of treatment completion and higher rates of relapse compared to the general population.

This could be partly due to the lack of culturally competent care that takes into account the unique needs and challenges of LGBT individuals.

Ultimately, members of the LGBT community may feel more comfortable seeking treatment in an environment that is inclusive and sensitive to their unique needs. 

An empathetic and welcoming environment may help them adjust to a recovery program more easily.

For LGBT addiction statistics to change for the better, it’s critical that rehabs and treatment providers be aware of the unique challenges that the community faces. This will enable them to meet their needs adequately.

Finding Inclusive Treatment

Finding inclusive treatment in the LGBTQ community could represent the difference between a healthy outcome and the need to come back to visit the rehab.

Thus, finding a treatment center that meets the needs of the LGBTQ community is a critical step in their recovery.

Elysium Healthcare is an open community that understands the needs of the LGBTQ community and that is prepared to attend to its own unique demands.

If you are a member of the LGBTQ community struggling with addiction contact us immediately to see how we can help.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Timeline

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Timeline

Without proper medical care, alcohol withdrawals can be life-threatening and with millions of people around the world suffering from alcoholism, it’s never been so critical to understand the alcoholism withdrawal symptoms timeline.

In fact, getting to know the alcoholism withdrawal symptoms timeline can help individuals prepare for what to expect and seek help when necessary.

Let’s take a dive into it and see what to expect.

Alcoholism Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline

The alcoholism withdrawal symptoms timeline is largely determined by the severity of the disease. The worse the addiction is, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms could be, and the longer it might last.

A heavy drinker or an alcoholic may experience withdrawal symptoms shortly after discontinuing a session. This is typically within eight hours of the last drink, although it may take longer in some instances.

 

It usually takes between seven and ten days for the alcohol withdrawal process to complete, but some symptoms may last for weeks.

The First 12 Hours: Easing Into It

Most people experiencing alcohol withdrawal will begin to feel some discomfort between six and twelve hours after their last drink. However, it can be normal for heavy drinkers to start feeling the effects much sooner. As symptoms develop, they will go from mild to severe. 

During the first few hours, a patient might experience a number of symptoms that include:

  • Tremors
  • Irritability
  • Sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hypertension and hyperventilation
  • Elevated heart rate
  • High body temperature
  • Alcohol cravings
  • Anxiety

The First 24 Hours: Mild Symptoms

After the appearance of the first onset of symptoms, the withdrawal process will progress, bringing about new symptoms and aggravating the existing ones.

The first 24 hours could bring about an experience of increasingly severe and dangerous symptoms of alcohol withdrawal such as:

  • Disorientation 
  • Seizures
  • Feeling pins and needles
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression

Days 2-3: Moderate Symptoms

Symptoms may intensify as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol. Days 2-3 are often characterized by moderate symptoms such as tremors, insomnia, and an increased heart rate. 

Panic attacks and seizures tend to be more common during this period as well, although they might be moderate in severity. In some cases, individuals may also experience hallucinations, although these are less common.

During this period, the addict is in a delicate medical state and should be supervised by medical professionals. 

Days 4-7: Severe Symptoms

It is typically during days four to seven that the recovering alcoholic suffers the most severe health risks. It is not just debilitating for their mental health, but also for their physical health, which carries the highest risk of mortality.

During this period delirium tremens could lead to cardiac collapse. In fact, statistics show that patients have a 37% risk of mortality during this period if they don’t receive proper medical treatment.

After 7 Days: Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)

By this time most withdrawal symptoms should begin to ease out. However, those with more acute symptoms might experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). These symptoms could last for weeks or even months depending on the health of the patient and the severity of their alcoholism.

PAWS might include symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia which might need to be treated using therapy. If these co-occurring symptoms are not treated during this period, the patient might be at a higher risk of relapse.

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help. 

Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous and even life-threatening, especially for those with a history of heavy drinking or alcoholism.

Elysium Healthcare is a top-rated recovery program in the United States that offers alcohol treatment for withdrawal.

Contact us today to find out more.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Long-term cocaine use can lead to a wide range of negative effects on the body and mind.

With an estimated  2% of the total United States population using cocaine, it becomes ever more important to inform ourselves about the implication of cocaine symptoms. 

Learning more about cocaine signs and the effects of cocaine abuse can help us educate our loved ones about the dangers of the substance and identify if those close to use might be abusing the drug. 

Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

Psychological Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

Cocaine use can have significant psychological effects on its users which extend far beyond addiction.

The changes in brain chemistry that cocaine causes can develop lasting negative effects on its users and a series of complications such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders as well as posing memory and concentration challenges. 

Repeated exposure to cocaine changes the reward pathways in the user’s brain and makes it less susceptible to natural reinforcement. 

Reward pathways are nature’s ways of motivating us and indicating which behaviors we should seek out most. Damaging these pathways can create lasting changes in the mood of the user as well as their natural motivation. 

Less responsive receptors can also fail to act on natural reinforcers such as food, social interactions, or even sex.

Once this system is damaged, it can also become more sensitive to stress and depression and develop co-occurring disorders in the addict. It also builds tolerance which could prompt the addict to consume more and eventually overdose.

If that wasn’t enough, prolonged use of cocaine can also lead to paranoia, hallucinations, and other psychosis symptoms.

Social Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

Social effects are one of the less talked about cocaine symptoms of abuse but one of the most influential.

Long-term abuse of cocaine can lead to financial difficulties that could affect the user even long after achieving sobriety.

Cocaine abuse can also cause problems with the law that could hinder around for years and affect the user’s ability to find a job. In the worst of cases, they might need to serve a jail sentence even if they decide to sober up.

Many users could see their personal relationships and careers suffer from nearly irreparable damage. 

In short, it’s not only the mind and body that suffer from cocaine addiction. All aspects of an addict’s life can be affected by their drug habits.

Physical Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use

Cocaine can wreak havoc in the body causing a number of negative long-lasting physical effects. From affecting the nose to damaging the brain and the heart, nearly every organ in the body can suffer from a cocaine habit.

We have broken it down into categories given there are so many ways cocaine can affect the body.

Long-Term Physical Effects of Cocaine on the Nose

Effects of cocaine abuse in the nose include:

  • Sinuses
  • Damaged nose cartilage
  • Chronic nosebleeds
  • Sense of smell
  • Congestions

Cardiovascular Long-Term Physical Effects of Cocaine 

Cardiovascular effects of cocaine abuse include:

  • Chest pains
  • Arrhythmias
  • Heart muscle inflammation
  • Stroke
  • Aortic ruptures
  • High blood pressure
  • Arteriosclerosis
  • Heart attack
  • Reduction in the heart’s contraction ability

Respiratory Long-Term Physical Effects of Cocaine

Respiratory effects of cocaine abuse include:

  • Lung tumors
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Emphysema
  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory distress
  • Worsening of asthma
  • Chronic Cough

Gastrointestinal Long-Term Physical Effects of Cocaine

Gastrointestinal effects of cocaine abuse include:

  • Death of bowel tissue
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Abdominal pain

Long-Term Physical Effects of Cocaine on the Brain and Nervous System

As discussed earlier in the article cocaine can have devastating effects on the brain that can lead to severe damage and psychological consequences. 

These are other effects of cocaine abuse on the brain:

  • Stroke
  • Seizures
  • Brain bleeds
  • Damage to blood vessels in and around the brain
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Impaired memory and impulse control
  • Psychomotor issues
  • Issues with decision making

Getting Help

Long lasting effects of cocaine can worsen the longer a user consumes the drug. But many of these can reverse and heal with time.

Whatever the case, it’s critical that addicts seek help as soon as possible, and there is always a chance to get better for as long as the addict is alive.

Don’t wait for the effects of cocaine to scar you for the rest of your life.

If someone you love is showing signs of cocaine abuse, then we can help.

Elysium Healthcare can help you and your loved ones get the treatment you need.Contact us today and ask to speak to an admission counselor who can help you get the treatment you deserve.

How to Help a Cocaine Addict

How to Help a Cocaine Addict

It’s estimated that close to 2% of the total United States population reported using cocaine in 2021. With such outrageous abuse statistics, you are bound to come across someone who uses it at some point in their lives—or worse! Someone close to you could end up being a victim.

If so, we might be tempted to help, but cocaine is a baffling foe. Its effect could drive our loved ones to the brink of irrationality. 

So one might wonder how one can help with cocaine addiction. Worry no more, the cavalry’s here to save the day. Let’s take a dive into the most effective way to help a cocaine addict.

Care-Base Approach

Finding out that someone we love is addicted to cocaine might stir up all sorts of emotions inside us. We might feel sadness, anguish, fear, worry, and anger. While these are all well-justified emotions, we must do our part to avoid reacting to them.

If our reaction comes from a negative place, the cocaine addict might in turn react negatively by losing trust and developing anger and fear. If that’s the case, then it could become more difficult to achieve a breakthrough and get them the help they need.

Instead, it’s wise to attempt to approach them from a place of care and trust, with compassion and without judgment. By adopting a care-based approach, the probability of being well-received could increase.

A care-based approach could also help reduce the risk of self-harm which many addicts face, particularly when there is a co-occurring disorder like depression.

These are some ways in which you can approach an addict with care-

  • Offer them help but don’t be judgemental
  • Don’t criticize their actions
  • Express your care for them in a positive way
  • Be encouraging 
  • Tell them you are here if they need you
  • Be patient
  • Be calm

Learn and Educate

One of the best ways to appeal to those who need help with cocaine addiction is by educating ourselves and in turn educating them about the dangers involved.

You might be surprised to learn how little addicts may not know about their condition and the ways in which they can overcome it.

Some topics of interest that you can both learn and share with the addict include:

  • How cocaine affects their health
  • How cocaine affects their finances and career
  • How cocaine affects their relationships
  • How to get sober from cocaine
  • What treatments are available
  • Demystifying myths about cocaine

Check out our content library for a variety of useful topics if you aren’t sure where to start.

Taking Inventory

Education is helpful, but we tend to learn more when we experience things for ourselves. Depending on how far down the scale the addict may be, there might already be a trail of evidence in their life to show the adverse effects that cocaine has.

Taking a personal inventory of how cocaine is affecting their life might help them recognize the need for help.

Professional Help

The best way to help someone with cocaine addiction is by getting them help from experts. 

There is no substitute for professional help when addiction has reached severe stages. Withdrawal symptoms could be life-threatening for addicts, reinforcing the need for medical detox. 

Furthermore, therapists, recovery experts, and medical professionals are trained and experienced in helping cocaine addicts get sober and stay that way.

There are a number of professional resources and organizations that can help with cocaine addiction. Some of them include: 

  • Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab
  • Drug counselors or therapists
  • 12-Step groups

How to Help a Cocaine Addict Get Professional Help

At Elysium Healthcare we pride ourselves on offering pristine rehabilitation and care services for addicts. If you are having difficulties helping your loved ones on your own, please contact us today and one of our recovery experts will assist you in the process.

How to Recover From Emotional Trauma

How to Recover From Emotional Trauma

Healing from emotional trauma is something most of us will need to do at one point or another.

The emotional condition is a rampant problem in America with nearly 70% of the adult population reportedly experiencing a traumatic event at least once in their life. That’s over 200 million people in the US alone.

Traumatic experiences can be debilitating for anyone experiencing them. But the good news is that recovering from trauma is possible. 

Here are some tips on how to heal from emotional trauma that we know you’ll appreciate.

What Is Trauma? 

We need to examine what trauma is and what causes it before we can decide if healing from emotional trauma is right for us.

As defined by the American Psychological Association, trauma is an emotional response to a deeply stressful event that’s difficult to cope with. 

Traumatic events might include rape, death, accidents, or natural disasters. But different events affect different people.

After the event, the traumatized end up feeling helpless, insecure, upset, and generally not feeling well. 

If things get bad enough, then trauma could turn into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can lead to extended periods of distress.

How to Recover From Emotional Trauma

Acknowledge Your Trauma

One cannot recover from something that one doesn’t accept.

 

Trauma patients should prioritize acceptance of their condition in the same way that 12-step groups prioritize accepting their problem with addiction. 

If in doubt, then it’s smart to reach out! Consult with a professional that can help you determine if there is a condition and what might be causing it.

Love Thyself

Practicing self-care is a critical step in the journey of recovery from trauma. Taking care of yourself along the way is essential when healing from emotional trauma.

Maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising regularly are all ways in which you can practice self-care. You may also want to try holistic practices like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
The more you are able to feel at ease and relax, the better it will be for your condition.

Take Breaks 

Taking breaks and learning to slow down is also a form of self-care. Emotional trauma is like stress. It requires peace and tranquility to fade away. By taking breaks you can allow your emotions to avoid added stress and give yourself the space you need to heal.

Healing from trauma can also feel draining and consume a great deal of your energy. By taking breaks you can give your body time to recharge and the energy it needs to make it through this tedious process.

Go Deep With Your Feelings

Make sure you allow yourself to feel your emotions and express them in a healthy way. 

Journaling is a very effective way to get all of those emotions out of your system and recover from traumatic events. By writing down your emotions, you are able to let your mind release them onto paper. Painting is another effective way of healing from emotional trauma and releasing emotions.

To heal from trauma, you must feel your feelings and accept them. You might feel uncomfortable along the way, but there is nothing wrong with that. Just make sure to channel those emotions into a healthy outlet.

Find the Right Help 

It might seem obvious, but oftentimes patients avoid getting the necessary help when they need it. In many instances, they might feel ashamed or as if they can get over it on their own.

Sadly, most patients will wait too long to treat trauma which could lead to the worsening of their condition and end up suffering from PTSD.

Therapists and mental health counselors are readily available across the country. There are numerous sites that can help you find the help you need.

Elysium Healthcare can help you get into treatment if you think you are suffering from trauma. 

Try contacting their admissions department and see how they can lend a helping hand. 

What Is the Difference Between Binge Drinking and Alcoholism?

What Is the Difference Between Binge Drinking and Alcoholism?

Alcoholism remains an enigmatic disorder, often rendering it challenging to identify the difference between an alcoholic and a binge drinker.

Some may envision alcoholics as people who hit rock bottom—homeless, broke, sick, and dying. Meanwhile, others may view them as those who frequently indulge in binge drinking. But in truth, there is a difference between alcohol abuse and binge drinking.

So, the question arises––how do we discern the border between these two behaviors? 

In this article, we will examine the difference between binge drinking and alcoholism.

What’s Alcoholism?

Understanding the true nature of the disease is important before determining the difference between binge drinking and alcoholism.  

While heavy drinking may pave the way for addiction, it does not necessarily indicate that there is an addictive disorder. 

Alcoholism is technically defined as a medical condition that’s characterized by an individual’s inability to curb their drinking habits. 

The obsession with alcohol develops in both the body and the mind and is accompanied by a number of mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. 

Symptoms of withdrawal appear when a person consumes alcohol for a prolonged period, and their body has become habituated to it, reacting negatively without it.

Consequently, the most apparent indication of alcoholism is the presence of withdrawal symptoms in the individual.

 

Binge drinkers will lack symptoms of withdrawal which is one of the most important indicators that marks the difference between an alcoholic and a binge drinker.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal 

The most common mild symptoms of alcoholism include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Agitation
  • Sweating
  • Visual and auditory disturbances
  • Anxiety

Severe and life-threatening symptoms may include – 

  • Delirium tremens
  • Seizures
  • Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
  • Anxiety
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Hallucinations
  • Cardiovascular complications

What’s Binge Drinking?

The term “binge drinking” is defined as consuming several drinks in a short period of time. More specifically, binge drinking refers to consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more for women on one occasion.

During a drinking binge, blood alcohol content can rise to dangerous levels, leading to blackouts, vomiting, and even passing out; however, the number of drinks consumed can be considered to be a ballpark figure. 

An individual’s threshold will vary greatly depending on their weight, height, and tolerance. It is therefore possible for some individuals to reach a dangerous blood alcohol level with just two or three drinks.

Risks of Binge Drinking

Binge drinking poses serious risks, similar to those of alcoholism.

Some of the most common risks of binge drinking include:

  • Accidents, crashes, and injuries while intoxicated
  • Risk of violence
  • Risk of STDs
  • Unintended pregnancy or miscarriage
  • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Cancer
  • Memory problems
  • Other unintended consequences such as missing out on work or acting in ways that one may regret

If the symptoms of binge drinking ring a bell, it is because they are familiar to those of alcoholism. Which prompts the question, if they sound so then what’s the actual difference between an alcoholic and a binge drinker?

Difference Between Binge Drinking and Alcoholism

Now that we have a better understanding of what binge drinking and alcoholism are, let’s examine some key differences between the two. 

The bottom line is that binge drinking can be as dangerous as alcoholism without some of its addictive characteristics. When you binge drink, you experience all the same problems as when you are severely intoxicated. In both cases, car accidents, fights, and trouble with the law are common issues.

The main difference between the two is alcoholism’s physical dependency. The binge drinking experience will not include withdrawal symptoms; however, this does not make it any less deadly.

However, this does not guarantee that a binge drinker won’t experience withdrawal symptoms. Alcoholism can develop from binge drinking.

Some of the symptoms that are unique to an alcoholic may include:

  • A desire to stop drinking but being unable to do so
  • Feeling angry or irritated if the alcohol runs out
  • Hands shaking or having tremors after drinking
  • Hallucinations
  • Trouble sleeping without alcohol
  • Hiding drinking habits from others
  • Strong alcohol cravings

When to Seek Help

There is a difference between alcohol abuse and binge drinking, but that doesn’t necessarily make binge drinking any less dangerous. Binge drinking is a common occurrence in America with one out of every six adults suffering from the behavior. 

Binge drinkers might not see their behavior as a problem and shy away from getting the help they need.

Even if a person is not an alcoholic, they should seek help if their drinking becomes a problem. 

Elysium Healthcare is a top-rated luxury provider of alcohol rehabs that also helps binge drinkers get back on track. We provide rehab facilities that include both inpatient and outpatient treatment.

No matter which treatment option is best for you, we have a rehab that can help.Contact Elysium Healthcare today to learn more about our alcohol rehab options.