Author: Nicole Burson

Many individuals who suffer from alcohol or drug addiction also suffer from a co-occurring mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. This phenomenon is called a dual diagnosis. For individuals who suffer from substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental illness, dual diagnosis treatment is essential.

What is dual diagnosis treatment?

What Is Dual Diagnosis: Explained 

Dual diagnosis occurs whenever an individual suffers from both a mental disorder and a drug or alcohol problem. Dual diagnosis treatment involves treating the co-occurring illnesses alongside one another to help the person heal from all fronts. The goal of this treatment is holistic recovery and care. 

What Illnesses Often Co-Occur Alongside Addiction? 

Individuals who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction are often diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 9.2 million adults have a co-occurring disorder in the United States. Some of these co-occurring disorders can include:

• Anxiety 
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Conduct disorders 
• Major depressive disorder 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder 
• Schizophrenia 

This is not a comprehensive list of illnesses that may occur alongside addiction, but they are the most common.

The Relationship Between Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders

The fact that over 9 million adults suffer from a dual diagnosis may come as a shock to you, but it does not come as a shock to medical professionals. There is a close relationship between mental disorders and substance use disorders.

Individuals who suffer from mental disorders may look to soothe their mental turmoil with substances, resulting in a substance use disorder that requires treatment. Conversely, a substance use disorder may escalate into a mental disorder with continual use and the stress that comes with it.

Additionally, there are common risk factors that contribute to both substance use disorders and mental disorders. For example, stress, trauma, and genetics all impact a person’s susceptibility to both substance use disorders and mental disorders.

How Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Different From Other Treatments? 

Dual diagnosis treatment builds upon regular addiction treatment, but it is designed specifically for the individual. It provides the individual with medical treatment for all medical diagnoses. As such, the individual will receive medical intervention for the addiction and the co-occurring mental illness.

Dual diagnosis treatment normally begins whenever an individual fills out an intake form at a rehab facility. The intake process involves numerous questions to fully understand the person’s physical and mental state.

From there, the team will work to create a treatment plan specifically for that individual. The treatment begins with a detox. It then continues with behavioral therapies, social support, and sometimes medicines. This approach to a dual diagnosis results in holistic care that warrants optimal success.

Treatment for dual diagnosis typically extends after the initial rehab treatment. Individuals who suffer from a mental disorder will normally begin seeing a doctor regularly to ensure their mental health is maintained. They should also continue therapy or group sessions to target their addiction.

Contact Elysium Healthcare for Help 

Dual diagnosis occurs frequently among individuals who suffer from addiction. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction and also suffers from a co-occurring illness, dual diagnosis treatment will likely be the most effective option for recovery.

Elysium Healthcare provides comprehensive recovery options for individuals who receive a dual diagnosis. Our programs are designed to help individuals from the inside out. As such, our programs are specialized based on the individual. We even provide a number of facilities to ensure you find a program that is right for your needs and preferences.

To learn more about Elysium Healthcare’s offerings, get in touch with us today.

Xanax is a common medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Although Xanax can relieve pain associated with anxiety, it can cause serious problems if used in the long-term. Xanax is highly addictive, and it can cause withdrawal symptoms even after short-term use.

As such, using Xanax comes with several risks. It’s important to talk with your doctor about risk factors if they’re recommending Xanax. If you are not prescribed Xanax, you should never use it because this is prescription medicine abuse that often leads to addiction.

Why Is Xanax So Addictive?

Xanax is the prescription drug known as alprazolam in its generic form. This medication belongs to the class of benzodiazepine, sometimes referred to as benzos. Like other medicines in this class, Xanax is addictive. Why is Xanax so addictive? Xanax is incredibly addictive due to how it affects the body.

Xanax works by calming your central nervous system, which causes it to classify as a central nervous system depressant. It specifically targets neurotransmitters in your brain so that it produces a calming effect. This calming effect is why it is used to treat anxiety and panic.

This calming effect impacts the body in a number of ways. For example, it slows the heart rate and blood pressure, as well as alters body temperature regulation. At the same time, Xanax releases dopamine, which is associated with happiness and pleasure. The sedative qualities, mixed with the release of dopamine are what makes Xanax so addictive.

To make the drug more dangerous, Xanax specifically is unique because it releases small amounts of the medication over a long period of time. For this reason, Xanax creates a longer-lasting effect than other related drugs. Due to these addictive qualities, Xanax addiction often requires inpatient treatment. 

How Much Xanax Is Addictive?

Dependence on Xanax builds up fast. Induces can become addicted to Xanax in a relatively short amount of time. However, dependence on Xanax requires regular use. On average, individuals can become dependent on Xanax in as little as three to four weeks. For some individuals, this dependence can build quicker or longer.

The reason why dependence varies based on a person is that many factors will impact a person’s susceptibility to addiction. Some factors that will impact a person’s development of dependence on Xanax include:

• Age when first used 
• Frequency of use 
• Length of use 
• General dosage 
• Abuse of other drugs 

Let’s look at an example. A person who suffers from severe panic attacks may have Xanax in their medicine cabinet in case of a panic attack. This individual may only take a Xanax when needed, such as every month or so. This individual is unlikely to develop a dependence since they do not use Xanax frequently or for a long period of time.

In contrast, someone else may have a general anxiety disorder and feel the need to take medication for it on a daily basis. This individual is much more likely to become addicted to Xanax because they would be taking the medication consistently over a long period of time.

Signs of Xanax Addiction 

It’s important to know the signs of Xanax addiction if you or a loved one is prescribed the medication. Xanax dependence is typically defined as a person’s tolerance to the medication. If an individual is addicted to Xanax, they will experience withdrawal symptoms upon stopping the drug, such as:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of appetite
• Behavioral changes
• Difficulty focusing
• Muscle cramps
• Irritability
• Sadness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sleep issues

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, it may be time for treatment. 

Get Help from Elysium Healthcare 

Now that you know how and why is Xanax so addictive, you now have the power to begin your road to recovery. Contact Elysium Healthcare if you or a loved one is suffering from Xanax addiction and seeks recovery.

Causes and risk factors of opioid abuse are varied and complex. Furthermore, the identifying signs of opioid abuse are sometimes subtle and difficult to identify.

Regardless, the first step in any addict’s recovery journey is recognizing that they have the problem. it is impossible to recognize that one has a problem without knowing the signs of opioid abuse first. To learn about the most common signs of opioid abuse, scroll down. 

Opioid Abuse Explained 

Opioids are often used for pain relief and sleep induction. Opiates confound naturally in the form of opium or morphine, but most opiates today are synthetic and derived from these substances. 

Although opiates can be helpful in the medical community, opioids are also highly addictive and create many problems after prolonged use. Prescription medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone all fall into this category, as well as street drugs like heroin.

Opioids are highly addictive for multiple reasons. Firstly, these drugs create a sense of safety and euphoria, as well as relieve pain. These are feelings that some people may become addicted to and compulsively seek out from the substance, especially if they don’t have other ways to work through the pain.

Long-term opioid use can even lead to physical dependence. Whenever an individual uses opioids for a long time, their brain is unable to naturally produce endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural response to pain. As a result, the individual is unable to regulate and manage pain as a normal person. 

Once this point is hit, the individual needs the substance to maintain the same sense of happiness and contentment as before. If the addict stops taking the substance, their body will go through a withdrawal process, which involves unpleasant symptoms and feelings. Most addicts will go to great lengths to avoid these feelings. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Opioid Abuse 

The causes and risk factors of opioid abuse are not fully understood. Research has shown that there is a genetic predisposition to opioid addiction. In other words, someone who has a parent who is an addict may be predisposed to addiction.

In addition to genetic factors, there are environmental factors that may increase the risk of opioid abuse. Early childhood trauma, overall trauma, mental disorders, and prolonged stress are all environmental factors that often lead to opioid abuse.

Physical illnesses can also be a risk factor for opioid abuse. Individuals who suffer from severe pain, such as after surgery, are more at risk of opioid abuse. Opioid use may begin innocently as a way to manage the pain, but it may escalate to addiction.

What are the Signs of Opioid Abuse? 

Opioid abuse and addiction come with many symptoms. These symptoms can be broken down into four categories: mood symptoms, physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and behavioral symptoms.

Mood Symptoms 

• Depressed mood
• Lack of motivation
• Hyperactivity

Physical Symptoms 

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Itchy skin
• Cramping

Physiological Symptoms 

• Distorted perception of reality
• Depression
• Loss of concentration or interest
• Mood swings 
• Extreme behavior changes
• Confusion or disorientation
• Anxiety

Behavior Symptoms 

• Diminished coordination
• Withdrawn socially
• Slowed or slurred speech
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Stealing from loved ones and/or other illegal activities

When to Get Help 

If you notice that your loved one is experiencing the symptoms above, as well as an increased tolerance to opioids, it is time to get help. Both physical dependence and psychological addiction require medical intervention through treatment. 

Call Elysium Healthcare Today! 

Elysium Healthcare provides comprehensive rehabilitative services for individuals who suffer from addiction. If you or a loved one suffers from the symptoms above, call Elysium Healthcare today in order to learn more about our services and to begin the road to recovery.

Addiction comes with many misconceptions. Anyone who has suffered from an addiction knows this fact. Unfortunately, common myths about drug addiction are not just untrue. They can also be dangerous. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, it’s important to bust common myths about drug addiction. By debunking these myths, you will better be able to help yourself or your loved one overcome addiction and begin living a life of recovery.

8 Common Myths About Drug Addiction

Although there are many common myths about drug addiction, here are the eight most common:

Myth: Using drugs and alcohol is a choice. 

For centuries, addiction was viewed as a choice and a moral failing. Modern science has proven this myth completely wrong. 

Using drugs and alcohol and becoming addicted is not a choice. Addiction occurs from many factors, including genetics, trauma, and other environmental influences. As such, addiction is a disease, not a choice.

Myth: Addiction deserves punishment. 

Because people of the past believed addiction was a moral failing, they also thought that it deserved punishment.

Since addiction is a disease, it does not warrant punishment. Instead, addiction should be treated as a chronic disease that deserves medical intervention and care, just like any other disease.

Myth: Addiction only affects certain types of people. 

Many individuals believe that addiction only affects certain types of people, often people outside of their own circles. This is simply not true. Addiction does not discriminate, and it affects about one in eight people in the United States.

Myth: People who have a stable job and life cannot be addicted. 

Whenever many individuals think of an addict, they think of a homeless individual who is incapable of keeping their life together. Although some addicts fall into this category, addiction impacts all individuals, including those with stable jobs and successful lives.

This myth has caused many individuals to be in denial about their addiction and reject recovery as a result. Just because an individual waits until 5:00 PM to use does not mean they are not addicted.

Myth: Prescription drugs are not as dangerous as street drugs. 

Prescription drugs are just as addictive as street drugs. As a result, addiction to prescription medication is becoming more and more of a problem. If you are not using a prescribed medicine exactly how the doctor intended, you are misusing the medication. If you need the medicine compulsively, you are addicted. 

Myth: Going to treatment will fix the problem immediately. 

Most people make the mistake of thinking that attending treatment will immediately stop their problems. This is not how addiction works. Addiction is a chronic disease that requires a lifetime of effort and work that begins with treatment. 

Myth: Using medication during detox is the same as switching from one addiction to another.

The detox process is painful and sometimes dangerous, which warrants medical intervention and medications. 

Using medication during the detox is not the same as switching from one illicit substance to another. These medications not only ensure that your detox is as comfortable as possible, but they can also ensure that you are not harmed during the process and that you continue on your road to recovery.

Myth: Detoxing is enough.

Some individuals think that getting clean is the only step in breaking their addiction. Addiction involves much more than physical dependence. If you do not receive the medical intervention you need to fight the addiction from all fronts after detox, you will likely relapse.

Suffering from Addiction? Call Elysium Healthcare Today! 

If you or a loved one is suffering from drug addiction, contact Elysium Healthcare for a luxurious approach to addiction treatment in California.

Withdrawal occurs whenever you stop taking long-term opioids. Unfortunately, opioid withdrawal is a difficult and dangerous phase during the recovery process. However, it is the first and arguably most important step in beginning your life of sobriety.

The good news is that opioid withdrawal comes in stages, which means you can know what to anticipate. Furthermore, you can detox from opioids in medical scenarios to ensure you are as safe and comfortable as possible.

Signs of Opioid Withdrawal 

Symptoms of opioid withdrawal range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms to expect include:

• Insomnia
• Racing heart
• High blood pressure
• Muscle and bone pain
• Chills
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased body temperature

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms and have stopped using opioids, you are likely experiencing opioid withdrawal.

How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?

How long opioid withdrawal lasts ultimately depends on the opioid in question. Certain opioids have longer withdrawal periods, whereas others have shorter duration symptoms. 

For example, short-acting opioids, such as heroin, often cause withdrawal that lasts for about a week. Long-acting opioids, such as methadone, can have withdrawal symptoms that last up to two weeks or longer. So, it’s important to consider the type of opioid in your system in order to determine how long withdrawal will last.

Opioid Detox Timeline 

To better understand opioid withdrawal, it’s a good idea to consider an opioid detox timeline. Opioid detox typically has three stages: early, peak, and late. When these stages occur depends on the individual in question and the opioid being used. Let’s take a closer look at each one of these stages, including when they occur and the symptoms.

Early Stage 

Individuals will enter into the early stage of opioid withdrawal shortly after the last use of an opioid. You can determine when the early stage will happen using the half-life of the drug. Whenever your body has eliminated half of the drug substance, you will begin craving again, which is the early stage.

Most opioids have a half-life of about a few hours. Oxycodone, for example, has a half-life between 3 and 5 hours. Methadone has a much longer half-life at 8 to 60 hours. Once the half-life has been met, symptoms of early stage opioid withdrawal will begin.

Symptoms of early stage opioid withdrawal include:

• Cravings 
• Anxiety 
• Frustration 
• Physical changes 

These symptoms will progressively get worse as time goes on.

Peak Stage 

As the opioids continue to leave your body, the symptoms will get worse until they reach the peak stage. The peak stage of opioid withdrawal is whenever symptoms are at their most severe. Most individuals undergo the peak stage between 30 and 72 hours after the last use.

During the peak stage, expect symptoms to be very severe. Some common symptoms include:

• Flu-like symptoms 
• Mood changes 
• Intense cravings 
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Changes in blood pressure 
• Feeling hot or cold 
• Sweating 

These symptoms will be incredibly powerful during the peak, which is why it’s important to get medical care when undergoing detox for these symptoms.

Late Stage 

The late stage occurs after the peak stage. It is whenever the symptoms begin to subside. The late stage reflects the early stage, but you are getting better. Late stage withdrawal typically happens 5 to 10 days after your last use, but the stage may not begin after the 2 week period for long-acting opioids.

Detox Safely with Elysium Healthcare

Opioid withdrawal is incre

Withdrawal occurs whenever you stop taking long-term opioids. Unfortunately, opioid withdrawal is a difficult and dangerous phase during the recovery process. However, it is the first and arguably most important step in beginning your life of sobriety.

The good news is that opioid withdrawal comes in stages, which means you can know what to anticipate. Furthermore, you can detox from opioids in medical scenarios to ensure you are as safe and comfortable as possible.

Signs of Opioid Withdrawal 

Symptoms of opioid withdrawal range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms to expect include:

• Insomnia
• Racing heart
• High blood pressure
• Muscle and bone pain
• Chills
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased body temperature

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms and have stopped using opioids, you are likely experiencing opioid withdrawal.

How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?

How long opioid withdrawal lasts ultimately depends on the opioid in question. Certain opioids have longer withdrawal periods, whereas others have shorter duration symptoms. 

For example, short-acting opioids, such as heroin, often cause withdrawal that lasts for about a week. Long-acting opioids, such as methadone, can have withdrawal symptoms that last up to two weeks or longer. So, it’s important to consider the type of opioid in your system in order to determine how long withdrawal will last.

Opioid Detox Timeline 

To better understand opioid withdrawal, it’s a good idea to consider an opioid detox timeline. Opioid detox typically has three stages: early, peak, and late. When these stages occur depends on the individual in question and the opioid being used. Let’s take a closer look at each one of these stages, including when they occur and the symptoms.

Early Stage 

Individuals will enter into the early stage of opioid withdrawal shortly after the last use of an opioid. You can determine when the early stage will happen using the half-life of the drug. Whenever your body has eliminated half of the drug substance, you will begin craving again, which is the early stage.

Most opioids have a half-life of about a few hours. Oxycodone, for example, has a half-life between 3 and 5 hours. Methadone has a much longer half-life at 8 to 60 hours. Once the half-life has been met, symptoms of early stage opioid withdrawal will begin.

Symptoms of early stage opioid withdrawal include:

• Cravings 
• Anxiety 
• Frustration 
• Physical changes 

These symptoms will progressively get worse as time goes on.

Peak Stage 

As the opioids continue to leave your body, the symptoms will get worse until they reach the peak stage. The peak stage of opioid withdrawal is whenever symptoms are at their most severe. Most individuals undergo the peak stage between 30 and 72 hours after the last use.

During the peak stage, expect symptoms to be very severe. Some common symptoms include:

• Flu-like symptoms 
• Mood changes 
• Intense cravings 
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Changes in blood pressure 
• Feeling hot or cold 
• Sweating 

These symptoms will be incredibly powerful during the peak, which is why it’s important to get medical care when undergoing detox for these symptoms.

Late Stage 

The late stage occurs after the peak stage. It is whenever the symptoms begin to subside. The late stage reflects the early stage, but you are getting better. Late stage withdrawal typically happens 5 to 10 days after your last use, but the stage may not begin after the 2 week period for long-acting opioids.

Detox Safely with Elysium Healthcare

Opioid withdrawal is incredibly difficult and painful. Not to mention, is sometimes dangerous due to the severity of the symptoms. Make sure today to detox safely with the help of the professionals at Elysium Healthcare. Contact Elysium Healthcare today to learn more about our medical detox programs.

dibly difficult and painful. Not to mention, is sometimes dangerous due to the severity of the symptoms. Make sure today to detox safely with the help of the professionals at Elysium Healthcare. Contact Elysium Healthcare today to learn more about our medical detox programs.

Detoxing or getting clean for the first time is a difficult part of the recovery process. However, most recovering addicts agree that what happens after the initial treatment is much more difficult than the initial treatment itself.

Once you get back to your old life, you have to fight the temptations that caused the addiction in the first place. Without the right resources and tools, you could quickly find yourself slipping back into the same habits as before. That is where aftercare in addiction treatment comes into play.

The goal of addiction treatment aftercare is to provide newly recovered addicts with a treatment plan so that they stay sober, even after leaving the facility. That way, individuals can fight initial relapse and continue meeting their recovery goals.

What Is Aftercare in Addiction Treatment? 

Achieving sobriety for the first time is a huge deal, but addiction doesn’t stop whenever the withdrawals do. Aftercare is essential in maintaining your sober living. Without proper aftercare in addiction treatment, you could find yourself relapsing again.

With aftercare addiction treatment, you’ll receive resources so you can continue living a sober life, even after you leave your initial treatment facility. Individuals who receive aftercare in addiction treatment tend to have lower relapse rates as a result.

What Does Aftercare in Addiction Treatment Entail? 

There are different types of addiction treatment aftercare. It’s important that you select aftercare in addiction treatment that is specific to your needs and lifestyle.

For individuals with severe addiction, you may be recommended to live in a sober living community. Sober living communities ensure you are in a sober environment, but you still have resources and are living your life as normal.

There are less intensive aftercare programs as well. For example, you can attend 12-step or anonymous settings so you can retain your support system, even while going about your everyday life. You could also attend personal or group therapy sessions offered through outpatient services. 

With Elysium Healthcare, our doctors will work closely with you to create an aftercare plan specific to your needs. We offer sober living communities, but we also offer different outpatient therapy sessions so that our patients can continue living sober, even after their initial sobriety has been reached.

Who Needs Aftercare in Addiction Treatment?

Substance abuse disorder is a serious problem in the United States. It is estimated that 10% of the US adult population struggles with this disorder. More worrisome is the fact that as much as 60% of individuals who reach sobriety end up relapsing.

Because the statistics concerning relapse are so staggering, anyone who undergoes addiction treatment should seek aftercare as well. Studies have found that individuals who undergo aftercare in addiction treatment are less likely to relapse in the first place.

What this means for you is that everyone who undergoes addiction treatment needs aftercare. It’s important to talk to your doctor in order to create an aftercare treatment plan that is specific for your lifestyle, needs, and goals.

Stay Sober with Elysium Healthcare 

If you or a loved one has undergone addiction treatment, it’s imperative to also seek out aftercare in addiction treatment. Aftercare can help individuals stay sober after the initial sobriety. In fact, studies show that individuals who undergo aftercare are less likely to relapse than those who do not.Elysium Healthcare offers aftercare in addiction treatment. We offer various aftercare plans, including outpatient services, sober living communities, and other resources. If you are interested in our aftercare programs, contact Elysium Healthcare today. We will be happy to work with you to come up with a plan to help you stay sober.