What Are the Symptoms of a Fentanyl Overdose?

What Are the Symptoms of a Fentanyl Overdose?

Fentanyl is an opioid drug that is used to treat severe pain. It is a powerful and highly addictive drug that can cause incurable damage to the body and brain. Additionally, the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose can be fatal, so it is vital to be aware of the risks associated with this powerful opioid. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, it is crucial to seek help immediately. At Atlanta Recovery Place, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by fentanyl addiction through education and dedication to providing a safe and supportive environment for growth and recovery.

Atlanta Recovery Place is a Georgia drug and alcohol rehab that can help you overcome addiction. Learn more about the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose by speaking with a treatment specialist at Atlanta Recovery Place today.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is used to treat severe pain. It is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin, making it one of the most potent opioids on the market. It is usually prescribed in the form of a patch, lozenge, tablet, or liquid. However, fentanyl is a synthetic drug, meaning it can be created illegally and is often sold at the street level with no purity or refinement. Fentanyl is highly addictive and has a high potential for abuse and overdose. 

When taken as prescribed by a doctor, fentanyl can help ease pain and improve quality of life. However, when it is misused or taken in large doses, it can lead to severe consequences. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs or substances, such as heroin and cocaine, to increase its potency and effects. Combining substances is extremely dangerous and can lead to an overdose. Fentanyl was responsible for over 50% of all opioid-related deaths last year.

What Are the Risks Involved with Fentanyl Abuse?

When an individual abuses fentanyl, they will have impaired judgment, slowed breathing, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. It can also interact with other drugs and substances, such as alcohol and marijuana, making it even more dangerous. Mixing fentanyl with other drugs or substances increases the risk of overdose and can lead to serious health complications like seizures, coma, and death.

The long-term risks of fentanyl abuse include physical and psychological dependence, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Long-term abuse can also lead to liver and kidney damage, respiratory depression, and impaired cognitive functioning. In addition, abuse of fentanyl can lead to an increased risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired motor skills and judgment. It can also lead to an increased risk of mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

What Are the Symptoms of a Fentanyl Overdose?

The symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness, clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, and loss of coordination. A person experiencing a fentanyl overdose may also experience seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death. 

Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication meant to reverse the effects of opioids on the body and is used in the event of an opioid overdose, like a fentanyl overdose. However, due to fentanyl’s power, individuals may need multiple doses or not respond to the medication.

What Treatments Are Available for Fentanyl Addiction?

Treatment for fentanyl addiction typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Medication-Assisted Treatment provides medications, such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making the detoxification process safer and more manageable.

Therapy addresses the underlying causes of addiction and teaches coping skills and strategies for avoiding relapse. This can occur individually with a counselor or through group therapy sessions available through outpatient treatment centers or Narcotics Anonymous.

Atlanta Recovery Place Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Center

At Atlanta Recovery Place, we provide comprehensive treatment for fentanyl addiction. Our experienced team of addiction treatment specialists is dedicated to helping individuals and families struggling with fentanyl addiction make lifelong changes.

We offer a variety of evidence-based treatments, including medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, group therapy, and support groups. We aim to help individuals and families affected by fentanyl addiction find hope and healing. With our holistic approach to addiction treatment, our clients can achieve long-term sobriety and If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Georgia Addiction Recovery Center today.

How to Find a Vicodin Addiction Treatment Center in Georgia

How to Find a Vicodin Addiction Treatment Center in Georgia

Vicodin addiction is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Vicodin addiction and to seek help as soon as possible. Atlanta Recovery Center is a Vicodin addiction treatment center in Georgia.

Through the comprehensive programming available at Atlanta Recovery Place, clients can access everything they need to start their recovery journey. Our evidence-based outpatient treatment options allow our clients to work through programs that work for them, their lifestyle, and their growth goals.

Learn more about our Georgia Addiction Recovery Center today.

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin combines two drugs: hydrocodone, an opioid pain reliever, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever. Vicodin is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain and is available in tablet and liquid form. Vicodin is highly addictive and can easily lead to abuse, addiction, and overdose.

The DEA classifies Vicodin as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Vicodin is only available with a prescription from a doctor. People who take Vicodin without a prescription or more than their prescribed dose are at an increased risk of addiction. This misuse also increases the risk of adverse side effects from the medication.

Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin addiction mimics other opioid addiction habits in that this depressant suppresses the systems in the body, slowing things down. Opioid addiction can impact the body physically as well as have a significant impact on the social structures of an individual’s life.

Vicodin slows down an individual’s bodily function to block the pain receptors in the body, creating a pain-free environment. While this is ideal for individuals in pain, those abusing this drug often just feel the relaxation of their system. This can feel like slowing the heart, breathing, and lowering blood pressure. It can cause individuals to gain weight, have difficulty with bowel movements, and be sluggish in their physical reactions or actions.

As an opioid, Vicodin can also directly impact how individuals respond in social situations. Because of how Vicodin makes the body feel, it can cause individuals to be less responsive to outside stimuli, less likely to participate in activities, and more irresponsible. Individuals addicted to Vicodin, who don’t have a prescription from a doctor, may also fake or sustain real injuries for medication, steal the medicine from others, or transition to another illegally available opioid, like heroin, to achieve the high.

While some of these signs and symptoms are not always initially noticeable, if you see symptoms of Vicodin addiction in yourself or your loved one, it is critical to seek help from a medical professional.

Short- and Long-term Effects of Vicodin Addiction

While taking Vicodin as prescribed before or following a medical procedure is not without risk, individuals who follow directed guidelines from their prescribing doctor are less likely to develop adverse side effects associated with Vicodin use. However, individuals taking too much or stealing the medication run a much higher risk of developing short- and long-term effects from the use.

The short-term effects of Vicodin addiction can include drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, slowed breathing, constipation, unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and coma. Vicodin, in the short-term, can also increase the likelihood of exposure to STDs, increase the risk of injury during activities like driving, and increases the risk of exposure to trauma.

Vicodin can cause life-long damage to the brain and body. The drug can cause brain and liver damage, sexual dysfunction, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Through repeated exposure, individuals are at a higher risk of addiction and overdose.

Treatment for Vicodin Addiction

Treatment for Vicodin addiction is readily available for individuals ready to change their lives. Most commonly, Vicodin addiction treatment will include the following aspects – Detoxification, Medication Assisted Treatment, In- or Outpatient treatment, and Support Groups.

Detoxification is the first step in the addiction treatment process. Individuals who go through monitored withdrawal through a facility have more success in treatment. Those who choose to go through withdrawal independently should seek out medical support to ensure safety throughout the process.

Medication Assisted Treatment is commonly used to help individuals seeking treatment for an opioid addiction disorder. Through this process, individuals can receive medication by injection for long-term support or through daily pills. The medication blocks the drug’s euphoric effects and prevents the individual from “feeling high” if they take it.

Inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment is critical to the long-term success of clients struggling with addiction. This combination of evidence-based therapy provides the mental health treatment necessary for individuals struggling with addiction and other mental health disorders.

Lastly, using support groups through addiction treatment offers a community of like-minded individuals focused on creating a better life for themselves through dedicated support. 

Vicodin Addiction Treatment in Georgia

At Atlanta Recovery Place, we work with clients to achieve sobriety through multiple outpatient programs, sober-living opportunities, and medication treatments. We believe in the power of changing a life through holistic treatment programs individualized for clients’ current needs and their future goals.ARP is a Georgia drug and alcohol rehab center. Learn more about Vicodin addiction treatment at Atlanta Recovery Place today.

Are There Cocaine Rehab Centers?

Are There Cocaine Rehab Centers

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is made from the leaves of the coca plant. Although it was once used for medical purposes, it is now considered an illicit substance due to its addictive potential. It releases dopamine in the brain producing feelings of euphoria making it highly addictive. 

Cocaine may be used recreationally at first, but when addiction kicks in, it can ruin your life. Fortunately, there are cocaine rehab centers that can provide you with the help you need. Read on to find out more about the drug and how you can overcome dependency issues. 

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant made from the coca plant native to South America. It comes in the form of a fine white powder. It is more often found on the street where it can be mixed with unhealthy substances like talcum powder, cornstarch, flour, synthetic opioids, and amphetamine. 

The drug is commonly snorted, but it can also be smoked or injected. It can be processed into a rock crystal that is smoked. In this form, cocaine is freebase cocaine or crack which is highly dangerous and addictive. 

When cocaine enters the body, it causes dopamine to be produced. Under normal circumstances, once dopamine is produced it is recycled by the body. The presence of cocaine interferes with the recycling of the chemical making for a build-up between nerve cells. This floods the brain’s rewards system making people feel euphoric, but also overly confident, so they are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors. 

What are the Signs of Cocaine Addiction?

People who do cocaine for long periods will begin building a tolerance to the drug. They will need to take more of it to get the same effects. 

They will also develop withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body becomes so used to having the drug in its system, it gets sick when the drug is not present. The only way to get rid of the symptoms is to do more of the drug resulting in an addictive cycle. 

Increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are two signs of cocaine addiction. Here are some other things to look out for. 

  • Mood swings
  • Irritability 
  • Restlessness
  • Paranoia
  • Dilated pupils 
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Troubled relationships
  • Financial difficulties
  • Legal issues
  • Engaging in dangerous behaviors 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lack of interest in the things you once loved
  • Anxiety
  • Changes in sleep pattern
  • Deceptive behavior
  • Lack of self-care

Are There Cocaine Rehab Centers?

Cocaine addiction can greatly reduce the quality of life. Fortunately, there are cocaine rehab centers that can provide you with the help you need. 

There are typically three stages in the cocaine rehab process. The first is detox. During this phase, you will experience withdrawal symptoms, but a medical professional will be by your side to keep you as comfortable as possible and ensure relapse doesn’t occur. 

The second stage is therapy. The mental health clinicians will work out a plan best suited to your needs. They will treat the addiction and its underlying causes to provide long-term recovery. 

The third stage is aftercare. This involves the center providing continued support as you adjust to sober living. 

There are many cocaine rehab centers out there, but Atlanta Recovery Place takes an approach that sets us apart. We assess each patient to find a plan that works best for them. We utilize a team of highly trained, compassionate professionals. We offer a variety of outpatient treatment plans. Cocaine addiction isn’t easy to overcome. Atlanta Recovery can get you the help you need to move forward in life. Contact us to find out how to take the first step in achieving a healthier existence.

Talking to Your Loved ones About Your Addiction

talking to loved ones about addiction

Let’s face it, there is a massive stigma surrounding people dealing with drug and substance abuse. These issues should be handled with care and treated like any other mental health disorder.  Health professionals have confirmed that addiction is a chronic brain disease. Chronic means that the addiction is long term and may be challenging to get rid of. Fortunately, when a person seeks addiction treatment, they can begin a life of recovery.

The biggest problem addicts face however, is speaking it out and admitting they struggle with addiction. Many people shy away from starting conversations about their struggles for fear of being judged, turned away, or labeled. So, how do you open up to your loved ones about your addiction?  Atlanta Recovery Place is here to give you a few tips to help you successfully deliver the information.

How to Establish Whether You Are Addicted or Not

The most surefire way of knowing whether you are addicted is whether you can survive without the substance or not. Before you break down the news to your family, it’s helpful to understand your level of addiction. In most cases, people dealing with substance abuse think that they can stop anytime they want. The aspect of being addicted comes when it’s very late and the person’s brain no longer has the option of choosing.

If you have been using drugs or alcohol with a group of friends, you are likely to assume that it is normal, especially if everyone consumes the same amount. You may also not worry about your finances going low because you are funding your substance use. 

While addiction occurs at different rates for different people, there are some signs that are common for almost everyone. They include:

  • Struggling financially
  • Spending time thinking about finding and acquiring drugs or alcohol
  • Compromising relationships with family and friends
  • Failing to attend work or becoming unproductive
  • Increasing the amount of dosage you take over time
  • Making attempts to stop but are unable to
  • Developing health complications but continue using drugs anyway
  • Using drugs despite negative experiences and consequences

If you have experienced one or several of the symptoms mentioned above, the chances are that you may be dealing with addiction. Depending on the duration of your addiction, it may be mild, moderate, or severe. If you come to the realization that you have a problem and need help, a great first step to take is opening up to a family member or friend.  By telling them what you are going through, they can help you seek addiction treatment and support you during recovery.

Tips to Help Reveal Your Addiction

In most cases, family members and friends are already aware when a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol before being told. It is nearly impossible to hide addiction as it comes with significant social, mental, and physical impact. Your loved ones know you better than you think, and although they may not know right away you’re struggling with addiction, they will definitely know something is wrong. However, whether your family knows or not, it is still important to open up to them and discuss your addiction. 

You don’t need to wait to find the ‘right time’

When you discover that your addiction is beyond you, you may need to take action quickly before it gets out of hand. It may never seem like there will be a right time to come clean but don’t let that discourage you. Whenever you feel comfortable to open up, whether it’s day or night, is when it will be the right time. 

Write down what you want to say

Before you approach your family and friends, it may be helpful to write down what you want to say. This will allow you to organize your thoughts beforehand and make sure you tell them everything you want to say. 

Be honest

This is the time to be honest and don’t hold back! By letting a loved one in on what you’ve been doing, they’ll be able to better help you find the right addiction treatment. It will also feel therapeutic to get everything off your chest. 

Make an amends

If you feel like there is anything you’d like to apologize for, this is also a good time to do that. Addiction can sometimes negatively impact loved ones. By making an apology, you are showing you understand what your family feels and is going through, and you are letting them know that you are ready to change, and get back to your previous self.

Let Us Help You Get Sober

At Atlanta Recovery Place, we are a holistic addiction treatment provider located in beautiful Atlanta, Georgia. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Our customized addiction treatment plans are generally designed to help people who suffer from drug abuse and alcoholism. We also tailor our treatment based on your level of addiction, age, and duration of abuse. We are dedicated to meet all your individual needs with the mission of helping you maintain long-term sobriety. Feel free to contact us today, and we will be happy to help you.

The Benefits of a Partial Hospitalization Program

benefits of partial hospitalization

Atlanta Recovery Place is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and offers a partial hospitalization program, also known as PHP,  for struggling drug addicts and alcoholics. A partial hospitalization program provides intensive care for substance abuse and mental health. The biggest benefit of our program is we don’t require clients to live onsite for the duration of their addiction treatment. 

How to Treat Addiction

A combination of treatments and therapies have been proven to help struggling addicts overcome their addiction. Whether you’re addicted to alcohol, heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs, or other street drugs, a partial hospitalization program can help you with your addiction today!  Addiction treatment is a crucial component of overcoming substance abuse. Don’t feel like you have to battle addiction alone. 

Evidence-Based Approach

Our staff at Atlanta Recovery Place develops an individualized treatment plan that incorporates an evidence-based approach for all of our clients upon arrival. Evidence-based means no guessing and is a conscientious problem-solving approach to addiction. Our staff makes daily informed decisions about our client’s progress and care.

During our partial hospitalization program, we utilize the following addiction treatment therapies:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • 12-step support groups
  • Peer support

Your first day at our program will include an intake session. During this time you’ll let our staff know the extent of your addiction so we can put together a treatment program that will best benefit you. You’ll then spend several hours a week at our facility undergoing treatment. You’ll have the opportunity to figure out the cause of your addiction and what you can do in the future to remain sober. You will also be able to form relationships with other addicts seeking recovery. 

Advantages of Partial Hospitalization Programs 

There are numerous advantages to attending a partial hospitalization program for addiction treatment. First and foremost, our partial hospitalization program provides the same intensive addiction treatment as an inpatient program but doesn’t require you to live at the facility. It is considered to be a step down from residential inpatient treatment and a great option for anyone who needs help but can’t commit to an inpatient program. By attending a partial hospitalization program, you spend the day focusing solely on your recovery and get to go home to your own house at night. This is a great treatment option for anyone who has a safe, comfortable home, or someone who lives with other people who are supportive of their recovery. If you have pets or other personal obligations you can’t leave for an extended period of time, a PHP is the best option for you. 

Being able to receive addiction treatment while also living your life can be very beneficial. You’ll learn how to cope with addiction while still being responsible for life tasks like cleaning the house and making dinner for yourself at night and your children. Combining your world with treatment addiction makes for a smoother transition back into the ‘real world’ after you finish treatment. 

A partial hospitalization program will also help you establish routine. It’s very common for drug addicts and alcoholics to live a life of chaos. It’s hard to incorporate routine when you’re constantly impaired. The lack of structure often affects multiple aspects of an addicts life and leads them to lose their job or friends and family. By attending a partial hospitalization program, you’ll learn what it’s like to have structure again. You will be responsible for showing up to treatment everyday. Having to hold yourself accountable for getting to treatment everyday will help you in the future when you need to seek and maintain employment or reestablish relationships. 

We Can Help You Today! 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out to us today. Atlanta Recovery Place is located in Dunwoody, Georgia, and specializes in addiction treatment. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and sober living options for anyone who needs help with substance abuse. Contact us today with any questions and to hear about all of your addiction treatment options available! 

How Group Counseling Can Make a Difference in Addiction Recovery

When you’re suffering from an addiction, the world often feels cold and lonely. You may feel that nobody really knows what you’re going through, and you may be reluctant to trust anyone who says they can help.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. If you are struggling with drug abuse or addiction, it’s important to realize that you’re not alone. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 20 million people suffer from these very things every year in the United States. Sadly, only a small amount end up seeking treatment (around 10 percent), largely due to unjustified social stigma and lack of awareness. But by realizing that you are not alone in your addiction struggle and accepting help, you can avoid becoming another statistic. There’s no better time than the present to start working toward the healthy, happy life you deserve!

Today’s addiction treatment options offer a variety of ways to help you feel more comfortable with tackling your issues and moving forward. For example, group counseling (also known as “group therapy”) is a form of treatment therapy filled with people who have actually been in your shoes. You can also pair group counseling with other forms of addiction treatment to make sure you are getting a well-rounded approach and are addressing all of your needs.

How Group Therapy Works

In most group counseling setups, one or sometimes more therapists, lead discussion in a group of people dealing with similar issues. This discussion is often focused on specific subjects that can prompt self-reflection and better insight. That said, it’s not uncommon for related conversations to start naturally flowing as group members become more comfortable with each other. Some group therapy setups are done in a seated circle so everyone can easily view and hear each other, while others are done in a classroom or auditorium-style setup, where speakers take turns going to the front of the room for better focus.

You will meet with your group multiple times (often weekly) over the course of several months, though the exact amount of time can vary. Many people even end up meeting with their group for a year or longer, after they have left initial addiction treatment and moved into recovery. Meeting regularly with a group can help keep you more focused on sobriety and can even keep you more accountable for the choices you make.

It’s worth noting here that group counseling is different from a support group. Group counseling takes place in addiction treatment centers, hospitals and other medical facilities, whereas support groups are often in churches, community facilities or anywhere that meeting space is available. While you can conveniently find support groups just about anywhere, they are best saved for later on once you have achieved sobriety and are fully in addiction recovery. This is because support groups are generally not run by professionals and exist primarily as an outlet for people to talk about their struggles of everyday life. They can be great as part of your support system, but when you are struggling to recover from addiction you will be in need of more focused care with professional guidance.

Learn to Open up in Group Therapy

While sharing your story in a group can seem intimidating at first, you’ll be far from alone. Many people find that it is actually easier to share their own story after listening to others go into details about theirs. Hearing similarities in the stories of others and relating to their experiences will help you realize that your own issues may not be so isolating after all. And by sharing your own stories and talking through your problems with others, you can gain fresh perspective. Many people even feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders after getting to finally tell their story to people who have been there themselves.

Learning to open up and express your feelings in a healthy manner is actually one of the biggest benefits of group therapy. In time, you may even find yourself becoming a role model to others just starting down the path of addiction recovery.

Other Benefits of Group Counseling

In addition to being comforted by others going through your experiences and learning to express your feelings in a healthy way, there are a variety of other benefits group counseling has to offer:

  • Practice social skills and learn to make connections with others in a healthy way that does not involve substances.
  • Be receptive to new ideas from others who have been in your shoes.
  • Motivate yourself by seeing how others are tackling addiction treatment and recovery.
  • Gain confidence in social settings by both giving and receiving support.
  • Pair group therapy with other forms of addiction treatment for the most effective program available to you.

Is Group Counseling Right for Me?

Is group counseling really the right choice for you? To learn more about group therapy and how it can fit within your addiction recovery plan, get in touch with our team at Atlanta Recovery Place, located in Dunwoody, Georgia. We believe that, with the right care, all individuals suffering from addiction and/or struggling with substance abuse can learn to make healthy choices and improve their lives. It’s not too late to achieve a happy, productive life of sobriety. We invite you to reach out to us today to learn more!