How to Spot the Symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

To make a lasting recovery, drug addicts need to understand and be able to recognize the symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS. Though PAWS is responsible for more relapses and failed recoveries than any other condition, most treatment facilities and rehabilitation programs do little to mitigate its frustrating and crippling effects on recovering addicts. PAWS symptoms are normal and even expected for addicts who have completed detoxification and overcome the obstacles of their initial withdrawal. However, the ways in which addicts experience these symptoms are highly individual, so it can be difficult to clinicians and patients to recognize exactly when they occur. To maintain clean and sober lives, recovering substance abusers must learn to constantly self-reflect and monitor their behavior patterns for signs of this dangerous condition.

PAWS typically sets in as soon as addicts complete detoxification. Detox is a painful but necessary five to fourteen-day process of purging their bodies of drugs. The symptoms can affect the bodies, intellects, and emotions of its sufferers, and they range from mild to severe. They can even cause addicts to abusively self-medicate in an effort to relieve their pain, thereby continuing their cycles of addiction. Some of the most common symptoms are as follows:

Physical Problems:

Those familiar with PAWS often refer to its sufferers as “dry drunks” because of their apparent lack of motor skills. The visible, physiological symptoms of this condition include impaired balance, poor depth perception, and chronic dizziness. Even when they are still sober, recovering addicts with PAWS may stagger and stumble as they walk, speak with slurred speech, or have trouble seeing properly. These problems often make an addict’s recovery more stressful, as many people who observe these symptoms assume him or her to still be actively using.

Mental Impairments:

Although the physical signs of PAWS are the most easily recognizable, many recovering addicts say that the mental aspects of the condition are the worst. People coming out of detoxification often experience difficulties thinking clearly or performing simple mental tasks. An addict may feel constantly cluttered and disorganized, and these feelings can lead to panic and an utter inability to deal with daily stressors. Compounded, these symptoms can make it extremely difficult for PAWS sufferers to positively engage their treatments and establish new, drug-free lives.

Emotional Difficulties:

PAWS endangers many recovering addicts with its emotional symptoms. Many sufferers have reported severe depression and even suicidal thoughts. However, many of the same people have also reported emotional numbness. These kinds of severe mood swings produce damaging thought patterns which can make it nearly impossible for patients to take advantage of their treatments. Reality-based therapies, in particular, rely on recovering addicts’ abilities to engage other people in emotionally productive ways and form meaningful relationships.

For drug addicts to make lasting recoveries, Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome treatment needs to begin immediately after detox, but it also needs to continue for the rest of their lives. Most of the symptoms are reduced or gone completely after a few months, but some have been known to last for years. Good rehabilitation centers will therefore provide support groups, additional counseling, and other forms of ongoing therapy for addicts who have completed their initial treatments.

Men And Mental Health

Having a good state of mind is often a great asset in life, helping to overcome difficulty and challenges. But as time goes by, stress and difficulties come along and may try to test our view of the world. A positive disposition of a man can be broken by events like divorce, death of family members, or even becoming a father and starting a family. Nowadays, men are usually aware of how to prevent mental health disorders. They will try some simple steps like getting enough sleep, exercising, getting social support and having healthy ways to deal with stress. However, bad mental health for men is being called a silent crisis that has sneaked into the minds of millions of men.

Researches show that men are struggling with being open about mental health issues because men are less likely to seek help than women. Usually, men are typically shy concerning health and they may try to deal with their problems through self-medication, drinking alcohol, using drugs and becoming angry. Some men have unique issues regarding mental health. Researchers also estimated that at least six million men suffer from depression, which is an increasing issue each year in the United States and this depression may lead to suicide attempts. However, women attempt more suicides each year but men are more successful in suicides because the methods used by men are more definite. Some young and middle-aged men are hospitalized because of schizophrenia which is a severe mental health disorder for men with symptoms of emotional instability and detachment from reality.

Depression in men can often be traced from cultural expectations of the male role. Men are more successful than women and they must restrict their emotions and must know how to control themselves. Male depression is often attributed to issues of self-criticism. Sexual abuse are two powerful words with powerful implications. Sexual abuse in men can lead to mental illness complications. Men who are sexually abused experience masculine inadequacy and some may also become confused about their sexual orientation. Social and economic changes have affected family structure and have redefined the role of men within the home and it will cause a big impact to the mental wellbeing of men.

Men are likely to view partners and friends as a primary health sources. Men also tend to focus more on physical problems and less on deeper emotional issues. Knowing this is only the first step in overcoming these kinds of health illnesses. There must be a greater understanding in mental illnesses for men and it must be taken seriously.

Remember that there is a way out of these types of mental issues and do not think that you are alone, you have your family and friends, which you can share and lean on about your problems. There are also available treatments and proper medication so that you can begin to feel better and start a new beginning. Keep in mind that if you have a mental health problem get help and treatment immediately.

Substance Abuse Treatment – The Importance Of Getting Help

Substance abuse comes in all forms and types, if someone you know is affected by it; they are going to need substance abuse treatment. Just as substance abuse come in all forms and types, so do treatment options. It is important to find the best one for that particular person and their needs. Finding a customized treatment program will ensure that they get the most out of the program that is available to them. It is important to have their needs and addiction analyzed to fit them.

If someone you know needs help with their substance abuse, they need to start with an interventionist. An intervention specialist will help the person abusing realize that they have a problem, and help them through options that they can embark on for treatment. There are many different substance abuse treatment programs that an interventionist may be able to help point someone in the direction of what is going to work best for them.

Whether basic treatment is needed through a support group like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous or something more serious like outpatient or inpatient treatments there are so many options. To find out which one will work the best, it is time to weigh all the options. Each treatment option includes all kinds of different services. If the person is relatively strong willed and independent, they will need a completely different option than someone that is deep in the wrath of drug abuse and addiction, their personality and needs is very important to assessing their treatment options. A professional that can understand their situation will be best in setting up a treatment plan that will be successful.

Substance abuse is not something that should be left untreated. Untreated, it can lead to many severe health issues including death. Substance abuse is not something to take lightly, and should always be treated as a serious condition. Don’t let someone you loved be ruined by drugs and their effects, there are great treatments that will help people get better and live their lives to the fullest again. Be sure to consult with a professional to find great substance abuse treatment options.

The Main Thing Is to Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing!

What an eye catching statement! In June, I made a retreat at the Benedictine Monastery in Norfolk under the direction of Fr. Richard Gielow, CM, a Vincentian priest from Independence, Missouri. The theme of this retreat was to keep the main thing, the main thing. The fact that he was a chaplain for the Chicago Bears surely wasn’t!

If we were offering a retreat and had such a sign posted, what would you expect it to say? I think it all depends on where you are on your journey of life. I’m sure for any of us it would be different, depending on whether you just arrived or had years of sobriety!

A common denominator would surely have something to do with our relationship with God or a Higher Power. In my years, I have found that the person who says, “I don’t believe in God.” has caused me the most concern, frustration and fear for the person because I believe Faith is a gift and we can either accept it or reject it.

It makes me think of the little book called “When God Winks at You” by Squire Rushnell. Chaplain James Leadabrand discovered this book at Dollar General and often refers people to this book.

Anyway, I’d like to present this question for your reflection. What do you think the most important thing is in your life? Is it sobriety? Is it Steps 1-2-3 where you admit that you are not God, there is a God and we need to surrender our wills to God daily? Or might it be prayer, in which we seek to know God’s Will for us?

So when Fr. Richard said there are ten prayers that God always answers, I got my pen into fast action and took notes on what he said. He said God always says “Yes” to these requests: (I added on how we do this.)

1. “Show me you exist!”..We might need the “God Winks” book to help us see God working in our lives
2. “Make me an instrument”..as is suggested on page 99 in 12 x 12 book.
3. “Out do me in generosity,” as is implied in the Third Step prayer.
4. “Get me through this suffering”…as I pray “Thy Will be done.”
5. “Forgive me.”.. as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer.
6. “Give me courage.” As requested in the Serenity Prayer.
7. “Give me wisdom”…as we meditate from the 24 Hour Book.
8. “Give me peace.” As we keep on praying the Serenity Prayer.”
9. “Get me through this bad situation.” As we reflect on “Footprints in the Sand.”
10. “Lead me to my destiny.”..as we end the Prayer of St. Francis and ask that we be born to eternal life.

Granted, prayer doesn’t mean we just ask for things, it means a genuine relationship with a Loving Being who wants us to know that we are all called to be a Beloved in eternal life! Does this seem too difficult for someone who probably suffered from their addiction so long that they struggle having any hope for the future? I recall what one my mentors, Kaye C., told us to share with such folks. Tell them:

1. “Don’t drink or drug!”
2. “Pray!”
3. “Go to Meetings and talk!”

On the last day of retreat, Fr. Richard said the greatest compliment we could receive would be for someone to say, “I know God is alive because of you. Wow! Could this be the main thing I am called to do? To give Hope to others longing to be called a Beloved by our Creator?

Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Treatment

Every 15 seconds a woman is subjected to domestic violence in the United States. Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of abusive behavior that is used to gain or maintain power and control in an intimate relationship, such as marriage, dating, family, friendship or living together. Anyone can be a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence.

Keeping this in mind, we will be focusing on male batterers and female survivors of domestic violence since this is the “typical” scenario and will be seen most often in treatment facilities. We will discuss substance abuse in both the batterer and the survivor.

When most people think of the relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence they picture an alcoholic husband beating his wife, and while this is one case, it is most certainly not the only. This case suggests a direct correlation between substance abuse and the occurrence of domestic violence. However, most studies show that while they are linked the relationship is not that straightforward.

The problem with directly linking the two issues together is similar to problems in dealing with co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis) in that the question that is most often debated is which one came first, the drinking or the violence. Even though according to the U.S. Department of Justice study reports that 61% of domestic violence offenders also have substance abuse problems, we must remember that the violence may not necessarily be a consequence of the substance abuse and that the substance abuse could be a result of the violence. However, as with co-occurring disorders, it is imperative that we address both issues and not focus too much which came first.

Substance abuse in the batterer is what most people will think about when substance abuse and domestic violence are mentioned together so we will discuss this first. The characteristics of a batterer are very similar to the characteristics and risk factors you would find in substance abusers. These characteristics include: witnessing parental violence, parental substance abuse, corporal punishment, depression, socioeconomic hardships and an intense need for power and control.

Despite the difficulty of finding an exact cause and effect relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence, experts have organized batterers into three categories in order to improve their treatment. The first category is “Typical Batterers”. Typical batterers are characterized by keeping the violence they inflict in the home, which will be less severe when compared to other batterers, and are usually not substance abusers. They will also most likely have no history of legal troubles, mental illness and will usually be remorseful for the violence. The second category is “Antisocial Batterers”.

The characteristics of the antisocial batterer include being extremely abusive, having some mental health issues, may be a substance abuser and will most likely have difficulty completing domestic violence program without being provided additional services. The third category is “Sociopathic Batterers”. The characteristics of a sociopathic batterer include being the most extremely violent, heavy substance abuse, tremendous difficulties in treatment programs, little or no empathy for others, no remorse for the violence inflicted and the most likely of the three categories to have had legal issues.

Treatment for a batterer with a substance abuse problem can be much more difficult than the already difficult treatment for a person with just a drug or alcohol addiction problem. The most common model for batterer intervention is the Duluth Model. The Duluth Model is a behavioral change model that seeks to alter the batterer’s behavior by confronting his denial, his need for power and control and helping him realize his alternatives to the violent behavior. This model is a community-wide model that involves many people including law enforcement which ensures that the batterer will be arrested while the survivor is protected.

Like I said above, when most people think of substance abuse and domestic violence they only think of the addiction in the batterer. However, survivors of domestic violence are also likely to present in treatment programs with drug or alcohol problems. In fact, in 2002, the Department of Justice reported that 36% of survivors in domestic violence programs also had substance abuse problems.

Again, there is no direct cause and effect relationship between a survivor’s addiction and the domestic violence although it is commonly thought that the violence increases the likelihood that a survivor will abuse alcohol or drugs. While this may not be the case for all survivors with drug or alcohol problems, both the domestic violence and the addiction have an extreme impact on the survivor’s recovery from both and the treatment provider needs to be aware of this.

When a client presents for substance abuse treatment and reports a history of domestic violence, especially a recent history, there are several steps that a treatment provider should follow. First, the provider should make sure that the client is in a safe environment and that they understand that while they are at the facility they are safe. Second, the provider should never doubt the survivor’s story, even if there are discrepancies. If a client feels they cannot trust the counselor or provider they will leave treatment and put themselves back in dangerous situations. Finally, during the assessment the provider should identify the client’s options and the perceived benefits and consequences with each option and then have the client work on a safety plan. This will involve the client and make them feel involved in their treatment and encourage them to stay and feel as though they can accomplish their goals. One of the most important things to remember when working with survivors is that their safety, both physical and emotional, is the most important obstacle in the initial stages of treatment to be addressed. If it is not addressed immediately the likelihood of the client staying in treatment is very low.

Domestic violence and substance abuse are separately two of the most devastating issues in American society today, but combined they are significantly worse and more attention needs to be paid to the relationship and treatment of the two. It is vital to properly screen and assess clients as soon as they present for substance abuse treatment so the next steps of the treatment provider will be the correct ones. There are many resources available on domestic violence and addiction including SAMHSA TIP 25, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug & other Addiction Services, and Women’s Rural Advocacy Programs.

Classes of Drug Addiction Programs and Treatments

Those who have never encountered addiction firsthand typically have no idea what goes on at rehabilitation facilities. Most laypeople are unaware of the various programs and therapies which medical professional have successfully use to treat addicts. Television, movies, and other popular media often depict celebrities’ rehab programs, but these are almost always unrepresentative of average addicts’ treatments. In fact, these unrealistic portrayals of rehabilitation often contribute to the negative stereotypes of substance abusers.

Addiction is a complex, clinical disease, and its successful treatment requires tremendous efforts on the parts of rehab clinicians and patients alike. Rehab specialists devise individualized plans for addicts which involve the use of many traditional, proven treatment strategies. These treatments include:

Evidence-Based Therapy

Though many people don’t take the clinical nature of addiction seriously, the United States government has put significant resources into testing substance abuse treatments. Methods which have been rigorously tested, quantifiably verified, and government-mandated are commonly referred to as evidence-based practices. These therapies are typically the primary focus at rehab clinics.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Clinicians using cognitive-behavioral techniques teach their patients that their unhappiness, frustration, and anger are results of their negative thought patterns. By learning to control their thoughts and emotions, addicts can change their mental and emotional outlooks on difficult situations. Ultimately, positive outlooks lead to productive behaviors which can help keep recovering addicts from returning to drugs or alcohol.

Biofeedback Therapy

An active drug addict will often ignore signs of bodily degradation as he focuses solely on his next high. After addicts undergo detoxification and withdrawal, they may still have compromised abilities to recognize physical stressors. Rehab centers use biofeedback therapies to address this problem. They teach recovering addicts how to monitor their bodies for signs of physical stress, signs which may be indicative of a future relapse. By understanding the way their bodies respond to stress while drug-free, addicts can avoid returning to substance abuse.

Reality Therapy

Reality therapy’s main purpose is to teach addicts the difference between situations they can control and situations they cannot control. By understanding the difference, substance abusers can take appropriate action to positively control their environments. Clinicians help addicts apply this mindset to their interpersonal relationships, in particular. Patients can form and foster essential bonds with other people by recognizing their roles in relationships and controlling their actions in a positive way.

In addition, reality therapy encourages a connection between patients’ therapies within rehab clinics and their drug-free lives post-treatment. By shopping, cleaning, cooking, and performing other daily tasks in the same environments as their treatments take place, rehab patients facilitate their transitions into their future, drug-free lives.

All of these therapies can take place in different settings. The three main settings most rehab centers use are:

Individual counseling sessions: Addicts meet with their therapists to discuss their behaviors and thought patterns and uncover the root causes of their problems. They may also discover co-occurring conditions such as depression or mania, which must be treated for lasting recoveries.

Group Therapies: Rehab patients meet in groups to share their experiences and give one another advice and coping strategies.

Family Counseling: Family members attend counseling sessions with addicts. A family may discuss ways in which an addict has hurt them all, but they also focus on improving relationships to support the recovery process.

To learn more about these strategies and how they can help you or a loved one recover from addiction, click one of the links at the bottom of your screen. Our counselors are standing by for your toll-free consultation

Substance abuse: life threatening habit

Addictions can be of varied types. Some of the addictions could be using drugs like hash, cocaine etc, some addicts use medicines which have soothing and relaxing effect on mind and body like oxycontin etc., some of the people follow the most easily accessible addictive, alcohol. Alcohol addiction begins as social habit, which eventually turns into an addiction. People suffer on personal as well as professional front due to addiction. Basically, addiction means physical and psychological dependence on substance that are psychoactive. These substances get beyond the brain and blood barrier after they are ingested into the body. Their grasp is so effective, that the person actually gets under their influence and cannot control own activities.

These substances alter the chemical environment in the brain.

Once the brain gets influenced by the secretion of chemical substances from the drugs, activities get automatically influenced. A person gets completely influenced by these psychoactive substances. An addiction is not always substance related, there are various types of addictions such as compulsive shopping, compulsive cleanliness etc. A compulsive repetitive activity can also be tagged as addiction. It is well described in one of the online encyclopedias that, in a non substantive addiction a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, is observed, despite harmful consequences, as deemed by the user himself to his individual health, mental state, or social life.

Adderall (adderrall) is an amphetamine.Adderall abuse is one of the problems majorly faced by the youth. This is a drug used mainly for more concentration. It is commonly prescribed by the physicians to those students who face problems due to lack of concentration. It is a study drug, many have nick- named it as “college crack”. Students who take Adderall for studying report that they can concentrate on their books for hours at a time, and can then do better on the subsequent exam than they would without the drug.

This drug helps in increasing the concentration levels, which help the students in studies mainly. But the addiction of this drug does not limit itself to the youth only; it has spread its impact among the adults as well. Cutting off the supply of this drug may turn into more dangerous. It is always recommended to seek help of the experts in this matter. The withdrawal symptoms are mental depression, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or pain, trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness.

Male Depression and Mental Health

The So You Think You Can Write Online Contest – Official Rules

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Contest begins at 12:01 P.M. (PT) on March 31st, 2011, and ends at 12:00 noon (PT) on April 29th, 2011 (the “Promotion Period). Cash prizes (the “Prizes”) will be awarded (the “Awarding”) to the eligible entrants with the winning entries in accordance with these Official Rules.

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Suffering With Mental Health Issues

One in 4 Americans suffers from some type of mental health issue. It can range from depression to anxiety and anything in between. Whatever kind of mental health issues a person suffers come it can become debilitating and make it impossible to do day to day activities. The good news is help is available you just have to seek it out.

Mental health issues can be temporary or permanent. For example, someone going through a particular situation that is really stressing them out may suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks because they are caused by a specific situation may go away after the situation has resolved itself.

Other people have more long term problems that may be caused by a chemical imbalance or more stressful situations from childhood. Regardless of if your mental health problems are permanent or temporary they most likely cause you difficulties in life and need to be managed.

One of the biggest issues in mental health today is people who suffer from depression. Depression can be totally debilitating. It can make it impossible to get out of bed in the morning and do what you need to do. It can make it hard to keep relationships in tact and to do your work. It begins to creep into every aspect of your life and if left untreated can have terrible consequences such as suicide.

This is why you have to seek out help. You have to get your mind back to a healthy place and that is not always something you can do on your own. Once you deal with the immediate effects of your mental health issues there are many things you can do to keep your mind healthier in general.

A clear mind is more effective at decision making and allows you to be able to cope and get through situations without them turning into a mental health emergency. Most mental health issues start as a result of stress when you have a clear mind and can think things through and make good choices you are less likely to have stress that you are unable to manage.

If you are currently having issues managing your stress you should talk to a professional. There are also other things you can do to help you think more clearly. Brain games or brain training activities can go a long way in giving you a healthy mind. A healthy mind is far better equipped to manage stress and make good decisions.

Staying Healthy May Deter Substance Abuse

It is no secret that a healthy body and mind can make us not only feel better, but allow us to create higher and more productive goals for ourselves.  There are many ways in which to keep our bodies and minds healthy, but it is a constant state of maintenance.  It has now been recorded that those that consistently maintain a state of healthiness are far less likely to deter to substance abuse.

Whether a person is currently abusing a substance, has in the past, or are the witness to a friend or family member that does; initiating a healthy lifestyle can be a beginning to change.  There are many factors that can make for a healthy body, a healthy mind, and an overall healthy lifestyle.  Here are some of the key factors to creating a healthier life:

Physical Fitness and/or Exercise:  Exercise creates a natural rush of happiness within our bodies.  It opens veins, and allows for blood to flow throughout our bodies.  Exercise is considered one of best natural-highs a person can give them self.

Practicing physical fitness a little each day, will keep that stream of internal happiness and oxygen flow consistent.  Activities like that of a short walk, bicycling or hiking can be a good way in which to get in your daily exercise.  Sooner or later the body will even start to crave that very exercise that has improved the overall well-being of our bodies.

Regular Check-Ups:  A regular check-up by a physician can be a great way in which to monitor the needs of your body and mind.  Although some individuals may not have health insurance, there are several ways in which to still visit a doctor.  By looking online or calling local physicians in your area, you may find low-cost or cost-free ways in which to receive the benefits of a physician.

Eating Right:  What we put into our bodies on a daily basis can determine a large portion of our health.  Foods that are fried, and/or unhealthy can bring our emotional and physical drive down.  Foods that are high in lean proteins can enhance our minds, and improve our overall health.  Foods like that of seafood, green vegetables and fresh organic fruits can all assist in improving our lifestyle.

All of these factors combined, can make for a healthier life.  With that, a healthy lifestyle is sometimes able to deter an individual from drug or alcohol abuse.  When a person is consistently focusing on the good of their body, it is often difficult to want to combine unhealthy behaviors at the same time.

Although the above ways to creating a healthier life are not a cure for substance abuse, they can be the start of a recovery; or assist with recovery.  To best understand what is necessary when attempting to recover from substance abuse, it is a good idea to contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.  Allowing professionals to assist in your, or a friend or family member’s recovery can often be a healthy solution in itself.