Hill Country Detox- Detox in Austin, Texas - Opiate Detox: Is cold turkey detox safe

Opiate Detox: Is cold turkey detox safe?

by Mat Gorman | Apr 10, 2016 | Full Article HERE

Opiate addiction, has become mainstream media and has become a talking point of most presidential campaigns. This year, ABC’s 20/20 Breaking Point did a special on heroin addiction and the devastating affects on individuals. When your loved one has an opiate addiction, seeking inpatient opiate addiction treatment, is always a great an option. Depending on the frequency and amount of opiates used, will determine if opiate detox is needed. In many cases, individuals seeking opiate addiction treatment ask themselves if cold turkey detox is right for them.

Opiates are one of the world’s most addictive and dangerous drugs. It is also one of the most difficult addictions to overcome. But stopping without professional medical supervision is not only unsafe – it’s destined for failure in more ways than one.

First, the nervous system of the opiate addicts has become so accustomed to opiate exposure, that immediate stoppage of opiate use can cause extremely dangerous and painful withdrawal symptoms.

Second, without licensed therapy to change behaviors and life skills, an opiate addict revert back to a life style of addiction.. Without coping skills and a support system, the craving for opiate will become to great.

Trying to detox from opiates on your own will also produce withdrawal symptoms that cover a wide range of severity and discomfort. Opiate withdrawal symptoms usually commence within 12 hours of cessation of the drug and peak between two and four days. Such symptoms include:

·        Abdominal pain

·        Anxiety

·        Body pain

·        Chills

·        Diarrhea

·        Insomnia

·        Irritability

·        Nausea

·        Sneezing

·        Sniffing

·        Sweating

·        Vomiting

·        Weakness

Medically supervised opiate detox is the only way to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual who has made the life-affirming decision to stop using opiates.

Eudaimonia Recovery Homes - Sober living in Houston, Texas - Yoga for Recovery

Yoga for Recovery

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In Peters recovery from addiction, he found that the 12-step program provides him with tools for healing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. However, he has recently used Yoga for recovery to get a deeper physically healing, and to help reconnect his mind and body. Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice or discipline which originated in India. It’s a practice that uses physical postures and controlled breathing to lengthen and strengthen the spine, increase flexibility, calm the mind, improve concentration, and promote patience.

Yoga For Recovery. Sober Living in Houston

I had a chance to sit down with peter and ask him about his journey:

What motivated you into yoga?

I was first introduced to yoga for recovery by a friend. I didn’t really want to go, but I still went because recovery taught me to be open-minded. I realized yoga was harder than it looked, but I was hooked. 

There’s days where I’m looking forward to getting on my mat all day at work. There’s also days where I’m still sore from the day before, or carrying emotional turmoil and the last thing I want to do is get on the mat and move around. Using what Recovery has taught me I learned that when I don’t want to go, is when I should go, and that’s when I get the most out of yoga.

How has it helped your recovery?

As my practice deepened, I found myself having spiritual experiences on my yoga mat. These moments of severe bliss and surrender, moments of connection to something beyond my small finite self. I was evolving in these classes and I couldn’t get enough of it. Yoga helps me relax for mediation. It helped bridge the gap between my physical exercise and spiritual life. Before yoga I worked out and meditated separately as two different practices. Yoga combined meditation and physical exercise.

What advice do you have for anyone in recovery interested in yoga?

Deciding that you want to start doing yoga is the first step. Don’t be intimidated by experienced yogis. When I first started I couldn’t do much, I wasn’t flexible at all. Start at a basic level and try not to judge yourself on flexibility. Talking to the yoga instructor after the class and learning about basic poses like downward facing dog, and chaturanga.  

Yoga has been a journey. Just like in recovery there’s obstacles that we overcome through practice and actually doing the work, the same is with yoga. Today I have more energy throughout the day, I feel grounded, and I have a new sense of well being and creativity. 

Looking to start? 

Every Sunday at 11 a.m., the Lululemon store in Highland Village offers a free yoga class from a different local studio—mats are even provided if you don’t have your own.

Hill Country Detox - Detox in Austin, Texas - E-Scripts to Reduce Opioid Abuse

E-Scripts to Reduce Opioid Abuse

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States are moving towards Electronic Prescriptions to fight the opioid abuse in America..Electronic Prescriptions or E-Prescribing is a prescriber’s ability to electronically send an accurate, error-free and understandable prescription directly to a pharmacy. This is an important element in improving the quality of patient care. Adopting the standards to facilitate e-prescribing is one of the key action items in the government’s plan to expedite the adoption of electronic medical records and build a national electronic health information infrastructure in the United States.

Prescriptions are traditionally written on slips of special paper, which are handed to patients on their way to the pharmacies.In New York those days are over. Doctors must prescribe drugs electronically, that means anything from antibiotics to blood pressure medicines, and painkillers. Those who do not use the e-script system face penalties.

State regulators claim the new regulations were designed to reduce abuse of painkillers,opioid abuse, and to reduce errors when prescriptions are filled. Currently, 60 percent of all prescription orders nationwide are filed through electronic systems, and the process is gaining popularity in recent years.

New York recently required the use of E-Prescribing and has become the second state to require this. It’s the first state to assess consequences to physicians who do not adhere to the new guidelines.

Noncompliant prescribers could be subject to fines, loss of license, or jail.

This provision of the law took effect on March 27, 2016.

New York’s aiming at reducing over prescribing of opioids and preventing paper prescription fraud. They log an online registry that tracks a patient’s history of opioid use. In 2011 Minnesota was the first state to require electronic prescribing. Two other states Maine and Massachusetts are also considering similar requirements.

An article by My Heath Watch stated that currently there are more than 2 million accidental prescription related incidents each year—130,000 which prove to be life-threatening. A review of 47 sources found that electronic prescriptions reduced error by 1/7th of their previous level—and can decrease the need for patient visits saving, a minimum of $140 billion dollars over the next decade.

Nova Recovery Center A Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Austin Texas- Colleges Need Recovery Programs for Substance Abuse

Colleges Need Recovery Programs for Substance Abuse

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by Nova Editor | Apr 6, 2016

Entering college begins a new stage in a person’s life: a time of discovery, of learning, of so much potential. At the same time, college can also be stressful, overwhelming and damaging to your physical and mental health. With such a large concentration of energetic young people seeking new experiences, there’s little wonder why substance abuse is so common.

In a culture where alcohol and drug use is glorified during the college years, entering such a situation can lead to addiction or be devastating for someone who has struggled with substance abuse through high school and is attempting to lead a sober life. What can colleges do to help their students combat substance abuse and maintain sobriety?

The Stigma of Collegiate Addiction

College students face a contradiction of societal values. On one hand, they are lauded as the bright minds of the future, the next generation who will lead the world into tomorrow. On the other hand, they are often depicted in the media as wild, party-minded libertines living without consequence. 

Unfortunately, many colleges don’t like talking about the substance abuse issues affecting their students, and for their part, students often remain silent out of fear of punishment. This stigma can create an environment in which a student falls into addiction, or where someone who is trying to live a sober life faces constant pressure to participate in unhealthy or dangerous activities. 

The Consequences of Inaction

Ignoring substance abuse in college settings has the potential to foster a dangerous atmosphere. Excessive drinking or drug use affects perceptions of what is permissible. 

Statistics show that 97,000 cases of sexual assault occur each year in conjunction with college drinking. The majority of these are perpetrated against female students in settings that involve heavy alcohol or drug use. 

Many instances of sexual assault are not reported to the college because the victim is afraid of being mocked or is ashamed and believes they are responsible. This is the sort of culture that develops when substance abuse on college campuses is ignored.

Breaking The Cycle: Encouraging Recovery

Some colleges are attempting to provide students with an environment that encourages, not stifles, recovery. The University of Texas is among them, having created the Center for Students in Recovery. This program is mostly student run and serves as a safe place on campus for students in recovery to spend time, socialize and help support each other. 

These sorts of on-campus organizations are growing more popular as havens for people struggling with addiction and attempting to gain sobriety. Some colleges have special dorms set aside with a strict no-substance policy, while other colleges arrange sober activities. These initiatives help create a stable environment for students to have fun in safe ways, free from the presence of triggering substances. 

Students need further education on personal responsibility, the effect of substance abuse on society and the importance of encouraging recovery. Without more programs like the Center for Students in Recovery, universities will continue to turn a blind eye toward substance abuse on their campuses, and students will pay the price. 

If you know a college student who has or is developing an addiction, now is the time to talk to them and help them find the help they need.

Nova Recovery Center - Austin Drug and Alcohol Rehab - Sober Sports

Nova or Villanova?

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by Shane Cunningham | Apr 4, 2016

When I first entered the rooms of recovery, I thought my life would consist of meetings and the occasional cup of coffee if I had enough money to donate into the basket. Already beaten down and tired from the life I had been living, it didn’t seem that bad at all.  My expectations on what recovery looked like when I first enter the rooms, is completely different today. You hear it all the time in the rooms “we aren’t a glum lot “, that if “the newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence they wouldn’t want it” and they surely would go back to what they were doing before. So you might be wondering what a bunch of recovering drug addicts and alcoholics do for fun? On Saturday Team NOVA, along with 17 other teams took the field to participate in the 2nd annual coed sober softball tournament.  Hosted by RecoveryATX, an organization in Austin, Texas dedicated to strengthening the recovery community providing educational opportunities, recreational activities and support services. Around 250 recovering addicts laced up their cleats and put their softball mitts on for some sober fun. Recovery isn’t just about big books and coffee. The fellowship and unity found in Saturdays Softball Tournament was overwhelming. Teams cheered each other on. Softballs were slammed out of the park, and remarkable plays were made. After each game, both teams met in the center of the diamond to circle up and say a few words. Everyone had a reason for being on the softball fields that early morning, we wanted to show others that this life is not a boring one. Losing by 1 point in their second game, NOVAs dream of winning the tournament ended. After the game the team went out for some lunch together. Conversations about the tournament filled the table. I learned in recovery that it’s not all about winning, that I can still have fun even when I lose. The happy joyous feeling overwhelmed by spirit, I was surrounded by friends and family throughout the day. Much like the Oklahoma Sooners, after their loss to Villanova, Team NOVA looks to regroup and move forward. “I was hoping it didn’t end like this. My players were outstanding, I’m not disappointed with the results, just look at what these men have accomplished in their own lives. These men were active drug addicts and alcoholics not that long ago.  It’s amazing to watch these guys turn their life around.”  Their coach and team manager said later that day. We will be back, Villanova won’t be the only NOVA team people talk about, we will get there just like they did.

Eudaimoina Sober Living in Houston, Texas - Sober Living Vs Returning Home

Sober Living Vs Returning Home

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Residential Treatment Centers offer evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address substance use disorders. Combing treatment modalities with a twelve-step program a residential inpatient curriculum is built to meet all addiction needs. This is just the beginning of the life long process of recovery. After Completion of a rehab center, you must choose between transitioning into a Sober Living House or Return Home.  A sober living house are for addicts and alcoholics. These types of homes differ from rehab centers. People who reside in a sober house can usually come and go as they please as long as they follow curfew and house rules. Residents are usually required to take random drug tests to ensure sobriety. People who live in sober houses are expected to be responsible for themselves, paying for rent, buying and cooking their own food, much like if they were living in a regular house. This is an important stay in recovery. Addicts and alcoholics usually had an enabler in their life, somehow who would do these things for them. In their addiction, addicts usually act in immature and irresponsible ways. A Sober Living house does require a certain level of accountability from their residents and allows opportunities for growth. These homes are usually located in quiet neighborhoods, much like an average house. Here are some reasons for sober house vs returning home.

Reasons for Sober Living Home

• Accountability
• Safe and Sober Living Environment
• Strong Support Group
• Meeting Like Minded People in Sobriety
• Drug Testing
• Safe Integration Back into Society
• Fresh Start

Reasons for Returning Home

• Family and Friends
• Significant Other
• Pets
• Financial Reasons/Job
• Doesn’t want to live with strangers
• Is Comfortable Living at Home

Making the Right Choice

There are many reasons to return home or move into sober living. Look at the list above for further guidance. If you’re uneasy about sobriety when leaving treatment, a sober living home sounds like a good choice for you.

Eudaimonia Sober Living in Houston, Texas - Dating Sober

Dating Sober

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“You don’t go to the junkyard to get a new car “my first sponsor used to say. Never fully understanding what he meant, I shook my head in agreement with him. I entered the program of AA for my second time before I was legally allowed to drink. Young and completely beaten down and depressed from the life I had lived, my sponsor encouraged me not to seek women in the program. I was explained this many times, my counselor even suggested that I spend 90 days with a woman before engaging in any kind of sexual behavior. I had my fair share of “Warnings” about relationships in early recovery, so what did I do when two Recovery Professionals gave me solid advice?

I did the complete opposite, OF COURSE. Young and naive I went against my sponsors advice and started dating a girl in recovery, attempting to fill a void that was filled by drugs and alcohol just three months earlier. How did the relationship turn out with only 3 months of sobriety?  The relationship was a disaster. I caused harm not only to her, but to my friends and family. I stopped hanging out with my friends, and starting lying to them about where I was going. I lied about my meeting attendance to my sober house, and to my sponsor about my current “emotional state “.  I put my recovery in a dangerous situation and was so caught up in my delusion around her, that it almost took me out. After being completely heartbroken, lost, and still empty inside, I feel as if I had a “First Step “experience. Without drugs and alcohol in my body, I was still a producer of harm and chaos.

Shortly after it ended I called my sponsor, it had been weeks since I’ve last spoken to him, he listened to my story, and told me to go to a meeting. Thinking I got off “Scott Free”, the next day he called me back. I received a lethal dose of accountability I never thought was possible. My sponsor at the time, pointed out my character defects and fears I had, it was an eye-opening experience to say the least. I believe a lot of people in recovery go through the same experience, trying to fill a void with something other than a higher power and the program. My experience has left me with some tips for newcomers.

Sobriety Has to Come First. I heard it many times in meetings “Anything I put in front of my sobriety, I’ll lose.” This is unquestionably true for me. I have to place my sobriety above my relationships, my job, and above my family. The reason I have a family that will talk to me today, or a job is because I’m sober. The only way for me to be fit enough to engage with other people, with friends, with family, is to remain sober. Practicing the program and its principles in all my affairs got me to this point. Without it, my world is torn apart by my own selfish wants and needs, I generally end up alone in my room, with drugs and alcohol in my system.

Having A Solid Amount of Time Before Dating. Another phrase commonly throw around the rooms of AA is “Don’t Get in A Relationship in the first year of sobriety!” I heard this all the time, again I thought I was different than everyone else and could handle it. However, this bit of wisdom is something you should listen to. I fell into the delusions that since I wasn’t ingesting drugs or alcohol, and I’m in the program, I must be safe. WRONG. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule, but assuming you would not want to risk your recovery on a miracle. Take time getting to know yourself, enjoy early sobriety in the fellowship of the rooms. Focus on your goals, and build a life for yourself.

Taking It Slow. Don’t fall in love in the first week, you don’t even know who you are yet. Newly Sober people may try to use romance as a replacement for alcohol or drugs. All they’re doing is substituting one addiction with another.  Taking things slow comes highly recommend. Trust me, my experience with rushing into a relationship almost ruined everything I worked for. Early sobriety is an emotional roller coaster; you will begin to experience feelings that you may not have felt in a while. The last thing that an individual will want to do will be to add the stress of a new relationship to the mix