Is Vicodin Addictive?

Is Vicodin Addictive?

Vicodin is a prescription medication that’s used to relieve pain in patients. The drug’s primary compound is hydrocodone—an opioid pain reliever. 

When used as directed, Vicodin effects are an excellent way to help patients manage pain after surgery, dental procedures, injuries, or other conditions that may cause severe discomfort.

But can you get addicted to Vicodin? Let’s have a look.

What Is Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin addiction is a serious medical condition that occurs when someone becomes physically and psychologically dependent on Vicodin.

The Vicodin effects are similar to those of other opioids including heroin, fentanyl, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.

It is possible to successfully treat opioid addiction with medications, behavioral therapies, and recovery support services. 

Since 1999, opioids have caused more than 16% of the 932,000 deaths related to drug overdoses in the United States. 

It is clear from those large numbers that addiction to opioids is a serious problem that health officials and families should be concerned about.

Is Vicodin Addictive

Vicodin is just as addictive as any other opioid. If the medicine is not taken in the way a doctor prescribes, taken recreationally or for extended periods it can and often does lead to addiction. 

Vicodin should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions, not exceeded, and not used for longer than necessary to minimize the risk of addiction.

Typically, a Vicodin dosage contains 5 milligrams of hydrocodone combined with 300 milligrams of acetaminophen. This is often referred to as Vicodin 5/300. However, your doctor might prescribe a different dosage depending on the patient’s needs.

A healthcare professional should be contacted if you notice signs of dependence, such as cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or difficulty controlling the medication’s use.

Signs of Vicodin Addiction

These are the most common signs that someone might show if they are addicted to Vicodin.

  • Increased tolerance
  • Withdrawal Vicodin effects if stopped using suddenly
  • Preoccupation with obtaining and taking Vicodin
  • Neglecting responsibilities and relationships
  • Changes in mood and behavior
  • Continued use despite negative consequences

What Are the Symptoms of Vicodin Withdrawal

The first step in determining the severity of Vicodin addiction is to understand what symptoms are associated with Vicodin withdrawal. 

Vicodin withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and duration based on factors such as how long and how much Vicodin was taken.

While certain symptoms may be mild and not life-threatening, others—such as depression and autonomic hyperactivity—can be fatal.

If you plan to detox from Vicodin, you should speak with a recovery specialist first. 

In addition, addicts or their loved ones should call 911 or a healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Some of the common symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal include:

 

  • Excessive flow of tears
  • Muscle aches
  • Tremors
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dilated pupils
  • Eye discomfort in bright lights
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Autonomic hyperactivity
  • Irritable moods
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Anxiety

Vicodin Addiction Treatment

Now that you know what symptoms are associated with Vicodin addiction, it’s time to take action.

If you or anyone you know is addicted to Vicodin then you need to get in touch with Veritas Detox. We are a premier opioid addiction treatment center that specializes in Vicodin addiction.

Contact Veritas Detox today for an assessment of how we can help you or your loved ones manage a Vicodin addiction.

Does Alcoholism Require Detox?

Does Alcoholism Require Detox?

Rehab and detox sound like the type of things heavy addicts need to endure to get sober. You know, people are addicted to potent drugs like heroin and crystal meth. Those drugs we hear about in the news that kill.

It’s difficult to imagine a legal and commonly used substance like alcohol would also require those who abuse to attend an alcohol detox program. 

But does it? Let’s have a look.

What’s The Point of an Alcohol Detox Program?

During detox, alcoholics and addicts receive pharmacotherapy to ease withdrawal symptoms. 

One of the main reasons for attending detox is to eliminate cravings and discomfort. However, recovering addicts and alcoholics also seek treatment when withdrawal symptoms are so severe that they threaten their lives.

In order to manage withdrawal symptoms, medical staff may prescribe benzodiazepines along with antipsychotics and seizure medications.

Does Alcoholism Require Detox

Whether alcoholism requires AN alcohol detox program or not is dependent on the condition of the alcoholic. For most alcoholics that suffer from withdrawal symptoms, detoxification is essential. 

If alcohol withdrawal symptoms are not treated with the proper medical attention, they could escalate and become life-threatening. This is why professional help is essential when detoxifying from alcohol.

For those without serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it might be convenient to also attend detox as they can be provided medications that will help them ease mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms. 

Even mild symptoms can be challenging enough to lead an alcoholic back to a bottle, so it’s often suggested by medical experts to seek detox even if the symptoms are not severe.

How Do You Know When You Need Detox?

It’s impossible to tell if a person will need a medically supervised detox until alcohol withdrawal symptoms start showing up. 

It’s also challenging for non-professionals to accurately predict how severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be before they happen. Once they do, it might be too late and the addict might require immediate medical attention. 

The best way to go about it is by reaching out to a medical professional or an alcohol detox program like that of AVA Recovery. Medical professionals can provide accurate guidance in whether a patient will need detox or not.

However, as a general rule of thumb, if you have been drinking for extended periods, have early signs of withdrawal, or believe you have a problem, you probably need to attend a detox.

Alcohol Withdrawal Signs

Alcohol withdrawal signs and symptoms include:

 

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shaking 
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Delirium tremens
  • Cardiac arrest

How to Detox From Alcohol

You can follow these steps to detox from alcohol if you’re not sure where to begin.

  • Contact a rehab facility that can guide you through the process or seek medical help.
  • While you’re waiting to get to the detox facility, make sure you stay hydrated and well-nourished
  • Contact a trusted friend or family member to help you reach the detox facility. Don’t drive there on your own.
  • Make sure to bring any medications you take with you and notify the medical staff if you have any medical conditions.

Our Detox Facility

Veritas Detox offers a top-of-the-line alcohol detox program and relapse prevention services. If you or your loved one needs to detox from alcohol, then we are ready to help.

For more information, please contact Veritas Detox today.

How to Find Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse

How to Find Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse

The number of Americans misusing prescription pills each year is estimated to be 16 million. In other words, nearly 6% of the US population. Considering that nearly 66% of Americans are prescribed drugs every year, this isn’t surprising.

Prescription drugs are not all addictive, and not all people who are prescribed drugs become addicted. With such a large proportion of the population prescribed drugs, they are almost inevitable to be abused.

These data highlight the importance of prescription drug treatment more than ever. Here are some tips to help you or a loved one cope with prescription drug abuse.

The Definition of Prescription Drug Abuse

Both mental and physical healing can be facilitated through the use of prescription drugs. Their use is common for treating a variety of health problems.  

Nonetheless, patients might end up abusing drugs if they take their prescription medications differently than their doctors prescribe.

While not all prescription drugs are addictive, some do carry side effects that can result in an obsession.

An example of this could be that opioids are prescribed for numbing pain which can have similar effects to heroin. In terms of their ability to treat pain as well as their addictive properties.

Medication taken according to a doctor’s prescription reduces the risk of addiction. However, this isn’t always the case. Even if prescribed by their doctor, prescriptions can become addictive for people who are prone to addiction. 

Regardless of the circumstances, it’s important to recognize problems early and speak openly with your doctor about them.

A prescription drug might also be abused recreationally by addicts without a prescription. They can be mixed with illicit drugs to combat the unpleasant side effects of illicit drugs in some cases.

When Does Prescription Drug Abuse Become a Problem?

It might not be a problem right away if you consume prescription drugs differently from the way you were prescribed by a doctor. It is rare that drugs out of line turn into abuse right away. 

In some cases, however, patients can become addicted quickly if they do not follow their physician’s instructions.

In many cases, it starts with playing doctor at home and deciding when and how to take the prescription. In some cases, this is unintentional. 

As an example, a patient who is in pain might abuse opioids just to ease their discomfort.

However, this is not OK and should not be taken lightly, especially with drugs of such high potency and addiction risk. 

When such a situation arises, it’s always best to consult your doctor first.

The most common signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse include:

  • Pills or medication bottles going missing from your home
  • Taking medication in ways other than directed by medical professionals
  • Unexplained changes in their finances
  • Extreme mood swings 
  • Symptoms of drowsiness or intoxication after the prescription timeline has ended
  • Slurred speech
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in sleep patterns including insomnia
  • Lack of care for oneself, activities, work, and family 
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Rapid changes in weight
  • Dry lips
  • Problems at work
  • Anxiety
  • Irritation

 

Prescription pill abuse can be serious, so seek help as soon as possible if you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms. 

What to Look for in a Prescription Drug Treatment Center

You should seek help if you notice that you or a loved one is experiencing the signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse.

When searching for the right prescription drug treatment center, keep these factors in mind:

  • Outstanding and legitimate staff credentials
  • Onsite medical care
  • Program accreditation by health organizations such as JCAHO or CARF. 
  • Financing options
  • Support and 12-step programs
  • Tailored recovery solutions
  • Life integration programs
  • Comfortable spaces

Where to Look for Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse

It can be challenging to find the right prescription drug treatment. Ultimately, you want to make sure that you are investing in the right treatment and making the right decision.

A number of online sources provide directories of treatment centers, including the federal SAMHSA treatment directory.

It is easy to become overwhelmed by hundreds if not thousands of search results when searching online, leaving you even more lost and confused than when you began.

Fortunately, Veritas Detox offers top-notch prescription drug treatment. Call us or get in touch with us 24/7 so we can help you or your loved one get the help you need.

We can assist you or a loved one in getting the help you need right now by contacting one of our admission counselors.

What Are the Signs Someone Is Abusing Drugs?

What Are the Signs Someone Is Abusing Drugs?

Worried that your loved ones are abusing drugs? If so, then read on because in this article we are going to go over the signs and symptoms of using drugs that you should look out for if you suspect a loved one might be using.

Why Are Signs and Symptoms of Using Drugs Important?

Since 1999, overdose deaths have killed nearly one million people in the United States. That compares to the same number of people in San Jose, California, the tenth-most populous city in the country. 

Just think about that for a second—losing the equivalent of an entire city’s population in nearly a decade to drug abuse—an absolute tragedy. One that highlights the seriousness of the US drug epidemic.

If it sounds scary, it’s because it’s. It’s never been this important to know the signs a person is using drugs. Doing so could mean the difference between life and death for our loved ones.

It is important to know the signs of drug abuse so that we can be of assistance to our loved ones who may be silently suffering from substance abuse. 

The use of drugs is still highly taboo in many parts of the world. It is almost inherently natural for addicts to hide their consumption habits until they can no longer tolerate them. 

Signs a Person Is Using Drugs

The disease of addiction doesn’t discriminate, it affects people of all walks of life, and sometimes it affects those closest to us, like our children, friends, or spouses. 

Being able to recognize the signs of addiction and offer a helping hand when they appear can literally mean the difference between life and death.

There are a few warning signs to watch out for if you suspect that someone you love is using drugs and needs treatment.

The signs a person is using drugs are split into three main categories:

  • Physical signs of drug abuse
  • Behavioral signs of drug abuse
  • Psychological signs of drug abuse

The effects of different drugs on individuals will vary; however, in this article, we will discuss the most common side effects associated with different drugs.

Physical Drug Use Symptoms

Physical signs a person uses drugs can be observed in the body. These may be more noticeable while a person uses drugs, but they are still present after they’ve sobered up.

Common physical drug signs include:

  • Red or irritated eyes 
  • Dilated pupils 
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Quick unexplained weight changes
  • Extreme lethargy
  • Strange odors on clothes like chemicals or smoke
  • Jaw clenching
  • Irregular sleep patterns
  • Markings or bruising on the skin 
  • Being too hot or too cold
  • Burn marks on fingers
  • Skin peeling in the palm of the hand
  • Getting sick often
  • Having a heavily congested nose often

Behavioral Drug Use Symptoms

Drug addiction alters addicts’ thinking, resulting in altered behaviors, diminished mental health, and poor life choices. 

Even when addicts attempt to hide the physical signs of addiction, behavioral signs of drug abuse can be observed. 

The most common behavioral drug signs include:

  • Changes in social circles
  • Secrecy, dishonesty, and deceit
  • Lack of participation in family activities, sports, and other hobbies
  • Signs of financial distress 
  • Problems with the law
  • Not meeting responsibilities including at work and at home
  • Not being able to locate the addict or them disappearing for days
  • Not showing up to important events or meetings
  • Only communicates when they need a favor or money
  • If an addict smokes cigarettes or drinks, they may be doing it more than usual
  • Isolation

Psychological Drug Use Symptoms

Chemical imbalances caused by drugs alter the chemistry of the brain, altering users’ psychology. It will be evident as the addiction progresses that thought patterns and beliefs are changing.

Common psychological drug signs include:

  • Changes in personality
  • Paranoia
  • Being obsessed over things
  • Showing symptoms of depression or anxiety
  • Slurred speech
  • Being overly excited or relaxed
  • Showing signs of bipolar disorder or strong mood swings
  • Being overly negative, angry, or irritable
  • Lacks motivation
  • Lacking empathy for others

How to Help Someone Using Drugs

Did you spot any signs and symptoms of using drugs on someone you care for? If so, then help is needed!

Families and friends of loved ones who are addicted to drugs and alcohol can seek help from  Veritas Detox. To help your loved one stay sober, we use an evidence-based, holistic approach that identifies the root cause of drug abuse.

Contact a recovery expert at Veritas Detox today to schedule a consultation!

How Does Drug Addiction Affect Families?

How Does Drug Addiction Affect Families?

It’s said that addiction is a family disease, or at least that’s what the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence thinks. That’s because addiction affects the entire family system as substance abuse extends beyond the individual.

But how does drug abuse affect families? Let’s dive into it and find out.

The Effects of Drug Abuse on Families

Addicts might not be aware of the damage they cause to those around them. In fact, more times than not an addict might believe they are only hurting themselves. 

But they often fail to see the wreckage they leave along the way and the pains and traumas they cause their loved ones.

But addiction-induced family damage is real and it can manifest itself in many different forms including; emotional, financial, or even physical. 

How Does Drug Abuse Affect Families

Emotional Damage

One of the most common ways families of addicts are affected by their addiction is by causing emotional damage. 

This type of trauma can come in many forms; a cheated spouse, a neglected child, or a powerless parent.

The constant worry, challenges, and stress of dealing with a loved one’s addiction can oftentimes cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. 

This might cause families to suffer from a range of negative emotions like anger, frustration, sadness, and helplessness. It could also help induce generational trauma that could manifest in substance abuse patterns for addicted children.

Feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment are also common occurrences in the family circle when one of the members is suffering from addiction.

Addiction can also lead to a loss of trust in the family nucleus which can lead to divorces, irreparable lies, and difficulties when seeking recovery.

Physical Damage

Sadly, emotional damage is not the only way a family member can be affected by addiction. Unfortunately, physical damage is also a way in which addiction affects families. 

On one end, the financial strain that addiction causes in the family can end up being a burden when a dependent is suffering from health problems. In the worst of cases, addicts can also turn violent and physically abuse others in the household. 

There can also be instances where the addict’s behaviors could get them involved in dangerous situations placing their families at physical risk. 

For example, by driving drunk and getting into an accident. The backlash of criminal or conflictive situations outside the household can also affect the families in instances where there could be some form of retaliation.

Financial Damage

Finances are without doubt one of the areas that get most affected by addiction. Not only are vices expensive habits to keep up with but also the costs that come along with it. 

It may be difficult for families to pay their bills, save for the future, or make ends meet. It is also possible that they will have to deal with the financial consequences of their loved one’s addiction.

Some of the ways substance financially impacts the family of an addict include:

  • Cost of addiction treatment
  • Medical bills
  • Legal fees
  • Lost wages
  • Excessive expenditure on leisure activities
  • Gambling
  • Bad debts
  • And the obvious cost of drugs and alcohol

Social Damage

Finally, substance abuse can severely affect a family’s social relationships and the relationships within the family itself.

Often, family members feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss their loved one’s addiction with others, resulting in social isolation. Additionally, addiction can make it difficult for them to maintain friendships or relationships outside of the family. Friendships and school may be difficult for children because they may feel embarrassed to invite friends over or open up about their family situation.

Family therapy

Family therapy refers to a collection of therapeutic approaches that involve the whole family.

This form of therapy is based on the idea that a family is an interconnected system, so when someone in the family is affected by addiction, everyone is affected as well. As a result of these unhealthy relationships, chaos is created in the family, affecting everyone.

Essentially, family therapy helps the whole family heal from trauma, not only healing the patient but also teaching the family how to cope with addiction. 

A safe and loving environment helps heal wounds from the past and most importantly, keeps the addict sober.

Get Your Family Help

Now that you know how drug abuse affects families you might be wondering what you can do to get help for your loved ones.

If addiction is in your family and it’s causing challenges in the household then you must seek out professional help now. It’s vital to take advantage of the benefits of family therapy for addiction if you want your family to recover.

At Veritas Detox we will arm you with the tools to overcome addiction in the real world, including therapy for the patient and his or her family.

Contact us today and find out how we can help!

What is the Best Therapy for Addiction?

Addiction is a mental health disorder that must be treated holistically. Primarily because the condition is complex and challenging. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for addiction, but therapy is one of the best places to start as it plays an important role in most recovery programs.

But there are many types of therapy available, so it can be difficult to pick one that is the best therapy for addiction.

Not to worry, as we are going to take a deep dive into some of the most effective therapies for addiction and find out which one might be best for you or your loved ones.

What is the Best Therapy for Addiction?

The first 72 hours after entering rehab are crucial to determining an addict’s best therapy for addiction.

Addicts will generally be assessed by a psychiatrist and a team of recovery experts, who will decide what is the best course of action.

A variety of factors will be considered in this evaluation, including

  • The severity of their addiction
  • Treatment history
  • Medical and family history
  • Co-occurring disorders

The most appropriate treatment plan will be determined by a team of recovery experts following the completion of an assessment.

Therapies for Addiction

There are many types of drug rehab therapies available to addicts, including

Holistic Therapy

The importance of holistic therapy in recovery is often overlooked.

Physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being are all taken into consideration in holistic addiction treatment. A holistic approach to addiction addresses the underlying causes rather than just its symptoms.

A holistic approach to drug rehab includes the following types of treatment:

  • Acupuncture
  • Yoga
  • Equine therapy
  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Nutrition
  • Massages

A holistic approach is almost always necessary when considering patients that might be suffering from co-occurring disorders.

Psychotherapy

The most common type of therapy people think of when it comes to recovery is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Not only is this one of the most common types of drug rehab therapy but it’s also one of the most effective.

This form of therapy consists of one-on-one meetings between the therapist and the patient. Their sessions focus on solving the patient’s cognitive problems.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another popular form of psychotherapy used for the treatment of addiction.

In fact, research has shown that CBT is one of the most effective treatments for the treatment of not only addiction but also anxiety and depression. 

The primary focus of this therapy is the relationship between a patient’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal is to improve the well-being and psychological state of the patient by addressing how they are related to each other.

The practice has its foundations in the idea that feelings, thoughts, and actions are all working in conjunction to influence mental health and well-being.

In order to unlearn negative behaviors CBT therapists employ different methods like breathing exercises.

Group Therapy

As part of group therapy, patients explore the underlying causes of their addiction in a safe and supportive environment. In a session led by one or two group therapists, addicts will be surrounded by others suffering from addiction.

Addicts benefit from this type of therapy because it allows them to discuss their challenges and experiences with each other while learning from one another.

In a typical session usually six to twelve recovering addicts are included as part of the group.

Family Therapy

According to this method of treatment, addiction is a family disease that affects everyone in the household. Through  family therapy families overcome triggers, traumas, and challenges together.

Research carried out has hinted at the fact that addicts who receive this form of therapy are more likely to stay sober than those who do not. 

What is the Best Therapy for Addiction?

Ultimately the best therapy for addiction will be the one that most benefits the addict’s individual case. Not everyone has the same problems, and that’s why so many different therapies are effective for different people.

The best way to determine which therapy is right for you is by consulting with a recovery expert.

At Veritas Detox  our team specializes in providing holistic and other forms of therapy to our patients.

Contact us today and find out which therapy for addiction is right for you.

How to Do a Successful Intervention

Having an intervention is one of the most effective ways to ensure your loved ones get the help they need and find the strength to seek recovery.


If you’ve been wondering, here’s how to do a successful drug intervention

How Does an Intervention Work?

For those suffering from drug addiction, interventions are often the last resort.

An intervention for substance abuse typically takes place in a private setting where family and friends are ready to convince the addict that they should seek treatment immediately and explain how the addiction is affecting them personally.

 Its goal is to cause an emotional reaction in the addict that will push him or her to seek treatment.

The addict is usually admitted to a rehab facility immediately after the intervention since pre-arrangements have been made with the facility.

Interventions, however, can be emotionally draining and complex, and without the right approach, they could fail.

How to Do a Successful Drug Intervention?

There is a lot at stake during an intervention, after all, they are often the last resource. But given its risks of failure, it’s always best to prepare for them in advance.

Given interventions have a chance of failing despite so much being on the line it’s always best to prepare for them in advance.

These are the main steps to take to prepare for a successful intervention:

Plan, Plan, More Plan

Planning, that’s how to do a successful drug intervention. Obtaining as much information as possible about addiction and available treatment options is essential when preparing for an intervention. 

Discuss the intervention’s goals with everyone involved and the role each person will play. 

It’s also essential to decide on a location for the intervention and to create a script that outlines what will be said during the intervention.

 

You should also consider the consequences that could come from a failed intervention and come up with a plan B.

Choosing a treatment center and informing them in advance that the addict might join them is a critical part of proper planning for intervention.

Arrange Transport

Not only is it important to have a place ready for the addict to go but what is also equally important is to pre-arrange their transport. 

Oftentimes the rehab center might not be nearby which could require an airplane ticket or other forms of transport.

Rehab centers usually provide coordination and even private transport at times. Talk to your rehab and ask them if they can help you arrange this.

Set Boundaries

When conducting an intervention, it is crucial to set boundaries. Tell your loved one you will no longer enable their drug addiction, and that there will be consequences for their continued use. 

The consequences could include cutting ties with the individual altogether or cutting off financial support. 

While setting boundaries can be challenging, it is necessary to help your loved one understand how severe their addiction is.

Put a Team Together

Before launching a successful drug intervention, it is imperative to assemble a team. The team should consist of friends and family who are concerned about your loved one’s addiction. 

Select people who can remain calm and collected during the intervention and who have a positive relationship with the addict. An interventionist should also be a critical part of your team.

Choosing an Interventionist

Now that you know how to do a successful drug intervention you might want to make sure you get the right interventionist on your team.

Choosing the right interventionist could be the difference between getting your loved one to go to rehab and get well or not. 

That’s why it’s so critical to make sure you work with someone who is highly experienced and that has the support of a professional team.

At Veritas Detox  we offer a number of interventionists with optimal experience.

Contact us today and find out how we can help

How to Work the 12 Steps of AA

How to Work the 12 Steps of AA

“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.”

–The Big Book of AA

A 12-step program offers addicts the opportunity to use a proven system of recovery and sobriety maintenance. The value of these programs can’t be overstated which is why so many addicts recur to them as a key pillar of their treatment.

But how does a 12-step program work? Let’s have a look.

How does a 12 Step Program for Addiction work?

In 12-step programs like AA, non-professional peers who have experienced addiction participate. 

As a group, they support each other by following a program of 12 steps and 12 traditions. In contrast to group therapy, group consciousness leads the group, not a professional. 

It is free to attend this non-professional program, although a small donation is usually requested if the addict can afford it. Donations are usually used to pay rent and support the facilities.

There is usually literature available such as the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous or the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions book which shares stories about those who have recovered and also offers guidance on how to best make use of the program.

How Many Steps in AA Program

The key to every 12-step program can be found in working the steps laid out by the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

AA requires dedication, honesty, and willingness to change for the 12 Steps to succeed. An important part of the recovery process is having a sponsor, who has already taken the steps and can provide guidance and support.

But how many steps are in the AA program? These are the 12 Steps of AA that every recovering alcoholic needs to work on:

  1. Admit powerlessness over alcohol and that your life has become unmanageable.
  2. Believe in a power greater than yourself that can restore you to sanity.
  3. Make a decision to turn your will and your life over to the care of God as you understand Him.
  4. Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of yourself.
  5. Admit to God, to yourself, and to another human being the exact nature of your wrongs.
  6. Be entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
  7. Humbly ask Him to remove your shortcomings.
  8. Make a list of all persons you have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.
  9. Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
  10. Continue to take personal inventory and promptly admit when you are wrong.
  11. Seek through prayer and meditation to improve your conscious contact with God as you understand Him.
  12. Having had a spiritual awakening, carry this message to other alcoholics and practice these principles in all your affairs

One of the most important steps of the program is the first. It is important for addicts to accept addiction as a real condition and be honest with themselves about it.

The remaining steps involve transformational actions. The final three steps (10,11,12) are maintenance steps. Addicts may be able to find daily solace by following these steps and principles. 

There is a lot of time, effort, and reflection involved in every step. Before moving on to the next step, each step should be taken seriously and thoroughly worked through. 

AA meetings are another important part of working the 12 Steps. Meetings of AA provide a supportive environment where people can share their experiences and receive assistance and encouragement from other people facing similar challenges. 

Why Choose AA 

One of the main benefits of AA is that addicts are able to gain a roadmap for their sobriety.   The program provides recovering addicts with a set of tools and guidelines to help them achieve and maintain sobriety. 

They also offer a constant reminder that helps individuals remember why they decided to seek recovery and how far they have come in their journey.

Addicts can also benefit from having a sponsor in the program that can guide them through their recovery and someone they can lean on when times get hard.

Twelve-Step Rehabs

Now that you know how many steps are in AA programs, you might want to join a recovery center that offers 12-step recovery services.

At Veritas Detox we offer AA meetings as part of our rehab services.

Contact us today to join one of our in-house meetings.

What Are the Forms of Treatment for Opioid Addiction?

What Are the Forms of Treatment for Opioid Addiction?

Opioid use disorders affect millions of people in the United States every year. In 2020, there were over 150,000 opioid drug overdose deaths in the United States alone. Amounting to over 16% of all 932,000 drug overdose deaths in the US since 1999.

The opioid epidemic is rampant, but fortunately, treatments are readily available for those who need help. 

Let’s explore what is the best treatment for opioid addiction available today.

Best Treatment for Opioid Addiction

There are numerous ways to treat opioid addiction. Each method will be dependent on the condition of the addict and to some extent on their preferences. 

Some of these include:

Treating Opioid Addiction With Pharmacotherapy

Pharmacotherapy is a common treatment for opioid addiction that’s employed by treatment centers.

In this treatment, opioid abuse disorder is treated with medications such as heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.

By administering meds like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, treatment centers are able to help the addicts taper down and reduce the cravings and dependence of the body gradually.

Pharmacotherapy tends to be a suitable fit for addicts with severe withdrawal symptoms whose lives could be at risk if they stopped taking opioids abruptly. It’s also a suitable option for addicts who have relapsed many times and need a more specialized approach.

This form of therapy is offered as part of detox treatment and is usually available in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Treatment of Opioid Addiction with Medication-Assisted Therapy

Addiction is a disease of the mind and the body, which is why the use of behavioral therapy can also work in the treatment of opioid addiction.

Behavioral therapy can help an addict change their attitudes toward drug use and replace addictive behaviors with healthy habits.

Some of the most common behavioral therapies for opioid addiction include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 
  • Motivational enhancement therapy 
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy/ 
  • Individual therapy

Treating Opioid Addiction Medication Assisted Therapy

In order to achieve maximum efficacy, pharmacotherapy is usually offered in combination with behavioral counseling therapy. The combination of these two methods is what’s known as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).

MAT offers a “whole” approach that can help increase an addict’s chance to gain and maintain sobriety.

Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction

During rehab, addicts can choose to receive inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment.

When a patient attends an outpatient program, he or she continues to live at home while receiving addiction treatment. As a result, patients do not have to stay in a residential facility or hospital. The individual can instead attend an outpatient opioid rehab program or a hospital to receive counseling and medication before returning home.

Several busy professionals choose an outpatient treatment setting as a way to gain sobriety while maintaining their daily routine. 

Alternatively, inpatient addiction treatment requires an addict to stay in the rehab facility for at least 28 days at a time. Inpatient rehab is usually the way to go for severe cases or for people who have issues relapsing.

Outpatient treatment could be more affordable than inpatient treatment, but it can also be riskier as patients are more susceptible to relapse. A healthcare professional can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Both settings offer patients detox treatment with pharmacological management. 

What Are the Best Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction? 

The best treatment for opioid addiction will ultimately be determined by the severity of the addiction and any underlying causes behind it.

Veritas Detox offers opioid detox and treatment to help you or your loved one get the help you need to get better.Contact us today and find out which opioid addiction treatment is right for you!

What to Do When an Addict Refuses Treatment

As loving friends and family, we might be tempted to offer a hand when we see someone we care for suffer at the hands of addiction. However, we might be surprised to discover that not everyone who needs help wants it.

But that won’t stop most of us, as we are all well aware of where it could end for our loved ones. We also don’t want to see those we love get hurt.

If you have been wondering what to do when an addict won’t go to treatment, then you’ve come to the right place, because you’re about to find out.

Five Actions to Take When an Addict Refuses Treatment

Here is what to do when an addict won’t go to treatment

Offer Support

For most of us, receiving a no could stir up negative emotions and the need to take control of the situation. But forcing, guilting, or arguing an addict into rehab is not the right approach if we want what’s most beneficial for our loved ones.

Recovery is a challenging mental and physical struggle that requires a willingness from the patient. Even if you are able to force, guilt, or argue for someone to get into rehab, the chances of them following through with the treatment and not relapsing are slim.

Instead, the best way to directly approach them is to offer your support and an open line of communication. Addicts might eventually come around to their senses and having that trust and openness will give you a chance to help them when they are ready.

Letting them know you believe in them and are there for them could also provide hope and a sense of encouragement that might motivate them to quit. 

Listening, showing empathy, and providing them with recovery resources are all ways to show support and encouragement.

Cut Them Off Financially

If the addict is dependent on your finances to sustain their habit, you might want to cut them off. 

Of course, they won’t take this lightly. Therefore, the action must be taken with great care. Try speaking to them first and letting them understand that the financial burden is too much for you to bear. Or, you simply don’t feel well financing a habit that hurts them.

Providing financial support can enable the person to continue their drug or alcohol addiction and it won’t do any good for you or them.

Cutting off financial support could serve as a wake-up call for the addict and motivate them to seek treatment. 

If you are unsure how to approach this or don’t feel confident about the process, you could seek the help of a professional to help you communicate the notice. For example, a rehab counselor could coach you on the best way to approach this. 

Encourage a Medical Appointment

At times addicts might be too blind to addiction to see how it’s affecting their health. By completing a medical checkup, addicts could wake up to the realization that their health is at risk.

A doctor’s appointment might also provide a non-judgmental and confidential forum for the addict to speak to a medical professional. The addict might trust the opinion of a third party and end up agreeing to go to treatment.

A doctor can also provide information on addiction treatment and other therapies that may be effective in helping the person overcome addiction.

Consider an Intervention

If all else fails, consider the help of an addiction professional to conduct an intervention.

An intervention is a powerful and proven method that helps addicts get into treatment. The strategy consists of having a group of family and friends come together to express their concerns and support for the addict.

The intervention is usually led by an intervention expert who will lead the group and then take the addict to rehab right after the intervention finishes.

Interventions are effective at appealing to the emotional intelligence of an addict and tend to work effectively. 

Professional Help

If you are still unsure about what to do when an addict won’t go to treatment, or if all your efforts have failed, it’s time to seek professional help.

Veritas Detox can help you get your loved one into treatment and also offer intervention services for those who need them.

Make sure to contact us today and speak to one of our intervention specialists. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call now!