When my father died of alcoholic liver disease in 2016, I wanted to understand how this condition happened. As a former nurse, I should have known that he was sick, but the truth is we didn’t. Liver disease can be sneaky, and liver failure, especially from alcoholism, can happen quicker than you think.

However, I know my father’s medications also contributed to his rapidly failing liver because he mixed alcohol with liver-toxic medications. In the hospital, the doctors told us that doing so caused his liver disease to accelerate.

Indeed, according to research, mixing hepatotoxic medications with alcohol is highly dangerous for the liver. However, not all medications are toxic to the liver, but most people don’t realize which ones are toxic and which ones are not. Hepatotoxic drugs are metabolized in the liver and can put a lot of stress on the functions of the liver. Alcohol is also hepatotoxic, which adds even more pressure on the liver.

Medication safety warnings usually point to avoidance of alcohol when taking that specific medication but don’t explain why. Some medicines can make you more dizzy or drowsy when mixed with alcohol, but some warnings are due to the hepatotoxic nature of the medicine. But since these warnings don’t provide details, it’s hard for people to know why the warnings are there.

In writing these educational posts, my goal is to help people understand the information that is not often explained well to the general public. If people have the appropriate education, they can make better choices about their alcohol and medication use.

The following common medications are hepatotoxic, which means they put stress on the liver and shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is metabolized through the liver and can be hard on liver functions. An overdose of acetaminophen, however, can cause liver failure. Taking some Tylenol with alcohol is likely not going to cause liver failure. However, if Tylenol is mixed repeatedly with alcohol over a long period of time, it can contribute to worsening liver issues.

Narcotics

Similar to Tylenol, narcotics are toxic for the liver. Repeated use of narcotics can be hard on the liver, but it becomes a double-whammy when mixed with alcohol. For people who already have liver disease, mixing narcotics and alcohol can rapidly accelerate liver problems. This is what happened to my father — he had chronic pain from diabetes, and he used narcotic medication while drinking a lot of alcohol. Unfortunately, this combo was deadly for him.

Antibiotics and Antifungals

These are common medications that are used for bacterial and fungal infections. These medications can be very hard on the liver and digestive tract. Using alcohol with these medications can make a person quite sick, particularly for antifungal medications. Fortunately, these medications are only used periodically and not long-term.

However, people with alcohol abuse issues are sometimes prone to repeated infections because their immune system has been lowered by heavy alcohol use. This means that antibiotics or antifungals may be used more frequently in this population.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are used to treat seizures and epilepsy. However, the medications taken to treat these conditions are hard on the liver. Medications like Valproic acid (anticonvulsant but also used for bipolar disorder and migraines) can sometimes raise liver enzymes even when taken alone. However, when used with alcohol, it can put a lot of stress on the liver and increase the potential for liver damage.

Antipsychotics

Some antipsychotic medications can be difficult for the liver. Medications like chlorpromazine are metabolized through the liver and should not be mixed with alcohol. Other medications include quetiapine, seroquel, and clozapine, to name a few. Unfortunately, many people with mental illnesses like psychotic disorders also struggle with alcohol use disorder. This makes liver issues a high potential for this group of people.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

Medications like atorvastatin and simvastatin can cause problems with the liver and, as such, shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol. However, 85.6% of US citizens consume alcohol, and 25.8% binge drink. Also, 94 million US adults have high cholesterol and may require the use of medications to lower cholesterol levels.

Diabetes medicine

Insulin and metformin are both used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both these medications can be hard on the liver and therefore shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol. Interestingly, over 34.2 million people have diabetes in the US making it a relatively common condition. As such, many people with diabetes are taking medication to control their blood sugars and possibly mixing these medications with alcohol. Again, this is also what happened to my father. He had type 2 diabetes and also took medication to control his blood sugars. Unfortunately, he mixed several medications with alcohol which caused his liver disease to rapidly worsen.

These are the most commonly used medications that people may mix with alcohol. All of these medications can be toxic to the liver on their own, and when combined with alcohol, can accelerate liver disease. People who take these medications should exercise caution when drinking alcohol.

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Former nurse turned writer — empowering change. Let’s talk about mental health, addictions, trauma, and wellness. Join Medium: https://gillianmay.ca/membership

Check-ins

Recovery is a lifelong journey, so when times feel unbearable, it’s important to use all of your available resources around you for help. A sober coach is the first point of contact you should lean on after rehab. Sober coaches are there to guide you through the hard times and provide you with advice along the way. Rebuilding relationships with family members should be a top priority as well, especially if the bond was broken in the past. Having a friendly face to rely on and build you up can make all the difference in your sobriety journey. If you’d feel more comfortable having assistance 24/7, try downloading a sobriety app to help stay on track with your progress. The last thing you want is to feel alone.

Start Over

To avoid temptations, distancing yourself from anything or anyone that could have a negative impact on your progress will be in your best interest. Old friends still using, local bars, and even your home can all be temptations. Rebuilding your life somewhere new or close to your family does not have to be dreadful. If money is tight, no need to worry. Consider exploring an FHA loan to assist you in the home buying process. FHA loans are perfect if you’ve experienced a poor financial history, such as debt. It’s government-backed, so it allows you to purchase a home with looser financial requirements. Nonetheless, moving to a new location allows you to start fresh and help avoid any relapses because you’ll be away from things that remind you of your past.

Self-Care

Staying on top of your health is crucial after rehab. Eating healthy, finding a new social group, and starting a new hobby are all ways to guide you through the recovery process. Staying active with a daily routine will also help rid any stress you might be feeling. Just getting outside and going for a walk can be a huge improvement to your mental health. Finding a new friend group that lifts you and supports your sobriety is key to taking care of yourself. If the people around you can’t lift themselves up, how will they be able to help you? Picking up a new hobby to take your mind off things such as reading, journaling, painting, or cooking is also a great way to stay focused. Looking forward to something every day will help you feel grateful and motivated to continue on your sobriety path.

Celebrate

Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate yourself each step of the way. After rehab, everyday life can be challenging. Maintaining your sobriety takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Although big milestones worth celebrating are 30-day, 3-months, 6-months, and 1-year, every day of sobriety is a huge accomplishment. However, one day might be easier than the next, so it’s important to keep your head up during the highs and lows. To help you celebrate your wins, find fun ways to keep yourself motivated such as nice dinners out, dessert, or perhaps starting a new tradition. A tradition could be similar to celebrating a holiday, you could invite friends and family over for a dinner party or book a trip. No matter how you celebrate, always remember you’re not alone and to keep staying motivated — you got this!

I have been sober from alcohol for 6 years and I also have a mental health and addictions nursing background. Alcohol addiction runs in my family in a very serious way. I’d say I know a few things about alcohol addiction and how it affects our physical and mental health. I not only lived it, but I helped other people live through it as well.

One thing I repeatedly see in online discussions about alcohol abuse is that somehow, the person who abuses alcohol brought it on themselves or deserves their afflictions because they continue to drink heavily. There’s also a misconception that heavy drinking and “alcoholism” are somehow not the same. Many people who drink heavily will accuse other heavy drinkers of not being able to control their drinking. It’s a really strange manifestation of the denial often inherent in alcohol misuse. Hence, there is a lot of blame and criticism of those who are labeled an “alcoholic.”

The truth is, alcoholism and heavy drinking are not that different from each other. Often, we make ourselves believe that heavy drinking is normal if we are somehow able to function — meaning we can hold down a job, maintain a home, and look after our basic needs. The truth is, heavy drinking is still alcohol misuse which is the same as alcoholism. The difference is how entrenched the drinking becomes, which may have more serious consequences on our lives.

Some people can drink heavily and still feel confident they are managing their lives despite the many ways that their drinking proves to be problematic. Heavy drinking affects relationships, productivity, family life, physical health, and mental health. Labelling someone an “alcoholic” that can’t control their habit and thus they are a “bad” person, does nothing to further healing for alcohol addictions and misuse.

So let’s be honest shall we? Heavy drinking and alcoholism are within the same sphere and neither label makes the person who engages in alcohol misuse a “bad” person.

We’re not wrong or immoral for abusing a substance that helps us escape the horrors in our lives. The truth is, there are many ways to escape pain and horror, alcohol is just one of them. However, the difference between alcohol and things like doomscrolling, shopping, internet, or whatever we do to escape, is that alcohol can actually kill us. More so, before it kills us, it can ruin our health, mental health, relationships and anything else we care about. Alcohol can disable us and make our lives so much worse.

I advocate not just for abstinence or help for alcohol misuse, but more so, to educate people so they understand their relationship with alcohol better. Because most people have no idea at all how alcohol weaves itself into every fabric of our lives and slowly erodes it. Also, people don’t realize that the way alcohol erodes our lives is through our physical and mental health. And once alcohol has a hold on our brains and emotions, the less capable we are to make good decisions.

We’re not “bad” people for choosing to drink heavily. We just need to understand exactly what we’re getting ourselves into. We also need to know when we’re getting ruined by alcohol. Because as it stands, 107 million people worldwide have an alcohol misuse disorder — this includes everything from slight heavy drinking to very serious alcohol dependence. And while 107 million may seem like a lot, there are many more that likely chose not to report their drinking habits — such is the power of denial in alcohol misuse. Unfortunately, most people are oblivious to the ways that alcohol affects their health and mental health.

The rhetoric around “alcoholics” being bad people who can’t get their drinking under control is actually fueling more heavy drinking that leads to even more deadly consequences. Instead, maybe we can understand that all heavy drinking is designed to mitigate pain and discomfort. Many things are designed to mitigate pain and discomfort. However, not all of them will cause health and mental health issues the way alcohol can.

People in pain will always choose something to self-medicate — be it alcohol or other less dangerous things like playing online games all day. The point is, if we become more familiar with how alcohol causes even more pain, then we are in a better place to make proper decisions. And if we understand that all heavy drinking is problematic, then we can stop trying to demonize some people over others.

The facts are that alcohol causes the following:

• Damages the brain which also hinders decision-making.
• Causes and worsens mental health problems.
• Stops us from processing traumatic events which can lead to our healing.
• Creates a vicious cycle that slowly erodes everything until we are lost to ourselves.
• Can and will cause disability over time.
• Stops us from doing productive things to help our pain and discomfort.
• Doesn’t stop at our personal ruin, instead, it goes on to ruin the lives of those we care about as well.

We’re not “bad” people for drinking heavily, we just need to understand the consequences so we can make informed choices.

I am a former nurse and alcoholic in recovery. My mission is to talk about alcohol and its effect on our health, lives, and relationships. Undoubtedly, most people are aware that alcohol can cause stress and conflict in relationships. However, the general public may not understand the extent. Often, being close to alcoholics can change the relationship dynamic, and it’s essential to know how that works so families can help themselves better.

This article is not about demonizing our alcoholic loved ones, it’s about creating more understanding. I was an alcoholic loved one once, and I understand the dark trap of alcoholism. Our friends and families can’t fix us as much as they wish they could. The best thing to do is to understand the relationship dynamic and help yourself sort through the feelings that come up. This often leads to better decisions to help cope with our alcoholic loved ones.

The following are ways that heavy drinking, or alcoholic drinking, affects relationships. If you relate to these relational dynamics, I encourage you to find a therapist or a support system to help you cope. And know that you are not alone.

Silence/ Denial

Most people have heard about the denial that happens in alcoholism. Still, they rarely do family members reflect on how they are also in denial. Often we don’t want to believe what’s happening, so we block it out. Or, the denial inherent in the alcoholic can make us feel we need to cover things up for ourselves and others too.

The biggest issue that denial brings is silence. Many people feel silenced in their relationship with an alcoholic, bringing a feeling of emptiness and frustration. The relationship can often become inauthentic or tense because important things are not being said. This dynamic often leads to relationship breakdown or serious distance.

Frequent arguments or violence

The effect of alcohol on our nervous system is profound, and it can change our behavior and how we perceive things. At the least, heavy drinking causes a lot of conflicts in relationships leading to arguments. At worst, these arguments can lead to violence.

Most people who drink heavily notice some irritability in the later hours of drinking. However, irritability is most pronounced after the person stops drinking for a while. Frequent heavy drinking causes our nervous system to become very unstable, manifesting as violent behavior in some people. Since alcohol can overwhelm a person’s nervous system, it can be challenging to have a reasonable or calm conversation about complex issues.

Resentment

Unfortunately, silence and frequent arguments can cause resentment to build between the alcoholic and the person they’re in a relationship with. This often fuels more resentment and discord. In some relationships, alcohol may be clearly identified as the problem, but sometimes denial makes it difficult to see that.

It’s important to realize that things can become more challenging once resentment sets in. In this case, therapy, healthy distance, and managing your stress levels may help. Unfortunately, the only thing loved ones can do is support the alcoholic from the side, but they rarely can help them change.

Worsening mental health issues in loved ones

Alcohol is known to cause mental health issues in alcoholics. Still, most people don’t realize that the relational effects of alcoholism can affect the mental health of loved ones as well. Alcoholism can leave family and friends very drained, sad, and overwhelmed, fueling mental health problems. Since mental health issues cause a lot of emotional pain, it can further erode the relationship between the alcoholic and the loved one.

Eventually, it becomes a vicious cycle of alcoholism and mental health problems within the relationship. Once things hit this point, it’s imperative to seek help for oneself. Remember, focus on yourself as you are the only one you can help.

These are issues often seen in relationships between loved ones and their alcoholic family member or friend. Unfortunately, heavy drinking has a strong and negative effect on relationships. We ought to be talking about this more to reduce the silence and increase communication.

Again, this is not about blaming our alcoholic loved ones. Instead, it’s about taking responsibility for our own choices, feelings, reactions, and ability to ask for help. The more that family and friends of alcoholics reach out for support, the better off they will be.

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Gillian May

Former nurse turned writer. Mental health-addictions-trauma-wellness. Book coming soon! Sign up to my newsletter — https://upbeat-trader-4181.ck.page/839d0ab3f9

You may think you’re one of the lucky few who won’t get addicted to a substance, and that you can stop anytime you want. Unfortunately, you might not realize how dependent you’ve become until it’s already causing significant problems. To help you on your journey to becoming and staying sober, here are steps to get started:

Admit you have a problem

It may be difficult to admit that you need to change your relationship with substances that you’ve been dependent on. But if you find that your habits are restricting your activities or affecting your relationships, or you’re feeling some discomfort or guilt, it’s likely that you have an addiction.

You can also pinpoint some common signs of having an addiction. SymptomFind, a site dedicated to helping people reach and maintain wellness, lists some common signs that are associated with alcoholism. These include the inability to resist the mere sight or smell of alcohol and constantly looking for excuses to drink alcohol. Meanwhile, for drugs, signs of addiction are avoiding places where you can’t take drugs and relying on drugs to cope with problems. The first step in any recovery journey? Admitting that you need help, which can help prepare yourself for change.

Seek help

Contrary to popular belief, going cold turkey is not the fastest way to beat addiction. The Gateway Foundation warns that this isn’t safe either. This is because prolonged dependence on alcohol or drugs has rewired the brain to expect these substances. Quitting cold turkey can give rise to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as increased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. As such, to help you recover safely, reach out to an addiction counselor or doctor to help you understand what to expect in your journey to becoming sober.

Learn to cope with withdrawal and relapse symptoms

Dealing with withdrawal and relapse may be the most difficult parts of recovery. Withdrawal is the physical and mental effects you feel once you’ve stopped or reduced your intake of a substance. Physical symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and tremors can last from a few days to a week. However, the psychological effects like dysphoria can go on for longer. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, consult a doctor to help you. They may also prescribe medication to help you through your withdrawal.

However, NCBI mentions that around half of the people undergoing treatment relapse a few weeks after they’ve finished their treatment program. Relapse symptoms can be emotional, mental, and physical. Emotional and mental symptoms include isolation and bargaining, which, if continued unchecked, will lead to physical relapse. This is when the person resumes use of the substance. Therapy and peer support can help you cope with your symptoms by increasing your motivation and guiding you through your journey.

Avoid replacement behaviors

Even when you’ve successfully managed your addictive behavior, you may end up finding a replacement for it. For instance, you can end up overeating or gambling. You can avoid replacement behaviors by trying to find a balance in your life. The trick to preventing replacement behavior is to find satisfaction in normal life experiences. These let you be more in touch with reality and form authentic relationships again.

Talk to your doctor and counselor about your activities in order to determine if you’re becoming compulsive with any of them. They’ll encourage you to have a structured daily schedule that’s composed of recovery-related activities, such as exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep. These activities let you focus on something other than what you’re recovering from.

The road to recovery from addiction can be difficult. However, reaching out for help ensures that there are people to guide you to become and stay sober. For more information on recovering from addiction, check our resources here on Sober.

Submitted by: JBurk

Addresses the Root Cause of Addiction

A holistic approach to recovery is one that takes every aspect of health into consideration. It is not enough to help patients achieve sobriety. The goal is to help patients stay sober for a lifetime and enjoy health and wellness while staying sober.

To do that, it is important to address the root causes of addiction. There are thousands of potential factors in the development of a drug or alcohol addiction. Every individual is different and it is certainly possible that multiple factors contribute.

Through individual and group therapy, it may be possible to reveal what sparked addiction for an individual patient. In some cases, it could be genetic, where parents or grandparents also struggle with addiction. Other patients have a mental illness or have a history of trauma. Whatever it is, treatment can resolve and eliminate it from negatively impacting recovery.

Focus on Mental Health

Addiction is often classified as a substance abuse disorder, which is technically a mental health condition. Although there are clearly physical side effects of addiction, it is absolutely an illness that impacts mental health. There is an undeniable connection between psychological well-being and addiction.

In many cases, mental health concerns can lead to addiction. Individuals with undiagnosed mental illnesses may feel overwhelmed and try to self-medicate using drugs or alcohol to feel better. Other patients may develop an addiction and then find themselves struggling with a mental illness as a result of substance abuse. Clearly, both issues have to be dealt with for maximum recovery.

Dual diagnosis is the process of addressing mental health and substance abuse at the same time. This approach is key to a holistic strategy for addiction treatment. The goal is for all patients to complete treatment and have better mental health that will enhance their recovery, not be an obstacle leading to relapse.

Reducing Reliance on Lifelong Medications

Not all addiction treatment centers have a holistic approach to recovery. In these programs, the emphasis might be on pharmacological care. While medications can be helpful for some patients, a holistic approach reduces the use of unnecessary prescription medications.

For some individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental illness, medications will be a helpful way to restore a chemical balance. However, not all patients require medication. Sometimes, drug addictions are treated with a secondary substance that is also addictive.

This just perpetuates the cycle of addiction. A far better approach is to explore some of the non-medical ways to address addiction. Often, a comprehensive holistic approach can deliver successful results for those in search of lifelong sobriety.

Patients are Treated as Individuals

Another benefit of holistic recovery plans is that patients are treated as individuals. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution to addiction. While templates and timelines can be a great first step, there has to be the opportunity for flexibility and customization.

Often, the treatment plans with the most flexibility are those that embrace a holistic approach. Rather than forcing patients to follow a set plan, there are options to explore new opportunities. Some patients may find fulfillment in practicing yoga daily, while others might thrive with frequent acupuncture. Acknowledging the uniqueness of every individual patient can be one of the keys to finding true and lasting recovery.

The End Goal is a Fulfilling and Satisfying Life

The goal of addiction treatment is not to churn out patients that have reached sobriety but not grown in any other meaningful way. The objective is to help people live healthier, better lives. The first step is helping patients break free from their chemical dependence on drugs and alcohol. After that, holistic approaches can lead to a fulfilling life.

Often, this includes some element of spiritual development. Addiction recovery doesn’t have to be religious, but yoga, prayer and meditation can also offer incredible whole-person benefits. Patients also appreciate the stress relief and confidence boost that regular exercise can bring. Offering opportunities to lift weights, practice yoga or exercise in a fitness facility are just some of the ways that a rehab center can facilitate recovery.

A holistic approach also asks patients to determine what they want from life. Setting goals and finding meaning can offer true satisfaction, not just sobriety.

Patients are Empowered to Control Their Own Destiny

Addiction can make people feel like they don’t control their own lives. This is frustrating, and also untrue. Once you can break free from your addiction, you will control your own future. A holistic program reinforces this fact by offering choices throughout recovery.

In everyday life, individuals in recovery will need to make all kinds of decisions. Although routine can help, you’ll still need to choose sobriety on a regular basis. Offering choices in rehab, even if they are small, can set the tone for a lifetime of healthy decision-making.

A Holistic Strategy Can Prevent Relapse

More than half of all patients who complete some form of addiction treatment end up relapsing. Holistic recovery approaches may be successful in preparing patients to fight back against the risk of relapse.

To start, a holistic approach encourages healthy hobbies. Including activities like yoga or tai chi can go a long way in reducing stress. Stress relief, in turn, makes it easier to resist cravings.

Holistic programs also emphasize the need to listen to your body. To avoid relapse, that might mean thinking about the acronym HALT, which stands for hungry, angry, lonely and tired. Although it might sound simple, addressing these four common feelings can go a long way in standing strong against temptation and relapse.

Clearly, a holistic approach to recovery can offer a number of benefits. It might be the right choice for those who want lasting recovery and the ability to resist relapse for a lifetime.

Comprehensive Intake Assessment

It’s normal to be anxious about residential treatment. Most treatment programs begin with an intake assessment, which is the opportunity to learn more about individual patients. During your assessment, it’s important to put your mind at ease and ask questions about your recovery.

Additionally, doctors and nurses may collect vital pieces of medical information. In some cases, they might ask about family medical history. By doing this, the staff is aware of any potential health risks and allergies.

An intake assessment is your opportunity to discuss your drug and alcohol abuse history. The more detailed you can be, the better. The information you share is the basis for your treatment plan, so it’s important to be honest.

Regular Group Therapy

Most residential treatment programs place emphasis on group therapy. This is because it serves as an excellent way to share experiences, improve communication skills, and learn from peers. Group therapy also helps with feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Recovering from addiction can feel lonely, even if you have supportive friends and family members. It’s easy to feel like no one understands your recovery. In group therapy, you’ll be surrounded by peers going through nearly identical situations.

Group therapy explores common recovery topics as well. All participants have the chance to share their experiences and learn from others. The process also teaches patients how to communicate clearly and socialize with others without the influence of dangerous substances.

Focus on the 12-Step Philosophy

There are many recovery strategies that work. The 12-Step philosophy is the most common. Just like the name suggests, it’s a 12-step plan that helps patients achieve lasting sobriety.

The most common way to implement the 12-Step plan is with daily meetings. These act as opportunities to share, and resemble group therapy sessions. However, some meetings include talks led by recovering addicts or mark special milestones for participants. Patients are encouraged to stick with the 12 Steps for the duration of their recovery, even after residential treatment has ended.

Frequent Individual Therapy or Counseling Sessions

While group therapy and 12-Step meetings are invaluable addiction treatment methods, individual therapy is crucial. These one-on-one sessions help patients become vulnerable, share their history, and delve into the roots of their addiction.

Often, treatment includes behavioral therapy. Both cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy target obstacles preventing full recovery. Therapy explores trauma history as well, helping patients resolve past issues.

Weekly individual sessions allow you to get custom support and help. It’s normal to have questions and apprehensions about the recovery process. However, with a trained therapist, you’ll be able to ask questions and receive targeted advice about your personal journey.

Spiritual Development Opportunities

The 12-Step philosophy contains an element of spirituality. It’s important to note that religion isn’t necessary for recovery. However, many residential treatment programs introduce patients to spirituality.

Spiritual development can be based on religion, but it doesn’t have to be. Some patients begin by doing yoga. Others discover mindfulness and meditation. These calming, inspirational exercises help you fight for lifelong sobriety and discover newfound freedom.

Fitness and Recreation Facilities

Residential treatment programs typically take place in closed facilities. This means that drugs and alcohol aren’t allowed in, and you’re unable to come and go as you please. Nonetheless, treatment isn’t punishment. In between therapy sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to use the fitness and recreational facilities.

Fitness is enjoyable and offers a number of therapeutic benefits. Exercise boosts self-confidence, increases circulation, and releases endorphins. It also has the potential to become a regular routine, motivating patients to care about their physical health.

Experiential therapies include fun recreational activities. These may be working with horses, taking an art class, or participating in a ropes course adventure.

Relapse Prevention Education

Relapse affects more than half of those who receive addiction treatment. Fortunately, this means most residential treatment programs place emphasis on relapse prevention. You can expect frequent support and preparation to prevent relapse from occurring.

Relapse prevention includes recommendations for ongoing support. The full continuum of care prepares each patient for the next step of recovery. Relapse prevention also includes coping mechanisms for triggers, temptations, and stressful situations that lead to addictive behavior.

Medical Support

A key part of residential treatment is 24/7 support. During the first stages of recovery, namely detox, medical assistance is required. Even in the weeks and months that follow, medical care is a priority.

Addiction negatively impacts your health, and staying sober is the best way to fight back. However, it also causes lingering health issues that need to be addressed. During treatment, these issues get the attention they deserve.

If you’re serious about overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you need professional support. A residential treatment program offers 24/7 support, putting you on the path to lifelong recovery.

Who Needs a Detox From Heroin?

Many prospective patients aren’t sure whether they really need to detox from heroin. Unfortunately, there are many individuals who don’t want to acknowledge they are suffering from an opioid addiction. You need to detox from heroin if you have an addiction, your tolerance has changed, you notice withdrawal symptoms, or your drug use is negatively impacting daily life.

Chronic use of a drug like heroin can change your tolerance for the drug in very little time. This means that a person who originally used heroin every 24 hours now feels the need to use the drug every 12 or 16 hours. An increase in tolerance usually translates to more frequent doses or larger doses. This, of course, increases the amount of heroin consumed, which also increases health problems and the risk of overdose.

Many people who struggle with heroin addiction have tried to cut back or even quit entirely in the past. If withdrawal symptoms crop up as soon as you try this, then it’s a clear sign that you are addicted.

Perhaps most importantly, you need to detox from heroin if the drug is negatively affecting your life in any way. Heroin could be stopping you from maintaining relationships with friends or family members or it could be damaging your health. If there are negative consequences, then it is absolutely the right time to begin detox.

How Long Does Detox Last?

One of the most common questions about detox is how long it will last. The exact answer is very individual and it can be different for every patient. That being said, a detox from heroin will typically last for less than one week.

The detox officially begins as soon as you stop consuming heroin. Then, about 10 hours later, withdrawal may begin with some very mild symptoms. Between two and three days into the detox, symptoms will peak. From then on, they will taper off until ending entirely about six or seven days after the start of the detox.

There are several factors that can impact exactly how long a detox from heroin will last. The intensity of the addiction, the amount of heroin consumed and the duration of the addiction all play a role. In addition, the age and health of the patient can shorten or extend the number of detox days you can expect.

What are the Most Common Physical Withdrawal Symptoms?

Since heroin is such an addictive substance, detox can be uncomfortable thanks to withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms aren’t exclusively physical, but many of them are.

Arguably the most common withdrawal symptom of a detox from heroin is gastrointestinal distress. Heroin is an opiate, which means that it causes constipation. Detoxing from heroin, therefore, often leads to diarrhea, dehydration, nausea and abdominal cramping.

It is also common for patients to experience shaking or tremors. This can be a result of problems with temperature regulation, but it can also be involuntary muscle spasms or twitches. Some people will also experience muscle aches, an increased heart rate, fatigue and a runny nose. In many ways, these withdrawal symptoms are comparable to a very bad case of the flu.

What are the Most Common Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms?

Not all heroin withdrawal symptoms are physical. In fact, some of the worst symptoms are psychological, emotional and mental. It is just as important to address these potential symptoms when preparing for heroin addiction recovery.

To start, virtually all patients will experience severe cravings for heroin. These cravings can be intense and it can make everything from hunger to thirst seem like minor conditions.

In addition, most patients will be irritable. Mood swings are likely, and it is normal to feel depressed and unhappy throughout the process. Anxiety is also a possibility, and in some severe cases, patients can experience suicidal thoughts.

It is also normal to suffer from insomnia during detox. Restlessness is common at night, and some patients have bad dreams or nightmares that make it hard to fall asleep and feel rested.

Why is Medical Detox Necessary?

Attempting to detox from heroin on your own is a risky endeavor. A medical detox is the only safe way to go through heroin withdrawal. Trying to detox solo means putting your health and safety at risk. In addition, people who try to detox solo are less likely to remain sober for a lifetime.

In a medical detox, patients will get supervision and care 24 hours a day. Whether day or night, patients will have access to the resources, medications, and advice that only addiction recovery experts are familiar with.

Sometimes, patients may require a prescription painkiller that is free from opiates. Patients might also need emergency medical care as a result of an abnormal heartbeat. In other cases, an IV of an electrolyte solution can save the day. The bottom line is that without medical care, patients in detox are at a tremendous risk.

To top it all off, the success rates of a solo detox are unimpressive. During the peak of withdrawal, many people can’t handle the cravings and turn back to heroin. Even those who complete withdrawal on their own are more likely to eventually relapse since they don’t have expert advice and support.

What Comes After Detox on the Road to Recovery?

To overcome a heroin addiction, detox is a critical first step. However, it is not enough on its own to support a life of sobriety. After detox, patients will need to continue their treatment. Residential or outpatient rehab, 12-Step meetings, and sober living homes can all help maintain sobriety.

Although a detox from heroin may be difficult, medical professionals can help. Through a safe detox, it is possible to end a heroin addiction once and for all.

Who Needs a Detox?

There is no safe way to consume heroin. Since the drug is incredibly dangerous and highly addictive, it is impossible to use it one more time with any hint of safety or caution. Simply put, anyone that uses heroin is likely a candidate for addiction and ultimately, detox.

More specifically, a detox is necessary for anyone struggling with a heroin addiction. Individuals who are addicted to heroin may be focused almost exclusively on accessing and consuming the drug. They might have an increased tolerance for heroin and they might have an inability to cut back or quit consumption.

An addiction to heroin is an uphill battle and trying to cut back or consume the drug responsibly is futile. The only way to break the addiction once and for all is to start down the path to recovery and that path begins with detox.

How Long Does a Detox From Heroin Take?

It is normal to want to know exactly how long a detox from heroin will take. Ultimately, the timeline is different for everyone. However, most patients will complete the detox within a week.

Detox starts as soon as drug consumption stops. Then, withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear. They can intensify rapidly, and they tend to peak around 72 hours into the detox. After that, symptoms gradually lessen until they taper off completely.

Most patients will detox from heroin in about a week. However, there are some variables that can lengthen or shorten that process. Those who have been addicted to heroin for a long time, who use large amounts of heroin or who have serious health concerns may find that the process takes closer to 10 days. Some patients will detox in just five days or less.

How Can Patients Prepare for Detox?

The best way to improve the detox experience is to have medical support every step of the way. It also helps to know what the process will entail and what to expect. To prepare for detox, patients can learn more about the necessity of detox, take care of other responsibilities, and communicate with their loved ones.

Detox is effective whether or not you’re passionate about the idea of withdrawal. However, it can be less stressful if you know what to expect. Reading more about detox, in this guide and elsewhere, is a great place to start.

Some individuals may need to care for financial or family matters before heading to detox. Paying bills, letting family know your whereabouts, and handling other important logistics can give you peace of mind. Then, during detox, you can focus entirely on your own recovery without worrying about what else is going on back home.

What are the Most Common Withdrawal Symptoms of a Detox From Heroin?

Detox means you will experience heroin withdrawal. This is when your body responds to the lack of heroin. Withdrawal is often unpleasant, but most of the symptoms are relatively minor. Often, a heroin withdrawal is comparable to the flu.

Physically, many patients will experience intestinal discomfort. Since heroin is an opiate that causes constipation, detox can mean serious abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Nausea, vomiting, and dehydration are all likely.

A detox from heroin can also cause fatigue, tremors, and cravings. Some muscle pains or body aches can occur. Anxiety and depression are common and it is very likely that insomnia will bother you for a brief period of time.

Are There Any Potentially Severe Withdrawal Symptoms to Expect?

Most of the withdrawal symptoms already mentioned can be overcome easily. However, a heroin withdrawal can also cause more severe symptoms. These symptoms can be life-threatening, which is why it is so important to only detox in a medically supervised environment.

Many patients see an increase in heart rate or blood pressure during detox, and an increase in body temperature is also likely. While these are often minor issues, in patients with cardiac concerns they can lead to stroke or heart attack. While rare, this has to be monitored.

Detoxing from heroin may also have a negative impact on respiration. Patients may find it hard to breathe and they might feel winded after very limited physical activity.

The psychological symptoms of a heroin withdrawal can also be severe in a small number of cases. Rarely, patients can become paranoid or struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Why is Medical Detox so Important?

Outlining the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms highlights how important it is to have medical support during detox. Individuals who attempt to detox at home are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk.

Medical support also decreases the intensity of withdrawal in a safe way. Medical professionals can administer medications that mitigate discomfort without causing further addiction problems. They can also monitor patients and assess the risk level 24/7.

Perhaps most importantly, a medical detox has accountability. While many people attempt to detox on their own, few are successful. In a medical detox program, the chance of successful detox and lasting recovery will be much higher.

What Comes After a Detox From Heroin?

The clinical side of detox is a vital first step on the road to lifelong sobriety. However, it isn’t the only element in the equation. Patients will also need to prepare for ongoing therapy, support, and aftercare.

For some patients, this can include inpatient or outpatient rehab. Others will thrive in sober living facilities, and still more can find peer support in local group meetings. The key to lasting recovery is understanding that addiction is an ongoing concern that can’t be left alone or ignored.

Knowing the process of detox from heroin can ease your mind. Prospective patients can feel confident going into detox and they will be prepared for all aspects of the road to recovery.