How to Have Fun in Recovery
In early recovery, quitting substances often leaves life feeling flat due to dopamine crashes and rewired brain reward systems, causing a temporary inability to feel pleasure. This phase, which can last around 90 days, is challenging but necessary for healing. To rediscover joy and protect against relapse, incorporating safe, research-backed activities is key: spending time in nature, exercising, engaging in creative hobbies, building sober friendships, and practicing quiet mindfulness or sound therapy. These activities boost natural dopamine, reduce stress, and create new positive brain pathways, making fun a vital part of recovery—not just a luxury but a form of protection. Embracing joy through creativity, movement, and connection helps rebuild a fulfilling, substance-free life. How to Have Fun in Recovery “Will I ever laugh this hard again?” When you first quit drugs or alcohol, that doubt can echo like an empty room. For years those substances were your ticket to concerts, bonfires, and backyard barbecues. Without them, life can look gray. That gloom won’t last—your brain is healing. Once you understand the science and get curious, you’ll see that fun in recovery is not just possible; it can be deeper, wilder, and more real than anything you felt while using. Why Early Sobriety Can Feel Flat Addiction rewires the brain’s reward center, flooding it with dopamine and teaching you that joy comes from chemicals, not real life. When you quit, dopamine levels crash. That crash can cause anhedonia, a short spell when nothing feels good. Most people begin to feel pleasure again after about 90 days of abstinence. Brain scans even show that former meth users’ dopamine systems are close to normal by 14 months. During this reset, boredom can sting—and many people list it as a top trigger for relapse. The fix isn’t to tough it out; it’s to add safe thrills so your reward system wakes up the healthy way. Five Research‑Backed Ways to Have Fun 1. Find Awe Outside Just 20 minutes in nature can lower stress hormones, reports Harvard Health. Stretch that into a sunrise hike, a kayak trip, or a mountain‑bike ride and you’ll pump out endorphins and dopamine. At The Differents’ Outdoor Therapy, clients climb, paddle, and snowshoe in the Sierra Nevada—the rush feels better when you remember every second. 2. Move Your Body Exercise is mood medicine you make yourself. A brisk 30‑minute walk can lift spirits, according to another Harvard Health article. Try yoga, pickup hoops, or a sober salsa night. The Differents blends movement into care—guided hikes, yoga‑pilates classes, and ski days—because sweaty smiles fight relapse. 3. Use Your Creativity Playing guitar, throwing paint, or writing goofy poems sparks small hits of dopamine. Organizational psychologist Dr. Mike Rucker calls fun “rocket fuel” for mood and friendships. In our studio, clients try pottery wheels, sound‑bath meditation, and more. Talent isn’t required—only a willing mind. 4. Grow a Sober Friend Group The right people—not the right drink—make parties great. Check out sober Meetup hikes, board‑game cafés, or volunteer gigs. Laughing itself lowers pain and boosts immunity. At The Differents, you’ll join campfire stories, alumni game days, and outings that trade hangovers for real memories. 5. Try Quiet Fun Mindfulness, breathwork, and sound‑baths can feel like a calm high. Many clients shed their first tears of relief during a 30‑minute sound‑bath. That’s why our holistic program offers meditation pods, crystal‑bowl concerts, and energy work. Peace counts as fun, too. Fun Is Not Frivolous—It’s Protection Stress and boredom speed up relapse; joy slows it down. Every sober smile lays a new brain path that says life feels good again. As days become weeks, those paths turn into highways. One morning you’ll catch yourself laughing in the coffee line or geeking out over a new hobby—and notice you haven’t thought about using at all. Recovery isn’t just removing a substance; it’s adding wonder. Whether you’re carving fresh snow, belting karaoke off‑key, or meditating to a ringing gong, you’re telling every cell you are alive, present, and free. Ready to put fun back on the menu? Let The Differents show you how Rehab Re‑imagined means creativity, adventure, and joy—required. FAQ How long before fun feels normal again? Most people feel pleasure start to return within 2–3 months as dopamine rebounds. Staying active—even on low‑energy days—helps speed this up. What if my friends still drink? Plan alcohol‑free outings (escape rooms, comedy shows, lake days). Bring your own mocktail and an exit plan. At the same time, build new sober friendships through groups and Meetups. Do I need to become an athlete or artist? No. Fun is personal. Try gardening, coding, stand‑up, dog training—anything that sparks curiosity. Start small and follow the smile.Can fun really stop relapse? Yes. Joy releases endorphins, lowers stress hormones, and strengthens healthy brain paths, making cravings easier to resist.
Signs of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine hijacks the brain’s reward system by flooding it with dopamine, making everyday pleasures seem dull and leading to stimulant use disorder—a brain condition, not a moral failing. Early warning signs include bursts of energy followed by crashes, disappearing money, changing social circles, unexplained nose issues, and long bathroom breaks. Mood and behavior swings are common, with highs marked by confidence and chatter, crashing into irritability, sadness, and secrecy as dopamine drops and stress hormones rise. Physical signs include wide pupils, jaw clenching, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and persistent “sinus infections,” while harder-to-spot symptoms include paranoia, nightmares, and a crawling-skin sensation. The risk is worsened by street cocaine often being laced with fentanyl, contributing to rising overdose deaths. Trusting your gut and noticing these signs early can be lifesaving. Signs of Cocaine Addiction From One “Bump” to 4 A.M. Amanda, a young guitarist, used to crash the moment her gigs ended. One night a friend handed her a tiny, clear packet. “Just a bump,” he said. The hit kept her buzzing—she could load the amps and still laugh on the ride home. It felt harmless, so she did it again. A year later, Amanda’s “nightcap” lasted until sunrise. Her heart raced, she stopped eating, and she watched $2,000 drain from her bank account. When did one line turn into the whole night? If any part of Amanda’s story rings true for you—or for someone you love—read on. We’ll show you the warning signs of cocaine addiction and how the team at The Differents helps people find steady ground again. What Cocaine Does in the Brain Cocaine floods the brain’s reward pathway, dumping dopamine—the “feel‑good” messenger—into overdrive. Ordinary joys like sunsets, jokes, or a child’s smile can’t compete. Doctors call this change stimulant use disorder. It’s a brain shift, not a moral failure. Five Early Warning Signs Trust your gut; that uneasy feeling often shows up first. Mood and Behavior Swings During the high, people may feel unstoppable—chatty, witty, full of plans. When the drug wears off, the crash can bring anger, gloom, or panic. Watch for: These swings happen because dopamine drops while stress hormones surge. Body Clues and Mental Strain Easy to spot Harder to see Street cocaine is often mixed with fentanyl. Overdose deaths from stimulants hit record levels in 2024. The Hidden Damage How Recovery Works Why The Differents Stands Out Set beside the Sierra Nevada, The Differents offers quiet rooms washed in mountain light. A 1‑to‑3 staff‑to‑client ratio means your therapist really gets to know you. Extra supports include: FAQ What’s the first giveaway? Long, secretive bathroom breaks plus sudden energy bursts often show up before nosebleeds. Can I quit on my own? Some succeed with strong outpatient help and close support. Inpatient care lowers relapse risk, especially in the fragile first month. How long is detox? The crash peaks in 3–7 days. Low mood can linger, but good sleep, food, and therapy speed recovery. Is there a pill that blocks cocaine? No approved blocker yet. Success comes from therapy, healthy living, and treating any mental‑health issues. What if my loved one denies the problem? Use “I feel worried” statements, set clear boundaries, and call a professional if safety is at risk.Ready to swap 4 a.m. panic for calm mornings? Call (844) 407‑0461 or start your journey at The Differents. Your next chapter can be brighter than any high.
How to Build Healthy Relationships in Recovery
Building healthy relationships during recovery is crucial for long-term sobriety and emotional well-being. Strong, supportive relationships help you navigate the challenges of recovery while providing a sense of community and accountability. Here are some key strategies to help you cultivate meaningful and healthy connections: Prioritize Communication Open and honest communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. In recovery, it’s important to express your feelings, concerns, and needs clearly. Avoid keeping secrets or bottling up emotions, as this can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. Practicing active listening and empathy allows you to better understand and support others. Surround Yourself with Supportive People It’s essential to connect with individuals who understand your journey and encourage your growth. Seek out people who support your recovery goals, whether they’re fellow individuals in recovery, friends, or family members who are committed to being positive influences. Surrounding yourself with these individuals will help you stay motivated and grounded in your recovery. Set Healthy Boundaries In recovery, it’s vital to set clear boundaries to protect your well-being and maintain healthy relationships. Learning to say no when necessary and establishing limits helps prevent toxic dynamics and ensures that you prioritize your recovery. Respect others’ boundaries as well, and be mindful of how your actions affect those around you. Let Go of Toxic Relationships Some relationships may not be conducive to your recovery. If certain people trigger negative behaviors or hold you back, it’s okay to distance yourself from them. Letting go of toxic relationships can be difficult, but it’s necessary for maintaining your mental and emotional health. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Be Honest About Your Recovery Journey Being transparent about your recovery journey fosters deeper, more authentic connections with others. Share your struggles and successes with trusted individuals. This honesty encourages mutual support and strengthens bonds with others who may be on a similar path. It also helps people understand your needs and limitations better. Practice Patience and Understanding Recovery is a long-term process, and so is building meaningful relationships. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate this journey. Everyone is at different stages of their recovery, and it’s important to allow room for growth. By being patient and understanding, you contribute to the healing of both yourself and those around you. Engage in Healthy Activities Together Participating in positive activities with others can help build stronger relationships. Whether it’s attending support group meetings, exercising together, or engaging in hobbies, these shared experiences foster a sense of community and mutual support. Enjoying life’s simple pleasures together reinforces healthy interactions and provides opportunities for connection. Seek Professional Help When Needed Sometimes, professional support is necessary for navigating relationships, especially if they involve complex dynamics or past trauma. A therapist can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for maintaining healthy connections. Therapy or couples counseling can also help resolve issues and strengthen communication within relationships. Practice Gratitude and Appreciation In recovery, practicing gratitude can shift your focus toward the positive aspects of your relationships. Expressing appreciation for the support you receive helps strengthen bonds and reinforces positive behavior. Regularly acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of others fosters an atmosphere of love, trust, and mutual respect. Embrace Vulnerability Building healthy relationships in recovery requires embracing vulnerability. Being open about your struggles, fears, and emotions allows others to connect with you on a deeper level. Vulnerability is an essential part of forming authentic, supportive relationships that are built on trust and understanding. The Differents Can Help By practicing these strategies, you can build healthy, supportive relationships that contribute to your overall recovery journey. Surround yourself with people who care for you and your well-being, set healthy boundaries, and be patient as you grow both individually and together in recovery.
3 Hidden Effects of Trauma in Relationships
If you are struggling with untreated trauma, you might not realize the hidden effects of trauma in relationships. Untreated or unprocessed trauma can make its way into your personal relationships and even impact professional relationships. The Hidden Effects of Trauma in Relationships So, what are the three hidden effects of trauma in relationships? #1: Trust Issues Perhaps the biggest and most obvious are trust issues. Previous traumatic experiences can make it very difficult for an individual to fully trust their partner, even when their partner shows genuine love and concern. This can have a creeping effect on relationships, making one partner constantly suspicious in their relationship. For example: John was happily married to his high school sweetheart for ten years when he learned that she had been cheating on him for half that time and that all of her ‘business trips’ were actually trips to meet up with his best friend, who was also the best man at their wedding. So now, when John’s new girlfriend says she has to travel for business, he becomes suspicious immediately. This causes him to become irritable and lash out at her before she leaves, and when she comes back, he calls and texts repeatedly and demands that she keep in constant contact while she is away. #2: Overreactions Trauma can lead to the development of triggers. Triggers refer to any situation, person, or location that cause emotional distress. This distress can be severe enough that it results in emotional outbursts or overreactions that are disproportionate to the event or circumstance. For example: Mary was the victim of sexual assault when she was younger, so now, one of her triggers is men physically trapping her. When at a church function, Mary opened her car door to grab something but when she turned around, there were two other men, a father and his teenage son, standing about two feet away from her, the father with his hand on her open car door as they had approached her to talk about joining the choir. Mary, triggered, immediately screamed for them to move out of her way and ran off. To the father and son, this seemed like an overreaction to them approaching her in a crowded church parking lot full of other church members. #3: Intimacy Issues Unprocessed trauma can also lead to intimacy issues. It is not uncommon for someone with trauma in their past to want intimacy but to subconsciously sabotage any attempts at intimacy by either physically or emotionally withdrawing because they don’t want to get hurt again. For example: Tina wants nothing more than to be close to her partner. Whenever her partner starts to open up emotionally, though, Tina makes fun of them, calls them names, or makes other belittling comments to stay in control. Tina doesn’t realize why she’s doing this, but she knows that she doesn’t want to get hurt again, and if she can get the other person to say something sweet or do something intimate, but she doesn’t reciprocate, she ‘wins’ and is therefore slightly more protected than the partner. EMDR Treatment for Trauma One of the most popular forms of treatment today for trauma and PTSD is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming, or EMDR. Used by the WHO and Department of Veterans Affairs, EMDR has the highest success rate of all trauma treatment. It works by reprocessing the way in which traumatic memories are stored and, in so doing, overcomes many of the triggers and subsequent symptoms of PTSD. For many, the appeal is not just the success rate but the fact that, unlike traditional trauma therapy, EMDR does not require you to sit and talk about the traumatic event in great detail with a therapist but rather to just recall it in your mind as you follow specific eye movements. This is best when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including other modalities that encourage emotional resilience and coping skill development like CBT, ACT, mindfulness and meditation, art therapy, and music therapy. Getting Trauma-Treatment with The Differents At The Differents, we give clients a chance to heal from trauma in a remote, beautiful setting with a range of on-and-off-site activities. At our luxury addiction treatment center, we provide a high-level of ancillary services for our clients too including legal case management, financial support, and family support. When you work with us, we ensure you participate in individual and group therapy each week, with additional activities like: With our EMDR therapy, you can treat unresolved trauma and move beyond the hidden effects of trauma in relationships.
Key Benefits of Exercise in Addiction Recovery
Exercise is not just something you should do regularly to stay fit; it is something that has many benefits for those who are recovering from addiction. Physical activity has been shown as a potential treatment that offers great success for those who are not only in a treatment program but who have finished a treatment program and need to sustain their sobriety. What are the Key Benefits of Exercise in Addiction Recovery? Many scientific studies have examined the use of exercise as a way to help people in recovery. Dopaminergic Transmission When an individual becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, their dopamine responses are compromised by those substances. This means it’s harder to get a positive dopamine response from other activities. However, some research has found that when exercise is used immediately after detox, it can help facilitate what is called a dopaminergic transmission, meaning exercise can help restore your dopamine signals and reverse the changes in your neural reward pathway that drugs and alcohol brought about. Reduced Risk of Relapse On a related note, many people risk a relapse after treatment because of things like cravings. The longer an individual is able to remain abstinent, the more likely they are to continue applying things like coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies. A systematic literature review found that people who exercised while receiving treatment at an inpatient clinic and those who participated in regular exercise while attending an outpatient program had a significant change in things like: This means that regular exercise not only during an inpatient or outpatient treatment plan but also after can go a long way toward reducing your risk of relapse. Mood Improvement Regular exercise is known for its ability to change your mood. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, and these naturally combat depression or anxiety. Research indicates that a significant number of people in recovery also experience depression and anxiety. This can be in the form of a co-occurring disorder where an individual has both conditions, but in most cases, it is simply symptoms of depression or anxiety brought about by the significant change that is getting sober. Exercise can help manage the difficult emotions and problems with mood by changing the dopamine responses as mentioned, and also by naturally elevating your mood through endorphins. Cognitive Improvement Your brain is responsible for handling all of your cognitive functions, including reasoning, learning, and memory. Addiction can disrupt these cognitive areas, leading to problems with all of them: difficulty focusing or retaining information, problems storing memory, and issues with impulse control or attention. Exercise actually improves your cognition by increasing blood flow to things like the hippocampus and reducing inflammation that could result from addiction. Regular exercise increases the release of endorphins, which work to minimize cortisol levels or stress hormones and promote good communication in the brain. Both of these factors help you to learn more throughout your life, improve your brain cell development, and improve your memory and your thinking skills. Exercise Therapy with The Differents At The Differents, we pride ourselves on doing things differently. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, our treatment center is just minutes from Lake Tahoe, something that we heavily incorporate into our innovative approach to finding purpose beyond addiction. Clients have the opportunity to exercise regularly from the minute their programs start, no matter the season. We know that nature can heal, so we combine nature with your individual and group therapy sessions through activities like: The winter adventures at our luxury drug rehab center give you access to scenic snowshoeing trails at Heavenly Mountain or a chance to experience sledding and ice skating at Northstar. We provide activities that are full of exercise, no matter your skill level. We take advantage of Wild Mustang Adventures and offer indoor activities where you can practice on our NBA regulation basketball court or our state-of-the-art two-lane bowling alley. Our goal is to provide ample indoor and outdoor opportunities throughout the year to reap the key benefits of exercise in addiction recovery. With each of these activities, you have the opportunity to reap the key benefits of exercise in addiction recovery, restore your connection to nature and your inner self, rediscover your purpose, and connect with other people. Among the therapies we offer is Equine Therapy where you can focus on building trust and communication by connecting with horses and going horseback riding as another way to reap the key benefits of exercise in addiction recovery.
How to Write an Intervention Letter
If you have someone with whom you are close, a friend or family, and they are struggling with addiction, you might be asked to join an intervention, or you might be in charge of an intervention. An intervention is an opportunity for friends and family to come together and discuss the ways in which addiction has impacted them in their relationships to the individual and urge the individual to get help. During an intervention, participants go around the room reading a letter they have written to the individual. How to Write an Intervention Letter If you have been asked to write such a letter, it can be difficult to know where to start. The most important thing is to understand that there is no right or wrong way to write an intervention letter. But, before you start the writing process, take some time to put yourself in the shoes of your loved one, and consider things from their perspective. Remember, too, that what you write can be more of a guide; it doesn’t have to be something that you read word for word. Tip #1 Be compassionate when you start your letter. The beginning is when you are first speaking to your loved one and you need to catch their attention in a way that supports them. They may find the intervention of putting, feeling as though they are being attacked, so starting with compassion can help remind them of the relationship you have and how they have been there for you before addiction. For example: Mom, I know that you have always loved me. You were there for me at every school play and every softball game. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be the hard worker that I am today. You always taught me that I need to rely on others in order to get a job done well and that while I certainly can do things alone, I don’t have to. You gave me the confidence I needed to find a career that I loved and to work with my coworkers the same way I would members of my softball team or other people in a play. Tip #2 Be clear about the impact that their substance abuse has had on you with at least one specific example. Use tangible details, but avoid any words or phrases that might make your loved one feel as though they need to defend themselves or they are under attack. For example: Mom, for the last few years, it has been really hard to talk to you. I feel like I can’t connect to the woman who raised me. When I call to check in, you are intoxicated. On the phone, you are slurring your speech, you’re not really paying attention to what we’re talking about, and you don’t even remember that I called you at the same time last week. Sometimes, you are so drunk you don’t really know who you are talking to. Tip #3 Reinforce that you are coming at this from a place of compassion by taking time to explain to your loved one that you have put yourself in their shoes and that you understand, at least to some degree, a bit more about addiction. For example: I took a lot of online classes from doctors and psychiatrists so that I could try and understand why you were doing the things you were doing and whether or not I could have my mom back. I realized that dependence and addiction are actually a disease, and it has nothing to do with your ability to just quit whenever you want. It is something that requires professional medical treatment. Tip #4: End your statement reinforcing your love for that person, explaining what types of services you want them to receive and why, and reinforcing that you are here to support them. Tip #5 When you are done writing your draft, have someone else look it over. While you might not think that certain words or phrases come across as particularly aggressive or confrontational, another set of eyes can help you find ways to soften what it is you are trying to say without detracting from the impact. Getting Help with Interventions If you need help with an intervention, specifically finding a luxury addiction treatment center for your loved one, The Differents can help. We offer services like: A big part of our focus is having a 1:3 staff-to-client ratio. Why? We want to make sure each client gets the personalized focus and care they deserve, something that is best achieved with lower ratios. Our staff have personal experiences with addiction treatment, so they understand things that others might not. When you recommend our services as part of your intervention letter or help a loved one start care with us, you will notice the difference right away. That’s why we are “the differents” with our holistic treatment, outdoor therapy, IV infusions, motivational interviewing, MeRT/TMS, and energy work. Reach out today at (844) 407-0461 to learn more about writing an intervention letter and finding personalized addiction treatment.
Is Fentanyl More Addictive Than Heroin?
If you or someone close to you is struggling with an addiction to fentanyl, it’s important that you recognize the need to get help. Fentanyl is significantly more potent and addictive than other substances, including natural opioids like morphine and heroin. The right level of care will include comprehensive treatment and supportive detox programs to get you started on the right track. What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, one which functions similarly to morphine or heroin, which are naturally derived opioids but which are significantly more addictive. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are now the most commonly associated drugs in all drug overdose deaths in America. Fentanyl is a prescription drug that can be used as a pain medication, particularly after surgery or with chronic pain. In prescription form, it goes under names like: As a prescription, fentanyl can be provided in the form of cough drops, patches that you put on the skin, or a shot. When used illegally, fentanyl is often sold as a powder, placed into nasal sprays or eye droppers, and mixed with other drugs like methamphetamine and heroin. However, whether it is prescribed or used illegally, fentanyl is highly addictive. Is fentanyl more addictive than heroin? Has that increased the overdose rates? How Fentanyl Works Fentanyl works the same way as other opioids, binding to the opioid receptors in your brain. These receptors are responsible for controlling your pain perceptions and your emotions. As you take opioids, your brain begins to diminish the sensitivity, which makes it harder to find any type of pleasure or positive emotion from other activities, which encourages the cycle of addiction when fentanyl becomes one of the only sources for limited pain and improved euphoria. Fentanyl can cause things like extreme happiness, but it can also lead to side effects such as nausea, constipation, sedation, drowsiness, and problems breathing. This means there is a higher risk of life-threatening overdose when breathing slows down or stops entirely, something called hypoxia. Hypoxia can cause a coma, permanent brain damage, or death. Is Fentanyl More Addictive than Heroin? Yes, according to the DEA, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than heroin, which means it is also more addictive than heroin. Those who use fentanyl either from a prescription or illegally will quickly develop a tolerance, leading to the need for a higher or more frequent dosing in order to get the same effects. This is especially true if used illegally when fentanyl is more likely to be combined with other highly potent natural opioids like heroin or other drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. This makes it a cheaper option with higher risks, and if you don’t know how much fentanyl is in the substance you are consuming, it can lead to an overdose and death. Fentanyl Overdoses Overdoses can occur whether you are taking fentanyl via a prescription or illegally. In 2022, there were nearly 74,000 overdose deaths related specifically to fentanyl. Given the high rate of illicit fentanyl abuse, particularly when combined with other medications, in addition to overdoses, there are hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations every year related to overdoses that do not result in fatalities as well as other injuries and illnesses as a result of drug abuse. Getting Treatment for Fentanyl At The Differents, our drug detox center provides comprehensive, luxury treatment for those in need. For a fentanyl addiction, we start with detox. As fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and has such a high potency, the most recommended course of action for your detox is to undergo what is called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medication-assisted treatment means you are given FDA-approved prescription medications during your detox to help control the withdrawal symptoms, as well as medications during the rest of your treatment to help reduce cravings. This makes it more likely that you will succeed with your long-term recovery by getting you through the most challenging parts of a fentanyl addiction. Participation in this type of program also requires ongoing therapy, something that you can continue at our treatment center with several levels of care. We provide our clients with the opportunity to move through different levels of care as needed, moving down through flexible outpatient programs like IOP or PHP. Contact our team today for help.
Using Acupuncture For Bipolar Depression
Today, there is a great deal of research focusing on alternative or holistic forms of care that can be used as an adjunct or supplemental form of treatment. This research delves into the use of things like acupuncture, meditation, and yoga as a way to handle symptoms of mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. So, is acupuncture for bipolar depression effective? What is Bipolar Depression? Bipolar disorder can present with severe depressive episodes, and for many people, those episodes are treated with medication. However, medication alone is often inadequate for coping with the variety of symptoms that manifest with chronic bipolar depression. The symptoms associated with bipolar depression are the same as those associated with major depressive disorder. At present, there is no cure, and some people might experience depressive episodes exclusively, while others might experience a combination of depressive and hypomanic or manic episodes. No matter the combination, these episodes can present with symptoms severe enough to disrupt daily life and cause significant problems in important areas of functioning like work or school. This is particularly problematic for people who have developed a resistance to current medications. Acupuncture for Bipolar Depression: Studies There are several studies investigating the applicability of acupuncture for bipolar depression. One such study found that individuals who participated in an acupuncture intervention saw decreased depression scores and improvements in physical symptoms with no negative interactions with prescribed medication. In these situations, no changes were made to prescribed medication, but acupuncture led to improved quality of life and symptom management. Other randomized trials reviewed the efficacy of adjunctive acupuncture for bipolar depression over the span of 12 weeks. Symptoms found that all patients had improvement over the span of the study with very few negative side effects and no negative interactions with any other medication or treatment. These studies confirmed the safety and acceptability of acupuncture as a way to manage acute symptoms of bipolar depression. Literature reviews assessed the efficacy of acupuncture for depression, finding that it was generally safe and well tolerated, acceptable as an augmented part of treatment for depression symptoms. While this particular literature review did not focus solely on bipolar depression, symptoms of bipolar depressive episodes and depression are the same. In fact, other studies reviewed the efficacy of acupuncture for mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder with depression, paying close attention to those who had treatment-resistant forms of both. The longitudinal study performed weekly acupuncture treatments for 12 weeks in addition to regular treatment. Findings revealed that physical symptoms improved for things like: Other improvements included: While acupuncture did not necessarily improve all psychiatric symptoms of bipolar depression, it was efficacious enough to alleviate some of the majority of symptoms experienced by patients. This has a great deal of promise for individuals with treatment-resistant forms of bipolar depression who are looking for holistic ways to manage a few, if not a majority, of their symptoms. Starting Acupuncture for Bipolar Depression There are many forms of treatment out there for bipolar depression episodes. At The Differents, we specialize in flexible outpatient programs that allow clients to see the benefits of their treatment in real time, returning home each night to apply the techniques and tools learned during the day. We offer a wide range of evidence-based practices including: With our acupuncture and chiropractic practices, clients who struggle with bipolar depression can find alternative holistic therapies at our luxury drug rehab facility. We work hard to reimagine the rehab process so that individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders can find a holistic program that is most supportive, one that cultivates creativity, and feels as though they are working with staff who not only understand and genuinely care about your recovery. Studies have found that holistic alternatives can prove useful in treating mental health conditions. One of those is acupuncture for bipolar depression. If you want to explore alternative options that can be used in conjunction with individual and group therapy, we are here. Contact The Differents today at (844) 407-0461 to see how our facility can help you.
Are Gateway Drugs Real?
Many people have heard of gateway drugs and seen government-sponsored advertisements on television throughout the years that have spoken of the influence that a single drug can lead to a lifetime of abuse. But are gateway drugs real? What Are Gateway Drugs? “Gateway drugs” is a term applied to any type of drug that acts as a stepping stone to later using other drugs. In this context, that means any type of drug that leads to another drug. Theoretically, this means that trying one type of substance or drug could lead you to trying another and another, and eventually working your way to drugs that are the most highly addictive and potentially damaging. Are Gateway Drugs Real? Yes, gateway drugs are real. However, it’s important to take into consideration aspects like: For example, marijuana is not necessarily a gateway drug, even if it is portrayed that way, as it does not change the way the brain functions the same way that other drugs do. In order for a drug to be considered a gateway drug, it has to have a profound enough change in the brain size, structure, and function that leads to issues with impulse control and addiction. Certain drugs can change the sizes of parts of the brain like the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. The prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain responsible for impulse control and good decision-making. Under normal circumstances, this part of the brain is physically balanced with the amygdala, meaning that they are around the same size so they can balance each other out. But with gateway drugs, changes are made such that the amygdala gets bigger and the prefrontal cortex physically shrinks. When this area of the brain gets physically smaller, it can’t work as hard as bigger areas like the amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for impulsivity, and it can lead to poor decision-making, such as choosing a more addictive substance like heroin when you are out of your prescription opioids. There is another way that gateway drugs can affect you: using a drug that may have been mixed with another. The more often you use illegal drugs, the less control you have over the purity of the drug, and this can result in unexpectedly or unintentionally consuming more addictive drugs. One of the biggest gateway drugs in America is opioids. Opioids are often prescribed for chronic pain or pain management after surgery, but a person may develop a dependence on their opioid medication, leading to the development of an addiction. Over time, that addiction can mean that someone who originally started with a low dose of a prescription opioid might turn to higher doses from other prescriptions and eventually toward illegal opioids like fentanyl and heroin. Getting Treatment for Addiction Evidence indicates that some drugs do act as a gateway, particularly things like prescription opioids. If you find yourself addicted to substances like alcohol or opioids, you might need medication-assisted treatment. Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, can help reduce cravings and lessen withdrawal symptoms. MAT with The Differents At The Differents, our team specializes in a wide range of services and addiction treatment programs. One of our treatment services is MAT. As a qualifying facility, our team will work with you to devise a unique treatment plan that incorporates initial detox and subsequent therapy. Starting with detox, we will provide FDA-approved medications that help to reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Over-the-counter medications are also used to help keep you as comfortable as possible during this process. Our team will make sure that your vitals are monitored and any changes or potential complications are treated accordingly. After you get through detox, we will help you transition to your next steps with reimagined treatment programs. Our goal is to incorporate evidence-based practice alongside holistic care to give you a complete mind-body approach to your treatment. A big part of this is recognizing the factors that may have contributed to starting with gateway drugs and the steps that led from one drug to another. Understanding this process can help you reflect on what changes you might want to make in your lifestyle moving forward. Overall, gateway drugs can be real, and abusing one substance may often lead to abusing additional substances, which increases your risk of addiction and further complications. However, with the right type of treatment, you can get help for addiction today and start living a happier, healthier life. Contact our team to learn more about our programs.
What Are the Signs of Drug Addiction?
If you or someone you love is struggling with mood swings, money problems, irritability, and similar symptoms, you might wonder if these changes represent symptoms of addiction. Some of the common symptoms of drug addiction are physical symptoms–which happen while under the influence or during withdrawal–and these can include shaking, chills, muscle pain, or cramps. But many of the symptoms that a family member or close friend might notice extend to behavioral issues such as severe mood swings, paranoia, sudden lying or stealing, or experiencing legal issues because of drug use. An individual struggling with addiction might notice that in addition to their mood swings and changes in behavior, they keep forgetting to do important things like go to work or pick up their kids from school because they are focused exclusively on drug use. Thankfully, no matter what, there are ways you can get help with The Differents, an addiction treatment center in Nevada. Physical Symptoms of Addiction Physical symptoms of addiction have the widest range and depend on the substances being used. For example, someone might experience: Behavioral Signs of Drug Addiction The symptoms of addiction might vary from one substance to the next in physical manifestations, but there are similar behavioral signs. Mood Swings Mood swings and irritability without cause happen often. Someone you know might be an otherwise even-keeled person, but soon, they start to show signs of drug addiction like rapid mood shifts, being particularly irritable for no reason, or snapping at small things that don’t matter. Lack of Responsibility Another common feature of drug addiction is a lack of responsibility. Individuals might forget to do important things for work or personal life because they are preoccupied with obtaining, using, or recovering from drugs. This can include being late to work regularly or even skipping work without calling in or having an explanation. Paranoia Some substances lead to extreme paranoia. This can manifest similarly to mood swings, and someone with an addiction might make accusations of people taking things from them, conspiring against them, or trying to harm them. In other cases, individuals might demonstrate paranoia about their environment, checking windows continually, keeping doors locked and curtains shut, and always hesitating when someone comes to the door. Lying or Hiding It is not uncommon for someone dealing with addiction to start lying or hiding information about where they were or how they got money. This lying can happen when someone tries to mask their addiction, and it might not always make sense or be believable. Other Symptoms of Addiction Other signs of drug addiction are interrelated, such as financial problems, bad habits, lying, or stealing. Financial Strain It is not uncommon for people struggling with addiction to start to experience financial strain. That strain can come in many forms, such as: Legal Issues This financial strain can be exacerbated by legal issues like: These legal issues come with fines as well as potential jail time, probation, or court-ordered classes and volunteering. Many of the most significant symptoms of addiction revolve around the development of tolerance. An individual might start taking more and more of a particular substance in order to achieve the same effect. Moreover, that same person might try to stop or reduce their drug use and find that no matter what they do, they can’t seem to quit. It’s not uncommon for individuals to reach a point where they truly want to quit, and yet, despite understanding all of the negative consequences addiction has, they are unable to. Getting Help with Symptoms of Addiction Once you notice signs of addiction in yourself or a loved one, it is important to reach out for help. The Differents offers clients several levels of care, including PHP, IOP, and programs specific to groups like first responders. Our Reno substance abuse treatment programs are intended to help those in need with a remote, exclusive location nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just minutes from Lake Tahoe. The serene backdrop makes it easy for clients to step away from their daily stress and focus on turning attention inward and rebuilding what addiction may have broken. Overall, the symptoms of addiction can look different from one substance to the next but revolve around physical symptoms, behavioral symptoms, and other symptoms. Learning to recognize them can help you decide when it is time to get help.Call The Differents today to learn more about common signs of addiction and how our trusted drug rehab in Reno can help.