Quantcast
Channel: Maryland Recovery

Maryland Recovery Celebrates Ten Years!

0
0
Maryland Recovery is Celebrating Ten Years

Maryland Recovery is Celebrating Ten Years

Maryland Recovery has worked diligently to provide reliable mental health and substance use treatments to hundreds of patients across Maryland. Today, we’re proud to announce that we’ve been helping clients find recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) for ten years!

Over the past decade, we’ve met scores of individuals struggling with the effects of SUD, and we’re proud to have helped so many of them start the journey toward recovery. Our journey as a recovery community has enabled us to have made a significant impact on countless lives, and we aim to continue providing the best care possible to those who need it.

The History of Maryland Recovery

In 2013, Maryland Recovery opened as a recovery center in Bel Air, Maryland, with the vision of healing those suffering from SUD and other mental health conditions. The goal was to offer resources and treatment for those who feel they have no options left. Then, as now, we were proud to play a significant role in helping individuals live a life full of hope and healing.

For the past ten years, our wonderful staff has helped clients of all backgrounds overcome the various SUD-related challenges that prevented them from living happy, healthy, prosperous lives. We’re constantly inspired by our clients’ stories and reinvigorated by their journeys because we believe anyone who is struggling has the potential to experience a hopeful future.

We’ve built an experienced staff committed to providing the highest-quality care to everyone seeking treatment. Overall, we at Maryland Recovery are exceedingly proud to have helped so many individuals develop the tools needed to navigate the difficulties of life.

Addiction Recovery and Mental Health Services

Our Addiction Recovery and Mental Health Services

Maryland Recovery provides multiple types of treatment for people experiencing SUD. We believe everyone who is struggling with SUD and other mental health conditions can experience healing, provided they have access to a comprehensive treatment plan developed to meet their unique needs. To that end, we have created a number of program offerings to ensure every client can benefit from treatment at Maryland Recovery.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is centered at our primary care center in Bel Air. Our expert medical staff provides symptom monitoring along with education and counseling carefully planned to provide clients with valuable skills to prevent relapse and find healthier methods of coping with daily stresses. We understand how important it is to monitor and guide patients through the difficult components of SUD recovery, and our PHP is the most intensive program offered for those clients who need additional support.

Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment

We also offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) closely tailored to each individual’s needs. For those who wish to walk the path toward recovery but also have other matters to attend to, such as school or work, an IOP can provide comprehensive treatment but allow you to maintain a regular work, school, or family schedule. Our IOPs are a great option for people who need treatment options like psychotherapy, group therapy, relapse prevention, tool-building, and a supportive community outside of a residential setting.

Extended Treatment Program

Recovery is a journey, and we understand that for some, certain steps of the journey may require more time than others. It’s important to us to work with our clients as long as they need to ensure a solid foundation for recovery, and that includes providing extended treatment programs for those who require them. We provide recovery housing in Bel Air for those who need to move closer to our facility, and we provide both IOP and PHP services for up to 90 days.

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis treatment is essential for those who have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder that must be addressed. For example, someone who has SUD may have bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, or another disorder as well, and the co-occurring disorders can exacerbate one another. It is critical to treat both diagnosed conditions to achieve recovery. Unfortunately, fewer than ten percent of individuals with dual diagnoses receive treatment for both disorders, and our mission is to improve that number and help more people who are struggling.

Holistic Treatment

Holistic Treatment

Maryland Recovery offers a full range of treatment solutions for people with SUD. We thoroughly assess each individual who seeks treatment at our center and build a custom solution that will meet their physical and psychological needs. This holistic approach to treatment means we focus on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of SUD. Treatment approaches like yoga and meditation can offer healing beyond traditional counseling and medication that provides tools for success after treatment and also focuses on multiple methods of healing.

12-Step Programs

12-Step programs have existed for nearly 100 years and have been an extremely effective strategy for many people who have found recovery. Recovery is a long process, and 12-step meetings can help clients manage SUD and maintain a solid support network moving forward. 12-step programs involve admitting you need help, admitting substance use has made your life unmanageable and that you have your own shortcomings, and asking a higher power for help with these shortcomings.

Veterans Extended Care

Maryland Recovery is proud to assist our veterans with SUD, as they have put their lives on the line to serve and protect our country. Veterans frequently struggle with the traumatic events experienced during active duty long after those events have occurred, and some turn to substances to manage their feelings. Our team is fully committed to helping our veterans find healthier ways to cope with PTSD and other mental health issues, and we’re proud to have made a difference in the lives of veterans from Maryland and all over the US.

Other Activities and Therapeutic Services

While the solutions above are the most common forms of treatment, we also offer other activities and therapies that often serve as components of a holistic treatment plan.

Some of these activities include:

  • Animal therapy, which involves interacting with animals to help individuals feel relaxed and safe.
  • Art therapy, where individuals can use art to showcase their emotions and thoughts in unique ways.
  • Sailing for Serenity Program, which incorporates the joy of sailing as a way to have fun and celebrate sobriety.
  • Acupuncture, a treatment used for thousands of years to address physical symptoms and potentially reduce the desire to reach for substances.

Other Activities and Therapeutic Services

When you visit us with the goal of recovering from SUD, Maryland Recovery is committed to helping you find the treatments that are best for you.

The Last Ten Years as Maryland Recovery

Throughout our ten years of existence, the Maryland Recovery team was met with several different challenges that required us to work together and strive to continue helping our clients. Fortunately, we also found great success in our efforts, and we plan to continue sharing that success with every client who turns to us for help.

“Maryland Recovery was founded over 20 years ago with the specific intent to help people with substance use disorders integrate into society in a healthy and supportive manner. It was a decade ago the vanguard decision was made to accompany community supports with addiction treatment. For the past 10 years Maryland Recovery has provided a holistic, supportive treatment environment to the underserved community of people with substance use disorders.”

The Challenges We’ve Faced at Maryland Recovery

Recovery can be challenging, not only to initiate but also to maintain. Certainly, some patients have found the first treatments we’ve offered aren’t effective in their specific case. However, this solidified our belief that multiple holistic treatments tailored to the individual are the best way to meet each client’s needs, and innovation and persistence became two of our strengths.

Another challenge we’ve had to adapt to is the abundance of new technology that has arisen throughout the past decade. Additional changes in the way treatment took place occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout these innovations and additions to our treatment options, our mission remained the same: to help people find recovery from SUD.

“The biggest challenge of the past decade has been adjusting treatment to meet the Opioid Epidemic. Our treatment program serves to teach our community the basic tenets of recovery with the ultimate mission to save lives. Operating under the leading principle of ‘where there is breath, there is hope’ we have labored to save lives and prevent overdoses. Keeping these principles at the forefront of our work allows us to provide a treatment which gives our community an introduction to a life which is enthralling enough to leave active using where it belongs, in the past.”

The Successes We’ve had at Maryland Recovery

Maryland Recovery is proud to have received a Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission. The Goal Seal indicates that we have met the highest standards of quality, patient care, and performance in the healthcare field.

Along with being recognized for our efforts, we’ve found plenty of success in helping individuals free themselves from the pain of frequent substance use. Perhaps most importantly, we’ve helped people regain hope in themselves once again. We continue to provide learning resources online and are reaching more people than ever before.

The Future of Maryland Recovery

While we are proud to look back on our ten years of history – and have learned a great deal about ourselves in the process – we are even more excited to continue providing the best SUD treatment solutions in the future. At Maryland Recovery, we’ve taken the advances and lessons we’ve learned about recovery and have used them to hone our treatment offerings moving forward. We also take patient feedback very seriously, and we hope to improve our services so even more individuals can benefit from what we do here.

Our treatment options include several methodologies, including IOPs, PHPs, 12-step programs, and more, and we are forever improving our ability to create each client the program that’s right for them. No two individuals with SUD are the same, and a custom-tailored program can help each begin to walk the path toward recovery.

“The future holds much of the aforementioned approach to saving lives. The most helpful treatment allows our affected community an opportunity to leave their difficult pasts behind them, while utilizing their experiences to inform a bright future. We hold ourselves accountable to the same basic principles as we continue the mission we have established over the past 10 years. We now look forward to the next decade with lessons learned and programs improved to instill more hope, save more lives, unite more families, and support the healing of our community.”

How You Can Support Maryland Recovery

You can support Maryland Recovery by sharing our educational resources and messages of hope to those who may be searching for the recovery community, including our social media, blog posts, and quizzes. For example, if you believe a loved one may be struggling with SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions, encourage them to take one of our online quizzes to determine if they have an addictive personality. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible with information and resources because we believe everyone can be positively impacted by recovery.

If you‘ve received treatment and found recovery with Maryland Recovery, we also encourage you to share how we’ve impacted your life. In addition, consider leaving any feedback you have regarding our programs. If there’s something we can improve, we’d love to hear from you so we can create better treatment solutions for those moving forward. Finally, if you know someone in the Maryland area who could benefit from recovery services, please encourage them to browse our website or contact us via phone or email.

“You can support Maryland Recovery by learning more about the disease of addiction and the benefits realized by addiction treatment. The biggest barrier to treatment is stigma, and stigma is reduced when authentic addiction education occurs.”

Testimonials from Clients of Maryland Recovery Services

We know how difficult it can be to take that first step toward recovery. However, for the past ten years, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients who made that difficult decision for themselves and are now on the lifelong journey of recovery. Here are a few words of encouragement for your previous clients and Maryland experts discussing their experiences at Maryland Recovery.

“Maryland Recovery is one of the top programs in the State of Maryland. As a care manager in the region, they are always helpful and have a very fast response rate to client needs and care. Their clinical team has an excellent reputation and every patient we send to them really does well in their program.” – Isaiah
“Thank you for saving my life.” Jessica S.
“I’m finally free.” Vicki S.
“Coming to MRP was the best decision for me after going to an inpatient facility. I feel strong, motivated and healthy. “ Lynn J
“I appreciate each and every one of the staff members in this program, thank you all for everything, much love.” N.T.
“All staff were helpful, thoughtful, caring, and attentive. Really appreciate everyone looking out for my best interest.” Calvin K
“The staff cares and listens.” David R.
“Out of the 13 treatment centers I have been to throughout the state this was by far the most beneficial of them all. “ Domonic D.
“MRP saved my life. This was my second time there and it really taught me some self advocacy. How to voice my needs and to be myself and not feel ashamed. If anyone reads this and needs help, give this place a shot.” – David
“I feel like if you went to MRP and disliked the experience, then maybe you were there for the wrong reasons or didn’t take advantage of the experience! I’m not saying that it was all sunshine and rainbows but I was there to learn how to be me again and I got that and so much more. The staff was great! I made some amazing friendships with people and really got to take care of ME for a change. I can only speak for myself, but I highly recommend the program and will continue to! I miss all of the staff and hope that I can be involved with them on a professional level one day!” – Talia

Maryland Recovery: Your Solution for SUD Treatment for Over Ten Years

Maryland Recovery is Celebrating Ten Years

Substances can negatively affect us in ways we never imagined, harming our bodies, our brains, our psyche, our relationships, and even our finances. It can be daunting to admit you need help, but if we’ve learned anything over the past decade, it’s that we can help you take that first step and the many others that follow as you walk the path of recovery.

At Maryland Recovery, we believe we can achieve anything together. We are committed to providing you with vital resources and affordable drug and alcohol treatment programs in Maryland, designed to address the issues connected to your SUD, prevent relapse, develop a supportive community, and keep you on the path toward recovery.

The post Maryland Recovery Celebrates Ten Years! appeared first on Maryland Recovery.


Differences Between Vivitrol and Suboxone

0
0
Differences Between Vivitrol and Suboxone

Differences Between Vivitrol and Suboxone

Suboxone and Vivitrol are both effective medications used to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). Many healthcare professionals, rehab facilities, and other SUD treatment programs use both medications frequently while treating patients with SUD. These medications must be used in conjunction with a broader treatment plan that includes psychotherapy, counseling, and other therapies, as there is little evidence of enduring advantages for patients who only use these medications as a detoxification aid without other components of treatment to support recovery.

Suboxone and Vivitrol are not the same medication. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that mildly activates brain receptors, as well as naloxone, which reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use disorder. Vivitrol is the brand name for naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors and is used to prevent relapse during opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Both medications can be used as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plan, but they have different mechanisms of action and are used at different stages of recovery. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider about the most appropriate treatment for your SUD and whether the treatment plan includes the use of Suboxone, Vivitrol, or another method of treatment altogether. Treatment should not, however, include both medications at the same time, as this is a dangerous combination, explained in more detail below.

While Suboxone and Vivitrol are both medications used to treat opioid use disorder or OUD, they work in different ways and are different in how they are administered. To understand these differences is to understand how each of these medications affects the brain. A description of each medication and its dosing protocols follows.

Suboxone

Suboxone

Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. Suboxone works by combining two active ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone. These drugs work together to reduce cravings and mitigate withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it partially activates opioid receptors to produce a weaker effect than full agonists like heroin and prescription pain medication.

Thus, it can lessen the severity of cravings, as well as withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone is a compound known as an opioid antagonist that prevents opioids from interacting with opioid receptors in the brain and was added to buprenorphine to prevent misuse of the medication. Naloxone is also used in emergency situations to reverse an overdose in patients who consumed too much opioid medication.

Suboxone is typically taken once daily as a sublingual tablet, which is taken orally and placed under the tongue or in the cheek. There, it dissolves and is absorbed through the thin skin and into the bloodstream. It is best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other approaches to recovery, including behavioral therapy, counseling, holistic therapies, and/or other support services. Suboxone must be prescribed by a doctor who is authorized to monitor appropriate use and calculate proper dosage.

Vivitrol

Vivitrol

Vivitrol is the brand name of the extended-release form of a medication called naltrexone. It is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence by blocking the effects of opioids and reducing cravings for alcohol. Unlike other medications used to treat SUD, such as methadone and buprenorphine, Vivitrol is not an opioid and does not produce any euphoric effects. It works by binding opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioids. Thus, receptors are unavailable for activation by any type of opioid that is self-administered, such as heroin.

Vivitrol is administered to patients as a monthly injection and used to prevent relapse to opioid use after detoxification. Vivitrol is also FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder. It is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and behavioral therapy.

Suboxone vs. Vivitrol Quick Facts

  • Suboxone treats only opioid use disorder, while Vivitrol also treats alcohol use disorder. Suboxone is only approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder.
  • Suboxone must be taken daily and dissolved orally; Vivitrol is administered once per month via injection by a healthcare provider.
  • Suboxone helps with withdrawal symptoms because it can be started before opioids have completely left the system; Vivitrol can only be administered after 7 to 14 days of opioid abstinence and does not treat withdrawals.
  • Suboxone must be tapered off when ceasing use to prevent medication withdrawal. Vivitrol can be stopped without withdrawal, as it does not cause dependency.
  • Suboxone is an opioid and classified as a partial opioid agonist; Vivitrol is not an opioid and is an opioid antagonist.

Suboxone vs. Vivitrol for Addiction Recovery

Because Suboxone helps with withdrawal, it is the better choice for many patients. However, if a patient has at least seven days of no opioids in their system, it may be that Vivitrol is the better option because it helps manage cravings, does not cause withdrawal itself, and has limited side effects. Additionally, for individuals who also struggle with alcohol use disorder, it may be the better of the two medications.

Further, Vivitrol is typically used in inpatient rehab facilities where there is no outside opioid access. Vivitrol can also be useful in patients who have successfully and fully tapered off Suboxone to prevent cravings for opioids thereafter. The reason for this is that it is extremely dangerous to take Vivitrol with Suboxone or any other opioid in the system.

Furthermore, once a dose of Vivitrol is received via injection, its opioid-blocking effects diminish over time and eventually will completely go away. This leaves the opioid receptors unblocked and especially vulnerable to opioids. For patients who have used opioids in the past, taking the same dose they used to take before receiving Vivitrol can result in overdose and possibly death.

Mixing Medications

Suboxone and Vivitrol should not be taken together. They have different mechanisms of action and can lead to adverse effects if taken together. Because Vivitrol is an opioid blocker, it blocks the effects of opioids like prescription pain medication and heroin. If patients attempt to overcome these blocking effects by taking substantial amounts of any type of opioids, they run the risk of coma or even death by overdose.

Individuals who have taken opioids prior to Vivitrol treatment can become significantly more sensitive to the effects of opioids and at lower amounts than before Vivitrol. This is especially true after detoxification, before the next dose of Vivitrol is due, upon missing a dose of Vivitrol, or after Vivitrol treatment ends. Patients who have experienced any of these situations should notify close family and friends of their potential increased sensitivity to opioids to prevent overdose.

Additionally, taking Vivitrol while still on Suboxone can cause sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, individuals must be opioid-free for 7 to 14 days prior to taking Vivitrol. Using opioids within 7 to 14 days before starting Vivitrol can cause severe opioid withdrawal upon receiving the Vivitrol injection.

Withdrawals can be so intense that hospitalization may even be necessary, so it is crucial for patients to be mindful of this potential risk. It is always important to follow the instructions of a healthcare professional and never mix medications without medical supervision. Finally, benzodiazepines like Xanax should never be taken with Suboxone. This combination can lead to respiratory failure and even death.

Suboxone and Vivitrol Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment

Both Suboxone and Vivitrol are used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that aims to reduce the harm associated with opioid use and discontinuation. The medications can also prevent relapse when used within a more complex treatment plan administered by a healthcare professional.

What Is MAT?

MAT is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders that uses medications in combination with behavioral therapy and support to address the physical and psychological effects of SUD. MAT is frequently used to treat opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and even nicotine use disorder.

The medications used in MAT are designed to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use disorders. Many also help to block the effects of drugs when used. These mechanisms can help individuals stay engaged in treatment, reduce the risk of relapse, and improve outcomes for long-term recovery.

While medications are an important part of MAT, they should be considered just one component of a more comprehensive treatment plan that also includes behavioral therapies and support. MAT aims to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery from substance use disorders and improve their overall well-being. It is important to speak with a treatment professional about the potential benefits and risks of using MAT as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan, as well as other treatment options that may be available.

Suggested Reading: Vivitrol and Suboxone for MAT

Use of Vivitrol for MAT

Vivitrol can be used as the medication component of MAT for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. When used as part of a MAT regimen, it is important to note that Vivitrol can only be used after detoxification. It is not a medication that can be used for detox or to subdue withdrawal symptoms.

Use of Suboxone for MAT

Suboxone can also be used as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. When used as part of a MAT regimen, Suboxone can both prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings. It can be used during detoxification.

Maryland Recovery for Medication-Assisted Treatment

Maryland Recovery Addiction Rehab

Maryland Recovery offers long-term outpatient treatment programs and sober housing for individuals suffering from SUD. Maryland Recovery has been helping individuals find lifelong recovery since 1999. Our dedicated medical professionals are trained in administering both Suboxone and Vivitrol during a medication-assisted treatment program.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Maryland Recovery admissions.


References:

  1. https://nosorh.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Access-to-MAT-by-state.pdf
  2. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/references
  3. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/naloxone-accessible
  4. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/how-much-does-opioid-treatment-cost
  5. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/efficacy-medications-opioid-use-disorder

The post Differences Between Vivitrol and Suboxone appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Tips for Long-Term Addiction Recovery

0
0
Long-Term Recovery

Long-Term Recovery

With a few key strategies, people seeking long-term recovery from SUD can continue to live successful and meaningful lives free from the weight of SUD. It’s worth noting that the process of healing is rarely straightforward. People experience frustration, anger, temptation, and even loneliness alongside the joy and peace recovery can bring. Sometimes, people even lose family or loved ones along the way.

Because of the societal taboos regarding addiction and substance use, getting the proper help necessary to reach recovery in the first place can be daunting enough. Factor in the lifelong process of maintaining that recovery on a daily basis, and it is easy to see why recovery can be just as challenging as SUD. In other words, because it is such a constant and consistent process, recovery lasts a lifetime; even though you’ve been through a program, it doesn’t mean that recovery ends there. Fortunately, recovery is infinitely more rewarding than a life spent drowning in substance use.

What Is Long-Term Addiction Recovery?

So, what does recovery really look like over a lifetime? Sometimes, it’s difficult to put a definition on things like this since addiction and recovery truly are different for everyone. Still, most experts consider long-term, or stable, recovery to begin after five years. The first year or two is spent learning about your SUD and undertaking the process of separating yourself from it. For most, the next few years are spent learning new habits and changing their lifestyle to support long-term recovery.

changing lifestyle to support long-term recovery

This can seem next to impossible for many individuals in the early stages of recovery. But, with some time and perspective, people begin to see that long-term recovery is possible with understanding, hard work, and the right tools to maintain success. This can look a little different for everyone, so it’s unreasonable to assume that one program will help all people or that there is one perfect answer for everyone. Instead, a variety of strategies can help people be successful in recovery.

Why Does It Matter?

Long-term recovery is important for so many reasons. While finding recovery is an incredible accomplishment, reaching long-term recovery is an indicator of your potential for continued success.

Long-term recovery is important because it can mean lifetime recovery. While it’s impossible to predict your final outcome, reaching long-term recovery indicates an improved chance to continue maintaining recovery for the years ahead. It’s incredibly important to note, however, that even if you experience relapse, that’s not a sign that you have failed. In a 2022 interview with NPR, Dr. John Kelly of Harvard Medical School said that almost 10% of adults in America eventually reach and spend their lives in recovery. Additionally, a study from the CDC states that at least 75% of adults with SUD report satisfactory recovery.

Challenges and Rewards of Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Of course, maintaining any status over an extended period of time is challenging, especially recovery. In fact, there are many unique challenges that accompany long-term recovery.

Some of those you may face include the following:

Cravings

Habits are very difficult to break, especially if you have been self-medicating in an attempt to treat a co-occurring disorder. Physical cravings can subside as your body becomes accustomed to existing without your substance of choice. Triggers, however, may persist for a lot longer, though they can also subside as you get used to your new lifestyle and build new habits.

Suggested Reading: How Long Do Cravings Last?

Mental Health Challenges

Stress and anxiety can be a major factor in any kind of recovery. If you are already experiencing these or other co-occurring disorders, recovery can be even more difficult. Experiencing so many changes to your life and social groups is certainly enough to put a strain on your mental health, as can the pressure you face to maintain your sobriety.

Managing Relationships

When a person enters long-term recovery, they’ve likely left behind some relationships, whether those are with close friends and family who became distant during active SUD or acquaintances they made while using. This can be incredibly difficult, particularly if your entire support system is a part of your previous lifestyle. This can add to the struggle of the sobriety journey.

Insights for Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Reaching long-term recovery requires the right tools in your back pocket so you can be prepared for the struggles you’re likely to face. Having insights regarding those struggles can give you the hand you need to continue a successful recovery.

Some tips and suggestions can truly help you if you are seeking lifetime recovery. While many can take the form of lifestyle changes to make the path to recovery a process that is less daunting, these changes are relatively simple to incorporate into your journey. These suggestions could be the tools you need to continue living a joyful, substance-free life.

Don’t Neglect Awareness, Spirituality, and Self-Care

Facing your mental health is a vital part of long-term recovery. There are several ways that a person can find peace within themselves. With a mindful and self-aware approach, people in recovery can help manage addiction and other difficult and stressful situations. Mindfulness can include practices like meditation, deep breathing, and even yoga, which can also be seen as a spiritual approach. With these strategies, a person in recovery can gain better mental clarity, a greater sense of self, greater self-control, relief from anxiety and stress, and develop an improved approach to facing difficulties in the future.

Awareness and Spirituality

Spirituality is frequently involved in recovery programs, both short-term and long-term. Whether that’s addressed within a specific church setting, an alternative spiritual path, or even during a 12-step program, spirituality can be an important component of recovery for many people. Even acknowledging that there are factors in the world that are greater than yourself can help you develop a sense of purpose in the world, find hope, connect with positive influences, and begin to heal from mistakes made in the past.

Self-care is often portrayed in the media as bubble baths and massages, but it’s important to note that self-care isn’t the same for everyone. Focusing on your physical and mental health can help you develop new coping mechanisms to manage stress.

Manage Triggers

Managing triggers can look different from person to person. First, though, it’s important to get to the bottom of your triggers. When you can understand what it is that triggers cravings or the desire to use substances, you can gain a better grasp of how to avoid and manage them. Typically, triggers come in four general categories: withdrawal, social, patterns, and emotional.

Withdrawal is the feeling that a person gets when the substance is no longer influencing their brain and body. Because a person with SUD has been psychologically conditioned to desire the substance, and the body has become accustomed to functioning in the presence of that substance, its removal can cause a host of physical and psychological symptoms.

Social triggers are those that you experience within social situations. Triggers can arise by interacting with certain social groups or even just participating in society in general. For example, you may feel triggered by being around people you used to drink alcohol with.

Patterns refer to triggers that arise as you experience the daily habits and routines you built during substance use. These may involve a particular time of day, specific events, or even special events. An example of a way to manage a pattern trigger is to build new, healthy habits that allow you to replace unhealthy ones.

Support in Recovery

Support in Recovery

Support is one of the best tools for a successful long-term recovery. Without a strong support system, strategies for long-term addiction recovery can be too difficult to employ. There are many different kinds of support groups for people recovering from SUD, but it’s also important to have a personalized group of people that support you. This can be family, friends, people you met in treatment, sponsors, members of the clergy, and more.

Additional Strategies for Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Strategizing your recovery is an important way to ensure you maintain successful long-term recovery. By setting yourself up for success in advance, you’re more prepared to deal with the difficulties of recovery as they come. Developing ways to manage triggers, avoid hopelessness, and build new habits and relationships can be some of the most important strategies to keep you on your path.

First, think about how recovery can work best for you. That can mean joining new recovery groups or organizations, finding activities and hobbies, or implementing other kinds of lifestyle changes. Understanding your triggers, knowing your emotions, and anticipating how you react to difficult situations is crucial to the recovery path.

Create Healthy Habits

It can be important to create new habits to replace the old, unhealthy habits that you had during active substance use. This might involve better eating habits to provide a break from foods that might be a part of an old lifestyle, exercise or sporting activities to maintain a new lifestyle, or even a new hobby to fill the time you once spent using substances. Considering all aspects of your well-being to build better habits is an important part of strategizing recovery.

Creating healthy habits might be easier than maintaining them but maintaining them as recovery progresses is extremely important. Building a new life with better habits can help you avoid returning to those that may have contributed to substance use. Finding a group to hold you accountable or joining a class for motivation is an incredibly helpful way to maintain new habits.

Build Purpose

In order to feel hope and like you have a purpose in life, it’s vital to actively seek and build upon that purpose. If you’ve always wanted to continue your education and finish a degree, that’s one great way to build purpose while establishing a path to move forward in your sobriety. Similarly, furthering your career or developing career goals to work towards can help instill a sense of purpose in recovery. Volunteering for community programs can have the same effect. Establishing purpose and feeling fulfilled without the crutch of substance use can help you sustain recovery for a lifetime.

Build Purpose

Engage in Celebration and Giving Back

You should absolutely celebrate the small wins in your life as they come along. While substances are no longer a part of your celebratory habits, you can still celebrate reaching and achieving goals. Whether these are sobriety goals, career goals, life goals, or even small achievements, it’s important that you feel pride in yourself for your accomplishments. Celebrate big and small wins because every win is important for recovery.

In addition to celebrations, giving back to the recovery community can be incredibly rewarding. Showing others that they can accomplish something that they may feel is impossible now is a way to hold yourself accountable while helping those who need it. It can also be an excellent way to maintain sobriety and remain in long-term recovery as you continue to build your support group. Watching others be successful and expressing pride in their accomplishments and yours is an excellent recovery strategy.

The Path to Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Recovery can look like different things to different people. Whether you choose to become an active member of a religious community, begin a new exercise and nutrition regimen, sponsor others in their recovery journey, or simply refocus on your career, long-term recovery is a unique path for each person who navigates it.

You, too, can maintain long-term recovery with some hard work, careful attention to triggers, and a toolkit of coping strategies. Fortunately, you don’t need to face recovery alone. Maryland Recovery acknowledges that it takes time to build your new life. While it’s tempting to skip to the good parts of life after substance use right away, it’s crucial to fully embrace the more difficult parts of recovery so you can overcome them with new, healthy habits in hand.

Just like SUD can only manifest with time and the repetition of behaviors, so does recovery. Whether you’re searching for a place to begin replacing destructive behaviors with healthy strategies and new habits, or you simply need a helping hand to begin your journey, reach out to Maryland Recovery. We can help you build successful recovery strategies in our extended addiction treatment program.


References :

  1. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html
  2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09687637.2020.1779182

The post Tips for Long-Term Addiction Recovery appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

The State of Addiction and Recovery in Maryland

0
0
The State of Addiction and Recovery in Maryland

The State of Addiction and Recovery in Maryland

Addiction in Maryland is an ongoing issue, and studies show that over 2,000 individuals died from a fatal overdose in Maryland over the past year. While substance use disorders of all types continue to plague the citizens of Maryland, fentanyl has recently emerged as the unequivocal leader in overdose deaths.

During the peak of the pandemic, Maryland ranked among the top five states for fentanyl and other opioid-related overdose death rates. While these numbers have decreased, Maryland is still facing an opioid epidemic that continues to impact families across the state.

Addiction and Recovery in Maryland

Challenges of Addiction and Recovery in Maryland

In Maryland, the overdose death rate is well over triple that of the homicide rate, making this an issue of public concern. While legislative steps have been taken to fund prevention programs in the state, it is clear that continued action is necessary. Treatment access varies drastically and can be more difficult to obtain based on economic factors. This has created a further issue of racial and economic disparity when it comes to resource access and support.

While drug and alcohol use and prescription medication misuse are certainly not an issue unique to Maryland, the state is often found near the top of the list of states with growing SUD problems. Fortunately, community organizations and government initiatives have taken notice and have designed programs to educate and provide support. In part, they have revealed that in Maryland, there are several risk factors that contribute to the ongoing challenge of combating addiction.

Increase in Opioid Prescriptions

The current opioid epidemic can be traced back to prescription OxyContin in the early 1990s – though Maryland and other states have experienced waves of opioid crisis since the Civil War. OxyContin was touted as a miracle pain-relief medication that could alleviate chronic pain without becoming addictive.

The medication was especially popular in blue-collar communities where patients often worked demanding physical jobs and needed cost-effective options. Medical professionals jumped at this opportunity quickly, unaware of how devastatingly addictive opioids truly were. By the late 1990s, fatal overdose numbers had tripled.

Since then, healthcare providers and physicians have been heavily criticized for their overreliance on these drugs to alleviate pain. Opioids were regularly prescribed following surgeries, serious injuries, or to relieve cancer symptoms. Patients ranged from young teenagers to the elderly.

Today, opioids are still prescribed by medical professionals, but often with more caution. More medical providers understand the serious risk of prescribing these medications, and facilities now regulate and monitor these drugs more carefully. However, it simply isn’t enough.

Prescription medication misuse often starts within the home when an old prescription goes unused and curious hands find it, especially in homes with children and teenagers. Opioid addiction can set in quickly, which can lead to increasingly destructive behaviors to obtain more of the drug, including seeking alternative drugs on the street. This is where fentanyl quickly gained traction in the state of Maryland.

Increase in Opioid Prescriptions

Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid pain reliever that is cheaply made and extremely potent. It has increased in accessibility and affordability in recent years. Many fentanyl overdoses happen by mistake, as drug traffickers may use fentanyl to cut with more expensive or rarer products like cocaine or heroin. The smallest dose of fentanyl could trigger an overdose.

In Maryland, fentanyl is the primary cause of overdose mortality. In 2022, fentanyl was involved in 2,051 overdoses, which was 79.5% of all fatal overdoses that year.

Low Alcohol Costs

In addition to a serious opioid problem, Maryland also has a significant issue with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). While millions of Americans (a full 63% of citizens 12 and over) consume alcohol monthly, and many of them enjoy alcohol responsibly, others report heavy alcohol use. Heavy use can quickly lead to alcohol dependence and, over time, an alcohol use disorder.

Reports of binge drinking continue to rise, as well as the number of alcohol-related hospitalizations. The highest rates of excessive drinking, with 19% of adults in the city consuming unhealthy amounts of alcohol. The most concerning county in Maryland is Anne Arundel County, with 19.2% of adults reporting excessive drinking.

This may be attributed partially to the fact that Maryland has one of the lowest alcohol taxes in the US. This affordability promotes the ability to purchase beer, wine, and liquor more frequently, adding to the cycle of excessive drinking that often develops into a substance abuse disorder. This is also attractive for young drinkers with generally less purchasing power. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption can be especially harmful when young brains are still in development.

With easy access to alcohol and high binge drinking rates, related crimes and accidents are quick to follow. This includes increased risks of roadway issues, which often include fatal car accidents. Excessive drinking can also increase the chance of violence, risky sexual behavior, other risk-taking behaviors, alcohol poisoning, and more. Alcohol dependence can result in lasting physical and mental health problems that can impact a person’s ability to function within society.

Economic and Family Hardships

Economic and Family Hardships

There are numerous reasons a person may turn to drugs or alcohol. A common one is a desire to numb emotional or physical pain. In Maryland, a significant percentage of all homes are single-parent households. This number of single-family households is higher in Baltimore, which is unfortunately known as the crime center of the state.

Baltimore attracts substance distributors and consumers alike, and many of the crimes committed in the area are drug-related. Violence, theft, and other crimes are often committed to gain control of certain territory, because of a bad deal, or due to someone acting erratically due to substance use.

Single-parent homes are obviously not the sole cause of Baltimore’s crime issues, but they do present two major hurdles for kids growing up in these areas. While a stable family life can provide the financial and emotional support a child needs as they grow, single-parent homes are more likely to experience financial strain and emotional trauma. In turn, financial strain paired with emotional trauma can lead a person to turn to alcohol or drugs to either numb the pain or make money.

Mental Health Disorders

Mental health and substance use disorders often go hand in hand. Statistically, 27.3% of adults in Maryland report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. When compared to the 32.3% of adults in the US experiencing the same, that number is staggering.

Unfortunately, there remains a stigma in the state surrounding the discussion and treatment of mental health disorders. This can mean individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other forms of mental health disorders are unable to find resources for the help they need or are too ashamed to ask. Still others have difficulty paying for specialized care.
When people are either unable or unwilling to get the mental health treatment they need, they may instead turn to drugs or alcohol.

This may feel like it is helping short-term, but it creates long-term issues that can actually worsen mental health and cause life-threatening physical symptoms. Unfortunately, these substances alter the chemical balance within the brain, specifically in the brain’s reward system. This can prevent the person from experiencing motivation, happiness, and satisfaction.

Barriers to Effective Addiction Treatment

There are several barriers that are preventing effective addiction treatment and recovery for individuals seeking support within Maryland.

Shortages

One of these barriers is the shortage of quality treatment centers and trained professionals. Maryland has a significant issue with unmet needs when a person who has a referral or feels they need mental health treatment is not receiving care. In Maryland, 30.3% of individuals who reported needing counseling or therapy for anxiety or depressive disorders didn’t receive any help, compared to the US average of 28.2%. Those facing the most significant barriers are those who are uninsured, underinsured, and communities of color.

Shortages and Long Waitlists

Long Waitlists

In addition to the lack of effective treatment professionals and facilities, the facilities that do exist are experiencing long wait lists. These long wait lists are partly due to the aftermath of the pandemic. During this time, many individuals had to deal with life-altering decisions, such as closing their businesses or losing their financial security. This was a huge mental strain for thousands of individuals who are now seeking help. Long waitlists can force individuals to develop, maintain, or increase their dependency on the drugs and alcohol that are always available and waitlist-free.

Lack of Insurance Coverage

Lack of insurance coverage poses another barrier to effective treatment. While many employers are now including mental health treatment within their insurance packages, Maryland has some of the highest insurance rates in the nation. This also only helps individuals who are employed full-time at a company that can provide these benefits. Medicaid can provide support for low-income families seeking mental health treatments, but this aid can vary and often still requires out-of-pocket costs.

Maryland Addiction Recovery Resources

Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent every year to combat the opioid crisis. In 2022, the state’s fiscal budget included $978 million for mental health and substance use services. These public funds provided the means for more people to receive the help they needed. In fact, a report released by the Maryland Department of Health revealed that the number of residents who sought and received care increased by 42% over the four-year span that ended in December 2020. Even with these allocated funds, more is needed to truly address the ongoing drug crisis.

Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore is one of many organizations striving to provide education and resources for individuals throughout Baltimore City who may be addicted to life-threatening substances such as fentanyl. Their outreach branch, B’More Power, encourages individuals who use opioids to carry naloxone (brand name Narcan), which can rapidly reverse an overdose when administered correctly. B’More Power has distributed thousands of naloxone kits across the city. Each kit contains two doses of naloxone as well as first aid items, hand sanitizers, and information about the 24-hour suicide hotline.

The Behavioral Health Administration was awarded a two-year grant called the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grant (Opioid STR). These funds will aid in the battle against Maryland’s opioid epidemic in three steps, first, by limiting prescriptions of opioid medications; second, by improving patient access to behavioral health resources; and third, by identifying and helping patients who still have treatment needs. They will focus funds on providing prevention, treatment, and recovery activities for individuals with substance use disorders.

The Maryland Opioid Rapid Response Team (MORR) is tasked to reduce the gaps that exist within the state Public Behavioral Health System by increasing access to services as well as improving those services. This is designed to further help reach members of the community who currently fall under the “unmet” category.

Their priorities include preventing opioid medication misuse through public awareness and enhancing prescriber practices, treating dependence by expanding treatment quality, expanding the accessibility of naloxone, and increasing support available throughout different communities.

naloxone

Peer Support Networks

In addition to the various initiatives and programs in place, those who are seeking recovery resources can turn to various peer support networks throughout Maryland. These networks include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, just to name the most popular. These networks are designed to help individuals sustain long-term recovery. Simply visit their website to find local meetings and other support group options.

Maryland Recovery is another excellent resource for those seeking addiction treatment in MD. Maryland Recovery uses a personalized, unique approach to substance use disorders. Since 1999, this center has been committed to serving clients from all over the country who need help overcoming drug or alcohol dependency but provides useful resources and alumni support for Maryland residents.

Affordable Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program in Maryland

Maryland Recovery is Celebrating Ten Years

Substance use disorder continues to affect Maryland, particularly in relation to the opioid crisis. The biggest challenge facing addiction and recovery in Maryland is the availability of quality treatment and its accessibility to those who need it.

Fortunately, there are a number of programs and incentives that are actively working to close this gap. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is out there. Learn more about our outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program in Maryland.


References :

  1. https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/maryland/
  2. https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2023/04/21/maryland-lt-gov-miller-leads-addiction-discussion-at-sober-house/70135532007/
  3. https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2022-08-31/thousands-died-from-drug-overdoses-in-maryland-but-fatalities-decline-slightly
  4. https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/2021/04/01/this-is-where-maryland-ranks-among-the-drunkest-states-in-america/115877034/
  5. https://news.gallup.com/poll/467507/percentage-americans-drink-alcohol.aspx
  6. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/release/tables
  7. https://beforeitstoolate.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2022/07/2021-DORM-Annual-Report-Revised-7-19-22.pdf

The post The State of Addiction and Recovery in Maryland appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Suboxone for Long-Term Addiction Recovery

0
0
Suboxone

Suboxone

Suboxone can be an important recovery tool for many people experiencing opioid use disorder, or OUD. Suboxone is frequently utilized as a component of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program to cease opioid use, along with other medications like naltrexone or morphine. The FDA has approved these three medications for opioid use disorder MAT, but Suboxone is arguably the most common in recent years, and it has been shown to be effective for those who are dependent on opioids.

Suboxone is so effective because it makes the use of opioids less desirable to the individual. However, this only grazes the surface of the true utility of this medication. We’ll be looking deeper at the long-term results of MAT with Suboxone, the success stories that come along with it, and how both can help reduce the stigma around addiction medications. If you are experiencing an opioid use disorder, Suboxone may be a vital component of a plan to achieve and maintain long-term recovery.

How Does Suboxone Work?

Buprenorphine is what’s known as a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist. It is a partial agonist at an opioid receptor called the mu receptor, which means that it partially binds to the surface of that receptor and causes a weakened version of the traditional reaction the brain and body normally have to opioid drugs. It is also an opioid antagonist at the delta and kappa receptors, which means that when it binds to the receptors, it blocks them from producing the opioid response. With this dual action, buprenorphine is able to move opioid molecules away from receptors and then bind to those receptors so the opioids cannot bind in the future and exert their effects. The result is that buprenorphine partially blocks the effects of opioids when they are taken and lowers the risk of overdose significantly. It also can stop the feeling of cravings and withdrawal that are associated with stopping opioid use.

Naloxone is a full opioid antagonist. It can help to reverse withdrawal effects by binding to the opioid receptors in the body and preventing existing opioids from binding to the same sites. In this way, naloxone can both block and reverse the effects of opioids, which is why it is so essential in the event of an overdose. In combination with buprenorphine, naloxone is a useful tool to discourage opioid use, as it will cause precipitated withdrawals.

Naloxone

These two drugs work together in an interesting way. Buprenorphine makes the brain believe it’s receiving the opioids that it thinks it needs. Then, naloxone blocks the sensations normally caused by opioid drugs and eliminates the euphoria people typically experience with opioid use. Together, the two medications give Suboxone what is termed a “ceiling effect.”

While opioids and other substances can cause people to develop a tolerance, requiring them to take more of the substance to experience the same effects, Suboxone won’t allow a person to experience greater effects. People will experience withdrawal and craving relief, or precipitated withdrawal, should they decide to use opioid drugs while taking Suboxone.

How Is Suboxone Taken?

Suboxone is typically available as a tablet but may also be given as a dissolvable film to be placed under the tongue. Either version of Suboxone is delivered in four phases: induction, stabilization, maintenance, and taper.

During the induction phase, a physician will help the patient arrive at a proper beginning dosage. During the stabilization phase, a patient continues taking this dose while receiving additional services to support their treatment. The maintenance phase then allows a patient to return to a healthy lifestyle outside of treatment. Finally, the taper phase reduces the amount of Suboxone that a patient takes until they no longer need the medication.

Suboxone Long-Term Results

There are a number of ways Suboxone use can benefit those who incorporate it into a MAT program for opioid use disorder. When used properly under the supervision of a medical support team, Suboxone can be a critical tool to combat OUD. Here are a few notable long-term results of Suboxone use.

Decrease in Opioid Cravings

One of the most important benefits of long-term Suboxone use is its ability to diminish opioid cravings from the first dose. Cravings are one of the most difficult aspects of finding recovery from OUD and one of the most formidable hurdles for staying in recovery and preventing relapse. Cravings are manufactured by the brain in its desperate attempt to curb withdrawal symptoms, and the fear and stress of withdrawal frequently drive people back to substance use. By attenuating withdrawals and addressing cravings, Suboxone can help in two different ways.

Low Chance for Addiction

Methadone was once the most common pharmaceutical used to treat opioid addiction. When it was first introduced in 1947, methadone quickly became popular as an opioid treatment option. The trouble with methadone is that it produces similar effects as other opioids and is itself addictive. Unfortunately, for some people, methadone merely replaces one issue with another. It must be administered under strict medical supervision to prevent secondary addiction.

Suboxone does not create an opioid high in the same way that methadone and other opioids do. However, it is an opioid substitution medication that binds to opioid receptors. Still, it has a much lower potential for misuse than methadone due to its slow onset, mild effects, and relatively rare reports of individuals becoming compelled to use Suboxone for pleasure.

Improved Quality of Life

Most patients report an increased quality of life due to incorporating Suboxone into their SUD treatment. Buprenorphine, one component of Suboxone, positively impacts social interactions, friendships, other relationships, and other quality-of-life factors. Improved quality of life is crucial for most people with substance use disorder, both to help them avoid self-medicating to avoid life problems as well as to provide motivation and joy.

Improved quality of life

With improved quality of life, many people who have been struggling with opioid dependency begin to feel like their life has taken a new direction. As a result, they may feel motivated to make positive changes for their well-being, higher energy levels, a better level of mental health, and a better overall sense of wellness. These positive developments can help people find and stay on their path to recovery.

Suggested Reading: Maintaining Long-Term Recovery

Better Retention in Addiction Treatment Programs

Maintaining patient participation in treatment programs is a key component of sustained recovery. When people don’t complete treatment programs, they have a much higher rate of relapse, as they aren’t receiving the tools and strategies they need to maintain recovery. A major factor in ensuring people remain in treatment is helping them abstain from substance use entirely during their first week. Coupled with therapy and other supporting treatment options, Suboxone can help improve treatment retention.

Initially, researchers believed that methadone was more effective for program retention than Suboxone. However, any relevant studies were conducted shortly after Suboxone became available as a treatment option. As Suboxone-based MAT has been honed and adjusted over the years, it has begun providing positive treatment retention numbers. Newer treatment methods and dosing are improving Suboxone treatment retention for opioid dependency.

Suboxone-based MAT

Retention rates in treatment programs are very important when it comes to long-term recovery. When patients can complete an effective treatment program, they gain more benefits and have an easier time maintaining recovery. Successful treatment programs not only use medication to combat cravings and withdrawals, but they also feature evidence-based therapies, counseling, and other techniques to help individuals become more resilient against relapse.

Suboxone Success Stories

Treatment retention and long-term recovery data go a long way to demonstrate the efficacy of Suboxone. However, real-life success stories are incredibly helpful in ensuring patients feel confident in their success with MAT. Refuting the stigma of treatment, breaking the cycle of relapse, and rebuilding relationships are some of the most important aspects of ensuring people are willing to receive the help available to them. They’re also the features of the following Suboxone success stories.

 success with MAT

Overcoming the Stigma

There is a great deal of stigma surrounding substance use disorders and SUD treatment. People often indicate that they felt safer staying in their addiction undiscovered rather than beginning a program solely because they won’t have to face the stigma that comes with treatment.

One such patient, “Joe,” discusses his experience growing up, when he internalized the different stigmas that go along with substance use disorder. Like many others, he believed that developing a substance use disorder only happened to bad people who did bad things. However, this isn’t true. SUD can happen to anyone, whether they’re people seeking pain relief and becoming dependent on opioid medications or someone trying to deal with stress in their lives.

Additionally, Joe mentioned the stigma he sensed surrounding MAT and Suboxone use. He initially believed Suboxone was just another form of opioid dependency, and he feared becoming addicted to another substance. However, with the correct use and proper dosage, Suboxone can both block and reverse the effects of opioids.

While Joe was initially hesitant to try Suboxone, he eventually decided to make a trial attempt. Today, he credits MAT with Suboxone for giving him his life, career, and happiness back.

Breaking the Cycle of Relapse

Relapse is a serious concern for anyone on the path of recovery. In fact, in some cases, the relapse rate is over 50%. This can be an intimidating number for those new to recovery because it can mean that one in every two people who begin treatment for recovery end up relapsing. However, a quality opioid MAT program with Suboxone can reduce that risk.

One patient, “Alex” reported that he had experienced relapse multiple times throughout his journey. He had developed a cycle of beginning treatment and then dropping out, only to start using opioids again. This happened several times throughout his life, and he was only able to maintain sobriety for short periods. After beginning Suboxone treatment, Alex began to experience a whole new life. With the help of Suboxone, he was able to combat the effects of withdrawal, reduce cravings, and begin feeling hopeful for the first time. Today, he is proud to report a healthy life in long-term recovery thanks to Suboxone.

Rebuilding Relationships

A final patient, “Shannon,” discusses how she felt she had finally hit her lowest point. Throughout her experiences with SUD and the various tactics she used to manipulate the people in her life, she lost all of her relationships. Friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances alike had decided they could no longer be a part of her life. This was completely devastating to Shannon, and she struggled to find the motivation to maintain recovery.

Shannon is a good example of how much more difficult recovery can be for people who don’t have the support and care they need from loved ones – often due to their own actions. Eventually, Shannon realized how much she had damaged all the relationships in her life. She recognized that the only way to repair those relationships was to find recovery.

Through MAT featuring Suboxone, Shannon was able to complete treatment, maintain recovery, and begin rebuilding her relationships with family and friends. Today, she credits Suboxone for helping her establish her independence and rebuild the bonds that had been broken. Her life is now happier and healthier than ever before.

happier and healthier than ever before

Why Suboxone Works for Addiction Treatment

Achieving and maintaining long-term recovery is often incredibly difficult for those with opioid use disorder, and it’s important to know that Suboxone alone won’t help patients achieve their recovery goals. However, facing withdrawals and cravings is the first step on what will be a lifelong journey, and Suboxone is an incredibly effective tool for managing these early difficulties.

Once Suboxone has helped to eliminate these symptoms and begin restoring health, many people feel much more prepared to embark on the recovery journey. Regaining this energy can give people their confidence back and allows them to face the upcoming challenges of recovery. Simply treating the withdrawal and craving symptoms doesn’t solve all problems, but it does give a person the tools to take on the next steps.

Perhaps most importantly, people who have eliminated cravings and withdrawals with Suboxone now have the opportunity to deal with the contributing factors and underlying causes of their opioid use disorder. They can be more prepared to attend therapy and take in the messages and feedback they’re receiving.

Both factors can help people receiving Suboxone treatment address mental health issues that may have been holding them back previously. Without identifying and treating any mental health disorders a person is also facing, they’ll have a difficult time achieving long-term recovery. With Suboxone and MAT, patients can focus on addressing mental health and completing the true work of recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction Recovery

Suboxone long-term results demonstrate patient success, including here at Maryland Recovery. Suboxone, as a part of a personalized MAT program, can give people with opioid use disorder the ability to access the essential adjunctive therapies they need to find recovery. We have over 20 years of experience treating SUDs, including MAT programs, and we understand that a personalized, patient-centered approach gives people what they need to maintain recovery. This incredible tool, when used properly in the right doses, can give people their lives back.

MAT programs

We believe that people require more care and time than many programs, even standard MAT programs, truly give them. Suboxone lets our patients have that time, allowing them to experience true healing therapies without the fog of opioids. With time, we can help you, too, overcome the obstacles presented by opioid use disorder, and give you all the tools you need to face your new life with confidence. Contact us to learn more about medication-assisted treatment.


References :

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425232/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1490248/
  3. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/opioid-use-disorder-suboxone
  4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0735675722001267
  5. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04632-z

The post Suboxone for Long-Term Addiction Recovery appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Recovery Support Groups: Alternatives to AA and 12-Step Meetings

0
0
Recovery Support Groups

Recovery Support GroupsDuring and after recovery from addiction, support groups are necessary. These groups give those recovering from addiction a formal support system or network.

Active participation in these groups can reduce the rate of relapse and encourage commitment to recovery. Group members provide support and friendship to others who have suffered from the same addictions. Group members encourage sobriety and work to keep others on track.

Traditional Recovery Support Groups

One of the most common support groups for addiction recovery is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The group created a 12-step program model for recovery, which many groups still use. AA and 12-step programs are based in spiritual practice, requiring members to surrender to a higher power. Some in recovery have found this practice unappealing. Luckily, there are several alternatives to these popular programs.

The most important part of addiction recovery is finding a treatment plan suitable for your needs. This includes finding a long-term support group to fit your belief system. There are a variety of support groups available, each providing a different experience for members. Research a few different groups to understand which would be best for you.

Alternatives to AA Meetings and 12-Step Programs

If traditional support groups do not fit into your lifestyle, there are several alternatives to AA and 12-step programs. It is important to find a program that fits your specific needs.

There are many avenues used to combat addiction, such as:

Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery

teal line
SMART Recovery is a program rooted in the self-empowerment of its members. The group offers in-person meetings but also has a strong online presence. Online support provides daily meetings, chat rooms and discussion forums. Members have access to these features 24/7.

SMART Recovery support follows a four-point program:

  • Obtaining and maintaining motivation
  • Learning to manage urges
  • Handling emotions, thoughts and behaviors
  • Finding and striking balance in life

During group support sessions, members focus on one of the four support points. Members also receive homework or projects to complete during the week. The group is secular and nonprofit. Group members focus solely on the four points and supporting each other as each works through them.

Women For Sobriety

teal line

This group concentrates on the emotional needs of women who are focused on achieving and maintaining sobriety. The support group bases itself on the belief that addictions begin as a response to stress, loneliness, frustration or emotional deprivation.

Women for Sobriety is a self-help program, supplemented with online meetings. Meeting attendance includes six to 10 women, all working through their own addictions. Each woman supports the others and works through the 13 statements of acceptance.

Group members read the acceptance statements each morning, choosing one to practice daily for a week. Individuals work through each of the 13 statements with the support of other group members. The goal is to make each of the acceptance statements part of everyday life and to promote self-enhancing behaviors.

Women For Sobriety

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)

teal line

online support systems

SOS is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting one another through group meetings. The organization does not have a formal structure. Rather, SOS is a loose-knit organization allowing anyone to start a group. If there are no in-person meetings available to individuals in need, the organization provides online support systems also.

The organization is based solely on group support. Unlike other recovery organizations, it does not have a set of rules or standards for members. Instead, the group environment encourages members to share experiences, insights and scientific information.

The group prides itself on being secular and not having “hidden agendas.” It offers support for those suffering from any addiction, including drugs, alcohol, food and sex.

LifeRing Secular Recovery

teal line
LifeRing Secular is a worldwide network of members suffering from addiction to alcohol or non- prescription drugs. The organization’s philosophy is to strengthen the Sober Self and weaken the Addict Self. Meetings occur in person and online and allow members to connect with others for support. LifeRing encourages members to only accept aspects of treatment that work for them and choose a path to fit individual needs.

The group has three fundamental principles, known as 3-S.

The 3-S model is the focus of conversation and recovery for members:

  • Sobriety: Basic membership in LifeRing requires members to remain abstinent from drugs and alcohol. Sobriety is the number one priority among LifeRing members.
  • Secularity: Religion is not an aspect of recovery, nor is it discussed during meetings. LifeRing prides itself on remaining secular. The group also encourages members to attend 12-step meetings, if they feel doing so would be helpful.
  • Self-Help: Individual motivation and effort are the keys to recovery. The group is available to support the individual’s recovery and abstinence efforts, regardless of approach.

Moderation Management

teal line

This organization devotes itself to individuals in the beginning stages of problem drinking. Moderation Management works to prevent members from going from problem drinking to developing a full-blown alcohol dependency.

The group promotes the recognition of risky drinking behaviors, teaching members to drink in moderation. Moderation Management believes drinking in moderation is a more achievable goal than complete sobriety.

The group holds members to five standards:

  • Members take personal responsibility for their recovery from a drinking problem.
  • People helping people is the strength of the organization.
  • People who help others to recover also help themselves.
  • Self-esteem and self-management are essential to recovery.
  • Members treat each other with respect and dignity.

Moderation Management

Only those with non-physical dependencies should consider Moderation Management.

Celebrate Recovery

teal line
As a Christian recovery group, Celebrate Recovery is based from the 12-step program. The program is not associated with AA and works out of churches across the country.

The program itself is free but does require members to purchase books and literature on the recovery steps. Supporting literature includes in-depth steps, Biblical comparisons and eight principles of recovery based on the Beatitudes.

Local Addiction Support Groups

teal line
Nearly all towns and cities boast local support groups for those recovering from addictions. Those seeking nationally chartered or private groups can find them through an online search of their local areas.

After finding a local group, visit websites or review group documentation to ensure the values align with your own. There are many wonderful, supportive groups available that do not have formal organizations.

group therapy

Finding a Support Group to Fit Your Needs

When it comes to support groups, there are so many options available to suit your personal needs. Religious and non-religious addiction support groups offer unparalleled support for those in recovery.

Choose a group to fit your belief systems and motivating factors. Finding a group of supportive individuals can prevent relapse and isolation, increasing your chances for success.

See How We Encourage Support Group Attendance

 

*Editor’s Note: This article was originally published Apr 12, 2018 and has been updated August 4, 2023.

The post Recovery Support Groups: Alternatives to AA and 12-Step Meetings appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

How to Have a Conversation With Your Children Before Starting Addiction Treatmen

0
0
Talking with Your Children: Tips for Preparing for Rehab

Talking with Your Children: Tips for Preparing for Rehab

Choosing to begin treatment for a substance use disorder is a significant first step toward recovery. This isn’t an easy decision to make, but seeking treatment can help you establish a new, healthy, positive way of life. If you have children, the next important step is to help prepare them for what is ahead.

As you begin to consider your next steps, remember that you are not alone; many parents have made the choice to take time away from home to come back as a healthier, improved person in recovery. With that in mind, If you’ve made the decision to seek treatment but are unsure how to approach the subject with your children, we’ve created this brief guide. With the right tips and planning, speaking to your kids about addiction treatment can be a rewarding and eye-opening experience.

What Are Your Responsibilities As a Parent Before Going to Rehab?

As a parent, your children are your number one priority. However, substance use disorder can drastically alter your relationship with your partner or your child’s other parent as well as your children, and it can leave you wondering how to navigate both as you approach recovery. As a parent, it is valuable to understand your direct responsibilities, and preparing your children should be a top priority.

In general, substance use disorder can skew your sense of responsibility. Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may have struggled with not only caring for your child but also caring for yourself. Substance use can make simple things such as personal hygiene, healthy eating, and maintaining a routine almost impossible, and children are more intuitive than we give them credit for. Even if you don’t believe your addiction has affected your children, going to rehab not only helps you, but it helps your children as well.

Know that treatment is one of the most effective ways to create the true change that can lead to long-term recovery. For people with substance use disorder, treatment provides a true break from the pressures and triggers of daily life as well as a sense of structure and opportunities to reflect, grow, and heal.

it is your responsibility to prepare your child

Before rehab, it is your responsibility to prepare your child, and one of your first tasks is explaining this journey and its purpose. As mentioned, it’s likely that substance use disorder has already impacted the relationship you have with your kids. Whether you previously had a strained relationship or substance use has caused you to be more absent than you would like to admit, there is a chance your kids may already feel they have been emotionally or physically ignored. That’s why it is so important to make it clear that seeking treatment is much different than experiencing SUD; the ultimate goal is to become stronger.

If you share responsibilities with a partner or your child’s other parent, have an open, honest conversation about how you’ll navigate your child’s care together while you are receiving treatment. If you are a single parent, you’ll need to decide who will share responsibility. It’s important your children are able to maintain their current routine and structure as much as possible, and you’ll need to determine how they’ll get to school, meet with friends, and participate in extracurricular activities.

Why Have the Conversation?

Discussing substance use is rarely easy, and it can be tempting to avoid having a conversation with your children in favor of providing another excuse. Still, your children deserve to understand what is happening in your life. You don’t have to share all the details, and it’s important to keep the discussion age appropriate. In general, however, being honest and upfront gives you a chance to acknowledge that you haven’t been the best you. The conversation also gives your child the opportunity to express how your substance use disorder has impacted their life.

This discussion is a crucial time to provide reassurance. Without this conversation, your children can be left confused, hurt, and even frightened. To combat these emotions, it’s important to mention that this time will provide you with the means to become closer than ever before. Having this conversation can seem like the hardest step you’ve had to take yet, but it is essential for preparing your children for what is ahead.

Tips for Talking to Your Kids

Above all else, take some time to plan what you want to say as you talk to your kids about going to rehab. Feeling ready for the conversation and anticipating the emotions and questions you may encounter helps ensure you can remain as focused, calm, and open as possible. These tips can help you decide what to say and enter the conversation with a sense of purpose and a feeling of confidence.

Consider the Timing of the Conversation

Timing can make a significant difference in the overall outcome of a conversation with your kids about addiction treatment. First, it is often best to wait to have the conversation until you are able to provide as many concrete details as possible. For example, consider mentioning important dates that may work as milestones.

In addition, consider the time of day and the setting of your conversation. You’ll want to make the discussion a clearly defined, important conversation between the two of you, but also choose a spot where your child is comfortable and relaxed. It is best to choose a quiet, comfortable setting free of distractions like the TV and interruptions from others. The right setting can help your children feel safe to be open and responsive to what you have to say.

The right setting can help your children feel safe

Keep It Age-Appropriate

Substance use disorder and recovery can be difficult concepts for even adults to understand. As a result, it’s important to narrow your focus to a level where your children can comprehend what you want them to understand. Be simple and direct; you do not need to go into extensive detail when it comes to your addiction.

You’ll want to consider your child’s age and level of maturity to gauge how much information is necessary. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to compare addiction to something they understand, like the urge to overindulge in unhealthy things that feel good at first. Like junk food, for example, your substance of choice became too tempting and now endangers your health. Older kids can understand that now your body feels like it needs the substance to go on, which is making you sick – and you need help to stop that from happening.

Be Honest

While you want to keep your conversation age-appropriate, it’s important to keep it honest. Misleading kids about what rehab is and what you’ll do there can create a sense of shame and secrecy around addiction and recovery. Since you’ll be in recovery for the rest of your life, it’s important to establish honesty now. Remind them that this is a good thing, and you are doing it because you love them and want to be the best parent possible.

Staying away from secrecy and shame regarding addiction treatment is crucial throughout the rest of your recovery journey. While it may be tempting to minimize the situation so your children do not think any less of you, it is likely your child is aware something is different about you. Even if you try to hide your addiction, children, even young ones, are much more perceptive than you realize.

Feelings of shame and guilt can leave you afraid to be vulnerable and honest during this conversation and can sow seeds of mistrust that will remain. Making it clear that your conversation will be a safe space where you are going to be open about your issues can set the stage for how you and your child communicate moving forward. Owning up to what’s happening and what you are going to do about it can help your children see you in a new, positive light when you return in the next stage of your journey to health and recovery.

Explain Rehab and Treatment as Succinctly as Possible

Do what you can to describe the center you are going to and what goes on there. This helps to provide an understanding that you are going somewhere that will be safe and comfortable. Take the time to explain that you will be working with doctors and therapists who can help you get better and learning from other people who are there to get help just like you. If possible, show your kids pictures or information from the website of the center, and describe some of the different activities you’ll be participating in. This all helps to create an open, safe place where your child can ask you questions.

Suggested Reading: About Maryland Recovery

Assure Them It Is Not Their Fault

For individuals struggling with addiction, stress and other family life situations may be a serious trigger. However, it is important to reassure your kids that everyone experiences stress in multiple areas of their lives. They did not cause your substance use disorder, nor can they control or cure it.

Unfortunately, some children find fault in themselves and may feel responsible for their parent’s substance use. As a parent, it is your responsibility to reassure them that you alone are responsible for all things related to your substance use disorder and the medical conditions it has caused. Take ownership of the situation and apologize for any pain this situation may have caused in their life.

Ask for Feedback and Questions

As you’re giving your child the necessary information, ask open-ended questions to engage your child in a two-way conversation. The ability to ask their own questions can encourage your kids to provide feedback so you’ll know what they are thinking and feeling as the conversation progresses. Answering their questions also ensures they’ll have a better understanding of what will happen when you go to rehab. Be sure to check in on their emotions to show that you value what they have to say and how they feel about the process.

Ask for Feedback and Questions

Accept Their Reactions

Depending on the age of your children, your relationship with them, and the circumstances in your household, the way they react to your discussion about seeking treatment can vary drastically. Your kids could react with enthusiasm that you are finally seeking help, they could be angry that it has taken you so long, or they may just accept what you are saying without much reaction at all. Be prepared to handle some tears and provide guidance through confusion, but also be prepared to be met with skepticism, especially if you have attempted recovery before.

End on a Positive Note

It is likely that this conversation will have its ups and downs. Emotions are often at an all-time high, and depending on the age of your child, it can be difficult to ensure they understand what is happening. Whatever course the conversation does take, try to end on a positive note. Provide reassurance of hope and healing. Let them know that you love them and that you are going to work hard so you can be happy, healthy, and prepared to be the best parent possible.

Find Support at Maryland Recovery

Deciding how to tell your children you’re going to drug rehab can seem overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that no matter how old your children are, you should be as open and honest with them as possible. It may be hard to accept, but odds are they have some sort of understanding of your substance use disorder, even if they are very young. While they may not fully understand the complexity of the situation, the more you can prepare them for what’s ahead, the easier the transition to live in recovery will be for your family.

In 1999, Maryland Recovery introduced a distinctive approach to addiction treatment in Harford County, Maryland. Our comprehensive services began with the provision of affordable recovery homes to individuals transitioning from a treatment program, who found themselves lacking shelter and resources. Over time, our dedication has grown, and we now proudly extend our support to clients nationwide. Our affordable drug and alcohol treatment programs are designed to guide individuals in overcoming drug and alcohol abuse, ensuring their journey to recovery is successful.

The post How to Have a Conversation With Your Children Before Starting Addiction Treatmen appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Is Around the Corner

0
0
Maryland Prescription Drug Abuse

Maryland Prescription Drug Abuse

In the United States, prescription drug abuse is rampant throughout the country. It’s unfortunate how many lives are lost every single day, and sometimes it’s hard not to feel hopeless about the state of prescription drug abuse in America. However, there is good news. States are starting to take measures to prevent the continuation of prescription drug abuse by participating in National Drug Take Back Day. Others, including Maryland, have instituted their own drug take-back programs.

Prescription Drug Abuse in The United States

Many people start using prescription drugs for their intended purposes, while others experiment with recreational use. With repeated use, both populations may feel like they can’t function normally without them. When someone becomes physically dependent on prescription drugs, it can quickly turn into an addiction. Unlike illegal street drugs, prescription drugs can be much easier to obtain and their presence in the home can lead to addiction faster.

Doctors are reporting writing more prescriptions than ever before. Individuals have misused and become dependent on drugs used to treat everything from fibromyalgia and epilepsy to anxiety and depression. As a result, prescription drug misuse and addiction have become an epidemic in the United States. In a national survey taken in 2020, tens of millions of individuals aged 12 and up reported that they had misused some form of prescription drug within the past year. [1]NIDA. 2022. What is the scope of prescription drug misuse in the United States? Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research Report. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from … Continue reading

In Maryland, our state has seen first-hand the many effects of prescription addiction, even going as far as to declare a state of emergency in 2017. Synthetic prescription opioids like fentanyl, were responsible for a staggering amount of unintentional drug overdoses. In 2020, overdoses from prescription opioids alone saw over 20% increase statewide, and overdoses from fentanyl were over four times as high as overdoses from the illegal street opioid heroin. [2]Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center, (2021). Before It’s Too Late Maryland. Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center 2020 Annual Report. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from … Continue reading

Maryland’s Commitment to End the Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic

Maryland’s Commitment to End the Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic with Start Talking Maryland Act

The state of Maryland is taking various measures to curb prescription drug addiction, including the implementation of the Start Talking Maryland Act.

When it was signed into law in 2017, the Start Talking Maryland Act increased drug education for children of all ages and education levels throughout the state. Beginning as early as third grade, students learn how to use prescription drugs safely, and are taught good decision-making skills surrounding drugs. In 6th through 8th grades, students learn more about what health standards surrounding drug use look like as part of a required curriculum.

The Start Talking Maryland Act also made it possible for high school nurses and athletic directors to speak to students about the proper use of prescription drugs. Young people, especially student athletes, who are given prescription drugs as treatment for injuries, can be incredibly vulnerable to addiction. By allowing authoritative figures to have straightforward conversations with students, the Start Talking Maryland act allows for further learning about how to take prescription drugs appropriately, the hidden impacts of pain medications, and the dangers of misuse. [3]AACPS (n.d). What is the “Start Talking Maryland” Act? Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from … Continue reading

In addition to the Start Talking Maryland Act, law enforcement participation in National Drug Take Back Day, and the establishment of around-the-clock secure prescription drug collection boxes have helped reduce the chance of prescription drug misuse and overdose.

The History of National Drug Take Back Day

The DEA is the event sponsor of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which was officially established in 2010. The event was created to address the problem of leftover medications. These medications, often forgotten in the back of a medicine cabinet or a drawer in the home, can easily be found by children, young teens, or friends and family struggling with addiction. This not only poses an immediate danger but could also present an unfortunate opportunity for addiction development.

Before the first event, it was almost impossible to get rid of old medications in a way that was completely safe. Hospitals, pharmacies, and private practice physicians weren’t equipped to collect these dangerous items. Without a place to safely return old or unwanted medication, the only real options were to flush the medication or throw it away, both options posing a potential health concern.

These issues would be forever changed thanks to legislation passed through Congress. In 2010, the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act was legislated. This established the ability for not only National Prescription Take Back Day to exist, but certain clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and drug-treatment centers were now granted the ability to collect unneeded or unwanted leftover medications as well.

National Drug Take Back Day in Maryland

While National Drug Take Back Day was originally created by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), many states also chose to participate. The state of Maryland wants to encourage individuals to remove unused prescription drugs and dispose of them in a responsible manner in order to reduce the opportunity for misuse to occur. By participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the Maryland State Police provide a safe and convenient way for individuals to dispose of prescription drugs while also spreading awareness to the general public regarding the potential abuse that can occur with prescription medications.

During last April’s National Drug Take Back Day, Maryland State Police and other Maryland law enforcement officials were able to recover over 10,000 pounds of unwanted medications across 101 collection sites. In Maryland, National Drug Take Back Day has helped responsibly dispose of over 200,000 pounds of prescription drugs collectively. [4]DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION. (n.d.). 22nd National Take Back Day Results.DEA National Take Back Day. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from … Continue reading

How to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day

National Drug Take Back Day occurs in April of every year, and there is typically a second take back day held in October. In order to participate in either National Drug Take Back Day, all you have to do is take any unused and unwanted prescription medications to your closest Maryland State Police barracks or official National Drug Take Back Day drop off point.

Next Take Back Day: Saturday October 28, 2023

If you want to responsibly dispose of your unwanted prescriptions before the official take back day, you are still able to drop off your medications with the State Police at your convenience. Every Maryland State Police barracks is equipped with a secure medication drop box that you can access around the clock.

Where Can I Dispose of Old Medications In Maryland?

If you are unable to travel to one of the official Maryland State Police secure medication drop boxes, you still have several options when it comes to disposing of prescription medications responsibly. You may be able to drop the medications with your local law enforcement, hospital, or pharmacy.

If you are unable to travel to one of the official Maryland State Police secure medication drop boxes, you still have several options when it comes to disposing of prescription medications responsibly.

You may be able to drop the medications with your local law enforcement, hospital, or pharmacy.

  • Refrain from flushing medications down the toilet, unless they are on the FDA’s list of approved, flushable medications.
  • If you can’t flush, remove the drugs from their original containers to avoid revealing personally identifying information and also to conceal the nature of the medication.
  • Crush and mix them with unpleasant substances like coffee grounds or kitty litter. [5]Schaffer, M. (n.d.). Drug Disposal. Maryland Department of the Environment. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://mde.maryland.gov/PublicHealth/Pages/drug_disposal.aspx
  • Place in a plastic bag and dispose of the bag in the trash.

It’s important that you try to dispose of any old or unused medications in the best way that you can. When you dispose of old medications, it can prevent future misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. By participating responsibly, you may aid in preventing addiction within yourself or a loved one.

National Prescription Drug Take Back FAQs

While the goal of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is to make it as simple as possible for you to dispose of leftover medications, there may be a few questions about how the program works. Here are the most common.

When Is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day?

While April’s event for 2023 has already passed, you are in luck if you currently have leftover prescription medications in your home. The October drop-off date is rapidly approaching. Mark your calendars: this year’s event is taking place on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

How Can I Prepare For National Prescription Drug Take Back Day?

To prepare for the event, locate any medications you currently have in your home. Make sure they are properly sealed and out of reach for children and pets. Take an inventory of what the medication is and when it expires. Set aside medications ready for disposal, and find the nearest drop-off spot in your area.

What Kind of Medications Are Accepted?

Your drop-off site will be equipped to handle a wide range of unwanted medications. This can include tablets, capsules, patches, and any other form of prescription medication. Liquid products should be brought in their original container and should be tightly sealed to avoid spillage and cross-contamination. In short, any type of prescription medications will be accepted.

Are There Any Medications That Won’t Be Accepted?

The purpose of this event is to take back prescription medications. With that in mind, there are a few items that will not be accepted, including any illicit drugs as well as syringes and sharps. Over the counter medications should be disposed of as you normally would. Some drop-off sites can accept vaping devices and cartridges as long as the lithium battery is removed. 

Where Do I Find Drop-Off Options in My Area?

You can visit www.DEATakeBack.com to find sites in your area easily. There are also thousands of locations nationwide that can dispose of unwanted medications year-round. In addition to hospitals, pharmacies, and drug treatment centers, many police departments provide year-round drop boxes.

Can I Get in Trouble for What I Drop Off?

The main purpose behind this event is to help communities heal and avoid future addiction problems. Addiction claims innocent lives each day, so what is most important is that these medications are out of the home and are no longer at risk of misuse. Drop-off is designed to be an anonymous, no-questions-asked affair,  so you do not need to fear any potential repercussions. In addition to the actual medication drop-off, there are also resources available for education and assistance if you want them.

Why Can’t I Just Flush My Old Medications?

Some medications can be safely flushed, but many contain chemicals that can pollute our water. This can impact aquatic life, animal life, plants, and even our drinking water. Participating in take-back events or utilizing drop-off sites in your community are the safest means of disposal.

Is It True Many Drug Addictions Start in the Home Unintentionally?

Yes, many individuals with substance use disorder report their earliest experiences with medications were with those readily available in the home. For many, this can go back into their teenage years where curiosity and poor impulse control got the better of them. This is why it is so important to keep any medications stored away and properly disposed of when no longer needed. This removes unnecessary temptation from the home and keeps everyone safe.

Is It True Prescription Medication No Longer Works When It Expires?

This is a common misconception concerning medication. The expiration date is often designed to designate a time after which the medication may not be as effective. However, this does not decrease its potential potency and it does not mean the medication will no longer have any effects. Many prescription medications can retain their potency after a decade of time.

After the Event: Intensive Outpatient Program for Prescription Drug Dependency

Intensive Outpatient Program

When it comes to addiction recovery, getting as much professional medical treatment as you possibly can before being expected to continue practicing recovery skills on your own can be a huge benefit in your recovery process. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) allow you to have an individualized treatment plan, continue to build on your relapse prevention plan, and utilize a variety of holistic therapy treatments like yoga and meditation.

To be admitted to IOP, you must have already successfully completed a residential or detox program. Because there is no continuous supervision during an IOP, it is a great way to continue your recovery while going about your regular work or school activities.

Holistic Treatment

Holistic treatments seek to heal individuals through treatment of not just the clinical needs of an individual, but the social, behavioral, and mental health aspects as well. Holistic therapies are offered on a range of timelines and include yoga, meditation and mindfulness and auricular (ear) acupuncture for addiction recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

When someone is affected by two or more co-occurring disorders, or disorders that work in conjunction to undermine the overall health of an individual, it is referred to as dual diagnosis.

Examples of dual diagnosis include:

  • A person who is suffering from depression and is using prescription opiates to self-medicate the symptoms they are experiencing.
  • An individual who becomes addicted to Xanax after being prescribed it to treat their anxiety.
  • A military veteran who has been prescribed opiate painkillers for injuries sustained during combat and has become addicted to them. On top of dealing with an opiate addiction, the individual is also diagnosed with PTSD.
  • An individual who suffers from ADHD likes the way Adderall makes them feel and begins misusing it. Once they start abusing their own stimulants, they start to experiment with others and eventually become addicted.

Even if you choose not to have any mental health treatment, it must be available for anyone undergoing the recovery process. After your detox, and while you adjust to sober living, it is more than likely you will begin to experience symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Experiencing many of these symptoms, like depression, guilt, or shame, can take a toll on your mental health. It’s important that you have the tools you need to deal with them, if and when they appear.

If you have co-occurring disorders, it’s essential that you seek dual diagnosis treatment while in recovery. Up to 66% of individuals with an addiction issue also have a mental health issue, and if they are both not treated properly, it can lead to a relapse. Seeking dual diagnosis treatment can help you sustain long-term sobriety.

Reviewed by Christopher Schwartfigure MS, LGPC, CAC-AD

*Editor's Note: This article was originally published July 14, 2022 and has been updated October 25, 2023.

References

References
1 NIDA. 2022. What is the scope of prescription drug misuse in the United States? Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research Report. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/what-scope-prescription-drug-misuse
2 Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center, (2021). Before It’s Too Late Maryland. Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center 2020 Annual Report. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://beforeitstoolate.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2021/04/2020-Annual-Report-Final.pdf
3 AACPS (n.d). What is the “Start Talking Maryland” Act? Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://www.aacps.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=10643&dataid=18936&FileName=Start%20Talking%20MD%20FAQ%20for%20website.pdf
4 DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION. (n.d.). 22nd National Take Back Day Results.DEA National Take Back Day. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/NTBI22%20Totals.pdf
5 Schaffer, M. (n.d.). Drug Disposal. Maryland Department of the Environment. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://mde.maryland.gov/PublicHealth/Pages/drug_disposal.aspx

The post National Prescription Drug Take Back Is Around the Corner appeared first on Maryland Recovery.


Maryland Recovery is Accepting Donations on Behalf of The HOPE Center

0
0
Maryland Recovery is accepting donations

Maryland Recovery is accepting donations

Childhood hunger is a reality in Harford County, Maryland. Weekend meal programs help fill the hunger gap that many schoolchildren experience when they are not in school.

Through the Beyond Blessings program, The HOPE Center of Maryland provides students in local high-poverty public schools with bags of kid-friendly, nutritious food to sustain them on weekends when free school meals are not available.

Beyond Blessings is designed for elementary and middle school students. The bags are delivered to the schools where social workers distribute them to the students with the highest need.

For the current school year, The HOPE Center of Maryland will provide 100-weekend meal bags to at-risk children attending Bakerfield and Deerfield Elementary Schools and Edgewood Middle School. That comes to 4,400 meal bags or 26,400 meals provided.

Maryland Recovery is accepting food donations on behalf of The HOPE Center through December 21st.

Drop off any of the following food items to help sustain the vital program!

  • Fruit, Jello, and Pudding cups
  • Instant oatmeal packs
  • Mini cereal boxes
  • Capri-Sun juice pouches (or similar)
  • Chicken salad cracker kits
  • Cheese/peanut butter crackers
  • Pop Tarts
  • Microwaveable mac & cheese, Rice-a-Roni, or mashed potatoes
  • GoGo Squeeze applesauce pouches
  • Microwaveable Chef Boyardee meals
  • Chewy, cereal, or granola bars
  • Individual packs of Cheez-Its, cookies, or fruit gummy snacks

Maryland Recovery is accepting donations

Donations can be dropped off in our conference room at 21 W. Courtland St. Bel Air, Md. 21014.

Thanks for your support!

The post Maryland Recovery is Accepting Donations on Behalf of The HOPE Center appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

What Are Ways to Overcome Addiction?

0
0
Overcoming addiction step by step

Overcoming addiction step by step

Taking that first step in admitting you have a problem with substances – and the second step of asking for help – can be both the most difficult yet most rewarding decisions you can make in your life. Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), can negatively impact your relationships, your physical and mental health, and almost every other aspect of your life. Unfortunately, activities and events you may have enjoyed previously may seem impossible to do with SUD, and you may even believe you won’t ever enjoy anything again as a result of the way your relationship with substances has changed your life. However, it’s important to recognize that there is always hope.

Maryland Recovery is proud to offer effective and reliable SUD recovery programs that can help you regain control of your life as you embark on a journey of health and wellness. As daunting as recovery may seem at first, recovery programs like ours can make a significant difference in how you perceive yourself and your relationship with substance use, as well as the associated thoughts and behaviors you’ve become accustomed to as a result.

We’d like to describe a few treatment programs we believe are essential in a healthy recovery from SUD.

What Substances Do to the Body

Before reviewing recovery options, it’s crucial to know why you might have developed SUD in the first place. People begin using substances for a wide range of reasons, yet they can all lead to similar outcomes.

For instance, you may have been prescribed pain medication by a doctor, but you began taking a higher dose to continue experiencing pain relief. Or, you might have a debilitating anxiety disorder and find that you can experience relief and pleasure through the use of substances. Alternatively, you may have even developed an unhealthy relationship with a legal substance like alcohol over time. No matter the cause, heavy and prolonged substance use can actually alter your brain chemistry, and this can display itself via the way you think about yourself, your emotions, and even your actions.

Some of the physical, mental, and social consequences you can experience as a result of SUD can include:

  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Lack of sleep and appetite
  • Liver, kidney, and other physiological damage
  • Slower cognition
  • Feelings of shame and humiliation
  • Financial strains
  • Prioritizing substances over work, family, relationships, and more

As you can see, substance use can seem to change who you are as a person and may even effectively transform you into someone your loved ones cannot recognize. You may feel there’s no going back after you’ve admitted to yourself you have SUD, but in reality, there’s always a way to recover and live a fulfilling life. The time to start finding ways to begin healing your body, mind, and spirit is now.

So, How Does Recovery Work?

How recovery can work through Art Therapy

Many people believe they can recover from SUD simply by ceasing substance use on their own, without seeking rehabilitation or other support methods. However, it’s extremely common for people to slip back into substance use after experiencing triggers, cravings, or withdrawal symptoms with no real way to manage them; worse, doing so can be dangerous to your physical and mental health. Because of this, it’s highly advised to utilize a recovery program that can help you heal and give you the tools you need to refrain from substance use.

Generally, recovery begins by detoxifying you of the harmful substances that are impacting your brain and body. By abiding by specific treatment plans, you learn to rely on healthier coping mechanisms to deal with life’s struggles rather than use substances to move forward. Healthier ways to cope with depression, stress, or anxiety can also help you repair relationships, take care of your body, and interact with your local community.

We’re commonly asked, “What are the steps of recovery?” but there’s no single way to successfully recover from SUD. Instead, we focus on learning techniques that are vital to preventing relapse and recognizing triggers that inspire people to turn to substances. While the first and second steps – admitting you need help and actively seeking it – are the same, the process becomes different for everyone afterward.

What Are the Types of Recovery?

Types of Recovery like a group therapy session

One of the best things about recovery is that there are multiple pathways to healing you can consider. Not every treatment program works for everyone, but there are several approved ways you can safely stop using harmful substances and move toward healthier choices to regain your physical and mental health. Here are some of the most effective.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves the use of FDA-approved medications to aid in an individual’s recovery. The medications are prescribed and supervised by a certified physician based on the substance of choice. In most cases, MAT medications are designed to reduce cravings for a particular substance and/or make that substance less effective if used. MAT can also be an effective way to help manage withdrawal symptoms, making early recovery easier and safer to endure.

Our team at Maryland Recovery finds this one of the most effective methods of treating SUD associated with a variety of substances, especially when a full treatment team is available to help oversee recovery. For example, research has shown that medication is extremely effective as a first solution for healing from opioid use disorder. MAT is also frequently used to treat alcohol use disorder.

It’s a common misconception that MAT replaces one addiction with another, but this isn’t true. Medications are carefully prescribed and monitored by a professional and often administered during a full-fledged treatment program. In addition, rather than simply replacing an illicit substance with a medication, MAT providers also provide other resources and tools to improve the lives of those in recovery.

For instance, individuals going through MAT programs will also undergo individual and group counseling, psychotherapy, coping skills training, and other similar strategies that can be used to find the root of the disorder and learn how to prevent relapse. In other words, medication is used as a single component of a broader treatment plan, but it can be critical to the treatment program’s success.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) allows an individual to spend some of their time at home or in their community and the rest at a safe rehabilitation facility. A skilled team closely monitors all individuals and creates a treatment plan that lasts the entire duration of the program. Not only does this allow people to maintain proximity with loved ones and begin rebuilding relationships, but it also allows them to connect with other people who are going through similar experiences.

People participating in this program are given treatment for roughly five to six hours per day every week, with the program concluding after four weeks. If you don’t require 24/7 care, yet you need assistance monitoring your symptoms, managing medications, and learning coping strategies, a PHP may present you with the most viable option.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are much more flexible than PHPs, allowing individuals with busy schedules to tend to their daily needs while also practicing recovery techniques and attending counseling. Individuals who are able to practice their recovery techniques with only moderate supervision may find IOPs the most appealing option for recovery. As you experience all this program has to offer, you’ll attend individual and group therapy, relapse prevention, holistic therapies, and more, just as with PHPs. However, you’ll experience less oversight and will need to attend only a couple of hours per day.

12-Step Programs

While not a treatment program in their own right, 12-step programs have become a staple at many treatment centers and rehab facilities. The main idea of these programs – the best-known of which is Alcoholics Anonymous – is to teach individuals that SUD is not something to be cured but rather something to be managed. By accepting that you have become powerless over your life due to the effects of your substance of choice, building your skillset, and spending time around others who can hold you accountable, you may be able to keep your cravings under control, identify triggering scenarios, and respond more positively in the future.

While 12-step programs originated as a Christian-based ideal, you don’t have to have a specific religious upbringing or set of beliefs to benefit from these programs. The idea is to admit you need help, thoroughly process your mistakes and the way they’ve affected you and others, and make a commitment to changing your habits. The skills you will build from this program are versatile, allowing you to make use of them in many everyday situations.

Veterans Addiction Treatment

Veterans pledge their lives to serve our country; unfortunately, far too many succumb to SUD. People who serve or have served are often more susceptible to SUD than civilians as a result of trying to cope with the various traumas endured during their time in service. Rather than rely on substances that can only harm you, consider attending a veteran addiction treatment (VAT) program.

VAT programs are designed specifically to help veterans with their hardships and connect individuals with other veterans with similar experiences. Veterans may need several years to find healthy solutions that allow them to live a brighter future, but we tend to begin with a 90-day program. This is so veterans in need can fully understand the scope of their SUD, determine how to proceed, and begin learning the tools necessary to prevent relapse. Of course, veterans may partake in other, longer programs for additional guidance.

Dual Diagnosis

As one might expect, treating a mental or physical health disorder together with substance use disorder is more challenging than if only one of these disorders is present. Unfortunately, mental and physical health disorders often contribute to substance use, which can then affect the other disorders. This is known as having a dual diagnosis – two co-occurring disorders that are both negatively impacting your mental and physical well-being.

Dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both disorders with approved therapies administered by mental health and SUD professionals is essential for finding recovery and experiencing healing for both disorders. Unfortunately, people who are only treated for SUD may still struggle to maintain recovery due to issues caused by their underlying disorder. According to a 2019 study, roughly 12.7% of individuals who have a dual diagnosis receive treatment for both disorders, whereas just over half of the population doesn’t receive any treatment for either.

Holistic Treatments

Many paths to recovery involve the use of holistic treatments as a way to manage cravings and triggers while maintaining sobriety. One example of holistic therapy is yoga, which involves stretching your body, focusing your mind, and releasing physical tension in a way a person may have previously only done with the help of substances. Another is meditation and mindfulness, which helps the individual focus on the present and not on past errors or potential hardships. These techniques, when combined with counseling, medication, and other approved treatments, can help improve your chances of managing difficult situations without the use of substances.

Recovery Doesn’t End With Treatment

Recovery is a process, take it step by step

As you can see, the answer to the common question, “What are ways to overcome addiction?” is varied and personal to each individual experiencing SUD. However, treatment programs aren’t the end of the recovery process. Just as important as ceasing substance use and learning about the root cause of your SUD is developing the tools you need to move forward into recovery and the rest of your life.

In the treatment programs and therapies mentioned above, you’ll learn about the personal triggers that could tempt you to relapse in the future. By learning about your triggers – and developing a toolkit of coping strategies you can use instead of substances – you can learn to control your impulses as you begin to experience everyday stressors once again. Effective relapse prevention strategies can help you maintain recovery for years to come.

In addition, while you may learn unique strategies to combat SUD in treatment, it is also crucial to develop a strong support system. People who have shared experiences you can relate to or loved ones who understand your struggles and are willing to help can provide emotional support when life becomes complicated. There’s no shame in asking for help long after you’ve attended treatment. Recovery is a journey, not a destination.

Maryland Recovery Is Here for You

Maryland Recovery SUD Rehab Program

You may still be struggling to admit that you have SUD, or you may believe you have no one to turn to when you need help the most. The good news is that the recovery programs and other strategies listed above are effective and research-based. We hope you’ve been inspired by one or more that can benefit you on your journey.

At Maryland Recovery, we feel strongly about providing education and treatment for people struggling with SUD. While the journey to recovery may be long and arduous, it will be more than worth it in the end. Until then, we’d like to help you get started on your path toward recovery today.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help.


The post What Are Ways to Overcome Addiction? appeared first on Maryland Recovery.





Latest Images