Category: treatment

Find Sober Living in Monmouth County, NJ Today

Sober living environments often serve as an excellent stepping-stone between addiction treatment and transitioning to your home environment after your treatment program ends. Regardless of their level of care (inpatient, outpatient, etc.), many treatment programs encourage participants new to sobriety to spend time in a sober living home. The period immediately following treatment is often challenging, and many struggle with adjusting to their newly sober lives. Sober living homes offer a safe setting between the highly supportive treatment environment and home. Time spent in sober living in Monmouth County, NJ, provides you the opportunity to practice and reinforce the coping skills you learned during rehab. Often, sober Living in New Jersey can make the difference between maintaining long-term sobriety and relapsing back to old patterns.

Sober Living Homes Explained

During rehab, clients are immersed in the activities of their recovery plan. Once outside of treatment, this changes, and in some cases, difficulties related to maintaining sobriety arise. In a sober living environment, residents are not confined within the home. For some, this newfound freedom is a blessing, yet it can increase the challenges of maintaining ongoing sobriety and avoiding relapse for others. The goal of a sober living home is to allow addicts new to recovery a safe space to ease back into “normal life” while slowly resuming day-to-day tasks and activities. Although sober living environments are far less restrictive than many treatment programs, there are still rules that must be followed, including curfews, mandatory attendance at group meetings, and in some cases, random (and required) drug and alcohol testing. Testing is used as means to ensure those living in a sober living home have not relapsed and or are not exposing others in the environment to substances and potential relapse triggers.

What Do You Do When You Live in a Sober Living Home?

While living in a sober living home, residents can attend ongoing treatment and participate in support groups. In many cases, support groups take the form of traditional 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. In addition to peer support groups like AA and NA, residents staying in a sober living home often continue to participate in ongoing addiction treatment therapy either in a group or individual setting. Continued therapy helps reinforce coping skills learned in early treatment while providing a safe and supported environment to talk about fears and challenges related to sobriety.

Another significant benefit to a sober living home is the opportunity to forge friendships with like-minded peers who will help reinforce the desire to remain sober. Unfortunately, when a former addict gets sober, it often changes their relationships with family and friends. Friends who do not share the same view on sobriety may increase exposure to triggering situations and relapse potential. Many addicts in recovery feel they need to distance themselves from family and friends to reduce trigger exposure leading to isolation and struggles with depression. Sober living homes provide a support system that can not only help residents avoid the isolation that comes with going directly from intensive addiction treatment back home but provides an environment of increased support during the early and often fragile stages of recovery.

If you have recently completed addiction treatment or are participating in a treatment program at Relevance Recover in Freehold, NJ, talk to your treatment team about how sober living in Monmouth County, NJ, can help on your journey to long-term recovery. The support provided by treatment staff and peer groups can be of significant benefit during the often challenging early stages of sobriety. If you would like to learn more about our sober living community or our addiction treatment programs in New Jersey, contact the admissions team at Relevance Recovery today.

How to Get off Fentanyl

In recent years, the drug fentanyl has been a hot-button topic in the news, and not for a good reason. While fentanyl is used in medical settings as a pain reliever, misuse and abuse of fentanyl have become a leading cause of death among illicit drug users in recent years. Within the last year, many individuals of all ages have lost their lives to unintentional overdose by taking drugs “laced” with fentanyl. Many more, including well-known celebrities, have died by overdosing on fentanyl. It is a potent synthetic (artificial) opioid analgesic that functions similarly to morphine. Unfortunately, fentanyl is up to one hundred times more potent than morphine and, therefore, extremely dangerous when abused or misused. For many, fentanyl addiction is quick to develop and must be treated similarly to opioid addiction.

Understanding fentanyl addiction

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, primarily in cancer patients. However, it is also produced illicitly and sold on the black market, where it is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin. Fentanyl is highly addictive and can cause significant physical and psychological harm.

Fentanyl addiction occurs when a person becomes dependent on the drug and is unable to stop using it, despite the negative consequences it may be causing in their life. Addiction can happen quickly, even after using the drug only a few times.

The dangers of fentanyl abuse

Fentanyl is a potent drug that is much stronger than other opioids, such as morphine or heroin. Even a small amount of fentanyl can be deadly, especially if it is mixed with other drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine. Fentanyl overdoses have become increasingly common in recent years, with thousands of deaths reported each year.

In addition to the risk of overdose, fentanyl abuse can also cause a range of other health problems, including respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Long-term abuse can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped.

Signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of fentanyl addiction is an essential first step in seeking help for yourself or someone you know. Some common signs of addiction include:

Taking more fentanyl than prescribed or using it more frequently than recommended
Difficulty controlling drug use
Spending a lot of time and money on obtaining and using fentanyl
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using fentanyl

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to seek help from a medical professional or addiction specialist.

Detoxification process for fentanyl addiction

Detoxification from fentanyl addiction should always be done under the supervision of a medical professional. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially life-threatening, so it’s crucial to have medical support during this process.

Detox can be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on the severity of the addiction. Inpatient detox is recommended for those with severe addiction, as it provides 24-hour medical supervision and support. Outpatient detox may be appropriate for those with milder addiction, but it may not provide the same level of support and monitoring.

How to Get Off Fentanyl

If you or a loved one struggles with a fentanyl addiction, it is crucial to seek addiction treatment immediately. Fentanyl is a highly addictive substance. Regular use of fentanyl, either legally or otherwise, can quickly lead to dependence and tolerance. When someone is dependent on the effects of it, and they stop using, painful and unpleasant side effects often develop. The most common withdrawal side effects include anxiety, agitation, body aches, difficulty sleeping, sweating, gastric disturbances, nausea, and vomiting. Other, more severe symptoms can include delirium tremens (DTs), irregular respirations, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

The more severe symptoms related to opioid withdrawal make a medically assisted detox (MAT) program the best way to get off fentanyl. Detoxing from it in a safe and supported environment like Relevance Recovery is crucial to your health, safety, and overall treatment success. Many who struggle with opioid addiction and choose to withdraw “cold turkey” often fail, and relapse results as withdrawal symptoms become overwhelming and too difficult to manage. In a MAT setting, trained medical providers are available to support your emotional, physical, and spiritual needs through the detox process.

Find a Treatment Center

Across the United States, there are thousands of addiction treatment centers providing comprehensive addiction treatment options. While all treatment programs strive to provide the highest possible level of care designed to help you achieve sobriety in a safe and supported environment, not all are equipped to provide equivalent treatment options. If your specific treatment needs include medically assisted detox, it is crucial to ensure the program you choose offers such services. When detoxing from this drug (or other opioids), a MAT program is essential to ensuring you are able to detox in a safe and supported environment.

Treatment options

After detoxification, the next step in fentanyl addiction treatment is to address the underlying psychological and behavioral factors that contribute to addiction. This can be done through a variety of treatment options, including:

Behavioral therapy: This type of therapy focuses on changing behavior patterns and developing coping skills to manage cravings and triggers.
Medication-assisted treatment: Certain medications, such as buprenorphine or methadone, can be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Residential treatment: This type of treatment involves living in a treatment facility for a period of time while receiving intensive therapy and support.

Preventing relapse after fentanyl addiction treatment

Relapse is a common challenge in addiction recovery, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean failure. Relapse is a part of the recovery process for many individuals, and it’s essential to have a plan in place to prevent and manage it.

Some strategies for preventing relapse after fentanyl addiction treatment include:

Attending support groups and therapy regularly
Developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise or meditation
Avoiding triggers, such as people or places associated with drug use
Having a strong support system of friends and family

Resources and helplines for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, there are resources and helplines available to provide support and guidance. Some of these resources include:

National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Narcotics Anonymous: https://www.na.org/
SMART Recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org/
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator: https://findtreatment.gov/

Participate in a MAT Program

If you or a loved one are struggling with a fentanyl addiction, participation in a MAT program is crucial to your treatment success. Deciding to enter rehab is a challenging but, in many cases, life-saving decision. If you are ready to begin your treatment journey but are unsure where to start, reach out to our Freehold, New Jersey admission team today. Not all treatment centers treat the same conditions. Therefore, it is critical to find one like Relevance Recovery which provides detox and treatment services specific to fentanyl (and other opioids) addiction.

Our caring and compassionate treatment staff will work with you to create an individually designed treatment plan that considers your physical and psychological treatment needs and goals. Beginning with medically assisted detox and continuing through a thorough aftercare plan, the team at Relevance Recovery strives to ensure all aspects of your treatment occur in the safest and most supported environment available. If you are ready to get off fentanyl, reach out to the admissions team at Relevance Recovery today to learn more about how our MAT program can help you achieve your recovery goals.

I Think I Have a Benzodiazepine Addiction-What Should I Do?

Many are familiar with the difficulties experienced when someone is addicted to opioids (prescription painkillers), alcohol, or other drugs. Despite significant efforts to stem the impacts of the opioid crisis, the death toll continues to rise. However, another highly addictive class of drugs does not receive as much attention in the public eye. Like prescription opioids, benzodiazepines are legally prescribed and, when used properly, are beneficial in helping those who struggle with specific conditions mitigate and reduce the severity of their symptoms. However, also like opioids, benzodiazepines can be highly addictive and are, unfortunately, frequently misused.

Benzodiazepines Explained

Benzodiazepines often referred to as Benzos, are a class of drugs commonly prescribed as part of a treatment program for anxiety and panic disorders as well as difficulties sleeping, muscle relaxation, seizures. In some cases, specific benzodiazepines are used as part of a medically assisted treatment plan for alcohol use disorder recovery. Drugs that fall into this class are prescription sedatives (tranquilizers) such as Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium. Benzodiazepines have been prescribed to treat various conditions since the 1960s, and since that time, hundreds of different formulas have been produced. Today only fifteen are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

How Benzos Are Addictive

When used as directed, benzodiazepines are generally highly effective. However, because the chemical properties of benzodiazepines work in the brain and body in similar ways to opioids, ongoing use or misuse of benzodiazepine drugs carries a high rate of addiction and potential for overdose. Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system producing sensations of relaxation and sedation. Because of their sedative effects and helpful ability to reduce (and often entirely remove) feelings of panic and anxiety, the user quickly develops an addiction to happier feelings. This also results in addition to the substance itself quite quickly as the user believes they cannot “feel” the same emotions without the help of the drug.

In most cases, after three to four weeks of regular (even prescribed) use, a person will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug. To reduce the severity of withdrawal, most courses of treatment involving benzodiazepines are limited to no more than thirty-to-sixty-day increments. In instances of abuse and misuse, it is essential to seek comprehensive addiction treatment to ensure a safe and healthy detox from the effects and impacts of benzo use.

What to Do if You Have a Benzodiazepine Addiction

The use of benzodiazepines, when used as directed, typically does not result in dangerous or life-threatening effects. However, the process of detoxing and withdrawing from benzodiazepines can be dangerous, especially when one attempts to “self-detox” or detox “cold turkey.” If you are ready to detox from benzodiazepines, it is essential to do so in a controlled environment, under medical supervision. In a medically supervised detox setting, addiction treatment professionals and medical providers can ensure you can detox safely from benzodiazepines.

Depending on your needs, the team at Relevance Recovery will monitor your vitals continuously throughout the detox process and, in some cases, provide medications to help reduce the intensity and severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Undergoing the detox process in a controlled setting is not only beneficial to your health and safety but to your ongoing treatment process. Once the medically supervised detox is complete, you can transition directly to a therapeutic program designed to help you achieve and maintain ongoing sobriety.

Relevance Recovery Is Here to Help Set You Free From Addiction

If you are concerned about your dependence on or addiction to benzodiazepines, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. At Relevance Recovery, our highly trained team of treatment professionals will work with you to create a treatment plan uniquely designed to meet your treatment needs and goals. Let our experienced Freehold, New Jersey team help you take the first steps on your journey to freedom from benzo addiction.

Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers Near Me: Relevance Behavioral Health

Chronic alcohol abuse leads to significant physical and psychological health impacts. Addiction is not a disease to be taken lightly as it does not discriminate on any basis. It can, and often does, affect anyone at any time. Choosing to seek addiction treatment will be one of the most difficult decisions someone who struggles with an alcohol addiction will make. Stigma aside, many fears and concerns arise from deciding to begin your sobriety journey. The withdrawal and detox process is not often easy, and symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal specifically can sometimes be severe and even fatal. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you go through the detox and withdrawal process in a supported environment at an addiction treatment center like Relevance Behavioral Health.

Signs That Indicate The Need for Alcohol Rehabilitation

Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction is the first step towards seeking help and embarking on the path to recovery. While the symptoms may vary from person to person, some common indicators that suggest the need for alcohol rehabilitation include:

1. Increased tolerance: Needing more alcohol to achieve the desired effect or experiencing diminished effects with the same amount of alcohol.

2. Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical and psychological symptoms, such as tremors, anxiety, sweating, and irritability, when attempting to quit or cut back on drinking.

3. Loss of control: Being unable to limit or stop drinking, despite efforts to do so.

4. Neglected responsibilities: Prioritizing alcohol over personal and professional obligations, leading to deteriorating relationships and job performance.

5. Drinking to cope: Using alcohol as a way to deal with stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions.

6. Isolation: Withdrawing from social activities and hobbies once enjoyed in favor of drinking alone or with other heavy drinkers.

7. Continued use despite negative consequences: Persisting with alcohol consumption despite experiencing negative physical, mental, or social consequences.

If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, it may be time to consider seeking help from a professional alcohol rehabilitation center.

The Importance of Seeking Professional Help for an Alcohol Addiction

Quitting alcohol suddenly (sometimes called quitting “cold turkey”) and without comprehensive detox, support can be dangerous. To ensure the best opportunity for success in treatment and recovery, it is essential to receive proper medical and mental health care while detoxing from alcohol addiction. Addiction is a disease unique to the individual, and therefore, no two people will experience withdrawal in the same way. Specific factors that may contribute to your particular symptoms and the severity of those symptoms include the duration of your addiction, the severity of your addiction, and if you had gotten sober before and experienced a relapse.

While you are withdrawing from alcohol, your body and brain begin to adjust to the lack of alcohol in your system. As a result, body functions and systems that have been slowed due to the depressive actions of alcohol often become hyperactive or overactive. This can lead to potentially dangerous symptoms, including rapid heart rate, elevated body temperature, rapid breathing, sweating, etc. The most severe effects of alcohol withdrawal can include significant and potentially fatal symptoms such as delirium tremens (DT), shaking, headache, high blood pressure, seizures, hallucinations, nausea, and confusion. For these reasons, detoxing in an alcohol addiction treatment is essential to ensure a safe detox and a successful transition to therapy and recovery.

Factors to Consider When Searching for Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers

When searching for alcohol rehabilitation centers, it’s important to consider various factors to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Accreditations and certifications: Look for centers that are accredited and certified by reputable organizations. This ensures that they meet specific standards of care and adhere to ethical practices.

2. Treatment approach: Different centers may have different treatment approaches, such as 12-step programs, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or holistic therapies. Consider what aligns best with your personal beliefs and preferences.

3. Success rates: Inquire about the center’s success rates and ask for evidence or testimonials from past patients. A high success rate indicates that the center has a track record of helping individuals achieve long-term sobriety.

4. Location: Consider whether you prefer a center close to home or if you’re open to traveling for treatment. Both options have their advantages, so choose what feels most comfortable for you.

5. Cost and insurance coverage: Understand the financial implications of treatment and whether your insurance plan covers rehabilitation services. It’s essential to be aware of any out-of-pocket expenses and explore available financing options if necessary.

By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and find the alcohol rehabilitation center that best suits your needs and circumstances.

Treatment Programs and Therapies Offered By the Top Rehabilitation Centers

The top alcohol rehabilitation centers offer a wide range of treatment programs and therapies to address the complex nature of alcohol addiction. Here are some common programs and therapies you can expect to find:

1. Detoxification: The first step in the recovery process is detoxification, where the body is cleansed of alcohol and other harmful substances. Medical supervision and support are crucial during this stage to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe detoxification process.

2. Individual therapy: One-on-one therapy sessions with a qualified therapist provide a safe space to explore the underlying issues contributing to addiction. Therapists utilize various modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed therapy, to help individuals gain insight, develop coping strategies, and foster personal growth.

3. Group therapy: Group therapy sessions offer a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. It provides a sense of community, reduces feelings of isolation, and allows for shared learning and mutual support.

4. Family therapy: Alcohol addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. Family therapy helps mend broken relationships, improve communication, and educate family members about addiction and recovery. It plays a crucial role in creating a supportive and understanding family unit.

5. Holistic therapies: Many rehabilitation centers incorporate holistic therapies to promote overall well-being. These may include yoga, meditation, art therapy, music therapy, and equine-assisted therapy. Holistic therapies address the mind, body, and spirit, providing individuals with additional tools for self-discovery and stress management.

6. Aftercare programs: Successful recovery extends beyond the initial treatment phase. Aftercare programs, such as ongoing therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention planning, help individuals maintain sobriety and navigate the challenges of everyday life. These programs provide continued support and guidance, reducing the risk of relapse.

These are just a few examples of the treatment programs and therapies offered by the top rehabilitation centers. Each center may have its own unique combination of services, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.

How to Find Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers Near Me

Across the United States, there are many treatment options available for someone looking to get clean from alcohol. Because of the challenges often experienced during detox, defeating alcoholism should be done with the support and guidance of medical professionals in a facility with a team trained to treat and manage alcohol abuse and severe withdrawal symptoms. In many cases, attempting to self-treat or “cold-turkey” withdrawing from alcohol may cause more harm than good. Participating in a medically assisted detox program will provide you with the greatest opportunity for attaining long-term sobriety. At Relevance Behavioral Health, our skilled and compassionate treatment team will support and guide you through the entire treatment process, beginning with detox and continuing through comprehensive aftercare planning.

Why Choose Relevance Behavioral Health

At Relevance Behavioral Health, our addiction treatment staff understands the difficulties and challenges often experienced as you begin to detox from alcohol addiction. Our caring and compassionate staff will work with you to design a unique alcohol addiction treatment plan that addresses your physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Using a combination of traditional and alternative treatment models, our addiction treatment plans are designed to provide the most holistic experience possible. In our Freehold, New Jersey intensive outpatient addiction rehab, we are ready to help you begin your sobriety journey. The first step towards a life free of alcohol is choosing to seek addiction treatment. The next step is to reach out to the admissions team at Relevance Behavioral Health to learn more about how our intensive outpatient rehab in Freehold, New Jersey, can help you.

Spirituality and Addiction: How the Two are Related?

Spirituality is a difficult concept to define. The idea of spiritualism or being spiritual often means and feels differently for everyone. The most common definition of spirituality involves a connection to a higher power or something greater than we know ourselves to be. For some, this is defined as God, The Spirit, Universe, energy, etc. How you define being spiritual will likely be different than someone else, which makes pinpointing a clear definition of what it means to be spiritual complicated at best.

One thing is clear, however, and that is that addiction and spirituality are connected. There is a clear connection that is often visible between spirituality and addiction and recovery. When you are actively struggling with addiction, there is often a disconnect with what you deem spiritual. When you are working on your recovery, a form of spiritual practice is essential, and for many, a connection to spirit becomes a cornerstone of lasting sobriety.

Is Being Spiritual the Same Thing as Being Religious?

Spirituality and religion are often spoken of in the same breath; however, they are not one and the same. Though all religions emphasize spiritualism as part of faith, it is possible to be spiritual without being religious or a member of organized religion. There are several ways in which religion and spirituality differ. First, while religion and religious practice are organized with “rules,” spirituality is not. Spiritualism is more of an individual practice centered on your sense of peace and purpose. Also, you don’t have to practice both. One can be spiritual but not necessarily practice or subscribe to a chosen faith. Conversely, practicing a set of religious beliefs does not automatically make you spiritual.

Why Is Spirituality Incorporated into Addiction Recovery?

Depending on one individual belief system, treatment programs that incorporate a spiritual element may or may not be beneficial. A growing body of evidence indicates that spirituality can be a significant predictor of recovery and/or improvements in treatment outcomes. Also, focus groups have shown that incorporating voluntary spiritual discussion into treatment is desirable for many. The keyword is voluntary. Addiction affects everyone differently, and therefore, treatment must be designed to address each person’s unique needs. Where spiritual conversation and programming may help one person, they may not be beneficial or comfortable for another.

Spirituality has been a component of addiction treatment for many years in some form. Alcoholics Anonymous, founded in the 1930s, is founded on the premise that addiction is a disease that affects the whole person (mind, body, and soul). Founder Bill W. believed people who struggled with addiction (as he himself once did) that those afflicted by substance were not only physically and psychologically sick but also “spiritually sick.” Consequently, seeking support from a Higher Power, whether God as defined in a religious context or a God of their own choosing, has been part of AA’s 12-steps and many similar programs for decades.

All aspects of substance abuse treatment are highly personalized. Due to the very nature of addiction, they must be to ensure the highest possibility of success. Choosing to embrace spirituality and the path for incorporating spiritual options into addiction treatment is also unique to the person seeking help. Regardless of your religious beliefs (or lack thereof), there may be scientific evidence to indicate the ways acknowledging (spiritually) a higher power can support you on the path to recovery. Conversely, it may not, depending on your beliefs. These unique and individual differences related to spiritualism further underscore the necessity for individualized, target addiction recovery that focuses on the person, not the addiction. If you are ready to seek addiction treatment, reach out to Relevance Recovery today. Let our caring and compassionate treatment team work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your personalized needs and goals.

The Best Way to Stay Sober From Drugs and Alcohol

If you have decided to get sober, you have likely begun searching for the best addiction treatment center to help you realize your sobriety goals. While detox and comprehensive addiction treatment are the essential first step on your journey, it is important to know that the process doesn’t end after you successfully get sober. Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by instances of relapse. As many as 60% of those who complete an addiction treatment program or get sober “cold turkey” will experience at least one instance of relapse during recovery. While these statistics indicate what traditionally occurs, they do not mean relapse is inevitable for everyone.

How to Stay Sober From Drugs and Alcohol

Staying sober is a journey, not a destination. It is a process that requires ongoing effort and commitment. Although the process may seem overwhelming, attaining and maintaining lasting sobriety is an achievable goal. Below are a few things you can do to stay sober from drugs and alcohol.

Complete an Addiction Treatment Program

Completing an addiction treatment program is one of the best ways to get and stay sober. Although many people try to quit drugs or alcohol independently (otherwise known as quitting “cold turkey”), and some succeed, quitting without support increases your chances for relapse. In some cases, trying to reduce or stop using your substance of choice will result in intense withdrawal symptoms. Similarly, the severity of your addiction contributes to difficult detox and withdrawal. At an addiction treatment program, you will have access to services such as medically assisted detox, comprehensive addiction therapy, and ongoing support while you begin your sobriety journey. The benefits and education provided during an addiction treatment program can provide the tools needed to stay sober.

Join a 12-Step Support Group

12-step support groups as part of recovery and aftercare can be vital tools of ongoing support. Traditional 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or one of several other programs that have risen out of inspiration provided by AA provide you with an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals who share or have shared similar struggles. At weekly meetings, other group members who may be at different stages of recovery can and will serve as mentors and supportive peers.

Continue Individual Therapy

Therapy doesn’t not have to end upon the completion of an addiction treatment program. On the contrary, continuing individual therapy sessions with your mental health professional can help you continue to explore difficulties or bumps in the road you may experience during recovery. During ongoing therapy, you can continue to learn new coping mechanisms for triggers and develop a deeper understanding of how certain situations and environments further addictive behaviors.

Benefits of Relevance Recovery’s Aftercare Program

The aftercare program at Relevance Recovery ensures you have access to an all-encompassing accountability program to help you stay on track during recovery. Participation in the aftercare program ensures you have access to a strong sober community and provides opportunities to participate in activities that can help you maintain a positive outlook on your recovery journey. On your own, recovery can be challenging. But, with a robust aftercare program, you are surrounded by a healthy support system to help you get through challenging times and difficult moments. Our aftercare program also offers monthly mixers, retreats, scholarship opportunities, training options, career development, and various other sober social activities.

If you are ready to begin the journey to sobriety, don’t wait another day. Reach out to the team at Relevance Recovery today to learn more about how our addiction treatment program and comprehensive aftercare program can help you stay sober from drugs and alcohol.

What Is Suboxone Used to Treat?

Depending on one’s unique addiction treatment needs and goals, medication-assisted treatment may help treat substance use disorders, prevent overdose and sustain ongoing recovery. Medication-assisted treatment uses medications such as suboxone in combination with counseling to provide a comprehensive, holistic treatment approach to addiction treatment. Research shows a combination of medication and therapy can enhance the likelihood of treatment success in some cases. The ultimate goal of medication-assisted therapy is to help those struggling with addiction (specifically opioid addiction) to attain full recovery.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is the brand name for a prescription medication used in the treatment of opioid addiction. It has two ingredients: buprenorphine (an opioid) and the medication naloxone. When combined, these two ingredients help to reduce cravings for addictive opioids, including heroin, codeine, oxycodone, and fentanyl.

It may seem strange to use an opioid-containing medication to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is an opioid that is more potent than morphine; however, its actions as an opioid agonist make it effective in addiction treatment. In the brain, it acts as a partial opioid agonist, which means it helps keep other opioids from affecting the brain by binding to the opioid receptors in the nervous system. This action helps provide a way for patients to wean themselves off opioids while reducing the effects of opioid withdrawal. While buprenorphine is unlikely to cause the intense sedation and euphoric effects seen with other opioid drugs, it helps to satisfy cravings and suppress withdrawal symptoms.

Naloxone is a medication used in medical settings to reverse the symptoms of an opioid overdose. It also works as a total opioid agonist by blocking and reversing the effects of opioid drugs on the nervous system. Naloxone is included as an ingredient in suboxone to prevent people from overdosing on buprenorphine. It also helps to minimize the risk of relapse by preventing the addictive and euphoric sensations many experience when they use opioids.

In the United States, suboxone is classified as a schedule III-controlled substance, which means it is a drug with medical value and benefit and a moderate risk for addiction. Because of this, only doctors who receive certification for the Department of Health and Human Services can prescribe suboxone to their patients.

Is Suboxone Safe?

When appropriately used, suboxone is safe in most situations. As with any prescription medication, there are circumstances and conditions unique to the individual for which suboxone use would be contraindicated even in the addiction treatment setting. Long-term suboxone use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, so medical supervision is suggested. In addition to being safe, suboxone has been proven effective as a treatment for opioid addiction.

A 2014 study found that suboxone was more effective than methadone in terms of reducing opioid drug use. However, there is some question regarding whether suboxone is equally as effective at keeping people in their treatment program. There are side effects and risks associated with suboxone use, and therefore their use should be discussed with your primary care provider, and any pre-existing medical conditions should be evaluated before beginning any course of medication.

How Is Suboxone Used in Addiction Treatment?

As part of an evidence-based addiction treatment program, suboxone is used to reverse the effects of fast-acting opioids, including heroin and prescription painkillers. Suboxone can also be used during the initial treatment process and in the early stages of recovery to help manage withdrawal symptoms that accompany quitting opioids. When taken correctly, most people who take suboxone as part of a treatment program will not experience cravings or withdrawal. These are benefits to the drug that make it so useful as an element of the treatment process.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, medication-assisted therapy using suboxone may be helpful as a part of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan. It is essential to find a comprehensive treatment program like Relevance Recovery to ensure medication-assisted therapy is appropriately combined with therapy and ongoing support. Only as part of a holistic program will medication-assisted therapy provide the most substantial opportunities for treatment success. If you are ready to begin your journey towards freedom from opioids and would like to learn more about medication-assisted therapy with suboxone, contact Relevance Recovery today.

How Medical Marijuana Treats Opiate Addiction?

For many years there has been significant debate surrounding the potential medicinal qualities of marijuana. Specific components of marijuana, specifically THC, have proven medical benefits when used in treating several acute and chronic conditions. To date, the Federal Food and Drug Administration has approved several THC based medications which are used to treat symptoms related to cancer and AIDS treatment. THC and another component of marijuana, CBD, are commonly used in medicines for treating chronic pain treatment and childhood epilepsy.

Marijuana has been a proven, successful treatment for several conditions over the last decade. Today, marijuana is being looked at, and in some cases, used as a treatment for opioid addiction. However, many questions remain regarding its success in limiting opioid addiction and overdose death.

What Is Medical Marijuana?

By definition, medical marijuana (or medical cannabis) is cannabis and cannabinoids prescribed by physicians for patients struggling with the symptoms of specific illnesses. Due to previous legislation having made cannabis illegal across the nation, there is a minimal amount of research proving or disproving the efficacy of cannabis as a medical treatment. However, it has been used for many years to reduce symptoms related to glaucoma, nausea, and pain induced by chemotherapy and various other conditions, including chronic pain management and neurological disorders.

How Is Medical Marijuana Used to Treat Opioid Addiction?

Despite ongoing pushes to legalize marijuana across the nation, medical marijuana remains a highly controversial medical treatment. Opioid addiction is one of the newest medical conditions for which medical marijuana is an up-and-coming treatment. Although the idea of using a drug (that is still illegal in over half of the United States) to treat an addiction to another illegal drug may seem counterintuitive, marijuana has shown promise in helping individuals addicted to opioids safely wean off them.

Detoxing and withdrawing from opioids can be very difficult and, in some cases, dangerous. While often legally prescribed, opioids can be highly addictive, and once a legal prescription runs out, some find themselves searching for other means to obtain them. Addiction to opioids can happen after just a.few doses. With continued use and abuse, tolerance to opioids increases resulting in the need to use more and more to obtain the same “high.” This increasing use pattern significantly increases the risk of overdose.

The goal of opioid addiction treatment is always abstinence; however, total abstinence is not always immediately possible. Consequently, addiction treatment centers provide several options to withdraw and detox from opioids at a rate that makes patients as comfortable as possible. Medical marijuana may be a viable option. Marijuana contains cannabinoids (chemicals), including THC, which result in mind-altering effects when used. The two primary chemicals in marijuana, THC, and CBD, provide similar effects as opioids when used to treat chronic medical conditions. Marijuana, if used as an alternative treatment for conditions in which opioids are traditionally prescribed, could begin to turn the tide of opioid addiction. If used in a treatment setting, opioids can help with harm reduction while helping opioid addicted people wean off opioids. It is essential to note that marijuana is not meant to be a cure for addiction, yet a means of assisting with symptom reduction.

Relevance Recovery Is Actively Fighting Opioid Addiction

There is no cookie-cutter treatment for opioid addiction. Medical marijuana is currently an option that may show promise when used in conjunction with existing evidence-based therapies such as behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, addiction education, dual-diagnosis care, and other medically assisted detox methods. Any treatment model used to manage opioid addiction should be used in conjunction with a robust therapeutic treatment program and aftercare planning. Opioids have a significant impact on mood and behaviors, and thought processes, as well as effects on your physical health. All of these combine to make withdrawal challenging and increase the chances of relapse. If you are struggling with opioid addiction and are ready to seek help, contact us at Relevance Behavioral Health today. Let our experienced addiction treatment staff help you start on the path to recovery.

New Jersey Heroin Treatment: An Overview

In the late ’90s, the medical community struggled to find a means for treating chronic and acute pain without utilizing existing drugs that were considered addictive. During this time, pharmaceutical companies presented medical providers with opioid pain medications, reassuring them that patients would not become addicted while using them. Consequently, prescriptions for opioid pain medications rose at significant rates leading to widespread misuse as it became clear these medications were indeed highly addictive. In 2017 alone, nearly 50,000 Americans died due to opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illegally manufactured fentanyl. As the medical and legal communities began to focus on reducing the amount of opioids medications “on the street,” those struggling with addiction began to turn to illegal drugs such as heroin to obtain the same high.

The Devastating Truth About Heroin Addiction

Prescription opioids such as OxyContin and Vicodin have similar effects on the body to heroin. Consequently, when those addicted to prescription drugs have difficulty obtaining their drug of choice, they often turn to heroin as a substitute. Research has shown about 6% of those who misuse prescription drugs eventually switch to heroin, and as many as 80% of those who currently struggle with a heroin addiction first misused prescription opioids.

Heroin is a highly addictive drug. When you use heroin frequently, it is easy to develop a tolerance leading to needing to ingest higher or more frequent doses to achieve the same “high.” The need to use more often leads to overdose if one does not seek addiction treatment

and medically assisted detox. In 2018, approximately 15,000 people died from a drug overdose involving heroin in the United States. Although overdose rates slowly declined between 2017 and today, nearly one-third of all overdose deaths still involve heroin.

Heroin Treatment in New Jersey Explained

Although choosing to seek addiction treatment can be difficult, it is essential to detox from heroin in a safe environment. Heroin and other opioids can produce intense and sometimes life-threatening side effects when you stop using. For this reason, it is highly recommended you seek an addiction treatment center that offers medically assisted detox to help you defeat a heroin addiction. Treatment for heroin addiction often includes various forms of treatment, including medications and behavioral therapies.

Medications are generally used early on (during detox) to help ease withdrawal symptoms and make the detox process safer and more manageable. There are also certain medications that can be used during and after detox to help reduce cravings by blocking the receptors in the brain heroin typically binds to. This helps to prevent the drug from having the same effect.

It is important to remember that detox is only the first step in heroin treatment in New Jersey. Once detox is complete, it is essential to participate in addiction treatment therapy to help modify drug-seeking behaviors. Various behavioral therapies are used during treatment to teach effective coping skills that can be used after treatment ends.

How to Get Help with A Heroin Addiction

There are many heroin addiction treatment options available. The first and most essential step is to determine your specific treatment needs. For example, do you have a co-occurring mental health condition or addiction? It is important to consider those needs when choosing an addiction treatment center. If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can contact your primary care provider for a referral or look to one of the many online resources designed to help educate you about addiction treatment. Finally, you can also directly contact an addiction treatment center like Relevance Recovery in New Jersey to talk to an admissions counselor and ask any questions you may have about heroin addiction treatment. It is possible to achieve sobriety after a heroin addiction. Let our caring and compassionate staff at Relevance Recovery help you reach that goal.

Why Go to a PHP in New Jersey?

When considering addiction treatment, there are many different options to choose from. It can quickly become challenging to narrow down all of the possible alternatives to find the one that best suits your unique needs. Although the level of service provided at an inpatient addiction treatment program is highly beneficial, it may not be necessary for everyone. In some cases, a partial hospitalization program may provide effective addiction treatment in a setting that does not require you to stay on-site at the facility.

What Is A PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) In Addiction Treatment?

Partial hospitalization programs or PHPs provide you the opportunity to receive comprehensive addiction treatment without requiring time away from home at an inpatient facility. Many partial hospitalization programs offer addiction therapy options similar to those found in an inpatient setting. Some of the most common programs include behavioral therapies, individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, and alternative therapies such as music or art therapy.

The primary difference between an inpatient addiction treatment program and a partial hospitalization program is that inpatient programs require an overnight stay. Inpatient programs provide care on a 24/7 basis, ensuring care is available anytime it may be needed. During your stay at an inpatient program, you will receive meals, medical care, housing, and various other benefits typically not available as part of a partial hospitalization program. However, these added features also contribute to a higher cost of treatment. Most inpatient programs last a minimum of thirty days, with some lasting as long as six months, depending on your individual treatment needs.

At a partial hospitalization program, you can receive similar intensive addiction treatment while remaining at home with family and loved ones throughout the duration of your program. Partial hospitalization programs are typically more demanding than other outpatient programs as they require more sessions per week. Most partial hospitalization programs are similar in intensity to residential or inpatient programs. The number of weekly sessions and the duration of each session will depend on your specific treatment needs.

Who Would Benefit from Going to A PHP In New Jersey?

Partial hospitalization programs are an excellent option for you if you have recently completed an inpatient program but do not feel “stable” yet without ongoing support. These programs can help you through the transition from a residential program back to your daily routine. Partial hospitalization programs in New Jersey are also suggested if you need detox services or your current family or employment situation does not allow for you to be away from home for an extended time.

It is essential to remember that addiction treatment is an ongoing process. Once detox is complete, continued therapy will be required for quite some time before you successfully achieve sobriety and lasting recovery. To achieve a full recovery, it is essential to receive both medical and psychological support throughout all addiction treatment stages. Many partial hospitalization programs ensure you have access to exercise and nutrition programs in addition to traditional therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), group activities, and holistic treatments. The specific services offered will depend on the program; therefore, if a particular alternative treatment or a specific type of therapy is of interest to you, it is important to contact the facility to determine if those programs are offered.

Relevance Behavioral Health Is Here for You

At Relevance Behavioral Health, we understand the challenges and difficulties you may face when deciding to seek addiction treatment. With so many different treatment options available, it can be challenging to determine what level of care will best suit your treatment needs. If you are ready to seek addiction treatment in New Jersey and wonder whether a partial hospitalization program might be right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Relevance Behavioral Health in Freehold, NJ. Let us answer any questions you may have about our services and our programs so we can help get you started on the path to sobriety and a life free of substance use.