Redondo Beach Sober Living
According to the California Health Care Almanac, marijuana was the commonly used illicit drug among all age groups from 2015 to 2016. Young adults, aged 18 to 25 years old, had the highest rate of usage, with 34% . About 7% of young adults have used cocaine in the past year. Heroin use in all age groups was less than 1%. In 2017, about 1,335 of the 1,882 deaths were attributed to prescription opioid overdose. From 2016-17, there was an increasing trend in deaths by more than 50% due to fentanyl overdose.
With this data, addiction should be recognized as a disease so proper treatment can be given to reduce the number of deaths recorded. Particular concern should be given to prescription opioids which many residents are overusing even if they are no longer in pain.
Drugs
Drugs like marijuana and heroin can activate the neurons in the brain. These drugs mimic the natural neurotransmitter in the body. When recognized by receptors in the brain, abnormal messages are being sent through the network of neurons. Amphetamine or cocaine can amplify the communication between neurons by releasing abnormally high amounts of natural neurotransmitters. On the other hand, opioids can affect the brain stem. This part of the brain controls critical daily functions of the body like heart rate, breathing and sleeping. So, in high doses, this drug causes depressed breathing and even death.
Negative Effect of Drugs
Addiction to drugs negatively affects the normal wiring of the brain by hijacking its pleasure/reward circuit. Addiction happens when one cannot stop craving for it, losses control over its use and continuously uses it for a long period of time, interfering with activities that the person usually enjoys doing.
The brain is wired to repeat an activity that provides pleasure. This is due to the neurotransmitter dopamine. The brain tries to remember that activity that caused a burst in the dopamine release. The release of this neurotransmitter leads to the activation of the pleasure/reward circuit of the part of the brain. High surges of the dopamine teach the brain to seek more of the drugs while forgetting other aspects of a person’s life. If he tries to stop using it, the emotional danger-sensing circuits of the brain go into an overdrive. He may feel anxious and stressed out at the lack of supply of drugs in the body. He then has the tendency to overdose it to activate the pleasurable feeling once again.
Once the drug has negatively affected the brain, physical symptoms can be felt by the person. These include rapid heartbeat, paranoia, hallucinations and other sensations. Cognitive impairment also takes place in the form of the inability to make sound judgment/decisions, poor memory and learning skills.
Possible Treatment Options
There are different treatment options for drug addiction. These include behavioral counseling, medication, evaluation for co-occurring mental disorder and long-term follow-up for relapse management. For opioids, a medically-assisted therapy (MAT) is recommended. Opioid withdrawal symptoms are handled with an alternative medication. Medication with the help of counseling can lead to a considerable recovery. There are underlying issues for addiction to occur which can be addressed with counseling. Attaining sobriety is a lifelong journey. So, a relapse prevention plan should always be in place.
In treating drug addiction, the first step is through a medically-assisted form of detoxification. This is to prevent any life-threatening symptoms that may occur during withdrawal. Once the person is already in the initial stage of recovery, the person has to stay in a facility.
At Nonno Recovery California Sober Living in Redondo Beach,we believe that sober living recovery thrives on a sense of structure, especially during the initial stages of sobriety. Guests will be breathalyzed daily and randomly drug tested 3-5 times per week. Nightly curfews and check-ins are required to help build accountability. Throughout a client’s recovery, we provide family members with weekly updates. Attaining sobriety can lead to rebuilding relationships with family members.
In Redondo Beach, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for the 12-step program are being held. We foster a sense of belonging within a sober community. Clients are provided with a safe, communal environment. This is with the hope that they can reintegrate themselves to their community.
Visit Nonno Recovery California Sober Living at 2716 Vanderbilt Ln, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 or call 310-807-1550 for more details.