Where can I find help for dual diagnosis?

Help for dual diagnosis can be found at specialized treatment centers that offer integrated care for mental health and substance use disorders. It's important to look for programs that specifically mention dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment. Healthcare providers, mental health professionals, or local health departments can also provide referrals to suitable programs.

Is it common for individuals with dual diagnosis to relapse?

Relapse can be a part of the recovery process for some individuals with dual diagnosis, given the complex nature of these conditions. However, integrated treatment plans are designed to reduce the likelihood of relapse by addressing the root causes of both disorders and equipping individuals with strategies to manage triggers and cravings.

How can families support a loved one with dual diagnosis?

Families can support a loved one by encouraging them to seek and continue treatment, offering emotional support, educating themselves about dual diagnosis, and possibly participating in family therapy sessions. It's also important for families to set healthy boundaries and seek support for themselves through resources like support groups.

Are there any specific medications used in treating dual diagnosis?

Yes, specific medications may be used to treat the mental health aspect of dual diagnosis, such as atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia or mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder. The choice of medication depends on the individual's specific mental health condition and substance use issues. Medications may also be used to manage withdrawal symptoms or cravings associated with substance use disorder.

What are the challenges in treating dual diagnosis?

Treating dual diagnosis presents several challenges, including the complexity of diagnosing and managing two co-occurring disorders, overcoming stigma, ensuring access to integrated treatment programs, and addressing the individual's holistic needs, including emotional and socioeconomic factors.

How does inpatient treatment benefit individuals with dual diagnosis?

Inpatient treatment offers a structured and supportive environment that is crucial for individuals with dual diagnosis. This setting provides constant care, removes individuals from potentially triggering environments, and allows for the intensive treatment needed to address both disorders simultaneously. It also facilitates the development of coping strategies and life skills essential for long-term recovery.

Can dual diagnosis be cured?

While “cure” may not be the term used in the context of dual diagnosis, effective management and recovery are possible. With appropriate integrated treatment, individuals can achieve significant improvement in both their mental health and substance use issues, leading to a better quality of life.

What does integrated treatment for dual diagnosis involve?

Integrated treatment for dual diagnosis typically involves a combination of pharmacotherapy (medication), psychosocial treatments (like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group counseling), and personalized care plans that are tailored to the individual's specific needs. This approach may also include support for related issues, such as housing, employment, and relationship counseling.

Why is integrated treatment recommended for dual diagnosis?

Integrated treatment is recommended because it addresses both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder together, rather than treating them separately. Research has shown that this approach leads to better outcomes, as it tackles the complex interplay between the disorders, offering a more comprehensive and effective form of care.

What is dual diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder in an individual. It means that someone is struggling with both mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia, and substance abuse, such as alcohol or drug addiction, simultaneously.

WHAT SERVICES ARE INCLUDED IN MY HOSPITAL BILL?

If you are viewing estimates provided on this website, the pricing includes estimated room and board, supplies, nursing care, equipment use, nutritional services, and any services handled by the staff of the hospital within the walls of the hospital. It does not include services from outside providers such as lab or doctors fees.

WHAT IS PRICING TRANSPARENCY?

“Pricing Transparency” is the term used to describe initiatives in the healthcare industry to provide meaningful pricing information to consumers. The healthcare industry is often complex and difficult for consumers to navigate. Price transparency is a means of providing consumers price information on common services. Our hospital is committed to presenting pricing information on its website in a way that will be easy for the consumer to access and understand, as well as providing other useful information about financial assistance available, definitions of key terminology, and key financial policies.

Are There Any Anxiety Medications Safe with Alcohol?

It is generally not safe to mix alcohol with anxiety medications. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of side effects. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on this matter.

Can Alcohol Cause Anxiety Disorders?

While alcohol itself may not directly cause anxiety disorders, its misuse can lead to the development or exacerbation of anxiety symptoms. Those with pre-existing anxiety may find their condition worsens with alcohol use.

How Do I Stop Anxiety after Drinking Alcohol?

To manage anxiety after drinking, it's important to reduce or stop alcohol consumption, practice healthy coping skills, and seek professional treatment if needed, especially for those with a co-occurring disorder.

Is Hangxiety a Real Thing?

Yes, “hangxiety” is a real phenomenon. It's a colloquial term combining “hangover” and “anxiety,” describing the feelings of anxiety and panic experienced during a hangover, often due to depleted GABA levels in the brain.

Does Alcohol Cause Anxiety?

Long-term alcohol use can lead to worsening anxiety. For instance, the experience of “hangxiety” after heavy drinking exemplifies how alcohol can induce anxiety-like symptoms.

Does Alcohol Make Anxiety Worse?

Yes, alcohol can worsen anxiety. Over time, dependence on alcohol to relax can lead to an increased risk of developing alcoholism. Furthermore, reliance on alcohol for managing anxiety can amplify anxiety symptoms when sober, potentially leading to co-occurring disorders.

Does Alcohol Reduce Anxiety?

While alcohol initially reduces stress and makes one feel at ease, it's only a short-term effect. In the long term, it does not effectively reduce anxiety and can actually exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Does Alcohol Help Anxiety?

Temporarily, alcohol can create feelings of relaxation and sociability due to its depressant effects on the central nervous system. However, it's not a reliable or healthy method for managing anxiety.

Do Track Marks Go Away?

Some track marks can heal and become barely noticeable, while others, particularly in areas of thin skin or repeated puncture, may lead to irreversible skin and vein damage, resulting in permanent scars or marks.

How to Get Rid of Track Marks?

Healing from track marks involves stopping IV drug use and adopting practices like using clean needles, maintaining wound cleanliness, wearing compression socks, and improving circulation through exercise. Medical evaluation and potentially plastic or vascular surgery can also reduce the appearance of damaged veins.

Are There Dangers of Intravenous Drug Use?

Beyond track marks, IV drug use poses significant health risks, including vein damage, infections, collapsed veins, bloodstream infections affecting major organs, and skin infections like abscesses.

How Long Do Track Marks Last?

The duration of track marks varies. Some may heal and leave minimal scarring, but others, especially in areas with thin skin like hands and feet, can cause permanent visible marks and scar tissue.

Where Can Track Marks Appear?

Commonly found on the forearms, track marks can appear anywhere on the body. IV drug users often use non-dominant arms for injection, but they may also use other areas like hands, feet, neck, and groin, especially when trying to conceal their drug use.

What Do Track Marks Look Like?

Fresh track marks appear as unhealed puncture wounds. Over time and with repeated use, they can darken the skin's pigmentation and may also present as bruising, scarring, lesions, and visible vein damage.

What Are Track Marks?

Track marks are the visible signs on the skin resulting from intravenous (IV) drug use. They appear as scars or pinpoint spots, usually due to repeated injections in the same area, causing skin and vein damage.

What does Tusi Lavada mean?

“Tusi lavada” refers to a specific form or variant of the drug tusi, which is the colloquial name for pink cocaine. The term “lavada” in Spanish translates to “washed” in English. In the context of drug terminology, this could imply that the tusi has been processed or purified in some way. However, the exact meaning can vary depending on the local context and the specifics of how the drug is prepared or marketed. It's important to be cautious with such terms, as they can reflect regional slang or specific methods used in the illicit drug trade, and their meanings can differ significantly. Additionally, the composition and safety of such substances are highly unpredictable, contributing to their danger.

“Tusi” or “tuci” is a local term used to refer to pink cocaine, particularly in Colombia. It is a synthetic drug known scientifically as 2C-B. Unlike traditional cocaine, tusi is not derived from the coca plant but is instead a laboratory-made substance. This drug is a combination of pink food coloring, strawberry flavoring, ketamine, caffeine, and MDMA, and its effects are more akin to ecstasy rather than cocaine. Developed in the 1970s by chemist Alexander Shulgin, tusi was initially created for treating erectile dysfunction and boosting libido. However, it was later classified as a Schedule I Controlled substance and taken off the market due to its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. In the club scene, especially among younger adults, tusi is known for its party-enhancing effects.

What is Pink Cocaine?

Pink cocaine, despite its name, is not a type of cocaine. It is a synthetic drug, classified as phenylethylamine 2C-B, which includes a combination of pink food coloring, strawberry flavoring, ketamine, caffeine, and MDMA. This composition means that its effects more closely resemble those of ecstasy, rather than traditional cocaine. Originally developed in the 1970s by chemist Alexander Shulgin, it was intended for treating erectile dysfunction and enhancing libido, and was sold under names like Performax or Erox until its reclassification as a Schedule I Controlled substance in the United States in 1995. Pink cocaine is popular among teens and young adults in the club scene, and its use can lead to a range of side effects, including hallucinations, euphoria, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, seizures and respiratory depression.

What are Valium overdose symptoms?

Symptoms of a Valium overdose include severe drowsiness, confusion, limp muscles, and slow reflexes. In more serious cases, a person might have trouble breathing, become unconscious, or fall into a coma. If you think someone has overdosed on Valium, it's important to get medical help right away because it can be life-threatening.

What is the Valium antidote?

The antidote for a Valium overdose is a drug called flumazenil. It can quickly reverse the effects of Valium by blocking it from working on the brain. This antidote is usually given in a hospital setting where healthcare providers can closely monitor the patient because it can also cause withdrawal symptoms in people who are dependent on Valium.

How Much Valium Is Too Much?

The amount of Valium that is too much will vary from person to person. Factors like your age, weight, overall health, and whether you've taken it before all play a role. Generally, doctors will prescribe the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of overdose. Taking more Valium than prescribed, or mixing it with other substances like alcohol, can quickly become dangerous.

Is Valium a Narcotic?

Valium is not considered a narcotic. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain and dull the senses, and are often opioids like morphine or hydrocodone. Valium, however, is a benzodiazepine and is used mainly to treat anxiety and muscle spasms by calming the nervous system. While not a narcotic, Valium is still a controlled substance because it has the potential for abuse and dependence.

What are benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that helps to relax the nervous system. They are often used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia because they can calm the brain and help with sleep. Common benzodiazepines include drugs like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. They are effective but need to be used carefully because they can cause dependence and withdrawal if used long-term.

Valium is a medication known by the generic name diazepam. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines and is used to treat conditions like anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Valium works by calming the brain and nerves, and it is also used to help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Can you overdose on Valium?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Valium. Taking more than the recommended dose, or using it in ways not prescribed by a doctor, can lead to serious health problems. An overdose can slow down your breathing, cause confusion, make you feel sleepy or even fall into a coma. It's important to always take Valium exactly as prescribed to avoid these risks.

Percocet Addiction: Recognizing the Signs • The Willough at Naples

Percocet addiction is one of the many contributors to the opioid epidemic in the United States. Percocet is one of the most commonly prescribed opioids for pain management and also one of the most abused. Despite its popular usage for post-surgery pain and to manage some health conditions, protocols to prevent Percocet addiction continue to be lacking. As a result, many children and adults take this medication without understanding the full scope of danger that comes with Percocet misuse.

Below, you can learn about the signs of Percocet addiction and how professional treatment can help you recover from Percocet dependence.

Table of Contents

How Prescription Opioid Addiction Starts

The opioid epidemic isn’t just the result of fentanyl and heroin usage. Prescription opioids, including Percocet, are also responsible for the increase in people with an opioid addiction. Similarly to other types of opioids, Percocet addiction doesn’t happen overnight. However, it doesn’t take long to become dependent on it once you have gotten used to the effects.

One of the reasons Percocet is so dangerous is because many individuals who take it don’t understand it can be dangerous. It’s made up of two well-known pain medications: oxycodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in Tylenol used to reduce fevers and mild pain. On the other hand, oxycodone relieves more intense pain and is classified as an analgesic opioid medication. This means that it’s habit-forming and can lead to addiction if misused.

A prescription for Percocet may sound harmless because it’s a commonly prescribed pain killer and because of its association with Tylenol. However, the inclusion of oxycodone is what makes this particular medication potentially dangerous. Many individuals who develop Percocet addiction use it for recovery purposes but find themselves seeking out the effects of the medication after it’s medically necessary to continue using it.

How Common Is Percocet Addiction?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established an opioid prescribing guideline to help clinicians and patients receive informed care when opioids are required to manage chronic or severe pain. However, many primary care providers have reported insufficient training in prescribing opioids, which correlates to a reported 9.3 million people, including children, who misused prescription opioids in 2020.

And this concerning trend shows no signs of stopping. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription opioid-related deaths have increased since 2020. The limited knowledge given to patients combined with the presence of oxycodone in the medication is a major contributor to Percocet addiction and overdose deaths associated with prescription opioids.

In addition to the common abuse of prescribed opioids in the United States, women are more likely to develop issues like Percocet addiction as a result of pain, trauma, and visiting the hospital more frequently than men. This factor isn’t necessarily taken into consideration when patients receive their prescriptions, potentially putting them at risk.

Causes and Risk Factors

Knowing the statistics and identifying risk factors of Percocet addiction is essential for getting help for yourself or any family members who are struggling. Some of the causes and risk factors include:

Personal history of mental illness and/or substance abuse
Family history of mental illness and/or substance abuse
Being prescribed or having access to Percocet
Taking more than the recommended dosage or taking it longer than necessary

Although the best way to prevent a Percocet addiction is to use alternative treatment methods, pain management is a complex issue that includes a variety of factors. In many cases, there are no better alternatives from what has been considered. Additionally, this preventative measure doesn’t help someone already seeking addiction treatment.

Symptoms of Percocet Addiction

When your Percocet addiction started, you may not have been aware of the dangers involved in taking Percocet long-term. But if you’re taking any kind of opioid painkiller, it’s important to know the signs of opioid addiction. Percocet addiction is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can be experienced when addicted to other substances.

These signs and symptoms can indicate that someone needs professional help, even if they don’t realize it. Symptoms of Percocet addiction include:

Physical Symptoms of Percocet Addiction

Headaches
Sweating
Sleep problems
Balance issues
Fatigue and lethargy
Slowed heart rate
Shallow breathing
Weight loss
Withdrawal symptoms

Behavioral Symptoms of Percocet Addiction

Trying to steal Percocet
Borrowing or stealing money to buy Percocet
Taking higher doses than prescribed
Taking Percocet longer than prescribed
Inability to control usage

Mental Symptoms of Percocet Addiction

Trouble making decisions
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Mood swings
Anger and irritability
Anxiety
Depression

Effects of Percocet Addiction

In addition to the symptoms that come with having a Percocet addiction, there are a variety of ways the effects of Percocet addiction can alter other aspects of your life. If you feel like your use of Percocet is impacting your mental health, relationships, and ability to maintain your responsibilities, it’s time to get help. Not only can treatment help you work past your addiction, but it can also give you the tools necessary to rebuild your life through recovery.

Some of the effects of Percocet addiction include:

Suicidal ideation
Strained relationships
Unemployment
Financial problems
Mental health problems
Kidney and liver damage
Respiratory problems

Treatment Methods for Percocet Addiction

Since Percocet is so addictive, you can become physically and psychologically dependent on it within a few days. This also leads to heightened tolerance levels that can increase your risk of experiencing withdrawal and overdose symptoms.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, which is why undergoing a medically supervised drug detox is strongly recommended when starting recovery for Percocet addiction. Although symptoms vary from person to person, the most common Percocet withdrawal symptoms include:

Runny nose
Dilated pupils
Hot flashes
Abdominal cramping
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Sleep disturbances
Dysphoria
Twitches and tremors

The effects of Percocet withdrawal can be painful and dangerous when detoxing. For this reason, undergoing the process with supervision from medical and mental health professionals can help you navigate the process safely. At The Willough at Naples, you receive 24/7 monitoring that puts your mental and physical well-being at the forefront of your recovery.

After completing detox, the next step focuses on the mental and emotional phase of addiction recovery. The long-term usage of Percocet can lead to the development of or worsen pre-existing mental health disorder symptoms. As a result, these symptoms make it more difficult to end the addiction and recover. Fortunately, a comprehensive dual diagnosis program can address the symptoms of your co-occurring disorders to prevent relapse and help you manage symptoms of both disorders in the future.

This type of program uses evidence-based treatments such as individual therapy, support groups, family therapy, relapse prevention, and more to help you stay sober long-term.

Florida Opioid Addiction Treatment

If you’re struggling to fight against Percocet addiction and need a helping hand, The Willough at Naples is here to guide you. Our behavioral health center treats those seeking addiction and mental health services. Located in Naples, Florida, we can provide you with evidence-based addiction treatment in a safe and supportive environment.

Addiction recovery is considered a lifelong journey but it’s possible with the right help. Call us today at 800-722-0100 or submit a contact form online. We’re here to help you safely start your recovery from Percocet addiction.

Percocet Addiction: Recognizing the Signs