Tag Archives: drug detox in Alberta

Calgary, Alberta : How To Help A Loved One Suffering From Substance Abuse And Mental Health Problems – Options Okanagan

How to help a loved one suffering from substance abuse and mental health problems in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating opiate and other drug addictions and recovery.

When somebody you know suffers from both a substance abuse as well as an issue with mental health such as bipolar disorder, anxiety or depression, it is referred to as dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder. It is not an easy task to cope up with substance abuse, drug addiction or alcoholism, and these problems are even made more difficult with the presence of mental health issues, but there are available treatments that can help. By using the right treatment, self-help strategies and support system, a patient can overcome a co-occurring disorder and regain control over his or her life.

Opiate addiction and Drug and Alcohol abuse and addiction in Kelowna

Helping someone with dual diagnosis can prove to be a roller coaster ride. It is not uncommon for the person to build resistance to treatment and the recovery periods can take a long time.

The most effective way to help your loved one is to acknowledge that there are things you simply cannot do. Forcing someone to stay sober or making someone take their medication on time isn’t the best way to do things. Your best course of action is to make positive choices in your life, encourage the patient to seek help, and provide all the support you can while ensuring you do not lose yourself in doing so.

People Living with Opiate Drug and Alcohol addiction in Kelowna

1. Get support. It can be very painful to deal with a loved one’s co-occurring disorders of mental illness and substance abuse. It is important to make sure that you have emotional support to enable you to cope with all the stress and negative emotions this ordeal may bring. Share what you’re going through with someone you completely trust. It’s also recommended to get a therapy or join a support group.

2. Set limits. Be realistic when it comes to the amount of care you are able and willing to provide without feeling beaten and spiteful. It is recommended to impose limits on disruptive behaviors and make it a point to stick to them. Never allow the dual diagnosis to take over your life as it isn’t healthy for both you and your loved one.

Men Living with Drug and Alcohol addiction in Kelowna

3. Keep yourself educated. Learn as much as you can about the mental health issue of your loved one and the different forms of treatment for his or her substance abuse problem. The better your understanding of what your loved one is going through, the better you will be at providing support and speeding up treatment and recovery.

4. Remain patient. Recovering from a co-occurring disorder doesn’t happen overnight. It can take several months or even years before the patient recovers, and it isn’t uncommon to experience relapse. Both you and your loved one must have ongoing support as you work your way toward recovery.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

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Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Why Don’t Opiate Addiction Treatments In Vancouver, BC Work Better? – Options Okanagan

Why don’t opiate addiction treatments in Vancouver, British Columbia work better? By Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating opiate addiction and recovery.

The only substance that is a bigger, older and more widespread than opiates in Vancouver is alcohol. Despite searching for solutions to this problem for over a century, the fields of law enforcement, medication science and mental health have not been able to come up with a viable solution. It is believed that millions of people in the United States and Canada are addicted to one form of opiates or another. Although some of these are illegal drug abuse, many are cases of the abuse of legal prescription drugs that have a basis in opiates.

Opiate addiction and drug abuse and addiction in Vancouver

The good news is that there are advancements in treatments for opiate addiction that are promising. These come mainly from newly developed health therapies and medications. Some addicts get started on the road to addiction because of the derivations of opiates that are used in medicine with beneficial affects. This dangerous addiction results when some people turn to prescription drugs to ease anxiety and pain, and then become addicted because the opiates become a habit.

People Living with Drug addiction in Vancouver

Understanding Opiates Better in Vancouver, BC

The seeds of the opium poppy are used to create dozens of different kinds of derived drugs and opiates. Some of these drugs have been synthesized in labs to resemble the chemical components of drugs that are produced naturally. You can find the basis of morphine and codeine in the poppy seed. Apart from the infamous illegal opiate, heroin, some examples of synthetic prescription drugs are: Percodan and Vicodin.

Men Living with Drug addiction in Vancouver

Although some of the other synthetic derivatives of opium differ quite a bit in their chemical structure, the effects they have on the body and brain are similar. They include methadone, Demerol, and Darvon; and are generally used to treat pain, although methadone is used in the treatment of other opium addictions.

Opiates work by increasing the effects of endorphins (feel good chemicals) in the brain. The opiates act as nerve receptors for these endorphins, which means the brain is able to absorb higher quantities of them. This causes a reduction in anxiety and pain. A feeling of euphoria will result from ingesting large doses of these chemicals.

NA and NA Group Meetings on Drugs - Frequently Asked Questions – Vancouver, British Columbia - Options Okanagan Treatment Center for Drug Addiction

There are a variety of ways in which these opiates are taken. They can be smoked, snorted, or swallowed by mouth. An intravenous injection is the preference of many addicts since it works much faster and produces a much more intense reaction. An injection means the drug goes directly into the blood stream. This is also the method that causes the highest risk of an overdose.

In Vancouver What Makes Treatment Of Opiate Addiction So Difficult?

The dependency of the body on the drug is what makes it treatment such a challenge. As the body of an addict adjusts to the level of the drug, it needs increasingly larger doses to produce the same sensation. If these addicts are not carefully tended by a medical professional during their recovery they can suffer from severe addiction withdrawal symptoms.

The majority of addicts are worried about what the impact will be on their lives if they seek medical treatment. However it is very dangerous to go cold turkey off these drugs. In addition to the general impact, financial concerns are an issue as well since a good treatment facility can be expensive. But the good news is that there are public programs that can help that are located in almost every area.

Women Living with Opiate addiction in Vancouver

While the only safe way to help an opiate addict break their addiction is by using certain drugs that help to ease them off the opiates, it is not the best long term answer. Addicts will need good mental health counseling for many years in addition to the medicated help, in order to prevent them from returning to opiates.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Vancouver, Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and BC for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

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Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

Alberta Drug Use: Substances Popular Among Teenagers – Options Okanagan

Alberta Drug Use: Substances popular among teenagers by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug addiction and recovery

One of the substances on the rise is inhalants. These include gasoline, glue and aerosol spray. Pre-teens, around middle school age, often use these substances because they are cheap and accessible. However, they are poisonous and can negatively impact the brain, kidneys, blood, live and bone marrow.

Opiate addiction and Opiate abuse and addiction in Kelowna

There is also a class of drugs known as club drugs. These include ketamine, ecstasy, flunitrazepam and gamma-hydroxybutyrate. They are often passed around at raves or dances that go into the wee hours of the morning. There are not as many teenagers abusing these drugs as other, more common substances like marijuana and alcohol. However, the drugs are quite lethal, particularly when taken in high amounts or when mixed with other substances. It is not uncommon for a user to lose consciousness or have difficulty breathing. They can impact the brain and lead to depression, anxiety, and memory issues.

Speed, crank, and meth are all methamphetamines. These drugs can lead to stroke, seizures and other concerns, including delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. Users may experience health concerns for the rest of their life as a result of using these drugs.

People Living with Opiate Opiate addiction in Kelowna

Ketamine, mescaline, LSD and PCP are all hallucinogens. When a teenager uses LSD, they may have issues with hallucinogenic flashbacks and psychosis, and these concerns often continue into adulthood.

Codeine, morphine and heroin are opiates. Teenagers who become addicted to these drugs often become desperate to get their next score. As a result, they are more likely to steal and even sell their bodies to get what they need. The drugs themselves are dangerous because they can negatively affect the kidneys, liver, and lungs. Some users choose to share materials, which could then lead to HIV and hepatitis.

Men Living with Opiate addiction in Kelowna

Both prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs cause issues for young people in Alberta. They do not take these medicines as intended, and instead use them to alter their state of consciousness. For instance, cough syrup is popular among the younger generation.

Anabolic steroids are fairly popular as well. Steroids are used to build up the body, but they can cause cancer, stroke or even a heart attack.

NA and NA Group Meetings on Opiates - Frequently Asked Questions – Kelowna, British Columbia - Options Okanagan Treatment Center for Opiate Addiction

Energy drinks are quite common among teenagers because they help them get more done in a shorter period of time. They may do better on tests or sporting competitions when they consume one of these drinks. However, they have a lot of caffeine in them, which can elevate blood pressure and cause dehydration. In addition, they may lead to anxiety and even an abnormal heartbeat. Sometimes, energy drinks are consumed along with drugs or alcohol, which is an exceptionally bad idea. Some individuals think that drinking caffeine after consuming alcohol can help them regain control of their facilities. However, that is not true. In an effort to sober up, they may drink an excessive amount of caffeine, which lowers their inhibitions and causes them to make poor decisions.

Tobacco use is also common. Most of the time, the first cigarette is picked up when the individual is a pre-teen, sometime around the age of 12 or 13. More than 10 percent of people who fall in the 15 to 19 age range smoke, many of them daily. In addition, more than 90 percent of these individuals continue to smoke throughout their life.

Children Living with Opiate addiction in Kelowna

Cigarettes are quite addictive, and it does not take long to develop a habit. Smoking is very bad for the body, affecting major organs like the lungs and heart. In addition, it can lead to cancer. Other forms of tobacco, like chew, may impact the teeth and gums and can lead to mouth cancer.

Options Okanagan Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Drug Addiction in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

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Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Drug Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

An Insight on Alcohol and Drug Use in Young People In Alberta – Options Okanagan

An insight on alcohol and drug usage in young people in Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug addiction and recovery

Sadly, many young people confuse the using drugs such as alcohol and cigarettes as part of growing up. While many of them experiment and stop using these substances, other are unfortunately ensnared by these drugs and find themselves walking down the path of addiction.

Opiate addiction and Drug and Alcohol abuse and addiction in Kelowna

There is a plethora of substances that many young people have tried including household chemicals (inhalants), alcohol, weed, cigarettes, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medicines. However, alcohol takes the crown as the most popular and abused drug by young people. Marijuana smoking, fondly referred to as smoking pot, has also been gaining serious popularity among young people.

Many young people use these substances for various reasons. While some might just be experimenting due to curiosity or peer pressure, other simple want to fit in with their friends or rebel against their parents. However, many of these reasons are more or less similar to those of adults; to relax and feel good.

People Living with Opiate Drug and Alcohol addiction in Kelowna

Unfortunately, many young people don’t know that using drugs is like playing Russian roulette with their health and lives. In fact, alcohol and drug abuse among young people is a real can of worms. Using alcohol or other drugs is hazardous effects on young people’s health, social development, physical growth, and emotional wellbeing. Drug abuse leads to impaired judgments and unreasonable decisions.

Luckily, parents and teachers can help young people steer clear of alcohol and drug use by educating them on the devastating effects of drug abuse. Parents should also ensure that they have honest discussions with their teens and help open their teen’s eyes to the harsh reality of drug addiction.

Men Living with Drug and Alcohol addiction in Kelowna

Grim facts about alcohol and drug abuse in young people

Apart from the health and social problems that result from substance abuse, things at times move from the frying pan into the fire when substance abuse leads to loss of life. Substance abuse can also lead to brain damage. Many illegal drugs are made unhealthily in home labs hence do massive damage to the users as they may contain dangerous chemical or bacteria. Unlike prescribed drugs, the illegal drugs shockingly lack quality control.

Effects of using alcohol and drugs among young people

Despite the ‘feel-good’ mood that is often gotten from the use of alcohol and other substances, there are also some dire effects that tows along. When the feel good moods start to wear off, many young people find themselves wanting more, and this slow leads to abuse and then addiction. When drug abuse starts taking shape, many young people start having sleeping problems and even lose interest in every day activities. They will no longer want to go to school or hang around their friends. This is where withdrawal starts manifesting itself due to alcohol and other drug abuse.

NA and NA Group Meetings on Opiates - Frequently Asked Questions – Kelowna, British Columbia - Options Okanagan Treatment Center for Opiate Addiction

Alcohol and drugs can lead to unsavory habits such as stealing. Obviously, young people using alcohol and other drugs usually don’t have enough money to support their the drug usage and would hence look for ways to get money. They will then result to stealing money or stuff that can be sold from their parents and friends. Such behaviors lead to social problems.

Alcohol and drugs affect the brain considerably. Apart from resulting in poor decision-making, it significantly affects one’s ability to learn and recall things. This can have very bad result to young people who are still in school.

Luckily, as mentioned earlier, teachers and parents can help save young people from the effects of alcohol and other drugs by giving them information and showing them the right way.

Options Okanagan Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Drug Addiction in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Drug Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331

How To Recover From Vicodin Addiction In Alberta – Options Okanagan

How to recover from Vicodin addiction in Alberta by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating Vicodin addiction and recovery.

Vicodin addiction is a serious issue that often occurs without many people ever intending for it to happen. More often than not, patients who are simply following the directions of their doctors find themselves struggling with an addiction that is hard to overcome. The good news is that it can be done.

Opiate addiction and Vicodin abuse and addiction in Kelowna

While breaking the cycle of Vicodin addiction can be difficult, is convincing someone that they have a problem and that they need to seek help. Once they are able to admit this, overcoming Vicodin addiction through detox and rehab treatment in Alberta can become possible.

Once someone has made the decision to seek help, they need to get professional assistance in order to overcome their addiction. By communicating with their doctor, most people can begin to journey down the road to recovery. One thing that is not recommended is to quit Vicodin cold turkey as it can be extremely dangerous. The individual person’s doctor will be able to look at the individual’s addiction and help them to come up with a program that will slowly reduce the amount of the individual’s dependency over time, making full rehabilitation possible while doing so in a safe environment.

People Living with Opiate Vicodin addiction in Kelowna

Once the doctor has determined that one of Alberta’s detox programs would be safe and beneficial, the addicted person will have to enroll themselves in the program of their choice. Thankfully, these detox programs are designed so that an individual feels safe within their environment as they read their body of the final remnants of Vicodin. Unfortunately, most people will experience very severe withdrawal symptoms. Thanks to special training, the staff at these detox facilities can ensure that people remain safe during the detox process.

Once the initial detox process is completed and the worst of the withdrawal symptoms are over, the person will need to enroll in one of the residential drug rehabilitation programs in Alberta. These are governmentally ran programs who accept everyone who is serious about getting over their addictions. Sometimes there is a small waitlist, but everyone is accepted as soon as an open bed becomes available.

Men Living with Vicodin addiction in Kelowna

Once a bed becomes available, these programs will last for roughly twenty-eight days. Once this stage is complete, addicts are strongly recommended to attend one of the many different Alberta outpatient programs in order to obtain additional therapy and begin to rebuild their lives. If you need any additional help or information, you can always contact us in order to find the best drug rehab facility for you.

Options Okanagan Vicodin Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

People Living with Vicodin Addiction in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Vicodin treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Vicodin addiction treatment, crystal meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Google+ Options Okanagan

Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Drug (Vicodin) and Alcohol Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331