What are the Signs of Cocaine Use?

What are the Signs of Cocaine Use?

If your loved one is using cocaine, knowing the signs and symptoms is vital. Cocaine is a hazardous and unhealthy drug to use, and it’s even worse for your body when abused. Users are at risk with every hit.

At Starbridge Recovery, our clients achieve sobriety through our customizable program. Because we believe our clients are worth it, we make sure that they work through their rehabilitation with the best and most highly-trained professionals in addition to treatment. Combining alternative therapies with traditional addiction treatment in Los Angeles provides our clients with a well-rounded approach to rehabilitation that helps many achieve long-term and sustainable sobriety.

If you are worried about your loved one’s use, speak with an admissions counselor today about getting them help through our luxury program.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that impacts the central nervous system. It is exceptionally fast-acting and causes euphoric highs. Cocaine is an illegal drug that is highly addictive. It works so quickly in the body that users often need to take multiple hits over time to maintain their high. This inspires binge use, which can cause addiction quicker in individuals using cocaine. 

As a natural stimulant, cocaine is most often found in a powder form that is snorted produces a high in approximately 5-10 minutes. However, individuals can also smoke cocaine. Individuals feel an instantaneous high when this happens, but it often wears off in 15-30 minutes.

Hits of cocaine are equally as dangerous every time. While other drugs may reduce the risk of overdose or spontaneous death, cocaine’s impact on the body is direct and maintains its danger with each use.

What are the Signs of Cocaine Use?

When an individual uses cocaine, several mental and physical signs can be noticed by a friend or loved one. These effects impact their social, emotional, and physical lives.

Physical signs that a person is using cocaine include constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, increased body temperature and heart rate, and raised blood pressure. Users can often also experience tremors, vertigo, and muscle cramps. Physically cocaine is dangerous because it can cause heart attacks, seizures, coma, and instances of sudden death can occur. What makes cocaine even more physically tricky is when it is mixed with other drugs. Typically combined with an opioid or opiate, like heroin, users try to balance the adverse effects with a drug to slow them down. However, this often leads to an increased risk of overdose due to dosage errors and the body’s inability to handle both drugs.

Mentally cocaine can make users feel “euphoric, energetic, talkative, mentally alert, and hypersensitive to sight, sound, and touch.” At the same time, it can also cause panic and psychosis. Cocaine use can also cause hallucinations, irritability, restlessness, and panic attacks. Individuals who binge cocaine are at a higher risk of these adverse reactions due to cocaine sensitivity, tolerance, and dependence.

Lastly, cocaine can have a significant social impact. Individuals addicted to cocaine might exhibit extreme changes in friend groups, responsibilities at work, and reliability. In addition, you may notice changes in weight loss, teeth and gums, and skin.

How Does Cocaine Affect the Brain?

Cocaine can cause long-term changes in the brain. It can impact how neurons transmit sugars and interact with one another. Cocaine directly affects the brain’s reward center. It also impacts how your brain responds to stress. Combining these two makes users more likely to use cocaine in stressful situations. Cocaine use can also impact decision-making and lack of self-awareness.

How to Find Cocaine Rehab Centers Near Me

To find cocaine rehab in Southern California, individuals should look for a treatment center that services detoxification and addiction treatment. Clients can receive comprehensive care through this process and work to achieve sustainable recovery in a designated space. 

At Starbridge Recovery, our clients can recover in luxury with our detoxification and addiction treatment program that supports their mental, physical, and emotional health and growth. Our clients work through various alternative and traditional therapies through the rehabilitation process. We combine physical health, nutritional health, and mental health care with helping our clients work through treatment and achieve sobriety based on long-lasting skills and goals. 
Speak with an admissions coordinator today to make a change in your life.

What are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?

What are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?

It is essential to know the signs of opioid abuse because of its prevalence. Unfortunately, individuals struggling with opioid and opiate abuse often go undetected until it’s too late. It can be extremely challenging to overcome when an individual becomes addicted to opioids. 

At Starbridge Recovery, our clients focus on developing a stable basis for rehabilitation and addiction treatment through luxury treatment in a high-end facility.

Contact our treatment program today to see how our unique programming can support you on your journey of recovery. 

What Drugs are Opioids?

Many drugs fall under the classification of opioids or opiates. These drugs can be prescription medications, as well as illicit street-made drugs. A majority of illegal opioid use stems from prescription opioid misuse. 

Prescription opioids include morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and other drugs in that same family.

Illicit opioids cover drugs like heroin, opium, and illegally-made fentanyl.

How do Opioids Impact the Body?

Opioids work to suppress pain in the body by blocking the opioid pain receptors. This is an excellent thing for people in pain, but it can be detrimental for individuals who are using opioids recreationally to get high. The block of the opioid receptors can cause excessive dopamine output that creates a very calming high. This is the effect that most people look for when taking opiates and opioids illicitly. However, people don’t know the other damage it can cause to the body.

Individuals who use opioids can expect to suppress the functions in the body and depression of their organs. One frequent sign of opioid use includes the slowing down of the digestive system. This consists of a slow down of the metabolism and how food processes through the body. Two symptoms of opioid abuse include weight gain and constipation.

When opioids slow down the system, they can also slow down the lungs and brain. This is a hazardous situation that can lead to overdose fatality. The depression of the lungs can slow or stop respiration. A decrease in blood flow to the brain can cause a person to feel extreme exhaustion and even nod in and out of consciousness. 

Opioids can also impact an individual’s mental health. A depression of the body’s system can also instigate depression in the brain. Opiates can also increase anxiety, bipolar disorder, and mood and personality disorders.

What are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?

Common signs of opioid abuse vary between individuals addicted to prescription opioids and those addicted to illicit opioids. 

Individuals addicted to prescription opioids commonly display several symptoms related to hospitals and doctors. These individuals might doctor shop, exaggerate physical pain, and travel between hospitals or doctors’ offices to find a new physician to prescribe them medication. Opioid abuse occurs when individuals misuse their prescription, develop a tolerance, and become addicted to opioid use.

Misuse of prescription drugs can occur when an individual uses too much or too frequently. It can also happen when a person takes the drug in a state that it is not meant to be used. For example, when a person crushes a pill and snorts it instead of swallowing the pill whole. Lastly, prescription misuse can offer when an individual uses more than one drug simultaneously, especially those that have contraindications.

People who use illicit drugs are always in a state of misuse. In that sense, individuals are unable to operate without fear of addiction. In addition, illegal street drugs like heroin, opium, and street-made fentanyl are hazardous for individuals unfamiliar with the dosages or those who mix the drug with another substance. 

How to Find Opioid Treatment Programs

When searching for opioid treatment programs, it is essential to consider what each program can offer you. Most treatments can offer traditional addiction treatment and practical applications for rehabilitation. 

However, at Starbridge Recovery, our luxury treatment program is designed to support clients beginning with detox and continuing through addiction treatment with a heavy focus on individual needs and the best rehabilitative care for those searching for support. 

Clients who need more than just a regular treatment program should look into the offerings at Starbridge Recovery. Our clients have access to some of the best and newest treatment protocols to support individuals with opioid abuse.
Contact Starbridge Recovery today to see how we can support you through addiction treatment today.

How to Find a Luxury Detox Center Near Me

How to Find a Luxury Detox Center Near Me

Luxury detox programs are designed to support clients through the withdrawal process in the most supportive ways, using medication, environment, and therapeutic support to make the transition easier. 

At Starbridge Recovery, we are happy to support our clients through each step of the recovery process by offering a luxury facility designed with our client’s needs in mind. 

Contact our facility today to see how our luxury detox and environment can support your positive mental and physical health. 

What is a Detox Program?

A detox program is a supportive part of addiction treatment. This initial step will support clients through the initial days of rehabilitation. While a client undergoes a detox program, they will experience withdrawal. Withdrawal from the drug or drugs they were using can significantly affect the length, severity, and symptoms. 

A detox program can last anywhere from five days to two weeks. During detox, individuals will be monitored to provide both physical and health-related support and emotional support through this process. Clients often struggle through multiple aspects of withdrawal and detox, and having designated support throughout the process can alleviate some of the minor symptoms and remind clients of what they are working for.

When is Detox Needed?

Detox is needed whenever someone is attempting to make a change to their lifestyle. In this instance, detox is specifically needed when someone is trying to get clean from using legal or illegal substances that are impacting their brain and body due to addiction. In these instances, clients must not only stop taking the drug, but not use it again when the body begins to crave it. Detox is necessary for individuals who have transitioned from problematic use to addiction, those who are looking to enter a treatment program, and those who have experienced a lapse or relapse during or following treatment.

Individuals who are addicted to a substance must first detox from that substance to end-use. While this might seem like a simplistic explanation, the action is anything but. One of the most challenging symptoms of withdrawal that doesn’t end at the two-week mark, are cravings. Individuals will continue to experience cravings for days, weeks, months, and even sometimes years after their last high. 

Detox is also necessary when an individual is ready to start a treatment program. Individuals entering treatments should be sober, and any necessary medication should be turned over to the medical professionals at the facility to ensure proper dosage and support. When an individual attends addiction treatment, one of the goals is to talk about use in the past and focus on the future, which does not include it. In order to do this, clients must be clean when entering an addiction treatment program. 

Lastly, detox is necessary for individuals who have experienced a lapse or relapse after sustained sobriety. Cravings sometimes get the best of people, but detox is available to help clients regain their sobriety through safe, focused, and motivational therapy and support.

What are the Benefits of a Luxury Detox Program?

Luxury detox programs offer an additional aspect to detox that not every detox program can afford to offer. Not only are luxury detox programs often smaller with smaller staff-to-client ratios, but they typically maintain the ability to offer Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) as part of their detox program. MAT are medications available to clients in luxury facilities during detox. This can help clients maintain fluids, reduce the number of negative symptoms, and even increase the speed of the process and get individuals feeling like normal sooner than they would have without the medication.

How to Find a Luxury Detox Center Near Me

Finding a luxury detox center in Los Angeles might be a challenge, but we’ve built our program around providing the best, newest, and most innovative resources for addiction treatment at Starbridge Recovery. Our clients receive the best of luxury detox and addiction treatment programs at our Studio City treatment center.

We have redefined addiction treatment in a luxury setting because we believe that each of our clients are worth the hard work and dedication we have put into our careers. Each client that transitions through our detox and addiction treatment programs will know the level of individualized treatment and care we are dedicated to offering. Contact an admissions coordinator to see how we can help you today.

What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?

What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?

The idea of withdrawal from fentanyl can be scary. Many wonder about the effects of fentanyl on the mind and body and what withdrawal and detox will be like. Detox and sobriety following fentanyl addiction can be done with dedication and often requires the support of medical professionals. 

At Starbridge Recovery, our luxury facility can support you through withdrawal from fentanyl. Our detox program combats the effects of fentanyl with multiple innovative and supportive steps. 

Please speak with an admissions coordinator to see how we can support your fentanyl recovery today. 

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug in the opioid family. This drug acts as a narcotic depressant that slows down the body’s functions. As a synthetically made opioid, this drug has been altered to be more effective than opium, morphine, and heroin. Fentanyl acts quickly to block pain receptors and, in doing so, causes a release of dopamine which has a difficult time being processed against the fentanyl. This excess causes a euphoric high, triggering the reward receptors in the brain. When this happens, the body identifies this “high” as ideal and begins the process of addiction. 

While prescription fentanyl is found in pill or syrup form, illegally made fentanyl can be seen as a powder, dropped on blotter paper-like strips, in eye droppers or nasal sprays, or made into pills that look like prescription opioids. The different ways the drug enters the body affect how quickly the high occurs and how long it lasts. While pills might take longer to have an effect, they often last longer than powders or liquids, creating a quicker high.

Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Fentanyl is a synthetically designed opioid that is more potent than opium, morphine, and heroin. In fact, fentanyl is said to be 50-100% more powerful than morphine.

While fentanyl is a prescription drug, but can also be made illegally. Street quality fentanyl is often mixed with other dangerous additives to balance the negative side effects, make the drug go further, or alter the high. Mixing fentanyl with drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, and MDMA increases the risk of taking fentanyl, having a negative reaction, or experiencing an overdose.  

Fentanyl also has an incredibly high overdose rate related to the increased potency of the drug. However, while Narcan/Naloxone, opioid overdose reversal drugs, are available, they are often ineffective or require multiple doses and immediately puts an individual into opioid withdrawal syndrome. 

What are the Symptoms of Fentanyl Withdrawal?

Fentanyl withdrawal can be dangerous. The symptoms mimic those of other opioid withdrawals, but the extent of use and any possible mixing of drugs can worsen and create a much more difficult challenge for individuals who wish to stop using the drug.

Fentanyl withdrawal can cause individuals to experience “muscle and bone pain, sleep problems, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, uncontrollable leg movements, and severe cravings.”

The symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal don’t stop with the detox process. Individuals can experience symptoms of fentanyl withdrawal for years following detox and initial withdrawal. Individuals who have gotten clean from fentanyl continue to experience cravings, mental health concerns, and physical health concerns from the toll that fentanyl can take on the body.

How to Find Fentanyl Detox Programs Near Me

Finding a ‘fentanyl detox program near me’ might seem like a challenge, but there are many supportive and informative options when searching for detox. What is most important is finding a fentanyl detox program that will help you transition into addiction treatment. Detox programs are supportive, but those that can seamlessly transition you from detox to addiction treatment are comprehensive centers that support your mental, physical, and emotional health.

At Starbridge Recovery, we can help you detox from fentanyl and then transition you into relaxing, supportive, and safe addiction treatment at our luxury addiction treatment center. We believe in recovery designed to meet your needs. Our residential inpatient treatment offers support from detox to aftercare and beyond. Supporting clients and addressing all of their mental health concerns is our highest priority.
Contact our admissions coordinators today to see how we can support you through fentanyl detox and addiction treatment.

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System

While opioids range dramatically from synthetically made fentanyl to prescription morphine, they all affect the body in a similar fashion with varying degrees of severity. Another thing that links them is their risk of dependence and how long they stay in your system. Opioids all process at a similar rate with similar highs and withdrawals.

At Starbridge Recovery, we’re ready to help you get opioids out of your system. Our detox and addiction treatment programs are designed to support clients in innovative ways. We believe you’re worth it and are ready to support you in making a difference in your life. 

Contact Starbridge Recovery today to see how we can help you get off opioids.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are an all-encompassing name for opioids and opiates that are naturally and synthetically created painkillers. Common opioids are heroin and fentanyl, which are illegal, but they can also be prescription painkillers like morphine, codeine, oxycontin, and methadone. This class of drugs are addictive and can cause physical dependence. Individuals using opioids should be monitored by a doctor. If an individual is using opioids illegally, dependence and addiction can occur much quicker.

Individuals can misuse opioids by altering how the drug is taken, taking too much of the drug, or taking the drug with other contraindicated substances. This is most common in illegal use, but can also occur as some of the initial misuse steps of prescription medications.

How Do Opioids Affect the Body?

Opioids and opiates depress the central nervous system. These drugs block the opioid receptors and prevent individuals from feeling pain. It can also create a euphoric high that is addictive. 

Opioids create a positive feeling during use. It can relieve pain and reinforce a positive emotional feeling for users. Opioid highs cause a reduction in stress by reducing “tension anxiety, and aggression.” Physically, users may experience drowsiness, loss of consciousness, nausea, constipation, and slowed breathing. 

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

When it comes to testing for opioids, it is important to know how long the drug stays in your system. Opioids and opiates have a relatively quick half-life meaning that approximately half the drug has been processed through the system within an hour. However, the remaining drug can be detectable in the system for some time.

  • Saliva tests are accurate when testing for opioids for 12-36 hours. 
  • Urine tests are accurate when testing for opioids for up to 5 days.
  • Hair follicle tests are accurate when testing for opioids for up to 90 days. 

What are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?

Opioid withdrawal can range from mild to severe depending on the circumstances of the addiction. Individuals with more severe addiction may experience worse symptoms for longer than those who have a more mild addiction. 

Opioid and opiate withdrawal typically lasts for 7-10 days, with the most severe symptoms peaking between days 3-4. Long-term symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even years following withdrawal. Opioids impact the body’s ability to repair itself. Cravings for opioids and being conscious of medications and other necessary prescriptions will be a necessity for successful sobriety. 

Physical opioid withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Nasal discharge
  • Goosebumps
  • Extreme muscle aches and pains
  • Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
  • Pupil dilation
  • Light sensitivity
  • Rapid breathing
  • Muscles twitching
  • Increased heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased temperature

More severe opioid withdrawal can lead to hospitalization. This is why all withdrawal should be completed under the care of a medical professional.

Opioid withdrawal can also initiate or worsen mental health symptoms. Things like depression and anxiety can be worsened while going through withdrawal. Insomnia and cravings are onset symptoms of withdrawal of opioids and opiates. 

How to Find Opioid Detox Programs in Studio City, CA

Finding an opioid detox program in Studio City, CA, is the best way to help get the opioids out of your system. In a treatment facility like Starbridge Recovery’s, clients can detox under medical care and transition immediately into inpatient residential care in a luxury facility.

At Starbridge Recovery, we have redefined the addiction treatment process by offering individualized treatment plans, alternative therapies, and the most effective traditional and evidence-based therapeutic options.
Speak with an admissions counselor to see how our opioid detox program can get you on the path to recovery.

How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?

How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?

It is important to know how long heroin stays in the body for a number of reasons. If you are worried about a drug test or about how long withdrawal will last, it is important to know how quickly detoxification, withdrawal, and detectability based on heroin use will last.

At Starbridge Recovery, we work with our clients to develop a recovery plan that works to meet their needs. By redefining addiction therapy, we can support clients through residential inpatient treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, and thorough aftercare programming around their personalized needs. Our clients have access to comprehensive detox, therapy, and programming to help them achieve a holistic balance before graduating from our treatment facility. 

Contact us today to see how we can help you find a personalized treatment solution today.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is a drug derived from morphine. It is an opioid that blocks the opioid receptors in the body and stops and prevents pain. It is illegal now because of how addictive it is, but it was previously used as a prescription pain reliever. 

Heroin can be found in white or brown powder form or as a sticky tar-like substance. It can be injected, ingested, snorted, or smoked. The different ways it enters the body impact how quickly the individual achieves the high and how long it keeps the body “high.” 

Why is Heroin Dangerous?

Heroin is dangerous because of the short and long-term effects of use. After the “rush,” regular heroin use can cause

  • Heavy feeling in the arms and legs
  • Stomach problems
  • Itchy skin
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Going “on the nod,” a back-and-forth state of being conscious and unconsciousness

The long-term effects of heroin use include:

  • Insomnia
  • Collapsed veins for users that inject the drug into their veins
  • Damaged skin tissue
  • Damaged nasal passages if the drug is snorted
  • Infection of the heart valves
  • Abscesses
  • Stomach pains and cramping
  • Liver and kidney disease
  • Lung disease
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Antisocial personality disorder

This leaves out the increased risk of Hepatitis C and HIV from needle sharing and the long-term effects the additives can have on the lungs, kidneys, brain, and liver.

Signs of Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin withdrawal typically sets in within 8-24 hours of last use. It can last between 4 and 10 days. The length of withdrawal typically depends on how much is in the system and how long an individual has used the drug. 

Withdrawal symptoms for heroin are often not life-threatening. However, withdrawal should be monitored by a medical professional as drugs can damage your body and the side effects of withdrawal can vary based on the person, type of drug, and if the drug was used in combination with other substances.

Typical heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Stomach issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Hot and cold flashes
  • Sweating
  • Muscle cramps and joint pain

Withdrawing from heroin can also include cravings for the drug as a side effect of addiction. This makes withdrawal without support dangerous. A lapse or relapse can be deadly. 

How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?

Heroin begins to be undetectable in the body after 5-6 hours. According to the FDA, heroin is typically undetectable in urine samples after two days, but newer, more advanced tests can show positive results seven or more days later. The most accurate test that can detect heroin use is a hair follicle test which can detect heroin use up to three months later.

Heroin Addiction Treatment Options

Heroin addiction treatment options depend on the severity of the addiction, but all begin with detoxification and the process of withdrawing. This process can be done in a comprehensive detox and addiction treatment center like Starbridge Recovery. Our state-of-the-art addiction treatment center is designed to support clients through treatment in a safe and supportive environment.

Clients at Starbridge Recovery work through specialized treatment programs designed around their specifications and needs. This provides clients with a more intensive and personal addiction treatment plan and can lead to higher success rates and long-term sobriety. 
Speak with an admissions counselor today to see how we can support you on your personal journey of recovery.

Are There Rehabs for Marijuana Addiction?

Are There Rehabs for Marijuana Addiction?

Marijuana can cause addiction like many other substances. While the risk of addiction is between 10% and 16%, individuals may be more likely to develop an addiction to marijuana in certain environments and given certain factors.

If you are concerned that your marijuana use has turned into an addiction or that your loved one’s use is out of control, contact Starbridge Recovery. Our comprehensive addiction treatment program affords individuals the opportunity to change and grow in our luxury facility. We work with each client to develop a specialized treatment program based on their specific addiction needs. We support individuals with a number of addictions and additional mental health disorders that impact recovery and maintained sobriety.

Recovery is redesigned in our luxury Studio City Rehab Center.

What is Marijuana?

According to the CDC, marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States, with an estimated 48.2 million people using it in 2019. This drug, derived from the cannabis plant, is also prescribed medication for pain, eating disorders, nausea, and occasionally as part of comprehensive treatment for cancer and other debilitating diseases. Additionally, while marijuana is federally illegal, it is legal for vendors to sell and use it in 18 states and the District of Columbia. 

While the debate over legality continues, what is not up for debate is how marijuana affects your body. An individual who gets high off marijuana may expect to experience:

  • Altered sense of time, such as minutes seeming like hours
  • Changes in mood
  • Problems with body movement
  • Trouble with thinking, problem-solving, and memory
  • Increased appetite

Marijuana affects the body by mimicking neurotransmitters and altering communication between nerve cells. This interruption can impact the parts of the brain that affect feelings of euphoria, memory, concentration, coordination, and perception of time. An individual who uses marijuana can impact and potentially alter every process in the body.

Marijuana can be smoked like a cigarette, smoked in a bowl, cooked into food, distilled into an oil, brewed in tea, and can even be packed in a vape. Users have an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, experiencing trauma, and impacting their fertility or pregnancy.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Marijuana can be an addictive drug. In fact, studies have shown that approximately 3 in 10 display symptoms of marijuana addiction, and those users have a 10% chance of becoming addicted to the drug, which increases to 1 in 6 for individuals who start using marijuana before the age of 18. 

Are There Rehabs for Marijuana Addiction?

There are rehabs available for individuals with addiction to marijuana. Rehabilitation options vary for each individual based on their specific needs.

Individuals with a moderate to severe addiction may require inpatient rehabilitation. Based on how readily available marijuana is, those going through initial rehabilitation may find more success in a drug-free and structured environment. By attending a residential treatment program, clients can focus on developing the skills they need to maintain sobriety.

Individuals with a mild addiction to marijuana may find success with outpatient rehabilitation. Through this process, individuals will learn how to manage or avoid their triggers successfully and how to utilize what they know and can do to be successful in real-time.

How to Find Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Starbridge Recovery is a comprehensive addiction treatment program designed to support clients through a number of serious substance use disorders. Throughout this process, individuals work to detox from the substance and then transition into addiction treatment that is designed to support the behavior changes, emotional health, and physical health. 

Our luxury facility supports individuals through addiction and additional dual-diagnosis disorders. We combine specialized treatment with traditional evidence-based behavioral therapy to positively change our client’s mental and emotional health. By combining this with therapy designed to support their emotional and physical health, clients at Starbridge Recovery receive comprehensive, holistic care during the recovery process.
Contact Starbridge Recovery today to see how we can help you bridge the gap of recovery.

What are the Signs of Late Stage Alcoholism?

What are the Signs of Late Stage Alcoholism?

Individuals who are addicted to alcohol and are diagnosed with an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) may experience many symptoms that are more severe based on the stage of alcoholism they fall in.

At Starbridge Recovery, we can support individuals in any stage of alcoholism with our innovative and forward-thinking treatment programs. Contact us to see how our luxury treatment can support you.

What Causes Alcoholism?

While no one thing specifically causes alcoholism, individuals can have more significant risks based on a few specific factors. Things like underage drinking, genetic history of alcoholism, and mental health can all impact the likelihood of developing an addiction to alcohol.

Underage drinking plays a factor in the likelihood of developing alcoholism. Because this shows a level of irresponsibility and the early development of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, the sneaking, thrill, and likelihood of binge drinking in these situations can increase the risk for individuals drinking under the age of 21. Additionally, a study determined that individuals that start drinking under the age of 15 are five times as likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than other individuals.

Additionally, genetic history and environment also play a factor in the development of an alcohol use disorder. Individuals who have a biological parent who struggles with addiction or who are raised in an environment where addiction and unsafe drinking practices are evident are more likely to demonstrate unsafe drinking habits based on how they were raised. While this is not a guarantee that a person will become an alcoholic, individuals are approximately 60% more likely to develop alcoholism if they have a parent who is an alcoholic.

Mental health also plays a huge factor in the development of an alcohol use disorder. Individuals who struggle with mental health disorders like depression, trauma, and ADHD are more likely to develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Additionally, individuals may use alcohol to modify their symptomatic behavior or mood for undiagnosed conditions.

Finally, it is important to note that alcoholism can happen to anyone, and these factors do not need to apply; they simply increase the likelihood of development. 

What are the Stages of Alcoholism?

Many individuals are problem drinkers or excessive drinkers who never develop alcoholism; however, these unsafe drinking habits like binge drinking or drinking more than eight drinks for women and 15 drinks for men per week increase the risk of developing a tolerance and dependence on alcohol. 

Alcoholism has three stages; mild, moderate, and severe, which is the standard for medical professionals to assess substance use disorders. According to the following criteria, if you have at least two symptoms on this list, you have an alcohol use disorder. Mild AUD is described as 2-3 symptoms, 4-5 are moderate AUD, and six or more indicate a severe AUD.

  • Have you consumed more alcohol than originally intended?
  • Have you ever tried to cut down on drinking but failed to do so?
  • Do you spend an excessive amount of time drinking, or recovering from drinking?
  • Have you had trouble thinking about anything besides drinking?
  • Have you found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your responsibilities at work, home, or school?
  • Have you continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
  • Have you given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you to order to drink?
  • Have you hurt yourself while using equipment or taking place in activities while intoxicated?
  • Have you continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?
  • Have you had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?
  • Have you found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, or a seizure? Or sensed things that were not there?

What are the Signs of Late Stage Alcoholism?

Late-stage alcoholism can have noticeable health problems associated with severe AUD. For example, heavy use can cause problems with the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, cancer, and immune system. 

According to the NHS, individuals who are dependent on alcohol will experience increased physical and mental symptoms in addition to social issues like increased risk of homelessness, unemployment, and domestic abuse.

Finding Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Southern California

Starbridge Recovery is a luxury alcohol addiction treatment program in Southern California capable of supporting individuals experiencing mild alcoholism through late-stage alcoholism. Through our combination of traditional and unique addiction treatment programs, clients can work to develop the necessary skills to successfully maintain sobriety.
Contact us today to see how our treatment program can help you through any stage of recovery.

Is There Residential Rehab for Co-Occurring Disorders?

Is There Residential Rehab for Co-Occurring Disorders?

Residential rehabilitation is designed to offer the most supportive care for individuals struggling with addiction. This is the most beneficial type of treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders. A large percentage of individuals with a substance use disorder also struggle with a significant mental health disorder. Approximately half of all individuals with a mental health disorder also develop a substance use disorder.

At Starbridge Recovery, we work with all individuals to get them the best and most effective health care to meet their mental health needs. Our facility helps individuals utilize specialized mental, physical, and emotional therapeutic treatment to help manage their substance use and other mental health disorders. 

Contact us today to see how our treatment facility can help you manage your mental health.

What are Co-Occurring Disorders?

Co-occurring disorders are common mental health disorders that occur with a substance use disorder. They are referred to as co-occurring, comorbid, or dual diagnosis disorders because they occur in tandem with the substance use disorder. Co-occurring disorders can be a cause or a result of a substance use disorder. 

When a comorbid disorder is a cause of substance use disorder, an individual had a significant mental health disorder that they attempted to medicate and began misusing medication or that it may have been undiagnosed, and an individual used drugs and alcohol to alleviate the symptoms. Either way, the misuse of substances to “cure” the mental health disorder can lead to a substance use disorder.

However, dual diagnosis can also happen the other way around. An individual might develop a substance use disorder and have a serious mental health disorder that develops as a side effect. For example, many drugs cause anxiety and depression as a side effect of its impact on a person’s body. Long-term use and side effects can cause a lasting mental health disorder that now also needs treatment. 

The most common co-occurring mental health disorders include anxiety, bipolar, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, and trauma. These mental health disorders are made more extreme with drug and alcohol misuse and can cause additional mental trauma when combined.

What are the Best Ways to Treat Co-Occurring Disorders?

The best way to treat co-occurring disorders is through residential inpatient rehabilitation at a facility familiar with dual diagnosis disorders. Individuals can get additional personalized care and specialized treatment in a facility that can cater to comorbid disorders.

For an individual who has co-occurring disorders, treatment isn’t just for managing the substance use disorder. Treatment is about learning the skills and strategies necessary to develop a solid mental health basis, including managing the additional disorder. Additional personalized care is one of the first things you’ll notice about having a dual diagnosis. You may attend treatment for longer or shorter but more frequently than others. This is to give you time to learn, manage, and cope with both disorders.

Additionally, individuals who have a dual diagnosis may find that specialized treatment is necessary. There are multiple treatment methods and styles for individuals that face additional mental health concerns. One of the main concepts of addiction treatment is to help individuals change their thinking to develop a more positive and present-focused mindset. Specified treatments to disrupt, manage, or alleviate other mental health disorders are the best way to treat co-occurring disorders in an addiction treatment facility.

Are There Residential Rehabs for Co-Occurring Disorders?

There are residential rehabs for co-occurring disorders. This is the most commonly recommended and beneficial type of treatment for individuals with a dual diagnosis. Residential rehabilitation is recommended for individuals with co-occurring disorders due to the program’s highly structured and supportive nature. This allows for more steady and stabilized learning and growth over their time in rehab.

Finding Help for Co-Occurring Disorders in Los Angeles, CA

If you’re looking for help with a co-occurring disorder in Los Angeles, CA, look no further than Starbridge Recovery. Our luxury treatment facility supports individuals with substance use disorders and comorbid mental health disorders through multiple specialized treatments and holistic therapies designed to treat addiction’s mental, emotional, and physical trauma. 
Contact Starbridge Recovery today to see how we can support your dual diagnosis.

How To Help an Alcoholic in Denial

How To Help an Alcoholic in Denial

The best way to help an alcoholic in denial is by setting and maintaining boundaries. An alcoholic in denial is not seeing the harm they are causing themselves and others. By putting in place proper boundaries, the alcoholic in denial will eventually start to see the problems their actions are causing.

At Starbridge Recovery we personalize treatment solutions to each client. Our detox and treatment programs are designed to support individuals in need and help them recover in the most effective and efficient ways possible. Contact us today to see how we can help your loved one battle addiction.

Signs Your Loved One Is an Alcoholic

While no two situations are the same, there are some large key factors you can use to identify if your loved one’s behavior is problematic to the point of addiction.

  1. Had times when they ended up drinking more, or longer, than they intended?
  2. More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
  3. Spent a lot of time drinking, or being sick from drinking or getting over other aftereffects?
  4. Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of their home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?
  5. Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with their family or friends?
  6. Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to them, or gave them pleasure, in order to drink?
  7. Continued to drink even though it was making them feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had an alcohol-related memory blackout?”

These are some big signs to look out for. If you think your loved one is struggling or in denial about their drinking, there may be things you can do to support them.

How To Help an Alcoholic in Denial

Alcoholics in denial refuse to accept that they’re drinking is causing a problem. They may believe that their drinking is not problematic or that the only person it affects is them. Often an alcoholic and denial will refuse to listen when concerns about their behavior are addressed. They may even become defensive or violent when faced with the truth. 

One of the first ways you can set boundaries is by refusing to give the alcoholic money. By cutting off financial support, they should begin to notice the problems that their addiction is causing. By making this boundary and sticking to it, you are forcing a level of responsibility on this individual to monetarily take care of themselves.

A second way to help an alcoholic in denial see that they have a problem is by refusing to take on their responsibilities. Wanting to support your loved one is not wrong, however, when you support an alcoholic in denial so that they can continue drinking or supporting them when they have a hangover, indicates that they do not need to take responsibility for their actions. When an alcoholic in denial does not take responsibility for their actions, they do not see the problems that they are causing.  

A final way you can set boundaries and help an alcoholic in denial to see that their actions have consequences is to stop making excuses for them. When you make an excuse for an alcoholic, it makes them feel like their problem isn’t as extreme as it is. This is a coping mechanism that you have put in place to support yourself and gain a level of acceptance over this problem. This can be harmful to the alcoholic in denial. When you make excuses for them, they believe that their issue is not as big as it is and that you will cover for them and help them out.

If you love an alcoholic in denial, the best way that you can support them is by setting clear and firm boundaries. After setting boundaries, find several treatment centers you believe would work for your loved one, and keep their information on hand. When your loved one starts to push back on the boundaries you have set, you can provide them with information about the rehabs you believe will be most helpful.

How Can Starbridge Recovery Help Your Loved One Today?

At Starbridge Recovery we believe you’re worth it. We have redesigned and reimagined addiction treatment to provide a holistic and client focused approach to treatment. Clients who choose our program work through recovery in a safe and luxurious environment designed to be peaceful and relaxing for the mind and body.

Contact us today to see how our extensive treatment options can support your loved one today.