Searching for Addiction & Trauma Treatment? Starbridge Recovery Can Help

Searching for Addiction and Trauma Treatment? Starbridge Recovery Can Help

Alone, addiction and trauma can be devastating mental health disorders, but where and when they eventually meet, tragedy lies.

The trajectory of trauma to addiction has some of the highest statistics. 80% of Vietnam War Veterans seeking addiction treatment have PTSD.  33% of individuals surviving abuse, a violent experience, or an accident develop a substance abuse problem. Victims of sexual assault are 4.5 times as likely to develop a substance abuse problem. The evidence of trauma causing or leading to a substance abuse problem is evident. However, it is also important to mention that substance abuse problems lead to risk-taking behaviors and increase the likelihood of experiencing a trauma or additional trauma.

Starbridge Recovery wants to break the cycle of addiction and trauma through our redesigned treatment program dedicated to supporting clients struggling with both. Contact us today to see if our program can help you.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a mental health disorder defined as “chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.” This means that even if the individual addicted to drugs or alcohol wanted to stop, they would be unable to because of the mental and physical impact drugs have on the body. 

Drugs may be taken to feel good, to do better, to feel better, or out of curiosity and peer pressure. However, the problem with addiction is that drugs and alcohol impact the rewards center of the brain making it associate happy or better feelings with drugs and soon, the only way the body feels better or seems happy is when there are drugs in its system. 

Addiction impacts everyone in the United States. 700 billion dollars is spent yearly on the treatment, physical and mental health care costs, lives lost, and crime related to drugs.  Additionally, research indicates that 10% of all Americans will struggle with substance addiction at some point in their life.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma in a person is a response, a reaction. Trauma results from “an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.”

Oftentimes individuals who have experienced a trauma will attempt to manage the symptoms or responses with substances.

Why Are Addiction and Trauma Treatment Necessary for a Full Recovery?

Addiction and trauma treatment are necessary for full long-term recovery because of trauma and addiction’s cyclical nature. Nearly 60% of young people who reported experiencing trauma grow up to have issues with substance abuse. Substance abuse increases the likelihood of being traumatized, which can lead to more frequent substance abuse. As an individual bounces between substances and trauma, things only continue to get progressively worse. 

By combining trauma and addiction treatment, individuals can build a solid basis for support and stability with their mental and physical health. Rehabilitation centers that are able to support clients with dual diagnosis disorders of trauma or PTSD and addiction, like Starbridge Recovery, are medically trained to support the emotional healing of trauma and addiction.

How Can Starbridge Recovery Help?

Starbridge Recovery is devoted to supporting clients through their darkest times. Our medically trained clinicians and counselors are prepared to support not only addiction but additional mental health disorders like trauma, PTSD, bipolar, depression, and mood and personality disorders. Through this process we develop an individually tailored treatment plan to meet the needs of each client. 

At Starbridge Recovery we work to provide the best traditional evidence-based practices and most supportive unique therapies to address mental health disorders. Adding alternative therapies to the mix, we provide clients the opportunity to work on healing their body along with their mind. Our luxury facility offers an on-site pool, gym, common areas, and recreation areas. Our semi-private lodging offers the opportunity for clients to reflect and refocus their life goals.

At Starbridge Recovery, we are redefining rehabilitation and treatment, because you’re worth it. Contact us today to see how our comprehensive treatment programs can support your journey of recovery.

Dual Diagnosis: An Integrated Approach to Treatment

Dual Diagnosis: An Integrated Approach to Treatment

Getting a dual diagnosis of a substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-morbid mental illness may seem even more overwhelming. But this is actually an opportunity for you to learn how to self-manage and cope with both disorders in a structured and consistent environment.

Starbridge Recovery is an addiction treatment center focusing on clients that not only suffer from a substance use disorder, but a co-occurring mental illness. Our certified and compassionate staff are fully equipped to support you through this transition and the development of the necessary life skills to manage both.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

A dual diagnosis is a combination diagnosis. It means that you are suffering from a substance use disorder AND an additional mental illness. While it might seem overwhelming, this is actually very common in the United States. In fact, 7.7 million adults struggle with a dual diagnosis. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are several common risk factors for dual diagnosis. Those include genetic vulnerabilities, epidemic influences, brain region involvement, environmental influences, stress, and trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

The most common co-occurring mental illnesses connected with substance use disorders include anxiety and mood disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, conduct disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other personality disorders. But through dual diagnosis as an integrated approach to treatment for alcohol, tobacco, opioids, stimulants, marijuana, hallucinogens, and medically prescribed drugs individuals can learn to manage both disorders and live a successful and mentally healthy sober lifestyle. 

Why Is It Important to Treat Both Mental Illness and Addiction at the Same Time?

Initially, doctors thought the only way to treat both disorders was to treat them separately. If individuals received treatment for either the substance use disorder or mental illness, they assumed that it would alleviate the stressors of the other disorder. Shockingly, until the late 80s, that was how individuals got help. 

Now, therapists use dual diagnosis as an integrated approach to treatment. Through this integrated approach, individuals can combine therapeutic treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Assertive Community Treatment, Therapeutic Communities, and Contingency Management to treat their mental health disorders. 

By treating both disorders at the same time, individuals can learn to structure their personal development around healthy coping mechanisms without the fear of relapse or returning to negative habits with their mental health. Structured inpatient support can provide individuals with a goal-oriented focus and a direct structural support through aftercare to maintain sobriety and a healthy lifestyle. 

Smaller residential inpatient rehabilitation centers, like Starbridge Recovery, can support individuals through dedicated staff, personalized and focused treatment, and a holistic approach to mental health and substance abuse.

Who Can Help?

Starbridge Recovery is a fully comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment center that is equipped to support dual diagnosis disorders. By using dual diagnosis as an integrated approach to treatment, our medically trained staff can offer complete support for a number of identified mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, and PTSD/trauma. By creating individually tailored treatment plans for each client, we can support them by addressing their substance abuse needs and their mental health needs.

Our holistic treatment options focus on healing the mind, body, and spirit through a combination of traditional, alternative, and unique therapies designed with the client in mind. You or your loved one will be medically monitored and supported through detoxification and an extensive treatment program aimed at developing the skills necessary for lifelong sobriety.

At Starbridge Recovery, a relaxing rehabilitation experience awaits in small private or semi-private lodging, spa-like amenities including dedicated recreation areas, and compassionate staff prepared to support our clients through detoxification, curated dual diagnosis treatment programs, and facilitated aftercare.

Contact Starbridge Recovery to see how we can support you through these diagnoses today.

Why You Should Go to Alcohol Rehab in Los Angeles

Why You Should Go to Alcohol Rehab in Los Angeles

More than 95,000 individuals die of excessive alcohol use every year in the United States. 

While it is legal to drink alcohol at 21, excessive consumption can turn from enjoying a night out with friends to needing to drink to stop the withdrawal symptoms. Hangovers can transition from bad to worse and social drinking can become an addiction.

Alcoholism is a substance use disorder classified as a mental health disorder because it impacts your ability to stop drinking. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcoholism and you are ready to get help today in an alcohol rehab in Los Angeles, contact Starbridge Recovery today to see how we can help you turn your life around. 

What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?

While alcoholism impacts everyone differently, there are some similar characteristics to look for that may help you determine if alcohol rehab in Los Angeles is right for you.

If you or a loved one have consistently spent more time than you planned drinking or you have wanted to stop but couldn’t, these are clues that you might be struggling with alcoholism. Additionally, if your drinking or recovering from drinking is impacting your home, work, or school life, you may have a problem that requires the support of trained professionals at an alcohol rehab in Los Angeles.

It’s also important to note, that even if those things aren’t happening, if you are noticing significant changes in you or your loved one’s relationships, enjoyment or participation in activities, or increased risky behaviors during drinking it may be time to get help. 

If you’re ready to call now, contact Starbridge Recovery for your alcohol addiction treatment.

How Is Alcoholism Treated?

Alcoholism can be treated with several effective medications and therapies. These will vary based on the individual. But each client that chooses to go to alcohol rehab in Los Angeles will have the same first step, detoxification.

Detoxification is the process of removing the toxins from your body. In this case, the toxin is alcohol and detoxification is the process your body goes through while withdrawing from the effects of alcohol. Detox should always be medically monitored. Withdrawing from alcohol can range from being uncomfortable to deadly depending on the extent of the alcoholism.  Medications can help individuals be more comfortable during this process.

After you have undergone detox, you can start inpatient or outpatient therapy. Through this process, individuals can access 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or individualized cognitive-behavioral therapies with a counselor to develop healthy and positive coping and self-management skills. Motivational therapy can support individuals and help them identify the differences between positive and negative choices. 

Following alcohol rehab in Los Angeles, individuals can access aftercare through their addiction treatment program or access sober groups in the community. Sober living complexes and sober outings occur all over Los Angeles for individuals to develop a community for friendship and support.  

Why Should You Go to Alcohol Rehab in Los Angeles?

Alcohol rehabs in Los Angeles offer multiple high-quality luxury opportunities for individuals to get clean and stay sober. Starbridge Recovery is a boutique drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Los Angeles. 

Our state-of-the-art treatments and top-notch quality set them above their competitors. In an intimate setting, with private and semi-private rooms, individuals can access fully tailored addiction treatment plans that focus on the holistic healing that we believe each client benefits from. Through nutrition, physical wellness, and mental wellness, we believe that our treatments can support our clients through total mind, body, and spiritual healing,

The treatments we offer combine both the traditional and the alternative, to enhance overall well-being and development. Through this unique treatment style, we can support both individuals with substance use disorders and those with a dual-diagnosis. 
Contact us today to see why choosing Starbridge Recovery alcohol rehab in Los Angeles is right for you.

Finding the Best Los Angeles Opiate Detox

Finding the Best Los Angeles Opiate Detox

If you are considering detoxing from opiates like heroin, codeine, or morphine, it is important to consider all of your treatment options. Medically monitored and supported detoxification and a rehabilitation program can help you beat your substance use. 

If you are ready to get started right now, contact Starbridge Recovery. We have a fully monitored and comprehensive opiate detoxification and rehabilitation program in a luxury Los Angeles facility.

What Is Los Angeles Opiate Detox?

Opiate detox is the removal of toxins like heroin, morphine, and codeine from the body. While these are natural opiates, they are not natural for your body. While the damage they cause can be mitigated with time, the initial detoxification process will be a challenge. 

In Los Angeles opiate detox can be medically monitored and supported. That means that during the withdrawal and detox process, you will have a medical professional monitoring your progress. Some opiate detox centers can even medically support your detoxification so that you are less uncomfortable during withdrawal.

Why Should You Detox From Opiates at a Professional Facility?

Opiate detox should always be monitored at a professional facility. Detoxing from opiates can not only be challenging to do from home, but also extremely dangerous.

Opiate withdrawal typically lasts from 4-14 days and can range from mild symptoms from occasional use to severe and even deadly symptoms from long-term chronic use. 

Opiate detox and withdrawal symptoms vary in severity according to the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale include rapid pulse, GI upset (nausea, vomiting diarrhea), sweating, tremors, restlessness, yawning, dilated pupils, anxiety, irritability, bone or joint aches, chills, runny nose, and tearing. 

Opiate withdrawal also includes severe cravings, and is one of the prime reasons for completing opiate detox in a Los Angeles professional facility.

What Is the Next Step After a Los Angeles Opiate Detox?

After completing medically monitored opiate detox, you have several options. 

The first option is to complete an outpatient opiate addiction treatment program. During this process you will attend 12-step meetings, meet individually with a counselor, and or participate in group therapy. The intensity of this process varies, but it typically lasts about 6 months. With this option, you will be faced with making a choice to stay sober every day as you move about your daily life. This can be especially difficult for newly sober individuals and can lead to relapse. 

The second option, which is highly recommended for opiate addiction, is to attend an inpatient residential opiate addiction treatment program. Through this intensive treatment program, you would reside at a facility for 30-90 days and focus solely on developing the skills necessary to maintain sobriety in the real world. Through inpatient opiate detox in Los Angeles and treatment, you can learn self-management and coping skills while being professionally monitored and treated. While this might seem like the perfect option, you will still be faced with the difficulties of staying sober at home and for some, this challenging change in environment can lead to relapse.

The most important thing to consider in choosing a Los Angeles opiate detox is what kind of program will work best for you. 

Starbridge Recovery has a complete opiate detox and rehabilitation program in the Los Angeles area and can support you through every step of the way.

Reach Out to Starbridge Recovery Today: A Los Angeles Opiate Detox

Starbridge Recovery is a luxury opiate detox center in Los Angeles. Our intimate facility guarantees personalized individual care and the opportunity to relax and recover in a boutique setting. 

At Starbridge Recovery we combine the traditional with the alternative and create holistic mental, physical, and spiritual healing opportunities. In a spa-like setting, with private or semi-private rooms, you will have the opportunity to face your addiction head on with licensed clinical practitioners and compassionate and care support staff. 

Contact Starbridge Recovery today to see how our program can support you through opiate detox in Los Angeles.

Understanding Why Trauma and Substance Abuse Are Related

Understanding Why Trauma and Substance Abuse Are Related

Trauma and substance abuse are both life defining mental illnesses that, unfortunately, many people struggle with and often don’t or don’t know how to seek help for.

If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma and substance abuse, contact Starbridge Recovery to see how our comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment programs can help you. 

What Is Trauma?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines trauma as “… [resulting] from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.” 

SAMHSA goes on to say that, “It occurs as a result of violence, abuse, neglect, loss, disaster, war and other emotionally harmful experiences. Trauma has no boundaries with regard to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, geography or sexual orientation.”

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse occurs when an individual develops an unhealthy relationship with drugs and/or alcohol. Through this process, the person becomes addicted to how the substance impacts their body and continues to use it regardless of the impact it has on their life. 

While substance abuse affects everyone differently, common red flags include increased risk-taking behavior, lying, allowing drugs or alcohol to impact close relationships, and difficulties at home, work, school, or social settings.

Why Are Trauma and Substance Abuse Related?

These two mental illnesses are often comorbid. Evidence shows that individuals who experience childhood trauma are more likely to experience a number of mental illnesses due to neural instability and functioning. 

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies indicates that, “Many people who have experienced child abuse, criminal attack, disasters, war, or other traumatic events turn to alcohol or drugs to help them deal with emotional pain, bad memories, poor sleep, guilt, shame, anxiety, or terror.” 

The National Survey of Adolescents noted that teens who experienced physical or sexual abuse were three times as likely to report past or current substance abuse. Additional surveys of teens receiving treatment for substance abuse indicated that 70% were exposed to trauma at a young age. 

One study concluded that sexual and emotional abuse increased the likelihood of cocaine and marijuana use, while physical abuse increased the likelihood of generalized drug use.

Finally, studies show that those who abuse substances are more likely to experience traumas due to increased risk taking behavior, therefore causing a vicious cycle of use and abuse.

How Can Trauma and Substance Abuse Be Treated?

Trauma and substance abuse can be treated through a number of different therapies, but they usually all start with the same process, detoxification.

Substances impact the way the mind perceives situations and can hamper recovery and treatment of trauma. Detoxification will remove the toxins from your body and start that healing process while your mind clears. 

As this occurs, therapy treatment, both individual and group will probably be recommended. This can occur as inpatient or outpatient care, but specifically when treating trauma, success comes in a safe, structured, and consistent environment like residential care. From there, behavioral therapies, desensitization therapy, and processing therapy can take place. 

Recovering from trauma and substance use is a difficult and challenging process. Let Starbridge Recovery support you through it.

How Can Starbridge Recovery Help?

At Starbridge Recovery, we offer premier substance abuse and mental health care. Our expert medical staff is experienced and available 24/7 to support your needs. By curating specifically detailed treatment programs, we can promote overall wellness through individual and group treatments. By offering the best of traditional and alternative therapies, our clients can access individual supports to meet their specifically defined needs.

Our intimate setting ensures privacy and individual care. Luxury private and semi-private rooms with spa-like bathrooms afford our clients the necessary amenities for recuperation and healing. 

Let us help you manage your trauma and substance abuse addiction at Starbridge Recovery.

Can You Become Addicted to Benzodiazepines?

Can You Become Addicted to Benzodiazepines?

Oftentimes illegal drug use stems from misuse of a prescription drug. This initial misuse can lead to tolerance and act as a gateway for more improper use and illegal ingestion of the drug. 

Benzodiazepines are a category of prescription drug that can be misused. To understand whether or not you or a loved one are struggling with benzos, it is important to know what it is, how it impacts the body, what withdrawal symptoms look like and how to get help for benzodiazepine addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction Starbridge Recovery can help.

What Are Benzodiazepines and How Do They Affect the Body?

Can you become addicted to benzodiazepines? Yes, you can.

Benzodiazepines are a Schedule IV controlled substance. They can be prescribed by a doctor for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Benzodiazepines are a psychoactive sedative that slows down the body causing a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. 

Prescription benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, Halcion, Ativan, and Klonopin. 

Commonly known as “benzos,” “tranks,” and “downers,” these drugs can be extremely fast acting. Some benzodiazepines have the ability to stop seizures within seconds. Benzos are administered in tablet form, but are also accessible in injection and a syrup. 

The DEA fact sheet indicates that benzodiazepines are often combined with heroin and cocaine. By combining with an opioid, users can experience enhanced euphoria. However, this can increase negative side effects like amnesia, hostility, irritability, and vivid disturbing dreams or hallucinations.

What Is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome?

If you or a loved one are considering quitting bezos, please be aware of withdrawal from benzodiazepines. It is important to do this under the care of a medical professional. Benzodiazepines have an extensive impact on the body and withdrawal will not only be physically difficult, but mentally challenging as well. 

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can last up to 14 days and is characterized by sleep disturbance, irritability, increased tension and anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, sweating, difficulty concentrating, nausea, weight loss, heart palpitations, headaches, muscle cramps or stiffness, and perceptual changes. In high-dosage situations, including chronic illegal use, it can cause seizures and psychotic reactions. 

By going through benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome at a residential inpatient facility, you will have access to medically supported detoxification where a doctor can monitor your progress, offer FDA approved medications to facilitate withdrawal and offer counseling and therapy to break the addiction cycle.

If you are looking for medically monitored alcohol and drug detox, contact Starbridge Recovery.

Starbridge Recovery – Rehabilitation Redefined

Starbridge Recovery is a boutique addiction treatment center fully equipped to medically monitor your benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Following detoxification, our modern and luxurious facility offers customized treatment programs to meet your specific needs. Through traditional and unique therapies, our coed clients are able to achieve holistic healing of the body, mind, and spirit. 

Our Los Angeles drug and alcohol rehab facility boasts expertly trained and experienced staff, high-quality treatment, and compassionate, affordable individualized care. We are prepared to support you from your first step into detoxification, through the struggle of addiction treatment, and to the joys of rehabilitation and sobriety in aftercare. Available 24/7 by calling, texting, or emailing, our dedicated staff can support your transition.

Here at Starbridge Recovery we want to support your lasting recovery. We do that through traditional evidence-based therapies, individualized counseling, and community or group therapy. We also employ several alternative therapy options to meet your specific needs, like experiential therapy and meditation and yoga. Through this process we want you to be able to define your priorities and recognize your strengths so we can support you with the coping skills and self-care strategies to achieve your goals. 

Our private drug and alcohol addiction treatment center accepts 6 patients at a time, so that we can focus on each client individually. We accept multiple major insurances and have private payment options. 

Starbridge Recovery is here to support you with benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and your recovery and rehabilitation needs.

Why You Should Go to Drug Rehab in California

Why You Should Go to Drug Rehab in California

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the course of drug rehab in California. The lockdown placed unique challenges on those struggling with addiction and those trying to care for them.

In 2019, California reported 6,198 drug overdoses. However, in the 12-month period between May 2019 and May 2020, California’s statistics reached over 7,000. By the October 2020 reporting, the overdose deaths were over 2,400 individuals higher. Continuing with the national trend, California’s overdose death rate is predicted to increase by 24%. 

COVID-19’s impact on substances in California is more than just overdose deaths. It also has to do with the number of prescriptions and the number of people trying new illicit drugs. Statics indicated that California teens aged 12-17 are 24% more likely to have experimented or used a substance in the last month than other states. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, contact Starbridge Recovery today.

What Are Common Signs of Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction, or clinically known as a substance use disorder, is a disorder. It is classified as such because it impacts the physical well-being of the individual, as well as their home, work, and/or school environment. 

Common signs of drug addiction include withdrawing from social situations, lying, change or increase in risky behaviors, changes in attitude and behavior, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms or cravings for more of the drug. 

The severity of a drug addiction is based on the number of qualifying factors a person experiences within a three-month time span. An individual might experience mild, moderate, or severe addiction symptoms, requiring treatment at drug rehab in California. 

Not sure what you need? Call Starbridge Recovery for a free evaluation.

What Are the Benefits of Going to Drug Rehab in California?

Drug rehab in California offers many benefits that you won’t get attempting to recover from drug addiction at home. Rehab is offered through public health at a hospital, or can be offered through private health care at a treatment center specifically created to treat the medical and mental needs of their clients.

Drug rehab in California can be accessed through residential programs or outpatient programs, but they both start with the same thing, detoxification. It is recommended that detox be completed under the observation of a medical professional as withdrawal symptoms can vary based on the type of drug, frequency of use, and length of use. Common symptoms of withdrawal can include flu-like symptoms, headaches, anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption. However, more extreme symptoms can include tremors, seizure, stroke, heart attack, and psychosis. 

In a residential inpatient treatment program, the client will stay at the location to receive treatment for their addiction. In an outpatient program, the client might spend time at a treatment center, but will reside at home. Outpatient programs often take longer to complete than residential inpatient programs because of the increased chances of relapse outside of the facility.

Drug rehab in California also offers mental health treatment for the mental disruptions that addiction can cause. A good drug rehab in California will offer both evidence-based traditional therapies and alternative therapies to support the rehabilitation process for their clients. 

How Can Starbridge Recovery Support You?

Starbridge Recovery’s state-of-the-art drug rehab in California is a private boutique facility that caters to the addiction and recovery needs of our clients. We work to create tailor-made treatment programs for each of our clients’ addiction needs.

Our drug rehab facility offers medically monitored detox and residential inpatient care, with aftercare options once the program is completed. Our luxury amenities mean that you can focus on relaxation and recovery through our traditional, creative arts, and movement therapies designed for holistic healing of the body, mind, and spirit.

Based in Studio City, we support clients struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and dual-diagnosis addiction at our addiction treatment center. We work with most major insurance companies with out-of-network benefits to ensure you receive the treatment you need. 

Let us help you get your life under control at Starbridge Recovery.

The Common Signs of a Drinking Problem

What are the common signs of a drinking problem?

Drinking alcohol does not affect everyone the same way based on factors as simple as body composition and gender. Other more complex factors like genetics and mental health also play a huge role in the impact that alcohol has on the human body.

By learning about alcohol’s addictive nature, it’s causes, and common signs, we can help you determine if you or a loved one are experiencing an alcohol use disorder. Here at Starbridge Recovery, our goal is to see you well.

Is Alcohol Addictive?

Yes. Alcohol is an addictive substance that impacts the brains from the first drink. While people can consume alcohol and not become an addict, how you consume alcohol, how much and how often, play an important role.

Based on the standard, from the first drink, alcohol can cause a relaxed feeling in the body, by releasing additional endorphins in the brain. By two drinks, alcohol impairs your response time, impairing your ability to drive. By five drinks speech is slurred and movement and vision are impaired. More than that, blackouts and alcohol poisoning are possible.

Alcohol is addictive because of the endorphins released and the subsequent withdrawal (aka hangover). Through either chronic drinking or binge-drinking, the brain can become accustomed to the additional depressant and cause changes in mood or personality. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms include cravings for more alcohol and another release of endorphins, creating the addiction cycle.

Additionally, because alcohol is fashionable, going out and having a drink with friends can perpetuate a potentially dangerous situation.

What Are the Causes of Alcoholism?

While there isn’t a clear-cut answer as to who will or won’t become an alcoholic, there are some staggering statistics that indicate who may be more at risk. 

Those with an alcoholic parent may be more genetically inclined towards alcoholism. Studies have shown that children of alcoholics are four times as likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than those who do not. 

Additionally, men are more likely to struggle with alcoholism than women based on body composition. However, women that do have an alcohol use disorder often have more serious physical issues related to drinking, including more noticeable impairment of motor function when drinking and fertility issues with chronic abuse. 

What Are the Common Signs of a Drinking Problem to Look Out For?

Addiction is a unique disorder. It impacts everyone differently; but there are some common questions you can ask to see if you think that you or a loved one is suffering from an alcohol use disorder. 

These questions range from, “Do you need to drink more to have the same “drunk” feeling?” to questions about risky behaviors you’ve engaged in and if you’ve been arrested. Another crucial factor is whether or not this is impacting your work and home life. If you are continuing to drink, regardless of the impact it is having on your home and family, it may be time to seek help.

Starbridge Recovery can be that support.

How Can Starbridge Recovery Help?

Starbridge Recovery is a luxury detox and addiction treatment center in Los Angeles. Our boutique, state-of-the-art rehab center focuses on treating the clients’ individual needs. Through our specifically curated treatment programs, our clients can experience traditional and alternative therapies that encourage holistic healing.

We believe that the best treatment is a combination of evidence-based therapy with creative-arts therapies in a relaxing luxury setting, so that’s what we’ve made. Our experienced staff is expertly trained to support you through withdrawal and rehabilitation at our modern and comforting setting.

Our facility offers medically supported detox, residential inpatient care, and aftercare in a small exclusive setting. Through individual and group therapy sessions, our clinicians will work with you to develop coping skills and stress management skills that will be useful in supporting a sober lifestyle.

Rediscover sobriety with Starbridge Recovery today.

Are Los Angeles Mental Health and Addiction Rates Related?

Are Los Angeles mental health and addiction rates related?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental illness impacts over 51.5 million people in the United States – That’s 1 in 5 adults or just over 20% of the adult American population.

Women are more likely to be impacted with a mental illness than men, and young adults aged 18-25 have a 30% likelihood of having any mental illness. Additionally, those of 2 or more races are nearly 10% more likely to have a mental illness. 

Of the 20% of people that have a mental illness, over 5% of those people have a serious mental illness indicated by an inability to function in everyday life. 

In California, the number is 1 in 6 for a mental illness, and 1 in 24 for a serious mental illness that impacts their ability to function in daily life. Over 60% of those individuals with a serious mental illness never seek treatment.

In Los Angeles mental health rates are 1 in 24. 4.3% of adults and 7.8% of children have a serious mental illness. LA County has the lowest suicide rate in the state 7.7/100,000 due, in part, to the LA County Department of Mental Health. The largest mental health department in the country, LA County works with over 80 programs and contracts with over 700 providers. 

Are Los Angeles Mental Health and Addiction Related?

8% of Californians have a substance use disorder, and 3.9% of those people also have a serious mental illness. When seeking treatment, it is important to consider both the addiction and mental illness.

Originally thought to be best treated individually, medical professionals found that many mental illnesses increased the likelihood of addictive behaviors and self-medication, while substance abuse could cause an onset of serious mental illness symptoms. Their radical idea was to treat the comorbid occurrence through a new treatment program.

Dual diagnosis treatment is the process through which clinicians see both the addiction and the mental illness as equally co-occurring and causing difficulty in the life of the client. Through this type of therapy program, the root causes of addiction and mental illness can be examined, and true healing can occur. 

Serious mental illnesses that have high comorbidity with substance use disorders include, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. 

Approximately 50% of addiction treatment centers also treat mental health in Los Angeles, California. LA County’s department of mental health has over 250 inpatient hospital beds for patients with mental health concerns. 

But a clinical hospital setting might not be the best for you. 

 How to Treat Mental Health and Addiction at the Same Time

Starbridge Recovery is a leading dual diagnosis treatment facility in the Los Angeles area. With all the support and experience of a hospital, our highly trained staff is equipped to support your dual diagnosis treatment in our luxury facility.

At Starbridge Recovery, our exclusive boutique treatment center, caters to the needs of our clients. Through evidence-based traditional therapies and unique alternative therapies, our individualized treatment programs are created to support our clients through the rehabilitation process and mental health management. 

Our goal is for each client to learn the skills necessary for developing positive mental health strategies to deal with the outside world after the completion of our program. Through detox, behavioral therapy, and group and individual therapy, our clients are able to identify triggers and develop an exit strategy for stressful situations.

Our premier facility offers high-end amenities and alternative therapies to increase relaxation and allow the client to solely focus on rehabilitation. Our spacious rooms and spa-like bathrooms offer individual space, while our equipped common areas allow for comfortable and safe interaction.

At Starbridge Recovery, we offer medically monitored detox, residential inpatient care, and aftercare to support your dual diagnosis treatment plan. 

See how Starbridge Recovery can help you manage your mental illness and addiction today.

Signs Your Loved One Needs Heroin Addiction Treatment

Signs my loved one needs heroin addiction treatment

While heroin has been illegal for nearly 100 years, it is still a common problem for many Americans. Just in the last 20 years, heroin addiction and overdose deaths have quadrupled their previous numbers and taken hundreds of thousands of lives. 

Are you concerned that your loved one is addicted to heroin? Do you know the signs of a heroin addiction? Do you know how to get treatment for them? Let us help you. 

Starbridge Recovery is a premier heroin addiction treatment center in Los Angeles, California.

What Is Heroin? 

Heroin is a white or brown powder or a tacky black goo. Originally used from the 1800s to the 1920s, it worked like morphine to relieve pain before its highly addictive qualities were noted. Heroin became illegal in the 1920s and is now considered an illegal drug.

Heroin causes the body to release increased amounts of dopamine and numbing pain sensors, giving a “rush” to the user. Heroin can be injected, sniffed, snorted, or smoked causing variations in the immediacy and length of the high. The short-term effects of heroin include dry mouth, itching, nausea and vomiting, and going “on the nod” where a person nods on and off between consciousness and subconsciousness. 

When used in combination with stimulants, heroin can decrease the impact of the jitteriness and balance the effects of it. However, this combination of stimulant and sedative, can also cause the body to stop functioning correctly causing a heart attack and even death.

When used in combination with other sedatives, heroin becomes lethal through the process of slowing down too many body functions causing death. 

What Are the Signs of Heroin Addiction?

Heroin addiction can be obvious for those who know what to look for. Aside from finding paraphernalia, like syringes, pipes, spoons, lighters, or medical tubing, you can also learn to look for signs of impairment. 

Visually, you might be able to see track marks on an addict. These are most commonly on the arms, legs, between the fingers and toes.  You may also notice pinpoint pupils, excessive itching, or an addict “on the nod.”

Additionally, an addict is likely impaired. They may have slow or slurred speech or delayed processing. This is obvious when you ask a question, and it takes them a long time to think through the answer or they answer a simple question incorrectly.

There also may be medical concerns to look and listen for. Long-term heroin addiction can cause miscarriage or irregular cycles, weakening and infection of the heart, constipation, collapsed veins, insomnia, etc. 

If you are concerned for a loved one, Starbridge Recovery can be their heroin addiction treatment program.

What Is Starbridge Recovery and How Can They Help?

Starbridge Recovery is a leading heroin addiction treatment center in Los Angeles. Our expert staff are specifically trained and prepared to deal with heroin addiction and recovery. With medically supervised detox, residential inpatient, and aftercare available, our facility offers support through every step of the process. 

Our state-of-the-art facility offers a multitude of traditional evidence-based therapies in combination with our alternative creative arts therapies that support holistic healing of the body, mind, and spirit. Through individual, group, and family therapies, clients are able to better understand themselves by learning where their addictions stem from, coping-strategies, and developing a support system that will keep them strong through life-long sobriety.

By choosing Starbridge Recovery, you are choosing staff that will create an individualized treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Within our luxury heroin addiction treatment center, we are able to offer spacious housing, spa-like amenities, and modern living. 

Starbridge Recovery can support your loved one through the difficulty of heroin addiction treatment and the rehabilitation process.