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Tag: Addiction Recovery

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Doing Outdoor Activities in Sunny Seasons: How Can it Help the Recovery Process?

Addiction and Leisure Activities

Spring and summer are times of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings. With the changing weather, outdoor and leisure activities are more appealing than ever.

But activities associated with leisure are often a sticky topic for those recovering from substance abuse and those newly committed to sobriety. For these folks—and maybe you’re one of them—leisurely activities might be tied to your first time engaging in drugs or alcohol. And as the addiction grew, it’s likely that your hobbies and free-time activities suffered. 

While hopping back into those hobbies and activities may seem intimidating, your physical and mental strength will slowly build up again over time. Finding a new hobby or re-discovering a renewed joy for an old activity is an great way to help you stay sober and continue to grow in your recovery. What better time to start than with the fresh green buds of spring and start of summer?

What Types of Outdoor Activities Can I Do?

Whether you live in a city or rural area, many of us have some type of access to outdoor spaces. Some may just minutes from your front door, while other might require a bit more planning. These spaces can provide relaxation, fun, exercise, and escape for just about anyone.

Some of these activities include:  

  • Mountain Biking 
  • Hiking 
  • Kayaking/Canoeing  
  • Fishing 
  • Running  
  • Indoor or outdoor climbing  
  • Swimming 
  • Skiing 
  • Snowboarding 
  • Snowshoeing  
  • Meditating  

Hiking with a group might sound appealing to you, whereas others might find solitary mountain biking their cup of tea. In any case, the outdoors will be sure to help just about anyone find what they are looking for.   

Benefits of Outdoor Leisure Activities

All of these activities come with their own combination of physical, mental, and social benefits. And with recent studies in “therapeutic recreation,” it is becoming clear that those suffering from mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders (SUDs) can benefit greatly from these types of activities.

Physical Health Benefits of Outdoor Exercise 

The physical benefits of outdoor activities are immense. When done consistently, all of the above activities can help you boost your stamina, burn fat, and build muscle mass. By getting yourself in better shape, you will find yourself more willing and able to get off the couch and use your free-time to enhance your quality of life. Ultimately, this lowers your risk of relapse and reverting back into old habits.  

Another positive aspect of exercise in the outdoors is the sort of physical “high” that many people experience. This feeling is caused by the release of brain chemicals that are very similar to those triggered by drug and alcohol abuse. This “high” not only makes you feel good in the moment but can also work to draw you back to outdoor activities. But this time, it’s an activity that helps you instead of harming you.

Exercise is also proven to stimulate new tissue growth and repair brain damage that may have been caused by prolonged drug or alcohol abuse. Starting to reverse these negative effects on the brain will only help you in your recovery process.  

Don’t forget that you don’t need to work too hard to gain the physical benefits from being outdoors. Even leisurely hikes or picnics in the mountains will be beneficial to your physical health.  

Mental Health Benefits of Sober Outdoor Activities 

In addition to the physical benefits, outdoor activities also have a number of mental health benefits, especially for those in recovery. Such benefits are sometimes not as obvious as the physical benefits, but they are just as—if not more—important. 

Outdoor activities can improve mood, decrease anxiety, reduce stress, and provide a clearer perspective. The fresh air, green scenery, and experience of the natural world all provide a deeper sense of ease and connectedness. And is well-established, the interaction between body and mind are not separate. If one is happy and healthy, the other one is likely happy and healthy, too!

Exercise, especially outdoors can also help prevent relapse and keep your recovery on track.

For most people, spending time outdoors is essentially fun, a quality that is objectively good for your mental health. If it is a general goal to increase your personal happiness and stress reduction, you will find it a huge help to you while you thrive in your recovery journey.  

Social Benefits of Sober Outdoor Fun 

On top of the great physical and mental benefits outdoor activities provide, they also make it easy to find new friend groups and connect with other like-minded people. This often leads to wonderful new friendships while also making it easier to avoid falling back into unhealthy relationships that may hurt your life of sobriety.  

Like-mindedness also includes those who are trying to improve their lives by being outside. Physical and mental goals are good qualities to have in common with your friend group. What better place to meet them than doing the activities that you both love?

Taking the First Step

Remember that getting outside in any capacity has positive effects to help you with your recovery. If adventurous outdoor activities aren’t for you, things as simple as taking a walk through a park or sitting next to a creek can have the same mental health benefits. The important thing is to find what makes you excited and continue to move forward in your healing process.  

By heading outside, you can fill up your leisure time with activities that positively impact your physical and mental health. At the same time, you can make new memories and build new relationships in a healthy context that brings you closer to wholeness.

Whether you decide to get into hiking, start skiing like you used to, or would rather simply sit by a stream and meditate, you can feel good about your choice knowing it is helping you continue on your path of sobriety and recovery. 

If you need help starting or sustaining your addiction recovery journey, get in touch with a professional at Numa Recovery today.

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Kratom

What is Kratom and Is It Dangerous for Those in Addiction Recovery?

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, whose proper name is Mitragyna, is a plant from Southeast Asia. It belongs to the same family of plants as coffee and gardenias. Kratom has been used as an herbal medicine in Thailand and nearby countries for hundreds of years for various ailments. It is most commonly used for energy boosts as well as mild pain relief. What makes it dangerous, however, is the fact that it’s a dose-dependent stimulant and has opiate-like effects. This similarity can make it potentially useful for the withdrawal symptoms of opiate addiction.

In the last two decades, there has been a substantial increase in the rates of kratom usage in North America and Europe both as a recreational drug and for the self-management of pain.

The effects of kratom are dose-dependent, but heavier use will result in a high that lasts for several hours.

Is Kratom Harmful?

Research about the effects of kratom use is limited and there have been few clinical trials conducted to determine whether it is safe for human use. Most of the current knowledge regarding this substance comes from anecdotal reports by users and doctors, as well as some animal experiments.

Kratom is not a controlled substance in the US. Therefore, it’s easy to find Kratom sold on the internet as well as in head shops. It comes in various forms, including:

  • Loose leaves to make tea
  • Capsules
  • Compressed tablets

Researchers have found more than numerous biologically active chemicals in the drug, including several that bind opioid receptors in the human brain and have the potential to lead towards physical dependence and addiction.

Although the plant has a long history of use as an herbal medicine in Southeast Asia, kratom abuse is also well known in the region. The drug has been banned, except for strict medical usage, in Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar due to its addictive properties.

Finally, some chemicals found in kratom interfere with drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver and may cause dangerous interactions with other drugs or medications. Overdoses—some of them fatal—have been reported in users who have taken kratom in combination with other drugs.

What Are the Short Term Effects?

Because of the unique mix of chemicals in kratom, the short-term effects of the drug are complex and vary widely. The balance between stimulant-like and opiate-like effects depends on the dose taken, and different users have reported significantly different experiences with the drug even when taking the same dose.

At a low dose (1-5 g) of kratom, stimulant-like effects are the most common. These are felt within 10 minutes and last for 60 to 90 minutes. While reports by users indicate that most people find these effects pleasant, some users experience an uncomfortable sense of anxiety and agitation. The primary stimulant-like side effects of this drug are similar to amphetamine, though less intense, and include:

  • Increased energy and alertness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased sociability
  • Heightened libido

Moderate to high doses (5-15 g) of kratom have primarily opioid-like effects that last for several hours. The euphoric “high” induced by Kratom is reportedly less intense than that of other opioid drugs, and some users describe the experience as unpleasant or dysphoric. Other opiate-like effects include:

  • Analgesia (pain reduction)
  • Drowsiness
  • Calm, dreamlike mental state
  • Cough suppression
  • Reduction in symptoms of opioid withdrawal

Doses greater than 15g have effects similar to high doses of opioids, including extreme sedation and a loss of consciousness in some cases.

What Are the General Dangers of Kratom Use?

There are several side effects of kratom use that range in severity from inconvenient to dangerous. Like the sought-after effects listed above, its side effects are dependent on the dose taken and are similar to those found both for stimulant drugs and opiates, including:

  • Pupillary constriction (tiny pupils)
  • Facial flushing (blushing)
  • Tremors or loss of motor coordination
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Itching

Serious toxic effects appear to be rare among reports by users and healthcare providers, but there is little information available to estimate the true long-term side effects and dangers of use. Most serious toxic reactions have been associated with high doses of kratom (>15 g) and have been characterized by seizures.

The dangers of kratom use appear to be especially high in the case of “Krypton,” which is an herbal product marketed as an especially potent form of the drug. Krypton is actually a combination of kratom and O-desmethyltramadol, a chemical otherwise encountered as a metabolite of the pain medication tramadol (Ultram). This combination increases the depressive effects on the central nervous system and Krypton use has been blamed for several deaths in Sweden.

What Are the Effects of Withdrawal?

In one study, more than 50% of people who used the drug regularly for at least 6 months developed a kratom dependency. Dependent users of the drug suffer physical withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opiates if they stop taking it suddenly. Some of the symptoms of kratom withdrawal include:

  • Irritability
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • High blood pressure
  • Diarrhea
  • Runny nose
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Insomnia
  • Intense craving for kratom

Taking Caution With Kratom

Because of the highly addictive nature of Kratom, it is not recommended to consume the substance in any form for those in addiction recovery. Above all else, if you find yourself or a loved one in a cycle of addiction, reach out for immediate help at Numa Recovery today. Whether it’s the start of your healing journey or a restart, you’ll find the support, resources, and help you need.

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Drug and Alcohol Detox Opioids

What’s the Difference Between Naltrexone and Naloxone?

Substance Abuse of Opioids

The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis in the United States. Overdose deaths from opioids have been slowly on the rise for more than a ten years, and opioid-related hospitalizations have reached dangerously high levels. But what are opioids and how does one avoid their misuse? Moreover, what do opioid inhibitors like naltrexone and naloxone have to do with the recovery process?

Opioids are prescription medications used mainly to control pain ranging from moderate to severe. They are often prescribed after surgery or injury, but they can also be prescribed for chronic issues. They encompass a large class of medications and illicit substances that include:

  • Morphine
  • Vicodin
  • OxyContin
  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl
  • Heroin

The use of these medications can be dangerous and lead to misuse, abuse, or addiction. This harmful behavior is known as opioid use disorder (OUD).

What are Opioid Inhibitors?

Naloxone and naltrexone are both opioid inhibitors. They are also called opioid antagonists. This means that they bind to opioid receptors in the brain to block the effects of other opioids. But what’s the difference between naltrexone and naloxone? They may sound and look similar, but the two medications are fundamentally different in terms of how they act in the body and their purpose.

There are a few differences between the two medications. On the one hand, naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose. On the other hand, naltrexone is used to manage substance use disorders by reducing cravings and the risks of relapse. Let’s consider each medication individually to understand them better.

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose. Naloxone is an antidote that can quickly restore breathing in a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose. A study has also shown that Naloxone can be used to reduce neuropathic pain.

In terms of opioids, naloxone can only be used to counteract the effects of heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It can’t be used to treat opioid use disorders like Naltrexone can. Moreover, it only applies to opioids and doesn’t block substances like alcohol, tranquilizers, cocaine, or amphetamines.

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a prescription medication that comes in the form of a pill or an extended-release intramuscular injection. It can be used to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid dependence. It also has other uses, including its ability to treat septic shock. The pill form can be prescribed daily, and the extended-release injectable is administered monthly by a healthcare professional licensed for its administration.

In terms of its uses, naltrexone helps reduce the risk of relapses as well as cravings. Again, it’s one of the most commonly used medications in treating alcohol use disorder and opioid dependence. Like other medications, it’s most effective when used in conjunction with other rehabilitation strategies like counseling and behavioral therapies. In the long run, it can help maintain abstinence and encourage sustainable recovery. Generally speaking, it is non-addictive and has very low potential for misuse.

What’s the Difference in How Naloxone and Naltrexone are Administered?

Naloxone is available in two primary forms: nasal spray or auto-injector. In healthcare settings, it can be administered intravenously. The nasal spray is given while the person is lying on their back, while the injection is given through the thigh. It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose so you know when to administer naloxone. The typical symptoms seen in an opioid overdose include:

  • Pinpointed pupils
  • Respiratory depression
  • Diminished consciousness

These three symptoms are known as the “opioid overdose triad.” Naloxone should be administered immediately if a person is displaying these symptoms. Of course, if you don’t have naloxone on hand, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Don’t hesitate to call 911 even if you’re not sure in the moment about the person’s symptoms. You could save a life by acting quickly.

What’s the Difference Between Naloxone and Naltrexone’s Effects?

Naloxone has an immediate effect while naltrexone works more gradually. Since naloxone works to block the opioids from a person’s brain receptors, it has to work fast in order to reverse the effects of an overdose. The effects of naloxone usually occur within five minutes of administration. The quicker the medication is administered, the higher the chances of saving a person’s life.

Even though its chemical structure is similar to naltrexone, naloxone is most commonly used as a short-term opioid blocker. Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that is usually given in a single dose. The medication’s effects usually fade off within thirty minutes and are completely gone after ninety minutes. However, if a person has overdosed on a longer-acting opioid, they may require another dose of naloxone.

How Do the Side Effects of Naloxone and Naltrexone Differ?

All chemical substances create alterations in neurotransmitters, hormones, and physiological functions. Therefore, there are always potential side effects associated with their use. But overall, the risk of serious side effects from naloxone use is quite low. The risk of harmful effects outweighs the consequences of an overdose, which often results in death. Even if the person is unconscious and the cause of unconsciousness is unknown, naloxone will probably not cause further harm to the person. 

There are, however, some side effects to be aware of. Reported side effects of naloxone are often related to acute opioid withdrawal. These include:

  • Body aches
  • Increased heart rate
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Runny nose
  • Convulsions
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Appetite loss

For naltrexone, the most common side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability
  • Nervousness
  • Sleeping troubles
  • Enhanced or decreased energy
  • Abdominal pain
  • Toothache
  • Cold symptoms

In sum, opioid inhibitors can be used to treat opioid abuse or overdose. For more information on medically-assisted detox and how to start your recovery journey, reach out to a professional at Numa Recovery today.

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Uncategorized

Do Aftercare Programs Really Work?

Addiction is a chronic condition that can have severe and long-lasting consequences on an individual’s health, relationships, and quality of life. Addiction programs can be an effective way to treat addiction, to be sure. But what about in the long run? Recovery doesn’t end after completing a program. That’s where aftercare programs come in.

Aftercare is an essential component of addiction treatment, providing ongoing support and resources to individuals as they continue on their path of recovery. After treatment care is just an important to maintain your sobriety and stay on the healing path. Below, we’ll discuss the benefits of aftercare in addiction programs and why it’s crucial for a successful recovery.

What is Aftercare?

Aftercare is a term used to describe the support and resources provided to individuals who have completed an addiction treatment program. These programs can include a range of services, such as:

  • Counseling and therapy
  • Support groups
  • Job training
  • Housing assistance
  • Coping techniques
  • Social events
  • Meditation
  • Nutritional wellness
  • Physical exercise
  • Medication management

Aftercare is designed to help individuals maintain their sobriety and navigate the challenges of returning to everyday life after treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Aftercare in Addiction Programs?

  • Continued Support

Aftercare programs provide ongoing support to individuals as they transition back to everyday life. They can help individuals cope with stressors, triggers, and challenges that may arise during recovery. Having access to counseling and support groups can be crucial in preventing relapse and maintaining sobriety. When you need it most, having a friend or mentor to call can the difference between relapse and sobriety.

  • Access to Resources

Aftercare programs provide individuals with access to resources that can help them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. These resources can include job training, housing assistance, and financial assistance. Access to these resources can help individuals build a stable and successful life in recovery. Other resources can include alternative or complementary therapies that you didn’t know existed. In order to stay sober, you have to take a holistic perspective on your recovery journey.

  • Improved Mental Health

Addiction can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health. Aftercare programs can provide individuals with access to counseling and therapy, which can help them address any underlying mental health issues. Improved mental health can help individuals maintain their sobriety and lead a more fulfilling life in recovery. You’re more than just a body with cravings—you’re a mind and a person on a path toward wholeness, and this includes your mental health.

How Does Aftercare Help with Community Connection?

  • Continued Education

Education is an essential component of recovery. Aftercare programs can provide individuals with ongoing education and training to help them build new skills and learn about addiction and recovery. This education can help individuals stay motivated and focused on their recovery. Whether this includes college classes or technical skill training, education will only help you become more stable and offer more options for your future.

  • Community Support

Community support is a critical component of recovery. Aftercare programs can provide individuals with access to support groups and sober communities. These communities can provide a sense of belonging, understanding, and accountability. Being a part of a supportive community can help individuals stay motivated and committed to their recovery. Sometimes you don’t want to do “recovery stuff” all the time, so this is where fun, low-key, sober activities come in. Community support helps you feel normal and heal at the same time.

Will Aftercare Reduce My Risk of Relapse?

Relapse is a common occurrence in addiction recovery. Aftercare programs can help individuals reduce their risk of relapse by providing ongoing support, education, and resources. Having access to these resources can help individuals stay focused on their recovery and prevent relapse.

But there are different types of aftercare programs that can help prevent relapse. Research studies, like this one in JAMA Psychiatry, shows that more traditional relapse prevention aftercare is most beneficial within six months of leaving treatment. However, after twelve months, alternative aftercare programs like mindfulness based options work better over the long run.

Does Aftercare Work With 12 Step Programs?

Aftercare in 12 step programs is a critical component of addiction treatment. 12 step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), are based on a set of guiding principles and a community of support. The 12 steps are designed to help individuals build a foundation for sobriety and a new way of life. After completing a 12 step program, individuals can continue their recovery journey through aftercare programs that support and reinforce the principles learned in the program.

One study in the journal for Addictive Behaviors showed that, compared to the other aftercare programs, those with AA were the most helpful overall. Other programs were also effective, but for the majority of people, AA programs were the most accessible. The key is to find out what type of aftercare makes the most sense for you, and whatever you prefer will end up being most effective.

Aiming For Long-Term Success with Aftercare Programs

The ultimate goal of addiction treatment is long-term success. Aftercare programs are designed to help individuals achieve long-term success in recovery by providing them with the support and resources they need to maintain their sobriety. With ongoing support and resources, individuals can build a successful life in recovery and achieve their goals.

Treatment is essential, but so is aftercare. The perspective of both the short-term and the long term are key for a lifelong healing journey.

Thinking Toward the Future

Aftercare is an essential component of addiction treatment. It provides individuals with ongoing support, resources, and education that can help them maintain their sobriety and achieve long-term success in recovery. By providing access to counseling, support groups, job training, and housing assistance, aftercare programs can help individuals build a stable and successful life in recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, consider the benefits of aftercare and how it can support a successful recovery. If you want to learn more or are ready to start your recovery today, don’t hesitate to reach out to Numa Recovery today.

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