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Showing posts from April, 2020

Alcoholism….It’s Still a Problem

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Originally posted on Pinnacle Treatment Centers Alcoholism seems to have lost its place as the number one addiction problem in America. The  opioid epidemic  is front and center in our minds when the topic of  addiction  comes up in discussion. But has alcoholism really gone anywhere? Not according to the statistics reported by the National Institute of Health (NIH). According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 14.4 million adults in the U.S. ages 18 and older (5.8% of this age group) had a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This includes 9.2 million men and 5.3 million women. Only about 7.9 percent of these people received treatment in the past year. An estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. The first is tobacco, and the second is poor diet and physical inactivity. In 2015, nearly half of the 78,529 liver disease deaths involved alcohol, which is only on

Recovery Doesn’t Need to Stop Because of Coronavirus: Eleanor Health’s Telehealth Capabilities Deliver Treatment Virtually

Originally posted on Eleanor Health North Carolina & Massachusetts – Eleanor Health , the first addiction and mental health services provider designed to deliver a whole-person, long-term patient recovery outcomes, issued the following statement today in regards to the Coronavirus and treatment at their facilities. “We know recovery is about building community and connection — sometimes that can’t be done in person but that shouldn’t stop progress and treatment,” stated Corbin Petro CEO and Co-Founder of Eleanor Health. “If any of our community members are concerned about the coronavirus and coming into a medical facility, that’s ok, but their treatment and recovery doesn’t need to stop.  Eleanor will work with you to find a suitable virtual option to ensure you stay on the path to wellness.” Eleanor Health is rethinking how to treat addiction with a cutting-edge approach  designed to meet patients where they are in their recovery journey, through outpatient clinics, community

Transitioning from Methadone to Buprenorphine During COVID-19: How Eleanor Health Can Help

Originally posted on Eleanor Health As the COVID-19 outbreak spreads and mandatory social distancing seems likely to extend for several weeks, addiction treatment as we know it has changed in several ways. From new patient intake to peer support groups, treatment programs have had to alter how different components are provided in order to protect the health of patients and staff alike. These changes have significantly impacted people who use methadone for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as part of their overall treatment plan. How MAT Works Medical research studies show that MAT reduces the risk of death from overdose by as much as 60% in a year. When used properly, MAT can help to reduce substance cravings and increases the likelihood of a successful, long-term recovery. Under normal circumstances, this class of medications falls under strict federal regulations and involves regularly scheduled clinic visits. One of the most common MAT medications prescribed, methadone , requi

Alcohol Abuse

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Originally posted on Pinnacle Treatment Centers What is Alcohol Abuse? Enjoying a glass of wine or beer after a long, tiring day is common amongst many people around the world. However, when someone consumes too much alcohol on a regular basis or has problems in controlling alcohol consumption, it might hint at alcohol abuse/alcoholism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one or fewer drinks per day for women and two or fewer drinks per day for men falls within moderate drinking and anything more than this on a regular basis can be a sign of a larger issue. It can also be perceived in this way: if a woman consumes more than seven drinks per week, it is considered “heavy” or “at risk” drinking. For men, this usually is more than 14 drinks per week. Consuming too much alcohol puts a strain on your health and personal/professional relationships. In addition to this, it can lead to a physical dependency on alcohol, which makes it very difficult for you to functi

What is a Methadone Doctor?

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Originally posted on Pinnacle Treatment Centers A methadone doctor is an expert in treating substance use disorders. He/she may handle other SUDs, but treating opioid dependency is their primary role. Why particularly opioid misuse? The statistics related to the misuse of this drug are quite alarming, with a staggering number of prescribed and illegal opioid misuse cases reported in the U.S. every year. Methadone doctors play a crucial role in saving those opioid-dependent individuals in the U.S. What is Methadone? An explanation for methadone doctors is impossible without understanding what methadone is. Methadone is a pain-relieving medication that came to the U.S. in 1974. Surprisingly, it became clear that this medication can be used to great effect in treating opioid dependency. Opioid Misuse in the U.S. The statistics related to  opioid addiction  explains the importance of methadone doctors. Opioid medications bind to the brain’s regions that regulate pain. An increase in

What Is Drug Addiction?

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Originally posted on Pinnacle Treatment Centers Substance use disorder (SUD) or  drug addiction  is a disease that negatively affects a person’s brain and behavior. A person can become obsessed with any legal or illegal drugs. Some people can get addicted to  certain medications . This addiction gradually starts developing when the individual continues to consume the drug despite the impairment it causes. Nicotine,  marijuana  and  alcohol  are commonly misused drugs in today’s world. What Causes Drug Addiction? An action performed once as an experiment in a social situation can soon develop into a habit. An experimental use of alcohol at a college party can be used as an example. Substances such as alcohol and nicotine can affect the way one feels. Some people enjoy the physical and mental stimulations these substances create. In most cases, it is highly likely for the individual to get obsessed with such feelings. This condition ultimately leads the person to develop an addiction

How Does Opioid Addiction Happen?

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Originally posted on Pinnacle Treatment Centers Opioids are a class of drugs used extensively in pain management due to their ability to bind with opioid receptors throughout the body. The opioid receptors in your body regulate a multitude of functions ranging from pain, addiction, emotional state, immune function, etc. The very act of synthetically interfering with these receptors is fraught with risk and can throw the body into an imbalance that may result in a dependence on the drug. Opioid use disorder stems from the very nature of the drug and the strong effect it has on the mind and the body of the individual. While pain management is the initial need, the onset of depression and physical dependence on the drug can quickly take hold and create a vicious circle of  addiction . How to Manage the Risks of Opioids? One of the best things you can do to manage the risks is to explore alternatives to opioids at the very beginning.  Safe usage of opioids is an oxymoron as the addict

Chudnovsky Law Named Top 100 Trial Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers for Excellence in Orange County Criminal Defense

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NEWPORT BEACH, CA — The National Trial Lawyers is pleased to announce that Tsion Chudnovsky of Chudnovsky Law has been selected for inclusion into its Top 100 Trial Lawyers, an honor given to only an elite group of lawyers for their superior skills and qualifications in the practice of criminal defense. Membership in this exclusive organization is by invitation only and is limited to the top 100 attorneys who have demonstrated excellence and achieved outstanding results in their careers. The National Trial Lawyers is a professional organization comprised of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who have demonstrated exceptional qualifications in their area of the law. Tsion Chudnovsky’s selection by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer shows that Chudnovsky Law has superior qualifications and trial results as a criminal defense trial lawyer. About Chudnovsky Law   Chudnovsky Law is a preeminent Orange County criminal defense lawyer and DUI lawyer Orange

What to Know About Outpatient Addiction Treatment

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Originally posted on Eleanor Health When it comes to addiction treatment programs, many people might first think of 30-day inpatient rehabs, as seen in countless TV shows and movies. Inpatient treatment has been popular for many years but for some people, leaving their jobs, homes, and loved ones for an extended period isn’t an option. For those who need a more flexible option, outpatient recovery programs are a helpful alternative. If you or your loved one is interested in learning more about outpatient addiction treatment, here are the top factors you should know. Outpatient Program Services In general, the majority of services provided by inpatient programs are also available in an outpatient setting. These services include: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): As part of a medically-supervised outpatient program, medications are prescribed to help ease withdrawal side-effects and prevent relapses. For mental health conditions that occur alongside addiction, medication mana

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism – How to Know if Someone Has a Problem with Drinking

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Originally posted on Eleanor Health Throughout history, alcohol has played a significant role in different cultures around the world. Alcohol is used by people as a way to relax, bond, celebrate, and socialize. In the United States, it’s common for adults to have a drink with friends on the weekends, at weddings and parties, or as a way to unwind from work. Alcohol’s effects vary from person to person and depend on a variety of factors, such as: Number of alcoholic drinks consumed How often alcohol is consumed Age The general state of health Family history WHAT IS ALCOHOL USE DISORDER(AUD)? For many people, alcohol has a strong effect but when consumed in a moderate amount, it is not unhealthy or dangerous. Over time though, excessive drinking can develop into alcohol use disorder (AUD), or more commonly known as alcoholism. AUD is characterized by cravings, physical and emotional dependence on alcohol, uncontrollable alcohol use, and negative emotions when not d

Alcoholism: A Family Disease – How Alcohol Addiction Affects Families

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Originally posted on Eleanor Health Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly called alcoholism, is often called a “family disease” because it impacts more people than just the individual with alcohol addiction. Addiction happens in all types of families, and its emotional side effects are felt by spouses, children, and other loved ones. Their lives, behaviors, and attitudes can change forever as a result of the disease. They can even experience anxiety, depression, and shame as a result of alcohol addiction. Living in a home with AUD can lead to disruptive behavior, tension, and strained relationships—all of which can cause significant stress on the family unit. ALCOHOL ADDICTION AND RELATIONSHIPS It’s common for many couples to drink together. According to the University of Buffalo’s Clinical and Research Institute on Addiction , both husbands and wives regularly drink alcohol in roughly half of all couples. Moderate alcohol use may have few consequences, but heavier drinking that le