Benzos And Senior Citizens: Are They At Risk For Becoming Addicted? Drug opiate addiction treatment in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug, opiate, fentanyl, heroin and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Drug Rehab In Alberta And BC

Benzos And Senior Citizens At Risk Of Becoming Addicted

Numerous senior citizens these days are taking cocktails of dangerous and potent drugs on a daily basis. Some of those drugs, are of course necessary for certain conditions like heart problems, arthritis, high blood pressure, and much more. However, the elderly are also taking various pills for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Benzodiazepines like Valium, Klonopin, Ativan, and Xanax are being prescribed at a very alarming rate to senior citizens.

Problems arise whenever the individual has memory problems and cannot properly follow dosing directions. Or, the drugs they take might have adverse interactions. A lot of these people have increased risk for car accidents, broken bones, falls, and other types of dangers.

Elderly individuals don’t always discuss with their doctors what the side effect are of taking multiple prescriptions at the same time. Often they assume that many of the symptoms that they are experiencing are due to old age. Therefore, the problems that arise with benzos and senior citizens frequently get overlooked or are misdiagnosed. Quite often, they are given a different medication in order to counteract their symptoms, but their problem continues to get worse.

The Dangers Of Seniors Using Benzo Over The Long Term

Some experts think that many dementia signs frequently result from the side effects caused by the combination of different prescription drugs that an individual is taking. Anxiety, sleep disturbances, appetite problems, kidney and bladder problems, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, memory loss, and more are frequently attributed to old age. However, it is important to look closely at what else may be occurring with these people.

As we grow older, our bodily functions significantly slow down. In the senior years, we discover it takes us longer to overcome illnesses and recover from colds. Also, our bodies have a more difficult time processing the chemicals that we may have consumed from medications or food. With all of that mind, we need to wonder how an elderly individual’s body is going to react to the hundreds of different chemicals that are contained in their prescription medications. That might means senior citizens need to be prescribed smaller benzos doses due to having slower metabolism.

How The Issue Of Benzos and Senior Citizens Should Be Addressed

Health studies that have been conducted report that over 13% of senior women and 10% of senior men use benzodiazepines on a regular basis. The dangers and side effects of benzos are why these drugs appear on the mental health lists as being potentially inappropriate for the elderly to use. In general, benzos are intended to be used over the short term of around four months or shorter. Unfortunately, there are many seniors who continue to be prescribed and take this drug for years.

Given that benzodiazepines pose a serious threat for addiction and dependency, physicians should talk about alternative treatment methods that are available for problems like depression, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Particularly for those people who are taking several prescription pills on a daily basis already.

Options Okanagan Offers Assistance With Benzos Addiction

If you are worried about an elderly family member who has a benzodiazepine addiction or abuse problem, there is help that is available. Professional treatment might be required like an inpatient drug rehabilitation program to assist your loved one with overcoming their addiction. Effective treatment facilities are fully equipped and have the expertise to help an individual safely overcome their withdrawal symptoms during the detox process. Then the program provides the person with a curriculum of skills training and behavioral modification therapies to help the individual to avoid going back to their old habits.

Contact Options Okanagan today for more information on benzos and senior citizens. We will be very happy to help you with whatever we can and assist you with selecting the right treatment program for your loved one.

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

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

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

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

What is the most addictive drug globally at present? Heroin intervention and rehab in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug, opiate, fentanyl, heroin and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Heroin Rehab & Interventions In Alberta And BC

What Is Considered To Be The Most Addictive Drug Globally At Present?

If your answer is heroin, then you are correct. Currently, across the world, heroin is considered to be among the most addictive substances>. The practice of dealers lacing heroin with fentanyl, in recent times, has led to the exponential increase of the dangers associated with its use. The fact that heroine use has doubled in the US and Canada over the last 5 years has further aggravated the situation. Add to that the fact that on an annual basis, more than 500,000 heroin users are treated for overdoses. Lastly, heroin is also considered to be one of the most addictive drugs on earth due to its low cost.

The relatively high cost of prescription medication is also said to contribute to the high rate of abuse of heroin. The high cost of opioid based painkillers shut out a huge number of people who are addicted to prescription drugs. The low cost of heroin is attractive to such individuals. White middle aged adults account for the largest proportion of this increase in heroin users, surprisingly. Unfortunately, most of these new users quickly develop a dependence on heroin, with a large number of them dying from overdoses.

Additional Addictive Substances To Be Concerned About

There are other highly addictive substances available at present, even though heroin is considered to top the list. You might have heard about these drugs on the news, and are therefore familiar with most of them. However, it’s only right that we include them here in a bid to shed more light on the severity of the drug issues we face at this day and age.

2. Cocaine

Known to cause extreme alertness, increased energy levels and temporary feelings of euphoria with use, cocaine is a stimulant. The drug causes dangerous heart rate levels and increased blood pressure, all the while making the user more talkative. The drug, when used as a pain killer, keeps the user hooked by creating intense feelings of pleasure. The drug usually comes in a variety of forms including crystals, liquid and powder. Currently, more than 2.4 million people use cocaine according to health organizations.

3. Opioid Drugs

Hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl and codeine are dome of the commonly abused opioids. In the US and Canada, dependence on opioids has now reached epidemic levels. Doctors are now being advised to reduce the amount of prescriptions they issue for these addictive substances by health organizations. At present, it is estimated that 7.6 million individuals in North America abuse prescription pain medication.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol use depresses the central nervous system. Different forms of alcohol include hard liquor, wine and beer. The effects of alcohol use including feelings of euphoria, calming effect and lowered inhibitions attract many individuals. Among college and high school students, binge drinking has become a major issue today. The practice involves drinking in a short period, a couple of hours, more than 5 servings of the drug. In most cases, regular users feel that they need to use the drug to have fun; while alcoholics on the other hand feel like drinking is their only path to feeling normal. 7.5% of people who are 18 and above suffer from alcohol use disorder, as per estimates put forward by health organizations.

5. Benzodiazepine Drugs

These drugs are usually used to control seizures and treat anxiety. Benzodiazepine use creates a relaxing and satisfying feeling in the user. To enhance the effects of the drugs, considered to be among the most commonly abused in the US and Canada, they are used with pain medication or alcohol. Valium, Xanax, Klonopin and Activan are some of the commonly prescribed benzodiazepines.

A standard of measurement for addictive substances has been created by professionals working at health organizations. To do this they carried out research studies to collect data on the addictive potential of specific substances and the resulting effects.

Overcoming Your Dependence On The World’s Most Addictive Drug

One of the most challenging addictions to overcome is an addiction to heroin. However, many previous addicts have been able to successfully free themselves from their dependence. Reach out to us today, at Options Okanagan, if you are struggling with heroin addiction. Over the years we have helped many individuals overcome their dependence on the world’s most addictive drug, allow us to help you. Call us today, and get your path to recovery started by speaking with one of our professional treatment advisors.

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

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

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

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

Addiction explained to a Non-Addict and what role does the environment play? – Drug Opiate interventions in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug, opiate, fentanyl, heroin and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Drug and Opiate Rehab In BC and Alberta

What Role Does The Environment Play In Drug Opiate Addiction?

An individual’s regular environment all revolves around their economic status, lifestyle activities, family, and friends. Along with those factors, an environment may also include exposure to drugs, stress, potential abuse, and peer pressure. Whenever addiction is explained to a non-addict, the person might have a difficult time understanding what the substance abuse’s initial cause was. For each addiction, there are various factors that are involved as to why it started initially. Beyond the environment, the genetic makeup of an individual might present certain mental disorders as well. That is particularly hard to understand since unless you have been pre-diagnosed, it isn’t necessarily foreseen that the addiction will occur. Also, a person’s life has stages that affect their risk for addiction. Teenagers are in a vulnerable and danger time of their lives since using drugs may be viewed as trendy. That sounds terrible, and it actually is. The teenager’s brains is also still developing, particularly in the parts that are responsible for making decisions. That creates vulnerability since lack of self-control and judgment might result in impulsive drug use.

For people suffering from addiction, after their initial substance use, their power of choice comes to an end. When addiction is explained to a non-addict, it might be hard when the non-addict judges an individual based on their initial actions. Given that environmental factors play a role within all age groups, it is very common that all types of individuals are presented with the chance to try substances out. Saying no to alcohol or drugs is never easy. Alcohol and drugs affect dopamine levels. Dopamine plays a critical role in pleasure feelings, emotion, and motivation. When used over time a tolerance to the addictive substance will build up. A person will seldom think ahead and predict the way their brain and body will respond to their initial drug use. Nobody decides to become an addict, and numerous individuals are not aware of all of the risks that are associated with common prescription drugs.

The truth about addiction is the individual cannot overcome it alone. No matter how much the suffering individual want to quit, there are other related issues that make it practically impossible to do it by themselves. Other problems might include co-occurring mental health disorders and withdrawal symptoms. Mental health disorders co-exist with addiction and are prevalent. It is critical to learning to understand addicts is that addiction sufferers will have multiple issues present.

Psychological problem may make an individual susceptible to addiction. However, that can occur as well after the addiction has started. Severe mental illnesses may make an individual one-half times more likely to experience substance abuse. Personality disorders, anxiety/panic disorders, and mood disorders all have a great deal of susceptibility to addiction. These type of diseases include depression, schizophrenia, general anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. People who suffer from mood disorder and anxiety are twice as likely to develop addictions. Some individuals might find it hard to learn how an addiction can be explain since they might hide information about their mental health status.

Many mental illness studies report that individuals with schizophrenia have a four time higher chance of developing an addiction problem, and those with bipolar disorders have over five times the chance. When worked in reverse, individuals who have suffered from an addiction likely will have a mental illness as well. Mental illnesses play a major role among alcoholics. PTSD and anxiety are classified as being the most commonly diagnosed illnesses for alcoholics. When mental illness and addiction are connected is is referred to as a dual diagnosis. Treatments for them frequently address the problems that are associated with both of these problem areas. When coinciding issues are treated by treatment centers, they have a tendency to achieve the best results in sobriety and life management. Addiction and mental illnesses may both be classified as diseases. Although addiction cannot be cured, it can be managed adequately when the appropriate treatment is uses. Not all mental illnesses are diseases, although in terms of coping and management, instead of curing, some do have the same criteria.

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

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

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

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

Substance abuse and addiction in BC and Alberta – Risks linked to Self-Treatment – Part 02 – Drug intervention in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug, opiate, fentanyl, heroin and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Drug Rehab & Interventions In BC And Alberta

A lot of people do wonder why their family members are incapable of stopping drug abuse on their own. Well, the issue with this is the fact that the addicted family member fails to completely grasp the particular nature of their situation. Consequently, drug users need professional guidance and specialized help to enable them to successfully defeat their addiction.

Listed below are some risks that you might encounter if you make an effort to treat your substance abuse or drug addiction without having professional help.

Time is Not Always on Your Side

Treatment and recovery take dedication and time. In other words, the more dedication and time you put into your recovery, the better chances you have of not relapsing. If you try doing it yourself, you may think that you are making progress. However, you may soon realize that with the pressure of everyday life, you do not have the time to allocate to recovery.

Nevertheless, with professional help, you will be given a certain time frame for therapy and treatment, which will help with recovery. Additionally, there will be fewer chances of relapsing.

The Treatment Is Not Thorough Enough

Even though self-help treatment can be beneficial to overcoming substance abuse, in most cases, you will be heading down a dangerous path. In other words, it could cause more problems like worsen your addiction. Remember, some treatment options are not as effective at detoxification, which means traces of drug abuse will be left in the system. This is what causes withdrawal symptoms.

Broken Relationships

There are chances that a drug addict has negatively impacted personal relationships with friends and family. Rebuilding trust takes time, and it could be challenging especially if you are doing it on your own. Therapists act as mediators to such situations.

Getting Into Depression

Staying in the same environment can be lonely, especially if you are trying to hide your addition from friends and family. When you lack people to talk to or interact with may lead to depression. However, with the right kind of environment, you will be able to replace negative socialization that surrounds substance abuse.

Risk of Losing a Job

A majority of substance users have the idea that they can quit anytime they want on their own. Others believe they are okay and believe that they do not have a problem. The moment your employer finds out that you are addicted to drugs and you are not seeking help, chances are that they will fire you. Therefore, by seeking help from a professional will better your chances of going back to work the moment you have fully recovered. There are many employers who fully support employees with addiction problems.

Peer Pressure

The truth is that self-help treatment sometimes works, which is a very small percentage. In other cases, users run the risk of getting back to the addiction due to lack of counseling. At the same time, they spend time with friends who continue to use drugs, which is a problem of relapsing.

Treatment Plans May Have Changed

Not unless you are working with a professional, it will become difficult to know when the treatment plan should change or altered. Sticking to the same treatment option may become ineffective after some time. Working with an expert will ensure that you get the best treatment.

Exposure to an Unsafe Environment

Environment plays a big role when it comes to rehabilitation. Therefore, for a treatment to work, the environment must be secure. Because treatment is delicate and someone can easily be influenced, which will threaten its success.

Substance abuse is not a pretty thing and does have an effect not only to those close to you but your life as well. Freedom from drug abuse is possible with the help of a professional and right treatment plan. Remember, addiction of any kind is serious and should be treated as such.

Self-treatment might work for quite a while, but, getting the proper help means seeking the expertise and assistance of an experienced professional. Furthermore, through the help of a professional, the treatment process and therapy is going to be quick leaving you feeling empowered. Options Okanagan Rehab Treatment Centers will help you obtain the required treatment you need, contact us today at 1-855-335-0331.

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

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

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

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

Substance Abuse In Alberta And BC, and risks associated with Self-Treatment. Drug interventions in BC and Alberta – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug, opiate, fentanyl, heroin and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Drug Rehab & Interventions In Alberta And BC

Many people do wonder why their loved ones are not able to stop abusing drugs on their own. Well, the problem with this is that the user does not fully understand the very nature of his/her situation. As such, drug users need professional help so that they can successfully defeat their addiction.

The truth is that if you have never suffered from an addiction, then you may not know or understand what it feels like to experience real withdrawal, and how to cope with physical addiction. As such, many people with a substance addiction problem try self-treatment, without a professional’s help.

However, there is a huge problem with this method. How? Well, attempting rehabilitation alone means starting with the deck stacked against you. Well, to be successful, you will need help from a trusted professional or at least someone who fully knows and understands the situation you are in like a family member or friend. The person should be in a position to provide the right guidance and treatment program for you.

Below are some risks that you may encounter when you try to treat your substance abuse, without a professional’s help.

Failure To identify All Underlying Issues

The truth the addiction by yourself will save you time and in some cases money. However, you may not be able to address all possible issues related to the treatment such as anxiety, co-addiction, depression, family dysfunction, and even health issues. Remember, professional therapies will address anything else that may arise or not considered during active use.

Lack of Self-Awareness

It has been proven that many people fear going back to rehabilitation centers because of the positive talks and reinforcements. As such, this becomes a motivator to abstain for good. Some people find it uncomfortable at first but with time, things will pay off through a skilled professional.

Lack of Knowledge About Stress Management

During withdrawals, one will experience stress, and if you are trying to treat yourself, then you may not be able to manage the problem. In such cases, you need effective stress management, so as to avoid going back to using drugs. With the help of a professional, you will learn of effective ways to manage stressful situations successfully.

You Are Not Your Own Best Counsel

The truth is that if you have an addition; it does not matter if it is illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, or compulsive behavior such as gambling or shopping, then you are not equipped to give yourself advice. In other words, you are not equipped or trained to handle or overcome the desire. At the same time, you will not be able to teach yourself how to cope, analyze, or adhere to thoughts and appropriate schedule. This is the reason why those who want to be clean get themselves into a treatment program. Remember, professional help is the best chance of getting your life back.

Self-treatment may work for a while but getting help means seeking the services of a professional. Furthermore, with the help of a professional, the treatment process will be quick leaving you feeling empowered. Options Okanagan Rehab can help you find the help you need, call us today at 1-855-335-0331.

Part 02 of this article follows …..

Suffering From Drug Addiction

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

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

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

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

Determining if a loved one is suffering from Drug Addiction – Recovering addicts in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna, British Columbia treating drug, opiate, fentanyl, heroin and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Drug Rehab In Alberta And BC

Research studies suggest that upwards of ten million individuals across North America battled drug addiction of one form or another in 2017. Those who participated in the survey indicated that the most frequently used drugs were opioids, marijuana, heroin and prescription pain medications.

At its heart, addiction is a psychological or physical need for the continued use of a particular substance, regardless of the danger or harm it represents. Ongoing use of drugs has the potential to alter brain function by providing excessive stimulation of the brain’s reward center and facilitating a deceptive feeling of pleasure.

When you start to wonder whether someone you love has a drug addiction, it is important to stay mindful of a series of possible red flags. People who demonstrate one or more such signs should be approached so that the root cause of the affliction can be treated in a straightforward manner. It should be mentioned, though, that not every case of addiction will be characterized by these hallmarks.

Red Flags For Drug Addiction

When addiction takes hold, there can be mental as well as physical changes, not to mention behavioral symptoms. Knowing what to watch for can be helpful in detecting a concern promptly.

The following changes are among those that may be cause for alarm:

1) unusual isolation or withdrawal from others and social situations
2) noticeable anxiety, lethargy or depressive expression
3) sleep disruptions, including daytime slumber and insomnia at night
4) eating changes, including eating more or less than usual
5) weight fluctuation, whether gain or loss
6) drop in grooming or hygiene standards
7) financial difficulties resulting from spending on drugs instead of other obligations

Unexpected shifts in behavior could also encompass truancy from work or school, failure to honor social commitments, loss of interest in exercise or other hobbies and more. Really any behavior that seems out of the ordinary for the individual in question should prompt additional inquiry. Though these signals are certainly something that can be indicative of the initial
stages of drug abuse, behavioral changes tend to worsen or escalate as the addiction progresses.

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

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

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

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