Question by E: Can i take benzodiazipines for anxiety if I have had substance abuse issues in the past?
Can i take benzodiazipines for anxiety if I have had substance abuse issues in the past?
seriously. I’ve been abusing alcohol heavily to self medicate my chronic anxiety on and off for the past ten years or so.. I’ve been to detox a few times, rehab, and hospitals. Of course I’ve dealt with legal trouble as well, because drinking gets me into a lot of trouble as well. I’ve tried counseling, medication, group therapy, holistic treatment, diet change, church, and more than often: trying to force myself to “stop being weak.” Nothing works. According to the state I’m bipolar which qualifies me for disability (I receive SSI and SSDI) here are some of the medications I’ve tried: adderall celexa lexapro effexor wellbutrin buspar lamictal seroquel abilify dalmane ambien trazodone diazepam straterra buspar vistaril. All of those drugs had severe side effects I could not deal with. The cons outweighed the pros. The adderall turned into severe abuse and I became psychotic for months… It took about 6 months after an overdose to calm down. I’ve never experienced mania in my life without drugs so I know for a fact I’m not bipolar. I’m often depressed but mostly anxious. I have VERY lightly abused a few prescription painkillers but honestly not enough to ever call it a serious problem…might have been heading that way for a bit but I sobered up for 18 months, where I put all my strength and energy into “recovery.” I committed myself to AA (the worst program alive) and went to therapy every week. I spoke with my case manager and continued searching for spirituality. I got a job, moderate exercise, and ate will. I was still dying inside. I went to a hospital that put me on heavy mood stabilizers that triggered compulsive over eating which is horrible since I have underlying health issues so I had to quit. The other unbearable side effects I’ve experienced from medication is insomnia, tardive dyskinesia, heart palpitations, swollen throat, cystic acne, and worsened suicidal thoughts. Not worth it, at all. My anxiety is chronic and involves obsessions, social distress, and panic attacks…I used to have them really bad when I was younger and they are coming back. I contacted a load of psychiatrists and none are accepting new clients. The agency I’m assigned to does not prescribe addictive medication especially to people with substance abuse issues. my neighbors use xanax and I have connections if needed be. I’d rather try a lighter one though such klonopin. I’ve heard that it is the less addicting? I’m not drug seeking…just want to treat my symptoms. i’ve used ativan and valium before and they were life savers but I never went after them hard because I was so scared of withdrawal or adding more problems. Thing is, I think about killing myself every single day…maybe I’m a person that just needs a real anxiety medicine, for life?? Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated. I feel doomed at the moment. thankyou

oh wait dalmane worked beautifully but it was only a temporary prescription and i was too scared to ask the doctor for a refill because i’m insanely terrified of that kind of pill addiction
to yummy- I’m pretty sure I listed a bunch of medicine I’ve tried before. they dont work. anywys bye
micki 48. shut . the. f*ck. up. I’m well aware nearly every option has been eliminated…….. it’s not my own head that did it……..lol. idiot. I’ve been doing this on and off for 10 years…my body is hyper sensitive to all medication. I’m not making it up when my heart goes into tachycardia…. lol. when my stomach swells up to the size of a 6 or 7 months pregnant lady because I eat something my stomach doesnt agree with, that’s not all in my head. When i take a medicine one night and wake up with blisters all over my face the next, it’s not in my head. people like you are so ignorant. yes I’ve been to therapist after therapist, and so far, I’ve only ran into two who were worth my time. Intelligent enough with useful strategies. Unfortunately both of them left their practices without much notice. One was sick, and the other gave no explanation. One was a psychologist by the way, mind you assume that I’ve only been to therapists. Anyways I want y
you to know that you are stupid. The reason I say this is partially because I’m bitter and miserable, but mostly because it’s true.

Best answer:

Answer by As it should be
the internet says Dalmane is a Benzo.
I think your first reaction toward their addictive nature is your wisest.

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Alcohol addiction is a progressive disease which can prove fatal without the proper treatment of the core causes. Alcoholism’s symptoms can be quite evident when a person has physical withdrawal symptoms, noticeable cravings, a lack of control when around the substance, becoming physically dependent, and gaining an increased tolerance through frequent usage.

Sometimes will power is not enough to get to the point of recovery from alcohol dependence as there are many personal battles that can become unbearable for the addict. Professional assistance is often necessary to help the addict recover from substance abuse completely and with lasting positive effects.

There are many rehab centers which offer various alcohol addiction treatment programs, including intervention services, detoxification protocols, one on one counseling sessions , therapy, and medication. The initial stages of recovery include alcohol intervention programs during which the core problems of the patient is sought and analyzed. This is followed by the detoxification process which eliminates the most toxic substances from the addict’s body.

Counseling and group therapy are used to help the patient deal with emotional and mental aspects of addiction. Any treatment regiment involves both physical body and psychological side of treatment. The medication stage involves improving the physical health of the patient by prescribing medication.

Alcohol addiction treatment centers employ health and addiction specialists to address the needs of the patient. The rehab center offers in patient programs, individual support, exercise, and clinical facilities for the full care of the individual in order to facilitate a quick recovery.

With so many addiction treatments available, the addict should be able to find one cautiously planned to efficiently improve the person’s health physically and psychologically for a more productive and alcohol-free life.

by ohskylab

Question by Danyel: What type of education would I need to become an RN at a substance abuse detox facility?
I am currently going to school for pre-health with a nursing concentration, until I have the requirements to apply for nursing. I would like to be able to work as an RN in a substance abuse facility. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advise as to how to go about doing this? I do not know if I will need to specialize in a certain area in order to do so or not? If anyone could help me out in regards to what to do education wise I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by MeMeMe
Hi,

First off, good for you for wanting to work in addiction treatment! I’m an addictions counselor and have been working in mental health (mostly suicide prevention) for 7 years and we certainly need more qualified RNs in the field. So I think you will have an easy time finding work once you’re finished with school.

As for your question… To become an RN, you need to go to nursing school. Although I’m sure you already know this. As for specializing in addiction treatment, I don’t believe there are any additional requirements, but it would be good if you have experience working with addicts or at least a greater knowledge of treating clients with addiction. So I would suggest trying to get an internship of some sort with a treatment center in your area. They may not let you do much while you’re in school, but you will be able to put it on your resume. You can learn a lot from observing how things work in treatment. The other suggestion I have would be to take some extra classes that focus on substance abuse. Drug addicts and alcoholics face a variety of special issues separate from the “normal” population you would be working with in a hospital. Most community colleges and some universities now offer programs where you can learn more about these issues. I don’t know where you live, but you may want to start looking for college programs titled “Addictions Counseling” or “Addictions Studies.” Classes you may want to take would be any type of pharmacology, a bloodborne pathogens/infectious disease class, and even alternative treatments to addiction classes. It could also help to take a few classes for addictions counselors like group therapy, individual therapy, or something similar. These will definitely help you in the future in terms of communicating with your clients.

The most important thing I would think an RN working in addiction should have to be educated about is prescription drugs of abuse. Normally when I do an intake on a client coming into treatment, they have been medically prescribed multiple addictive drugs that only contribute to and exacerbate their disease (addiction). Usually these include opiate painkillers, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives and tranquilizers. I had a client once who was on NINE different benzos which she had been on for years, all prescribed by doctors for things like insomnia, anxiety, and even hypothyroidism. This is so egregious and disgusting to me! They were killing her. She obviously had to be medically detoxed for risk of seizures and death from her meds. And needless to say, after being evaluated by our MD, she didn’t NEED any of the pills.

Anyway, I’m rambling. Just excited to see someone wanting to help in the field of addiction treatment. It is rare these days, it seems. But what a satisfying and rewarding job. Good luck to you!!!

Give your answer to this question below!

Many drug addiction treatment centers focus on only the addiction itself. At 12 Palms Recovery Center, treatment plans include dealing with emotional and mental disorders that accompany the actual addiction as well.

According to reports published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), approximately 50 percent of patients addicted to drugs also suffer from some form of emotional or mental disorder. While a rehab in Vermont can help to treat the addiction, oftentimes they are not equipped to also treat the emotional or mental disorder. Focusing on the addiction does not mean that the mental disorder goes away.

At 12 Palms Recovery Center in Jensen Beach, Florida, dual diagnosis patients can and do receive treatment for both their addiction and their emotional or mental disorder. Therapists at 12 Palms Recovery Center are recovering addicts themselves who are also qualified to deal with patients suffering from both addiction and mental disorders. By separating drug and alcohol abuse from emotional and mental issues such as bi-polar disorder, depression, anxiety or PTSD, the qualified therapists and counselors can then determine the underlying factors apart from the addiction itself.

A rehab in Vermont can certainly diagnosis a patient with emotional or mental disorders, but oftentimes outpatient treatment for that disorder will be required. At 12 Palms Recovery Center, any patient with a dual diagnosis can work on their emotional or mental health issues along with their addiction in house—through one on one counseling, group therapy sessions and other time-tested methods of treatment and possibly medication, each patient suffering from dual diagnosis gets their own unique treatment plan developed specifically for their needs.

Many years ago, it was commonplace to lock up an alcoholic or addict in a sanitarium, only to leave them there to live out the rest of their lives in relative obscurity. Alcoholism and addiction back then was considered to be a problem of the mind, much like mental disorders. However now, addiction is treated with a time-tested plan of action, and emotional or mental disorders are diagnosed separately and treated along with the addiction. A rehab in Vermont can treat the addiction, but at 12 Palms Recovery Center, not only are both the addiction and separate disorders treated, each patient who has a dual diagnosis is given a specific plan of action to follow to continue treating both.

12 Palms Recovery Center is designed to be an all-inclusive treatment center, where each patient with a dual diagnosis receives a specific treatment plan that treats their specific needs. By working with qualified counselors and therapists, patients can finally be understood and supported with a specific plan of recovery.

Drug addiction treatment programs oftentimes focuses on just the addiction. At 12 Palms Recovery Center, an all-inclusive treatment plan that also treats emotional and mental disorders is available for dual diagnosis patients.  For more information on the services offered by 12 Palms Recovery Center, please call 1(866) 331-6779.
 

More In Patient Drug Addiction Treatment Articles

Question by jasimine w: when being sentenced from the judge residential treatment what happens next?

Best answer:

Answer by OneRunningMan
“Residential Treatment:

Promises Westside’s residential program – licensed by the State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs – provides comprehensive, individualized treatment based on proven social and psychodynamic methods. We provide a confidential, secluded environment – a peaceful setting where hope and healing begin. Our program includes:

24-hour detoxification facilitation

“Dual Diagnosis” evaluation and treatment (see “Dual Diagnosis” section for more info)

Daily educational lectures

Relapse prevention skills development

Psychodrama therapy

Individualized treatment planning

One-on-one counseling

Group therapy sessions

Recreational therapy, physical fitness

Scheduled 12-Step meetings in the local community

Equine Assisted Therapy

Health and nutrition education

Family counseling, therapy, education and involvement

Aftercare planning

As noted above, Promises can facilitate detoxification services through independent physicians specializing in addiction treatment. During the critical stage of early recovery, we will work to ensure that new residents who volunteer for this auxiliary service experience the safest and most comfortable drug and alcohol detoxification possible.

Using the most effective techniques available today, an individualized treatment plan is developed for each client by our multidisciplinary clinical team to assure a successful recovery.
All meals are prepared on site by our chef, providing the healthy and balanced nutrition necessary for rebuilding the body.

After more than 15 years of dedicated service, Promises has helped over 10,000 people – plus their families, partners, and loved ones – return to health and maintain a lasting recovery.”

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