LGBTQ Addiction Treatment
In several studies ranging from 2000 to 2011, many LGBTQ individuals reported negative treatment experiences. Reports noted unsupportive staff, heterosexual attitudes, discomfort around peers, and anxiety when sharing personal details. As a result, many researchers have suggested gay and lesbian specific rehab programming. Such programs include typical addiction therapy for alcohol, drugs, and processes (gambling, sex, and food), but also address homosexual-specific issues like internal homophobia, sexual anxiety, self-acceptance, and rebuilding spirituality (shi h often involves counteracting past damage caused by organized religion). Bars and clubs are popular hangout spots for the LGBTQ community. While not a concern for everyone, individuals with substance use issues may begin to develop such problems in these places. Because of this, learning alternate ways to socialize during treatment will help individuals in social situations after treatment. There are only a handful of addiction treatment programs specifically for lesbian and gay individuals. Specialized programs like this can also be costly. As a result, the likelihood of attending gay or lesbian specific programming is low. Here’s the catch: manycan get the same benefits in the right ‘non-homosexual’ addiction treatment center. Why it’s Important to not Differentiate Because addiction and treatment is not black and white, it is important tonot classify and treat those with addictions all in the same way. Everyone has “baggage” and it’s all different. Some have severe mental health disorders, some have trauma and PTSD, some are gay and struggle with internalized homophobia, and some heterosexual individuals have sexual problems. Addiction treatment providers shouldfocus most of their attention towards addiction and related issues. Many gay individuals looking for treatment have no concerns regarding their sexuality; they need help with other issues like addiction and mental health. Sometimes, though, a person’s anxiety about their sexuality will be so prominent that they will feel more comfortable dealing with their issues in an environment with similar peers. This is when specialized treatment for LGBTQ communities is most beneficial. These types of programs definitely have their place in the addiction treatment field. The post LGBTQ Addiction Treatment appeared first on Canada Drug...
OxyNEO Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is being seen more and more among all ages and demographics. Painkillers, or Opioids, like Oxycodone and Methadone are some of the most commonly misused prescriptions. These medications can become very addictive if not effectively monitored by both patient and physician. In the last few years, Canada has seen many changes to the popular painkiller, Oxycontin. Manufacturers changed Oxycontin’s formula shortly before their patent on the painkiller expired (which would allow generic copies to be produced). While Oxycontin was originally developed as a slow-release painkiller, it was quickly learned that snorting or injected it allowed users to experience the drug’s entire effect all at once. Oxycontin’s New Identity This change in formula made Oxycontin (renamed OxyNEO) harder to abuse. When a person tries to alter OxyNEO for snorting or injection, it forms into a gel and becomes too gummy for such purposes. This change has garnered both support and criticism. Advocates believe OxyNEO lowers levels of abuse and addiction in addition to reducing the risk of fatal respiratory relapse. Others believed it only translates into different problems elsewhere. Outcomes of OxyNEO One of the problems noticed shortly after OxyNEO’s debut was a spike in heroin use. With the inability to use OxyNEO in the same ways as its predecessor, many people turned to the next closest substance – heroin. Heroin is much cheaper and easier to access than prescription opioids. But because illicit substances like heroin are not regulated, users do not know how much heroin they’re ingested or if there are other substances cut in. The risk of overdose, serious health complications, and death are much higher among heroin users. People have also found ways to abuse OxyNEO. A quick search on google will show you how to remove the plastic coating responsible for creating its gummy consistency. Approaching Substance Use Differently Simply removing or changing a substance does not counteract substance abuse or addiction issues within a community. People struggling with substance dependency will find other ways to stimulate their experiences while using substances. Not only is the adoption of substances like Heroin more dangerous, but heroin’s withdrawal symptoms can also be life-threatening. It’s difficult to know what stance you should take on issues like this, especially when authorities are so divided on solutions for people with mental health and addictions. Who do you believe? How do you know who is right and wrong? The truth is you can’t be black-and-white about it. There were likely some people who went into recovery after Oxycontin was taken off the market, meaning that the change worked for some. Additionally, not everyone prescribed Oxycontin in the past developed a dependency to it or the other painkillers than have been around for years. For this reason, unique, individualized approaches to opioid addictions are more effective than simply wiping something off the shelf (alcohol prohibition in the United States is a good example of this). The post OxyNEO Drug Abuse appeared first on Canada Drug...
Slip Vs Relapse
Families of individuals with addictions are not just an important part of treatment, but an important part of recovery (i.e. life after treatment). Relapse can be one of the biggest worries once loved ones return home from treatment, yet many can’t identify what true relapse looks like. TO complicate matters, there is no universally agreed upon definition for “relapse”. What is Relapse? While there are many definitions available, a relapse can be defined as “a return to previous levels of substance use or behaviour(s) after a period of improvement”. Generally, total relapse reflects a higher severity in the return to addictive behaviours. Many factors can influence relapse. To start, it’s not a sign or lacking willpower and control. Certain characteristics affect treatment outcomes and recovery. One study found those with higher self-efficacy, less avoidant coping styles, and a readiness to change showed better outcomes. In contrast, untreated concurrent mental health problems, multiple substance dependencies, and high impulsivity were linked to increased vulnerability for relapse. According to the same study, people experiencing mental health issues like distress, depression, and anxiety are also at higher risk for relapse. Negative emotions account for 30% of relapses and increase the chances of a ‘slip’ turning into relapse. What is a Slip? A slip is defined as “a break in abstinence” or “the act or instance of back-sliding”. A popular belief is that slips are not as detrimental as relapse. The belief is that it is different from relapse, because a slip is not a complete return to addictive behaviours. However, there are a number of people who don’t believe in slips; abstinence is “all or nothing” to them. Any consumption of substances is considered relapse. This belief doesn’t work for everyone. Behaviour & Process Addictions Adding to the confusion surrounding slips and relapse, are those with process addictions such as food, sex, video games, and internet use. For this group, it is not necessarily realistic to abstain permanently. For example, people with food or sex addiction need to develop moderate, healthy sexual or eating behaviours. Harm Reduction Definitions of relapse and slips also become confusing when the definition of recovery shifts from the traditional view of abstinence to moderate removal. For example, individuals with opioid addiction may need to taper in order to achieve long-term recovery. They may even need to use other painkillers to ease an injury or recover from surgery in the future. Recovery is not a State, it’s a Process Recovery is a learning process and a slip or relapse may be a necessary part of that individual’s learning. Individuals who slip or relapse learn more about themselves and better ways to prevent slips in the future. Relapse can also be a sign of boredom and a lack of meaning and purpose. Individuals who slip or relapse have an opportunity to look at their life and find ways to make it more meaningful. This insight can greatly improve their recovery and prevent relapse in the future. Your Role As friends and families, it’s important not to react drastically to a loved one’s slip or relapse. Our negative reactions can translate into failure in their eyes. This sense of failure can cause your loved one to believe they’re hopeless and return to old patterns. Individuals with more supportive relationships with families and friends show better treatment and recovery outcomes. The post Slip Vs Relapse appeared first on Canada Drug...
New Detox and Addiction Treatment Centre in Winnipeg Opening
A new detox and addictions treatment centre is set to open later this month in June 2014. The River Point Centre has worked to create an additional 70 beds for treatment in the metropolis hub of Manitoba. The centre will be able to offer non-medical detox or withdrawal management, addiction and substance abuse awareness, intensive day programs, residential (inpatient) rehabilitation, and temporary housing for those affected by substance abuse. The site location, 146 Mangus Avenue, was previously a seniors care facility. The building is being renovated to give it a second life like the clients it will be serving. For more information on finding treatment resources for yourself or someone you know please call 1-877-746-196, email info@canadadrugrehab.ca, or visit our directory on the web www.canadadrugrehab.ca Sources 1. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-s-river-point-centre-to-help-people-beat-addiction-1.2663702 2. http://www.gov.mb.ca/housing/mh/community/river_point.html 3. http://globalnews.ca/news/1372611/river-point-centre-will-give-people-suffering-from-addictions-another-place/...
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the Winnipeg detox blog. This blog and many others are operated by www.canadadrugrehab.ca; an organization of specialists who talk to people every day by phone and email to help them find the addiction treatment and support they need for themselves or loved ones. That being said, we know there are many more people out there that we can help. For those who we are unable to communicate with directly by phone or email, we will be posting regular blogs detailing situations of callers across Canada and the resources we provided them so they have the resources to deal with their unique situation (names and personal information will be changed or removed to protect privacy). Each person’s situation is different and the links and information we give is tailored to that individual and their specific needs. We hope you will be able to identify with some of the people in these excerpts and find the provided information helpful in your own search for treatment options. For more personalized help in finding addiction treatment, please contact us at 1.877.746.1963 or info@canadadrugrehab.ca. There is no cost for connecting with us. CDR is a public service with a mission to help individuals and families struggling with addiction in Canada find treatment and other resources that will help them develop improved, more fulfilling lives....
