Author: Dan

5 Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Programs in New JerseyAddiction is a serious problem in the United States, with nearly 1 million people dying from drug overdoses since the year 2000.[1] When you suffer from a substance use disorder, you must seek help from a professional drug therapy program. Without treatment, you could experience an array of consequences, including relationship issues, financial problems, the development of health conditions, and even fatal overdoses.

When it comes to addiction recovery, there are many different forms of treatment you can choose from. For people suffering from opioid and alcohol addiction, one of the most effective approaches is medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines traditional treatment approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group counseling with pharmacotherapy, or prescribed medications. There are many benefits of choosing medication-assisted treatment, including an easier detox and fewer drug cravings. Find out if MAT is right for you by speaking with one of our dedicated admissions counselors at Blue Star Recovery Center.

Does Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Really Work?

Medication-assisted treatment is one of the most effective approaches to addiction treatment. It can reduce the risk of relapse, increase treatment retention, and more. Rather than allowing you to face withdrawal cold turkey and cravings without support, medications can offer you relief.

According to the South Dakota Departments of Health and Social Services, “Up to 90% of patients who use MAT maintain sobriety at the 2-year mark.”[2]

It is important to note that medication-assisted treatment combines pharmacological treatment with evidence-based addiction therapies. While some people perpetuate the stigma that MAT is substituting one substance for another, this is factually untrue. The medications are not used in a manner that puts you at risk for developing an addiction, they just provide an extra layer of defense against unnecessary relapses.

5 Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

There are many benefits associated with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). In fact, using FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) reduces the death rate among those living with addiction by 50% or more.[2]

Additional benefits of MAT include:

1. Reduce Symptoms of Withdrawal and the Need for Inpatient Detoxification

Medication-assisted treatment is often used during the detoxification phase of addiction recovery. Opioid and alcohol withdrawal can be uncomfortable, painful, and even life-threatening in some cases, but MAT makes the detox process easier for people recovering from addiction.

Medications like methadone or buprenorphine attach themselves to opioid receptors in your brain. During withdrawal, your brain acts in an excited, hyperactive state because the substance you were addicted to is no longer present in your system. When these medications attach to your opioid receptors, they trick the brain into thinking it’s gotten the substances it’s craving, eliminating symptoms of withdrawal and preventing cravings.

Without medications, many people require inpatient detox services with around-the-clock care. However, MAT reduces withdrawal symptoms and relapse risk, allowing some individuals to detox on an outpatient basis. If you qualify for outpatient detox, you will check into the detox center each morning, take your medications, and participate in a therapy session or brief assessment to monitor your progress.

2. Alleviate Drug and Alcohol Cravings

After you complete detox, you can continue to take advantage of the benefits of medication-assisted treatment if your doctors think it is appropriate. Whether you are addicted to alcohol or opioids, you can receive medications that prevent cravings that tend to linger after the withdrawal process is completed. Medications help ensure you will not succumb to relapse due to cravings.

3. Focus More on Your Recovery

When you aren’t experiencing withdrawal symptoms or cravings, you can fully focus on your recovery. While some people might think that attending detox is enough to “cure” their addiction, the real work starts afterward.

Therapy, educational groups, and group counseling is where you will receive the bulk of the treatment you need to maintain long-term recovery from addiction. However, if you are preoccupied with discomfort or drug cravings, it can be difficult to put your energy into the healing process. Medications act as a crutch that allows you to fully engage in therapy.

4. Higher Treatment Retention and Success Rates

Staying grounded and present in treatment can be difficult, but by taking away the burden of experiencing withdrawal symptoms and cravings that render you unable to function, MAT makes it possible for you to fully focus on the emotional, behavioral, and psychological aspects of recovery. This sets you up for long-term success and an overall better quality of life. MAT clients can absorb the information they learn in treatment more effectively, providing them with higher chances of long-term success in recovery. In fact, medication-assisted treatment is associated with higher treatment retention and success rates.[3]

5. Lower Relapse Risk

Medication-assisted treatment reduces the risk of relapse by preventing withdrawal symptoms, lessening cravings, and increasing treatment retention. Since you’re less likely to relapse, you are also less likely to experience other consequences of addiction.

For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that “these medications and therapies can contribute to lowering a person’s risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C by reducing the potential for relapse.”[3]

In addition to lowering your risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis, you are less likely to engage in criminal behavior or get arrested. Medication-assisted treatment helps you remain sober, preventing you from engaging in the negative behaviors associated with substance abuse.

Start Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in New Jersey Today

Here at Blue Star Recovery, our goal is to help you find a life so full of passion that there is no room left for drugs or alcohol. If that means you can benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT), our experienced addiction doctors can prescribe the medications that are right for you. Alongside therapy and holistic healing techniques, we can show you the path toward recovery.

Don’t wait any longer to obtain the life-changing care you deserve. Call now to speak with a qualified addiction treatment specialist.

References:

  1. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCAS): Drug Abuse Statistics, Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://drugabusestatistics.org/
  2. South Dakota Departments of Health and Social Services: 10 Things You Need to Know About Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://dss.sd.gov/formsandpubs/docs/BH/BHAO10_MAT_Brochure.pdf
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Medication-Assisted Treatment, Retrieved 1/17/2023 from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment

Moderate Drinking vs Heavy DrinkingHow much you drink matters because drinking too much alcohol can be bad for your health and increase your risk of becoming addicted to alcohol. But how do you know how much is too much? Understanding how the different drinking levels are defined and what the difference is between moderate drinking and heavy drinking can help you better understand your relationship with alcohol.

What is Moderate Drinking?

Drinking in moderation can be safe, and is the only way to consume alcohol without impacting your health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, published by the Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture, says that adults of legal drinking age (21+) can choose, if they desire, to engage in moderate drinking, which is defined as, “limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women, when alcohol is consumed.”[1]

The more you drink, the more risks you are taking with your health. It is better to drink less than it is to drink more.

But what is considered a standard drink? A standard drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which can be found in:[2]

  • 12 ounces of regular beer
  • 5 ounces of wine which is usually the equivalent of one glass of wine
  • 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (such as vodka or whiskey) which is the equivalent of one shot

What is Heavy Drinking?

There are a couple of different definitions of heavy drinking or heavy alcohol use. The National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy alcohol use as:[1]

  • Having more than 4 drinks on any day or having more than 14 drinks per week for men
  • Having more than 3 drinks on any day or having more than 7 drinks per week for women

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month.

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is a type of heavy drinking characterized by men having 5 or more drinks within about 2 hours or women having 4 or more drinks in about 2 hours.[1] Binging on alcohol can increase your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08%, which is the point when the effects of alcohol become apparent and coordination and judgment are affected. Binge drinking also increases the risk of accidental injury, poor decision-making, and alcohol poisoning.

The Dangers of Heavy Drinking

Binge drinking or other patterns of heavy drinking can harm your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 140,000 deaths are attributed to alcohol each year.[3]

Short-Term Risks

Immediate risks associated with drinking too much alcohol include:

  • Accidental injuries
  • Violence and crime
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Risky sexual behaviors
  • Poor decision-making
  • Miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women
  • Memory loss or “blackouts”

Long-Term Consequences

Drinking heavily over a long period of time can harm your physical, mental, and social health. Long-term health risks of heavy drinking include:[3]

  • Alcohol dependence
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Liver disease
  • Digestive issues
  • Certain types of cancers (breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum)
  • Cognitive issues
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Family issues
  • Unemployment
  • Homelessness

The best way to avoid these consequences is to drink in moderation. Moderate drinking is not associated with these risks.

Signs of a Drinking Problem

It is possible to drink heavily without having an alcohol use disorder. People who have an alcohol use disorder, or AUD, experience two or more of the following symptoms:[4]

  • Drinking more or longer than intended
  • Wanting to stop drinking or trying to, but failing on more than one occasion
  • Spending excess time drinking or recovering from drinking
  • Cravings or obsessing over alcohol
  • Having trouble with work, school, or family as a result of drinking
  • Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
  • Giving up responsibilities or things you enjoy in order to drink
  • Getting into situations where you put yourself in danger as a result of your drinking
  • Continuing to drink despite the ways it is hurting your physical or mental health
  • Needing to increase the amount you drink to feel the effects (tolerance)
  • Having symptoms of withdrawal when you stop drinking (dependence)

The more symptoms you have, the more severe your drinking problem is.

Can Alcoholics Drink in Moderation?

Many people who drink heavily are not dependent on alcohol nor are they alcoholics, however, alcoholics cannot drink in moderation. People who struggle with alcoholism have difficulty controlling how much and how often they drink. Even when they try to drink in moderation, they find themselves binging, drinking far more than they intended.

If you regularly drink more than you intend to drink, it’s likely that you have a problem with alcohol.

Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Today

Living with alcoholism is no way to live–especially when there are resources for recovery available to you. Anyone can get sober and stay sober, no matter how far they’ve fallen.

At Blue Star Recovery, we meet you exactly where you are with compassion and understanding. Our New Jersey alcohol therapy center can not only help you get sober, but also achieve long-term alcoholism recovery.

The objective at Blue Star Recovery is to help clients recover in a safe and comfortable environment, with an abundance of peer and clinical support. We have therapies available to empower clients through their own recovery while uncovering their passion in life without the use of drugs or alcohol. Our staff is equipped and ready to help with any questions or concerns. Make the life-changing phone call today.

References:

  1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH): Drinking Levels Defined, Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
  2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH): What is a Standard Drink?, Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink
  3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Alcohol Use and Your Health, Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
  4. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH): Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder, Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder

addiction treatment center in new jerseyAddiction can shake your foundation and leave a lasting impact on every aspect of your life. If you are one of the millions of people in the United States who live with substance abuse or addiction, you know the toll addiction takes on your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Addiction is treatable. With the right support and treatment, people can learn new skills, build new habits, and break old ones. People can learn how to live a healthy, fulfilling life after addiction.

Deciding to get treatment for an addiction can certainly be a life-changing one. It can also feel overwhelming to decide where to seek treatment or to explore what kind of programs are available. You may wonder where to even start looking or how to find the facility that can give you exactly the treatment and care you need.

At Blue Star Recovery, we know that the process of choosing a substance abuse treatment program can feel intimidating. Our goal is to make the process of choosing an addiction treatment center in New Jersey as easy as possible so that you can worry less and spend more energy focusing on your recovery.

How Do I Choose the Right Substance Abuse Treatment Center?

To get the most out of participating in addiction treatment, it is important that you feel engaged, comfortable, and safe. It is important to find the treatment center that offers the treatment options you need in an environment where you feel at ease.

Some things to consider when choosing the right treatment center include:

  • Your comfort: Is the facility calm, clean, and quiet?
  • Special needs: Can the facility accommodate any personal or religious considerations that are important to you? Does it offer treatment for any mental health or medical needs you have?
  • The approach: Does the treatment center use treatment approaches that you feel comfortable with? These may include religious or holistic elements
  • The right level of care: Does the treatment center offer different levels of care? Can you move easily into a different level of care if needed?
  • Location: Do you want to stay close to home, or do you prefer to travel to seek treatment?

Each person has their own unique needs when it comes to addiction care. Ultimately, the right treatment center for you is the one that offers the program you need and the environment where you feel comfortable.

How to Identify High-Quality Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

Many addiction treatment programs offer detox and rehabilitation services in New Jersey. While a facility may offer addiction services, it is not guaranteed that the care you receive will be comprehensive, thoughtfully designed, or effective.  It is important to look for signs that a center offers high-quality treatment. These include:

  • Up-to-date licensure and certification
  • Strict admission criteria
  • Flexible treatment options
  • Multiple levels of care
  • Appropriate staff-to-patient ratio
  • Certified, trained staff
  • Dual-diagnosis treatment options
  • Evidence-based treatment methods

Before agreeing to attend an addiction treatment program, ask questions about what methods the staff use, how they approach relapses, and what complementary therapies are used to support the evidence-based treatments.

To fully engage in your treatment, you will need to trust the staff and feel safe. If possible, visit the facility before starting treatment there. Make sure the center feels safe, clean, and comfortable.

What Happens During Substance Abuse Treatment?

Because everyone has a different experience with addiction, each person receives a tailored treatment plan to address their unique needs. In general, addiction treatment programs in New Jersey consist of a variety of therapeutic activities that include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Skill-building
  • Group support meetings
  • Education
  • Medication management
  • Mental health care
  • Medical treatments
  • Family therapy
  • Holistic therapies, such as recreation, art, music, nutrition therapy, yoga, acupuncture, or other healing practices

Addiction treatment can happen in a variety of levels of care and many settings. Some people require intensive, inpatient treatment. Others require outpatient services. Many benefit from partial hospitalization programs that are a balance of residential and outpatient services. Your medical or addiction specialists will help you identify the right level of care to meet your needs and can help you find the right program for you.

Find an Addiction Treatment Center in New Jersey Today

If you or someone you love require addiction treatment or support during recovery, please reach out to the staff at Blue Star Recovery. We know that addiction can feel lonely, but you are not alone. We believe that anyone can recover from addiction if they get the right care. This is why we provide tailored, comprehensive care to everyone who walks through our doors.

You do not have to go through recovery alone. If you have been waiting for the right time to start treatment, do not put it off for another day. Start the life-changing treatment program you need today. Call now to talk to one of our knowledgeable admissions counselors about the programs we offer.

Opioids are some of the most widely abused drugs in the United States. Over 16 million people worldwide and more than 2.1 million in the U.S. have an opioid use disorder.[1]

Opioids are also a leading cause of drug overdose death. Of the 100,000 drug overdose deaths annually, approximately 75% of them involve prescription, illicit, or synthetic opioids.[2]

If someone you love is abusing opioids, it is vital that they get help as soon as possible. Opioid abuse and addiction are dangerous and deadly, but they are treatable with a detox and recovery program.

Unfortunately, since most people who struggle with opioid abuse start by abusing prescriptions given to them by a doctor, it isn’t always easy to spot an addiction to opioids until they have caused substantial harm. Being aware of the common signs of opioid abuse and addiction can help you identify a drug abuse problem early on, and get people who are struggling the help that they need.

Side Effects of Opioids

Opioids are central nervous system depressants that provide pain relief. In addition to reducing pain, they also slow down certain body systems such as respiration and heart rate.

People who abuse opioids may be more susceptible to their side effects. Common side effects of opioids include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Euphoria
  • Slowed breathing
  • Confusion
  • Flushed face
  • Itchy skin
  • Constricted pupils

Long-term opioid abuse can have devastating and permanent effects on the mind and body. Common long-term side effects of opioid abuse include:

  • Liver disease
  • Infection of the heart valves
  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory infections
  • Cardiac dysrhythmias
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Physical dependence
  • Addiction

Common Signs of Opioid Abuse

Opioid abuse is defined as using an illicit opioid in any way or taking a prescription opioid in a way that is not advised. Examples of opioid abuse include taking twice the dose that is prescribed to you, crushing and snorting a pill that should be swallowed, or injecting an illicit opioid like heroin.

People who are abusing opioids may exhibit behavioral, physical, and emotional changes, such as:

  • Taking opioids “just in case” even when there is no pain or reason to take them
  • Visiting multiple doctors, sometimes across state lines, in an attempt to get more than one prescription or get an early refill
  • Appearing stressed out or anxious if their prescription is running out
  • Engaging in poor decision making
  • Sleeping more than usual or not being able to sleep without opioids
  • Excessive mood swings
  • “Nodding off” or going back and forth between states of consciousness and semi-consciousness
  • Developing a tolerance to opioids and having to take higher and higher doses to achieve the same effects as before
  • Taking prescription opioids from loved one’s medicine cabinets 

Left untreated, opioid abuse can progress into full-blown opioid addiction.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

People who are addicted to opioids may display the “three C’s” which are:

  1. Loss of control – the inability to control how often and how much opioids you use. 
  2. Cravings or preoccupation with opioid use – experiencing recurring thoughts about using or urges to get high despite being concerned about your opioid use.
  3. Continuing to use opioids despite negative consequences – people who are addicted to opioids will continue using them even if they are causing problems at work, school, or home.

The longer a person abuses opioids, the more important their drugs will become in their life, causing everything else to come second. Someone struggling with opioid addiction may isolate themselves from loved ones, lie about their behaviors and whereabouts, make excuses, or place blame on others.

Other common signs of opioid addiction include:

  • Getting sick with withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking opioids or their supply runs out
  • Making multiple failed attempts to moderate or stop opioid use
  • Feeling as though one cannot function without opioids
  • Getting angry and defensive when confronted with the topic of their opioid abuse
  • Continuing to use opioids despite the negative effects they may be having on one’s physical and/or mental health

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, please contact Blue Star Recovery today. The sooner you get help, the easier it is to recover.

Find Help for Opioid Abuse and Addiction Today

At Blue Star Recovery, we understand how serious opioid abuse and addiction are. We are passionate about helping people find freedom from their addiction and rebuild their lives on a strong foundation of recovery. We have a team of motivated and compassionate professionals that are dedicated to helping people recover. We are ready to answer any questions about opioid addiction and help where we can. 

By working closely with New Jersey opioid detox centers, we can help you detox in a supportive environment and begin your recovery safely. Then, once you transition to one of our outpatient addiction treatment programs, we’ll help you discover the root cause of your addiction and embrace a sober lifestyle. Don’t wait any longer to get started. Call now to speak with a dedicated admissions counselor.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/202205.htm

Living with substance use disorders is overwhelming, and it can feel challenging to find the help that you need. As more research is being done around addiction treatment, new therapies are becoming available. 

One option that is becoming more widely used is treatment through the use of a medication known as Vivitrol. Vivitrol has been an effective tool in the treatment of people with addiction to opioids and alcohol.

What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol, also known by its generic name naltrexone, is a non-addictive medication treatment for people who have an addiction to opioids or alcohol. This medication comes as an intramuscular injection administered once a month.

Vivitrol is not meant to be used while going through detox but rather as a supportive measure once detox has been completed. Vivitrol was initially approved by the FDA in 2006 for use in patients with alcohol addiction. In 2010, the FDA extended its approval to include Vivitrol injections as a treatment for opioid dependency.

How Vivitrol Works

Vivitrol (generic name, naltrexone) is an opioid receptor antagonist, which means it binds to opioid receptors in the brain but doesn’t activate them. Instead, it blocks them, preventing opioids from attaching to these receptors and producing their effects, including euphoria and sedation. By blocking these receptors, naltrexone helps reduce cravings and can discourage opioid use, as the person won’t experience the “high” even if they take opioids. 

Once detox is completed, the patient can visit their doctor to discuss starting Vivitrol treatment as part of their recovery process. The doctor will complete a physical exam, liver function tests, and toxicological screenings. Once administered, Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol and results in reduced cravings. 

The exact length of time that Vivitrol remains in a person’s system will vary. Because the injection is given intramuscularly, it typically lasts between 28 and 30 days.

Vivitrol Side Effects

All medications come with side effects, and this does not exclude Vivitrol. Initially, you are likely to experience a slight injection site reaction of redness or tenderness. Fortunately, there are not many other common side effects with Vivitrol, and when they do occur, they tend to be minimal and disappear within a short period.

Common side effects are:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Joint Pain
  • Chest Pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle aches
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue

In extremely rare cases, people may experience symptoms of depression such as:

  • Feeling hopeless
  • Feelings of sadness
  • Crying spells
  • Thoughts of suicide

If you experience a severe reaction at the injection site or new symptoms of depression while undergoing Vivitrol treatment, it’s essential not to take these moderate to severe side effects lightly. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to ensure you receive the appropriate care.

Vivitrol as a Part of Addiction Treatment

Vivitrol works best when used with a complete substance abuse treatment program. This program should include therapy, counseling, and support from peers. Many addiction treatment centers offer Vivitrol injections to people who qualify during and after their treatment.

Vivitrol is a helpful tool for reducing cravings and minimizing the risk of relapse. However, to address the deeper causes of addiction, it’s important for patients to engage in group counseling, individual therapy, and peer support groups, such as the 12 Steps. These support systems play a crucial role in building a solid foundation for recovery that complements the benefits of medications.

Common forms of addiction treatment are:

  • Holistic therapies
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Family therapy
  • Medication management
  • Aftercare planning

Individuals need to consult with their doctor before discontinuing Vivitrol. Stopping the medication without proper guidance may increase the risk of relapse. A healthcare professional’s advice is crucial in this decision-making process.

Is Vivitrol Right for You?

Prescription medications have proven effective for many years in treating alcohol and opioid addiction. For instance, Campral is commonly used to prevent relapse after alcohol detox, while Suboxone serves as a treatment for opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. 

While these medications can be beneficial during and shortly after the detoxification process, Vivitrol is designed to provide support over a longer duration, helping individuals maintain their recovery.

A study tested two groups of people with opioid addiction. One group received Vivitrol and counseling, while the other group received a placebo and counseling. Results showed that those using Vivitrol were 17 times less likely to relapse due to physical dependence compared to the placebo group. The Vivitrol group also had fewer cravings and remained in treatment for a longer period of time.

Vivitrol Treatment in New Jersey

Blue Star Recovery offers Vivitrol medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as an option in the recovery process from addiction to opioids or alcohol. Our team can work with you to find where you are in your process of recovery from addiction and design a custom treatment plan that incorporates MAT, behavioral therapies, and support groups to address your addiction disorder.

Reach out to Blue Star Recovery today to start developing a plan to achieve long-term recovery and sobriety today!

References:

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Naltrexone
  2. Food and Drug Administration: Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Application 21-897 Approval Letter
  3. Vivitrol: Why Vivitrol?

Overcoming opioid addiction to heroin or prescription opioid medications can be extremely challenging. Individuals struggling with opioid addiction often face high rates of relapse, and opioid abuse is widespread across the United States. An estimated 3 million U.S. citizens and 16 million people worldwide are currently grappling with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

Therapies and counseling can help treat opioid addiction. However, many patients relapse after recovery programs. Using medications alongside these treatments can be beneficial.

If you or a loved one are struggling with OUD, you might be wondering if Suboxone can help. Let’s take a look at what Suboxone is and who it can help.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid dependence. It contains buprenorphine and naloxone and is typically administered as a dissolvable film or tablet.

Buprenorphine works as a partial opioid “agonist,” meaning it triggers the same receptors in the nervous system but less intensely. It is used for the treatment of opioid addiction and can also be a helpful tool in pain management.

Naloxone works as an opioid “antagonist” in how it rapidly reverses the effects of opioids in the event of an overdose.

When buprenorphine and naloxone are compounded to create Suboxone, they work together to significantly reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Like most medications, Suboxone can cause side effects. The most common are:

  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Tingling or painful tongue, numbness in the mouth
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Insomnia
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Swelling in extremities

Because Suboxone binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, it does produce a slight risk of respiratory depression, which is characterized by slow, shallow breathing. If you experience respiratory depression while taking Suboxone, be sure to seek medical care immediately.

Suboxone Use in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Blue Star Recovery offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs to help guide patients to long-term recovery. Our Suboxone treatment program in New Jersey has become a paramount tool in helping patients with OUD reach long-term recovery.

Clinical trials have shown that patients who received Suboxone alongside counseling had more successful outcomes than those who went through standard detoxification and counseling.

With a treatment plan that combines Suboxone prescriptions and behavioral therapy, our patients go on to live sober, healthy lifestyles.

Some patients will only need to use Suboxone as part of their treatment during detox from opioids, while others may use it for an extended period into recovery.

While buprenorphine can cause some level of dependency in patients taking Suboxone long-term, it is far less addictive than opioids, making it a practical resource in treating addiction.

Suboxone Treatment as Part of the Recovery Process

Your MAT program will utilize Suboxone alongside a traditional recovery timeline, starting with detoxification all the way to aftercare.

Detox

A medical professional will work with you to determine what format of detoxification will work best for your needs. This may include inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment, and it is a common time for your doctor to prescribe Suboxone to aid in opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Detox typically lasts for a few days.

Treatment

Patients will receive different therapies in an inpatient or outpatient setting during this time. Your provider will help you determine which setting will be most effective in your recovery. During this period your treatment will be carried out in a variety of ways, such as:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, nutrition, and exercise programs
  • Relapse prevention therapy
  • Aftercare planning

During this time, your provider may also address any underlying mental health conditions that could affect your recovery process.

Aftercare

Once you have reached the aftercare stage in your recovery, you will be able to resume a more regular lifestyle with occasional check-ins to ensure long-term sobriety. 

This might include regular appointments with your therapist, attending a 12-step recovery program, or appointments with your doctor to manage the ongoing use of medications such as Suboxone. 

Aftercare treatment plans will adjust with time, depending on the support you need to maintain your recovery.

Start Suboxone Treatment in New Jersey Today

At Blue Star Recovery, we know that some people benefit from medication management to support their recovery. Our programs use proven therapies along with medications, when needed, to help people overcome addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, help is available. Call now to speak with an admissions coordinator and find out if Suboxone treatment in New Jersey is right for you.

References:

  1. National Institutes of Health: Extended Suboxone Treatment Substantially Improves Outcomes for Opioid-Addicted Young Adults
  2. National Library of Medicine: Opioid Addiction
  3. Harvard Health Publishing: 5 Myths About Using Suboxone to Treat Opioid Addiction

Addiction is complex and challenging, and it affects not just the person with the substance use issue but also the people who love them. If you’re watching a family member or friend battle addiction, it can be heartbreaking, especially when they refuse desperately needed help.

Families tend to feel powerless while witnessing their loved one’s life unravel, experiencing the emotional, financial and physical toll addiction can bring. The frustration can be overwhelming, leading many to wonder if there’s any way to intervene when someone won’t voluntarily go to therapy.

In New Jersey, this question can become legally important: Can you force someone to go to therapy if they refuse? Some states, including New Jersey, have involuntary commitment laws.

Understanding the laws surrounding involuntary commitment for addiction treatment is crucial for families who feel they’ve exhausted every other option. We’ll explore whether it’s possible to compel someone into therapy in New Jersey and, if so, what steps need to be taken for this course of action.

Understanding Involuntary Commitment Laws in New Jersey

Involuntary commitment is the legal process through which a person can be ordered into treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues, even if they don’t willingly agree to seek help.

The primary goal of involuntary commitment in addiction treatment is protecting those deemed unable to make decisions for their own well-being because of the severity of their substance use disorder. It’s intended to provide a route for urgent intervention, especially when addiction is putting the person’s life or the lives of others at risk.

In New Jersey, legal measures exist that allow concerned family members or healthcare professionals to petition the court to have someone involuntarily committed for addiction treatment or mental health treatment.

The laws are meant to balance individual rights with the need for treatment, to ensure people who pose a danger to themselves or others because of their substance abuse can get the help they need.

However, the process involves strict criteria and legal protocols, so families must understand the requirements and steps involved before pursuing this option.

New Jersey Commitment Laws for Addiction Treatment

In New Jersey, involuntary commitment to substance abuse treatment is governed by specific laws.

One key piece of legislation related to this is the New Jersey Substance Abuse Treatment Act, allowing family members or healthcare professionals to petition the court for involuntary commitment.

To force someone into therapy under New Jersey law, several conditions and criteria must be met:

  • Clear evidence of danger: The individual must pose a clear and imminent threat to themselves or others because of their substance use. This could include behaviors that indicate a serious risk of harm, like threats of suicide, engaging in reckless or life-threatening activities, or harming others while being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Inability to make safe decisions: The individual must be unable to make informed health and safety decisions for themselves because of the severity of their addiction. This usually involves an evaluation by healthcare professionals who can testify to the impaired judgment of the person.
  • Proof of addiction: There has to be clear evidence an individual is suffering from a substance use disorder, which includes a medical or psychological assessment showing drug or alcohol use is beyond the control of the person. It has to be shown that addiction is causing serious harm in their life.

Once these conditions are met, the family can file a petition in the court system. A judge reviews the evidence, and if the court finds that the criteria for involuntary commitment are satisfied, the individual may be ordered into a treatment program.

This process is meant to be a last resort, only used when all other efforts to encourage voluntary treatment have failed.

Emergency Situations and Temporary Commitments

In certain emergencies, a person struggling with addiction may pose an immediate danger to themselves or others. This can occur when substance use leads to reckless behavior, suicidal thoughts or aggressive actions.

In these cases, immediate intervention can be necessary to prevent harm and stabilize the person. New Jersey law does allow for emergency commitments and temporary holds to address these situations.

During an emergency commitment, a person can be taken into custody for evaluation without a prior court order. The goal of a temporary hold is to assess the person’s condition and stabilize them before further harm occurs.

During a temporary hold, the person is usually taken to a hospital or mental health facility for evaluation, and the initial period can last up to 72 hours.

If the evaluation during the temporary hold reveals the individual remains a significant risk, the temporary commitment can be extended. In that case, medical professionals may petition the court for a more extended involuntary commitment.

Can Involuntary Treatment and Therapy Be Effective?

The effectiveness of involuntary therapy is a topic of debate. While the idea of forcing someone into treatment could seem counterproductive, there’s evidence that even involuntary therapy can lead to positive outcomes. The key lies in the quality of the treatment program and the individual’s eventual willingness to engage with the process.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the motivation to seek treatment, whether voluntary or coerced, can shift over time as a person starts experiencing the benefits of sobriety and counseling. In many cases, even those who initially resist treatment may eventually commit to their recovery.

Research also indicates people forced into therapy often show outcomes similar to those who voluntarily seek help.

The initial push to get someone into treatment may be through legal means, but then the focus should be on developing internal motivation during the therapy process.

How To Get Help In New Jersey

For families in New Jersey seeking help for a loved one struggling with addiction, some resources provide both legal and treatment support. Whether you’re exploring involuntary therapy options or looking for ways to encourage voluntary treatment, it’s important to know where to turn for assistance.

Key resources include:

  • New Jersey Department of Human Services: Offers resources and information on substance abuse services in the state, including helplines and referrals to treatment centers. Website: www.state.nj.us/humanservices
  • New Jersey Substance Abuse Treatment Directory: A comprehensive directory of therapy centers across New Jersey offering services such as outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, and inpatient care. Website: www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas
  • Blue Star Recovery: Located in Hazlet, NJ, Blue Star Recovery offers outpatient addiction treatment programs, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and dual diagnosis treatment. Website: www.bluestarrecovery.com
  • Legal Resources: Families looking to initiate involuntary commitment can consult with local attorneys or contact the New Jersey State Bar Association for legal advice and assistance regarding the petition process. Website: www.njsba.com

Forcing someone to go to therapy in New Jersey is a complex, emotionally charged process.

While the state’s laws allow for involuntary commitment in certain cases, the legal process involves strict criteria and thorough evaluations.

If you’re struggling to help a loved one with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. At Blue Star Recovery, we provide compassionate care. Contact us today to learn more about our evidence-based addiction treatment programs.

For many people, addiction is much more than a physical struggle with drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse issues are often accompanied by unresolved trauma or mental illness. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.”[1]

Dealing with a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time can be very challenging. If you have a combination of addiction and a mental illness, you know how hard it can be to cope with everyday life. Unfortunately, the difficulties that arise when you suffer from co-occurring disorders carry into recovery, complicating the healing process.

Dual diagnosis therapy centers in New Jersey have licensed mental health therapists on staff who can address both your addiction and mental health condition, making the recovery process that much easier. Dual diagnosis treatment offers many advantages as it allows you to recover from both conditions at the same time as well as improve your overall quality of life.

The six main benefits of dual diagnosis treatment are:

1. Assessment of Psychiatric Health

When you suffer from co-occurring disorders, you may be completely unaware of what mental health condition you struggle with. While you know something is wrong due to the emotional and psychological symptoms you are dealing with, sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint the diagnosis that fits your situation.

Luckily, dual-diagnosis treatment programs can provide you with an accurate assessment of your psychiatric health to provide you with a diagnosis that explains your symptoms.

Being aware of your diagnosis can help you find proper coping mechanisms and tools to help you deal with the symptoms you face daily. Additionally, being diagnosed with a mental health condition will allow you to receive the proper treatments, medications, and therapies you need to recover.

Common conditions to occur with substance use disorder include:[2]

2. Individualized Treatment

When you attend a dual-diagnosis addiction treatment center in New Jersey, you will undergo a complete assessment of your medical, psychiatric, substance abuse, and social history. This will provide the staff members with information about your background, overall health, mental health, and history of substance abuse, allowing them to make an informed decision on what methods of treatment you will need to recover successfully.

After you complete the assessments, medical staff will create an individualized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. This provides you with effective and specific treatment tactics that are specific to your situation, ensuring that you do not waste any time during your stay at the facility.

3. A Wide Variety of Therapeutic Methods

Addiction and mental health affect everyone in different ways. For example, one person who struggles with depression may experience symptoms of insomnia and an inability to relax, while you may have a hard time getting out of bed and staying motivated. In the same way that co-occurring disorders affect everyone differently, each person may respond to specific types of therapy in a varied way.

Dual diagnosis therapy centers use a variety of therapeutic methods to determine which kind of treatment you respond to best. This ensures that the kind of therapy you are undergoing will provide you with symptom relief and an ability to cope with your co-occurring disorders.

Some of the therapeutic methods applied in dual diagnosis treatment programs include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
  • Contingency management (CM)
  • Motivational interviewing (MI)
  • Family behavior therapy

4. Counseling Groups That Promote Healthy Communication

Dual diagnosis therapy centers emphasize the importance of group counseling. Group counseling is a form of therapy that includes a group of 5-15 patients and one or two licensed mental health providers who facilitate group discussions.

Counseling groups allow patients to experience therapy collaboratively, providing them with insight into how others experience co-occurring disorders and the recovery thereof.

Participating in a counseling group can allow you to develop healthy communication skills and gain support from your peers, helping you deal with the isolation and loneliness that is caused by experiencing co-occurring addiction and mental health issues.

Other benefits of counseling groups include peer support, unbiased feedback on current issues, motivation to continue treatment, and improved social skills.

5. Learning How to Cope Without Using Drugs or Alcohol

A key aspect of recovery from addiction and mental illness is learning how to cope with your feelings, emotions, and overall life without feeling the need to use drugs or alcohol. Oftentimes, when you struggle with co-occurring disorders the substance use disorder developed as a coping mechanism for your untreated mental health condition. Because of this, learning how to use healthy coping mechanisms is an integral aspect of dual diagnosis treatment.

Examples of healthy coping mechanisms you will learn in a dual diagnosis program include:

  • Learning to identify triggers
  • Using mindfulness techniques to stay in the present moment
  • Journaling to organize your thoughts
  • Using exercise, healthy sleeping patterns, and a balanced diet to manage emotions
  • Having a list of people you can call in times of need
  • Regular attendance to self-help support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery
  • Regular attendance of individual and group therapy
  • Continued medication management if needed

6. Recovery of the Mind, Body, and Soul

Many dual diagnosis treatment programs in New Jersey use a holistic approach to recovery from co-occurring disorders. Holistic treatment is a method of healing that focuses on the person as a whole, rather than treating a specific health condition. In other words, holistic treatment addresses the psychological, familial, societal, ethical, and spiritual as well as the biological dimensions of health and illness.

Examples of holistic treatments used to aid in the recovery of addiction and mental illness include:

  • Yoga
  • Tai chi
  • Guided meditation
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Spiritual therapy
  • Routine exercise
  • Proper nutrition
  • Counseling
  • Art therapy

Get Connected With a Top-Rated Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in New Jersey

Suffering from a mental illness and a substance use disorder can be exhausting. More often than not, it is extremely difficult to recover from your symptoms without professional help. Attending a professional dual diagnosis program can provide you with the tools and support you need to recover from both of your co-occurring disorders.

Contact Blue Star Recovery Center today for more information on our dual diagnosis treatment program in New Jersey.

References:

  1. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/comorbidity-substance-use-other-mental-disorders
  2. https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders

Millions of people in the United States live with substance abuse or addiction that requires treatment. All substance abuse treatment programs have a common goal: to provide the treatment and support people need to overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. But there are many types of programs offered in several levels of care.

Some treatment programs are time-limited, and people may spend 30 days or less in treatment. Others are designed to offer continuous support for longer than 30 days. Longer treatment programs are sometimes called “long-term therapy.” In a long-term therapy program, people engage in evidence-based and holistic treatments that support whole-person healing, including individual and group counseling, nutrition support, education, and medical care for 90 days or more.

Choosing a long-term drug and alcohol therapy center in New Jersey offers many benefits. The most significant advantage is that you are allowed a longer time in treatment.

Long-term programs provide the opportunity to explore, identify, and treat the roots of your addiction. You have more time to learn and practice the skills you’ll need to manage your addiction and avoid relapse for life. And research shows that the more time you spend developing new habits and routines, the more likely they are to stick with you.

Knowing the advantages of long-term therapy can help you make the best decision about your care. If you are interested in starting a long-term addiction treatment program in New Jersey, reach out to the addiction specialists at Blue Star Recovery today.

What is Long-Term Therapy?

Long-term drug therapy offers adaptable treatment programs that adjust to people’s changing needs throughout their recovery. Instead of being limited to fewer than 30 days, people can spend 60, 90, 120 days, or longer in a treatment program.

Many mental health and addiction experts believe that spending more time engaged in treatment can lead to better outcomes and supports lifelong addiction recovery better than shorter treatment programs.

The Benefits of Choosing Long-Term Therapy

Long-term addiction treatment programs provide high-quality treatment and support to people who can invest significant time in their recovery from addiction. There are several advantages to choosing the help of a long-term therapy facility in New Jersey. Here are some of the most important benefits.

Distance from triggers

Any person, place, event, or situation that leads to cravings is called a “trigger”. Understanding your triggers and learning new skills to manage them is essential to addiction recovery. While you may be able to avoid some triggers, you’re likely to face some of them from time to time.

During the early days of recovery, your sobriety may be more fragile. Avoiding as many triggers as possible when you’re most likely to relapse can be a huge benefit. By choosing a long-term therapy, you’ll be giving yourself more time away from your day-to-day triggers–and this can make a big difference in your confidence as you move forward in your recovery.

Structure

Long-term treatment programs help people develop new habits, routines, and schedules that support recovery. The structure of long-term therapy programs can help people manage their treatment activities, socialization, rest, and other responsibilities. It’s essential to find a new rhythm in recovery, and spending more time in treatment can help people develop new, healthy habits that last.

Security

Avoiding people who drink or use drugs is essential to many people in recovery, especially in the beginning when sobriety is fragile. The structured, secure environment of a long-term therapy in New Jersey can create healthy boundaries between people or situations that may threaten their recovery. Having 24/7 access to medical, mental health, and support professionals may also help people feel safe and secure as they work to put addiction in the past. People may also feel safe knowing their treatment team will hold them accountable throughout their time in treatment.

In long-term drug therapy programs, people have staff supervision and are held accountable by their treatment team and peers. This level of constant supervision can help people stay focused on their recovery as they navigate the tricky, emotional early stages of recovery.

Community of peers

It can be challenging for people in recovery to leave old relationships behind, and some may feel lonely in sobriety. A long-term substance abuse treatment program allows people to develop new, lasting relationships with others in recovery and find a healthy community of peers with similar views and goals.

Fewer distractions

Recovery can be physically and emotionally challenging. The support and structure of a long-term therapy mean fewer distractions from your work in recovery. Spending less time thinking about work, chores, and other daily tasks and more time on your recovery and self-care means better outcomes and lasting recovery.

How to Know if Long-Term Addiction Treatment is Right for You

Long-term therapy may be right for you if you:

  • Have a severe substance use disorder
  • Suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition
  • Have a history of relapsing after completing a short-term program
  • Do not have access to safe, sober, and supportive housing
  • Don’t feel ready to leave therapy after 30 days

Speak with an addiction specialist for a confidential assessment to determine which addiction treatment program is right for you.

Find Long-Term Drug Therapy in New Jersey

If you or someone you love require substance abuse treatment, do not wait another day to seek treatment. Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid. Sustained use has a massive impact on the reward centers in your brain which is why it is so difficult to discontinue use. Let’s develop a brief understanding of where heroin comes from and how it is used.

Heroin comes from morphine, which is found in the seed pod of certain types of opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. The user doesn’t know how much heroin is being used, which increases the risk of overdose.

Heroin can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Usually, high-purity heroin is snorted or smoked. It is commonly mixed with other powder-like materials such as powdered sugar or cornstarch. Heroin users are at high risk of overdose or death due to uncertainty about the drug’s strength and contents.

Withdrawing from heroin is extremely difficult. Unfortunately, heroin users have a high relapse rate because of how addictive it is. Understanding withdrawal symptoms and how long they can last can help us offer better support to someone going through detox. In this article, we will discuss what you can expect if you or a loved one is going through heroin withdrawal.

Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal

When the body gets used to a drug, it becomes dependent on it. If someone reduces their use or stops suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.

In simpler terms, when someone is physiologically dependent on a substance like heroin, they feel like they need it to function normally. This can lead to compulsive drug use to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

For individuals who have become physiologically dependent on heroin, slowing or stopping usage will cause withdrawal symptoms to emerge. The severity of withdrawal symptoms varies, depending on the amount of heroin used and the duration of use.

Symptoms of Withdrawal:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Body aches
  • Diahrrea
  • Runny nose
  • Fever
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive yawning
  • Depressed mood
  • Strong cravings for heroin

Is Heroin Withdrawal Life Threatening?

Heroin withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable, and the cravings are intense. It is typically not dangerous to go through withdrawal. It is good to be mindful of some symptoms that could lead to complications.

Dehydration. While it is not common, withdrawal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea can cause electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, requiring oral fluids with electrolytes or IV therapy for treatment.

Lowered Tolerance. When someone stops using heroin for a while, their body becomes less tolerant of the drug. If they start using heroin again, they are at a higher risk of overdose because they need less heroin to feel its effects.

Pharmaceuticals. Medications are an essential tool during withdrawal to help manage symptoms and minimize cravings, reducing the risk of relapse. Support during heroin withdrawal and beyond is vital for long-term recovery.

How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?

Withdrawal symptoms can begin as quickly as six hours after the last dose. Everyone is different. In general, people experience the heroin withdrawal timeline below:

  • Day 1-2 of withdrawal: Symptoms may start to show as soon as 6 hours after detox begins. Pain typically starts in the muscles during the first day and becomes more intense over the next 48 hours. Other common symptoms that emerge include difficulty sleeping, panic attacks, anxiety, trembling, and diarrhea.
  • Day 3-5 of withdrawal:> During this intense phase of heroin withdrawal, you may experience nausea, vomiting, shivering, sweating, and abdominal cramping.
  • Day 6-7 of withdrawal:> Acute heroin withdrawal typically lasts about a week. Symptoms such as nausea, aches, and pains will diminish, and although you may feel fatigued, you will start to feel physically better at this stage of detox.

The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which involves symptoms persisting beyond the typical timeline.

These symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and cravings for heroin for weeks or even months after the initial withdrawal period. It’s important to note that PAWS symptoms can be effectively managed and will eventually decrease over time.

Heroin Detox and Treatment

Withdrawal from heroin is rarely deadly. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can lead individuals to relapse and use heroin again in order to avoid these symptoms.

Medical detox can help make the withdrawal process safer and more comfortable as the body adjusts to the absence of heroin. This can make it easier for people to begin treatment.

Blue Star Recovery provides personalized, evidence-based treatment for heroin withdrawal, outpatient therapy, and sober living to support individuals throughout their recovery journey.

Our highly skilled clinical team recognizes the vital role of integrating behavioral therapy with medications to effectively bolster your long-term recovery. We utilize a range of therapies to equip you with the necessary tools to get you feeling like yourself again.

Heroin addiction is a challenging condition, but with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.If you or a loved one is struggling and needs treatment, contact us today.

References: