Alcohol and Your Immune System: How Getting Sober Can Boost Your Health

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is fast becoming a preferred treatment during medical detox because of the troubles it could mitigate for the patient, and for the relative comfort, it gives relevant to withdrawal symptoms.

Medications such as buprenorphine, suboxone, acamprosate, disulfiram, and naloxone are a few of the medications typically used in medication-assisted treatment, and treatment centers are reporting that most people who undergo MAT respond positively to the treatment.

With information on everything being readily available, however, a growing number of people are doing online searches on “can you overdose on suboxone” as news of people overdosing on substances has become a major reality.

It should be noted that the premise of an overdose applies to anyone who takes more than the necessary amount of a medication or a substance. The patient does not necessarily need to manifest life-threatening for the usage of the medication or substance to be classified as already being in overdose territory. In the context of using suboxone, a person may be classified as overdosing on it if the person also happens to be mixing it with other sedatives such as benzodiazepines.

Overdosing solely on suboxone is immensely difficult, as this medication is only a partial opiate receptor agonist, meaning there is a limit to how much opioid receptors could be activated by taking suboxone only.

Activating the opioid receptors is what triggers the euphoria effect that gets people hooked heavily on opioids. As this effect is very limited in suboxone, people don’t bother to use it as much as other opioids to get the euphoric feeling delivered by opioids.

At Legends Recovery in Cleveland, Ohio, we help people suffering from drug addiction recover and get their life back.

What is Suboxone Used For?

Suboxone is a medication used in the medication-assisted treatment of opioid addiction. It contains buprenorphine with is a partial opioid agonist, which blocks the opiate receptors. This blockage effectively reduces the severe urges that typically hit a patient in medical detox, and sometimes even into rehabilitation. It should be noted that although it contains buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist, suboxone itself is classified as an opioid antagonist, which negates the effects of opioids by preventing the activation of opioid receptors. This is also one of the main reasons why a suboxone overdose is hardly ever heard of.

Suboxone also contains naloxone, and this component is responsible for reversing the effects of opioids. This reversal is largely important in dealing with the withdrawal symptoms that the patient goes through during medical detox. In most cases, patients who were addicted to opioids felt the agonizing combined effects of intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms during medical detox.

More and more treatment centers are using suboxone as the preferred treatment medication for opioid addiction, as methadone, another opioid agonist medication used in opioid addiction is habit-forming. Methadone was the earlier medication used in MAT, but suboxone was expressly created to help in dealing with opioid addiction, and as such was intentionally crafted to have a far lower risk of developing a dependency than methadone.

What are the Side Effects of Suboxone?

As with any other medication or substance, suboxone comes with side effects that could cause anything from slight discomfort to serious ill effects. These side effects could manifest differently in those who use suboxone, although the primary consideration regarding side effects is the possibility of an allergic reaction, which could lead to the most severe side effects.

Some of the more common side effects of suboxone include:

• Numbness of the mouth
• Reddening of the mouth
• Mouth pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Numbness or tingling in various parts of the body
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Stomach pains
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Sensation of inebriation
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Nausea
• Profuse sweating
• The sensation of pain or burning in the tongue
• Fainting
• Irregular heart rate
• Blurry vision
• Back pain
• Depression
• Anxiety

There are also cases where the use of suboxone led to more serious side effects, with most of the effects associated with a severe allergic reaction to the medication, or complications arising from either an interaction with another substance or from the medication adversely affecting a pre-existing condition.

Some of the more serious side effects of suboxone include:

• Severe allergic reaction
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Coma
• Hormone problems (adrenal insufficiency)
• Liver damage
• Tachycardia (elevated heart rate)
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty waking up
• Severe dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Extreme weakness
• Persistent lightheadedness
• Hives
• Muscle stiffness
• Loss of appetite
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Shivering or chills
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stool
• Jaundice
• Breathing that stops during sleep

Medical personnel must be informed immediately should the patient experience any of these effects, as they could worsen quite quickly and potentially lead to a life-threatening situation. Suboxone overdose-related deaths are extremely uncommon, but it is still possible. Instances of death could arise from a severe complication or adverse reaction to this medication.

Are there Other Medications that could Interact with Suboxone?

Suboxone may cause an interaction if taken or mixed with other medications or substances. It is important to inform the physician if any other medication or substance is being taken or might still be in the system before suboxone is given.

Some of the medications or substances that could interact with suboxone include:

• Benzodiazepines
• Erythromycin
• Rifampin
• HIV protease inhibitors
• Cold or allergy medicines
• Bronchodilator asthma/COPD medication
• Diuretics
• Motion sickness medications
• Antidepressants
• Medications for Parkinson’s disease
• Acetaminophen
• Medications that lower cholesterol
• Oral contraceptives
• Verapamil

What are the Symptoms of a Suboxone Overdose?

While the chances of a suboxone overdose are minimal, it is still a possibility, although considering what this medication is for, it is also something of an irony. This is because the symptoms documented in cases of suboxone overdose treatment show that the symptoms are similar when a person overdoses on opioids. It bears noting that suboxone was specifically made to deal with opioid addiction.

Signs and symptoms that indicate a possible suboxone overdose include:

• Pinprick pupils
• Extreme drowsiness
• Severe fatigue
• Confusion
• Persistent dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Blue-tinged lips and fingernails
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination

What is the Treatment for Suboxone Overdose?

Treating a case of suboxone overdose is quite problematic because suboxone has a particularly long half-life. The half-life of a substance is the time it takes for the amount of the substance’s active ingredients in the body to be reduced by half. This process could largely depend on certain factors, such as how fast the body could process and get rid of it. Depending on the person’s ability to metabolize the substance, and also on the behavior of the substance once taken, the body could take anywhere from a few hours to several days, or sometimes even weeks, to completely get rid of the substance.

In the case of suboxone, to treat an overdose of this medication, an anti-overdose drug must be periodically administered repeatedly until the medication is completely flushed out of the system. Examples of medications used in this process include naltrexone, and to a lesser extent, naloxone.

In the rare occasions that it does happen, a person who has overdosed on suboxone may require constant monitoring at a residential treatment in Ohio to watch out for whatever adverse effects might arise. This is because one of the most worrisome things to happen during an overdose is a potentially fatal complication.

Another avenue of overdose treatment is the traditional one used to remove as much of the substance as possible. Activated charcoal and laxatives are alternative solutions used to absorb the toxins, or help the body in expelling them. Depending on the condition of the person, intravenous fluids are also used to prevent possible dehydration. This is important because dehydration could cause the person having an overdose to go into shock, and this in itself could already become a life-threatening situation.

People who suffer from a suboxone overdose cannot be given replacement medications to deal with their opioid addiction as this could cause further complications. Depending upon the condition of the person following a suboxone overdose, a physician might still allow them to take medications to help lessen any withdrawal symptoms they might still be feeling.

Our Detox Center at Legends Recovery of Ohio Can Help

Detox in itself is already quite difficult, and any other complication that might arise during the process could make the entire experience even more so. This is why our drug detox center in Ohio pays, attention to every nuance a patient might have during the detox process, so we could help in any way we could. We know this because we have helped so many people through their most difficult periods here at Legends Recovery, and they have all come out of it all the better.

Medical detox is never easy, but it becomes more bearable when you are working with people who care enough to know when someone needs help. Asking for help during difficulty is not a weakness, but helping those who need it is a strength. This is our strength here at Legends Recovery. Come talk to us now and let us see how we could help you best on your way to a true and lasting recovery.

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New Year’s Eve is one of those holidays that is synonymous with substances. From champagne toasts to holiday-themed drinks, there is a lot of emphasis on drinking during the holidays. Many people even choose to spend this holiday at bars or clubs.

When you’re in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, it can feel like an impossible task to figure out how to celebrate a widely popular holiday that seemingly revolves around drinking. However, you can rest assured that there are many ways to enjoy New Year’s Eve without alcohol or drugs.

Here at Legends Recovery Center, we provide addiction treatment to those who need it. For those who are not in our programs, we still strive to provide information and resources to aid in every stage of recovery. In this blog, we will provide you with sober new years eve ideas so you can celebrate without substances.

Throw Your Own Substance-Free Party

If you are searching for sober New Year’s Eve ideas, the first one may be the most obvious: throwing your party! New Year’s Eve is usually celebrated through gatherings of friends and family. And just because you are gathering doesn’t mean that you need to drink.

Rather than attending a boozy New Year’s Eve party that someone else is hosting, you can host your own. This puts you entirely in control of what substances (or lack thereof) are present at your party. You can even tell your guests ahead of time that, while you welcome them bringing food or beverages, no alcohol will be permitted at the party to support your (or others’) sobriety.

You may be concerned that no one will show up if no substances are allowed. However, many people do not drink for a host of reasons. They may be in recovery as well, pregnant, or have a medical condition that prevents them from drinking. Some people dislike feeling drunk or just don’t prefer the taste of alcohol.

Have a Themed Event

A sober New Year’s Eve party with a theme can be an exciting way to celebrate. Create your themeuse one of the ideas below:

• Decade Theme: Have your guests dress based on their favorite decade and create food, drinks, and, decorations to match.
• Mystery Night: Ask each guest to come in disguise, or ask them to dress up as a certain character. You can also create mystery games for guests to solve together.
• Trivia Night: Create trivia questions related to the past year and have teams compete against each other in an ultimate sober showdown.
• Board Game Tournament: Invite your friends over for an evening of competitive board games. Each game can have new rules and may the best team win!
• Dance Party: Put on some of your favorite sober tunes and have a dance competition. You can even give out prizes for the most creative moves or best costumes.
• Karaoke Night: Create an at-home karaoke setup with everyone’s favorite sober songs. Get creative with costumes and set up a judging panel to see who can belt out the best tune. Movie Marathon: Gather your closest sober friends for an all-night movie marathon featuring some of the top films from the past year. Don’t forget to order plenty of snacks!

Host a Substance-Free Dinner Party

Second, on our list of sober New Year’s Eve ideas is hosting a dinner party. Dinner parties are excellent ways to celebrate any occasion. And the focus is mainly on food and enjoying each other’s company. Similar to the substance-free party we suggested above, you can let your guests know that no drugs or alcohol should be brought to the party.

Cooking is one of the best activities to engage in when you are in recovery. This is especially true if you did not cook regularly before receiving treatment. Cooking is a relaxing activity that helps you practice a practical skill. Further, for many people in recovery, cooking is a way to take control of their health or provide nourishment for their family.

During a dinner party, you and your guests can cook together. Or, if you choose to host a sober New Year’s Eve dinner party, ask your guests to bring over their favorite dishes. This is an excellent way for each person to share their experience and get creative.

Have a Low-Key Night In

New Year’s Eve doesn’t always need to mean partying. If you want to have a sober and safe New Year’s Eve, staying in is always an option. Get yourself some comfy loungewear, order your favorite takeout, and plan a holiday movie night. This could be a cozy evening with someone special or a fun night with your besties.

There are plenty of things you can do during the night besides watching movies as well. Board games, puzzles, or even a sober karaoke session are all great sober New Year’s Eve ideas. You and your guests will not only remember your night, but you’ll also avoid a huge headache in the morning!

Go Away for the Weekend

There is no obligation to stay home on New Year’s Eve to avoid drugs and alcohol. If you want to do something special for New Year’s Eve, taking a weekend trip could make the holiday feel extra special. It’s a great way to escape the noise and distraction of life or the area you live in while you relax, celebrate, and make sober New Year’s Eve memories.

Whether you decide to visit family, or old friends in another town, or take a solo adventure for yourself, there are plenty of options for a sober New Year’s Eve. Wherever you choose to travel, experiencing new things and having new experiences is an excellent way to start the new year.

Find a Sober New Year’s Eve Party Near You

Another sober New year’s Eve idea is to find a sober party near you. Wherever there are Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery groups, there are sober gatherings. Many of these groups even host events specifically to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Finding a sober New Year’s Eve party can ensure that you are surrounded by sober people and can have sober fun. This is an excellent way to make sure that your new year’s eve celebration is free of drugs and alcohol and full of connection, community, and sober activities. These events can be in the form of a sober dance, a midnight 12-Step or SMART Recovery meeting, or a sober party held by someone else who is in recovery.

No matter what type of sober event you attend, you will be surrounded by people who share similar sober goals. These individuals will also understand what it’s like to be celebrating a holiday that used to revolve around drugs or drinking. And, best of all, there will be no pressure to drink or use drugs—just sober fun and connection!

Tips for Enjoying a Sober New Year’s Eve

Regardless of how you decide to spend your New Year’s Eve, there are plenty of things that you can do to ensure that you are comfortable. The following tips can help you avoid triggers that can contribute to relapse:

• Avoid situations where you will be around drugs or alcohol
• Don’t go to an event if you feel uncomfortable attending
• Talk to your sponsor for support
• Seek out sober friends who can help you stay sober
• Make sure there are sober activities you can participate in
• Focus on developing new sober habits and hobbies
• Take time for yourself—do something that makes you feel good, like yoga or meditation
• Speak with your therapist about strategies to stay sober this New Year’s Eve, or to develop a plan if you do relapse
• Focus more on having fun and relaxing than what you think you should be doing on New Year’s Eve

No matter how you choose to ring in the New Year sober, it’s important to make sure you stay connected with your sober community. Share your sober New Year’s Eve experiences on social media or create a group chat with sober friends where you can check in and provide mutual support. Most importantly, remember that sobriety is something to celebrate too!

Recovering with Legends Recovery Center

These sober New Year’s Eve ideas only have one requirement: that you are sober. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, consider addiction treatment with Legends Recovery Center of Ohio. We are ready to help you or a loved one to you start their journey to recovery.

At our recovery center in Cleveland, Ohio, we offer various types of addiction treatment including medical detox for different substance use disorders such as alcohol use disorder or heroin use disorder. We also provide inpatient addiction treatment as well as outpatient addiction care in the form of partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP).

To learn more about our addiction treatment services in Cleveland, Ohio, contact us at Legends Recovery Center. Our admissions specialists are ready to help you find the right program to fit your future today.

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With the huge number of resources and healthcare information available, getting treatment for alcohol and drug addiction has never been easier than it is now. A good addiction treatment program can set a path of recovery that allows enjoying a peaceful and wonderful life. You must determine which type of care will be most beneficial to you. This may involve getting inpatient vs outpatient care.

Depending on your situation, the level of care that a patient may receive differ significantly. Inpatient care is generally more thorough and costly as it involves more procedures and treatments.

Inpatient takes a high level of medical intervention while outpatient is typically less intensive and expensive. Outpatient care does not require the usage of other medical facilities that inpatient does and usually involves a consultation with a medical professional only.

Understanding the differences between inpatient vs outpatient rehab can help you determine the best level of care for you. Having the right amount of knowledge will allow you to easily identify specific concerns or challenges you may have.

This could be done by doing some self-evaluation or by seeking help from the trusted addiction specialists at Legends Recovery Center in Green Springs, Ohio.

What is Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab refers to an intensive type of treatment where a patient would have to stay in the treatment facility for a specific period while getting treated. An Inpatient rehab offers round-the-clock care and support from trained medical and mental health professionals like doctors, nurses, and counselors. The duration and intensity depend on the individual needs; one can have a shorter stay while some may need longer treatment.

The main goal of an Inpatient rehab is to provide a place where an individual can safely detox from drugs and alcohol. It offers a safe and controlled environment that is free from distractions and triggers. Inpatient rehab provides patients with easy access to the tools and supports they need at the beginning of their recovery process. It is the best option, especially when an individual is fighting a severe addiction.

The Benefits of Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab provides several benefits for individuals with substance use disorders and these include the following:
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An intensive and structured environment is one of the key benefits of inpatient rehab. It provides a secure and controlled atmosphere without the interruptions and triggers that may have contributed to substance use in the past. The intensive and structured environment of inpatient rehab can also help individuals identify and address underlying mental health issues. This can help to prevent relapse and ensure a stable recovery.
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Medical staff who can support and supervise the detoxification process are frequently included in inpatient rehab programs. These programs can be especially helpful for people with severe substance use problems or those who have a history of excruciating withdrawal symptoms.
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Inpatient rehab programs typically include a combination of group and individual therapy sessions. Group therapy can provide support from others who are going through similar experiences, while individual therapy can help individuals work through specific issues or concerns.
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Inpatient rehab programs often include educational workshops and activities that help individuals develop the skills and knowledge they need to maintain long-term sobriety. These can include classes on coping mechanisms, stress management, and communication skills.
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Inpatient rehab can help individuals plan for their continued recovery after they leave the program. This can include helping them establish a support system, connecting them with community resources, and developing a plan to prevent relapse.
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Inpatient rehab provides a private and safe environment where individuals can address their addiction without fear of judgment, and feel comfortable in sharing their issues and struggles with their therapists and peers.
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Inpatient Rehab Programs and Treatments

Inpatient rehab offers a more immersing treatment and can help to prevent reversion and ensure a stable recovery. Some of these inpatient rehab programs include the following:

• Medical detox: Detoxification helps safely manage withdrawal symptoms and address specific issues with substance misuse.
• Behavioral therapy: Addiction therapy helps individuals understand and change the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to their addiction. This may include individual or group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other forms of therapy.
• Medication-assisted treatment: MAT utilizes medication to help a patient manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms during detox and in the early stages of recovery.
• Recreational and other therapies: such as art therapy, yoga, exercise, and meditation help clients achieve their physical and mental well-being.
• Aftercare planning: to help individuals transition back to their normal lives and prevent relapse once they leave the treatment facility.

While Inpatient treatment is a good choice to acquire knowledge and abilities for sustaining long-term sobriety, there are also outpatient programs that one can opt for to help them with their addiction.

What is Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

An outpatient rehab program is a type of addiction treatment program that allows individuals to receive therapy, counseling, and other types of treatment on a regular schedule. It allows an individual to be able to live at home and maintain their daily responsibilities.

Outpatient programs typically involve attending therapy sessions, support groups several, and a variety of evidence-based treatments several times a week. The duration and frequency will depend on the specific program and the needs of the individual.

This level of care tends to be less intensive than inpatient programs. The only downside is that one may encounter triggers and distractions along the treatment that can complicate the recovery process.

The Benefits of Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab provides several benefits for individuals with substance use disorders and it includes the following:
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Flexibility is one of the main advantages of outpatient rehab. It allows individuals to continue living in their own houses and carry out their regular everyday routines. It is very beneficial to those who have obligations to their families or work that they cannot put on hold. Outpatient rehab allows individuals to maintain a sense of normalcy which can be important for their overall well-being.
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Outpatient rehab is generally less expensive than inpatient rehab, as individuals do not need to pay for room and board. This can make it a more accessible option for some individuals.
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Outpatient rehab is generally less restrictive than inpatient rehab, which can make it a better option for some individuals.
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For people who have already finished an inpatient rehab program and want to continue getting support and counseling, outpatient rehab is a great choice.
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Outpatient rehab can provide access to support groups and community resources that can be beneficial for recovery.
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Outpatient rehab can be tailored to an individual’s specific needs and can be adjusted as the individual’s situation and progress change. This allows for a more personalized approach to treatment.
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[lightweight-accordion title=”Outpatient Rehab Programs and Treatments”]
An outpatient rehab program typically includes a range of addiction treatment services that are provided on a scheduled basis.  These services may include:

• Individual therapy: a one-on-one talk with a therapist or counselor about their addiction and the issues that led to it.
• Group therapy: a session that brings together patients who are struggling with similar issues. It allows each individual to share their experiences and support each other in their recovery.
• Behavioral therapy: such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): the use of FDA-approved medications, such as methadone or buprenorphine, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies.
• Education and Skills Training: a recovery program for outpatients that assists in acquiring the skills and information necessary to lead drug-free lives.
• Family therapy: a therapy session that can help repair and strengthen relationships between the patient and their family members. Family therapy is very essential in maintaining recovery.
• Recovery support services: like the 12-step programs, Self-help groups, and mutual-support groups which can provide continued support and accountability.

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Knowing the Right Program to Choose: Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab

Recovery from drug or alcohol abuse is a process. Each individual and case may differ from one another. Regardless of the treatment program you choose, you must know the difference between an inpatient vs. outpatient rehab.

Inpatient is an ideal option for individuals with more severe substance use disorders, those who have struggled with addiction for a long period, or those who have failed to achieve lasting recovery through outpatient treatment.

Outpatient rehab programs, on the other hand, may be recommended for individuals with less severe substance use disorders. It is ideal for those who have a strong support system in place. It’s a good option for those unable to take time off work or school to participate in an inpatient program. Additionally, outpatient rehab is more cost-effective.

Evaluate the programs before even making the decision. Consider the severity of your disorder, the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions, your personal and professional responsibilities, and your financial situation. Remember that one type of care isn’t an outright better option over the other. Discipline and commitment are vital to complete the program and being able to benefit from it.

Received the Treatment You Need at Legends Recovery Ohio

Both types of rehab have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to note that choosing the type of rehab that will work best for you should be made in assistance with an addiction specialist. Contact us today and received the most appropriate level of care for your needs!

[lightweight-accordion title=”References:”]
https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/treatment/benefits-inpatient-rehab/

https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/treatment/benefits-outpatient-rehab/
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